In April 1996, 18-year-old Monye Elvord and a friend Imara Skinner were abducted by Thomas and another man in a parking lot near the Jacksonville Superdome. Later, the two assaulted Elvord, and Thomas took Skinner aside and killed him. At trial, Thomas was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in accordance with an 11-to-1 jury recommendation. He appeals.