Taylor v. State
Georgia Supreme Court
282 Ga. 44, 644 S.E.2d 850 (2007)
- Written by Samantha Arena, JD
Facts
In February 2004, an accelerating vehicle struck Lamar Railey while he was purchasing gas. The vehicle that hit Railey continued driving and was eventually pulled over. The driver of the vehicle, Zachary Taylor (defendant), was arrested. Upon searching Taylor’s car, the responding officers found an envelope bearing Railey’s name. The envelope contained documents related to an extended legal dispute between Taylor and Railey. Railey was admitted to the hospital with extensive injuries. Days after being discharged, Railey suddenly died from pulmonary thromboemboli, which were caused by the injuries Railey sustained when hit by Taylor’s vehicle. The State of Georgia (plaintiff) charged Taylor with malice murder. At trial, the state introduced evidence to establish that Taylor intended to kill Railey. The evidence included the pleadings Taylor filed in a civil action against Railey and an affidavit Taylor drafted in support of an arrest warrant for Railey. A jury convicted Taylor of malice murder, and Taylor appealed, contending that the evidence was insufficient to prove that he formed the requisite intent to kill Railey, as required for a conviction of malice murder.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Thompson, J.)
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