The Kansas Supreme Court today upheld two Wyandotte County District Court jury trial convictions and sentences.
Willie E. Reed had appealed his convictions on two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under age 14. He also had appealed his concurrent life sentences without the possibility of parole for 40 years, arguing it was cruel and unusual punishment.
After considering the appellate arguments raised by Reed, the Supreme Court held that the evidence was sufficient to support the convictions, and the court rejected Reed’s other arguments alleging trial errors or constitutional violations during trial.
As for Reed’s attack on his hard 40 sentences, the court held that Reed failed to ensure there were adequate findings on the record; therefore, his state and federal constitutional challenges failed.
Reed’s convictions and sentences were affirmed. The case is online at http://www.kscourts.org/Cases-and-Opinions/opinions/SupCt/2014/20140808/105307.pdf.