PHOENIX — The state's high court affirmed the conviction and death sentence of Cody Martinez in the 2003 killing of a Tucson teen after robbing him.
In a unanimous decision Friday, the Arizona Supreme Court rejected a series of arguments by Martinez's lawyer that there were irregularities at the trial at which he was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering Francisco Aguilar.
Those claims ranged from prosecutorial misconduct to comments made to the jury by the trial judge.
The justices also turned aside claims that the evidence presented showed that his life should be spared.
According to court records, Martinez, 21 at the time, was with some others at a friend's Tucson house smoking marijuana when Aguilar arrived with Johnathon Summey- Montaño.
When Aguilar was sent out for rolling papers, Summey-Montaño told Martinez that Aguilar had money and suggested they rob him.
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When Aguilar returned, he was beaten and robbed. They put Aguilar into the trunk of a car and drove to his house, where they took more items.
They eventually drove into the desert where Aguilar was kicked, beaten with a tire iron and stabbed in the belly. Martinez eventually shot him.
Trash was piled onto his body, and Martinez lit a fire.
Summey-Montaño pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Two others involved in the robbery were sentenced to up to 12 years in prison for kidnapping as part of a plea agreement.
