DEATH SENTENCE The judge’s words

ADAMS

Continued From B1

Excerpts from Thursday’s death sentence pronouncement by Judge Timothy E. Franken of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court:

“The defendant coveted Gina Tenney and her possessions. When he found that she had no interest in him, he decided to take her and her possessions by force. The evidence was that he did indeed take Gina Tenney and her possessions by force. Since she knew him, he had to kill her or be reported to the authorities.”

“I do not find anything mitigating in the nature or circumstances of the aggravated murder.”

“I find nothing in Mr. Adams’ background or social history that has much weight in mitigating against the death penalty.”

“He certainly bettered himself while in prison. He obtained some education and obtained and actually held a job, and he was rewarded by a parole for those efforts.”

“The mitigating factors presented ably by your counsel are deflated or devalued by your character. You are not different from the Bennie Adams of 1986. You are still trying to evade your responsibility for the crimes against Gina Tenney.”

“I find by proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating circumstance outweighs the mitigating factors. I accept the verdict of the jury.”

“This court shall impose a sentence of death upon Bennie Adams.”