Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Ross v. State

The admission of a hearsay statement by a deceased eyewitness was harmless in light of the defendant's own corroborating testimony.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Following the denial of his motion for new trial as amended, Byron Lowell Ross appeals his conviction for malice murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Thomas Amoson. He challenges the admission of certain evidence under the necessity exception to hearsay, and the trial court’s charge to the jury on justification. Finding the challenges to be unavailing, we affirm.1 The evidence construed in favor of the verdicts established that Ross and his girlfriend, Carise Fry, lived in a tent in the woods near the M.U.S.T. Ministries Center in Cobb County. On the afternoon of February 24, 2003, Ross and Fry drank alcohol at their campsite with two homeless men, Hoyt “Pops” Barton and Thomas Amoson. The four became drunk and Barton passed out.

Amoson made some remarks about Fry that made Ross angry. Ross was in a drunken rage, and the two men argued. Ross went into his tent and got a brown-handled steak knife. Amoson had a lock-blade black-handled knife. Ross cut himself across his chest, telling Amoson, “If you want some of me, come and get it.” Ross told Amoson to leave, and Amoson put his knife down and turned to leave the campsite. Ross followed Amoson, “jumped” him, and stabbed him in the back and in the chest. Ross dragged Amoson’s body back into the campsite area, placed him on a pile of garbage, and covered him with a blanket. Ross planned to drag Amoson’s body down to the creek and let it rot there, but Ross passed out before he could carry out his plan.

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
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
African Legal Awards 2024
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
Consulting Best Firms to Work For 2024
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Marketing Coordinator / Business Development

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY Pulsar Title Insurance Company Inc., a commercial and residential title insurance underwriter based in the Bato...


Apply Now ›
Juvenile Dependency Attorney II/III/IV

RECRUITMENT BONUS Newly hired employees from this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $3,000!* FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE: ...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Counsel - Multiple Offices

Morristown, NJ; New York, NY Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in multiple offices for a Counsel in our Litigation Department. The ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Lawyers of Distinction
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
SMGQ Law
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements