Style v. State

Willie Style was indicted for the offense of murder, and upon the trial of the case the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation. The only eye-witness to the actual killing was a little boy, eight years old, a brother of the deceased, who was introduced as a witness for the State. It is contended that this child was incompetent to testify on account of his tender years, and did not understand the nature and sanctity of an oath.

“Although a child eight years old, on a preliminary examination had for the purpose of testing his competency as a witness, stated that he did not know…