Opinion ID: 2074018
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Two Convictions Merge

Text: Although Martinez Chavez does not raise the issue, it is apparent that one of the convictions must be vacated. In Count I, the State charged Martinez Chavez with murder. In Count II, it charged him with felony murder. Because only one murder occurred, Martinez Chavez cannot be sentenced on both convictions. Sandlin v. State (1984), Ind., 461 N.E.2d 1116. The conviction for murder merges with the conviction for felony murder. The trial court is directed to vacate the former. The death sentence is vacated and the cause remanded to the trial court for sentencing to a term of years on the felony murder conviction. DeBRULER, GIVAN and DICKSON, JJ., concur.