State v. Douglas

Helen Marie Douglas (Respondent) was convicted of the murder and armed robbery of her husband, Rufus “Ronnie” Douglas (the victim). The Court of Appeals reversed the convictions and remanded the case for a new trial. State v. Douglas, 359 S.C. 187, 597 S.E.2d 1 (Ct.App.2004). We granted the State’s writ of certiorari. We affirm in part and reverse in part.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Respondent and the victim owned two houses in Colleton County. Generally, the victim stayed at their home in the town of Walterboro (town house) and Respondent stayed at their house on Chessee Creek (river…