Opinion ID: 2376245
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: keels's sentence

Text: In this case, the decision to sentence Keels to LWOP was predicated on § 22-2404.1(b)(4) (the heinous, atrocious, or cruel factor), § 22-2404.1(b)(10) (the vulnerab[ility] due to age or a mental or physical infirmity factor), and § 22-2404.1(b)(8) (the felony murder factor). With respect to the heinous, atrocious, or cruel factor, the trial court referenced the medical evidence which demonstrated that Zygier did not die instantaneously, that she had suffered numerous wounds, and that an object had been inserted into her vagina. Regarding the vulnerab[ility] due to age or a mental or physical infirmity factor, the trial court predominantly relied upon the discrepancy between the age and weight of the victim (sixty-two-years-old and one-hundred and twenty-six pounds) and that of Keels at the time of the murder (twenty-two-years-old and over two-hundred pounds). The trial court also referred to the evidence indicating that Zygier had suffered defensive wounds. Finally, in support of the felony murder factor, the trial court noted that the jury verdict established that the murder was committed while committing (or attempting to commit) a robbery.