State v. Gilmore, 50990

Decision Date14 April 1987
Docket NumberNo. 50990,50990
Citation727 S.W.2d 469
PartiesSTATE of Missouri, Plaintiff-Respondent, v. Roosevelt GILMORE, Defendant-Appellant.
CourtMissouri Court of Appeals

Lawrence J. Lee, Stephen H. Gilmore, St. Louis, for defendant-appellant.

William L. Webster, Atty. Gen., Kurt A. Hentz, Asst. Atty. Gen., Jefferson City, for plaintiff-respondent.

PER CURIAM:

Defendant was tried upon a charge of statutory rape in May of 1975. On the morning of the third day of trial, defendant, who was free on bond, did not return to the courtroom after a recess. The trial proceeded in his absence, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Defendant was not apprehended until some ten and one-half years later. On December 12, 1985, defendant was sentenced as a persistent offender to imprisonment for a period of twenty-five years. He now appeals, claiming various trial errors. The state has filed a motion to dismiss the appeal because of defendant's escape.

It has long been the rule in the State of Missouri that a criminal defendant who escapes during his trial or post trial proceedings forfeits his right of appeal. State v. Peck, 652 S.W.2d 244, 245 (Mo.App.1983); State v. Lafata, 614 S.W.2d 27, 29 (Mo.App.1981). See also White v. State, 558 S.W.2d 372, 375 (Mo.App.1977). Accordingly, we hold that the state's motion should be sustained.

Appeal dismissed.

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4 cases
  • State v. Kearns, 15306
    • United States
    • Court of Appeal of Missouri (US)
    • 11 Diciembre 1987
    ...on the basis of the "escape rule," contending defendant has "forfeited" his ordinary right to appeal. The motion cited State v. Gilmore, 727 S.W.2d 469 (Mo.App.1987). Initially, we determined that the motion should be taken with the case for determination after briefing and submission. Cert......
  • Stradford v. State
    • United States
    • Court of Appeal of Missouri (US)
    • 27 Marzo 1990
    ...following a conviction, has attempted to escape justice." State v. Wright, 763 S.W.2d 167, 168 (Mo.App.1988). See also State v. Gilmore, 727 S.W.2d 469 (Mo.App.1987). "[E]scape ... disentitles the defendant to call upon the resources of the Court for determination of his claims." Molinaro v......
  • State v. Dicus
    • United States
    • Court of Appeal of Missouri (US)
    • 14 Abril 1987
  • Brown v. State
    • United States
    • Court of Appeal of Missouri (US)
    • 18 Agosto 2000
    ...following a conviction, has attempted to escape justice.' State v. Wright, 763 S.W.2d 167, 168 (Mo.App. 1988). See also State v. Gilmore, 727 S.W.2d 469 (Mo.App. 1987). '[E]scape . . . disentitles the defendant to call upon the resources of the Court for determination of his claims.' Molina......

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