State v. Norris

Chandler, Justice:

Appellant was found guilty of murder while in the commission of criminal sexual assault in the first degree (rape) and sentenced to death. We affirm the conviction, vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing.

THE FACTS

At approximately 12:02 p.m., November 14, 1982, police officers found the severely beaten body of 75 year old Louise Davis beside a vacant house in Anderson, South Carolina. Her injuries included multiple fractures of facial bones, dislocation of the jawbone on both sides and down the midline, bruises and tears of the face and complete exposure of the left…