Walker v. Hale

Thompson, Justice.

Daniel Hale was indicted on charges of malice murder, two counts of felony murder based on the underlying felonies of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The State gave notice of its intent to seek recidivist punishment pursuant to OCGA § 17-10-7 based on Hale’s prior West Virginia conviction for second degree murder. Hale was found guilty of all charges by a jury. During sentencing, the State introduced, inter alia, a certified copy of Hale’s prior conviction. The court determined…