Sims v. State

Toal, Justice:

This Court granted certiorari to consider PCR petitioner’s direct appeal pursuant to Davis v. State, 288 S.C. 290, 342 S.E. (2d) 60 (1986).

FACTS

Sims was indicted in Anderson County in July 1987 for the murder of a young woman. At the conclusion of jury selection, a competency hearing was held by Judge James B. Stephen. After hearing the testimony of several expert witnesses and conducting a colloquy with Sims, the judge ruled that Sims was competent to stand trial. The defense asked for, and received, a recess to consult with Sims. Thereafter, Sims returned to the courtroom and…