Opinion ID: 1169294
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: STATUTORY AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOUND UNDER SECTION 19-2515(f), IDAHO CODE

Text: The Court finds the following aggravating circumstances existed beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) The murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity (No. 5). (2) By the murder, or circumstances surrounding its commission, the defendant exhibited utter disregard for human life (No. 6). (3) The murder was one defined as murder of the first degree by Section 18-4003, Idaho Code, and was accompanied with the specific intent to cause the death of a human being (No. 7). The Legislature, on behalf of the people of the State of Idaho, has determined that a murder committed in the commission of certain enumerated crimes is so offensive to society that it will necessarily be murder of the first degree if there was the specific intent to cause the death of a human being. Premeditation and deliberation are implied by law in a murder committed under such circumstances, so defense counsel's argument that this jury did not find the elements of premeditation and deliberation on the part of this defendant since they did not sign the verdict form providing for the same is without merit. The jury may well have determined that a conviction for murder in the perpetration of a burglary was the more appropriate verdict since it was undisputed that this defendant did not actually inflict the fatal knife wounds. The Court's instructions did require, however, a finding of malice aforethought and the necessary criminal intent.