(Download) "Kenneth Eugene Smith v. State" by Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Kenneth Eugene Smith v. State
- Author : Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama
- Release Date : January 20, 1991
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 80 KB
Description
The appellant was convicted of the capital murder for pecuniary gain of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett. The appellant's motion
for change of venue was granted, transferring the case from Colbert County, Alabama, to Jefferson County, Alabama, for trial.
Following the jury's verdict of guilt, a sentencing hearing was held before the jury, which resulted in an advisory sentence
of death. A separate sentencing hearing was thereafter conducted before the trial court, following which the appellant was
sentenced to death. The record indicates that the victim, Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett, was married to Charles Sennett, a Church of Christ minister.
Charles Sennett had suffered from mental problems in the past, and, at the time of the offense, was having an extramarital
affair and was having financial difficulties. The evidence at trial indicated that Charles Sennett solicited Billy Gray Williams
to kill his wife or to arrange to have his wife killed, in return for pecuniary consideration. Thereafter, Billy Williams
approached the appellant concerning the matter. Although it is unclear whether the appellant initially believed that the proposition
was merely to beat and to scare the victim, evidence revealed that, at least three days prior to the offense, the appellant
was aware that he was expected to kill the victim. The appellant attempted to solicit a third party to participate in the
offense; however, the party declined. The appellant then approached John Forrest Parker, who agreed to participate in the
offense. Although he did not know the Sennetts' names, the appellant met with Charles Sennett and Billy Williams prior to
the offense.