William Darelle Smith went on trial in 2010 for first-degree murder . A doctor who did the victim 's autopsy testified , then was contacted by a juror . The trial judge did n't order a hearing into that interaction ; high court says he erred . Comment:
William Darelle Smith went on trial in 2010 for first-degree murder . A doctor who did the victim 's autopsy testified , then was contacted by a juror . The trial judge did n't order a hearing into that interaction ; high court says he erred . State Supreme Court orders such a hearing , which could lead to a new trial .