Victor R. Stephens v. State

The appellant, Victor R. Stephens, was convicted of both counts of an indictment charging him with a capital offense involving
the robbery and murder of James R. Bailey, in violation of § 13A-5-40(a)(2), Code of Alabama 1975, and a capital
offense involving the robbery and murder of Adam Pickens, also in violation of § 13A-5-40(a)(2). Following a sentence
hearing, the jury recommended a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole. The trial court, after complying
with § 13A-5-47, Code of Alabama 1975, sentenced the appellant to death by electrocution. The bodies of James R. Bailey and Adam "Pop" Pickens were discovered at Bailey's Grocery Store on Alabama Highway 14 in the
Wedgeworth community near Sawyerville, in Hale County, Alabama, on January 20, 1986. Mr. Bailey, age 72, the owner of the
store, was found dead inside the store -- apparently of multiple gunshot wounds. Adam Pickens, age 83, was still alive, but
also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. Pickens was taken to Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where doctors
attempted to save his life. However, Mr. Pickens died while in surgery.