Opinion ID: 7089211
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sentence Evaluation

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).
{¶ 310} Finally, we find that Tench's death sentence is not disproportionate to the penalty imposed in similar cases. See R.C. 2929.05. We have approved  death sentences in cases involving only a kidnapping-murder specification. See State v. Hartman , 93 Ohio St.3d 274 , 305-306, 754 N.E.2d 1150 (2001) ; State v. Ballew , 76 Ohio St.3d 244 , 257-258, 667 N.E.2d 369 (1996) ; State v. Joseph , 73 Ohio St.3d 450 , 462-463, 653 N.E.2d 285 (1995). In addition, we have approved death sentences in cases where the witness-murder specification was present alone or in combination  with one other specification, even when substantial mitigation existed. Turner , 105 Ohio St.3d 331 , 2005-Ohio-1938 , 826 N.E.2d 266 , at ¶ 101 (citing cases); see also Osie , 140 Ohio St.3d 131 , 2014-Ohio-2966 , 16 N.E.3d 588 , at ¶ 271.