Towles v. United States

How later courts describe this case

• Supreme Court declined to find plain error in capital case partially on basis that "trial court's instruction follow[ed] the pattern jury instruction 'recommended' by [the Supreme] Court"
• "While Harrell's alleged remorse and apparent cooperation possibly could have been considered as non-statutory mitigating circumstances, pursuant to Code 1975, ง 13A-5-52, whether to consider them as such was within the discretion of the trial judge."
• police confiscated evidence found in trash can located in defendant's front yard
• intent is a question for the jury.
• which states, in pertinent part, "In the trial of a person for committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence, the fact that he was armed with a pistol and had no license to carry the same shall be prima facie evidence of his intention to commit said crime of violence"