State Idaho v. Steve Waddell

Steve Waddell pled guilty to second degree murder for the stabbing death of his high school sweetheart. The district Judge sentenced Waddell to a minimum period of confinement of twenty years followed by an indeterminate period of confinement not to exceed life. Waddell appeals, contending that his sentence is unjust because the Judge erred: (1) by ignoring Waddells potential for rehabilitation; (2) by not mentioning the sentencing guidelines before imposing sentence and by not following the prosecutors sentencing recommendation; and (3) by considering letters and testimony from the victims family prior to sentencing. For reasons explained below, we affirm the judgment of conviction.