Ex Parte Chesser

Upon a trial in the Circuit Court for Clay County, Rufus Chesser was adjudged guilty of murder in the first degree and sentenced to death. The defense prin eipally relied on at the trial was insanity. On writ of error the judgment of conviction was affirmed. Chesser v. State, 109 South Rep. 599. Subsequently, a petition for writ of error coram nobis was denied. Chesser v. State, 109 South. Rep. 906. Pursuant to the statute, a warrant for Chesser’s execution was issued by the Governor, and the date of execution was set for February 18, 1927.

On February 17, 1927, a petition for a writ of habeas…