Sampson v. State

Hines, Justice.

A jury found Willie M. Sampson guilty of malice murder and felony murder while in the commission of aggravated assault in connection with the fatal shooting of his former girlfriend, Peggy Scott. Sampson appeals, challenging the admission of what he characterizes as “bad character” evidence, certain comments by the State in closing argument, the charge to the jury on identity, and the effectiveness of his trial counsel. The challenges are without merit, but because of an irregularity in sentencing, we affirm in part and vacate in part.

The evidence construed in favor of the…