Opinion ID: 2241961
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Reduction in Sentence

Text: Based upon the mitigating evidence presented in the amended petition for post-conviction relief, defendant requests this court to reduce his sentence to a term of years. We decline to do so. The determination of the propriety of a death sentence in any particular case `requires consideration of the character and record of the individual offender and the circumstances of the particular offense.' People v. Pasch, 152 Ill.2d 133, 201, 178 Ill.Dec. 38, 604 N.E.2d 294 (1992), quoting Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280, 304, 96 S.Ct. 2978, 2991, 49 L.Ed.2d 944, 961 (1976). Accordingly, although we will conduct a thorough evaluation of the record when reviewing a sentence of death, we will not lightly overturn the trier of fact's findings where those findings are amply supported by the record. People v. Pasch, 152 Ill.2d at 201, 178 Ill.Dec. 38, 604 N.E.2d 294; People v. Odle, 128 Ill.2d 111, 130-32, 131 Ill.Dec. 53, 538 N.E.2d 428 (1988). See also People v. Walker, 109 Ill.2d 484, 506, 94 Ill.Dec. 530, 488 N.E.2d 529 (1985) (holding that supreme court's limited authority upon review does not permit reversal where there is no indication that the [sentencer] imposed the penalty on other than a reasoned basis). In our view, the record in the case at bar demonstrates that the trial court properly afforded defendant an individualized assessment of all relevant circumstances, and further did not act out of caprice or compassion in imposing the sentence of death. As noted elsewhere in the opinion, the evidence in aggravation was ample despite the mitigation now submitted by defendant. In sum, we do not believe that the trial court abused its discretion in this regard. See People v. Montgomery, 112 Ill.2d 517, 533, 98 Ill.Dec. 353, 494 N.E.2d 475 (1986) (holding death penalty appropriate even where mitigating evidence consisted of a troubled youth, an alcoholic mother, an abusive and drug-addicted father, heavy drinking and an extreme mental or emotional disturbance).