Summary
The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Edward Covington's death sentences for the murders of his girlfriend and her children. The court rejected Covington's claim that bipolar disorder and cocaine abuse mitigated his culpability, finding that his voluntary substance use diminished the weight of any such mitigating circumstances.
Edward Covington's Death Sentences Upheld
The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Edward Covington's death sentences for the murders of his girlfriend and her children. Covington's defense argued that his bipolar disorder and cocaine abuse contributed to a rage-fueled killing. However, the court determined that his voluntary substance abuse significantly diminished the mitigating weight of his mental health claims.
Edward Covington's Death Sentences Upheld
Edward Covington's death sentences for killing his girlfriend and her children have been confirmed. Despite Covington's claims that bipolar disorder and cocaine addiction fueled his rage, the court decided that his voluntary drug use significantly weakened his argument for a reduced sentence.
The Court's Decision
Edward Covington will remain on death row. He was sentenced to death for killing his girlfriend and her children. Even though Covington said his mental illness and drug use made him angry, the court decided that he chose to use cocaine. This meant his reasons for the killings weren't strong enough to change the punishment.