Commonwealth v. Smith

OPINION

Chief Justice CAPPY.

This is a direct appeal from the judgments of two sentences of death imposed on Lawrence Smith (“Appellant”). 1 For the reasons expressed in this opinion, we affirm the first degree murder convictions but reverse his sentences of death and remand for a new penalty hearing.

On February 2, 2000, Appellant and an accomplice robbed Songha Willis (“Willis”) and several other people in a parking lot adjacent to a night club in Philadelphia. During the course of the robbery, Appellant shot and killed Willis.

On April 26, 2000, Appellant perpetrated yet another robbery at the…