State v. James

March 14, 1962, an information was filed charging defendant-appellant, William James, and Richard Topper with the crimes of (1) first-degree murder, (2) robbery, and (3) grand larceny.

April 2, 1962, Richard Topper pleaded guilty to count III of the information — grand larceny — and was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of not more than 15 years.

April 9, 1962, an amended information containing the same three counts was filed against both defendants.

During trial, defendant Topper was discharged from counts I and II. The jury found defendant James guilty on all three counts and inflicted…