State Missouri v. James E. Schnick

Defendant James E. Schnick was charged with seven counts of first degree murder. § 565.020. Four of the counts were dismissed by the state prior to trial "without prejudice" to refiling. A jury trial was conducted on the three remaining counts. Defendant was found guilty of the murders of Julie Schnick, Kirk Buckner, and Michael Buckner. Pursuant to the jurys findings and assessment of punishment, the trial Judge sentenced defendant to death on each of the three counts. § 565.020.2. Defendant appeals those convictions. Defendant also filed a motion for post-conviction relief pursuant to Rule 29.15. Following a hearing, post-conviction relief was denied. Defendants appeal from the denial of post-conviction relief was consolidated with the direct appeal. Rule 29.15(l). Because the punishment imposed is death, this Court has jurisdiction. Mo. Const. art. V, § 3. Reversed and remanded for new trial.