Brennan, who was 16 at the time the crime was committed, was charged with the March 10, 1995, murder of Tommy Owens, whose body had been found in an open field by Cape Coral maintenance workers. At trial, the defense introduced evidence of Brennan's troubled childhood, the suicide of his mother, his rape by a relative, and emotional problems. The defense also argued it would be unconstitutional to execute one who was only 16 when he committed murder--the first person facing execution so young in more than 25 years. Nevertheless, the jury convicted Brennan and recommended his execution by a vote of 8-to-4. The trial court sentenced him to death, and he appeals.