¶1Concurring:
¶2I agree with the majority that under the facts of this case, trial counsel’s performance was not deficient when he chose, as a matter of strategy, not to request a “not guilty” verdict option. I join the dissent, however, to the extent it would overrule State v. Somerset, 276 S.C. 220, 277 S.E.2d 593 (1981). In my opinion, it is reversible error to deny the jury this verdict form when it has been requested by counsel.