Opinion ID: 7089211
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Weighing of Mitigating Factors Against Aggravating Circumstances

Text: {¶ 309} Nevertheless, we find that the two valid aggravating circumstances of which Tench was convicted outweigh the mitigating factors beyond a reasonable doubt. In particular, the R.C. 2929.04(A)(8) witness-murder specification is entitled to great weight, for it 'strikes at the heart of the criminal justice system.'  State v. Turner , 105 Ohio St.3d 331 , 2005-Ohio-1938 , 826 N.E.2d 266 , ¶ 100, quoting State v. Jalowiec , 91 Ohio St.3d 220 , 239, 744 N.E.2d 163 (2001).