McQueen v. Commonwealth

Opinion of the Court by

Justice SCOTT.

Appellant, Mike McQueen, was convicted by a Laurel Circuit Court jury of intentional murder and sentenced to thirty-two years’ imprisonment. He now appeals as a matter of right. Ky. Const. § 110(2)(b)

I. Background

McQueen and Christina Hodge, the victim, had a tumultuous multi-year relationship, complete with verbal abuse, suicide attempts, and repeated theft accusations. This turbulent relationship ended when McQueen shot Hodge, at point-blank range, in the back of her head. She died instantaneously.

There were no witnesses to the shooting, and McQueen did…