State v. Bays

Appellant raises fifteen propositions of law. For the reasons stated below, we find them without merit and therefore overrule all fifteen. . We have also independently weighed the single aggravating circumstance against the mitigating factors and considered whether the sentence of death is disproportionate to sentences imposed in similar cases, as R.C. 2929.05(A) requires us to do. As a result of our review, we affirm Bays’s convictions and sentence of death.

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Jury Waiver

Bays signed a written jury waiver pursuant to R.C. 2945.05. After his counsel submitted the waiver to the trial court, the…