Marlin Dval Stevenson v. State of Arkansas — Hart, J., Dissenting

Summary

Justice Hart's dissent would reverse and remand for a new trial because Stevenson’s uncounseled confession was obtained after he invoked his right to counsel, the State improperly introduced evidence of two prior knife-related crimes, and the State presented a prejudicial plaster cast simulating the murder weapon. The dissent reasoned that the confession was not knowingly and intelligently waived and that the prior acts lacked the required independent relevance and similarity under Rule 404(b). Justice Baker, dissenting separately, likewise would reverse and remand because the prior crimes were not relevant to proving Stevenson’s intent to kill.