Payne v. Tennessee

Payne testified at trial he had not harmed any of the Christophers. However, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and jury returned guilty verdicts on all of the three counts against him. During the sentencing phase of the trial, the defense presented four witnesses who testified that Payne attended church, was of good character, treated his girlfriend and her children with loving kindness, had no criminal record, did not use drugs, and, although he had a low I.Q., was mentally normal. Thomas, Payne's girlfriend, stated further that the crimes were inconsistent with Payne's character. The prosecution presented Charisse Christopher's mother, who testified to the effects of the murders on Nicholas. Then, in the sentencing phase, the prosecution argued for the death penalty, using the ongoing psychological burden on the boy as part of his argument. The jury sentenced Payne to death on each of the murder counts, and to 30 years for the attempted murder of Nicholas.