Summary:

At trial, Johnson testified that he killed his son because he hated his wife, did not want to be near her, and did not want to worry about his wife’s threats of putting him in jail for alimony or child support.

After several unsuccessful attempts in the early morning hours, he laid on top of two month old Elias, covered his mouth with his hand for extended periods of time, and forced his fingers into the child's mouth and down his throat to stop the crying. He also struck the child with his hand. Johnson stated he tried to quiet the child while his wife slept. When the child's mother awoke, Elias was unresponsive and cold to the touch.

The forensic pathologist testified during the trial that the infant suffered at least 85 separate injuries. Suffocation and head trauma were cited as the causes of death. Johnson represented himself during part of the trial. After he was sentenced to death, he refused to pursue appeals in his case.

Citations:

Johnson v. State, 40 So.3d 753 (Ala.Crim.App. 2009). (Direct Appeal)

Final/Special Meal:

From food available in the prison cafeteria, Johnson chose for his final meal a turkey bologna sandwich with tomatoes and cheese, french fries, and an orange drink. Later, from a vending machine, Johnson got a Reese’s Cup, pretzels, and grape Sunkist drink.

Final Words:

"Game over."

ClarkProsecutor.org

Alabama Department of Corrections

DOC#: Z736
Inmate: Johnson, Christopher T.
Gender: M
Race: W
DOB: 12/26/72
Prison Holman
Received: 02/22/07
Charge: MURDER
County: Escambia

Christopher Thomas Johnson executed by lethal injection

By Roy Huffman - Blog.al.com

October 20, 2011

HOLMAN PRISON, ATMORE, Alabama -- Christopher Thomas Johnson, a man sentenced to die for the killing of his infant son, was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. Thursday at Holman Correctional Facility, after being executed by lethal injection. Shortly after 6 p.m., just as the proceedings had begun, Johnson was asked if he had any last words. He simply said, "Game over." Holman chaplain Chris Summers and other prison officials looked on from inside the execution chamber.

Johnson, 38, was convicted of killing his 6-month-old son, Elias Ocean Johnson, at the family’s home in Atmore in February 2005. He has been on death row at Holman prison since February of 2007. One family member was present as a witness — Johnson’s brother, Thomas Eugene Lagos, who had spent the day visiting the condemned man in a cell near the execution chamber. In the small room for witnesses, Lagos sat on the front row, peering through the glass at Johnson, body in a sheet, who was strapped to a gurney on his back with his arms out to the sides. Johnson’s left hand, closest to the window, made a sign with his index finger and little finger extended. Brian Corbett, a spokesman for the Alabama Department of Corrections who was in the witness room, later said that he had seen other inmates make that sign during executions. Corbett believed it was a symbol for "I love you." At one point, Lagos leaned toward the glass as if to touch it, flashing that same sign.

After the lethal injection drugs appeared to flow through three tubes from an opening in the wall, Johnson’s left hand relaxed and his fingers lay flat. When his body twitched, Lagos said, "Cardiac arrest," although Corbett later said that Lagos was not accurate in his description of the medical event.

In the witness room, where there also were five news reporters, Lagos suddenly said, "It’s a hard thing to watch. A lot of questions are in a lot of minds. "He paid his price," he went on. "He’s been waiting on this awhile. You can speak now. He’s done." When a reporter began to ask Lagos a question, Corbett explained that Lagos could agree to be interviewed after the execution was finished, and outside of the prison area. During the execution was not the appropriate time, Corbett said.

There was no more direct interaction between Lagos and the reporters. When the curtains were drawn closed again, the room was silent for several minutes as witnesses waited for the guards to escort them out. Lagos, hands on his knees, leaned down, shook his head, and sighed. As Corbett later pointed out, the crime’s victim, infant Elias, had also been Lagos’s nephew.

During his trial, Johnson testified that he hit and suffocated his son because he hated his wife and didn’t want to be near her. He said in his testimony that he didn’t want to worry about his wife’s threats of putting him in jail for alimony or child support. The child was found unresponsive on a couch where Christopher Johnson had fallen asleep. According to court records, Johnson told Atmore police that he earlier had tried to get the baby to stop crying by placing his hand over Elias’ mouth and by sticking his fingers down the child’s throat.

Prosecutors presented medical testimony that the baby had numerous injuries and had suffered three hard blows to his forehead. Johnson represented himself during part of the trial. After he was sentenced to death, he refused to pursue appeals in his case, and filed court papers in May saying he didn’t want anyone to go to court on his behalf. P>For breakfast Thursday, his final day, Johnson had eggs, grits, and biscuits, then skipped lunch in lieu of a Thursday dinner. From food available in the prison cafeteria, said Corbett, Johnson chose for his final meal a turkey bologna sandwich with tomatoes and cheese, french fries, and an orange drink. In a holding cell near the execution chamber, Johnson had extended visiting hours for the day, joined by Lagos, according to Corbett. From a vending machine in the area, said Corbett, Johnson got a Reese’s Cup, pretzels, and grape Sunkist drink.

Since 2002, when lethal injection replaced electrocution as the mode of execution in Alabama, said Corbett, 30 inmates have been executed in that manner. Johnson became the 31st. Prior to Johnson, there had been five executions at Holman in 2011, said Corbett.

Man executed for killing son

By Bob Johnson - MontgomeryAdvertiser.com

Associated Press

Oct. 21, 2011

ATMORE — An Alabama man who testified that he killed his infant son at his family's home because he hated his wife was executed at a prison in the same community Thursday, declaring as his only last words: "Game over."

Christopher T. Johnson, 38, was administered a lethal injection and pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. CDT Thursday at Holman prison in Atmore, authorities said. Johnson had filed court papers in May saying he didn't want anyone to try to block the execution, and authorities said he had made no 11th-hour attempt to stop it.

Johnson, who represented himself during part of his trial, was convicted in the February 2005 beating and suffocation death of his 6-month-old son, Elias Ocean Johnson. He testified at trial that he hated his wife, the child's mother, and didn't want to be near her. He also testified that he didn't want to worry about his wife's threats of putting him in jail for alimony or child support. The mother of the slain child, Dana Johnson, now lives in Arizona and didn't attend the execution.

At the prison, Johnson was strapped on a hospital-style gurney before the lethal drugs were administered. His brother, Thomas Eugene Lagos, sat in the front row in the witness room and the two briefly flashed hand signals to each other. When the warden asked whether he had any last words, Johnson responded: "Game over."

Johnson was seen speaking briefly to a corrections officer before closing eyes and appearing to lose consciousness as the drugs began flowing. His words could not be heard through a transparent partition. He twitched briefly, then lay motionless.

Lagos, after watching the execution, declared to no one in particular with a handful of reporters present: "It's a hard thing to watch. It's not going to change anything. He's been waiting on this for a while."

Johnson was executed not far from where he lived in Atmore, a small community near the Alabama-Florida border about 50 miles northeast of Mobile.

At Johnson's trial, prosecutors presented medical testimony that the baby had numerous injuries and had suffered three hard blows to his forehead. The court also heard that the infant was found unresponsive on a couch where Johnson had fallen asleep the day the child died, according to authorities. According to court records, Johnson told Atmore police that he had earlier tried to get the baby to stop crying by placing his hand over Elias' mouth and by sticking his fingers down the child's throat.

Johnson spent much of the day Thursday with his brother in a prison visitation area. For a last meal, Johnson requested a turkey bologna sandwich with cheese, and french fries. Johnson was the sixth person to be executed in Alabama this year.

Christopher Johnson executed

By Paige Malone - Fox10tv.com

Thursday, 20 Oct 2011

ATMORE, Ala. (WALA) - Christopher Johnson was executed at Holman Prison in Atmore, Ala. on October 20 for the murder of his 6-month-old son, declaring as his only last words, "Game over." He was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. local time after receiving a lethal injection.

Johnson requested a last meal of a turkey and bologna sandwich with cheese, tomatoes and French fries that was served to him Thursday afternoon. According to Brian Corbett, Alabama DOC spokesperson, prison officials who met with Johnson Thursday said he was "upbeat and seemed to be in a good mood."

Christopher Johnson spent less than six years on death row before his execution Thursday. In comparison to the average, that’s a very short amount of time. In September, Derrick Mason was executed at Holman Prison after spending 17 years on death row. In June, Jason Williams was executed after 19 years. Johnson only spent six years there because he didn't go through the appeals process.

For many Alabama death row inmates, their last minutes are spent waiting for word on their final appeal. That was not the case for Johnson. He spent it with his brother, Thomas Lagos . Lagos was the only witness to the execution aside from officials and the press. "We talked about the bible. We talked about his repentance. We talked about the pain and sorrow he’s caused family,” said Lagos.

Since 1977, only five death row convictions have been overturned. In the more than 50 other cases, it's ended like it did for Johnson, in the execution chamber at Holman Prison. It’s the right of the inmate to pursue the appeals process. It’s also the reason the average time an inmate is on Alabama death row is just short of 16 years.

Johnson represented himself in court and asked the judge for a death sentence for the brutal murder of his 6-month-old son. His wish was granted. "He didn't want to live any longer when he lost the most important thing in his life. He had a bad childhood, and he finally had something that couldn’t walk away, and it was gone,” said Lagos. “To my knowledge, he did not want any appeals. He did not want anyone to represent him, and he wanted to move forward with the process,” said Brian Corbett with the Department of Corrections. Johnson filed court papers so that no one would take legal action on his behalf.

Alabama executes man for 2005 death of his infant son

By Kelli Dugan - Reuters.com

Oct 20, 2011

MOBILE, Ala (Reuters) - Alabama executed a man on Thursday who asked to be put to death after pleading guilty to fatally suffocating and beating his infant son, and had spent just four years on death row. Christopher Thomas Johnson, 39, made the rare move of pleading guilty to capital murder in the 2005 death of 6-month-old Elias Ocean Johnson. He requested the death penalty, granted in 2007, and waived all appeals.

Johnson's last words before being put to death by lethal injection were, "Game over," said Brian Corbett, spokesman for the Alabama Department of Corrections. He was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. local time at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore after what one law professor said was an unusually short stint on death row and possibly among the shortest on record nationwide.

Donald Q. Cochran, a former prosecutor and a Samford University law professor, said the only other case he could recall following such an abrupt timeline was that of confessed Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. McVeigh was executed in 2001, six years after committing his crime. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the average time an inmate spends on death row awaiting execution is 14 years, with many waiting longer than 20 years.

Johnson was the sixth inmate executed in Alabama this year and the 38th put to death nationwide in 2011. His last meal consisted of a turkey bologna sandwich with cheese and tomatoes, french fries and an orange drink. No witnesses representing the victim attended the execution, but Corbett said Johnson's brother visited him earlier in the day.

'HATED HIS WIFE'

Johnson represented himself at trial. He testified he killed his son because he "hated his wife, didn't want to be near her and didn't want to worry about her threats of putting him in jail for alimony or child support," according to the state Attorney General's Office. Johnson offered no mitigating circumstances for his crime, and the trial court found the "the heinous, atrocious and cruel" nature of the murder outweighed any justifications that could have been offered, records show.

According to court documents, Johnson tried to quiet Elias while his wife slept. After several unsuccessful attempts in the early morning hours, he "laid on top of Elias, covered Elias' mouth with his hand for extended periods of time, and forced his fingers into the child's mouth and down his throat to stop the crying." He also struck the child with his hand. When the child's mother awoke, Elias was unresponsive and cold to the touch.

The forensic pathologist who performed Elias' autopsy testified during the trial that the infant suffered at least 85 separate injuries. Suffocation and head trauma were cited as the causes of death.

In a statement issued before the execution by Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty, executive director Esther Brown said even though the organization respected Johnson's right to have the death penalty imposed, they questioned his motives. "We are a prisoner organization and therefore respect a prisoner's wishes. Nevertheless, we question Mr. Johnson's mental stability, which would allow him to make this kind of decision," Brown said.

Christopher Thomas Johnson

ProDeathPenalty.com

Christopher Thomas Johnson was sentenced to death for capital murder in the death of his six-month-old son, Elias Ocean Johnson. Johnson's wife, Dana, gave birth to their son, Elias Ocean Johnson, on August 22, 2004. In February 2005, the Johnsons lived in a duplex in Atmore, Alabama.

On February 19, 2005, Suzanne Mims and Jason Mims, along with their infant, Sophie, arrived at the Johnsons' duplex around 8:30 p.m. to play board games. While playing board games, the Johnsons and the Mims drank alcoholic beverages. At approximately 1:00 a.m., the Mims left. At around 9:00 a.m., Dana woke up and found Johnson and Elias on the couch in the duplex. Dana stated that Elias had bruises on him and that he appeared to be dead. At that point, Dana ran over to feel Elias. Dana testified that Elias felt cool so she tried to check his pulse; however, she could not find one. Worried about Elias, Dana grabbed the telephone and called emergency 911.

Tim Grabill, a paramedic with Atmore Ambulance Service, received a call to go to the Johnsons' duplex. When Grabill and his partner, Jareth Heibert, arrived at the duplex, Johnson was holding Elias. Grabill observed that Elias was "very pale, limp and his extremities were cool to the touch." Based on Elias's appearance, Heibert carried him to the ambulance where the paramedics checked his vital signs. At that point, Elias was not breathing and had no heartbeat. Although Grabill believed that Elias was already dead, he performed CPR and rushed Elias to the emergency room at Atmore Hospital. When they arrived at the hospital, Grabill carried Elias into the emergency room, still performing CPR, placed him on a trauma bed, and turned him over to Dr. Steven Michael Sharp. Dr. Sharp testified that Elias appeared to be dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Dr. Sharp described several injuries he observed on Elias's body. Specifically, Dr. Sharp noticed several bruises on Elias's face, a bruise on the bridge of Elias's nose, and ruptured blood vessels around Elias's eyes and chin. Dr. Sharp also noticed a bite mark on one of Elias's arms. Although Elias appeared to be dead, the hospital staff attempted to resuscitate him. Because Elias was unresponsive, Dr. Sharp cleared his airway and placed an endotracheal tube in his throat so that medical personnel "could breath for the child." While attempting to place the endotracheal tube, Dr. Sharp noticed blood in Elias's mouth. Dr. Sharp also testified that Elias had blood in his stomach. After all attempts to resuscitate Elias failed, he was pronounced dead.

Investigator Chuck Brooks and Police Chief Jason Dean, with the Atmore Police Department, went to Atmore Hospital to investigate the circumstances of Elias's death. One of the law-enforcement officers asked Johnson and Dana to come to the police station and give statements relating to the death of their child. Dana rode to the police station with a member of her church, and Johnson rode to the police station with Chief Dean. During the ride to the police station, Johnson spontaneously stated that he had something to do with Elias's death. Once at the police station, Johnson gave a statement to Investigator Brooks and Irene Johnson, a social worker with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. After being informed of and waiving his Miranda rights, Johnson indicated that Elias had been crying so Johnson laid on top of him to try to quiet the child. When Elias did not stop crying, Johnson stuck his fingers in the child's mouth and hit him. Johnson stated that "last night was the hardest that he ever hit Elias and he was pretty sure Elias's death was his fault." Johnson also stated that after the event that night, he did not think that he had seriously injured Elias.

Dr. Kathleen Entice, a medical examiner who was formerly with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, performed the autopsy on Elias and testified that it would be reasonable to estimate that Elias had suffered 85 separate injuries, including a bite mark on his arm. Dr. Entice testified that Elias had multiple bruises on his face and head. She stated that both of Elias's ears were swollen and bruised which was consistent with a "boxing blow" and squeezing. Dr. Entice testified that Elias's lower lip was swollen and bloody from a blunt-force injury. Dr. Entice explained that Elias had three impact injuries to his forehead. She informed the jury that Elias's ethmoid bone, which is in the sinuses, was broken and that Elias's sinuses were full of blood. Dr. Entice testified that Elias had deep contusions on his head and that his brain had hemorrhaged as a result of blunt-force trauma. Dr. Entice also testified that Elias had hemorrhages in both eyes and had injuries to his inner lips and nose that indicated that he had been smothered by the "forceful covering, sealing off of his mouth and nose." According to Dr. Entice, Elias's injuries had been inflicted within 24 hours of his death. Dr. Entice finally testified that in her opinion, Elias died as a result of blunt-force trauma and smothering.

In addition to the State's evidence, Johnson testified that he intentionally murdered his son because he hated his wife. Johnson explained that he would have left his wife long before the murder if it had not been for Elias. According to Johnson, he did not want "to worry about her threats of putting me in jail for alimony or child support" so he intentionally inflicted wounds on Elias that caused Elias's life to expire." Johnson stated that his final words to Elias were: "You go see Jesus."

Johnson’s ex-wife Dana said that she welcomes Christopher’s death. "Although I normally do not agree with capital punishment, I will not lose any sleep over this particular execution. Whether it is right or wrong I feel that a weight will be lifted from my soul on Thursday, and finally I will feel relief. I am scarred by this, and Christopher took away my son, my trust in other people, and even my desire to ever have another child. I still have a hard time being around children because of the sorrow it makes me feel. Everyday I see children that are Elias’s age, and I wonder what he would have been like." She has since moved away and is studying to become a nurse. "My son was the most delightful, calm little boy I have ever known. Christopher Johnson took him from me. I have spent years trying to heal from this unimaginable pain," she said.

Exclusive: Baby Killer Set To Be Executed, Baby’s Mom Speaks Out

NorthEscambia.com

October 17, 2011

[Exclusive] A convicted Atmore baby killer is set to be executed Thursday, and the mother of the baby is speaking out for the first time about the murder of her 6-month old son and the death penalty to be carried out against her husband. Christopher Thomas Johnson is scheduled to be put to death at 6 p.m. Thursday at Holman Prison in Atmore. He testified that he purposefully beat his son, Elias Ocean Johnson, to death on February 20, 2005, because he hated his wife Dana Johnson.

“Thursday I will be granted closure finally,” Dana Johnson told NorthEscambia.com in an exclusive interview. “Although I normally do not agree with capital punishment, I will not lose any sleep over this particular execution. Whether it is right or wrong I feel that a weight will be lifted from my soul on Thursday, and finally I will feel relief.”

“You go see Jesus,” were the last words Christopher Johnson said to his son, he testified at his trial, before beating him to death. Those words have unimaginably haunted Dana Johnson for over six years. She’s rarely spoken about the murder, and is sharing photos of Elias for the first-time ever in this story.

“My son was the most delightful calm little boy I have ever known. Christopher Johnson took him from me. I have spent years trying to heal from this unimaginable pain,” Dana Johnson said. “I am scarred by this, and Christopher took away my son, my trust in other people, and even my desire to ever have another child. I still have a hard time being around children because of the sorrow it makes me feel. Everyday I see children that are Elias’ age, and I wonder what he would have been like.”

Dana Johnson won’t be able to attend Thursday’s execution. She now lives far from Atmore in the western United States where she is studying to become a nurse. “I can tell you one thing, Thursday will be a day of closure for me, whether that is wrong or right. I curse the day that I met that man,” Dana Johnson said, adding that she feels sorry that Atmore is associated with this heinous crime. “I am sorry that the people of Atmore, myself, and my son had to be subjected to this horrible crime. The people of Atmore were some of the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met,” she said.

Christopher Johnson fired his public defenders and served as his own attorney during his 2006 Escambia County trial, telling the judge and jury that he wanted the death penalty for his actions. It took the jury less than a half hour to return a guilty verdict, and the death penalty was imposed. The death sentence has been upheld by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, and Christopher Johnson has, to date, declined additional appeals.

Johnson v. State, 40 So.3d 753 (Ala.Crim.App. 2009). (Direct Appeal)

Background: Defendant was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, following guilty plea in the Escambia Circuit Court, No. CC-05-433, Bradley E. Byrne, J. Automatic appeal followed.

Holdings: The Court of Criminal Appeals, Windom, J., held that: (1) defendant's decisions to represent himself on appeal and forgo filing of appellate brief were knowing and voluntary; (2) conviction was supported by sufficient evidence; (3) death sentence was appropriate; and (4) death sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate. Affirmed.

WINDOM, Judge.

Christopher Thomas Johnson appeals his guilty-plea conviction for capital murder, § 13A-5-40(a)(15), Ala.Code 1975 (murder of an individual under the age of 14), and his sentence of death. Johnson's appeal is before this court in an unusual procedural posture that must be explained before this court turns to the merits of his appeal.

On October 28, 2005, Johnson was indicted by an Escambia County grand jury on the charge of capital murder for the death of his six-month-old son, Elias Ocean Johnson. J. Todd Sterns and Charles E. Johns were appointed to represent Johnson. Johnson's trial began on December 4, 2006. (R. 267.) After both sides had rested their cases and during the jury charge conference, Johnson invoked his right to represent himself and moved the circuit court to allow him to reopen his case and to testify. (R. 1418-40.) The circuit court conducted a thorough colloquy pursuant to Rule 6.1(b), Ala. R.Crim. P., and Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975), to determine whether Johnson knew the consequences and dangers of representing himself and to ensure that Johnson's decision was knowing and voluntary. (R. 1418-40.) After determining that Johnson's decision to represent himself was knowing and voluntary, the circuit court granted Johnson's motion to represent himself and ordered counsel to remain as standby counsel.

The circuit court then allowed Johnson to reopen his case and to testify on his own behalf. (R. 1444.) Johnson testified that he intentionally murdered his six-month-old son because he hated his wife. (R. 1452.) After testifying, Johnson moved the circuit court to allow him to change his plea from not guilty to guilty. (R. 1456.) The circuit court then engaged Johnson in a thorough colloquy, as required under Boykin v. Alabama, 395 U.S. 238, 89 S.Ct. 1709, 23 L.Ed.2d 274 (1969), and Rule 14.4, Ala. R.Crim. P., during which the circuit court informed Johnson of the rights he would be waiving by pleading guilty and questioned Johnson to ensure that his decision was knowing and voluntary. (R. 1457-62.) After determining that Johnson's decision was knowing and voluntary and not the result of any coercion, threats, or promises, the circuit court allowed Johnson to plead guilty to capital murder. (R. 1462.) The cause was then submitted to the jury in accordance with § 13A-5-42, Ala.Code 1975, and the jury found Johnson guilty of capital murder. § 13A-5-40(a)(15), Ala.Code 1975.

Following the jury's verdict, the penalty phase of Johnson's trial began. The State submitted that the aggravating circumstance of the offense (Elias's murder) was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, § 13A-5-49(8), Ala.Code 1975, and adopted the evidence presented during the guilt phase. Johnson, representing himself, presented no evidence in mitigation and urged the jury to recommend a sentence of death. (R. 1502, 1509.) After the circuit court properly instructed the jury regarding the penalty-phase process of weighing the aggravating circumstances and the mitigating circumstances, the jury unanimously recommended that Johnson be sentenced to death. (R. 1532.) The circuit court accepted the jury's recommendation and sentenced Johnson to death. (C.R. 2017-2029, R. 1585.)

After being sentenced to death, Johnson invoked his state-law right to represent himself on appeal, and he refused to file a notice of appeal. See Ex parte Scudder, 789 So.2d 837, 841 (Ala.2001) (holding that, “taken together, §§ 12-22-130 and 15-12-22(b) confer upon a defendant in a criminal case the right to represent himself on appeal if he desires to do so”). On February 21, 2007, the circuit court entered an order of appeal pursuant to § 12-22-150, Ala.Code 1975, and Johnson's case was appealed to this court for automatic review. § 13A-5-55, Ala.Code 1975.

On February 27, 2007, this court remanded the cause to the circuit court with instructions that the circuit court hold a hearing during which it was to advise Johnson of the disadvantages of self-representation on appeal and the consequences of his failure to file an appellate brief. The circuit court was further ordered to determine whether Johnson had knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to counsel on appeal and whether he understood the consequences of failing to file a brief on appeal. See Sibley v. State, 775 So.2d 235, 237-40 (Ala.Crim.App.1996).

On March 26, 2007, the circuit court conducted a hearing in accordance with this court's instructions. During the hearing, the circuit court thoroughly informed Johnson of the disadvantages and consequences of his self representation and the refusal to file an appellate brief. (R. 1591-99.) The circuit court determined that Johnson's decisions were knowing and voluntary and not the result of any coercion, threats, or promises. (C.R. 2037-38.)

Although Johnson has chosen not to file an appellate brief on his behalf, his decision not to do so does not end this court's review. Because Johnson was convicted of a capital crime and was sentenced to death, his appeal is automatic, and this court must review the propriety of his decision to waive his right to present a brief on appeal, the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain his conviction, and the propriety of his sentence of death. §§ 12-22-150, 13A-5-53, and 13A-5-55, Ala.Code 1975; Rule 45A Ala. R.App. P. See also Sibley v. State, 775 So.2d 235, 240 (Ala.Crim.App.1996); Block v. State, 744 So.2d 404, 406 (Ala.Crim.App.1996).

I.

First, this court must review the circuit court's finding that Johnson's decision to represent himself on appeal and his waiver of appellate counsel was knowing and voluntary. Sibley v. State, 775 So.2d 235, 240 (Ala.Crim.App.1996); Block v. State, 744 So.2d 404, 406 (Ala.Crim.App.1996). This court must also review whether Johnson's decision to forgo filing a brief on appeal was knowing and voluntary. Id.

In Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 819-22, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975), the United States Supreme Court explained that although a defendant has a right to represent himself and waive the assistance of counsel, the intelligence of the waiver of counsel must be scrutinized. FN1 “When an [appellant] manages his own [appeal], he relinquishes ... many of the traditional benefits associated with the right to counsel.” Id. at 835, 95 S.Ct. 2525. Because an appellant who invokes his state-law right to represent himself and refuses to file a brief on his own behalf waives many traditional benefits, “in order to represent himself the [appellant] must ‘knowingly and intelligently’ forgo those relinquished benefits ... [and] he should be made aware of the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation, so that the record will establish that ‘he knows what he's doing and his choice is made with eyes open.’ ” Sibley, 775 So.2d at 242-43 (quoting Faretta, 422 U.S. at 835, 95 S.Ct. 2525). “While it is desirable that the trial court engage, as it did in this case, in a colloquy in which it expressly advises the defendant of ‘the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation,’ such a colloquy is not mandated.” Moody v. State, 888 So.2d 532, 554 (Ala.Crim.App.2003) (quoting Tomlin v. State, 601 So.2d 124, 128 (Ala.1991)). “The ultimate test is whether it ‘appear[s] from the record as a whole that a defendant's waiver of counsel and decision to represent himself were knowing and intelligent.’ ” Moody, 888 So.2d at 554 (quoting Teske v. State, 507 So.2d 569, 571 (Ala.Crim.App.1987)). “Under this approach, the focus of the inquiry is on ‘the particular facts and circumstances involved, “including the background, experience, and conduct of the accused.” ’ ” Moody, 888 So.2d at 554 (quoting Tomlin, 601 So.2d at 128-29, quoting in turn, Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938)).

FN1. This court recognizes that Faretta is not directly on point because that case involved a defendant's right to represent himself at trial. 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562. However, in Sibley, this court analogized the waiver of counsel at trial and the waiver of counsel on appeal.

In Sibley v. State, this court held that the circuit court may consider the following factors in determining whether an appellant's decision to represent himself and refusal to file a brief was knowing and voluntary: “(1) the background, experience and conduct of the defendant including his age, educational background, and his physical and mental health; (2) the extent to which the defendant had contact with lawyers prior to the trial; (3) the defendant's knowledge of the nature of the charges, the possible defenses, and the possible penalty; (4) the defendant's understanding of the rules of procedure, evidence and courtroom decorum; (5) the defendant's experience in criminal trials; (6) whether standby counsel was appointed, and the extent to which he aided the defendant; (7) whether the waiver of counsel was the result of mistreatment or coercion; or (8) whether the defendant was trying to manipulate the events of the trial.” 775 So.2d at 239 (quoting Strozier v. Newsome, 871 F.2d 995, 998 (11th Cir.1989)). See also United States v. Cash, 47 F.3d 1083, 1088-89 (11th Cir.1995) (same factors). “ ‘All factors need not point in the same direction.’ ” Sibley, 775 So.2d at 243 (quoting Cash, 47 F.3d at 1089).

After reviewing the record on return to remand, this court is convinced that Johnson's decision to represent himself on appeal and his decision not to file an appellate brief on his own behalf was knowing and voluntary. During the hearing on Johnson's decision to represent himself, Johnson adamantly insisted that he desired to represent himself on appeal and that he would not file a brief. (R. 1591-93.) The record reflects that Johnson was 34 years old when he invoked his right to represent himself on appeal. (R. 1605.) Although Johnson did not graduate from high school, he obtained his GED certificate, is intelligent, and has experience with the criminal judicial process. (C.R. 2026 (noting that Johnson's IQ is 127); R. 1606.) Johnson told the circuit court that he did not have any physical or mental-health problems and that he was not taking any medications. (R. 1599.) Johnson further informed the court that he understood that he had been convicted of capital murder and had been sentenced to death. (R. 1606.) Johnson also informed the court that he had not been coerced or forced to represent himself and that it was his decision not to file an appellate brief on his own behalf. (R. 1606-07).

During the colloquy, the circuit court informed Johnson that he has a right to counsel on appeal. (R. 1591.) The circuit court further explained to Johnson the disadvantages and dangers of self-representation and the failure to file a brief. (R. 1591-96.) The circuit court informed Johnson that his decision to represent himself and his refusal to file a brief on appeal would result in waiving claims of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel and future postconviction claims. (R. 1591-98, 1604.) The circuit court also warned Johnson that representing himself and forgoing filing a brief would place Johnson at a great disadvantage. (R. 1591-98, 1604.) Johnson informed the circuit court that he understood that his decision to represent himself and his refusal to file a brief would place him at a disadvantage on appeal and would make it “more likely that [he] will get the death sentence.” (R. 1604.) Johnson, however, insisted that he desired to represent himself and that he would not file a brief. (R. 1591, 1600, 1606-07.)

Based on the extensive colloquy between the circuit court and Johnson, this court is convinced that Johnson “not only knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily, waived his right to counsel, but also his right to present issues to this court as it reviews his conviction and his sentence of death.” Sibley v. State, 775 So.2d 235, 243 (Ala.Crim.App.1996). This court is further convinced that when Johnson “decided to forgo presentation of any issues in the review of his conviction and death sentence he could appreciate his position and he knew that his life was at stake.” Id. at 244. Therefore, there was no error in allowing Johnson to represent himself on appeal.

II.

Next, this court must review the sufficiency of the State's evidence to sustain Johnson's guilty-plea conviction. In Alabama, “[a] defendant who is indicted for a capital offense may plead guilty to it, but the state must in any event prove the defendant's guilt of the capital offense beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury.” § 13A-5-42, Ala.Code 1975. Johnson pleaded guilty to and was convicted of capital murder pursuant § 13A-5-40(a)(15), Ala.Code 1975, which required a showing that he intentionally murdered a child who was under 14 years of age. MacEwan v. State, 701 So.2d 66, 70 (Ala.Crim.App.1997).

“In determining the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain a conviction, a reviewing court must accept as true all evidence introduced by the State, accord the State all legitimate inferences therefrom, and consider all evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution.” Powe v. State, 597 So.2d 721, 724 (Ala.1991) (citing Faircloth v. State, 471 So.2d 485 (Ala.Crim.App.1984)). “ ‘The test used in determining the sufficiency of evidence to sustain a conviction is whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational finder of fact could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.’ ” Nunn v. State, 697 So.2d 497, 498 (Ala.Crim.App.1997) (quoting O'Neal v. State, 602 So.2d 462, 464 (Ala.Crim.App.1992)). “When there is legal evidence from which the jury could, by fair inference, find the defendant guilty the trial court should submit [the case] to the jury, and, in such a case, this court will not disturb the trial court's decision.” Sale v. State, 8 So.3d 330, 338 (Ala.Crim.App.2008) (quotations and citations omitted). “The role of appellate courts is not to say what the facts are. Our role ... is to judge whether the evidence is legally sufficient to allow submission of an issue for decision [by] the jury.” Ex parte Stewart, 900 So.2d 475, 477 (Ala.2004) (citations and quotations omitted). Further, in a capital case in which the defendant pleads guilty, “[t]he guilty plea may be considered in determining whether the state has met [its] burden of proof.” § 13A-5-42, Ala.Code 1975. Applying these principles, this court finds that the State presented sufficient evidence to prove Johnson's guilt.

At trial, the State established that Johnson's wife, Dana, gave birth to their son, Elias Ocean Johnson, on August 22, 2004. (R. 1119.) In February 2005, the Johnsons lived in a duplex at 103 Horner Street in Atmore, Alabama.

On February 19, 2005, Suzanne Mims and Jason Mims, along with their infant, Sophie, arrived at the Johnsons' duplex around 8:30 p.m. to play board games. (R. 1100, 1122-23.) While playing board games, the Johnsons and the Mims drank alcoholic beverages. (R. 1096-1100, 1123.) At approximately 1:00 a.m., the Mims left the duplex to go home. (R. 1100.) Shortly thereafter, at 1:30 a.m., Dana went to bed, leaving Elias in Johnson's care. (R. 1125.) Not long after Dana went to bed, Elias became hungry so Dana got back up to help feed him. (R. 1142-43.) After warming a bottle for Johnson to feed Elias, Dana went back to bed, again leaving Elias in Johnson's care. (R. 1143.)

At around 9:00 a.m., Dana woke up and found Johnson and Elias on the couch in the duplex. (R. 1129-30.) Dana stated that Elias had bruises on him and that he appeared to be dead. (R. 1131.) At that point, Dana ran over to feel Elias. (R. 1131.) Dana testified that Elias felt cool so she tried to check his pulse; however, she could not find one. (R. 1131.) Worried about Elias, Dana grabbed the telephone and called emergency 911. (R. 1131.)

Tim Grabill, a paramedic with Atmore Ambulance Service, received a call to go to the Johnsons' duplex. (R. 1018.) When Grabill and his partner, Jareth Heibert, arrived at the duplex, Johnson was holding Elias. (R. 1018.) Grabill observed that Elias was “very pale, limp and his extremities were cool to the touch.” (R. 1018.) Based on Elias's appearance, Heibert carried him to the ambulance where the paramedics checked his vital signs. (R. 1018-21.) At that point, Elias was not breathing and had no heartbeat. (R. 1020-21.) Although Grabill believed that Elias was already dead, he performed CPR and rushed Elias to the emergency room at Atmore Hospital. (R. 1020-23, 1025.) When they arrived at the hospital, Grabill carried Elias into the emergency room, still performing CPR, placed him on a trauma bed, and turned him over to Dr. Steven Michael Sharp. (R. 1023, 1028.)

Dr. Sharp testified that Elias appeared to be dead when he arrived at the hospital. (R. 1033.) Dr. Sharp described several injuries he observed on Elias's body. (R. 1044.) Specifically, Dr. Sharp noticed several bruises on Elias's face, a bruise on the bridge of Elias's nose, and ruptured blood vessels around Elias's eyes and chin. (R. 1044.) Dr. Sharp also noticed a bite mark on one of Elias's arms. (R. 1044).

Although Elias appeared to be dead, the hospital staff attempted to resuscitate him. (R. 1033.) Because Elias was unresponsive, Dr. Sharp cleared his airway and placed an endotracheal tube in his throat so that medical personnel “could breath for the child.” (R. 1036.) While attempting to place the endotracheal tube, Dr. Sharp noticed blood in Elias's mouth. (R. 1036.) Dr. Sharp also testified that Elias had blood in his stomach. (R. 1037-39.) After all attempts to resuscitate Elias failed, he was pronounced dead. (R. 1038.)

Investigator Chuck Brooks and Police Chief Jason Dean, with the Atmore Police Department, went to Atmore Hospital to investigate the circumstances of Elias's death. (R. 1076, 1156.) One of the law-enforcement officers asked Johnson and Dana to come to the police station and give statements relating to the death of their child. (R. 1157.) Dana rode to the police station with a member of her church, and Johnson rode to the police station with Chief Dean. (R. 1158.) During the ride to the police station, Johnson spontaneously stated that he had something to do with Elias's death. (R. 1159.)

Once at the police station, Johnson gave a statement to Investigator Brooks and Irene Johnson, a social worker with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. (R. 1085, 1165-66.) After being informed of and waiving his MirandaFN2 rights, Johnson indicated that Elias had been crying so Johnson laid on top of him to try to quiet the child. (R. 1189.) When Elias did not stop crying, Johnson stuck his fingers in the child's mouth and hit him. (R. 1190-93.) Johnson stated that “[l]ast night was the hardest that [he] ever hit [Elias and he was] pretty sure [Elias's death was his] fault.” (R. 1195.) Johnson also stated that after the event that night, he did not think that he had seriously injured Elias. (R. 1195.) FN2. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966).

Dr. Kathleen Entice, a medical examiner who was formerly with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, performed the autopsy on Elias and testified that it would be reasonable to estimate that Elias had suffered 85 separate injuries, including a bite mark on his arm. (R. 1277, 1293.) Dr. Entice testified that Elias had multiple bruises on his face and head. (R. 1241-43.) She stated that both of Elias's ears were swollen and bruised which was consistent with a “boxing blow” and squeezing. (R. 1246-49.) Dr. Entice testified that Elias's lower lip was swollen and bloody from a blunt-force injury. (R. 1256.) Dr. Entice explained that Elias had three impact injuries to his forehead. (R. 1251.) She informed the jury that Elias's ethmoid bone, which is in the sinuses, was broken and that Elias's sinuses were full of blood. (R. 1252.) Dr. Entice testified that Elias had deep contusions on his head and that his brain had hemorrhaged as a result of blunt-force trauma. (R. 1263-67.) Dr. Entice also testified that Elias had hemorrhages in both eyes and had injuries to his inner lips and nose that indicated that he had been smothered by the “forceful covering, sealing off [of] his mouth and nose.” (R. 1289.) According to Dr. Entice, Elias's injuries had been inflicted within 24 hours of his death. See (R. 1284.) Dr. Entice finally testified that in her opinion, Elias died as a result of blunt-force trauma and smothering.FN3 (R. 1228-29, 1294.)

FN3. Dr. Entice testified that Elias's injuries would have been painful and that Elias had swallowed blood indicating that he was alive during the abuse. (R. 1277-73, 1290.) Johnson's statement also indicates that Elias was alive and conscious during the abuse. (R. 1181-1210.)

In addition to the State's evidence, Johnson testified that he intentionally murdered his son because he hated his wife. (R. 1452.) Johnson explained that he would have left his wife long before the murder if it had not been for Elias. (R. 1452.) According to Johnson, he did not want “to worry about [his wife's] threats of putting [him] in jail for alimony or child support ... so [he] intentionally inflicted wounds on [Elias] that caused [Elias's] life [to expire].” (R. 1452.) Johnson stated that his final words to Elias were: “You go see Jesus.” (R. 1452.) Thereafter, Johnson pleaded guilty.

The State's evidence, coupled with Johnson's guilty-plea and in-court confession, overwhelmingly established that Johnson intentionally murdered a person under the age of 14, a violation of § 13A-5-40(a)(15), Ala.Code 1975. Because the State met its burden of proof, Johnson is not entitled to any relief.

III.

Pursuant to § 13A-5-53, Ala.Code 1975, this court is required to address the propriety of Johnson's convictions and his sentence of death. Johnson was indicted for, and convicted of, murder made capital because his victim was under the age of 14. See § 13A-5-40(a)(15), Ala.Code 1975. The State established, and Johnson did not contest, that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel. See § 13A-5-49 (8), Ala.Code 1975. The record does not reflect that Johnson's sentence of death was imposed as the result of the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor. See § 13A-5-53(b)(1), Ala.Code 1975.

The circuit court correctly found that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances. In making this determination, the circuit court found that the State proved that the capital offense was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel compared to other capital offenses. See § 13A-5-49(8), Ala.Code 1975. The circuit court also found that no statutory mitigating circumstances existed. See § 13A-5-51, Ala.Code 1975. With regard to nonstatutory mitigating circumstances, the circuit court made the following findings:

“In addition to the statutory mitigating circumstances specified in § 13A-5-51, the Court has considered additional mitigating circumstances pursuant to § 13A-5-52. The defendant was primarily reared by his mother as his father and mother were never married. He had sporadic contact with his father while he was growing up. The defendant has four half sisters, however, one of his sisters died in 1999 at the age of thirty-three. He has one half brother. His youth was spent primarily in North Carolina where he lived with his mother and stepfather James Johnson. The defendant reported that he was sexually molested by an uncle from the ages of seven through twelve. Although possessing an above average IQ (127 as determined by Dr. DeFrancisco), the defendant had behavioral problems during his adolescent years. During this time, he had psychiatric hospitalizations in North Carolina as a result of chronic suspensions from school and being disrespectful to teachers. He was given medications including Mellaril and Thorazine which are used for the treatment of severe behavioral disorders in children. There is an indication that the defendant had a history of running away from home. The defendant reported that he was first hospitalized for behavior and conduct issues when he was twelve years old. He had three hospitalizations at the State facility in Morganton, North Carolina. Also, the defendant reported that at one time he was in a rehabilitation hospital in Fletcher, North Carolina and a reformatory type school. He also attended the Jack Eckerd Outdoor Wilderness Program. The defendant has reported that he began using alcohol at the age of twelve and began using it regularly at the age of sixteen through adulthood. The defendant moved out of his mother's home when he was sixteen. Around the age of sixteen, the defendant reported that he began using prescription drugs, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. He reports that he would drink up to two bottles of whiskey a day at times and he reports almost daily marijuana use up until December of 2004. He stated that he stopped drinking and using drugs due to the birth of his son and that he had not had any alcohol to drink for about three months until the day Elias Ocean Johnson was killed. From the pre-sentence report, it appears that the defendant completed the ninth grade but did not graduate from high school. Later, he obtained a GED. He met his future wife in June of 2003 in Tucson, Arizona. Both were homeless at the time. They eventually moved to Pensacola and when she became pregnant in November of 2003, they married. They moved from Pensacola to Walnut Hill and then to Atmore. He obtained a job at Swift Supply Company in June of 2004 where he would often work six days a week. He reports that he and his wife had a volatile relationship. The defendant had consumed alcohol on the night Elias was killed and he had at least four daiquiris with more than an average amount of rum per drink. When questioned about his son's death, the defendant readily admitted his involvement and expressed remorse. When he gave his statement to Investigator Brooks, he did not believe that he had hurt Elias as seriously as it turned out. The defendant told Investigator Brooks that after laying on Elias, covering his mouth and putting his fingers down Elias's throat to stop the crying, that Elias had laborious breathing like he had phlegm in his throat and Elias seemed to be alright from there; that he was breathing and calm and when Elias closed his eyes the defendant believed Elias was sleeping. It is reported that the defendant made a suicide attempt during his first weeks of incarceration by stuffing toilet paper in his nose and eating toilet paper. Both psychologists found that he suffered from personality disorder with anti-social features along with a history of polysubstance abuse including alcohol, crystal methamphetamine, prescription drugs, crack, powder cocaine and marijuana.

“The Court has considered the defendant's family history, turbulent childhood and behavioral problems as a child and teenager. The sexual abuse, lack of discipline and absence of a stable home environment during his formative years have been considered by the Court. Also, the Court has considered his chronic abuse of alcohol and drugs which commenced when he was a teenager and continued up until a few months before this offense. The Court has searched all of the evidence in the case for evidence of mitigation, whether or not raised by the defense, in view of the fact that this is a capital case. The Court has considered all non-statutory mitigating circumstances presented throughout this proceeding which involved any aspect of the defendant's character or record and any of the circumstances of the offense.” (C.R. 2026-28.) After searching the record for all mitigating evidence, the circuit court found that the aggravating circumstance outweighed the mitigating circumstances and sentenced Johnson to death. The sentencing order shows that the circuit court properly weighed the aggravating circumstance and the mitigating circumstances and correctly sentenced Johnson to death. The record supports the circuit court's decision.

Section 13A-5-53(b)(2), Ala.Code 1975, requires this Court to reweigh the aggravating circumstance and the mitigating circumstances to determine whether Johnson's sentence of death was proper. After independently weighing the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, this Court finds that Johnson's death sentence is appropriate.

As required by § 13A-5-53(b)(3), Ala.Code 1975, this Court must now determine whether Johnson's sentence is excessive or disproportionate when compared to the penalties imposed in similar cases. Johnson was convicted of capital murder for intentionally causing the death of his six-month-old son, Elias Ocean Johnson. See § 13A-5-40 (a)(15), Ala.Code 1975. A sentence of death has been imposed for similar crimes throughout this State. See Brooks v. State, 973 So.2d 380, 421 (Ala.Crim.App.2007); Blackmon v. State, 7 So.3d 397, 421 (Ala.Crim.App.2005); Minor v. State, 914 So.2d 372, 446 (Ala.Crim.App.2004); Ward v. State, 814 So.2d 899, 924 (Ala.Crim.App.2000). Therefore, this court finds that the sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate.

Finally, this Court has searched the entire record for any plain error, i.e., error that may have adversely affected Johnson's substantial rights. After thoroughly searching the entire record, this Court has not found any error that rises to the level of plain error. See Rule 45A, Ala. R.App. P.

Accordingly, Johnson's conviction and his sentence of death are affirmed.