Court Opinion

ID: 9544402
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:55:26.515226+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:12:56.108597
License: Public Domain

NIX, Chief Justice,
concurring.
I join the opinion of the majority.
I write in response to the dissenting opinion of Mr. Justice Zappala. While I am generally in agreement with the distinction that he is attempting to define with reference to the applicability of section 9711(d)(8), 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(d)(8), (offense committed by means of torture), I do not believe that in this factual setting it is appropriate. The gist of section 9711(d)(8) is the separate intent to inflict pain as well as the intent to take a life. Such an intent can be determined either by the express admission of such a purpose or can be determined circumstantially from the events surrounding the killing. Here I believe the circumstances justified the jury in concluding that the defendant intended not only to take the life of this young child but also to do it in such a manner that would cause excruciating pain.