Judge denies new trial for man convicted in 1987 Franklin murder

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A Williamson County judge has denied a new trial for James 'Pennyhead' Taylor, who was convicted in the 1988 killing of 89-year-old Franklin resident Francis Schmidt. After reviewing Taylor's claim of newly discovered evidence, the court ruled the material was either previously litigated or could have been raised earlier and did not clearly demonstrate his innocence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of overturning long-standing convictions, even in the face of new evidence, and the ongoing debates around criminal justice reform and the role of the courts in re-examining past cases.

The details

The judge in the case reviewed Taylor's request for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, but ultimately ruled that the material was either previously litigated or could have been raised earlier in the appeals process. The court determined that the new evidence did not clearly demonstrate Taylor's innocence in the 1988 murder of Francis Schmidt.

• In 1988, James 'Pennyhead' Taylor was convicted of killing 89-year-old Francis Schmidt in Franklin.
• This week, a Williamson County judge denied Taylor's request for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.