Cartrette v. State

Toal, Justice:

We granted certiorari to review the postconviction relief court’s findings of ineffective assistance of counsel and granting of a new trial. We disagree and reverse.

FACTS

Jerry Coleman attempted to rob Henderson Wood of the daily proceeds from his convenience store as Wood was getting into his car. Coleman shot Wood once, killing him instantly. In March 1984, Respondent Cartrette, along with Coleman and Paul Eugene Long, was indicted for criminal conspiracy, attempted armed robbery, and the murder of Henderson Wood. The State sought the death penalty and Cartrette was tried in a…