Simmons v. State

The grand jury of Amite County jointly indicted appellant, Johnny Harris, James and Cecil Rucker for the alleged murder of Jim Gooden. Appellant obtained a severance, was tried, convicted of manslaughter, sentenced to twenty years in the penitentiary, and appealed to this Court. At the trial, appellant being unable to employ counsel, the court appointed two members of the Bar to defend him.

The first assignment of error deals with two motions for a continuance because of the absence of a witness, who was beyond the jurisdiction of the State. The court properly overruled this motion. Attorneys…