State v. Varner

Paul Ray Varner, Jr. (hereinafter “Ml'. Varner”) appeals his convictions for first degree murder without a recommendation of mercy and burglary in the Circuit Court of Wood County, West Virginia. Mr. Vamer raises a number of issues. However, after reviewing the briefs, examining pertinent authorities and hearing the arguments of counsel, we find his claim that he was denied trial by a fair and impartial jury to be most persuasive. Accordingly, we reverse Mr. Varner’s conviction and remand this case for a new trial.

I

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Mi'. Varner was accused of his ex-wife’s fatal…