Tampa rapper Billy Adams III requests death penalty

Billy Adams III, a 28-year-old Tampa rapper known as Ace NH, has submitted a handwritten letter to a Hillsborough County judge requesting the death penalty. Adams was convicted in September for the January 2023 killings of 22-year-old Alana Sims and her unborn child.

In his letter to Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe, Adams stated, “I don’t want my lawyers to present any mitigation or arguments at this hearing,” and added, “I don’t have an issue with the death penalty.” By waiving the presentation of mitigating evidence, Adams is declining the opportunity for his legal team to present arguments or testimony intended to persuade the judge to spare his life.

During the initial trial, a jury recommended life in prison without parole for the murder of Sims, but voted 8-4 to recommend the death penalty for the charge of killing the unborn child. While the jury provided recommendations, Judge Wolfe holds the final authority on the sentencing. A Spencer hearing is scheduled for December 1, which will allow both prosecutors and defense attorneys to present final evidence before a decision is made.