State v. Poindexter

Harwell, Chief Justice:

Michael T. Poindexter (Poindexter) was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of murder but mentally ill. Poindexter appeals, alleging, among other things, that the trial judge erred in refusing to direct a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. We find no error and affirm.

I. FACTS

On August 29, 1990, Poindexter clocked out of his job and walked to the parking lot along with fellow employees where he shot and killed co-worker Willie King (King) for no apparent reason. Police arrested Poindexter at a relative’s home in North Carolina a few…