State v. Barnes

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Davis, J.:

Gordon R. Bames killed J.R. Santo after luring him to an isolated area in Sedgwick County. He appeals his convictions for first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping and the hard 40 sentence imposed. He claims the Kansas competence statute is unconstitutional and that the evidence fails to establish his competence. He also contends the trial court erred in its instructions and its consideration of evidence upon sentencing. We find no reversible error and affirm.

The body of 15-year old J.R. Santo was found by Sedgwick County Sheriff s…