On appeal from the defendant's convictions for first-degree murder, first-degree assault and kidnapping for robbery, and a sentence of life imprisonment without parole, the judgment is affirmed. Although the prosecutor misrepresented the law on the presumption of innocence during her closing argument, these remarks did not infect the trial with such unfairness that the conviction was a denial of the defendant's due process rights. In addition, the trial court did not err either in its jury instructions on the evidentiary use of another defendant's plea, or its decision to permit the testimony of a retired Superior Court judge. Further, the court's erroneous interjection and limitation of the defendant's closing argument did not violate his due process rights, and the jury's verdict was supported by sufficient evidence. The Superior Court's October 14, 2015 judgment and commitment is affirmed.
Supreme Court Of The Virgin Islands