State v. Willis

RIEDERER, Judge.

Elroy Willis appeals from his conviction for one count of involuntary manslaughter. Appellant contends that the trial court abused its discretion in permitting the State to use two letters he wrote to his wife from prison in violation of Rule 25.03(A)(2). Because we find the use of the letters resulted in fundamental unfairness, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

Factual and Procedural Background

On October 26, 1995, six weeks after the birth of her daughter Cyndee Willis, Cheryl Willis returned to work. Appellant, Cyndee’s father, cared for the child at home while Cheryl…