Judge Denies New Trial for Man Convicted in 1988 Franklin Murder

James 'Pennyhead' Taylor was denied a new trial in the 38-year-old murder case of 89-year-old Francis Schmidt.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A judge has ruled that a new trial will not be granted for James 'Pennyhead' Taylor, who was convicted of first-degree murder for the 1988 death of 89-year-old Francis Schmidt in Franklin, Tennessee. Taylor was sentenced to life in prison, served over 30 years, and was later released on early parole. In 2017, Taylor filed a petition for a new trial due to newly discovered evidence, but the judge found that the evidence had either been previously litigated or could have been, and that it did not clearly demonstrate Taylor's innocence. The judge also ruled that Taylor's petition was untimely filed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of overturning long-standing murder convictions, even in the face of new evidence. It raises questions about the fairness of the original trial, the handling of the case over the decades, and the high bar for granting a new trial for someone who has already served over 30 years in prison.

The details

In 1988, James 'Pennyhead' Taylor was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of 89-year-old Francis Schmidt in Franklin, Tennessee. He was sentenced to life in prison and served over 30 years before being released on early parole. In 2017, Taylor filed a petition for a writ of error coram nobis, alleging he should be granted a new trial due to newly discovered evidence. However, after a full hearing, the judge ruled that the evidence Taylor and his attorneys claimed was new had either been previously litigated or could have been, and that it did not clearly demonstrate Taylor's innocence. The judge also found that Taylor's petition was untimely filed.

  • In 1988, Taylor was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Francis Schmidt.
  • Taylor served over 30 years in prison before being released on early parole.
  • In 2017, Taylor filed a petition for a new trial due to newly discovered evidence.
  • On January 20, 2026, the judge ruled that Taylor would not be granted a new trial.

The players

James 'Pennyhead' Taylor

A man convicted of first-degree murder for the 1988 death of Francis Schmidt in Franklin, Tennessee. He was sentenced to life in prison, served over 30 years, and was later released on early parole.

Francis Schmidt

An 89-year-old woman who was murdered in Franklin, Tennessee in 1988.

Judge David Veile

The judge who ruled that James 'Pennyhead' Taylor will not be granted a new trial in the 38-year-old murder case.

Stacey Edmonson

The Williamson County District Attorney who provided information about the judge's ruling.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of overturning long-standing murder convictions, even in the face of new evidence. It raises questions about the fairness of the original trial, the handling of the case over the decades, and the high bar for granting a new trial for someone who has already served over 30 years in prison.