Mr. Tompkins was convicted of the 1983 strangulation murder of 15-year-old Lisa DeCarr. The jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence and he was condemned. His conviction and sentence were upheld on appeals until 2001, when the circuit court vacated his sentence. This Court, however, reversed that order and reinstated the death sentence. Mr. Tompkins filed another appeal in circuit court, arguing there was new evidence. The circuit court rejected the motion and Mr. Tompkins filed this appeal to the Supreme Court.