Nationwide — Billy Adams, a rapper known as “Ace NH” from Tampa, Florida, has asked a judge to sentence him to death after his conviction for murdering a pregnant woman and her unborn child. In a handwritten letter, he urged the judge to honor the jury’s recommendation and said he did not want to present evidence asking for a lesser sentence. He was convicted in September of killing 22-year-old Alana Sims, who was five months pregnant when she died. After the trial, jurors recommended the death penalty. However, Judge Mark Wolfe will make the final sentencing decision at a hearing scheduled for Dec. 1.
In his letter to Judge Mark Wolfe, the rapper said he wanted to give up his right to present mitigating evidence, which could potentially persuade the court to impose a lesser sentence. He wrote that his lawyers had explained the process and the consequences of waiving that right. He also stated that he understood what he was giving up and did not oppose the death penalty.
“I want to waive mitigation at this hearing, and I want to be sentenced to what the jury voted to give me,” Adams wrote in the letter, according to WLBT. He added that he was putting his decision on the record and had asked his attorneys to respect his wishes when they appeared in court.
Despite his request, the letter does not guarantee that Adams will receive a death sentence. Judge Wolfe must consider the case and make the final sentencing decision at the December hearing. Adams’ decision to waive mitigation means he does not want to present evidence intended to convince the judge to spare his life, although the court will still determine the appropriate sentence under the law.
Sims was found dead on a street in February 2023. Her family said she was carrying her unborn child at the time. Her 1-year-old son was found unharmed inside an SUV parked near her body, where he had been sleeping. Adams’ conviction and the jury’s recommendation of the death penalty followed the investigation and trial. The upcoming hearing will determine whether the judge follows that recommendation.