Opinion ID: 1466528
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sentencing Phase and Post-Trial Motions

Text: During the sentencing phase of the trial, the State called to the stand the robbery victims. Each testified about how Vaca's actions had adversely affected their lives. In response, defense counsel called Vaca's father. He testified that he and Vaca's mother had only visited Vaca twice in prison. Dr. Geis was not called during this phase of the trial, nor was his report received into evidence. The jury returned with sentences of life plus 102 years, which the court ordered to run consecutively. Defense counsel filed a timely Rule 29.11 motion for a new trial. During the subsequent hearing, defense counsel asked the court to set aside the sentences based in part on the pre-sentence investigation report, which counsel argued, does make mention of a report by Dr. Geis which evidences historical suffering from psychological disorders. [2] The trial court did not modify the jury sentence. On appeal, the conviction and sentence were affirmed. State v. Vaca, 204 S.W.3d 754 (Mo.App. 2006)