Bussard v. State

Jack Holt, Jr., Chief Justice.

The appellant, Ralph Bussard, was found guilty of capital murder and attempted capital murder. He argues six points for reversal. We find that the trial court erred in not suppressing a custodial statement and reverse and remand for a new trial.

Arthur Garner was murdered at the Motorport Motel near Hardy, Arkansas, which he and his wife, Florence Garner, operated. She testified that they were asleep in their bedroom on August 28, 1981, when someone rang the office doorbell at approximately 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. Her husband put on his trousers, got his gun, and went…