Merritt v. State

Summary

The court affirmed Merritt's convictions for malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. It held that counsel's alleged deficiencies either were not deficient performance or did not prejudice the defense, any error in permitting leading questions was harmless, and the trial court did not plainly err by refusing instructions on retreat or voluntary manslaughter. The court also independently determined that the evidence was legally sufficient.