Opinion ID: 2518358
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Did the Jury Make Unanimous Findings of Guilt on the First-Degree Murder Charge and the Aggravated Kidnapping Charge?

Text: Kesselring's first argument on appeal is that the jury did not make a unanimous finding of guilt on the first-degree murder charge or the aggravated kidnapping charge. This court exercises de novo review over issues of jury unanimity. State v. Hoge, 276 Kan. 801, 813, 80 P.3d 52 (2003). To determine whether the jury verdict was unanimous when the defendant is charged with both felony murder and premeditated murder as underlying theories for first-degree murder, the proper test to apply is the alternative means test . . .: `In an alternative means case, where a single offense may be committed in more than one way, there must be jury unanimity as to guilt for the single crime charged. Unanimity is not required, however, as to the means by which the crime was committed so long as substantial evidence supports each alternative means. [Citations omitted.] In reviewing an alternative means case, the court must determine whether a rational trier of fact could have found each means of committing the crime proved beyond a reasonable doubt. [Citations omitted.]' Hoge, 276 Kan. 801, Syl. ¶ ¶ 8-9.