Howsare v. Commonwealth

OPINION BY SENIOR JUSTICE CHARLES S. RUSSELL

This appeal presents the question whether, in a homicide case, the jury was improperly instructed on the issue of intent.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

In accordance with familiar principles of appellate review, the facts will be stated in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, the prevailing party at trial.

Scott v. Commonwealth , 292 Va. 380 , 381, 789 S.E.2d 608 , 608 (2016) (citing Baldwin v. Commonwealth , 274 Va. 276 , 278, 645 S.E.2d 433 , 433 (2007) ).

Mark Thomas Howsare lived alone in his house in Stafford County. His nephew, William Conner,…