The People of the State of New York v. Richard M. La Belle

Summary

The Court of Appeals reversed Richard La Belle's conviction, holding that the trial court abused its discretion by refusing to sever the joint trial with his brother and that the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction for premeditated murder; a new trial is ordered on the felony‑murder count only. Justice Bergan dissented, arguing the joint trial was not prejudicial and that the felony‑murder conviction should be affirmed.