State of Tennessee v. Emmanuel S. Trotter

The appellant, Emmanuel S. Trotter, also known as "Batman," was indicted on charges of felony murder, first degree premeditated murder, especially aggravated burglary, and especially aggravated robbery. The appellant primarily represented himself at trial and was ultimately convicted by a jury of criminally negligent homicide, especially aggravated burglary, criminal attempt to commit especially aggravated robbery, and second degree murder. The trial court merged the criminally negligent homicide conviction with the second degree murder conviction and sentenced the appellant to an effective sentence of fifty-five years. The issues presented on appeal are whether: (1) the appellant made a knowing and intelligent waiver of his right to counsel; (2) the evidence sufficiently corroborated the accomplice testimony of Helen Trotter; (3) the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict; and (4) the State knowingly proffered false testimony. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.