Opinion ID: 1805306
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Use of the Statutory Aggravating Circumstance at Sentencing.

Text: ¶ 14. Quite simply, Mitchell asserts that use of this aggravating circumstance at the sentencing phase was error because there was no evidence to support a finding that the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding arrest. As noted in the discussion concerning counsel's alleged failure to challenge this portion of the indictment, it has already been determined by this Court on direct appeal that there was sufficient evidence to support a finding that the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding arrest. Consequently, further consideration of this issue on collateral review is procedurally barred pursuant to Miss.Code Ann. § 99-39-21(3). This Court specifically held that it was reasonable to conclude that Mitchell repeatedly ran over the victim's body in order to disguise the injuries he had already inflicted and that there was sufficient evidence that the murder was committed in an effort to avoid lawful arrest. Mitchell, 792 So.2d at 220.