Williams v. State

JAMES EDWARD WELSH, Chief Judge.

Tommy Williams appeals the circuit court’s judgment denying his motion to reopen his Rule 29.15 case to address his claim of abandonment. The circuit court denied the motion to reopen on the basis that it lacked jurisdiction. We reverse and remand.

Background

In 1991, following a jury trial, Williams was convicted of first-degree murder, assault, and two counts of armed criminal action and was sentenced to consecutive prison terms of life without parole, fifteen years, and two life sentences, respectively. See State v. Williams, 904 S.W.2d 349 (Mo.App.1995) (per…