State v. Searcy, 798 P.2d 914 (Idaho 1990)

Cases | State v. Searcy, 798 P.2d 914 (Idaho 1990) | 2018

The defendant was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, and an enhancement for use of a firearm in commission of a felony. At sentencing, the trial judge admitted a victim impact statement from the victim’s family that included a death penalty recommendation. The defendant received a life sentence. On appeal, the defendant claimed that the trial court improperly considered prejudicial remarks contained in the statement when imposing a life sentence, and that the court was obliged to ignore it based upon federal and state precedent. The supreme court held that the trial court did not err by denying the defendant’s motion to strike the victim impact statement. The precedent relied upon by the defendant applied to death penalty cases, whereas the defendant received a life sentence.