State v. Bell

WHITE, Judge.

Winston Bell was convicted of the first degree murder of his wife, Fay Allen, and sentenced to death. Several witnesses testified at trial that Ms. Allen told them of numerous previous incidents of abuse by her husband. This hearsay evidence was erroneously admitted and prejudiced Mr. Bell’s defense. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

On June 3, 1994, Ms. Allen called 911, asking for help and saying that her husband had set her on fire. When police and paramedics arrived, Ms. Allen was alert and told them that Mr. Bell had thrown gasoline on her and set her on fire. She…