Opinion ID: 2613515
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Balancing the Aggravating/Mitigating Factors

Text: Defendant argues that the trial judge's finding of only one aggravating factor and significant mitigating evidence raises a question as to whether this crime warrants the death penalty. See State v. Rockwell, 161 Ariz. 5, 16, 775 P.2d 1069, 1080 (1989). In the instant case, defendant's mitigating evidence is less significant than it initially might seem. Although defendant expressed some remorse for the victim's death, he claims that he was not responsible. Although the trial judge found that defendant's alcoholic state significantly impaired him, the judge noted that defendant was cognizant of his surroundings and was capable of carrying on conversations with Charlton and the victim. Furthermore, the evidence supporting the aggravating factor was substantial and horrific. We have reviewed all of the trial court's findings on mitigation and, when balanced against the circumstances constituting the sole aggravating factor, the mitigating evidence is insufficient to warrant leniency. DISPOSITION We have reviewed and considered all of defendant's claims of error. In light of defendant's death sentence, we have independently reviewed and reweighed the aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Having done so, we concur with the trial court's findings and affirm defendant's convictions and sentences. ZLAKET, C.J., JONES, V.C.J., and FELDMAN and MARTONE, JJ., concur.