Ellis v. State

Adrian Ellis appeals his conviction and sentence for first-degree murder. At issue in this appeal is whether the trial court erred in the manner in which it conducted its Melbourne1 inquiry upon the State’s peremptory challenges of two African-American members of the venire. For the reasons that follow, we hold that the trial court committed clear error, and reverse and remand for a new trial.

On March 25, 2010, Ellis was driving his brother Brandon and two friends to Dade-land Mall. Along the way, Brandon spotted a school mate and asked Ellis to stop. An altercation ensued between Brandon and…