Pope v. State

HINES, Chief Justice.

This is a pro se appeal by prisoner Jomekia Dechelle Pope from an order of the Superior Court of Bibb County denying his “motion to vacate a void and illegal sentence,” “motion to withdraw guilty (Alford) plea,” and “motion for appointment of counsel.” For the reasons that follow, we reverse and remand this case with direction to the superior court.

The following is undisputed. On May 1, 2007, Pope was indicted for malice murder, felony murder while in the commission of aggravated battery, and arson in the first degree in connection with the 2005 immolation of his fiancée,…