State v. Duke

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Lockett, J.:

Shane A. Duke appeals his convictions for first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, arson, and unlawful possession of a weapon; he also appeals the imposition of the hard 40 sentence. Duke claims (1) his inculpatory statements should have been suppressed; (2) the jury instructions were clearly erroneous; (3) the prosecutor made improper statements in closing argument; (4) the trial judge erred in considering aggravating factors not found by the jury when imposing the hard 40 sentence; (5) he was denied his right to allocution at sentencing;…