Hathcock v. State

Carleton Harris, Chief Justice.

Appellant, M. P. Hathcock, was charged with first degree murder, the victim being Hugh Robinson, Jr. The alleged offense occurred on May 3, 1973, and the trial was conducted on September 12, 1973. The jury returned a verdict of voluntary manslaughter and Hathcock was sentenced to six years confinement in the Arkansas Department of Correction. From the judgment so entered, appellant brings this appeal. For reversal, appellant lists six asserted errors which we proceed to discuss.

It is first alleged that the opening statement to the jury by the prosecuting…