State v. Smith

Gregory, Chief Justice:

Appellant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

Appellant was indicted for the murder of Ricky Burdette whose body was found August 4,1987. Before trial, appellant was also indicted for the murder of Mary Zou Pressley, who was discovered dead in her home on May 4, 1987. During appellant’s trial for the Burdette murder, the State was allowed to introduce evidence regarding the murder of Mrs. Pressley in order to prove motive and common scheme or plan. Throughout trial, appellant objected to the admission of this…