The victim, Jimmy Savoy, was an old friend and associate of Thompson's. Savoy allegedly stole some $600,000 from Thompson before fleeing to another state. Witnesses said that Thompson then put out an open contract on Savoy. In March 1982, Thompson and his associates located Savoy in South Florida, abducted him out to sea, tortured him, wrapped him in chains, shot him in the head, and dumped him in the ocean. One of the associates testified against Thompson, leading to the latter's conviction and death sentence in 1986. His conviction was affirmed on appeal. Thompson now challenges the validity of his death sentence.