James Erin McKinney
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- USA
- Location
- Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
- Date of birth
- J une 4, 1967
- Age at first offence
- 24
- Characteristics
- burglary
- Victim profile
- Christine Mertens, 40 / James McClain, 65
- Method of murder
- Shooting
- Date(s) of murder
- March 10/23, 1991
- Years active
- 1991
- Date of arrest
- —
- Status
-
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on July 23, 1993
Case record: James Erin McKinney
Background
James Erin McKinney was a defendant described as Caucasian. His half-brother was Chutes Michael Hedlund.
Christine Mertens was identified as a 40-year-old Caucasian victim. James McClain was identified as a 65-year-old Caucasian victim.
The offence
On March 10, 1991, McKinney and his half-brother, Chutes Michael Hedlund, brutally beat and shot Christine Mertens in her home, during the commission of a burglary. Mrs. Mertens’ son found his mother dead, lying face down on the living room floor. McKinney and Hedlund ransacked Mrs. Mertens’ bedroom and rifled through her purse.
On March 23, 1991, McKinney and Hedlund burglarized the home of James McClain and shot him in the head while he was asleep in his bed. McKinney and Hedlund ransacked Mr. McClain’s home and stole personal property, including several guns.
Investigation
Mrs. Mertens’ son found her dead, lying face down on the living room floor.
Trial
Presiding Judge: Steven D. Sheldon Prosecutor: Louis Stalzer Start of Trial: October 13, 1992 Verdict: November 12, 1992
McKinney was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for the murders of Mrs. Mertens and Mr. McClain. In addition, McKinney was convicted of two counts of burglary in the first degree, and one count of theft.
Sentencing
Sentencing: July 23, 1993
Aggravating Circumstances:
- Prior conviction for which life imprisonment or death was imposable
- Pecuniary gain
- Especially cruel, heinous, or depraved
Mitigating Circumstances:
- Traumatic childhood
Appeals
PUBLISHED OPINIONS
- Hedlund v. Sheldon, 173 Ariz. 143, 840 P.2d 1008 (1992).
- Same v. McKinney, 195 Ariz. 567, 917 P.2d 1214 (1996).
Outcome
McKinney received a death sentence for the murders of Christine Mertens and James McClain. He also received convictions for two counts of burglary in the first degree and one count of theft.
Other details
McKinney and Hedlund ransacked Christine Mertens’ bedroom and rifled through her purse. They also ransacked James McClain’s home and stole personal property, including several guns.
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