McKenna v. State

OPINION

Patrick Charles McKenna appeals from a conviction for murder for which he was sentenced to death. At issue is whether the trial court erred in permitting a court-appointed psychiatrist who examined McKenna to testify as to admissions made by McKenna during his psychiatric examination.

A psychiatrist, Franklin D. Master, M.D., was appointed by the court under NRS 178.415 to inquire into the sanity of McKenna. During the psychiatrist’s examination, McKenna apparently discussed the circumstances surrounding the murder of a cellmate at the Clark County jail. Over the defendant’s objection,…