Roland v. State

Thompson, Justice.

Jackie Roland was convicted of malice murder and armed robbery and sentenced to consecutive terms of life imprisonment. This appeal followed the denial of Roland’s motion for new trial.

Viewed in a light favorable to the State, the evidence shows the following: After borrowing a handgun from his brother, Roland met with his daughter, Melissa Brown, and son-in-law, Johnny Brown, stated he needed money, and asked if they knew anyone who had a lot of cash. Noting that the victim, Jerry Lance, a drug dealer, was known to keep large sums of cash, Johnny Brown offered to set up an…