Beadles v. State

Marshall, Chief Justice.

The appellant, Ricky Eugene Beadles, as well as Ronnie William Moon and Jackie Lamar Hill, was indicted on two counts of murder, one count of arson, and one count of burglary. The appellant was the first indictee to stand trial. Co-indictee Hill pleaded guilty to the offenses charged, and he testified against the appellant.

Although the state sought imposition of the death penalty, at the sentencing phase of the trial the jury did not find the aggravating circumstances to be supported by the evidence, and the appellant was given two consecutive sentences of life…