Justin Jamaille Thornton, Appellant v. State of Arkansas, Appellee

Summary

The court held that the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond substantial evidence that Thornton acted with premeditated and deliberated purpose, although it established that Turner was shot and killed inside Thornton's house. The circuit court improperly relied on speculation and effectively shifted the burden of proof by reasoning that Thornton had not shown another explanation for the shooting. The court therefore reversed and dismissed the capital-murder conviction without expressing an opinion on whether the evidence supported a lesser offense. Justice Goodson, dissenting and joined by Justice Baker, would have affirmed because the evidence, viewed favorably to the State, supported the required mens rea.