Local News
Local News

Attorney Don Samuel joins Tex McIver’s defense team

Jan. 23, 2017 - Atlanta - Don Samuel argues before the Supreme Court in the abortion case. At far right, is Dep. Solicitor General Sarah Warren, who argued for the state. The Georgia Supreme court heard two cases this morning. In the first case the court heard arguments in the appeal of a Fulton court ruling involving the state's tax credit scholarship program. The $58 million, K-12 program expends public dollars that in some cases and in a circuitous fashion, fund religious schools. The second case was an abortion case in which the state asserts Georgia's laws are immune from constitutional challenge. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
Jan. 23, 2017 - Atlanta - Don Samuel argues before the Supreme Court in the abortion case. At far right, is Dep. Solicitor General Sarah Warren, who argued for the state. The Georgia Supreme court heard two cases this morning. In the first case the court heard arguments in the appeal of a Fulton court ruling involving the state's tax credit scholarship program. The $58 million, K-12 program expends public dollars that in some cases and in a circuitous fashion, fund religious schools. The second case was an abortion case in which the state asserts Georgia's laws are immune from constitutional challenge. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
By Bill Rankin
Nov 27, 2017

Claude “Tex” McIver’s defense team is getting a big boost this week with the addition of prominent Atlanta criminal defense attorney Don Samuel.

In an interview, Samuel said he will join lawyer Bruce Harvey in defending McIver, who is accused of deliberately killing his wife Diane by shooting her in the back as they drove along Piedmont Road the night of Sept. 25, 2016. McIver insists the shooting was accidental, and "the evidence will ultimately establish that he is innocent beyond any doubt," Samuel said.

McIver is the subject of "Breakdown," a podcast by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. You can listen to episodes at AJC.COM or go to the iTunes store (or your favorite podcast app) to binge listen to the entire series.

About the Author

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

Follow Bill Rankin on twitter
More Stories

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

1h ago

Public service or nuisance? Atlanta attorney’s videos cause stir

1h ago

New $2.5 million project aims to attack metro Atlanta’s smelly water problem

1h ago

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.