Commonwealth v. Graves

VAN der VOORT, Judge:

A jury found appellant guilty of third degree murder for the death of Lynette Weston, age 10, and of first degree murder for the death of Lloyd Weston, age 10, and recommended a death sentence on the first degree murder conviction. Trial Judge Joseph Ridge refused post-trial motions for a new trial and in arrest of judgment, but did grant a motion to vacate the death sentence.

Appellant raises four contentions before this court. Issues designated I and IV are interrelated and will be discussed jointly.

I and IV

Appellant was the stepbrother and boarder of Yvonne Weston, the…