State v. Jones

PARKER, Justice.

Defendant was indicted 26 April 1994 for one count of first-degree murder. In July 1995 he was tried capitally and found guilty of first-degree murder. Following a capital sentencing proceeding, the jury recommended a sentence of death; and the trial court entered judgment accordingly. We find no error meriting reversal of defendant’s conviction. However, for the reason stated herein, we conclude that defendant is entitled to a new capital sentencing proceeding.

On the evening of Wednesday, 15 December 1993, defendant killed Sherry Koonce, his wife’s sister. The State’s…