State v. Searcy
Idaho Supreme Court
118 Idaho 632, 798 P.2d 914 (1990)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Barryngton Searcy (defendant) suffered from delayed-growth syndrome, resulting in a state of physical development that was several years behind his actual age. Hormone treatments made Searcy hostile and abusive. As an adult, Searcy developed addictions to alcohol and cocaine. Searcy committed burglaries and armed robberies to support his cocaine addiction. During an attempted robbery of a grocery store, Searcy fatally shot the store’s owner. Searcy was convicted of first-degree murder and robbery and given two life sentences, which the trial court later corrected by adding 10-year enhancements for Searcy’s use a firearm in the commission of a felony. An Idaho law forbade the use of a mental condition as a separate defense to a criminal charge. Searcy appealed, arguing that the right to plead the defense of insanity was fundamental to due process.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Bakes, C.J.)
Concurrence/Dissent (Johnson, J.)
Dissent (McDevitt, J.)
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