Justia Criminal Law Opinion Summaries

Appellant Randall Spearman was convicted of felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing a death in connection with the killing of his wife, Adrienne. On appeal, he contended that the trial court: (1) should have merged the guilty verdict for aggravated assault based on his choking the victim into his felony murder conviction; (2) erred in denying his request for a voluntary manslaughter instruction; and (3) violated OCGA 17-8-57 by making an impermissible comment to the jury. Upon review, the Supreme Court found that only Appellant's first contention had merit. The Court vacated the trial court on that claim of error, and affirmed with respect to the other two. View "Spearman v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Appellant LaForrest Rush was convicted of malice murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He appealed the denial of his motion for new trial contending the evidence was insufficient to support the verdict and trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance. Finding no error, the Supreme Court affirmed. View "Rush v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Appellant Catherine O'Connell was sentenced to life in prison for the malice murder of her adoptive mother. She appealed, contending the trial court erred by denying her "Batson" challenge and granting a motion in limine to bar hearsay evidence of abuse she allegedly suffered in Guatemala. Finding no error, the Supreme Court affirmed. View "O'Connell v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Following a joint jury trial regarding two separate crimes committed on the same night, defendant Martavious Jackson was found guilty of armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Defendant appealed those convictions, arguing he should not have been tried for both crimes at the same trial, the jury array was improper, and the trial court failed to appropriately consider the possibility that defendant was incompetent to stand trial. Finding no reversible error, the Supreme Court affirmed defendant's convictions. View "Jackson v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Following a jury trial, Dasjwan Foster was found guilty of malice murder and aggravated assault. He appealed, arguing the trial court committed numerous evidentiary errors and handed down an improper sentence. Finding no error, the Supreme Court affirmed. View "Foster v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Appellant Samantha Latrice Jessie was convicted of killing her newborn son and then concealing his death. Jessie appealed the denial of her motion for new trial, asserting that the evidence was insufficient, her trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance, and her life sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Finding no error, the Supreme Court affirmed. View "Jessie v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Following a jury trial, Reginald Ferguson was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with the shooting death of Robert Walton. On appeal Ferguson contended that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support the verdict and that the trial court erred by refusing to disqualify the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office from participating in his motion for new trial hearing. Finding no reversible error, the Supreme Court affirmed Ferguson's convictions. View "Ferguson v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Troy Davis, Jr. appealed his conviction for the malice murders of his aunt and uncle. He argued he received ineffective assistance of trial counsel. Finding no violation of Davis' constitutional rights, the Supreme Court affirmed his conviction. View "Davis v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Appellant Franklin Benson appealed his convictions for malice murder and other crimes relating to the death of Leslyan Williams. On appeal, he argued: (1) the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions; (2) the trial court erred in closing the courtroom during voir dire; and (3) that his trial counsel provided constitutionally ineffective assistance. The Supreme Court found appellant's claims of error were without merit, and accordingly affirmed appellant's convictions. View "Benson v. Georgia" on Justia Law

Appellant Shawn Currier appealed his convictions for felony murder and related crimes stemming from the death of David Buriles. Among other errors, appellant largely challenged the sufficiency of the evidence presented against him at trial. Finding no reversible error or abuse of the trial court's discretion, the Supreme Court affirmed appellant's convictions. View "Currier v. Georgia" on Justia Law