Wright v. State

Nichols, Justice.

Sidney Wright was convicted for the murder of George Upson. The state did not seek the death penalty. Wright was sentenced to life imprisonment. He appeals. This court reverses.

1. Wright contends that the trial court erred in instructing the jury to ignore the testimony of his only witness other than himself, and in refusing to allow the witness to complete his testimony. During the witness’ testimony, it became apparent that he had violated the sequestration rule by being present in the courtroom during the testimony of other witnesses.

Under the peculiar facts of this case,…