State v. Ellis

PLEICONES, Justice:

Appellant was convicted of murder and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole (LWOP). On appeal, he raises an evidentiary issue and a sentencing issue. We find no merit to the sentencing claim, but reverse and remand for a new trial because of an error in allowing a non-expert to give an opinion.

Facts

The victim was found in the street, near his bicycle and a knife. Appellant admitted shooting the victim three times, but contended he was acting in self-defense. He testified the victim dropped the bicycle and approached appellant in a menacing fashion…