Opinion ID: 1223959
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Summary of Findings on Aggravation and Mitigation

Text: We have independently reviewed and weighed the aggravating and mitigating circumstances related to the Drury murder. We find that the state proved the following aggravation beyond a reasonable doubt: (a) previous death-eligible conviction, (b) previous violent felony, (c) pecuniary gain, and (d) that the murder was committed in an especially heinous and depraved manner. See A.R.S. §§ 13-703(F)(1), (2), (5), (6). We further find that defendant has proved the following mitigation by a preponderance of the evidence: (a) age, (b) lack of significant prior criminal history, and (c) deprived childhood. Based upon our independent assessment and reweighing of all circumstances, both aggravating and mitigating, we conclude that the mitigating circumstances do not achieve the qualitative level requisite for leniency.