Opinion ID: 2621432
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 41

Heading: The Appropriate Remedy is a Stay of the Death Sentence

Text: ś 294 Even if I were to agree with the majority's reversal of Gregory's convictions for the rape of R.S., I would not reverse Gregory's death sentence stemming from the homicide case. At most, I would stay the decision on Gregory's death sentence pending retrial for the rape of R.S. If he is reconvicted, the death sentence should stand. ś 295 Gregory was found guilty of the murder after a two-month trial. After that trial's completion, a special sentencing proceeding was held. See RCW 10.95.050. The same jury sentenced Gregory to death after that sentencing proceeding. The jury had first concluded Gregory was eligible for the death penalty when including in the guilty verdict a finding of an aggravating factor in the commission of the murder; namely, the robbery or rape of Geneiene H. See RCW 10.95.020. ś 296 Then, after separate penalty proceedings, the same jury declined to find any mitigating circumstances warranted leniency for Gregory. See RCW 10.95.030(2), .060(4), .070. ś 297 The murder trial and sentencing were separate proceedings before the jury. Gregory's conviction at trial for the murder of Geneiene H. was not affected by the later disclosure to the jurors of Gregory's prior conviction for the rape of R.S. Rather, such disclosure only pertains to the jury's sentencing phase. ś 298 Even under the majority's mistaken analysis, the ultimate outcome of the retrial for the rape of R.S. should determine whether or not the disclosure of Gregory's rape convictions to the jury in the homicide case affects his death sentence. Such a disposition would respect the rights of the murdered victim and respect the decisions of the jury.