Helton v. State

TYSON, Judge.

The Grand Jury charged the appellant with the first degree murder of Joe Wheller Deerman “by shooting him with a pistol.” The Jury’s verdict found the appellant guilty as charged and fixed punishment at imprisonment in the State penitentiary for life. The trial court then pronounced judgment, setting sentence in accordance with this verdict.

Richard Roper testified that he was employed by the State Department of Toxicology and Criminal Investigation. He stated that on October 17, 1973, he examined the body of “Pop” Deerman, the decedent in this case. He said that he found a bullet…