Gonzalez v. State

OPINION

ANN CRAWFORD McCLURE, Justice.

Charles Gonzalez appeals his conviction of capital murder. A jury found Appellant guilty, and the trial court assessed an automatic life sentence as the State did not seek the death penalty. Because we conclude that a change of venue was required, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

FACTUAL SUMMARY

In October of 2002, Appellant lived in the home of his friend, Joshua Moss, in Chaparral, New Mexico. One evening, Appellant and Moss smoked marihuana while watching movies and playing video games. Another friend, A.C., 1 joined them and brought cocaine with…