Court Opinion

ID: 9724215
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 10:48:39.464496+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:57.605309
License: Public Domain

DeBRULER, Justice,
concurring and dissenting.
The convictions are properly affirmed; however the maximum sentence of sixty (60) years for this homicide is manifestly unreasonable and disproportionate. Ind. Appellate Rule 17(B)(1). Appellant’s age, childhood mistreatment, and alcohol addiction are mitigating elements. I find an abuse of discretion in failing to consider and apply these elements. See Hicks v. State (1985), Ind., 474 N.E.2d 987. Appellant intentionally killed while engaged in combat and while passions were aroused. He undoubtedly had a violent propensity, and was on probation for drunkeness. The maximum sentence of sixty (60) years should be reserved for the most depraved and deliberate homicidal conduct. Appellant’s crime does not fall in that category. I would remand for imposition of the basic sentence.