Morris v. State

Phipps, Judge.

As a result of a fracas between rival gang members, Shane Morris was convicted of multiple counts of aggravated assault and of possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Morris appeals the denial of his motion for a new trial. He contends that the trial court erred in denying his challenge under Batson v. Kentucky 1 to the State’s use of a peremptory strike to remove Juror 26, the sole black member of the jury venire. We disagree and affirm.

During voir dire, the prosecuting attorney asked whether any juror, or any family member, relative, or close friend of a juror,…