Commonwealth v. Jones

OPINION

ZAPPALA, Justice.

This is a direct appeal pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 722((4) and 9711(h). The appellant, James Jones, was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502, two counts of arson endangering persons, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301(a), and one count of arson endangering property, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c). Following the hearing to determine the sentences for the first degree murder verdicts, the jury determined that there were three aggravating circumstances which outweighed one mitigating circumstance and rendered a sentencing verdict of death as to each murder. The court…