State v. Hughes

OPINION.

ZLAKET, Chief Justice.

On October 24, 1986, 17-year-old Frankie Spencer disappeared. Six days later, her body was discovered in a remote desert area. She had been strangled to death. In January 1989, defendant Hughes was charged with first degree murder, hindering prosecution, and conspiracy. A jury convicted him on all counts. The trial judge sentenced him to death on the murder conviction and to consecutive 2.5-year prison terms for the other offenses. This automatic appeal followed. We have jurisdiction pursuant to Ariz. Const, art. 6, § 5(3), A.R.S. § 13-4031, and Rule 31.2(b),…