Opinion ID: 2135985
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Whether the Death Sentence Is Excessive in This Case

Text: Defendant claims that due to the mitigating factors in this case, the imposition of the death sentence was excessive, and that any sentence other than death should be imposed. Defendant was 19 years old at the time of the murder of Charles Woodcock and he had one prior conviction, which was for the burglary of a motor vehicle. Also in mitigation, defendant relies upon the witnesses, including his mother, grandmother, aunt, and the mother of his girl friend, who testified at the sentencing hearing that the defendant could be rehabilitated. In determining whether a death sentence is proper in a particular case, we must consider the character and record of the individual offender and the circumstances of the particular offense. A death sentence is appropriate if the sentence is commensurate with the seriousness of the offenses and gives adequate consideration to relevant mitigating circumstances. In the instant case, the imposition of the death penalty is supported by the record. Evidence established that the defendant intentionally shot and killed Woodcock during an armed robbery. On February 16, 1990, merely five days prior to the murder of Charles Woodcock, defendant pled guilty to burglary of a motor vehicle, and was placed on probation. In this unrelated offense, defendant attempted to steal a car stereo. A note which was dictated by the defendant detailed the plan to rob the convenience store, kill the clerk, and take his car stereo. The defendant stated that the plan was made about two weeks prior to February 21, 1990, the day on which the plan was carried out. Thus, even prior to pleading guilty to burglary of a motor vehicle, the defendant was already planning the robbery of the convenience store and the murder of Charles Woodcock. Additionally, the record establishes that the defendant established a friendship with Woodcock prior to carrying out his plan. Based upon this evidence, we find substantial support for the imposition of the death sentence, and decline defendant's request for an alternative sentence.