Ex Parte Brown

We granted certiorari in this case to determine whether, as the defendant asserts, the Court of Criminal Appeals' judgment affirming the conviction, which was based solely on circumstantial evidence, is in conflict with Alabama case law.

The defendant was convicted of murdering Hilliard D. Smith. At trial, the State proved that Hilliard D. Smith was killed as a result of gunshot and stab wounds. Also, the State proved that the defendant was in possession of various items which had belonged to the victim, and that the defendant was staying a few blocks from where the victim's stolen car was…