Johnson v. State

Lynn Benjamin Johnson was indicted in a two-count indictment for the capital offense of murder for hire (in violation of § 13A-5-40(a)(7), Code of Alabama 1975). The jury found the appellant "guilty of conspiracy to commit murder as charged in Count II" and, following a sentencing hearing, the trial judge set punishment at life imprisonment in the penitentiary.

Ricky Gaskin testified that he was involved in a business known as the Dreamers Pre-21 Club (hereinafter referred to as "Dreamers"). He was a partner in the ownership of this club along with Steve and Judy Fowler, Jeff Sheffield and…