State v. Hicks

UHLENHOPP, Justice.

Defendant Gentric Hicks challenges his conviction of first-degree murder in these consolidated appeals from the conviction and from denial of postconviction relief.

At approximately 3:00 a. m. on May 23, 1976, a black male entered the Hillcrest Motel near Fort Madison, Iowa. Lorraine Foster admitted the man. Shortly thereafter the man pulled a gun and asked for money. During the course of the robbery Mrs. Foster’s son Jerry appeared on the scene. Jerry attempted to talk the man into giving him the gun. A struggle ensued and Jerry was fatally shot. The robber fled.

Meanwhile,…