State v. Watlington, 234 N.C. App. 601 (Jul. 1, 2014)

(No. COA13-925). Although the prosecutor’s statements during closing argument in a robbery case were improper, a new trial was not required. The prosecutor argued that if the defendant “had gotten hold” of a rifle loaded with 14 rounds, “one each for you jurors,” “this might have been an entirely different case.” The court held that “the remarks by the State were improper, and should have been precluded by the trial court.” However, under the appropriate standards of review, a new trial was not required.