State v. Getsy

In this appeal, Getsy raises seventeen propositions of law, many with subparts. For the reasons that follow, we reject all his propositions of law and affirm each conviction and the death sentence.

TRIAL JUDGE’S FAILURE TO RECUSE HIMSELF

Getsy’s jury trial began on August 5, 1996, and was presided over by Judge W. Wyatt McKay. On August 22, 1996, the Trumbull County judges held an annual picnic at the home of Judge Ronald Rice’s mother. Judge Rice’s wife is Cynthia Rice, the assistant prosecuting attorney who was trying Getsy’s case. Both Judge McKay and Rice attended the picnic. Following the…