Branson murder case heard by Missouri Supreme Court

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BRANSON MO NEWS: By Jason Taylor Published 12/14 2016 09:20AM Updated 12/14 2016 09:22AM Copyright 2016 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Stewart Hopkins was sentenced to life in prison without parole and a concurrent term of 25 years in 2012.  At issue in the high court is whether public defenders responded within time limits to argue that Hopkins trial lawyer was ineffective. Representing the state, attorney Christine Lesicko said the public defender’s office failed to fulfill its obligation after receiving the case.  “Whenever the public defender gets the case they are appointed, and then the time limits start.” Arguing for Hopkins, attorney Amy Bartholow claimed the public defender operated appropriately.  “I would ask this court to deem it timely filed and reach the merits of the case.” The public defender claims the trial lawyer failed to object to the admission of phone calls Hopkins made in jail where he mentioned his prior criminal history.  The defender contends those calls prejudiced the jury against Hopkins. The Southern District Appeals Court in Springfield ruled the public defenders did not respond within time limits and ordered the case sent to the Supreme Court. Following his conviction, Hopkins …



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