Kuehn v. State, 253 Ark. 889, 489 S.W.2d 505 (1973)

Jan. 29, 1973 · Arkansas Supreme Court · 5722

253 Ark. 889, 489 S.W.2d 505

Guy Lavern KUEHN v. STATE of Arkansas

5722

489 S.W. 2d 505

Opinion delivered January 29, 1973

Eddie N. Christian, Charles R. Garner, and Burl C. Rotenberry, for appellant.

Ray Thornton, Atty. Gen., by: Henry Ginger, Deputy Atty. Gen., for appellee.

Frank Holt, Justice.

A jury convicted appellant of first degree murder and assessed his punishment at death by electrocution. On appeal the only contention is that the judgment on this verdict constitutes cruel and unusual punishment as forbidden by the United States Constitution and, consequently, his sentence must be reduced to life imprisonment. This contention is valid. Furman v. Georgia, 408 U.S. 238 (1972), Graham v. State, 253 Ark. 462, 486 S.W. 2d 675 (1972), and O’Neal v. State, 253 Ark. 574, 487 S.W. 2d 618.

The cause is remanded to the trial court for sentencing to life imprisonment which is the next highest available remedy. Ark. Stat. Ann. § 43-2308 (Repl. 1964).

Affirmed as modified and remanded.