United States Fifth Circuit

Defendant's murder conviction and the death sentence imposed on him pursuant to the Federal Death Penalty Act are affirmed where: 1) a jury could have found the future dangerousness factor beyond a reasonable doubt; 2) the jury was aware -- from the court's detailed instructions before and after the selection and penalty phases -- that defendant could only be sentenced to a life sentence without the possibility of release, or to death; and 3) a witness's testimony was relevant to show that defendant was familiar with a co-conspirator's criminal activities, maintained a relationship with him, and therefore was able to call upon him as an intermediary to execute the victim.

Appellate Information

• Decided 06/17/2010
• Published 06/17/2010

Judges

• CARL E. STEWART, Circuit Judge:, Before STEWART, DENNIS, and HAYNES, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fifth Circuit

Counsel