Hopper v. Commonwealth

PALMORE, Judge.

The appellant, Laurel Hopper, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment under an indictment charging him with the murder of Clarence Jones. He claims prejudicial error in the following respects:(1) Failure of the court to hold a sanity hearing;(2) Refusal of a continuance as requested ;

*647(3) Overruling of his motion for a directed verdict of acquittal;(4) Omission of the court to instruct the jury concerning appellant’s failure to testify, and improper comment in this regard by the Commonwealth’s Attorney; and(5) Erroneous instructions.

The…