New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York v. Richard A. Payne, John L. Davis and Charles J. Streiff

July 10, 197435 N.Y.2d 22

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed Charles Streiff's felony‑murder conviction and granted him a new trial because the denial of his motion for a separate trial was an abuse of discretion that prejudiced his right to a fair trial; the court affirmed the convictions of John L. Davis and Richard A. Payne. Justice Stevens dissented, arguing that the joint trial was proper and that Streiff's conviction should stand.