Opinion ID: 7089211
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: 97496F Indictment, Trial, and Sentence

Text: {¶ 69} Tench was indicted on three counts of aggravated murder: one charging murder with prior calculation and design, R.C. 2903.01(A), one charging felony murder, R.C. 2903.01(B), predicated on aggravated robbery, and one charging felony murder predicated on kidnapping. Each count carried three death specifications: felony murder, R.C. 2929.04(A)(7), predicated on aggravated robbery, felony murder predicated on kidnapping, and witness murder, R.C. 2929.04(A)(8). {¶ 70} The indictment included five noncapital counts: murder, R.C. 2903.02(A), murder, R.C. 2903.02(B), aggravated robbery, R.C. 2911.01(A)(3), kidnapping, R.C. 2905.01(A)(2), 1 and tampering with evidence, R.C. 2921.12(A)(1). {¶ 71} The jury found Tench guilty of all counts and all specifications submitted to it. 2 Because all three aggravated-murder counts applied to the same victim, only Count One (prior calculation and design), with its three aggravating circumstances, was submitted to the jury for sentencing. After a mitigation hearing, the jury recommended a death sentence on Count One. The trial judge sentenced him to death. {¶ 72} Tench appeals as of right. He sets forth 18 propositions of law, which we address out of order for clarity of analysis.