State v. Stewart

Thomas Stewart appeals his convictions for murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He argues the trial court erred in (1) finding the State’s use of preemptory challenges did not violate Batson v. *312Kentucky1; (2) overruling his objection and failing to correct the State’s remarks to the jury that use of a deadly weapon implied malice because the jury was charged with the lesser included offenses of murder and self-defense; and (3) allowing the State to enter unfairly prejudicial character evidence. We reverse and remand.

FACTS

Stewart was involved in an…