Eric Moffet

Death Penalty Information Center Info

• Age: 50

• Sex: Male

• Race: Black

• State: Mississippi

• County: Hinds

• Inmate Number: M1659

via FindLaw

Brief Case History

Eric Moffett was convicted of capital murder after assaulting and killing five year old Felicia Griffin. Moffett was the boyfriend of Pennie Griffin, Felicia’s mother, and he committed the crime while Pennie was at work on the night of December 30th, 1994. Moffett reported the crime himself shortly afterwards. He was described as becoming belligerent, angry, and violent when authorities arrived.

A possible motive for the crime was linked to Pennie Griffin’s testimony; she claimed the couple had gotten into a physical altercation the morning of December 30th, resulting in her ending the relationship. Substantial DNA evidence found at the scene supported his conviction. Moffett filed an appeal of his sentence based on having not received proper mitigation efforts, such as a mental health evaluation.

This appeal eventually led to medical testing performed by Dr. Donna M. Shwartz-Watts, MD. After the evaluation, Watts concluded that Moffett had a below average IQ, as well as behavioral and cognitive impairments which could explain his lack of empathy and aggressive outburst upon his arrest. This mitigation effort, among other motions put forth by Moffett for post-conviction relief, have thus far not succeeded in overturning his death sentence.  

via CaseLaw