A Dallas man who was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for capital murder is getting a new trial and hip-hop music is at the center of the court's decision.
Police say Larry Hart was the driver of a car of burglars that ended up killing a Red Bird area man in a botched robbery.
He was tried for capital murder, but during the trial, prosecutors played a video of Hart lip-syncing to rap music. The Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday ruled that just because Hart liked gangster music did not prove he was a gangster.
In fact, defense attorney Tom Cox said the first note the jury sent out asked whether their names would be released.
"Obviously, they were in fear for their own personal safety at the conclusion of this trial," he said. "For a guy who the worst thing that he ever did was just rap about things."
The high court overturned the conviction and ordered a new trial.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube