Newman v. State

Robert L. Brown, Justice.

This case represents the first automatic appeal and mandatory review of a death sentence pursuant to Ark. R. App. P. — Crim. 10. In this opinion, this court has reviewed the issues required by Rule 10 as well as issues raised by appointed counsel for appellant Rickey New-, man and issues raised by this court on its own behalf. We find no reversible error, and we affirm the conviction for capital murder and the sentence of death.

On February 15, 2001, Benny Billy, a transient, notified the Van Burén Police Department that he had found a body in the Lee Creek Park area.…