Opinion ID: 1686610
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Wayne and Charlotte Weaver owned a residence in Attala County. On November 13, 1983, while they were on a trip to Kentucky, their house burned. The examination of the charred remains failed to show signs of numerous appliances and furniture which had been in the house prior to their departure to Kentucky. Their appliances and furniture were found in the possession of J.D. Mangrum, who had purchased them from Rigby, Sammy Tavares and Ricky Tavares, paying them $200.00. On February 28, 1984, Rigby and the Tavareses were indicted for grand larceny. The Tavareses were represented by one attorney and Rigby by another. On March 13, 1984, the Tavareses made a motion for a severance, and on March 16, Rigby likewise made a motion for a severance. The reason each sought a severance was their respective defenses were in conflict and adverse to the other. The Tavareses' defense was exculpatory of themselves at the expense of Rigby. His was precisely reverse. On September 10, 1984, the circuit judge by order denied the severance. Trial proceedings began the next day against all three defendants. Following presentation of the state's case-in-chief, all three defendants made motions for a directed verdict. The circuit judge sustained the motion of the Tavareses and overruled Rigby's motion. Rigby then testified in his own behalf, and in rebuttal the Tavareses testified as witnesses for the state.