Howton v. State

This is an appeal from the denial of a petition for writ of error coram nobis. Howton's underlying conviction for assault with intent to rape was affirmed by this Court in Howton v.State, 391 So.2d 147 (Ala.Cr.App. 1980). His petition is based upon the recanted confession of George Arthur Brumfield.

In November of 1981, a hearing was held on the merits of the petition. Brumfield, who was serving a sentence of 385 years' imprisonment for various offenses, testified that he was in fact guilty of the assault for which Howton had been convicted. Judge James C. Brotherton granted the petition and…