Opinion ID: 2292054
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Jury Verdict on First-Degree Assault was Unanimous

Text: Appellant next argues that the evidence presented by the Commonwealth on the first-degree assault charge might induce some jurors to believe that Sorrells's injuries were inflicted intentionally, while other jurors might believe they were inflicted wantonly, and therefore the possibility of a non-unanimous verdict has arisen. Appellant argues that there is no way we could know what mens rea the jury believed he acted with because there was no instruction on first-degree assault committed intentionally. This argument has no merit. The instruction on first-degree assault did not present any alternative theories of criminal responsibility to create a risk of non-unanimity. The jury is presumed to follow any instruction given to them. Johnson v. Commonwealth, 105 S.W.3d 430, 436 (Ky.2003). We must presume that any juror not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant was guilty under the instruction would have so voted. The single theory of liability contained in the assault instruction allowed for no unanimity concern. We perceive no error in the instruction.