State v. Thompson

ANDERSON, J.:

Paxxl Thompson was tried in absentia and without counsel. He was convicted of discharging a firearm into a dwelling and malicious injury to personal property over $1000 but less than $5000. The trial judge sentenced him to five years on each count to run concurrently. We reverse and remand. 1

FACTS/PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Vanessa Pearson was at home with her adult daughter, Najwa, on October 30, 1999 when a man named Derrick came to her door and asked for “Junior.” Pearson told him that no one by the name of “Junior” lived there. Thirty minutes later he came to her door again and…