Earlier this year, Zephen Xaver pled guilty to five counts of first-degree murder for deaths in a 2019 shooting. Yesterday, the trial court sentenced Xaver to death on all five counts.
Can you talk about why a capital defendant might plead guilty without a deal to avoid the death penalty?
That's difficult. There could be numerous reasons--avoiding a trial for different reasons, strategy, etc.
Can you talk about why a capital defendant might plead guilty without a deal to avoid the death penalty?
That's difficult. There could be numerous reasons--avoiding a trial for different reasons, strategy, etc.