Dealto v. State

Albert Francis Dealto appeals his conviction for murder in the first degree and his subsequent sentence of life imprisonment. He raises seven issues on appeal to this court. Because one of Dealto's issues warrants reversal, the other issues need not be addressed.

Dealto contends that the trial court committed reversible error by allowing a tape recorded statement revealing his prior drug use into evidence. We agree.

On October 9, 1993, Myrtle Vanderver was brutally murdered in her home. Dealto was one of Myrtle Vanderver's neighbors and he rented a house from her. On the day following her…