Clerical error leaves Stoddard County man both guilty, not guilty of murder
(Local News ~ 03/27/24)
KENNETT — A jury simultaneously found a Stoddard County man both guilty and not guilty of murder due to a clerical error during a 2023 trial, according to a judgment entered Wednesday with Dunklin County courts.
The error was not immediately discovered by the prosecution or defense until nearly a year later, and Melvin D. Anderson will now receive a new trial.
In the judgment, Judge Mark Preyer noted that the matter has “traveled a difficult, unexpected, and tragically unique road.” The Stoddard County case was adjudicated in a Dunklin County court on a change of venue.