The State and Mr. Sigler both appeal a ruling by the Fourth District Court of Appeal,
which reversed Mr. Sigler's conviction of 3rd degree felony murder and sent the case
back to the trial court for a new trial. The original charge against Mr. Sigler was based on
the death of Dennis Palmer, who was fatally injured in a car crash a day after Mr. Sigler
escaped from prison. Mr. Sigler was a passenger in the car that crashed into Mr. Palmer's
car during a high-speed chase by law enforcement. Mr. Sigler was convicted him of 2nd
degree felony murder. On appeal, the 4th DCA overturned that conviction, agreeing with
Mr. Sigler that it was not supported by the evidence. The 4th DCA directed the trial court
to convict Mr. Sigler of 3rd degree felony murder. After the trial court did so, Mr. Sigler
appealed again to the 4th DCA, arguing this time his constitutional right to trial by jury
was violated. The 4th DCA agreed. In its appeal to this Court, the state argues that the
conviction did not violate Mr. Sigler's constitutional right to trial by jury.