Opinion ID: 1858107
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 30

Heading: Proof of Underlying Felonies/Assignment of Error 16

Text: Defendant complains of the trial court's failure to charge the jury at the penalty phase that, while he had conceded guilt for the crime of first degree murder, which necessarily includes the underlying felonies, the jury was still required to find at least one aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt at the penalty phase. Defendant did not object to the penalty phase instructions, nor did he request any special charges. This argument is similar to Assignments 15 and 18 discussed earlier in the Voir Dire section of this opinion. As discussed thoroughly, supra, the jury was properly charged as to the State's burden of proof in the penalty phase as well as the requirement it must find the existence of an aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt before it could even consider imposing the death penalty. Specifically, the panel was charged it must consider the existence of aggravating and mitigating factors before determining an appropriate punishment, and that before it considered whether to impose a sentence of death it had to first find at least one aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt. The court listed and defined the aggravating circumstances urged by the State. Jurors were charged that a failure to reach unanimity on an aggravating circumstance would result in defendant's being sentenced to life without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. If an aggravating circumstance was found beyond a reasonable doubt, jurors might consider imposing a sentence of death. That punishment was not automatic, however. Even if they found an aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt, jurors also must consider any mitigating circumstances before deciding on a penalty. The court read the statutory mitigating factors and charged panelists they might consider any other relevant circumstance in mitigation of punishment. If unanimity could not be reached on penalty, defendant would be sentenced to life without parole, probation or suspension of sentence. Regarding the alleged prejudicial role defendant's concession played in the jury's decision to recommend death after the penalty phase, we note defense counsel, after the State rested its case-in-chief in the guilt phase, stated, your honor, may it please the court, we have admitted our guilt. Defense rests. In the jury instructions during guilt phase, the trial court instructed the jury that statements and arguments made by the attorneys are not evidence. Thus, any failure of the trial judge to instruct the jury in the penalty phase that defendant's concession does not alleviate the State of its burden of having to prove the existence of an aggravating circumstance is obviated not only by instructions actually given the jury during the penalty phase relative to its duties but also by the fact the jury had earlier been told to disregard any comments made by the attorneys. This assignment lacks merit.