State v. Cooper

Chandler, Justice:

Appellant Gene Tony Cooper (Cooper) was convicted of murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was sentenced to death for murder, five years for armed robbery and five years for conspiracy.

We reverse the murder conviction and remand for new trial; the remaining convictions and sentences are affirmed.

FACTS

In the early morning of October 6, 1989, seven-year-old Amanda Quinn discovered that her mother, Kimberly Ann Quinn (Victim) was missing from their Cayce, South Carolina, home. Victim’s empty wallet was found in the yard; at 9:17 a.m.,…