Court Opinion

ID: 9714862
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 05:47:14.790985+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:29.057555
License: Public Domain

GIVAN, Justice,
concurring and dissenting.
I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion's conclusion that this case should be remanded for resentencing. This is a companion case to the case of Jackson, Jr. v. State of Indiana, Cause No. 24800-8811-CR-906.
The same situation concerning the death penalty prevailed in that case. The facts show that Jackson and Kennedy acted in concert from the inception of the kidnapping of the victim, the use of her automobile in the perpetration of a robbery, and her murder. Although the majority cites Martinez Chavez v. State (1989), Ind., 534 N.E.2d 731, reh'g denied, 539 N.E.2d 4, I do not see a parallel between the cases.
In this case, there is ample evidence to support a finding that Kennedy and Jackson planned to kidnap and to murder the victim. The facts in this case justify the imposition of the death penalty as set forth in Ind.Code § 35-50-2-9. I find nothing in this record to indicate the trial judge did not follow the proper procedure in sentencing appellant.
I concur with the majority opinion in the disposition of the other issues.
I would affirm the trial court.