Debelbot v. Georgia

Albert and Ashley Debelbot were convicted of malice murder for the death of their infant daughter, McKenzy. The Debelbots each argued the evidence was insufficient to sustain their convictions, that their respective trial attorneys rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance, and that their convictions cannot stand for other reasons. The Georgia Supreme Court concluded that the evidence was sufficient to support the convictions of both Albert and Ashley. But while the Court was “deeply troubled” by at least two of the claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, the nature of the trial court record prevented meaningful review of all of those claims. Therefore, the Court vacated and remanded for further proceedings. View "Debelbot v. Georgia" on Justia Law