Trease persuaded his girlfriend, Hope Seigel, to arrange a date with Sarasota auto dealer Paul Edenson. They planned to learn whether Edenson had a safe so they could steal it. On Aug. 17, 1995, Seigel went to Edenson's house. Later, Seigel opened the door for Trease, who knocked Edenson to the floor. Trease then shot Edenson in the head and slit his throat, killing him. After his capture, he was convicted of murder and the jury recommended the death penalty 11-to-1. This is his direct appeal.