Nelson v. State

Michael Anthony Nelson was indicted for the murders of Joseph Couey and James Evans in violation of § 13A-5-31 (a)(10) (now §13A-5-40 (a)(10), Code of Alabama 1975.

The jury found the appellant "guilty of the Capital Felony as charged in the indictment." The trial judge followed the jury's recommendation and sentenced the appellant to life imprisonment without parole.

Since the issues raised on appeal do not turn on the facts, we will discuss only those facts necessary for our decision.

I

The appellant contends he was denied a fair and impartial trial due to the extensive pre-trial publicity…