Barnards v. State

There is very much of human life involved in this case. The plaintiffs in error are under sentence of death for the murder of Ilenly Sutton, having been convicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock County. There are five of them: John (known as “Big John”), Anderson, and Elisha Barnard, who are brothers, and their cousins, John (called “Little John”) and Clint, who are also brothers. They have appealed in error to this Court, and through eminent counsel seek a reversal and new trial.

Of the many reasons urged for a new trial, we consider first the contention that the verdict is not sustained by…