People v. Merkouris

Defendant, James Merkouris, was charged by information1 with the murder of Despine Forbes, his former wife. He pleaded not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity.2 The jury returned a verdict of first degree murder, without recommendation, based entirely upon circumstantial evidence. Defendant’s motion for a new trial was denied and judgment was thereafter pronounced and the death penalty imposed. The appeal is automatic. (Pen. Code, § 1239, subd. (b).)

Defendant and Despine were married in Michigan in 1944. They moved to Los Angeles where they separated in February, 1945. Defendant…