State of Iowa
v.
Tran Lee Walker
Appellee
State of Iowa
Appellant
Tran Lee Walker
Attorney for the Appellee
Kyle Hanson, Assistant Attorney General
Attorney for the Appellant
Theresa R. Wilson, Assistant Appellate Defender
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod J. Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Doyle, P.J., and Mullins and Greer, JJ. Opinion by Doyle, P.J. (10 pages)
Tran Walker was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. On appeal, Walker argues the State failed to present sufficient evidence to prove he could form the specific intent necessary for first degree murder. He argues that the evidence of his mental-health problems was enough to negate a finding of specific intent. OPINION HOLDS: Evidence of the multiple stab wounds inflicted upon each victim suffice to establish the requisite intent to kill—even without considering Walker’s use of dangerous weapons, his statements before the murders, and his admissions afterwards. Walker offered no expert opinion relating to diminished responsibility, and his post-murder actions also weigh against a diminished responsibility defense. We find unavailing Walker’s argument that evidence of his mental-health issues was enough to negate a finding of specific intent to kill. We therefore affirm the district court’s judgment and sentence.
