Commonwealth v. Towles, J., Aplt

SAYLOR, C.J., BAER, TODD, DONOHUE, DOUGHERTY, WECHT, MUNDY, JJ.

OPINION

CHIEF JUSTICE SAYLOR

This is an appeal from an order denying relief on a capital post-conviction petition.

I. Background

On May 7, 2010, Appellant shot and killed the victim, Cornell Anton Stewart, Jr., outside a former fire hall in Columbia, Pennsylvania, which had been converted into a local "fun center." The center was hosting rap music performances, including a set of songs performed by the victim and another individual, John Wright.

At a jury trial, Appellant was found guilty of first-degree murder, and the jurors returned…