First-Degree Murder

Jun 2, 2026

Are rap lyrics criminal evidence in Kansas or just artistic expression?

The Kansas Supreme Court considers whether rap lyrics by Deon Eugene Austin can be used as evidence in his first-degree murder conviction.

May 28, 2026

Missouri convicted killer wants U.S. Supreme Court to review case

Craig Michael Wood, convicted in Missouri for the 2014 murder of Hailey Owens, seeks a writ of certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court to review his death sentence.

Jan 13, 2026

Missouri Supreme Court denies 2nd appeal in Craig Michael Wood case

The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously denied Craig Michael Wood's second post-conviction appeal in the 2014 murder case of Hailey Owens.

Apr 20, 2020

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Deliberation-Slang Terms

Where a defendant challenged her convictions for charges including first-degree murder, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing officers to testify about the meaning of slang terms […]

Mar 27, 2020

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Motive Evidence-Inadmissible Testimony

Where a defendant in a first-degree murder case challenged the exclusion of evidence that others had motives to kill the victim, the defendant did not present any evidence that would […]

Feb 4, 2020

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Confrontation Clause

Defendant appealed from his conviction of first-degree murder and armed criminal action following defendant’s stabbing of his live-in girlfriend after the victim accused defendant of cheating on her. Where testimony […]

Dec 30, 2019

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Death Sentence-Jury Instructions

Where a defendant convicted of first-degree murder after a joint trial with a co-defendant challenged his death sentence, including the aggravating and mitigating factors considered by the jury and the […]

Oct 14, 2019

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Sufficiency of Evidence

Defendant was convicted of first-degree murder for a killing that had occurred more than 30 years ago. On appeal, defendant argued that there was insufficient evidence for the jury to […]

Oct 7, 2019

Criminal Law: First-Degree Murder-Alternative Suspect-Video Surveillance

Where defendant, who was convicted of first-degree murder, argued that the trial court erred in refusing to admit evidence of an alternative suspect, the court did not err because the […]

Jun 17, 2019

Criminal Law: Closing Argument-First-Degree Murder-Hearsay

Where a defendant in a first-degree murder claimed that the trial court erred in allowing the state to argue facts in closing argument that were not admitted at trial, […]

May 21, 2018