Elmore v. State

Betty C. Dickey, Chief Justice.

Appellant Jeffrey Elmore appeals his January 21, 2003 conviction for the rape of his twelve-year-old stepdaughter. At issue is whether the trial judge erred in not striking his wife from the jury for cause. Because this appeal involves a sentence in which the death penalty or life imprisonment has been imposed, we have jurisdiction under Ark. R. Sup. Ct. l-2(a)(2). We reverse and remand for a new trial.

I. Facts

On September 30, 2002, appellant Jeffrey Elmore was charged with the rape of his twelve-year-old stepdaughter, H.G. On January 21, 2003, the court held a…