Essentials of Criminal Justice 9th Edition by Larry Siegel ,John Worrall

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Carla is a 36-year-old white female convicted of killing her husband of 12 years, Jack, a wealthy and prominent attorney. The police report shows that in order to inherit his substantial trust fund, Carla gave her husband a large dose of a sleeping sedative and, when he felt uncomfortable and dizzy, offered to take him to the emergency room at the local hospital. After he passed out in the car, she slid the comatose man into the driver's seat and then rolled the vehicle down an embankment. After watching the car burst into flames, she walked to her own car, which she had hidden earlier, and drove home. When police came to report the accident, she told the officers that Jack had gone to get some groceries and she was wondering why he had taken so long. At first she expressed shock over his death and burst into tears. Later, forensic evidence and an eyewitness to the event helped investigators unravel her plot.
This is Carla's first conviction. She is a highly educated woman with a degree in French literature from an Ivy League university. She comes from a loving and devoted family. Her parents and sisters, though in shock, are willing to stand beside her. She has two young children who are currently living with relatives; they also seem devoted to their mother. She has done charitable work and is well liked. She has no prior history of violence, mental instability, or the like. Psychiatric reports show that she is unlikely to commit further crimes.
At the sentencing hearing, Carla is filled with remorse and states that her greed overcame her reasoning. She is currently on a suicide watch at the county jail because she has told her counselor that she "does not deserve to live"; her anguish seems genuine.
Ethical Challenge : As a member of the jury during the capital sentencing stage, you hold Carla's fate in your hands. You can recommend death, life in prison, a prison sentence, or even probation. State law requires that each jury member provide a written document stating the reasons for his or her sentencing decision. What are the reasons for your decision?