Dawson v. State

Samuel Dawson appeals the trial court’s order adjudicating him guilty of first degree murder with a firearm, sale of cocaine, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. He also appeals, his sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or early release. We affirm.

Dawson’s conviction and appeal arise from a drug deal gone wrong. Dawson sold drugs to the victim alongside the victim’s vehicle. When the victim attempted to drive off without paying, Dawson reached into the victim’s vehicle and grabbed the victim’s gold necklace. To avoid being dragged by the vehicle as it drove off,…