Taylor v. State

VEASEY, Chief Justice:

In this appeal from convictions for Murder First Degree, Burglary Second Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon dining the Commission of a Felony, and Violation of Conditions of Bond, we consider whether a bailiff’s ex parte communication with a jury constitutes grounds for a new trial.

We hold that the complained-of communication, while it should have been reported promptly to the trial court, amounted to harmless error and caused no prejudice to the defendant. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the trial court’s denial of the defendant’s motion for new trial.

Facts

Antonio Taylor,…