Ex Parte Wm. Cuaron

Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Ex Parte Wm. Cuaron, 274 S.W. 610 (Tex. Crim. App. 1925)
101 Tex. Crim. 175; 1925 Tex. Crim. App. LEXIS 720
Baker

Ex Parte Wm. Cuaron

Opinion of the Court

BAKER, Judge.

The relator is charged by - indictment in the district court of El Paso County with murdering one Dorothy Hill, and this, is an appeal from said district court denying the relator bail on habeas corpus proceedings.

We understand the rule to be in habeas corpus cases of this kind that in order to authorize the denial of bail the burden of proof is upon the State to produce “proof evident” of a capital offense committed by the accused and this is not done in the absence of proof of express malice. That the evidence required should bS clear and strong leading a well guarded and dispassionate judgment to the conclusion that the offense had been committed by the accused and that he would probably be punished capitally if the law is ministered, before bail should be denied him. In support of these propositions, *176 we cite: Cordono v. State, 56 Texas Crim. Rep. 447; Ex Parte Francis, 91 Texas Crim. Rep. 398; Ex Parte Jeff Hicks, 95 Texas Crim. Rep. 450; Ex Parte Sparks, 81 Texas Crim. Rep. 618; Ex Parte Line, 235 S. W. 587; Ex Parte Harris, 234 S. W. 398.

After a careful examination of the statement of facts in this case, we are forced to the conclusion that the evidence relied ón by the State does not meet the requirement of the above authorities which would authorize the court tó deny bail in this case. The defendant introduced no testimony in the trial court and the case is before us upon the testimony produced by the State alone. In the Cordono case, supra, the - appellant was given a death penalty and on motion for rehearing the case was reversed because the trial court failed to properly charge the jury on murder in the second degree. In that case the facts were very similar to the instant ease and we have been unable to find any authority overruling or criticising said decision by this court. This court as a rule will not discuss the facts in habeas corpus cases.

For the reasons herein stated and the authorities cited in support thereof, we are of the opinion that the trial court erred in denying the relator bail and the judgment of the trial court is therefore, reversed and bail is granted relator in the sum of $10000.00.

Reversed and bail granted.

The foregoing opinion of the Commission of Appeals has been examined by the Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals and approved by the Court.

Reference

Full Case Name
Ex Parte Wm. Cuaron.
Cited By
4 cases
Status
Published