Johnson v. State

SEARS, Presiding Justice.

Appellant Shunekia Johnson appeals her convictions for felony murder and related crimes, 1 alleging that the trial judge’s biased conduct prejudiced her right to a fair trial. As explained below, we conclude that because the trial judge’s conduct raised serious questions concerning his impartiality and gave rise to the appearance of impropriety, it was error to deny appellant’s motion for recusal. Therefore, we reverse.

The evidence of record shows that appellant believed Rowe owed her money for drugs she had supplied to him. Appellant recruited Arnold to assist her in…