Commonwealth v. Selby

Automatic murder appeal

The Supreme Judicial Court reviewed convictions for first-degree murder on theories of deliberate premeditation and felony-murder, together with armed assault in a dwelling. Jeffrey Denner appeared with lead appellate counsel for the defendant.

Issues reviewed

The appeal required the SJC to examine the trial record, the relationship between the homicide and predicate-felony theories, and claims of legal error under the heightened review applicable to a first-degree murder conviction.

SJC disposition

The court affirmed the convictions after plenary review and declined to exercise its authority under G. L. c. 278, § 33E to reduce the murder verdict or order a new trial.

Appellate context

Massachusetts first-degree murder appeals receive a uniquely searching review by the SJC. The published opinion illustrates the preservation, briefing, and record analysis required in homicide cases carrying life-without-parole consequences.

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