State v. Jones

WYNN, Judge.

This appeal arises from the defendant’s conviction of first degree murder of his wife. He presents several issues challenging the fairness of his trial including the admission of hearsay evidence, an instruction to the jury on the defense of unconsciousness or automatism, the admission of character evidence and the ineffective assistance of his counsel. We find no prejudicial error in his conviction.

Stephen Clay Jones, Sr. and Frances Riggs Jones were married for 23 years. Up until Ms. Jones’ death, they lived with their two children in New Bern, North Carolina.

After an assailant…