Reel v. State

David Newbern, Justice.

The sole question presented here is whether an earlier misdemeanor conviction of the appellant could be mentioned by the state in cross examination of a character witness presented by the appellant. We hold that it may, and thus we affirm.

The appellant was convicted of murder in the first degree for shooting and killing Tony Vellman. The appellant called Allen Helms, a farmer and part owner of a cotton gin, who testified he had been the appellant’s employer and had always regarded the appellant as a truthful and honest employee. The attorneys approached the bench and…