Court Opinion

ID: 9577956
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:39:57.3974+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:21:43.009095
License: Public Domain

Higgins, J.,
dissenting: The evidence in this case, if true, and the jury found it was, disclosed cruelty almost beyond belief. But I do not think it shows intent to kill. If two grown people had such intent, all either had to do was to grasp the little girl by her throat and maintain the hold for a few seconds, and all would be over. To say the cruel and barbarous treatment was inflicted for the purpose of taking life, taxes credulity. That such conduct on the part of the defendants deserves severe punishment, I concede. But to sustain the verdict and judgment would require stretching the law. The evidence is plenary to show assault, but not intent to kill. I think the trial judge committed error in submitting the felony charge to the jury. On that ground, I vote for a new trial.