State v. Mancuso

WEBB, Justice.

In his first assignment of error, the defendant contends the trial court erred during the sentencing phase of the trial in finding as an aggravating factor that the offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. The defendant argues that the evidence does not support a finding of this factor.

In determining this question, “the focus should be on whether the facts of the case disclose excessive brutality, or physical pain, psychological suffering, or dehumanizing aspects not normally present in that offense.” State v. Blackwelder, 309 N.C. 410, 414, 306 S.E. 2d 783, 786…