The People of the State of Colorado, Petitioner: v. Jacob Alexander Shockey, Respondent:

Summary

The court held that the jury's finding that Shockey did not use a deadly weapon did not negate any element of his second degree murder conviction. Because second degree murder requires knowingly causing death, while deadly-weapon use was relevant only to sentencing, the verdict and interrogatory could be given full legal effect and the jury's intent was sufficiently clear. The court reversed the court of appeals and remanded for consideration of unresolved issues.