Thomas v. Commonwealth

In this appeal, we review the capital murder conviction and death penalty imposed upon Jeffrey Allen Thomas, along with his convictions for attempted rape and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder.

I. PROCEEDINGS

On June 26, 2000, Jeffery Allen Thomas was indicted by a Pulaski County grand jury for capital murder in the commission of or subsequent to rape or attempted rape, Code § 18.2-31(5); for rape 1 or attempted rape, Code §§ 18.2-61 and 18.2-67.5; and for the use of a firearm in the commission of a murder, Code § 18.2-53.1. 2 At the conclusion of the first stage of a bifurcated…