State v. . Coffey

Criminal prosecution upon indictment charging that defendant, late of Caldwell County, on 22 April, 1947, with force and arms, at and in the said county, feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought, and with premeditation, did kill and murder one Thomas J. Oliver, contrary to the form and the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State.

Defendant entered plea of not guilty.

Upon the calling of the case for trial, the Solicitor for the State announced in open court that he would not ask for a verdict against the defendant of guilty of murder…