Commonwealth v. Williams

OPINION

McDERMOTT, Justice.

The appellant, after a trial by jury, was found guilty of first degree murder, 1 criminal conspiracy, 2 and robbery. 3 In the penalty stage of the trial, the same jury found two aggravating circumstances and no mitigating circumstances. Accordingly, appellant was sentenced to death on the first degree murder charge. 4 Subsequent to trial, appellant retained private counsel and his appointed trial counsel was permitted to withdraw. His new counsel filed lengthy and detailed post-trial motions, including a motion to vacate the death penalty. Also, appellant was…