Supreme Court of Georgia Decisions 2016
Date: November 30, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1903
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Marcella Fletcher was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, which she attributed to years of laundering her father’s asbestos-dust-covered work clothing, and she sued Appellant CertainTeed Corporation,…
Date: November 30, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1001
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Harold Parks appealed convictions for crimes stemming from the 2013 shooting death of Terrence Washington. He argued that the trial court made multiple evidentiary errors, including: (1) in admitting evidence…
Date: November 30, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1043
Justia Opinion Summary: More than 25 years ago, Raymond Yelverton was convicted of child molestation and aggravated child molestation, and as a result, he was required to register as a sexual offender. Yelverton filed a petition for release…
Date: November 30, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1246
Justia Opinion Summary: Former DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer W. Burrell Ellis, Jr. was indicted in 2013 on fifteen counts of attempted extortion and other acts of alleged corruption. He was re=indicted in early 2014 on thirteen counts…
Date: November 30, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1352
Justia Opinion Summary: This case arose out of the refusal of Richard Alexander, in his capacity as clerk of court in Gwinnett County, to file a motion to compel discovery under a particular case number requested by the filing party, Thomas…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0655
Justia Opinion Summary: In March 2015, McHugh Fuller Law Group, PLLC (“McHugh Fuller”) began running a month-long, statewide Georgia advertising campaign targeting PruittHealth, Inc. and its affiliated nursing homes. PruittHealth filed suit…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0745
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Anthony Herrington appealed his conviction for felony murder based on aggravated assault in connection with the shooting death of Curtis Howard. Appellant argued on appeal to the Supreme Court: that the…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0767
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant John Philpot and two others were charged with murder and other crimes arising out of the 2003 drive-by shooting death of Lisa Mosby, along with the firing of gunshots toward Troy Mitchell, Anthony Floyd, and…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0786
Justia Opinion Summary: Lonnie Dawson was convicted by jury of malice murder, burglary, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime, contending that the trial court made certain evidentiary errors and that trial counsel rendered…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0834
Justia Opinion Summary: Gregory Williams and Shauna Smith were tried together and convicted for murder, burglary and related crimes in connection with the 2007 shooting death of Brian Mosely. Both appealed, one challenging the sufficiency of…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0884
Justia Opinion Summary: Rodney Shepard was tried by jury and convicted of murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, both in connection with the fatal shooting of David Lumpkin. Following the denial of his…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0937
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Hannibal McMullen was convicted of malice murder, aggravated stalking, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in connection with the…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0960
Justia Opinion Summary: Cortez McClain, Walter Simon, and Anthony Gene Trim were tried by jury and convicted of several crimes in connection with an attempted robbery. At trial, there was a dispute about the qualification of a prospective…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1010
Justia Opinion Summary: A jury convicted Michael King for storing property on his Clayton County property without a proper permit. He appealed, arguing he was prosecuted for political reasons. Having reviewed the record and the applicable law,…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1035
Justia Opinion Summary: A grand jury indicted Cornelius Wright for the malice murder of Mitchieano Carmichael, as well as several related assault and firearms possession crimes. He would later be tried and found guilty on all counts against…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1039
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Christopher Cushenberry appealed his convictions for felony murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with the 2010 shooting death of Javarus Dupree. Appellant argued that the trial court…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1082
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2013 while he was in custody, investigators questioned a then- 18-year-old Tyler Estrada abut a Gwinnett County homicide. Estrada had been in custody in DeKalb County. At an evidentiary hearing, audio recordings of…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1085
Justia Opinion Summary: Devonni Benton appealed his convictions and sentences for felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the 2009 shootings of Jasmine Lynn, who died,…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1086
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, Charles Case entered a negotiated guilty plea to aggravated assault and simple battery against his niece to resolve an original charge of child molestation. He did not appeal. After being directed to register as…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1103, S16X1105
Justia Opinion Summary: The issue on appeal in this case centered on the potential effects on the territory of school systems and the ownership of school property stemming from the annexation of parts of Fulton County by the City of Atlanta. In…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1158
Justia Opinion Summary: Anthony Williams appealed his conviction and sentence for malice murder in connection with the 1992 fatal shooting of Jeanette Woodson. He challenged the admission at trial of similar transaction evidence and a portion…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1201
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2014, Brooks Keel, president of Georgia Southern University, terminated the employment contract of tenured professor Lorne Wolfe for violation of University policies, and the Board of Regents of the University System…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1261, S16A1262, S16A1263
Justia Opinion Summary: Larry Lupoe, Kyshawn Williams, and Jacobey Carter were found guilty at trial of the 2012 malice murder of Tavares Moses, the aggravated assault and armed robbery of Carlos Wilson, the aggravated assault of Deandre Miller…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1347
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Sherwin Johnson was awaiting trial on felony murder and other charges in connection with the April 2014 shooting death of Kevin Pierre. In May 2015, the trial court entered an order denying Appellant’s motion…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1546
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Cleve McCain was convicted of malice murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer, all relating to the 2007 shooting death of…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16F1062
Justia Opinion Summary: The Supreme Court granted a discretionary appeal of a superior court’s orders setting aside, in part, a final judgment and decree of divorce, and amending the final judgment of divorce. After a proceeding in which Wife…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16F1160
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2006, appellant Carla Christian and appellee Ben Christian, Jr. signed a Separation Agreement. The agreement was approved by a trial court in 2008. Carla filed a complaint for divorce in 2013. By October 2014, she…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0184
Justia Opinion Summary: In February 2014, Jason Dakota Baxter (who then was sixteen years old) was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual battery. Baxter was detained pending indictment and trial. About a month after his arrest, Baxter…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0280
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant was indicted on one count of child molestation, alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009, and two counts of sexual exploitation of children, that were alleged to have occurred on or…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0584
Justia Opinion Summary: Robert Morrow was tried by jury and convicted of sexual assault under OCGA 16-6-5.1(b)(1). Morrow had been employed as a paraprofessional at River Ridge High School in Woodstock, where he was assigned to attend to a…
Date: November 21, 2016
Docket Number: S16Q0895
Justia Opinion Summary: The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals certified two questions of Georgia law to the Georgia Supreme Court, centering on whether Georgia exempts the funds in a health savings account (HSA) from inclusion in a bankruptcy…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0849
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Xzarious Terrell was convicted of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0865
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant DeMariye Glover was indicted, along with a co-defendant, of malice murder, felony murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, all arising out of the shooting death of Demetrious Moore…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0913
Justia Opinion Summary: Pursuant to a December 7, 1993 tax sale, DeKalb County sold the Property at issue here, which was owned at that time by Dorothy Kelly. DeKalb County ultimately purchased the Property at the tax sale as the highest…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0972
Justia Opinion Summary: Defendant Veterans Parkway Developers, LLC (“VPD”) appealed a Superior Court order granting injunctive relief and requiring an accounting in this suit by RMW Development Fund, II, LLC (“RMW”) stemming from VPD’s…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1003
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, J’Quante Crews was found guilty of malice murder (Count 1), two counts of felony murder (Counts 2 and 4), aggravated assault (Count 5), armed robbery (Count 6), possession of a firearm during the…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1019
Justia Opinion Summary: The City of Waycross (the “City”), situated primarily in Ware County, annexed property in Pierce County (the “County”) in the 1980's. The City constructed a component of its wastewater treatment facility in the annexed…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1248, S16A1250
Justia Opinion Summary: These cases involved the repeated efforts of Willie Wright (“Husband”), who was incarcerated and filing pro se, to vacate and set aside the divorce decree entered in 2010 in the divorce action filed by Kenya Young Wright…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1291
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Elliot Sheard was convicted of murder and associated crimes in connection with the stabbing death of Charles Elder. A grand jury indicted Sheard – along with two co-defendants – on the charges of murder, felony…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1353
Justia Opinion Summary: After conducting a bench trial, the trial court found appellant Norman Buford guilty but mentally ill for the shooting death of Willie Archer and the aggravated assault of Orantes Dishmond. Buford argued on appeal that…
Date: November 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0583
Justia Opinion Summary: The Court of Appeals affirmed Jaylend Glispie's convictions for violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act and certain driving offenses. The Georgia Supreme Court granted certiorari to consider: (1) whether the…
Date: November 2, 2016
Docket Number: S17A0424
Justia Opinion Summary: Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente submitted a nomination petition to the Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, seeking to have his name placed upon the ballot for the 2016 general election as an independent candidate for…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1878
Justia Opinion Summary: The Georgia Supreme Court granted certiorari in this case to decide a question left open in its recent decision in "Ames v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.," (783 SE2d 614 (2016)), with reference to the Court of Appeals’…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0844
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Phillip Kennebrew was found guilty of malice murder, armed robbery, and other crimes in connection with the death of Breyon Alexander. The Supreme Court affirmed the convictions of Mason Babbage and Samuel…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0850
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Rodqucas Bowen was found guilty by a jury of felony murder and other crimes in connection with the 2009 shooting death of victim Henry Wright, Jr. The trial court denied appellant’s motion for new trial and he…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0902
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Thomas Bradford appealed his convictions for felony murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in relation to the 2011 shooting death of Raymond Lee. Appellant alleged on appeal: (1)…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0920
Justia Opinion Summary: In 1999, Joseph Tiger Prince was convicted of the malice murder of Edgar Reagan, and, as a recidivist, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prince filed a “Motion to Vacate a Void Sentence…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1011, S16A1012
Justia Opinion Summary: In cases consolidated for review, the issues presented for the Supreme Court involved the scope of the State’s authority to regulate so-called “payday loans” pursuant to OCGA 16-17-1, et seq., known as the Payday Lending…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1013
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Frederick Whitney owned a piece of property located in Habersham County. Whitney became delinquent on his property taxes. As a result, Habersham County sold the property at a tax sale to Appellee Lanier 5, LLC.…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1045
Justia Opinion Summary: This appeal arose out of the passage of two weapons related bills passed by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2013-2014 legislative session. Appellant GeorgiaCarry.Org, Inc., (“GCO”) filed a complaint against the…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1069
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Robert Lenoris Smith was indicted by grand jury for felony murder and other offenses arising out of the shooting death of Octavius Powell. Smith filed a number of pre-trial motions, including a motion to…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1070
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Roy Bradshaw was tried and convicted of malice murder and related offenses in connection with the March 2008 beating death of Earl Gill. Bradshaw appealed, arguing he received ineffective assistance of counsel…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1071
Justia Opinion Summary: Following the denial of his motion for new trial, as amended, William Capps appealed his conviction and sentence for malice murder in connection with the 2005 shooting death of Ernest Morocco “Rocco” Lattimore. He…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1083
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Jessica Shah was found guilty of felony murder and two counts of first degree cruelty to children in connection with the death of her infant daughter, Alejandra. Because the trial court erred in not granting…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1190
Justia Opinion Summary: Out-of-state attorney Frederick Fein appealed a final order of the Superior Court of Fulton County granting the motion of state court judge Diane Bessen, to dismiss Fein’s “Amended Petition for Writ of Mandamus” for…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1247
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2008, a jury found appellant Christopher Rozier and his co-defendant, Xavier Dyer, guilty of murder and other crimes in connection with the death of Rufus Richardson. They appealed, and the Georgia Supreme Court…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1306
Justia Opinion Summary: A jury convicted appellant John Blackmon of felony murder and other offenses in connection with the 2013 shooting death of Timothy Blalock and the aggravated assault and aggravated battery of Timothy Ghiden. Blackmon…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1342
Justia Opinion Summary: A jury found Robert Robbins guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery in connection with the beating death of his wife, Susan. On appeal, Robbins contended that the trial court erred in allowing…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1369
Justia Opinion Summary: This issue presented in this interlocutory appeal centered on a facial constitutional challenge to OCGA 20-2-1182, which criminalized upbraiding, insulting, or abusing a public school teacher, administrator, or bus…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0428
Justia Opinion Summary: At issue in these cases was what happens when the State fails to file a petition alleging delinquency against a juvenile who was not detained within 30 days of the filing of the complaint or seek an extension of that…
Date: October 31, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0619
Justia Opinion Summary: Iselda Moreno, wife of Rudy Robles, received liposuction, buttock augmentation, and abdominoplasty surgery performed by Dr. Patricia Yugueros of Artisan Plastic Surgery, LLC on June 24, 2009. Moreno went to the ER…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0602
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant James Ellison appealed the trial court’s denial of his motion to correct void sentence. In September 1994, appellant pled guilty to malice murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Under the plea agreement,…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0640
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dewayne Reynolds appealed his convictions for felony murder and other crimes stemming from the 2012 shooting death of Willie Slack. Appellant argued the evidence was insufficient to convict, contended the trial…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0719
Justia Opinion Summary: Quentin Cooks was tried by jury and convicted of murder and several other crimes in connection with the 2005 fatal shooting of Shawn Powe. Cooks appealed, contending that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0721
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, a grand jury indicted Rodney Lane for malice murder, felony murder while in the commission of aggravated assault, felony murder while in the commission of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0936
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Fernando Hernandez challenged his convictions for malice murder and a firearm offense in connection with the shooting death of Edgar Rodriguez-Gonzalez. Appellant argued that the trial court erred in allowing…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0996
Justia Opinion Summary: Ernest Airokhai Huff was tried by jury, and convicted of the murders of James Isaac, Ferris Weston, and Brian White, as well as conspiracy to traffic in cocaine. Huff appealed, asserting that the trial court erred when…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1034
Justia Opinion Summary: Garrett Lee Bailey appeals his convictions for malice murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, and making false statements to law enforcement officers in connection with the death of his girlfriend’s…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1042
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Octavious Burney appealed after he was convicted by jury for malice murder and a firearm offense in connection with the shooting death of Leonard Young. Appellant contended that the trial court applied the…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1084
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dijuan Marshall was convicted of felony murder and related crimes in connection with a home invasion during which Joshua Scott was shot and killed. Appellant’s motion for new trial was denied, and appealed,…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1106
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellants George and Tennie Nemchik and appellee Tony Michael Riggs were neighbors in Cobb County. The Nemchiks claimed an easement across a heavily wooded portion of Riggs’s property that the parties referred to as…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1107
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Lonnie Ragan was convicted of murder and related offenses in connection with the murder of Holly Hearn. Appellant argued on appeal that the trial court committed reversible error by failing to grant his motion…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1116
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2010, a grand jury indicted Erik Williams, Jr. for the murder of Deangelo Hudgins and the aggravated assault of Albert Gilbert. Williams appealed the eventual convictions on those charges, arguing the trial court…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1182
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dennis Tyrones and his brother, George, held joint title to land in DeKalb County. After George’s death, the probate court awarded a fifty-percent interest in the property to his widow, Appellee Andrea White…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1372, S16A1373, S16A1393
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Waseem Daker was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, false imprisonment, and aggravated assault of Karmen Smith; the aggravated battery of Nick Smith, and criminal attempt to commit…
Date: October 17, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0443
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2004, appellant Gustavo Cisneros was indicted, along with eight others, for crimes related to a series of home invasions in Gwinnett County. In 2008, following a separate jury trial at which two of his co-indictees…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0654
Justia Opinion Summary: Deron Wallace was tried by jury and convicted of murder, armed robbery, two counts of theft by taking, and unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, all in connection with the fatal shooting of…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0689
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2015, the City of Atlanta proposed to annex property in unincorporated Fulton County that the City recently had acquired, but the County objected. The property at issue was part of the Fulton County Industrial…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0710
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Marcus Mullins appealed his convictions for felony murder and related crimes stemming from the death of Damien Daniels. On the night in question, appellant and his friends Thomas Harris, Kenneth Dwight, and…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0712
Justia Opinion Summary: Michael Angelo Foster was found guilty by jury of felony murder and first degree cruelty to children in connection with the beating death of fifteen-month-old Malcolm Lewis. On appeal, Foster argued the evidence…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0797
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Tommie Lee Bullard appealed after he was convicted of malice murder and other crimes related to the 2011 stabbing death of the victim, Willie White. On appeal, appellant argued that the State violated his right…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0821
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2012, Esther Primack entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to second degree cruelty to children based on her failure to seek medical treatment for her four-year-old daughter after Primack’s boyfriend had broken the…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0824
Justia Opinion Summary: The Georgia Supreme Court granted Jesus Garibay’s application for a certificate of probable cause to appeal to address whether the habeas court erred in dismissing his habeas petition for failure to prosecute where no…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0857
Justia Opinion Summary: The Georgia Supreme Court granted an interlocutory appeal to address whether the trial court erred when it denied enforcement of the parties’ post-nuptial agreement. In 2014, Brenda Murray (Wife) initiated divorce…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0950
Justia Opinion Summary: Nathaniel Brittian was convicted by jury of malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He appealed, contending that he received ineffective assistance of counsel and…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1126
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Paulette Pippen was convicted of felony murder and cruelty to a person 65 years of age or older in connection with the November 2010 death of Joseph Ray. Pippen appealed, alleging that the evidence was…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1257
Justia Opinion Summary: Georgiacarry.org (“Georgia Carry”) filed an “Application for Leave to File an Information in the Nature of Quo Warranto,” against members of the Code Revision Commission in an effort to challenge the right of every…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1349
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Octavious Turner was convicted of malice murder and another charge in connection with the 2011 shooting death of Quintaveis Johnson. He appealed, arguing, inter alia, the trial court erred in permitting the…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0490
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Pandora Franchising, LLC was a foreign limited liability company. In its application for certificate of authority to transact business in Georgia, Pandora identified its principal place of business in Maryland.…
Date: October 3, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16Y1235, S16Y1236, S16Y1237, S16Y1238, S16Y1239
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0660
Justia Opinion Summary: Warden Brad Hooks appealed the grant of Ray Walley’s application for a writ of habeas corpus after the habeas court ruled that Walley’s appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance in failing to pursue a claim of…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0682
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Daniel Massey, Chatham County Superior Court Clerk, filed a writ of mandamus against Chatham County and its Board of Commissioners, seeking, among other things, an order declaring him to be entitled to…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0682
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Daniel Massey, who was serving his third consecutive term as Chatham County Superior Court Clerk, filed a writ of mandamus against Chatham County and its Board of Commissioners, and later amended the petition to…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0691
Justia Opinion Summary: The owners of residential properties in Lowndes County appealed a final superior court order that declared OCGA 48-5-2(3) (B.1), which excluded low-income housing income tax credits from consideration for the purpose of…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A0699, S16A0700.
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellants Johnny McClendon and Marquice Burks were tried jointly and convicted of malice murder and related offenses in connection with the April 2007 shooting death of Christopher Crawford. Both men appealed. After…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0788
Justia Opinion Summary: Prisoner Lester Waller appealed pro se the denial of his motion for an out-of-time appeal following his convictions and sentences for malice murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony in…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A0799, S16A0855, S16A1146
Justia Opinion Summary: Chrissharnard Stewart, Christopher Snelson, and Courtney Smith appealed their convictions for the felony murder of Eric Smith, the aggravated assault of Khaljil Smith, and the aggravated assault of Sabrina Crary. The…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0852
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, Ronald Fisher was indicted for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the shooting death of Eddie Shaheed. Fisher…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0965
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Allan Ray Williams was indicted in connection with the death of infant Collen Durden. Specifically, Williams was charged with felony murder “while in the commission of a felony, Contributing to the Deprivation…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0986
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, a jury found Marlina Hamilton guilty of felony murder and other crimes in connection with the shooting death of her ex-husband Christopher Donaldson. In 2015, the trial court granted Hamilton's motion for a new…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1005
Justia Opinion Summary: April Gens purchased 4.3 acres of land adjacent to Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. She divided the property into a number of residential lots, including "Lot 7," which is the property at issue in this quiet title case.…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1023
Justia Opinion Summary: Homer Bryson, in his capacity as commissioner, appealed the grant of habeas relief to Fanoris Jackson. Bryson argued the habeas court erred by finding that Jackson's appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance by…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A1052, S16X1053
Justia Opinion Summary: At the heart of this case was a dispute among family members over the estate of Edwin Burton Anderson, Jr. (“Burt”): his widow, Donna Lee Morris Anderson and Robert Knox, Jr., in his capacity as the administrator of…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1081
Justia Opinion Summary: Benji Cortez Sanders was tried by jury and convicted of the murder of Sheila Freeman. Sanders appealed, contending that: (1) the evidence was legally insufficient to sustain his conviction; (2) that the trial court erred…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1115
Justia Opinion Summary: Joseph Schmidt was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in 1973, the Veterans Administration paid him disability benefits. Three years later, the VA appointed Dale Groenenboom as his guardian and conservator. In 1997,…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1188
Justia Opinion Summary: Stanley Harris was tried by jury and convicted of: malice murder, the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and tampering with evidence. These charges were brought in connection with the…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1210
Justia Opinion Summary: This appeal arose out of the appellee-mother’s complaint for modification of the divorce parenting plan for her 17-year-old child. Appellant-father contended that the trial court: (1) erred in denying his motion to…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1251
Justia Opinion Summary: On August 14, 2009, a grand jury indicted Samuel Ellis, along with co-defendant Quantavious Harris, for malice murder, felony murder predicated on aggravated assault, aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit armed…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1274
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2008, Bernard Robinson was convicted by jury of malice murder, felony murder predicated on aggravated assault, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He appealed…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16A1299
Justia Opinion Summary: Courtney DuBose was tried by jury and convicted of felony murder, aggravated assault, and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, all in connection with the shooting death of Atima Smith.…
Date: September 12, 2016
Docket Number: S16G0664
Justia Opinion Summary: The issue this case presented for the Supreme Court's review arose from a deficiency action brought by appellant SunTrust Bank (“SunTrust”) as the assignee under a motor vehicle conditional sales contract following its…
Date: July 14, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1303
Justia Opinion Summary: Rickey Patterson was convicted on "aggravated assault with an object" when after an argument with his girlfriend's adult son ended with Patterson going to his vehicle, putting it into gear, revving the engine, and…
Date: July 14, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1303
Justia Opinion Summary: Ricky Patterson lived in a mobile home with his girlfriend, Wanda Bartley. While her adult son, Nathaniel Silvers, was present, Patterson and Bartley argued, and Bartley and Silvers urged Patterson to leave the home.…
Date: July 14, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0072
Justia Opinion Summary: This was the second appeal stemming from a petition for writ of habeas corpus filed by appellant Michael Lejeune. In that petition, appellant contended that his guilty plea to murder in November 2005 was not knowingly…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1207
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2012, Thad Ashley was convicted of kidnapping a seven-year-old girl, attempting to kidnap her three-year-old sister, and criminal trespass at the trailer park where his father lived. At trial, the jury heard evidence…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1295
Justia Opinion Summary: A mandatory arbitration clause is contained in each deposit agreement for customers of appellee SunTrust Bank. The clause permits an individual depositor to reject the agreement’s mandatory arbitration clause by giving…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0013
Justia Opinion Summary: Plaintiff Stanley Cottrell, Jr. appealed the grant of judgment notwithstanding the verdict (“JNOV”) and earlier grants of directed verdicts in this action alleging defamation and related torts, and potentially…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0326
Justia Opinion Summary: Gail Reed appealed a superior court order granting Kimberly McConathy’s motion to dismiss Reed’s petition for an equitable partition of real property and an accounting. Reed owned a piece of real property in Catoosa…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0450
Justia Opinion Summary: In 1991, Anthony Brooks was charged with felony murder and attempted armed robbery. At a plea hearing in January 1992, Brooks, represented by two attorneys, pled guilty to both charges. Brooks was sentenced to life in…
Date: July 8, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0515
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Ronald Fisher was found guilty of malice murder and other crimes in connection with the shooting death of Derrick Cullins. At Appellant’s trial, the bulk of the evidence against him (including the only…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1278
Justia Opinion Summary: Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc. was a textile manufacturer, and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it produced dryer felts at a manufacturing facility in Waycross. Some of the pipes and boilers in that facility were insulated…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1293
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1301
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Mother’s parental rights were terminated on January 14, 2013. Since Mother was indigent, she was represented by appointed counsel during the termination proceedings at juvenile court. In a letter that was…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1446
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2008, Olga Zarate-Martinez filed a medical malpractice complaint against Dr. Michael D. Echemendia, Atlanta Women’s Health Group, P.C., Atlanta Women’s Health Group, II, LLC, and North Crescent Surgery Center, LLC…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1571
Justia Opinion Summary: In March 2012, 91-year-old Bucilla Stephenson died at the end of a two-week stay at Doctors Hospital of Augusta, LLC (“Hospital”). In May 2013, Jacqueline Alicea, Bucilla's granddaughter, acting as the administratix of…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1896
Justia Opinion Summary: In November 2001, Appellant Doug Jackson (“Father”) and Appellee Lisa Sanders (“Mother”) divorced in Florida. The final judgment and decree of divorce required Father to pay Mother $1,005 per month for the support of…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0066
Justia Opinion Summary: Steven Green appealed after his motion for new trial following his convictions for malice murder, burglary, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0070
Justia Opinion Summary: In May 1999, a jury convicted Shaun Metoyer of numerous counts of armed robbery and related offenses, after which he was sentenced to consecutive life sentences. The Court of Appeals affirmed Metoyer’s convictions and…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0106
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant William Shelton was tried by a jury in the Pike County Superior Court and convicted of malice murder and robbery by force. He was sentenced to life in prison. On direct appeal in 2005, the Georgia Supreme Court…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0148
Justia Opinion Summary: In a habeas corpus proceeding, the Chattooga County Superior Court set aside Jason Hopson’s rape conviction due to the conduct of former Fulton County assistant district attorney Ashutosh Joshi, which, the habeas court…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0208
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dag Luquinciette Rhodes was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, along with other related offenses, in connection with the 1998…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0253
Justia Opinion Summary: Jermichael Simmons appealed his convictions and sentences for malice murder, rape, and aggravated sodomy in connection with the 2013 death of Jennifer Sutton. He alleged a number of errors at trial (the admission of…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0275
Justia Opinion Summary: In December 2011, a grand jury indicted Scottie Propst on thirteen charges, including multiple counts of armed robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0314
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Quinton Jones was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0323
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Jack Scott was indicted in January 2015 on two counts of "obscene Internet contact with a child," arising from alleged sexually explicit online communications in which he took part in late 2013 with a minor…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0354
Justia Opinion Summary: Along with several co-defendants, Milton Blackledge was tried by jury and convicted of murder, violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act (the “Street Gang Act”), and other crimes, all in…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0367
Justia Opinion Summary: In May 2012, the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan applied to participate in the "Adopt-A-Highway" program, seeking to adopt a one-mile stretch of State Route 515 in Union County. The Department of…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0377
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dwayne Myers appealed after he was convicted for the 2012 felony murder of Edward Davidson. He was indicted with two others. On appeal, Myers challenged the sufficiency of the evidence presented against him at…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0393
Justia Opinion Summary: In November 2014, a grand jury returned an indictment against appellant Norman Smart. He would ultimately be convicted of malice murder and related offenses in connection with the beating death of his wife, Lauren Smart,…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0398
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Deonte Smith challenged his conviction for felony murder in connection with the 2012 death of his two-month-old daughter, Keymaya. Appellant argued on appeal of that conviction that the trial court erred in…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0405
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, appellee Kealy Williams pled guilty to charges of malice murder, felony murder, hijacking a motor vehicle, armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm during…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0451
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2004, Dolores Moreno acquired residential property in Gwinnett County. Three years later, she gave a one-half interest in the property to her daughter Gina Moreno as a gift. Around the same time, Dolores and Gina…
Date: July 5, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0511
Justia Opinion Summary: A grand jury indicted appellant Travis Williams stemming from the death of his seven-month-old daughter Syikiria. He was ultimately convicted of felony murder. A medical examiner testified the child died from "battered…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1310
Justia Opinion Summary: This matter arose from wrongful death suit filed by appellant Tammy Pearce individually and as administrator of the estate of her husband, Christopher Pearce, against Glynn County Police Officer Henry Tucker after…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1820
Justia Opinion Summary: Bajrodin Zilke was charged with two counts of driving under the influence and several other traffic violations. He moved to suppress evidence of a breath test, arguing that Decari Mason, a POST-certified police officer…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0027
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellants Joshua Marchman and Joshua Arnold were involved, along with another perpetrator, in a two-day crime spree in the summer of 2009 that resulted in the shooting deaths of Nicholas Garner and Lateisha…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0105
Justia Opinion Summary: After 29 years of marriage and three children, appellant Sharmeen Islamkhan (“wife”) filed for divorce. She sought review of the denial of her motion to vacate void judgment in which she asked the trial court to vacate…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0150
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Sheree Dionne Murphy was tried by jury and found guilty of five counts of felony murder, aggravated battery, arson in the first degree, and cruelty to a child, all of which charges were related to a motel fire…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0152
Justia Opinion Summary: Zerrick Walker appealed the denial of his motion for new trial following his convictions for the malice murder of Ronaldo Hill and the crime of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In his sole…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0166
Justia Opinion Summary: Following the reversal of his original convictions, appellant Daniel Allaben was retried and again convicted of malice murder in connection with the strangling death of his wife, Maureen. He appealed, asserting numerous…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0419
Justia Opinion Summary: Dante Hayward's application for a writ of habeas corpus was denied, and the Supreme Court granted his request for a certificate of probable cause to appeal that denial. In 2007, Hayward pled guilty on drug charges and…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0440
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Arthur (a/k/a “Ricky”) Starling was convicted of murder, aggravated assault, third degree child cruelty, and related offenses in connection with the Independence Day 2010 shooting death of his long-time…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0524
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Marshae O’Brian Hickman was convicted of the 2010 attempted rape and murder of Candice Parchment. He appealed, asserting, inter alia, the trial court erred in joining these offenses for trial because they…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0539
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Johnathan Durden was convicted of malice murder and related offenses in connection with the stabbing death of Ricky Grice, Jr. Durden appealed, arguing that the trial court erred in failing to grant his request…
Date: June 20, 2016
Docket Number: S16F0446
Justia Opinion Summary: Husband Timothy Frost and Wife Hwa Frost were married in 1980 when Husband was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Korea country. The couple relocated to Georgia upon Husband’s retirement from the military after seventeen…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1184
Justia Opinion Summary: The damages at issue in this case arose from the death of a mixed-breed dachshund owned by Robert and Elizabeth Monyak. In 2012, the Monyaks boarded Lola, their 8 ½ -year old dachshund mix, for ten days at a kennel owned…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1804
Justia Opinion Summary: Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. operated a large tire manufacturing and distribution facility about 625 feet from the home of Lynn and Duron Davis. The Davises sued Toyo Tire, alleging that its facility was a…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1808
Justia Opinion Summary: In 1993, Willie Barnes suffered an amputation of his left leg below the knee in an industrial accident at the Georgia-Pacific (GP) wood processing plant where he worked. GP, its insurer Georgia Conversion Primary Ins.…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1829
Justia Opinion Summary: A grand jury indicted Appellant Steven Regent on one count of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault. These charges arose out of an incident in which he twice, in quick succession, slashed his…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0082
Justia Opinion Summary: Adrian Murdock was tried by jury and convicted of murder with malice aforethought, the unlawful possession of a firearm by a first-offender probationer, and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0103
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Sean Ohifemi Davis appealed his convictions for felony murder and first-degree child cruelty in connection with the 2009 death of his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter, Nila Faye Flagler. After review, the…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0190
Justia Opinion Summary: Darrell Anderson was tried by jury and convicted of felony murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the 2007 fatal shooting of Jack Camp. Anderson appealed,…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0197
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Jamel Humphrey appealed a trial court’s denial of his motion to withdraw guilty plea. In July 1998, Humphrey pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Pursuant to his plea agreement with the…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0200
Justia Opinion Summary: Jennifer Bales (Mother) and Steven Lowery (Father) divorced in 2013. The divorce decree: awarded them joint legal and physical custody of their two daughters; said that “[c]ustodial time shall be shared between the…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0230
Justia Opinion Summary: Joshua Clark was convicted by jury for the felony murder of Jermaine McNeil and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Clark argued on appeal of his conviction that he received ineffective assistance…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0263
Justia Opinion Summary: The trial court issued an order finding appellant-Husband in willful contempt of the parties’ final order of divorce after a jury trial. Based on the jury’s verdict regarding the division of property, the divorce decree…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0334
Justia Opinion Summary: Brandon Philpot and Travis Yarbrough were arrested for crimes associated with the shooting death of Aaron Holloway and the aggravated assault of four other victims during an armed robbery in 2010. Philpot was identified…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0357
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Dorunte Williams was convicted of the 2007 malice murder of Stacy Barnett, aggravated assault involving family violence against Teresa Dubose, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. On…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0397
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Pedro Alvarez was tried by a jury and convicted of malice murder and other offenses arising out of the shooting death of Ainsley Jackson. Immediately before the shooting, appellee observed Jackson and appellee’s…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0516
Justia Opinion Summary: Southern Resources Consultants, Inc. (“SRC”) was a Residential Service Provider (“RSP”), contracting with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (“DBHDD”) and the Georgia Department of…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0542
Justia Opinion Summary: In September 1985, Furman Mims pleaded guilty and was convicted of the murder and kidnapping of Robert Holbert. For these crimes, Mims was sentenced to consecutive terms of imprisonment for life. Twenty-eight years…
Date: June 6, 2016
Docket Number: S16F0336
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Joseph Triola (husband) was ordered to pay appellee Janet Triola (wife) temporary alimony, and the final judgment, in part, ordered husband to pay wife an $18,000 arrearage owed under the temporary alimony…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1205
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Merita Thomas was employed as a school bus driver with the Fulton County Board of Education (“County”) since 2008. Thomas’ employment with the County required her to drive County school buses during the…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1610
Justia Opinion Summary: Vashon Olds was tried by jury and convicted of the false imprisonment and battery of a woman with whom he previously had a romantic relationship. At trial, the jury heard evidence of these crimes, as well as evidence of…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1780
Justia Opinion Summary: This case involved a written contract between a vendor and a state agency that contained form language stipulating that amendments had to be in writing and executed by the agency and the contractor. Appellant Georgia…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0003
Justia Opinion Summary: Shanqulalandali Cheley was tried by jury and convicted of murder and other crimes in connection with the 2012 killing of Amber DeLoach. Following the denial of his motion for new trial, Cheley appealed, contending that:…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0064
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant James Hood appealed his convictions for felony murder and other crimes in connection with the 2011 stabbing death of Christopher Coon. Two of Hood's three claims on appeal raised issues under Georgia’s new…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0071
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, Thomas Darling pled guilty to felony murder for having failed to promptly seek medical treatment for a minor child, and was sentenced to life in prison. In November 2013, Darling filed a pro se petition for…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0256
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Matdrick Giddens was found guilty of five crimes, including two counts of felony murder, in connection with the shooting death of Timothy Murray, Jr. After the trial court granted Giddens' motion for new trial…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0270
Justia Opinion Summary: Prinson Blackwell appealed the denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea prior to sentencing. Blackwell entered a guilty plea to malice murder and several other offenses in connection with his role in the shooting…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0321
Justia Opinion Summary: Thaddius Stanbury was convicted by jury for the 2010 murder of Allen Blash, Jr., and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Stanbury contends that: (1) the trial court committed plain error by not…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0534
Justia Opinion Summary: Eddie Amoakuh (“Father”) appealed a trial court order finding him in contempt, modifying child custody and child support, and awarding attorney’s fees. Father and Mariama Issaka (“Mother”) were divorced in 2010; at that…
Date: May 23, 2016
Docket Number: S16F0279
Justia Opinion Summary: Husband Dustin and Wife Keisha Davenport were divorced by final decree; Husband appeared pro se in the divorce proceeding. Wife, who had counsel, paid for a court reporter to record the bench trial. Husband did not…
Date: May 19, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0362
Justia Opinion Summary: In a quiet title action, appellants appealed the award of clear title to appellee for a two acre parcel of land located in the Hog Hammock Subdivision on Sapelo Island. A special master entered his report finding a 1957…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0177
Justia Opinion Summary: Tamara Williford filed a “Petition for Equitable Relief” against Mary Ann Brown, alleging that Brown’s husband, Tommy, was Williford’s biological father; that Tommy Brown was in poor physical health and could not leave…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0255
Justia Opinion Summary: Phirronnius Edwards was tried by jury and convicted of murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, both in connection with the fatal shooting of Billy Hewitt. Edwards appealed,…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0294
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellants GeorgiaCarry.org and Phillip Evans appeal the dismissal of their petition for declaratory and injunctive relief as to the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s prohibition of weapons on the Garden’s premises. Evans, who…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0324
Justia Opinion Summary: Desmond Walker-Madden was tried by jury and convicted of murder and aggravated assault, both in connection with the death of Gregory Anderson, Jr., a two-year-old child. Walker-Madden appealed, contending only that the…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0485
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Rebecca Stokes was indicted for malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, tampering with evidence, and removal of body parts from the scene of a death based on her…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0498
Justia Opinion Summary: Antonio Jones was tried by jury and found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of Akili Stewart. On appeal,…
Date: May 9, 2016
Docket Number: S16F0167
Justia Opinion Summary: Wife Karen Horton was granted a discretionary appeal of her divorce from Husband Christopher Horton. The appeal was granted in order to consider whether the superior court erred in determining as a matter of law that the…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1885
Justia Opinion Summary: Plaintiff Alfred Fuciarelli was a tenured faculty member at Valdosta State University (“VSU”). Fuciarelli was at one time also assistant vice president for research and a dean of the graduate school. After he complained…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0122
Justia Opinion Summary: In August 2014, a grand jury returned a 21-count indictment against Appellees Malcolm Brown, Demetre Mason, Frankland Henderson, Michael Jenkins, Jaimee Harrell, Katrina Shardow, and Traon Turk, on charges of murder,…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0179
Justia Opinion Summary: Roger Brown was convicted by jury for the 2008 malice murder and aggravated assault of Dennis Freeman, and the aggravated assault of Roger Emory. Brown contended, among other things, that the trial court gave incomplete…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0278
Justia Opinion Summary: Carlisha Gray was tried by jury and convicted of murder and several other crimes related to the 2006 killing of Marcus Jones. Gray appealed, contending that the trial court erred when it refused to excuse a prospective…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0389
Justia Opinion Summary: Ronnie Lewis was tried by jury and found guilty of malice murder, armed robbery, burglary, false imprisonment, and aggravated assault in connection with a home invasion and the beating and shooting death of Ophir…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Numbers: S16A0559, S15X0560
Justia Opinion Summary: Act No. 138 (House Bill 279 or the “Act”) established three new seats on the Court of Appeals, to which, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Amanda H. Mercier, Nels S.D. Peterson, and Brian M. Rickman. In this action, John…
Date: April 26, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0673
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Claron Carter was found guilty of malice murder and other offenses related to the shooting death of Dequavious Reed. His motion for new trial was denied, and he appealed, claiming that the evidence was…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1047
Justia Opinion Summary: Chernard Carter and his two co-defendants were involved in a gunfight at an apartment complex, and a stray bullet killed Lynette Reese. Carter was charged, in relevant part, with malice murder and three counts of felony…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0059
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Danny Anthony was tried by jury and convicted of murder. He appealed, contending: (1) that the evidence was legally insufficient to sustain his convictions and that the trial court erred when it denied his…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0195
Justia Opinion Summary: Jaferell Grant appealed the denial of his motion for new trial, as amended, and his convictions and sentences for felony murder while in the commission of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0262
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Curtis Bonman was found guilty of malice murder and other related crimes arising out of the shooting death of Charlie Davis, Jr. His motion for new trial was denied, and on appeal, he argued that the trial…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0296
Justia Opinion Summary: Shawn Perdue appealed his conviction and sentence for malice murder and the denial of his motion for new trial, as amended, in connection with the 2008 death of his girlfriend’s infant daughter, Kyliah Mack. The infant…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0437
Justia Opinion Summary: Following the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to James Phillips and Larry Wyman Phillips in their capacity as co-executors of the estate of Opal Anderson Phillips (Opal), Mary Elizabeth Oravec appealed, arguing…
Date: April 4, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0514
Justia Opinion Summary: Gary Mosley was tried by jury and convicted of murder and other crimes, all in connection with the 2010 killing of Justin Evans. Mosley appealed, contending that the trial court erred when it admitted hearsay evidence on…
Date: March 25, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1734
Justia Opinion Summary: Tremaine Pyatt was tried by a jury and convicted of felony murder and two aggravated assaults, all in connection with a shooting in which Meredith “Tag” Rhodes was fatally wounded. Pyatt appealed, contending: (1) that…
Date: March 25, 2016
Docket Numbers: S15A1927, S15A1928
Justia Opinion Summary: These appeals arose from an October 2009 order on a petition for contempt filed by Denita Jones (“Wife”). In the order, the trial court found Nolan Jones (“Husband”) in willful contempt regarding his child support…
Date: March 25, 2016
Docket Numbers: S15G0887, S15G0912.
Justia Opinion Summary: Although these two cases arose separately, they posed a singular legal issue for the Supreme Court’s review, and thus were addressed in the same opinion. In S15G0887, Akeem Washington, who was on probation for speeding,…
Date: March 25, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1183
Justia Opinion Summary: The plaintiffs in this case were providers and recipients of Medicaid services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who claimed that the defendant administrative agencies and their…
Date: March 25, 2016
Docket Number: S15Q1816
Justia Opinion Summary: In "Sentinel Offender Services, LLC. v. Glover," (766 SE2d 456) (2014)), the Georgia Supreme Court concluded that Georgia’s private probation statutory framework (OCGA 42-8-100 et seq.) did not allow for the tolling of…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1308
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Courtney Franklin was convicted of murder and related offenses in connection with the April 2007 shooting death of Christopher Crawford. Franklin appealed, contending that his trial counsel rendered ineffective…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1375
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Jeremy Saffold challenged his convictions for malice murder and other crimes in connection with the 2009 shooting deaths of Dorothy and Michael Walker. Thomas Raines was visiting the Walkers, drinking moonshine…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1442
Justia Opinion Summary: Aster Zeru Gebrekidan filed an application for discretionary appeal to challenge her conviction and fine for violating a City of Clarkston ordinance that prohibited certain retailers of packaged alcoholic beverages from…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1510
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Maurice Murray Battle was convicted of the malice murder of Dipak Patel, the aggravated assault of Johnny Owens and Willie Griffin, and other crimes in connection with an armed robbery of a convenience store.…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1512
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Christopher Gilreath was convicted by jury of malice murder and associated crimes in connection with the beating death of two-year-old Joshua Pinckney, the son of his live-in-girlfriend, Miriam Pinckney.…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1718
Justia Opinion Summary: Scott Gregory was a convicted sexual offender, and in 2013, the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board classified him as a sexually dangerous predator. Gregory timely asked the Board to reevaluate his classification,…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1721
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Robert Veal challenged his convictions for numerous crimes, including murder and rape, committed in the course of two armed robberies in 2010. He argued on appeal of those convictions to the Supreme Court: (1)…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1738
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Vonterry Bryant appealed his convictions stemming from the death of Edward Hawkins and the aggravated assault of Allen Cook. On the night in question, Hawkins, Cook, and Mitchieno Carmichael were at a sports…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1108
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Patti Thornton was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, making false statements, and tampering with evidence; her co-defendant, Walter Booth, was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder,…
Date: March 21, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1177
Justia Opinion Summary: Amy Smith, individually and as next friend of her daughter Tyasia Brown, sued her landlord, Bobby Chupp for injuries Brown allegedly sustained as the result of ingesting lead from deteriorating lead-based paint at the…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1357
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Demarcus Graves was convicted of malice murder and related offenses in connection with the 2011 shooting death of Samuel Landers. Graves appealed his convictions on the grounds that the evidence was…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1480
Justia Opinion Summary: This murder case was tried after January 1, 2013, the effective date of the new Evidence Code. The issue presented on appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court was whether the admission of "other acts" evidence to prove…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1505
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2008, Russell Rollf assaulted his estranged wife with a butcher knife and with the intent to kill her. He later was tried by a jury, convicted of attempted murder, and sentenced for that crime to imprisonment for a…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1506
Justia Opinion Summary: On April 4, 2011, appellant Antwuan Crayton shot and killed Curtis Lee Mack, III. Appellant admitted to authorities and testified at trial that he shot the victim, but said he acted in self-defense. Appellant argued on…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1580
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Deuntaie Amos was convicted of felony murder and related offenses in connection with the January 2010 shooting death of Richard Saylors. Amos appealed, contending that the evidence was insufficient; that the…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1626
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Marcus Ford appealed his convictions stemming from the shooting deaths of Paul Gaines and Michael Gaines, as well as the aggravated assaults of Isaac Walker and Antwan Clark. The Supreme Court concluded after…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1681
Justia Opinion Summary: Jerry Downey was tried by jury and convicted of murder and several other crimes, all in connection with a shooting in which Eboni Galloway was fatally wounded. Downey appealed, arguing that the evidence was insufficient…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1684
Justia Opinion Summary: Defendant Atlanta Development Authority d/b/a Invest Atlanta petitioned the Georgia Supreme Court for interlocutory review of the superior court’s denial of its motion to dismiss plaintiff Clark Atlanta University,…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1685
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2009, Brett Beveridge filed an action for divorce against his wife, Vivian Hoard. One child was born of the marriage, and the primary issue in the case involved custody of the parties’ minor child. Following a ten day…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1692
Justia Opinion Summary: In 1995, Barry Norris was found shot to death in his home. Petitioner Melissa Norris, who was 15 years old at the time, confessed to her brother and to police that, after an argument with her father, she took a pistol…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1699
Justia Opinion Summary: Larry Harris was convicted by jury of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the 2008 deaths of Commie Spead and Jerry Lewis Williams. Among other things, Harris…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1708
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Duane Clough appealed his convictions related to the death of Christopher Watkins and the aggravated assaults of Michelle Clough (appellant's estranged wife), and Mary Thomas, who was appellant’s mother-in-law.…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1724
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Stewart Brannon was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Mario Smith. He appealed the denial of his motion…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1736
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Willie Moss challenged his convictions for malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of Rashymel Young. Appellant contended that the…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1739
Justia Opinion Summary: In February 2008, prosecuting attorneys applied to a judge of the superior court for a Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 Title III order authorizing investigators to intercept oral and electronic…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1869
Justia Opinion Summary: Defendant Thomas Edvalson appealed the denial of his pretrial petition for a writ of habeas corpus. In 2013, Edvalson was indicted on four counts of sexual exploitation of children for knowingly possessing digital images…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1011
Justia Opinion Summary: The issue this case presented for the Supreme Court's review arose from a custody dispute between a biological mother and her parents over three minor children. In 2006, grandparents Roy and Betty Strickland obtained…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0058
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Marian Owens appealed her conviction for the 2012 felony murder of Tommy Janes, contending, among other things, that her right to proceed pro se was violated and that she received ineffective…
Date: March 7, 2016
Docket Number: S16G1007
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2007, Cindy and David Ames executed a security deed to their residential property in favor of Washington Mutual Bank, F.A. (WaMu). WaMu’s receiver, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), later assigned the…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1408
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant John Smith was convicted of murder and related offenses in connection with the August 2005 shooting death of Betty Gaines. Smith appealed, alleging insufficient evidence and ineffective assistance of trial…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1450
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Bradley Coppedge (husband) appealed a trial court’s order denying his petition for modification of child custody and visitation and holding him in contempt of a final divorce decree. He and appellee Cathering…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1611
Justia Opinion Summary: Caveators James Ayers, Nancy Davis, and Debra Hilty, siblings of testator Donald Ayers (“Donald”), appealed a superior court judgment, entered after a jury verdict, upholding Donald’s last will and testament that left…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1617
Justia Opinion Summary: In this case's first appearance before the Georgia Supreme Court, the Court held that the evidence was legally sufficient to support appellant Michael Gomillion’s convictions relating to the shooting death of Clyde…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1638
Justia Opinion Summary: TDGA, LLC acquired a certain piece of property from another entity that had purchased the property at a tax sale. Afterwards, TDGA followed the non-judicial process of foreclosing any right of redemption to the property…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1691
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Herbert Lowe was convicted of felony murder and related offenses in connection with a 2013 shooting at the home of victim Lisa Davis. Lowe appealed, arguing the evidence was insufficient to support his…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1711
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2011, John Walker was sentenced to five years’ probation under the Georgia First Offender Act. Walker contended that his probation officer prepared a petition for early termination of probation and that a judge signed…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1913
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Jaworski Kellam was convicted of malice murder and other charges arising out of the 2005 death of seventeen-month-old A’Trevia Davis. He appealed, alleging the trial court erred in denying his requests to…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15F1331
Justia Opinion Summary: The Georgia Supreme Court granted appellant Peter Flory's application for discretionary appeal. He sought leave to challenge the final judgment and divorce decree from Appellee Lucie Wheeler Flory. Husband argued the…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1197
Justia Opinion Summary: The Georgia Supreme Court granted certiorari to address whether, absent the consent of the State, a trial court has the authority to enter judgment and impose sentence on a guilty plea to an uncharged, lesser included…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S15Q1445
Justia Opinion Summary: The United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia certified two questions of Georgia law to the Georgia Supreme Court. Both questions involved interpretation of the foreclosure confirmation statute,…
Date: February 22, 2016
Docket Number: S16A0107
Justia Opinion Summary: A grand jury indicted Christopher Hudson for malice murder, felony murder, and armed robbery. As evidenced by Hudson’s videotaped admission and surveillance footage, in 1994, Hudson murdered John Thomas Swartz by…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1312
Justia Opinion Summary: Edward Scudder was tried by jury, and found guilty of two murders and several other crimes, all in connection with the fatal shootings of brothers Crishon and Jesse Woodard. Scudder appealed, arguing that the trial court…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1457
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Hoke Tarpley was convicted of malice murder in connection with the 2006 shooting death of his uncle, Earnest Estes. Tarlpey was given a life sentence. He appealed, challenging the admissibility of certain…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1459
Justia Opinion Summary: Hector Marquez was tried by jury and convicted of murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, both in connection with the 2010 fatal shooting of Maxwell Fiandt. Marquez argued on…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1595
Justia Opinion Summary: Henry "Trey" Finley was tried by jury and convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with the 2010 fatal shooting of Javarus Dupree. Finley argued on appeal that the trial court erred when…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1717
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Geary Otis was charged in a seven-count indictment with malice murder and other offenses arising out of the 2013 death of one victim and the assault of another. A jury was impaneled and sworn and the State and…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1857
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Sentelle Williams was convicted of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, charges arising out of a 2011 shooting that resulted in the death of Donovan…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1912
Justia Opinion Summary: Anthony Robinson was convicted by jury of felony murder predicated on criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, obstruction of a police officer, and making false…
Date: February 8, 2016
Docket Number: S15G0866
Justia Opinion Summary: After a grand jury indicted Aram Andrade for rape and burglary, he moved to suppress evidence of statements that he had made to law enforcement officers. Before any trial commenced, the trial court granted this motion in…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1461
Justia Opinion Summary: Joe Lockhart appealed convictions and sentences for malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, all in connection with the 2008 death of Bernard Campbell. He challenged the sufficiency of…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1502
Justia Opinion Summary: In a pre-trial appeal, the State challenged a trial court order suppressing the custodial statement of Appellee Ceron Lee. The State argued that the trial court erred in concluding that Lee, who was 15 years old at the…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1515
Justia Opinion Summary: Jay Richard Smith (Smith) died testate in 2013, survived by his wife Kathy (appellant), and the couple’s two minor daughters. At the time of his death, Smith was the beneficiary of the Jay Richard Smith Irrevocable Trust…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1584
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Stanley Howard appealed his convictions for malice murder and other charges arising out of the 2007 shooting death of Damien Wright. He argued the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support his…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1618
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Kevin Sears was convicted of malice murder for the shooting death of William Cowart, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against Cowart’s fiancee, Nancy Hilliard. Appellant was also charged with simple…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1692
Justia Opinion Summary: Melissa Norris was found guilty of shooting and killing her father Barry. She was later granted habeas relief. Kathy Seabolt, in her capacity as warden, appealed, contending that the habeas court erred in finding…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1705
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Christopher Smith challenged his convictions for malice murder and other crimes in connection with the 2007 armed robbery during which Russell Roland was fatally shot and Victor Powell was injured. Appellant…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1715
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Mahamadou Tunkara was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, with regard to the death of Mohamed Turay.…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1826
Justia Opinion Summary: Brandon White was tried by jury and convicted of murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, both in connection with the 2010 fatal shooting of Damion Collier. White appealed,…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1901
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2014, appellant Iziah Smith applied to appellee Harry James, III, Judge of the Probate Court of Richmond County, for a renewal Georgia weapons carry license; he requested the issuance of a temporary renewal license as…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15F1535
Justia Opinion Summary: In this divorce matter, Husband argued on appeal that the trial court improperly incorporated into his divorce decree a settlement agreement that was unenforceable. After review of the agreement at issue, the Supreme…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1130
Justia Opinion Summary: In this case, a group of college students, including Miguel Olvera, who were not United States citizens and who were grant beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) filed a declaratory…
Date: February 1, 2016
Docket Number: S15G1168
Justia Opinion Summary: The Department of Driver Services issued a driver’s license to Gambian national Abdou Barrow. In April 2010, the Department canceled that license, finding that Barrow was not lawfully present in the United States and was…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1365
Justia Opinion Summary: Joshua Simpson was tried by jury and convicted of murder and aggravated assault, both in connection with the 2008 killing of Michael Wyscaver. Simpson appealed, arguing that the evidence is legally insufficient to…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1393
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Kevin Welch was convicted of malice murder in connection with the 2009 shooting death of Alex Howard. He appealed, asserting among other things, that the trial court erred in refusing to strike two jurors for…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1407
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Lamar Gates was found guilty of malice murder and various other crimes in connection with the shooting death of Anthony Wilson. On appeal, Gates primarily argued that the trial court erred in…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1409
Justia Opinion Summary: In August 2008, Kelly Roberts entered a plea of guilty to felony murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Ian Mosley. The trial court entered a judgment of conviction and sentenced Roberts to imprisonment for life…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1451
Justia Opinion Summary: Husband Donald Belcher and Wife Sarah Belcher divorced in 2005. Following a dispute over unpaid alimony to Wife in which Wife eventually prevailed, the trial court awarded $2,500 in attorney fees to Wife in a December…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1487
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Hodari Churchill was found guilty of felony murder and cruelty to children in connection with the death of three-month-old Jada McClain. On appeal, Churchill argued, among other things, that the…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1509
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a jury trial, Fernando Collymore was found guilty of the felony murder of Rosita Gates as well as the theft by taking of Gates’s vehicle. Collymore appealed, contending that the trial court: (1) gave the jury…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1511
Justia Opinion Summary: David Hayes was tried by jury and convicted of the 2007 murder of Justin Brown, among other crimes. Hayes appealed, contending only that the evidence was legally insufficient to sustain his convictions. Upon its review…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1522
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2008, Cortez Tye was convicted of and sentenced for felony murder and related crimes stemming from a carjacking. Tye appealed his convictions and sentences and the superior court’s 2014 denial of his motion for new…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1525
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Edward Norman was convicted of malice murder and necrophilia in connection with the death of Monique Flores-Owens. On appeal, he challenged the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his necrophilia conviction…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1562
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Steven Lee Garland was convicted of sexual battery involving a child and sentenced to serve one year imprisonment followed by four years of probation. His conviction was affirmed on appeal. Garland filed a…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1683
Justia Opinion Summary: In 2010, appellant Roosevelt Watson went to his uncle's house to watch a basketball game on television. The evening ended with one of the uncle's friends, Quinton Brown, dead by a single gunshot wound to the chest.…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1688
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant James McGuyton, Jr., faced multiple charges, including murder, relating to the November 22, 2012, shooting death of Kenneth Seek, Jr. As a result of the State’s filing of a recidivist notice, appellant was…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1703
Justia Opinion Summary: Tariq Smith was tried by jury and convicted of murder and several other crimes in connection with the fatal shooting of Emmanuel Opoku-Afari. Smith appealed, contending that the trial court erred when it removed one of…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1704
Justia Opinion Summary: Husband and wife were divorced in 2006. Pursuant to the divorce decree, the parties were given joint custody of their two minor children; wife was awarded primary physical custody. The decree gave husband “liberal…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1722
Justia Opinion Summary: This issue this case presented for the Supreme Court's review centered on whether amendments to Georgia's criminal history record information statute, OCGA 35-3-37, should to be applied to information regarding arrests…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1729
Justia Opinion Summary: Following a bench trial, appellant Ulysses Wiggins was found guilty of the malice murder and felony murder of Catherine Walker, the aggravated assaults of Valorice Caples and Carolyn Senior, and other related crimes. He…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15A1825
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellant Carl Adams was convicted of malice murder in connection with the shooting death of his roommate, Randall Johnson, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Adams appealed on grounds that the evidence was…
Date: January 19, 2016
Docket Number: S15G0946
Justia Opinion Summary: Appellee Blake Randle was a registered sex offender who sought release from having to register. In 1993, Randle pled guilty under "North Carolina v. Alford" to one count of child molestation stemming from an incident in…
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