Source: http://lawskills.com/case/ga/id/538/index.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 06:13:39+00:00

Document:
Murder. Gilmer Superior Court. Before Judge Weaver.
The appellant, Stuart Bergeson, appeals from his convictions for malice murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a concealed weapon, and carrying a deadly weapon to a public gathering. 1 On appeal, Bergeson contends that the trial court erred in ruling against his claim that he received ineffective assistance of counsel; that the trial court erred in failing to sequester the jury during trial; and that the trial court erred in admitting into evidence a pre-trial statement that Bergeson made to the police. We conclude, however, that the trial court did not err in any of these matters, and that the evidence is sufficient to support Bergeson's convictions. Accordingly, we affirm.
1 The crimes occurred on December 20, 1997. Bergeson was indicted on April 15, 1998, and was found guilty by a jury on October 1, 1998. On October 14, 1998, the trial court sentenced Bergeson to life in prison for malice murder; to five years in prison for the possession of a firearm offense, to be served consecutively to the life sentence; and to twelve months in prison for carrying a concealed weapon and for carrying a deadly weapon to a public gathering, with both twelve-month sentences to be served concurrently to the life sentence. On October 1, 1998, the trial court appointed Bergeson new counsel for appeal, and that same day, Bergeson filed a motion for new trial. On February 19, 1999, the court reporter certified the trial transcript, and on July 15, 1999, the trial court denied Bergeson's motion for new trial. On August 13, 1999, Bergeson filed a notice of appeal, and on September 22, 1999, the appeal was docketed in this Court. On November 15, 1999, the appeal was submitted for decision on briefs.
2 Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U. S. 307 (99 SC 2781, 61 LE2d 560) (1979).
3 See Ford v. State, 255 Ga. 81, 88 (335 SE2d 567) (1985); Williams v. State, 258 Ga. 281, 289-290 (368 SE2d 742) (1988).
4 See Mason v. State, 239 Ga. 538, 540 (239 SE2d 79) (1977).
5 Peppers v. State, 261 Ga. 338, 340-341 (404 SE2d 788) (1991).
6 See OCGA 15-12-142 (a); Peppers, 261 Ga. at 340-341; Colantuno v. State, 262 Ga. 830, 831 (426 SE2d 563) (1993).
7 See Peppers, 261 Ga. at 340-341.
8 Bishop v. State, 268 Ga. 286, 287 (486 SE2d 887) (1997); Philmore v. State, 263 Ga. 67, 68 (428 SE2d 329) (1993).
Roger G. Queen, District Attorney, William B. Britt, Assistant District Attorney, Thurbert E. Baker, Attorney General, Paula K. Smith, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Daniel G. Ashburn, Assistant Attorney General, for appellee.
David M. Rosenberg, David E. Ralston, for appellant.

References: v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v. 
 v.