Court Opinion

ID: 9848972
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 04:31:24.56319+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:18:55.701535
License: Public Domain

JOHNSON, P.J.,
concurring specially.
I truly believe in the jury system. There is not a better justice system anywhere in the world than when twelve of your peers make a decision as to a person’s fate. Tmce *1130a jury of twelve have found Appellant should face the death penalty. I agree with the jury verdict as to death in both cases.
An appellate judge is sworn to uphold the law. Therefore, I must, under the law, concur in the finely written opinion of Judge Strubhar. I do so with great reluctance. The law gives no choice to this Court except to do what we have done and for me to specially concur herein.
Had this jury found that the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding a lawful arrest or that the defendant would be a continuing threat to society, I would certainly affirm Appellant’s death sentence. However, the jury’s decision as to creating a great risk of death to more than one person just cannot be upheld legally.