Ward v. State

Thompson, Justice.

Appellants James Ward and Jonathan Kilgore were jointly charged and tried for the malice murder of John Reid and the aggravated assault of Jarvis Winder, as well as various related offenses. A jury found both appellants guilty as charged. They filed separate appeals which were consolidated by the Court. Because the trial court excused a juror during ex parte proceedings in the absence of appellants and without appellants’ knowledge or consent, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

Kilgore, Ward, and co-indictee Devoka Finch 2 plotted to rob Reid, a known drug dealer. Both…