Hooten v. State

Bell, Justice.

The appellant, Charles Hooten, was convicted of the murder of his wife, Dorothea La Via, and received a life sentence. He appeals, and we affirm.

On December 25, 1984, Deneal Kuhar visited the home of her mother, Dorothea La Via, and her stepfather, the appellant, to have Christmas dinner. During the meal an argument occurred between Hooten and La Via concerning her relationship with her ex-husband and her drinking problem. Kuhar left her mother’s house at about 5:15 p.m., and returned to her own home.

Mr. Hooten testified that at about 6:00 p.m. La Via informed him she was going…