Opinion ID: 1533871
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 30

Heading: conclusion

Text: The sentencing statute at the time of Appellant's trial directed that: The Supreme Court shall affirm a sentence of death unless it determines that: (i) the sentence of death was the product of passion, prejudice or any other arbitrary factor; or (ii) the evidence fails to support the finding of at least one aggravating circumstance specified in subsection (d); or (iii) the sentence of death is excessive or disproportionate to the penalty imposed in similar cases, considering both the circumstances of the crime and the character and record of the defendant. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(h)(3). Because the sentence of death was not the product of passion, prejudice or any other arbitrary factor, because there was sufficient evidence to support the aggravating circumstance, and because the sentence was not disproportionate, we affirm the judgment of sentence and the determinations of guilt. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(i), we direct the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to transmit, within ninety days, the complete record of this case to the Governor of Pennsylvania. Former Chief Justice ZAPPALA did not participate in the decision of this case.