Dabbs v. State

Ricky Dabbs was indicted for murder, in violation of §13A-6-2, Code of Alabama 1975 and the torture or willful abuse of a child, in violation of § 26-15-3, Code of Alabama 1975. The jury found the appellant guilty of both offenses and he was sentenced to life imprisonment on the murder charge and ten years' imprisonment on the child abuse charge.

Flora Kyle testified she has two children, Kelvis, age 3, and Kelly, age 5. She had another child, Misty, who died at the age of thirteen months.

In November of 1985, Kyle and her three children moved in with the appellant at his trailer. Kyle left her…