State v. Laird

OPINION

MARTONE, Justice.

A jury convicted Kenneth Laird of first degree murder, one count of dangerous kidnapping, one count of dangerous burglary, one count of theft, four counts of forgery, and one count of robbery. The trial court sentenced him to death for the murder and to prison terms for the noncapital convictions. Appeal to this court is automatic. See Rules 26.15 and 31.2(b), Ariz.R.Crim.P.; A.R.S. § 13-4031.

FACTS

Approximately two weeks before the murder of Wanda Starnes, Laird told some friends that he would be getting a blue Toyota 4x4 truck. He also told a friend’s mother that he…