On August 11, 1967 in Savanna Georgia William Henry Furman was burglarizing a private home when a family member discovered him. He attempted to flee, and in doing so tripped and fell. The gun that he was carrying went off and killing William Micke. When questioned by police, Furman claimed that the firearm was discharged on accident. Upon review of the case, the state of Georgia law explained that due to the fact that the murder took place in the midst of a robbery, Furman was eligible to be executed if the court found him guilty of the murder. Furman did not agree with ruing and appealed