Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Williams v. State

The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting certain similar transaction evidence in defendant's murder trial because, contrary to defendant's contention, there were sufficient connections or similarities between the similar transactions and the charged crime so that proof of the former tended to prove the latter.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Anthony Lashawn Williams appeals the denial of his motion for new trial, as amended, and his conviction and sentence for malice murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Jeanette Woodson. He challenges the admission at trial of similar transaction evidence and a portion of the State’s closing argument, which he maintains constituted improper comment on his failure to testify. Finding the challenges to be unavailing, we affirm.1

The evidence construed to support the verdict showed the following. On November 20, 1992, Woodson’s body was found on the side of a dirt road in Terrell County. She had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to her head from a .25 caliber weapon; the bullet had entered her face and pierced her brain stem. Coins, a cigarette lighter, and a wristwatch were found near the body; the wristwatch was broken in a manner consistent with having been forcibly pulled off her wrist. There was dirt on the back of Woodson’s head and on the back of her sweater. The time of death was between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., and Woodson was standing at the time she was shot. The pockets of her jeans were turned inside out and she had been rolled over, consistent with someone searching her pockets. A crack pipe was found underneath her body. A sexual assault kit was performed on Woodson, and her DNA as well as that belonging to a then unknown male were detected.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
GlobeSt. Multifamily Fall 2024
October 15, 2024
Los Angeles, CA

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers & financiers at THE MULTIFAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR!


Learn More
California Legal Awards 2024
October 15, 2024
Los Angeles, CA

Law.com celebrates the California law firms and legal departments driving the state's dynamic legal landscape.


Learn More
Texas Legal Awards 2024
October 15, 2024
Dallas, TX

The Texas Lawyer honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Texas.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Appellate Division Clerk (Court Executive 3B)

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independ...


Apply Now ›
Director of Trial Court Services (Court Executive 4)

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong team that operates with the highest standards of independ...


Apply Now ›
Full- time pro se law clerk

CAREER OPPORTUNITYUNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - USDC-CT 24-14 POSITION: Pro Se Law Clerk OPENI...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs