State v. McCullum

Swanson, J.—Alva

Waster McCullum appeals from a judgment and sentence entered upon his conviction of first degree murder, following a jury trial. His appeal is based on a contention that the actions of the trial judge impermissi-bly coerced the jury into reaching a verdict. He also assigns error to the trial judge's refusal to consider probation for McCullum pursuant to RCW 9.95.200.

The evidence established that McCullum stabbed William Slater to death on March 23, 1978, in the bar of the Cottage Inn Restaurant in Seattle. The circumstances surrounding Slater's death are essentially…