Instead , Smiley determined the evidence was overwhelming that Atkins had participated in a felony murder and commuted Atkins 's sentence to life in prison .
At this juncture , Smiley could have vacated Atkins 's conviction and ordered a new trial .
Smiley determined the evidence was overwhelming that Atkins had participated in a felony murder and commuted Atkins 's sentence to life in prison .
At this juncture , Smiley could have vacated Atkins 's conviction and ordered a new trial .