Rock v. Commonwealth

The jury acquitted John Davis Rock of eight offenses: first-degree murder of Michael Cook, attempting to rob Cook, attempting to rob Scott Cox, attempting to rob Pamela Gravely, abduction of Jamie Gravely, abduction of Jessica Gravely, breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, and use of a firearm in the commission of robbery. The jury convicted Rock only of conspiracy to commit the robbery.

By statute, a trial judge “shall permit the victim, as defined in [Code] § 19.2-11.01 ... to testify ... regarding the impact of the offense upon the victim.” Code § 19.2-295.3.

For purposes…