State v. Dent

Roland C. Dent appeals his conviction of conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Dent contends that the trial court erred (1) in denying his request for a jury instruction defining a substantial step, (2) in defining a substantial step as conduct which strongly indicates a criminal purpose, and (3) in failing to instruct the jury that the State was required to prove venue in Snohomish County; and contends there was insufficient evidence to support the substantial step element.

While incarcerated on a parole violation Dent contacted Carlos Balcinde to murder Ann Powell. Dent corresponded with…