Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Oct 10, 2023
State of Missouri vs. Joshua Armando Aldana
Joshua Armando Aldana appealed his conviction for three counts of child abuse, challenging the trial court's verdict directors for all counts. He alleged errors regarding jury unanimity, evidentiary support for disjunctive alternatives, and the omission of cross-references to a disciplinary justification instruction. Aldana also contended the trial court failed to ensure complete jury instructions were submitted and improperly allowed testimony regarding a prior bad act. The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the trial court on all points.