Appeals Court Tosses Alcorn County Assault Conviction

JACKSON, MS (WCBI) – An Alcorn County woman will get a new trial for the 2012 shooting of her then boyfriend.   Amy Towles was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated assault.

TOWLES

Towles shot William Clay Wells while the two argued at a residence.  During the trial, jurors were not allowed to consider self defense as a reason to acquit Towles. The Appeals Court says enough evidence exists that the shooting could have been in self defense.  During the trial prosecutors told jurors they had an obligation to convict Towles to show that the citizens of Alcorn County won’t accept violence in their community.  The Appeals Court calls that a “send a message” argument which is not allowed in closing arguments.  The case now returns to Alcorn County for a new trial.