State v. Sigmon
State v. Sigmon
Opinion of the Court
This is a death-penalty case. Appellant Brad Keith Sigmon (Sigmon) was convicted of two counts of murder and one count of first-degree burglary. He was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment for burglary and to death for murder. Before recommending the death penalty, the jury found the following aggravating circumstances: Sigmon murdered two persons by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct; Sigmon committed the murder while committing burglary; and Sigmon committed the murder while committing physical torture.
FACTS
The material facts are undisputed. Sigmon entered the dwelling of the two victims without consent and with intent to commit a crime. While in the dwelling, Sigmon unlawfully killed the victims with malice aforethought by repeatedly striking them in their heads with a baseball bat.
Sigmon was indicted for two counts of murder and one count of first-degree burglary. Neither murder indictment included an allegation of aggravating circumstances.
Almost one year prior to trial, the state gave Sigmon written notice of its intention to seek the death penalty.
The jury found Sigmon guilty on all counts. At the subsequent penalty phase of the trial, the jury found all three aggravating circumstances mentioned above and recommended that Sigmon be sentenced to death. The circuit court sentenced Sigmon to thirty years imprisonment for first-degree burglary and to death for murder.
ISSUE
Whether the murder convictions must be reversed because the murder indictments included no allegations of aggravation.
ANALYSIS
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right ... to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations.” U.S. Const, amend. VI. Because that provision is incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,
We agree with Sigmon that his right to reasonable notice of the charges against him encompassed the right to
SENTENCE REVIEW
We must review Sigmon’s death sentence, based on the record, to determine whether the sentence is disproportionate to the crime committed. S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-25(A) (2003). In conducting the review, we consider similar cases in which the death penalty has been upheld. See S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-25(E) (2003).
We conclude that Sigmon’s death sentence was not the result of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor, and that the evidence supports the jury’s findings of aggravation. See S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-25(0 (2003). Further, in comparison with similar cases, Sigmon’s sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate to his crime. See State v. Vazsquez, 364 S.C. 293, 613 S.E.2d 359 (2005) (involving a double murder committed in the course of robbery); State v. Hill, 361 S.C. 297, 604 S.E.2d 696 (2004) (involving a triple murder); State v.
CONCLUSION
Sigmon’s constitutional right to notice of the charges against him was not violated. Further, his death sentence was proportionate to his crime. His murder convictions and death sentence are therefore
AFFIRMED.
. See S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-20(C)(a)(l)(b), (h) and (9) (2003).
. This notice must be given at least thirty days prior to trial. S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-26(A) (2003).
.Notice of evidence of aggravation must be given, in writing, prior to trial. S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-20(B) (2003). As discussed below, Sig
. A jury trial on punishment is unavailable to a defendant who pleads guilty to murder. See § 16-3-20(B).
. U.S. Const, amend. XIV, § 1.
. The South Carolina Constitution similarly provides that ”[a]ny person charged with an offense shall enjoy the right ... to be fully informed of the nature and cause of the accusation.” S.C. Const. Art. I, § 14. Sigmon relies only on his right under the United States Constitution.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- The STATE v. Brad Keith SIGMON
- Cited By
- 4 cases
- Status
- Published