Latavious D. Johnson, Appellant v. State of Arkansas, Appellee

Summary

The court affirmed Johnson's capital-murder conviction and death sentence. It held that the evidence did not provide a rational basis for an extreme-emotional-disturbance manslaughter instruction because the alleged provocation was not a physical fight, threat, or brandished weapon, and Johnson retrieved the weapon before the officers attempted to confiscate his shoes. The court also held that Johnson failed to show the requested prison-wide records were relevant and material to his defense, so the circuit court acted within its discretion in denying disclosure. The court found no reversible error in its mandatory review of the record.