Opinion ID: 2234065
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 44

Heading: Mitigator (2)(e)

Text: Vela also assigns that the sentencing panel erred in not finding the existence of the mitigating circumstance described in ง 29-2523(2)(e): [t]he offender was an accomplice in the crime committed by another person and his or her participation was relatively minor. Vela concedes that this mitigating circumstance would not apply to the murder of Bryant, but argues it should have been applied with respect to the victims shot and killed by Sandoval and Galindo. The sentencing panel found that Vela entered the bank at the same time as [Sandoval and Galindo] with a loaded handgun, fully knowing the plan, prepared to shoot and materially participated in the execution of these crimes. The record fully supports this conclusion and would not support a characterization of Vela's role in the death of each victim as relatively minor. The sentencing panel did not err in concluding that this mitigating circumstance did not exist.