Opinion ID: 2382089
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count IIThe Murder of Bridgette Harris

Text: This Court finds that there is no suggestion in the record that the death verdict returned for the murder of Bridgette Harris was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor. The jury found three statutory aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) that her murder was committed while the defendant was engaged in the commission of the unlawful homicide of Evelyn Sparks; (2) that her murder was committed while the defendant was engaged in the commission of the unlawful homicide of Dontay Harris; and (3) that her murder was committed while the defendant was engaged in the perpetration of burglary. § 565.032.2(2), (11). The evidence supports the trial court's finding of one statutory circumstance as required by § 565.030.4(1) and supports the other aggravating circumstances found. Considering the crime, the strength of the evidence, and the defendant, this Court finds that the sentence is proportionate to the above-cited cases where the sentencer found beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder was committed while the offender was engaged in commission of another unlawful homicide, or the murder was committed while the defendant was engaged in the perpetration of a burglary.