State v. St. Clair

CROCKETT, Justice.

Defendant was found guilty of murder in the first degree. No recommendation of leniency, as permitted by statute, was made by the jury and he now awaits the outcome of this appeal under sentence of death in the Utah State Prison.

It is not questioned that the defendant Paul Buddy St. Clair shot and killed Vesta Wittke on July 6, 1953. The issue at the trial was as to the gravity of the crime. The state’s proof was to the effect that the killing was wilful, deliberate and premeditated. The defendant contended, and his evidence was purposed to show, that the shooting was done…