Opinion ID: 78553
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Sentencing Hearing Before the Jury

Text: The penalty phase of the trial began the same day that Boyd was convicted. Although his lawyers had asked for the evening to prepare, the court gave them only a few minutes. R966. The prosecutor did not present any evidence at the sentencing hearing before the jury, and instead relied on evidence presented at the guilt phase to argue in support of finding two statutory aggravating circumstances: (1) the capital offense had been committed during a robbery and kidnaping, see Ala.Code § 13A-5-49(4); and (2) the capital offense was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel when compared to other capital offenses, see id. § 13A-5-49(8). In response, defense counsel presented four witnesses: Cindy Pierce, Boyd's sister; Geraldine Oliver, Boyd's mother; Herbert Hicks, a pastor; and Boyd himself. At counsel's direction, Cindy Pierce had prepared a life history of Boyd that she read to the jury. Cindy's testimony emphasized the following themes: 1. Boyd's parents divorced when Boyd was two; Boyd's father went to prison, and attempted to escape from jail, leaving bad publicity and scars for the family; Boyd did not have much contact with his father, and as a result was adversely affected; 2. Boyd's younger sister was physically and mentally challenged; as she became older, the family, including Boyd, had to put her in physical restraints when she became violent; 3. Boyd grew up in an impoverished setting; at one point, Boyd and a friend burned down the family's trailer; Boyd was embarrassed by his family's financial difficulties; 4. Boyd had difficulties in school, ultimately dropping out at sixteen; 5. Boyd's mother remarried when Boyd was seven; this was difficult because Boyd was close to his mother and did not want to share her with anyone else; Boyd developed serious problems with his stepfather, who was very strict and demanding; 6. Boyd's grandfather died when Boyd was fourteen; this was difficult for Boyd as his grandfather essentially served as Boyd's father; 7. Boyd's stepfather's son was a bad influence on Boyd; when they got in trouble, Boyd's stepfather took his son's side; 8. At sixteen, Boyd moved to New Mexico to live and work with his great uncle; this was a great opportunity but Boyd became mired in debt and was too immature to take advantage of the opportunity; Boyd's grandmother paid off his debt and Boyd returned to Alabama; 9. Boyd had a romantic relationship with Julie Greenwood but Julie's mother, Evelyn Blackmon, forbade her daughter to date Boyd; 10. Boyd's sister, Cindy, married when Boyd was nine; Boyd grew very close to Cindy's husband who became a brother figure; 11. Boyd was a loving and caring uncle to Cindy's two children; 12. Boyd lived with Cindy and her husband after moving out of his mother's home when he was fourteen but eventually left Cindy's home because he resented her discipline; 13. Boyd's grandparents, to whom Boyd was close, were alcoholics; 14. Boyd served six months in jail for burglary when he was eighteen; 15. Boyd attended church as a youth and it was important to him. See R974-91. Cindy also testified that Boyd expressed remorse for the crime and explained that it was never meant to happen. R989. Boyd also testified at the sentencing phase, apologizing for what happened, and offering that he wished he could undo his actions. R991-92. Boyd's mother testified that Boyd was sorry for all the hurt and pain that he had caused. R993, 998. She described Boyd as a loving and caring person who was always very helpful. She said that she loved her son and tried to bring him up in the right way. R997-98. Finally, Pastor Herbert Hicks testified, after visiting Boyd in jail at the request of Boyd's mother. Pastor Hicks said that Boyd was sorry for his involvement in the crime even though he was not guilty. R999-1000. In addition, Boyd had turned his face to the Lord and . . . had made things right with Him. R1000. Following this testimony, defense counsel said to the jury: You have heard it all. There's not much I can add. The decision is yours. R1002. The jury recommended, by a vote of seven to five, that Boyd be punished by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Thereafter, a date for the sentencing hearing before the trial judge was set.