Jackson Jambalaya

Anthony Fox might be going home while he appeals his Hinds County conviction for culpable manslaughter in the death of George Robinson. Circuit Judge Adrienne Wooten sentenced him to serve 20 years in prison but suspended 15 years of the sentence on August 17. Judge Wooten denied his request to remain free on bond while appealing his conviction.

Fox filed a notice of appeal with the Mississippi Court of Appeals on September 26 as well as a motion for judgment not withstanding the verdict in Hinds County Circuit Court on August 26.  However, Judge Wooten informed Fox's lawyers a hearing could not be held until December 20.  Fox argues the motion is supposed to be heard within 30 days.  The petition for bail states: 

Due to the trial court’s inability to hear Motion for JNOV, or In the Alternative a New Trial, before the end of thirty (30) days as required by Rule 25.3, the Motion for Judgement Notwithstanding Judgement or, in the Alternative a New Trial, is denied by operation of law. The long delay before the Circuit Court can hear Mr. Fox’s Motion Requesting Release of Mr. Anthony Fox After Conviction should allow this Court to exercise its concurrent authority and grant bail pending appeal. In the alternative, should the Court be unwilling to exercise its concurrent authority, Mr. Fox requests that the Court direct the trial court to set a bail hearing within five (5) days from m the date of any Order this Court may grant.

Attorneys Carlos Tanner and Merrida Coxwell represent Fox on appeal. 

The Attorney General represents the prosecution in the appeal. Assistant Attorney General Ashley Sulser stated in her response: 

The State of Mississippi does not oppose the relief requested in Appellant’s Petition for Release Pending Appeal from Judgment of Conviction. 

The Court of Appeals has not ruled on the motion nor scheduled a hearing on the matter.