State v. Cope

SCHROEDER, Chief Justice.

John Cope (Cope) murdered Brian Elliot (Elliot) by decapitating him with a knife. Following this act, Cope mutilated Elliot’s severed head. The State charged Cope with first degree murder and sought a sentencing enhancement for use of a deadly weapon. Following a Rule 11 plea agreement, Cope pled guilty to second degree murder; the State withdrew its intent to seek a sentencing enhancement; and, the district court imposed a fixed life sentence. Cope moved to reduce the sentence. The district court denied the motion. Cope appealed. The Idaho Court of Appeals affirmed…