People v. Morales

Judgment, Supreme Court, Bronx County, rendered May 7, 1976, convicting defendant of the crime of murder in the second degree is unanimously reversed, on the law, and as a matter of discretion in the interest of justice and remanded for a new trial. Blanche J. and John C., her common-law husband, were watching television when appellant and four cohorts forced their way into the apartment. There followed three and one-half hours of mayhem, rape, robbery and murder. John C. was brutally murdered by stabbing and strangulation. Blanche J. was raped, slashed with a knife and left bleeding in her…