James Charles Lawhorn v. State

The appellant, James Charles Lawhorn, was indicted, by the May 1988 term of the Talladega County grand jury, for the capital
offense of murder of William Clarence Berry pursuant to a contract for hire, with Altion Maxine Walker, consideration being
$100. Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-5-40(a)(7). On April 26, 1989, after deliberating for 35 minutes, the jury returned
a verdict of guilty as charged. A sentencing hearing was conducted, in accordance with §§ 13A-5-45 and
-46, and the jury returned an advisory verdict, based on a vote of 11 to 1, recommending to the trial court that the penalty
be death. On June 26, 1989, the trial court held a sentencing hearing, in compliance with § 13A-5-47, and fixed
appellant's punishment at death. The prosecution presented the following evidence: