Commonwealth v. Cox, R., Aplt.

SAYLOR, C.J., BAER, TODD, DONOHUE, DOUGHERTY, WECHT, MUNDY, JJ.

OPINION

JUSTICE MUNDY

Appellant, Russell Cox, appeals from the order of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County dismissing his second petition filed pursuant to the Post Conviction *374 Relief Act (PCRA), 1 in this capital case. 2

I. Factual and Procedural Background 3

On May 20, 1997, Appellant was convicted of first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, rape, and possessing an instrument of crime, 4 in connection with his participation, along with co-defendant Percy Lee, in the February 27, 1986 brutal slayings of Evelyn Brown…