STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. WILLIAM JOCOBY SINGLETARY (2023)

I. Background

Defendant was charged with the first-degree murder of nineteen-year-old Monalisa McMillian. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of second-degree murder. The trial court entered judgment imposing an aggravated prison sentence of 375 to 462 months. Defendant appealed.

II. Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction lies in this Court pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-27(b)(1) (2021).

III. Issues

Defendant argues the trial court erred by finding no violation of State v. Harbison, 315 N.C. 175, 337 S.E.2d 504 (1985), based on his trial counsel's admission of his guilt of voluntary manslaughter.

IV. Analysis

The record is undisputed and shows the trial court conducted two Harbison inquiries. Id. The transcript of the Harbison inquiry and Defendant's own testimony demonstrates he knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily agreed and admitted his trial counsel could admit his guilt to manslaughter and to argue to the jury for that lesser-included offense of manslaughter to the murder as charged. The jury was instructed on voluntary manslaughter. Defendant's argument is overruled.

V. Conclusion

We find no error in the jury's verdicts or in the judgment entered thereon. It is so ordered.

NO ERROR.

Report per Rule 30(e).

PER CURIAM.