Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Simmons v. State

The circumstantial evidence, including the defendant's DNA in dried seminal fluid on the victim's leg and lower abdomen, supported his malice murder conviction.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Kelvin Simmons was convicted for the malice murder of Sheila Easley in February 2002.1 Following the trial court’s denial of his motion for new trial, Simmons appeals. He contends the evidence was insufficient to convict him, the trial court committed procedural errors, the trial court erred in instructing the jury, and trial counsel was ineffective. Finding no error, we affirm.

The evidence adduced at trial showed that Sheila Easley’s body was discovered inside the doorway of her home after she did not return to work following her lunch break on January 29, 2001. Easley’s upper body was dressed as it had been at work earlier that day, but her lower body was nude except for a jacket covering her. Her underwear was ripped in half under her body and her pants were missing. Investigators found dried seminal fluid on her leg and lower abdomen, which tested positive for Simmons’ DNA. The State Medical Examiner’s office performed an autopsy on Easley and determined that she died as a result of strangulation.

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
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
GlobeSt. Healthcare Real Estate 2024
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Associate Litigator

Borteck & Czapek, P.C., based in Florham Park, is a boutique estates and trusts law firm specializing in estate planning and administrat...


Apply Now ›
Gwinnett County: State Court Staff Attorney

Gwinnett County State Court is seeking an attorney to assist the Judge by conducting a variety of legal research, analysis, and document pre...


Apply Now ›
Corporate Counsel

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:(1) Tasks and responsibilities include:Reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements for internal business...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs