Opinion ID: 854116
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sufficiency of the Sentencing Statement

Text: Montgomery first claims the sentencing statement is insufficient to support an enhanced sentence because it is a mechanical recitation of statutory aggravating factors. When sentencing Montgomery, the trial court stated that it had considered the following: the aggravating factors that Mr. Montgomery has a history of criminal activity, specifically the older robbery that [defense counsel] referenced which did involve peripheral violence . . . and the jury finding relative to the factors as alleged that the decedent, Victor Jackson, was shot four time apparently from a superior position while he was sitting down. Although a mere recitation of statutory factors is insufficient to support an enhanced sentence, see Erby v. State, 511 N.E.2d 302, 303-04 (Ind.1987), the trial court in this case identified a particular prior serious crime and the specific manner in which Montgomery murdered his victim as aggravating circumstances. We therefore conclude that the sentencing statement was sufficiently specific.