Proposed Jury Instructions for Unlawful Killing

 

NOTICE TO COUNSEL AND JUDGES: As provided in the Court's Order accepting the proposed jury instructions for a period of working review, the Court's provisional approval "is for the purpose of refining and testing the application and accuracy of the pattern instructions and does not ensure error-free trials, and their use does not carry a no-reversal guarantee. It is not intended that this provisional acceptance is a final approval of the content of any instruction and each judge may use or refuse any instruction as he or she sees fit[,]" according to law. (emphasis added).

Murder of the First Degree

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.

Murder of the First Degree is the willful, deliberate, premeditated, intentional and malicious killing of another person.

The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.

Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

The Defendant, ______________________________,
in _______________ County, West Virginia,
on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
did willfully, intentionally, deliberately and premeditatedly with malice and intent, 
kill ______________________________.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy.

Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.

 

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

W.Va. Code §61-2-1.

State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Dietz; 182 W.Va. 544, 390 S.E. 2d 15 (1990); State v. Harper, 179 W.Va. 24, 365 S.E. 2d 69 (1987); State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 286 S.E. 2d 402 (1982). These cases discuss the elements of Murder Of The First Degree.

State v. Bongalia, 180 W.Va. 584, 378 S.E. 2d 449 (1989); State v. Evans, 172 W.Va. 810, 310 S.E. 2d 877 (1983); State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Messinger, 163 W.Va. 447, 256 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Sanders, 161 W.Va. 399, 242 S.E. 2d 554 (1978); State v. Bragg, 140 W.Va. 585, 87 S.E. 2d 689 (1955). The element of malice is discussed.

State v. Schroeder, 172 W.Va. 1, 302 S.E. 2d 70 (1982); State v. Keeton, 166 W.Va. 77, 272 S.E. 2d 817 (1980); State v. Bragg, Supra.; State v. Dodds, 54 W.Va. 289, 46 S.E. 228 (1903). The elements of premeditation and deliberation are discussed.

State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Young, 166 W.Va. 309, 273 S.E. 2d 592 (1980); State v. Keeton, Supra. The intent to kill is discussed.

State v. Jenkins, 443 S.E. 2d 244 (W.Va. 1994)

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

(including lesser offenses)

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of five verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Murder of the First Degree; (2) Guilty of Murder of the Second Degree; (3) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter and (4) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and (5) Not Guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is the willful, deliberate, premeditated, intentional and malicious killing of another person.
    Murder of the Second Degree is the unlawful intentional killing of another person with malice but without deliberation or premeditation.
    Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, intentional and unlawful taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.
    Involuntary Manslaughter is the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant __________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant,______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, _________________________
2.      in __________________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.      did willfully, intentionally, deliberately and premeditatedly with malice and intent,
5.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count ______ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Murder of the First Degree (and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Murder of the Second Degree as hereinafter instructed).
    If, however, you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the Second Degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of ______________, 2____
4.    did unlawfully, intentionally and maliciously but without deliberation          or premeditation
5.    kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the Second Degree as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Murder of the Second Degree (and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Voluntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____
4.    did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally
5.    without premeditation, deliberation or malice,
6.    kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant ______________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter (and deliberate of the lesser included offense of Involuntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,

3.    on or about the _____ day of ______________, 2____,
4.    did unintentionally,
5.    cause the death of ______________________________
6. Which death was the proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

(including lesser offenses)


1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Dietz; 182 W.Va. 544, 390 S.E. 2d 15 (1990); State v. Harper, 179 W.Va. 24, 365 S.E. 2d 69 (1987); State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 286 S.E. 2d 402 (1982). These cases discuss the elements of Murder Of The First Degree.
3.      State v. Bongalia, 180 W.Va. 584, 378 S.E. 2d 449 (1989); State v. Evans, 172 W.Va. 810, 310 S.E. 2d 877 (1983); State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Messinger, 163 W.Va. 447, 256 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Sanders, 161 W.Va. 399, 242 S.E. 2d 554 (1978); State v. Bragg, 140 W.Va. 585, 87 S.E. 2d 689 (1955). The element of malice is discussed.
4.      State v. Schroeder, 172 W.Va. 1, 302 S.E. 2d 70 (1982); State v. Keeton, 166 W.Va. 77, 272 S.E. 2d 817 (1980); State v. Bragg, Supra.; State v. Dodds, 54 W.Va. 289, 46 S.E. 228 (1903). The elements of premeditation and deliberation are discussed.
5.      State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Young, 166 W.Va. 309, 273 S.E. 2d 592 (1980); State v. Keeton, Supra. The intent to kill is discussed.
6.      State v. McGuire, 490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) the elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.
7.      State v. Jenkins, 443 S.E. 2d 244 (W.Va. 1994)

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Aggravated Robbery is committed when one person takes or attempts to take from the person of another or in his presence against his will any property, money or other thing of value belonging to, or in the care, custody, control, management or possession of such other person by partial strangulation or suffocation or by striking or beating or by other violence to the person, or by the threat or presenting of firearms or by other deadly weapon or instrumentality with the intent to deprive the victim permanently of the property.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.     The Defendant ______________________________,
2.     in __________________ County, West Virginia,
3.     on or about the _____ day of ________________, 199__,
4.     with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Aggravated Robbery,
5.     did take
6.     (from the person of ______________________________), (from the presence of ______________________________),
7.     against his/her will,
8.     all or any part or portion of (describe property or money __________________________________________________________________________) of some value,
9.     (belonging to ______________________________), (in the care of ______________________________),          (in the custody of ______________________________),              (in the control of ______________________________),                 (in the management of ______________________________),            

(in the possession of ______________________________),
10.     (by presenting a firearm, to-wit: _____________________),          (by strangulation), (by suffocation), (by striking), (by beating), (by the threat of ___________________________________________), (by (describe violence ___________________________________________),
11.     putting ______________________________ in fear by (describe the act ___________________________________________________________________________________________________)
12.     And that the Defendant ______________________________
13.     (in the commission of Aggravated Robbery),              (in the attempt to commit such Aggravated Robbery),
14.     did
15.     in ______________ County, West Virginia,
16.     on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
17.     kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. That recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

1.     W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.     W.Va. Code §61-2-12.
3.     State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.     State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.     See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

DAYTIME ENTERING WITHOUT BREAKING

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Burglary is committed when any person breaks and enters, or enters without breaking either in the daytime or nighttime a dwelling house or outhouse adjoining thereto, or occupied therewith of another person with the intent to commit a crime therein.
    "Dwelling house" shall include but not be limited to a mobile home, house trailer, modular home, factory-built home or self-propelled motor home, used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time, or any other nonmobile vehicle primarily designed for human habitation and occupancy and used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time.
    "___________________________________" is committed when any person (elements and definition of offense intended to be committed inside the dwelling house )
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent to commit the offense of Burglary,
5.      did enter without breaking, in the daytime,
6.      the dwelling house (or other type residential structure)
7.      belonging to ______________________________,
8.      with the intent to commit the crime of ______________________________ therein,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Burglary,
10.      did

11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____,
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

DAYTIME ENTERING WITHOUT BREAKING

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-3-11.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

DAYTIME BREAKING AND ENTERING

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Burglary is committed when any person breaks and enters, or enters without breaking either in the daytime or nighttime a dwelling house or outhouse adjoining thereto, or occupied therewith of another person with the intent to commit a crime therein.
    "Dwelling house" shall include but not be limited to a mobile home, house trailer, modular home, factory-built home or self-propelled motor home, used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time, or any other nonmobile vehicle primarily designed for human habitation and occupancy and used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time.
    "________________________________________" is committed when any person (elements and definition of offense intended to be committed inside the dwelling house)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony murder doctrine,, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent to commit the offense of Burglary,
5.      did break and enter, in the daytime,
6.      the dwelling house (or other type residential structure),
7.      belonging to ______________________________,
8.      with the intent to commit the crime of _______________ therein
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Burglary,
10.      did

11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

DAYTIME BREAKING AND ENTERING

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-3-11.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

NIGHTTIME BREAKING AND ENTERING

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Burglary is committed when any person breaks and enters, or enters without breaking either in the daytime or nighttime a dwelling house or outhouse adjoining thereto, or occupied therewith of another person with the intent to commit a crime therein.
    "Dwelling house" shall include but not be limited to a mobile home, house trailer, modular home, factory-built home or self-propelled motor home, used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time, or any other nonmobile vehicle primarily designed for human habitation and occupancy and used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time.
    "______________________________________" is committed when any person  (elements and definition of offense intended to be committed inside the dwelling house) _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ __________________.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine,, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent to commit the offense of Burglary,
5.      did break and enter, in the nighttime,
6.      the dwelling house (or other type residential structure)
7.      belonging to ______________________________,
8.      with the intent to commit the crime of _______________ therein
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Burglary,
10.      did,

11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

NIGHTTIME BREAKING AND ENTERING

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-3-11.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

NIGHTTIME ENTERING WITHOUT BREAKING

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Burglary is committed when any person breaks and enters, or enters without breaking either in the daytime or nighttime a dwelling house or outhouse adjoining thereto, or occupied therewith of another person with the intent to commit a crime therein.
    "Dwelling house" shall include but not be limited to a mobile home, house trailer, modular home, factory-built home or self-propelled motor home, used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time, or any other nonmobile vehicle primarily designed for human habitation and occupancy and used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time.
    "_________________________________________" is committed when any person (elements and definition of offense intended to be committed inside the dwelling house)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine,, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent to commit the offense of Burglary,
5.      did enter without breaking in the nighttime,
6.      the dwelling house (or other type residential structure)
7.      belonging to ______________________________,
8.      with the intent to commit the crime of ____________________ therein,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Burglary,
10.      did
11.      in _________________ County, West Virginia

12.      on or about the ____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BURGLARY

NIGHTTIME ENTERING WITHOUT BREAKING

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-3-11.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BREAKING AND ENTERING NON-DWELLING

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    "Breaking and Entering" is committed when any person breaks and enters any office, shop, storehouse, warehouse, banking house or any house or building other than a dwelling house or outhouse adjoining thereto or occupied therewith, or any railroad or traction car, propelled by steam, electricity or otherwise, or any steamboat or other boat or vessel, with intent to commit a felony or any larceny therein.
    "Larceny" is committed when any person steals, takes and carries away personal property of another person without his consent with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
    "_____________________________________" is committed when any person (elements and definition of offense intended to be committed inside the non-dwelling building) _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.     The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.     in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.     on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.     with the intent to commit the offense of Breaking and Entering,
5.     did break and enter,
6.     (type of structure_________________________________________) belonging to ______________________________________,
7.     with the intent to commit ___________________________________ therein. a. in that the Defendant
     b. did therein
     c. _______________________________________________________ d. _______________________________________________________
8.     and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of

Breaking and Entering
9.     did,
10.     in _______________ County, West Virginia,
11.     on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____
12.     kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.
.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

BREAKING AND ENTERING NON-DWELLING

1.     W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.     W.Va. Code §61-3-12.
3.     State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.     State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.     See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

KIDNAPPING

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

 

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Kidnapping is committed when any person by force, threat, duress, fraud or enticement, takes, confines, conceals, decoys, inveigles, entices away, transports into or out of West Virginia or within West Virginia, or otherwise kidnaps another person for the purpose or with the intent of taking, receiving, demanding or extorting from such person, any ransom, money or other thing, or any concession or advantage of any sort, or for the purpose or with the intent of shielding or protecting himself or others from bodily harm, or of evading capture or arrest after he or they have committed a crime.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Kidnapping,
5.      did by (force), (threat), (duress), (fraud) or (enticement)
6.      (take) (confine) (conceal) (decoy) (inveigle) (entice away) (transport into West Virginia) (transport out of West Virginia) or (otherwise kidnap),
7.      (person)______________________________,
8.      for the purpose of or with the intent of taking, receiving, demanding or extorting from (person) ______________________________________ or (another person or persons)_________________________________________________,
9.      any (ransom) (money) (other thing) (concession) or (advantage) (or for the purpose of shielding or protecting himself or (other person) from bodily harm or capture or arrest after he (they) have committed a crime),
10.      and that the Defendant ______________________________,
11.      (in the attempt to commit such kidnapping) or (in the commission of such kidnapping),
12.      did

13.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
14.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
15.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. That recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board..    

COMMENT


MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

KIDNAPPING

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-2-14a.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

ARSON

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    First Degree Arson is committed when any person wilfully and maliciously sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, aids, counsels or procures the burning of any dwelling house, kitchen, shop, barn, stable or other outhouse belonging to another person.
    Second Degree Arson is committed when any person wilfully and maliciously sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, aids, counsels or procures the burning of any building of a type not mentioned in the definition of First Degree Arson whether the property of the perpetrator or another person.
    Third Degree Arson is committed when any person wilfully and maliciously sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, aids, counsel or procures the burning of any personal property of a value of not less than fifty dollars belonging to another person.

        The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent to commit,
5.      did wilfully and maliciously,
6.      set fire to (burn, cause to be burned, aid in the burning, procure the burning),
7.      (describe structure or vehicle)_________________________________________,
8.      belonging to ______________________________,
9.      and that ______________________________ in the commission of such arson (or the attempt to commit such arson),
10.      did in _______________ County, West Virginia,
11.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
12.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

ARSON

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-3-1 through 3.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

where serious bodily injury

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the First Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person without the consent of the other person and the perpetrator inflicts serious bodily injury upon anyone, or where the perpetrator employs a deadly weapon in the commission of the act; and Sexual Assault in the First Degree is also committed when any person fourteen years old or more engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is eleven years old or less.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Serious Bodily Injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death, which causes serious or prolonged disfigurement, prolonged impairment of health, or prolonged loss or impairment of function of any bodily organ.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in ________________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _______ day of ___________________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      and in doing so he did inflict serious bodily injury upon ______________________________________,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

where serious bodily injury


1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-3.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

victim 11 yrs. or less

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnaping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the First Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person without the consent of the other person and the perpetrator inflicts serious bodily injury upon anyone, or where the perpetrator employs a deadly weapon in the commission of the act; and Sexual Assault in the First Degree is also committed when any person fourteen years old or more engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is eleven years old or less.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Deadly Weapon" means any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________, she being eleven years old or less,
7.      And the Defendant ______________________________ being fourteen years old or more,
8.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
9.      did
10.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
11.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
12.      kill ______________________________,
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board..    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

victim 11 yrs. or less

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-3.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

victim less than 16 yrs

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the Third Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is mentally defective or mentally incapacitated; or where a person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is less than sixteen years old and who is at least four years younger than the defendant.
    "Mentally defective" means that a person suffers from a mental disease or defect which renders such person incapable of appraising the nature of his conduct.
    "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is rendered temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct as a result of the influence of a controlled or intoxicating substance administered to such person without his or her consent or as a result of any other act committed upon such person without his or her consent.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      she being less than sixteen years old and incapable of consent,
8.      and he being at least four years older than ______________________________,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

victim less than 16 yrs

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-5.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

deadly weapon employed

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the First Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person without the consent of the other person and the perpetrator inflicts serious bodily injury upon anyone, or where the perpetrator employs a deadly weapon in the commission of the act; and Sexual Assault in the First Degree is also committed when any person fourteen years old or more engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is eleven years old or less.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Deadly Weapon" means any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _________________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      and in doing so he did employ a deadly weapon, to-wit: __________________________________,,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the First Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _________________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board..    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT FIRST DEGREE

deadly weapon employed

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-3.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT SECOND DEGREE

physically helpless

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the Second Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person without the consent of the other person and the lack of consent results from forcible compulsion, or where such person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is physically helpless.
    "Physically helpless" means that a person is unconscious or for any reason is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to the act.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Deadly Weapon" means any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      she being physically helpless,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count ____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years., but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board..    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT SECOND DEGREE

physically helpless

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-4.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

mentally incapacitated

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the Third Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is mentally defective or mentally incapacitated; or where a person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is less than sixteen years old and who is at least four years younger than the defendant.
    "Mentally defective" means that a person suffers from a mental disease or defect which renders such person incapable of appraising the nature of his conduct.
    "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is rendered temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct as a result of the influence of a controlled or intoxicating substance administered to such person without his or her consent or as a result of any other act committed upon such person without his or her consent.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      she being mentally incapacitated,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree
10.      did
11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

mentally incapacitated

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-5.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

mentally defective

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the Third Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is mentally defective or mentally incapacitated; or where a person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is less than sixteen years old and who is at least four years younger than the defendant.
    "Mentally defective" means that a person suffers from a mental disease or defect which renders such person incapable of appraising the nature of his conduct.
    "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is rendered temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct as a result of the influence of a controlled or intoxicating substance administered to such person without his or her consent or as a result of any other act committed upon such person without his or her consent.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Lack of Consent: results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      she being a mentally defective person,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT THIRD DEGREE

mentally defective

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-5.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT SECOND DEGREE

forcible compulsion


___________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Sexual Assault in the Second Degree is committed when any person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person without the consent of the other person and the lack of consent results from forcible compulsion, or where such person engages in sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion with another person who is physically helpless.
    "Physically helpless" means that a person is unconscious or for any reason is physically unable to communicate unwillingness to the act.
    "Sexual intercourse" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ by the male sex organ or involving contact between the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another person.
    "Sexual intrusion" means any act between persons not married to each other involving penetration, however slight, of the female sex organ or of the anus of any person by an object for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person so penetrated or for gratifying the sexual desire of either party.
    "Lack of Consent" results from: (1) Forcible Compulsion, or (2) incapacity to consent, and a person is deemed incapable to consent when such person is: [1] less than sixteen years old or [2] mentally defective, or [3] mentally incapacitated, or [4] physically helpless.
    "Forcible Compulsion" means: (a) physical force that overcomes such earnest resistance as might reasonably be expected under the circumstances, or (b) threat or intimidation, express or implied, placing a person in fear of immediate death or bodily injury to himself or another person or in fear that he or another person will be kidnapped, or (c) fear by a child under sixteen years of age caused by intimidation, expressed or implied by another person four years older than the victim. For purposes of this definition, "resistance" include physical resistance or any clear communication of the victim's lack of consent.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of 
Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree,
5.      did engage in (sexual intercourse) (sexual intrusion),
6.      with another person, ______________________________,
7.      without the consent of ______________________________,
8.      which lack of consent results from forcible compulsion,
9.      and that the Defendant ______________________________ in the commission of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree,
10.      did
11.      in _________________ County, West Virginia ,
12.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
13.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of

Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. That recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

SEXUAL ASSAULT SECOND DEGREE

forcible compulsion

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-8B-4.
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.


MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

escape from custody of the Commissioner

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnaping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Escape From Custody of the Commissioner of Corrections is committed when any person, regardless of where such person is confined, or where the escape occurs, escapes while in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________

is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.     The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.     in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.     on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.     with the intent to escape from custody of the Commissioner of Corrections,
5.     did escape from the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections,
6.     and that ______________________________ in the commission of the escape from the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections,
7.     did in _______________ County, West Virginia,
8.     on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
9.     kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the

Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

escape from custody of the Commissioner

1.     W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.     W.Va. Code §61-5-12a.
3.     State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.     State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.     See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

manufacturing controlled substance

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnaping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Felonious manufacturing of a controlled substance is committed when any person unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously manufactures a schedule _____ controlled substance.
    The Court instructs the jury that __________________ or derivatives of _________________ are Schedule _____ controlled substances.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of

Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-murder doctrine, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of felonious manufacturing of a Schedule _____ controlled substance,
5.      did knowingly manufacture,
6.      a Schedule _____ controlled substance, to-wit: _______________
7.      and that the Defendant ______________________________,
8.      in the commission of such felonious manufacturing of a Schedule _____ controlled substance (in the attempt to commit such felonious manufacturing of a Schedule _____ controlled substance)
9.      did
10.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
11.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
12.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and

each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

manufacturing controlled substance

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §60A-4-401(a).
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.

 

 

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

delivery controlled substance

_____________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the First Degree. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Murder of the First Degree is committed when any person in the commission of or attempt to commit arson, kidnaping, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, escape from lawful custody or a felony offense of manufacturing or delivering of a controlled substance kills another person. Under the felony-murder doctrine, Murder of the First Degree does not require proof of the elements of willfulness, deliberation, premeditation, malice or specific intent to kill. It is deemed sufficient if the homicide occurs during the commission of or the attempt to commit one of the enumerated felonies.
    Felonious delivery of a Schedule _____ controlled substance is committed when any person unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously delivers a Schedule _____ controlled substance.
    The Court instructs the jury that ____________________ or derivatives of ______________ are Schedule _____ controlled substances.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of

Murder of the First Degree under the Felony-Murder Doctrine,, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      with the intent at the time to commit the offense of felonious delivery of a Schedule _____ controlled substance,
5.      did knowingly deliver to ______________________________,
6.      a Schedule _____ controlled substance, to-wit: _______________
7.      and that the Defendant ______________________________,
8.      in the commission of such felonious delivery of a Schedule _____ controlled substance (in the attempt to commit such felonious delivery of a Schedule _____ controlled substance)
9.      did
10.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
11.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____,
12.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the First Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and

each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the First Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.
    If you find the Defendant guilty of Murder of the First Degree, the Court must sentence him to confinement in the penitentiary for life, and he shall not be eligible for parole unless you, in your discretion, further find and add to your verdict, a recommendation for mercy. Such a recommendation of mercy would mean that the Defendant ______________________________ could be eligible for parole consideration after having served a minimum of _____ years, but that mere eligibility for parole in no way guarantees immediate parole after _____ years and that parole is given to inmates only after a thorough consideration of their records by the parole board.    

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE FIRST DEGREE

FELONY MURDER

delivery controlled substance

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §60A-4-401(a).
3.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Julius, 185 W.Va. 422, 408 S.E. 2d 1 (1991); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Mayle, 178 W.Va. 26, 357 S.E. 2d 219 (1987); State v. Young, 173 W.Va. 1, 311 S.E. 2d 118 (1983); State V. Williams, 172 W.Va. 295, 305 S.E. 2d 251 (1983); State v. Wayne, 169 W.Va. 785, 289 S.E. 2d 480 (1982); State ex rel. Hall v. Strickler, 168 W.Va. 496, 285 S.E. 2d 143 (1981); State v. Petry, 166 W.Va. 153, 273 S.E. 2d 346 (1980); State v. Grimmer, 162 W.Va. 588, 251 S.E. 2d 780 (1979); State v. Sims, 162 W.Va. 212, 248 S.E. 2d 834 (1978). The felony-murder doctrine is discussed in these cases.
4.      State v. Stacey, 181 W.Va. 736, 739-741, 384 S.E. 2d 347, 352-353 (1989). The jury must be fully instructed as to all of the elements of the underlying felony in any felony-murder prosecution.
5.      See separate Felony-Murder Instruction, page 1285.



MURDER OF THE SECOND DEGREE

(including lesser offenses)

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the Second Degree. One of four verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty of Murder of the Second Degree; and (2) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter; (3) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and (4) Not guilty.

Murder of the Second Degree is the unlawful, intentional killing of another person with malice but without deliberation or premeditation.

Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, unlawful and intentional taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.

Involuntary Manslaughter is the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.

The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.

Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of murder of the second degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

The Defendant, ______________________________,

in _______________ County, West Virginia,

on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,

did unlawfully, intentionally and maliciously but without deliberation or premeditation,

kill ______________________________.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the Second Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Murder of the Second Degree (and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Voluntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).

Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. the Defendant, ______________________________,

2. in _______________ County, West Virginia,

3. on or about the _____ day of ______________, 2____,

4. did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally,

5. without premeditation, deliberation or malice,

6. kill ______________________________.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant _____________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter (and deliberate of the lesser included offense of Involuntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).

Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. the Defendant, ______________________________,

2. in _______________ County, West Virginia,

3. on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,

4. did unintentionally,

5. cause the death of ______________________________

6. Which death was the proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant so gross, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

 

COMMENT

MURDER OF THE SECOND DEGREE

(including lesser offenses)

W.Va. Code §61-2-1.

State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Dietz; 182 W.Va. 544, 390 S.E. 2d 15 (1990); State v. Harper, 179 W.Va. 24, 365 S.E. 2d 69 (1987); State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 286 S.E. 2d 402 (1982). These cases discuss the elements of Murder Of The First Degree.

State v. Bongalia, 180 W.Va. 584, 378 S.E. 2d 449 (1989); State v. Evans, 172 W.Va. 810, 310 S.E. 2d 877 (1983); State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Messinger, 163 W.Va. 447, 256 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Sanders, 161 W.Va. 399, 242 S.E. 2d 554 (1978); State v. Bragg, 140 W.Va. 585, 87 S.E. 2d 689 (1955). The element of malice is discussed.

In State v. Jenkins, 443 S.E. 2d 244 (W.Va. 1994) Justice Miller citing State v. Hatfield, Supra. which in turn cited State v. Starkey, 161 W.Va. 517, 523, 244 S.E. 2d 219, 223 (1978) indicates that while "malice is often used as a substitute for specific intent to kill, ...it is clear however that the intent to kill or malice is a required element of both first and second degree murder."

State v. McGuire, 490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) The elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.

 

MURDER OF THE SECOND DEGREE

(including lesser offenses)


______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Murder of the Second Degree. One of four verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty of Murder of the Second Degree; and (2) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter; (3) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and (4) Not guilty.
    Murder of the Second Degree is the unlawful, intentional killing of another person with malice but without deliberation or premeditation.
    Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, unlawful and intentional taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.
    Involuntary Manslaughter is the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of murder of the second degree, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.      did unlawfully, intentionally and maliciously but without deliberation or premeditation,
5.      kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Murder of the Second Degree as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Murder of the Second Degree, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Murder of the Second Degree (and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Voluntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of ______________, 2____,
4.    did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally,
5.    without premeditation, deliberation or malice,
6.    kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant _____________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter (and deliberate of the lesser included offense of Involuntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.    did unintentionally,
5.    cause the death of ______________________________
6. Which death was the proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant so gross, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced  beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

COMMENT
MURDER OF THE SECOND DEGREE
(including lesser offenses)



1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      State v. Walker, 188 W.Va. 661, 425 S.E. 2d 616 (1992); State v. Giles, 183 W.Va. 237, 395 S.E. 2d 481 (1990); State v. Dietz; 182 W.Va. 544, 390 S.E. 2d 15 (1990); State v. Harper, 179 W.Va. 24, 365 S.E. 2d 69 (1987); State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 286 S.E. 2d 402 (1982). These cases discuss the elements of Murder Of The First Degree.
3.      State v. Bongalia, 180 W.Va. 584, 378 S.E. 2d 449 (1989); State v. Evans, 172 W.Va. 810, 310 S.E. 2d 877 (1983); State v. Hatfield, Supra.; State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Messinger, 163 W.Va. 447, 256 S.E. 2d 587 (1979); State v. Sanders, 161 W.Va. 399, 242 S.E. 2d 554 (1978); State v. Bragg, 140 W.Va. 585, 87 S.E. 2d 689 (1955). The element of malice is discussed.
4.      In State v. Jenkins, 443 S.E. 2d 244 (W.Va. 1994) Justice Miller citing State v. Hatfield, Supra. which in turn cited State v. Starkey, 161 W.Va. 517, 523, 244 S.E. 2d 219, 223 (1978) indicates that while "malice is often used as a substitute for specific intent to kill, ...it is clear however that the intent to kill or malice is a required element of both first and second degree murder."
5.      State v. McGuire, 490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) The elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Voluntary Manslaughter. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter and (2) Not Guilty.
    Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, unlawful and intentional taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.
    The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant ______________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.    did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally,
5.    without premeditation, deliberation or malice,
6.    kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that

of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant _____________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

 

COMMENT

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-2-4.
3.      State v. Beegle, 188 W.Va. 681, 425 S.E. 2d 823 (1992); State v. Schafer, 170 W.Va. 649, 295 S.E. 2d 814 (1982); State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 374 (1978); State v. Wright, 162 W.Va. 332, 249 S.E. 2d 519 (1978); State v. Hamrick, 160 W.Va. 673, 236 S.E. 2d 247 (1977); State v. Blizzard, 152 W.Va. 810, 166 S.E. 2d 560 (1969); State v. Duvall, 152 W.Va. 162, 160 S.E. 2d 155 (1968); State ex rel. Combs v. Boles, 151 W.Va. 194, 151 S.E. 2d 115 (1966).
4.      State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 199, 286 S.E. 2d 402, 408 (1982) Footnote No. 3 citing State v. Starkey, 161 W.Va. 517, 526-527, 244 S.E. 2d 219, 225 (1978) has an excellent discussion of voluntary manslaughter, provocation and heat of passion.
5.      State v. McGuire, 490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) The elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.

 


VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

(including lesser offense)

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Voluntary Manslaughter. One of three verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter; (2) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter; and (3) Not Guilty.
Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, unlawful and intentional taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.
Involuntary Manslaughter involves the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant ______________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. the Defendant, ______________________________,
2. in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3. on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4. did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally,
5. without premeditation, deliberation or malice,
6. kill ______________________________.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant ______________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter (and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Involuntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).

Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. the Defendant, ______________________________,
2. in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3. on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4. did unintentionally,
5. cause the death of ______________________________
6. Which death was the proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ____________________________ not guilty.

.

COMMENT

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

(including lesser offense)

W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
W.Va. Code
§61-2-4.
State v. Beegle
, 188 W.Va. 681, 425 S.E. 2d 823 (1992); State v. Schafer, 170 W.Va. 649, 295 S.E. 2d 814 (1982); State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 374 (1978); State v. Wright, 162 W.Va. 332, 249 S.E. 2d 519 (1978); State v. Hamrick, 160 W.Va. 673, 236 S.E. 2d 247 (1977); State v. Blizzard, 152 W.Va. 810, 166 S.E. 2d 560 (1969); State v. Duvall, 152 W.Va. 162, 160 S.E. 2d 155 (1968); State ex rel. Combs v. Boles, 151 W.Va. 194, 151 S.E. 2d 115 (1966).
State v. Hatfield
, 169 W.Va. 191, 199, 286 S.E. 2d 402, 408 (1982) Footnote No. 3 citing State v. Starkey, 161 W.Va. 517, 526-527, 244 S.E. 2d 219, 225 (1978) has an excellent discussion of voluntary manslaughter, provocation and heat of passion.
State v. McGuire
490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) The elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.

 

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

(including lesser offense)

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Voluntary Manslaughter. One of three verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter; (2) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter; and (3) Not Guilty.
    Voluntary Manslaughter is the felonious, unlawful and intentional taking of another person's life but without premeditation, deliberation or malice.
    Involuntary Manslaughter involves the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant ______________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,

3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.    did feloniously, unlawfully and intentionally,
5.    without premeditation, deliberation or malice,
6.    kill ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you may find the Defendant ______________________________ guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Voluntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter(and deliberate on the lesser included offense of Involuntary Manslaughter as hereinafter instructed).
    Before the Defendant ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that he is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2____,
4.    did unintentionally,
5.    cause the death of ______________________________
6. Which death was the proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant so gross,

wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ____________________________ not guilty.
.

COMMENT

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

(including lesser offense)


1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-2-4.
3.      State v. Beegle, 188 W.Va. 681, 425 S.E. 2d 823 (1992); State v. Schafer, 170 W.Va. 649, 295 S.E. 2d 814 (1982); State v. Kirtley, 162 W.Va. 249, 252 S.E. 2d 374 (1978); State v. Wright, 162 W.Va. 332, 249 S.E. 2d 519 (1978); State v. Hamrick, 160 W.Va. 673, 236 S.E. 2d 247 (1977); State v. Blizzard, 152 W.Va. 810, 166 S.E. 2d 560 (1969); State v. Duvall, 152 W.Va. 162, 160 S.E. 2d 155 (1968); State ex rel. Combs v. Boles, 151 W.Va. 194, 151 S.E. 2d 115 (1966).
4.      State v. Hatfield, 169 W.Va. 191, 199, 286 S.E. 2d 402, 408 (1982) Footnote No. 3 citing State v. Starkey, 161 W.Va. 517, 526-527, 244 S.E. 2d 219, 225 (1978) has an excellent discussion of voluntary manslaughter, provocation and heat of passion.
5.      State v. McGuire 490 S.E. 2d 912 (W.Va. 1997) The elements of voluntary manslaughter are discussed.

 

 

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Involuntary Manslaughter. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and (2) Not Guilty.

Involuntary Manslaughter is the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.

The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant ______________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.

Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. the Defendant, ______________________________,
2. in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3. on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
4. did unintentionally,
5. but with reckless disregard for human life and the safety of others,
6. cause the death of ______________________________.

If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

 

COMMENT

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
W.Va. Code
§61-2-5.
State v. Hose
, 187 W.Va. 429, 419 S.E. 2d 690 (1992); State v. Cobb, 166 W.Va. 65, 272 S.E. 2d 467 (1980); State v. Vollmer, 163 W.Va. 711, 259 S.E. 2d 837 (1979); State v. Smith, 119 W.Va. 347, 193 S.E. 2d 573 (1937).

 

 

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

______________ INSTRUCTION NO. ____

    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Involuntary Manslaughter. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under the Indictment. They are: (1) Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and (2) Not Guilty.
    Involuntary Manslaughter is the accidental causing of death of another person, although unintended, which death is the proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.
    The burden is on the State of West Virginia to prove the guilt of the Defendant ______________________________ beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.    the Defendant, ______________________________,
2.    in _______________ County, West Virginia,
3.    on or about the _____ day of _______________, 199__,
4.    did unintentionally,
5.    but with reckless disregard for human life and the safety of others,
6.    cause the death of ______________________________.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter as charged. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Involuntary Manslaughter, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

COMMENT

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

1.      W.Va. Code §61-2-1.
2.      W.Va. Code §61-2-5.
3.      State v. Hose, 187 W.Va. 429, 419 S.E. 2d 690 (1992); State v. Cobb, 166 W.Va. 65, 272 S.E. 2d 467 (1980); State v. Vollmer, 163 W.Va. 711, 259 S.E. 2d 837 (1979); State v. Smith, 119 W.Va. 347, 193 S.E. 2d 573 (1937).

 

 

 

NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

__________ INSTRUCTION NO. __________


    The offense charged in Count _____ of the Indictment in this case is Negligent Homicide. One of two verdicts may be returned by you under this Count of the Indictment. They are: (1) guilty; and (2) not guilty.
    Negligent Homicide is committed when any person while driving a vehicle unintentionally kills another person as a proximate result of (his) (her) negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard of the safety of others and which death occurs within one year of the accident.
    The burden is on the State to prove the guilt of the Defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and the Defendant, ______________________________ is not required to prove himself innocent. He is presumed by the law to be innocent of this charge and this presumption remains with him throughout the entire trial.
    Before the Defendant, ______________________________ can be convicted of Negligent Homicide, the State of West Virginia must overcome the presumption that the Defendant, ______________________________ is innocent and prove to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1.      The Defendant, ______________________________,
2.      in _________________ County, West Virginia,
3.      on or about the _____ day of _______________, 2_____
4.      While driving a vehicle,
5.      Unintentionally killed ______________________________,

6.      as a proximate result of negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard of the safety of others, and
7.      Which death occurred within one year of the accident.
    If after impartially considering, weighing and comparing all the evidence, (both that of the State and that of the Defendant) the jury and each member of the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to each of these elements of Negligent Homicide, you may find ______________________________ guilty of Negligent Homicide as charged in Count _____ of the indictment. If the jury and each member of the jury has a reasonable doubt of the truth of the charge as to any one or more of these elements of Negligent Homicide, you shall find the Defendant ______________________________ not guilty.

COMMENT

NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

1.      W.Va. Code, §17C-5-1;
2.      State v. Vollmer 163 W.Va. 136, 259 S.E. 2d 837 (1979)
3.      State v. Bartlett 177 W.Va. 663, 355 S.E. 2d 913 (1987)
4.      State v. Linkous 194 W.Va. 287, 460 S.E. 2d 288 (1995)
5.      State v. Richeson 179 W.Va. 533, 370 S.E. 2d 728 (1988).