Coleman v. State

OPINION

FACTS

On the evening of February 23, 1990, Jodette Godfrey was shot to death at a Reno apartment complex. Investigation led the police to believe that Donald Lee Coleman (“Coleman”) was the killer. The police arrested Coleman shortly after the murder. Bert George of the Washoe County Public Defender’s Office initially represented Coleman.

While awaiting trial, Coleman shared a cell with a fellow prisoner, Paul Acklin (“Acklin”). Coleman allegedly made many incriminating statements to Acklin. Acklin contacted his attorney, also Bert George (“George”). George arranged for Acklin to speak…