Alisha Marie Drake v. State

MAJORITY OPINION

Ken Wise, Justice

Following a jury trial, appellant Alisha Marie Drake was found guilty of the second-degree felony offense of sexual per*761formance by a child, younger than fourteen years of age. Because the trial judge’s actions and remarks during the selection of the jury prevented a fair and impartial trial, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

BACKGROUND

On February 24, 2012, Jason Grant sexually assaulted his fourteen-month-old granddaughter at his house. Drake videotaped the assault on a cell phone and her voice could be heard on the video. When the police interviewed…