Mr. Derrick was convicted of the first-degree murder of Rama Sharma, who was fatally stabbed in 1987. The jury voted 8-4 to recommend a death sentence and he was condemned. On direct appeal, this Court vacated the death sentence and ordered a new penalty hearing. In the second hearing, the jury voted 6-6 to recommend a death sentence and Mr. Derrick was condemned again. This Court upheld the death sentence on direct appeal and Mr. Derrick filed a post-conviction challenge in circuit court. It was denied and this appeal followed.