Opinion ID: 1058104
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Use of a Firearm Convictions

Text: The admission of the affidavit was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt in relation to Crawford's two firearms convictions. Code § 18.2-53.1 provides that, [i]t shall be unlawful for any person to use . . . any pistol, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm or display such weapon . . . while committing or attempting to commit murder . . . or abduction. Just as with the grand larceny charge, the affidavit simply makes no allegation, whatsoever, having anything to do with a firearm or Crawford's use or possession of any firearm. The evidence did show, independent of the affidavit, however, that Crawford purchased a gun just prior to the killing. Crawford admitted that he had a gun on the day of Sarah's disappearance and death. Crawford even admitted to shooting Sarah, although he claimed it was accidental. Accordingly, we hold that admission of the affidavit was harmless error beyond a reasonable doubt in relation to Crawford's use of a firearm convictions.