Commonwealth v. Sneed

OPINION

McDermott, justice.

A jury convicted the appellant, Willie Sneed, of murder in the first degree 1 and possession of an instrument of crime 2 for the shooting death of Calvin Hawkins. A sentencing hearing was then conducted in accordance with Section 9711 of the Sentencing Code. 3 After further deliberation, the jury determined the appellant be sentenced to death. Post-verdict motions were denied and the appellant was formally sentenced to death, plus a concurrent term of two and one-half to five years imprisonment for the weapons offense.

The appellant pursued a direct appeal to this…