Stockton was taking Kenneth to the Kibler Valley "picnic area" to hide while "things cool off" regarding some stolen *377 automobile wheels. on that date, the defendant arrived at her home, and, a short time later, Kenneth departed with Stockton for Kibler Valley in Patrick County, Virginia. Wilma Arnder, the victim's mother, last saw her son alive on July 20, 1978, at her home in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Within the following "month or two," Bowman read of Kenneth Arnder's murder in a newspaper. Thereupon, the defendant and McBride entered a bedroom, and Bowman left McBride's house. At this time, McBride offered Bowman $1,500 to kill the "Arnder boy." Upon hearing this offer, Stockton told McBride that he needed money and would kill Arnder for McBride. In addition to McBride and Stockton, McBride's wife, Diane, Ronnie Tate, "Sunshine" Hatcher and Randy Bowman were present. In June of 1978, Stockton was visiting at the home of Tommy McBride. When the payment was not forthcoming, McBride sought to have Arnder killed. ![]() The drugs cost $500, but Arnder paid only $125 on delivery and promised to pay the balance later. The parties stipulated that his death was caused either by the gunshot wound to his head, by the severing of his hands, or by both means.Īrnder purchased drugs from one Tommy McBride in 1978. Both of Arnder's hands had been cut off above the wrists, and he had been shot in the head. On July 25, 1978, 18-year-old Kenneth Arnder's partially decomposed body was discovered in a remote area of Surry County, North Carolina. ![]() The evidence will be viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth. We have consolidated the automatic review of Stockton's death sentence with his appeal from his conviction, Code § 17-110.1 and 110.1 F, and have given them priority on our docket. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed the death sentence. In a bifurcated jury trial conducted pursuant to Code §§ 19.2-264.3 and 264.4, Dennis Waldon Stockton was convicted of capital murder for willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing for hire, Code § 18.2-31(b), and his punishment was fixed at death. Gen., on brief), for appellee.īefore CARRICO, C.J., and COCHRAN, POFF, COMPTON, STEPHENSON, RUSSELL and THOMAS, JJ. Armstrong, Martinsville (Gardner, Gardner & Barrow, P.C., Armstrong & Armstrong, Martinsville, on brief), for appellant.
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