Commonwealth v. Wayne

OPINION OF THE COURT

CAPPY, Justice.

This is a direct appeal from the judgment of sentence of death.1 Appellant was tried by a jury for the murder of Kenneth Rankine and the aggravated assault of Neville Bobby Hill, along with related charges. The jury acquitted appellant on the charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault as to Mr. Hill.2 The jury convicted Appellant of first degree murder as to Mr. Rankine, conspiracy to kill (Mr. Rankine) and possession of an instrument of crime.3

At the penalty phase of the trial the Commonwealth presented evidence of one…