Hoke v. Commonwealth

Ronald Lee Hoke, Sr., was indicted for the capital murder of Virginia C. Stell in the commission of robbery, abduction, and rape. Code § 18.2-31. A jury found Hoke guilty of capital murder as charged in the indictment.

Pursuant to the bifurcated-trial procedure prescribed by Code § 19.2-264.4, a separate hearing on the penalty was conducted. In the penalty phase of the trial, the Commonwealth presented evidence of aggravating factors, and Hoke offered evidence in mitigation. The jury fixed Hoke’s punishment at death. Thereafter, the trial court conducted a sentencing hearing pursuant to Code §…