State v. Commodore

Darnell Commodore appeals his conviction in juvenile court of first degree murder, alleging that there was insufficient evidence of premeditation. He also asserts that the trial court confused the element of premeditation with the element of intent, and entered inadequate findings of fact.

During the evening of August 20, 1982, and the early morning of August 21, a party was held at the Commodore home. After several hours, Commodore began arguing with one of the guests, Frankie Cavazos, over a small amount of drugs. The argument took place in the downstairs area of the house, and reconvened on…