Trunell v. State

487 So.2d 820 (1986)

Eli TRUNELL

v.

STATE of Mississippi.

No. 56249.

Supreme Court of Mississippi.

April 23, 1986.

Rehearing Denied May 21, 1986.

George F. West, Jr., Natchez, for appellant.

Edwin Lloyd Pittman, Atty. Gen. by John H. Emfinger, Sp. Asst. Atty. Gen., Jackson, for appellee.

Before ROY NOBLE LEE, P.J., and HAWKINS and PRATHER, JJ.

HAWKINS, Justice, for the Court:

Eli Trunell appeals from his conviction in the circuit court of Jefferson County of murder.

Because the circuit judge refused to permit Trunell to make an opening statement pro se without being sworn as a witness, we reverse.

FACTS

The…