Opinion ID: 2343191
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: failure to charge aggravating circumstance in indictment (# 18)

Text: We find no merit in Appellant's contention that the Commonwealth was precluded from seeking the death penalty because the Bullitt County Grand Jury's indictment did not identify the aggravating circumstance. Although a defendant cannot be made to face the sentencing phase of a capital trial unless he or she is first given sufficient notice of the Commonwealth's intention to seek the death penalty[,] Commonwealth v. Maricle, Ky., 15 S.W.3d 376, 379 (2000), [t]here is no authority supporting [Appellant's] claim that an aggravating circumstance must be described in the indictment. Wheeler, 121 S.W.3d at 185. See also Garland, Ky., 127 S.W.3d at 546; Furnish, 95 S.W.3d at 41. The Commonwealth complied with KRS 532.025(1)(a) by providing Appellant with written notice prior to trial  in fact, approximately two and a half (2 1/2) years prior to trial  of the evidence in aggravation that it intended to introduce. At no time prior to this appeal did defense counsel complain of insufficient notice and Appellant may not claim such at this time. Id. In Part III(F)(4), infra, we address Appellant's arguments as to the sufficiency of the evidence in aggravation identified in the Commonwealth's notice.