Patton v. State

SHEPARD, Chief Justice.

Though this case presents several death penalty questions, the threshold issue before us is whether a trial court should proceed to enter sentence upon a guilty plea in a capital case when the defendant denies any intent to kill at the sentencing hearing.

Keith Patton appeals his conviction in CR83-282D - for - murder, - Ind.Code § 35-42-1-1(1) (Burns 1985 Repl), and rape, a class A felony, Ind.Code § 35-42-4-1 (Burns 1985 Repl.). The trial court sentenced Patton to death. In a related action, CR84-050D, the trial court sentenced Patton to 182 years. In both causes…