Opinion ID: 1859694
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Aggravating Circumstances Inconsistent with a Charge of Premeditated Murder

Text: For his third point for reversal, Jones argues that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the submission of the aggravating circumstances that the capital murder was committed (1) for pecuniary gain and (2) for the purpose of avoiding arrest. He argues that counsel should have objected on the ground that those aggravating circumstances were inconsistent with the charge that he committed the murder with premeditation and deliberation. In his appeal brief, Jones concedes that he has found no authority to support his argument on this point. This alone is sufficient basis to affirm the judgment. See McGehee, 338 Ark. 152, 992 S.W.2d 110. Nevertheless, he contends that the submission of these aggravating circumstances amounted to a denial of due process. There is no merit to this contention. We agree with the State that the prosecution's theory of premeditation and deliberation during the guilt phase did not lead to a due-process violation when these aggravating circumstances were sought during the sentencing phase. The record reflects that the defense was made aware of all the aggravating circumstances that the State sought to prove during sentencing. Accordingly, Jones cannot now claim that he was misled by the State's theory of premeditation and deliberation. We thus affirm the trial court's denial of Rule 37 relief on this point.