Anthony W. Ishii, SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGE.
Petitioner Colin Raker Dickey is a state prisoner, sentenced to death, proceeding with a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. He is represented in this action by appointed counsel David Senior, Ann Tria and Matthew Weston.
Respondent Ron Davis is named as Warden of San Quentin State Prison. He is represented in this action by Brian Smiley and Justain Riley of the Office of the California Attorney General.
Before the court for decision are i) petitioner's request to strike respondent's second amended answered filed September 10, 2014, ii) petitioner's record based guilt phase claims I, II (portions), IV, VIII, XII (portions), XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXIV,
Having carefully reviewed the parties' filings and the relevant case law and for the reasons set out below, the undersigned finds that respondent's second amended answer filed as an opposition brief shall not be stricken; the petition's noted guilt phase claims shall be denied on the merits; and petitioner's motion for factual development of the noted guilt phase claims shall be denied.
The court sets a case management conference to discuss proceedings on the penalty phase claims and for ex parte budgetary discussions with petitioner's counsel.
Petitioner was charged in Fresno County with counts 1 and 2 for murder (Penal Code § 187), with allegations of robbery-murder and burglary-murder special circumstances (Penal Code §§ 190.2(a)(17), 211, 459/460); counts 3 and 4 for robbery (Penal Code § 211); count 5 for burglary (Penal Code §§ 459/460); and allegations of multiple murder special circumstance (Penal Code §§ 190.2(a)(3)) and aider and abettor liability (Penal Code § 190.2(b)).
Petitioner's jury trial began on January 7, 1991 in Fresno County Case No. 416903-3. (CT 295-296.) On March 15, 1991, the jury found petitioner guilty of the murders of Marie Caton and Louis Freiri with special circumstances of felony-murder robbery and felony-murder burglary and multiple murder and found petitioner guilty of first degree robbery of each victim and first degree burglary of their residence. (CT 380-385, 463-468, 610-614.)
On March 19, 1991, petitioner admitted a prior felony conviction (CT 472) and purported to waive presence at the penalty phase. (CT 472-76.) On March 22, 1991, the jury returned a penalty phase verdict of death. (CT 478-82, 504; see also Penal Code, § 190.2, subds. (a)(3), (17)(A)(G).)
On March 26, 1991, responsive to petitioner's dissatisfaction with trial counsel Schultz, the trial court appointed Katherine Hart to represent petitioner on motion for new trial and motion to modify the verdict. (CT 505; RT 5181-87.) Therein Ms. Hart alleged insufficiency of evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, instructional error, improper waiver of prior felony conviction, trial court error and ineffective assistance of counsel at the guilt and penalty phases. (CT 525-589.) The motion for new trial was denied on January 17, 1992. (CT 516-518.) The motion for modification of the verdict was denied on February 21, 1992 and petitioner was sentenced to
On April 14, 2003, petitioner filed a state habeas petition, In re Dickey, S115079 (Lod. Doc. 7), which the California Supreme Court denied on November 30, 2005. (Lod. Doc. 10.)
The California Supreme Court affirmed petitioner's conviction on direct appeal on May 23, 2005. People v. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th 884, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921 (2005). That court denied petitioner's request for rehearing on July 13, 2005. People v. Colin Raker Dickey, CSC Case No. S025519.
On February 21, 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied petitioner's writ of certiorari. Dickey v. California, 546 U.S. 1177, 126 S.Ct. 1347, 164 L.Ed.2d 60 (2006).
On March 30, 2006, petitioner began this federal habeas proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 by filing a combined request for appointment of counsel and temporary stay of execution. On October 4, 2007, petitioner filed his federal petition for writ of habeas corpus.
On July 21, 2008, petitioner filed his second state habeas petition, In re Dickey, S165302. (Lod. Doc. 30.) On May 23, 2012, the California Supreme Court summarily denied the second state petition on the merits as to all claim and on procedural grounds as to certain claims. (Lod. Doc. 31.)
Respondent filed his answer in this proceeding (Doc. No. 103) and amended answer correcting clerical error (Doc. No. 105), on August 29, 2013. Therein respondent admitted the jurisdictional allegations and asserted exhaustion and procedural defenses and denied all claims 1 through 29.
On November 18, 2013, this court ordered bifurcated briefing with the guilt phase claims briefed separately from and prior to the penalty phase claims. (Doc. No. 111.)
On April 16, 2014, petitioner filed his brief in support of guilt phase claims which includes his noted initial request for factual development. (Doc. No. 116.)
On September 10, 2014, respondent filed a second amended answer as his brief in response to petitioner's brief. (Doc. No. 125.)
On November 7, 2014, petitioner filed his brief in reply to respondent's brief including the noted request that respondent's second amended answer be stricken
The following factual summary is taken from the California Supreme Court's opinion in People v. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th 884, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921 (2005), and is presumed correct. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2), (e)(1). Petitioner does not present clear and convincing evidence to the contrary; thus, the court adopts the factual recitations set forth by the state court. See Vasquez v. Kirkland, 572 F.3d 1029, 1031 n.1 (9th Cir. 2009) ("We rely on the state appellate court's decision for our summary of the facts of the crime.").
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 894-900, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Relief by way of a petition for writ of habeas corpus extends to a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a state court if the custody is in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States. 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c)(3), 2254(a); Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362, 375, 120 S.Ct. 1495, 146 L.Ed.2d 389 (2000). Petitioner asserts that he suffered violations of his rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The challenged conviction arises out of Fresno County Superior Court, which is located within the jurisdiction of this court. 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241(d), 2254(a).
This action was initiated after April 24, 1996. Therefore the amendments to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 enacted as part of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 110 Stat. 1214, apply. Lindh v. Murphy, 521 U.S. 320, 336, 117 S.Ct. 2059, 138 L.Ed.2d 481 (1997); see also Van Tran v. Lindsey, 212 F.3d 1143, 1148 (9th Cir. 2000), overruled on other grounds by Lockyer v. Andrade, 538 U.S. 63, 71, 123 S.Ct. 1166, 155 L.Ed.2d 144 (2003).
Under the AEDPA, relitigation of any claim adjudicated on the merits in state court is barred unless a petitioner can show that the state court's adjudication of his claim:
"[A] state has `adjudicated' a petitioner's constitutional claim `on the merits' for purposes of § 2254(d) when it has decided the petitioner's right to post-conviction relief on the basis of substance of the constitutional claim advanced, rather than denying the claim on the basis of a procedural or other rule precluding state court review of the merits." Brown v. Walker, Case No. C 09-04663 JSW, 2014 WL 4757804, at *5 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 24, 2014), citing Lambert v. Blodgett, 393 F.3d 943, 969 (9th Cir. 2004).
As a threshold matter, this court must "first decide what constitutes clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States." Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 71, 123 S.Ct. 1166, quoting 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1). In ascertaining what is "clearly established Federal law," this court must look to the "holdings, as opposed to the dicta, of [the Supreme Court's] decisions as of the time of the relevant state-court decision." Williams, 529 U.S. at 412, 120 S.Ct. 1495. "In other words, `clearly established Federal law' under § 2254(d)(1) is the governing legal principle or principles set forth by the Supreme Court at the time the state court renders its decision." Id. In addition, the Supreme Court decision must "squarely address [] the issue in th[e] case; otherwise, there is no clearly established Federal law for purposes of review under AEDPA." Moses v. Payne, 555 F.3d 742, 754 (9th Cir. 2009), quoting Wright v. Van Patten, 552 U.S. 120, 125, 128 S.Ct. 743, 169 L.Ed.2d 583 (2008); see also Panetti v. Quarterman, 551 U.S. 930, 949, 127 S.Ct. 2842, 168 L.Ed.2d 662 (2007); Carey v. Musladin, 549 U.S. 70, 74, 127 S.Ct. 649, 166 L.Ed.2d 482 (2006).
If no clearly established Federal law exists, the inquiry is at an end and the court must defer to the state court's decision. Carey, 549 U.S. 70, 127 S.Ct. 649; Wright, 552 U.S. at 126, 128 S.Ct. 743; Moses, 555 F.3d at 760. In addition, the Supreme Court has recently clarified that habeas relief is unavailable in instances where a state court arguably refuses to extend a governing legal principle to a context in which the principle should have controlled. White v. Woodall, ___ U.S. ___, 134 S.Ct. 1697, 1706, 188 L.Ed.2d 698 (2014). The Supreme Court stated: "[I]f a habeas court must extend a rationale before it can apply to the facts at hand, then by definition the rationale was not clearly established at the time of the state-court decision." Id., quoting Yarborough v. Alvarado, 541 U.S. 652, 666, 124 S.Ct. 2140, 158 L.Ed.2d 938 (2004).
If the court determines there is governing clearly established Federal law, the court must then consider whether the state court's decision was "contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, [the] clearly established Federal law." Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 72, 123 S.Ct. 1166, quoting 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1). "Under the `contrary to' clause, a federal habeas court may grant the writ if the state court arrives at a conclusion opposite to that reached by [the Supreme] Court on a question of law or if the state court decides a case differently than [the] Court has on a set of materially indistinguishable facts." Williams, 529 U.S. at 412-13, 120 S.Ct. 1495; see also Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 72, 123 S.Ct. 1166. "The word `contrary' is commonly understood to mean `diametrically different,' `opposite in character or nature,' or `mutually opposed.'" Williams, 529 U.S. at 405, 120 S.Ct. 1495, quoting Webster's Third New International Dictionary 495
"Under the `reasonable application clause,' a federal habeas court may grant the writ if the state court identifies the correct governing legal principle from [the] Court's decisions but unreasonably applies that principle to the facts of the prisoner's case." Williams, 529 U.S. at 413, 120 S.Ct. 1495. "[A] federal court may not issue the writ simply because the court concludes in its independent judgment that the relevant state court decision applied clearly established federal law erroneously or incorrectly. Rather, that application must also be unreasonable." Id. at 411, 120 S.Ct. 1495; see also Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 75-76, 123 S.Ct. 1166. "A state court's determination that a claim lacks merit precludes federal habeas relief so long as fair-minded jurists could disagree on the correctness of the state court's decision." Richter, 562 U.S. at 101, 131 S.Ct. 770, citing Yarborough, 541 U.S. at 664, 124 S.Ct. 2140. The Supreme Court stated:
Id. at 101-05, 131 S.Ct. 770. In other words, so long as fair-minded jurists could disagree on the correctness of the state court's decision, the decision cannot be considered unreasonable. Id. at 98-99, 131 S.Ct. 770. In applying this standard, "a habeas court must determine what arguments or theories supported ... or could have supported the state court's decision; and then it must ask whether it is possible fair-minded jurists could disagree that those arguments or theories are inconsistent with the holding in a prior decision of [the Supreme Court]." Id. at 101-03, 131 S.Ct. 770. This objective standard of reasonableness applies to review under both subsections of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). Hibbler v. Benedetti, 693 F.3d 1140, 1146-47 (9th Cir. 2012). If the court determines that the state court decision is objectively unreasonable, and the error is not structural, habeas relief is nonetheless unavailable unless the error had a substantial and injurious effect on the verdict. Brecht v. Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619, 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710, 123 L.Ed.2d 353 (1993).
Petitioner has the burden of establishing that the decision of the state court is contrary to or involved an unreasonable application of United States Supreme Court precedent. Baylor v. Estelle, 94 F.3d 1321, 1325 (9th Cir. 1996). Although only Supreme Court law is binding on the states, Ninth Circuit precedent remains relevant persuasive authority in determining whether a state court decision is objectively unreasonable. LaJoie v. Thompson, 217 F.3d 663, 669 n.6 (9th Cir. 2000); Duhaime v. Ducharme, 200 F.3d 597, 600-01 (9th Cir. 2000).
The AEDPA requires considerable deference to the state courts. "[R]eview under § 2254(d)(1) is limited to the record that was before the state court that adjudicated the claim on the merits," Cullen v. Pinholster, 563 U.S. 170, 181, 131 S.Ct. 1388, 179 L.Ed.2d 557 (2011), and "evidence introduced in federal court has no bearing on 2254(d)(1) review." Id. at 185, 131 S.Ct. 1388. "Factual determinations by state courts are presumed correct absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary." Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 340, 123 S.Ct. 1029, 154 L.Ed.2d
If a petitioner satisfies either subsection (1) or (2) of § 2254 for a claim, then the federal court considers that claim de novo. See Panetti, 551 U.S. at 953, 127 S.Ct. 2842 (when § 2254(d) is satisfied, "[a] federal court must then resolve the claim without the deference AEDPA otherwise requires."); see also Frantz v. Hazey, 533 F.3d 724, 737 (9th Cir. 2008) (same).
In this case, some of petitioner's claims and allegations were raised and rejected by the California Supreme Court on direct appeal while others were raised in his state habeas petitions to that court and summarily denied on the merits. In the latter case, where the state court decision is unaccompanied by an explanation, "the habeas petitioner's burden still must be met by showing there was no reasonable basis for the state court to deny relief." Richter, 562 U.S. at 98, 131 S.Ct. 770. The Supreme Court stated that "a habeas court must determine what arguments or theories supported or ... could have supported, the state court's decision; and then it must ask whether it is possible fair-minded jurists could disagree that those arguments or theories are inconsistent with the holding in a prior decision of this Court." Id. at 101-03, 131 S.Ct. 770 (emphasis added). Petitioner bears "the burden to demonstrate that `there was no reasonable basis for the state court to deny relief.'" Walker v. Martel, 709 F.3d 925, 939 (9th Cir. 2013), quoting Richter, 562 U.S. at 98, 131 S.Ct. 770. "Crucially, this is not a de novo review of the constitutional question," id. as "even a strong case for relief does not mean the state court's contrary conclusion was unreasonable." Id., quoting Richter, 562 U.S. at 102, 131 S.Ct. 770; see also Murray v. Schriro, 745 F.3d 984, 996-97 (9th Cir. 2014).
When reviewing the California Supreme Court's summary denial of a petition, this court must consider that the California Supreme Court's summary denial of a habeas petition on the merits reflects that court's determination that:
Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 181 n.12, 131 S.Ct. 1388, quoting In re Clark, 5 Cal.4th 750, 770, 21 Cal.Rptr.2d 509, 855 P.2d 729 (1993); see also Johnson v. Williams, 568 U.S. 289, 133 S.Ct. 1088, 1094-96, 185 L.Ed.2d 105 (2013) (holding that even where the state court does not separately discuss a federal claim there is a presumption that that state court adjudicated the federal claim on the merits). Accordingly, if this court finds petitioner has unarguably presented a prima facie case for relief on a claim, the state court's summary rejection of that claim would be unreasonable. Taylor v. Maddox, 366 F.3d 992, 1000 (9th Cir. 2004); Nunes v. Mueller, 350 F.3d 1045, 1054-55 (9th Cir. 2003).
For any habeas claim that has not been adjudicated on the merits by the state court, the federal court reviews the claim de novo without the deference usually accorded state courts under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1). Chaker v. Crogan, 428 F.3d 1215, 1221 (9th Cir. 2005); Pirtle v. Morgan,
Some of petitioner's claims were alternatively denied by the California Supreme Court as procedurally barred. As to those claims, respondent has invoked the independent state ground doctrine, pursuant to which a federal court will not review a question of federal law decided by a state court "if the decision of that court rests on a state law ground that is independent of the federal question and adequate to support the judgment." Vang v. Nevada, 329 F.3d 1069, 1072 (9th Cir. 2003), quoting Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 729, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 115 L.Ed.2d 640 (1991).
Since "cause and prejudice" can excuse a procedurally defaulted claim, Smith v. Baldwin, 510 F.3d 1127, 1139 (9th Cir. 2007), quoting Coleman, 501 U.S. at 750, 111 S.Ct. 2546, and "prejudice" essentially requires a merits analysis, the court will proceed to the merits of claims found to be procedurally defaulted without determining whether the state procedural default is adequate and independent to bar relief in federal court. Id., quoting Coleman, 501 U.S. at 732-35, 111 S.Ct. 2546. A district court may exercise discretion to proceed to the merits in advance of litigation of procedural default. Franklin v. Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1232 (9th Cir. 2002) (courts empowered to reach the merits if on their face the allegations are clearly not meritorious despite asserted procedural bar); see also Bell v. Cone, 543 U.S. 447, 451 n.3, 125 S.Ct. 847, 160 L.Ed.2d 881 (2005) (an application for habeas corpus may be denied on the merits even if unexhausted in state court); Loggins v. Thomas, 654 F.3d 1204, 1215 (11th Cir. 2011) (relief may be denied on the merits where petition is clearly not meritorious despite asserted procedural bar).
Petitioner moves that the second amended answer be stricken and respondent directed to refile the document as an opposition to petitioner's merits brief. He asserts as grounds that respondent has not complied with court orders and Rule 15 such that the second amended answer is a nullity. (See Doc. No. 128 at 57:5-58:24.)
Carolina Cas. Ins. Co. v. Oahu Air Conditioning Serv., Inc., 994 F.Supp.2d 1082, 1090-91 (E.D. Cal. 2014).
Rule 15 provides that:
Fed. R. Civ. P. 15(a)(1-2). Generally service of an amendment that does not comply with Rule 15 has no legal effect. Hardin v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 813 F.Supp.2d 1167, 1181 (E.D. Cal. 2011) ("If an amended pleading cannot be made as of right and is filed without leave of court or consent of the opposing party, the amended pleading is a nullity and without legal effect.")
Here, respondent's opposition brief is captioned as a second amended answer (Doc. No. 125) and purports to amend the amended answer filed August 29, 2013 (Doc. No. 105) "pursuant to this [c]ourt's November 18, 2013 order." (Doc. No. 125 at 25:23-24.)
Petitioner correctly argues the court's November 18, 2013 order did not direct or allow respondent to file an amended answer. (See Doc. No. 111.) That order directed respondent to file his "responsive brief and opposition to factual development." (Id. at 2:13-14.) Respondent was not therein or subsequently allowed or directed to amend his previously filed amended answer. (Doc. No. 105; see also Doc. No. 124) (September 9, 2014 clerk's notice that directed the purported second amended answer be re-filed as an opposition brief.)
Petitioner correctly argues that a second amended answer would be unauthorized as untimely, unconsented to by petitioner and lacking court approval. However, the purported second amended answer was re-filed as an opposition brief. (Doc. No. 125.) It responds to petitioner's merits brief and to that extent serves as an opposition thereto. Moreover, petitioner has not demonstrated prejudice from respondent's filing of the purported second amended answer. The court has held that:
Carolina Cas. Ins. Co., 994 F.Supp.2d at 1091.
For the reasons stated, the court will not strike under Rule 12(f) as an improper amendment the purported second amended answer, refiled as an opposition brief. The motion to strike shall be denied.
The Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel, applicable to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, applies through the sentencing phase of a trial. U.S. Const. amend. VI; U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1; see also Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, 343-45, 83 S.Ct. 792, 9 L.Ed.2d 799 (1963); Silva v. Woodford,
The clearly established federal law for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984). In a petition for writ of habeas corpus alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, the court must consider two factors. First, the petitioner must show that counsel's performance was deficient, requiring a showing that counsel made errors so serious that he or she was not functioning as the "counsel" guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052. The petitioner must show that "counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness," and must identify counsel's alleged acts or omissions that were not the result of reasonable professional judgment considering the circumstances. Richter, 562 U.S. at 104, 131 S.Ct. 770, citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Petitioner must show that counsel's errors were so egregious as to deprive him of a fair trial, one whose result is reliable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance is highly deferential, and the habeas court must guard against the temptation "to second-guess counsel's assistance after conviction or adverse sentence." Id. at 689, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Instead, the habeas court must make every effort "to eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight, to reconstruct the circumstances of counsel's challenged conduct, and to evaluate the conduct from counsel's perspective at the time." Id.; see also Richter, 562 U.S. at 106-08, 131 S.Ct. 770. A court indulges a "`strong presumption' that counsel's representation was within the `wide range' of reasonable professional assistance." Richter, 562 U.S. at 104, 131 S.Ct. 770, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052; see also Sanders v. Ratelle, 21 F.3d 1446, 1456 (9th Cir. 1994) (same). This presumption of reasonableness means that not only do we "give the attorneys the benefit of the doubt," we must also "affirmatively entertain the range of possible reasons [defense] counsel may have had for proceeding as they did." Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 196, 131 S.Ct. 1388.
The Supreme Court has "declined to articulate specific guidelines for appropriate attorney conduct and instead ha[s] emphasized that `[t]he proper measure of attorney performance remains simply reasonableness under prevailing professional norms.'" Wiggins v. Smith, 539 U.S. 510, 521, 123 S.Ct. 2527, 156 L.Ed.2d 471 (2003), quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104 S.Ct. 2052. However, "general principles have emerged regarding the duties of criminal defense attorneys that inform [a court's] view as to the `objective standard of reasonableness' by which [a court must] assess attorney performance, particularly with respect to the duty to investigate." Summerlin v. Schriro, 427 F.3d 623, 629 (2005). "[S]trategic choices made after thorough investigation of law and facts relevant to plausible options are virtually unchallengeable." Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690, 104 S.Ct. 2052. It follows that:
Second, the petitioner must demonstrate prejudice, that is, he must show that "there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result ... would have been different." Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. "It is not enough `to show that the errors had some conceivable effect on the outcome of the proceeding.'" Richter, 562 U.S. at 104, 131 S.Ct. 770, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693, 104 S.Ct. 2052. "Counsel's errors must be `so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.'" Richter, 562 U.S. at 104, 131 S.Ct. 770, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Under this standard, we ask "whether it is `reasonably likely' the result would have been different." Richter, 562 U.S. at 112, 131 S.Ct. 770, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 696, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
That is, only when "[t]he likelihood of a different result [is] substantial, not just conceivable," id. has the defendant met Strickland's demand that defense errors were "so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial." Id., at 103-105, 131 S.Ct. 770, quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052. A court need not determine whether counsel's performance was deficient before examining the prejudice suffered by the petitioner as a result of the alleged deficiencies. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Since the petitioner must affirmatively prove prejudice, any deficiency that does not result in prejudice must necessarily fail.
Under AEDPA, the court does not apply Strickland de novo. Rather, the court must determine whether the state court's application of Strickland was unreasonable. Richter, 562 U.S. at 100-101, 131 S.Ct. 770. Establishing that a state court's application of Strickland was unreasonable under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d) is very difficult. See Richter, 562 U.S. at 102, 131 S.Ct. 770, (on deferential (2254(d)) review relief is granted only for "extreme malfunctions" in the state criminal justice system, not for ordinary errors that can be corrected on appeal).
Since the standards created by Strickland and § 2254(d) are both "highly deferential," when the two are applied in tandem, review is "doubly so." Id., quoting Knowles v. Mirzayance, 556 U.S. 111, 123, 129 S.Ct. 1411, 173 L.Ed.2d 251 (2009). Further, because the Strickland rule is a "general" one, courts have "more leeway... in reaching outcomes in case-by-case determinations" and the "range of reasonable applications is substantial." Id. at 101, 131 S.Ct. 770; see also Premo v. Moore, 562 U.S. 115, 122-23, 131 S.Ct. 733, 178 L.Ed.2d 649 (2011).
Petitioner alleges that trial counsel was ineffective in the process of selecting jurors, denying him a fair and impartial jury, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth,
The Sixth Amendment secures to criminal defendants the right to trial by an impartial jury. Skilling v. United States, 561 U.S. 358, 377-78, 130 S.Ct. 2896, 177 L.Ed.2d 619 (2010); Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S. 717, 722, 81 S.Ct. 1639, 6 L.Ed.2d 751 (1961).
"[T]he right to jury trial guarantees to the criminally accused a fair trial by a panel of impartial, `indifferent' jurors." Irvin, 366 U.S. at 722, 81 S.Ct. 1639; see also Skilling, 561 U.S. at 377-78, 130 S.Ct. 2896. In a capital case, "a prospective juror may be excluded for cause because of his or her views on capital punishment ... if the juror's views would `prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath.'" Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. 412, 424, 105 S.Ct. 844, 83 L.Ed.2d 841 (1985), citing Adams v. Texas, 448 U.S. 38, 45, 100 S.Ct. 2521, 65 L.Ed.2d 581 (1980). Thus, "a juror who in no case would vote for capital punishment, regardless of his or her instructions, is not an impartial juror and must be removed for cause." Morgan v. Illinois, 504 U.S. 719, 728, 112 S.Ct. 2222, 119 L.Ed.2d 492 (1992). Likewise, a juror who would automatically impose the death penalty if a defendant is found guilty is not impartial and must be removed for cause. Id. at 733, 112 S.Ct. 2222; Ross v. Oklahoma, 487 U.S. 81, 85, 108 S.Ct. 2273, 101 L.Ed.2d 80 (1988).
"[P]art of the guarantee of a defendant's right to an impartial jury is an adequate voir dire to identify unqualified jurors." Morgan, 504 U.S. at 729, 112 S.Ct. 2222. "Voir dire `is conducted under the supervision of the court, and a great deal must, of necessity, be left to its sound discretion.'" Ristaino v. Ross, 424 U.S. 589, 594, 96 S.Ct. 1017, 47 L.Ed.2d 258 (1976), quoting Connors v. United States, 158 U.S. 408, 413, 15 S.Ct. 951, 39 S.Ct. 1033 (1895). "[T]he trial court retains great latitude in deciding what questions should be asked on voir dire." Mu'Min v. Virginia, 500 U.S. 415, 424, 111 S.Ct. 1899, 114 L.Ed.2d 493 (1991). No hard-and-fast formula dictates the necessary depth or breadth of voir dire, see United States v. Wood, 299 U.S. 123, 145-146, 57 S.Ct. 177, 81 S.Ct. 78 (1936), and "[t]he Constitution... does not dictate a catechism for voir dire, but only that the defendant be afforded an impartial jury." Morgan, 504 U.S. at 729, 112 S.Ct. 2222. A trial court's failure to ask certain questions does not violate the Constitution unless it "render[s] the defendant's trial fundamentally unfair." Mu'Min, 500 U.S. at 426, 111 S.Ct. 1899.
"[T]he trial court retains great latitude in deciding what questions should be asked on voir dire." Id. at 424, 111 S.Ct. 1899. A trial court's failure to ask certain questions does not violate the Constitution unless it "render[s] the defendant's trial fundamentally unfair." Id. at 426, 111 S.Ct. 1899.
Only two specific inquires of voir dire are constitutionally compelled: inquiries into racial prejudice against a defendant charged with a violent crime against a person of a different racial group, id., at 424, 111 S.Ct. 1899, and, in a capital case, inquiries into a juror's views on capital punishment. Morgan, 504 U.S. at 730-32, 112 S.Ct. 2222.
Petitioner presented some of these allegations to the California Supreme Court in his first state habeas petition. (Lod. Doc. 7 at 42-52.) That court summarily denied the
Petitioner alleges that defense trial counsel, Fresno County public defender Marvin Schultz, who was appointed to represent him in February 1989, was deficient by stipulating that counsel for both sides would be provided with a computer generated random list of the jurors in the order they would be called for Hovey voir dire. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 177.)
The record reflects that jury qualification and selection began on January 14, 1991 with approximately three hundred fifty prospective jurors appearing. (RT 92.) Petitioner alleges that the noted stipulation impinged upon the "random selection" of the jury [because] [o]nce death qualification was complete, and seating of the jury began, both counsel knew, with the preprinted random list in hand, if they exercised a peremptory challenge, which jurors were in line to take the vacant seat." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 177, citing RT 112-115; see also RT 3854, 3873.)
Petitioner also alleges that given the list, Schultz was deficient by not using all of his peremptory challenges, resulting in selection of a pro death jury partial to the prosecution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 200-207; see also Morgan, 504 U.S. at 728-29, 112 S.Ct. 2222) (capital defense has a right to adequate voir dire to identify unqualified jurors and to an impartial jury). Petitioner also faults Schultz for failing to rehabilitate prospective jurors who voiced initial opposition to the death penalty. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 205 citing 1989 ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases ("ABA Guidelines"), Commentary to Guideline 10.10.2(B)(3).)
Here, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that Schultz used the random list of jurors and his peremptory challenges strategically. See e.g., Davis v. Woodford, 333 F.3d 982, 995-96 (9th Cir. 2003), amended and superseded 384 F.3d 628, 643 (9th Cir. 2004) (no ineffectiveness in failing to use peremptory challenges where jurors' statements did not demonstrate actual or implied bias; each said they could "follow the judge's instructions and decide the case impartially"); United States v. Quintero-Barraza, 78 F.3d 1344, 1349-50 (9th Cir. 1995) (where juror stated it would be "difficult" for him to be impartial because he believed persons to be guilty until proven innocent, no ineffectiveness in failing to strike juror because decision was manifestly tactical and due respect was paid to juror's oath); Denham v. Deeds, 954 F.2d 1501, 1505 (9th Cir. 1992) (where juror stated that defendant may have told her about the charged crime while she waited on them at work, no ineffectiveness to fail to challenge her because she said she could be fair and where decision could be tactical).
The record reflects that neither side exercised all its available peremptory challenges. (RT 4075, 4094.) The prosecution exercised eight of twenty peremptory challenges in selecting the twelve member jury. (RT 3955, 3970, 4012, 4025, 4049, 4054, 4057, 4062.) Schultz exercised seven of twenty peremptory challenges in selecting this jury as well as one peremptory challenge in selecting the three alternates. (RT 3959, 3973, 3980, 3997, 4019, 4042, 4059, 4090.)
Moreover, peremptory challenges are not necessarily of constitutional dimension. Ross, 487 U.S. at 88, 108 S.Ct. 2273; Gray v. Mississippi, 481 U.S. 648, 663, 107 S.Ct. 2045, 95 L.Ed.2d 622 (1987). The Supreme Court has upheld use of peremptory challenges that do not discriminate on a constitutionally suspect basis. See Holland v. Illinois, 493 U.S. 474, 478, 110 S.Ct. 803, 107 L.Ed.2d 905 (1990) (rejecting argument that "a prosecutor's use of peremptory challenges to eliminate a distinctive group in the community deprives the defendant of a Sixth Amendment right to the `fair possibility' of a representative jury").
Petitioner alleges Schultz was deficient by selecting a pro-death jury, i.e., jurors "who were predisposed to impose the death penalty" (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 185) in the hope that at the guilt phase these jurors "would be more critical of the prosecution's case and less likely to convict." (Id.; see also SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 3.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz's above noted "pro death" jury strategy led to selection of a jury that was not impartial. He claims the jury selected was more prone both to convict and impose the death penalty thus aiding the prosecution. (Doc. No. 116 at 379:10-14.) He argues that is evident in the approximately four hours of deliberation required by the jury to convict and find all special circumstances true. (CT 380-85, 463-68.) He argues that "[a] criminal defendant has the right to an impartial jury drawn from a venire that has not been tilted in favor of capital punishment by selective ... challenges for cause." (Doc. No. 116 at 386:27-387:2); see also Uttecht v. Brown, 551 U.S. 1, 9, 127 S.Ct. 2218, 167 L.Ed.2d 1014 (2007), citing Witherspoon v. Illinois, 391 U.S. 510, 521, 88 S.Ct. 1770, 20 L.Ed.2d 776 (1968).
Petitioner argues Schultz's strategy fell below the experience and competency requirements for jury selection established by ABA Guidelines. ABA Guidelines, Commentary to Guideline 1.1; see also Correll v. Ryan, 539 F.3d 938, 949 (9th Cir. 2008) ([A]n "uninformed strategy is not a reasoned strategy. It is, in fact, no strategy at all.").
Petitioner argues Schultz's strategy was essentially uninformed and therefore unreasonable. Correll, 539 F.3d at 949. He argues Schultz, who had no death penalty case experience and had not researched this strategy or discussed with jury selection experts, unreasonably based the strategy upon his own deduction and personal opinion. (SHCP, Ex. B ¶¶ 2, 3.) He argues that had Schultz investigated this theory he would have discovered empirical evidence discounting it. See e.g., Hovey v. Superior Court, 28 Cal.3d 1, 40, 168 Cal.Rptr. 128, 616 P.2d 1301 (1980), superseded by statute as stated in People v. Jackson, 1 Cal.5th 269, 360, 205 Cal.Rptr.3d 386, 376 P.3d 528 (2016) (jurors with scruples against the death penalty vote to acquit more frequently than pro-death jurors).
However, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting this
Petitioner's citation to ABA Guidelines does not necessarily suggest otherwise. He argues the ABA Guidelines "advise counsel to design a jury selection strategy crafted to minimize the problem of death qualified juries that result from exclusion of prospective jurors whose opposition to capital punishment effectively skews the jury pool not only as to imposition of the death penalty but [also] as to conviction." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 203 citing ABA Guidelines, Commentary to Guideline 10.10.2(B)(1).) However, the ABA Guidelines are not "inexorable commands" with which all attorneys must comply to avoid a finding of ineffectiveness. Bobby v. Van Hook, 558 U.S. 4, 8, 130 S.Ct. 13, 175 L.Ed.2d 255 (2009). "Strickland stressed... that American Bar Association standards and the like are only guides to what reasonableness means, not its definition. Id." (Doc. No. 125 at 75:5-8.)
Especially so where, as here, counsel could reasonably focus on the guilt phase and gaining acquittal given the alleged weakness of the physical evidence against the petitioner. Defense counsel Schultz had "full authority to manage the conduct of the trial." Taylor v. Illinois, 484 U.S. 400, 417-18, 108 S.Ct. 646, 98 L.Ed.2d 798 (1988); New York v. Hill, 528 U.S. 110, 114-15, 120 S.Ct. 659, 145 L.Ed.2d 560 (2000). Petitioner was "bound" by the acts of his counsel and, "[a]bsent a demonstration of ineffectiveness, counsel's word on such matters is the last." Hill, 528 U.S. at 115, 120 S.Ct. 659; Allum v. Twomey, 484 F.2d 740, 745 (7th Cir. 1973) ("assuming the lawyer's competence, the client must accept the consequences of his trial strategy").
"[W]hen counsel focuses on some issues [and excludes] others, there is a strong presumption that he did so for tactical reasons rather than through sheer neglect." Jacobs v. Horn, 395 F.3d 92, 118 (3d Cir. 2005), citing Yarborough v. Gentry, 540 U.S. 1, 8, 124 S.Ct. 1, 157 L.Ed.2d 1 (2003); cf. People v. Lucas, 12 Cal.4th 415, 482-84, 48 Cal.Rptr.2d 525, 907 P.2d 373 (1995) (rejecting defendant's claim that he needed a new penalty jury to avoid potential prejudice caused by court's voir dire statements that defense would present evidence in mitigation at penalty trial).
That Schultz's jury selection strategy may have proved unsuccessful is not alone ineffective assistance. Sloan v. Delo, 54 F.3d 1371, 1384 (8th Cir. 1995) ("Although the [defense] closing apparently was not persuasive, a strategy need not be successful to be reasonable."). "The mere criticism of trial tactics is insufficient to establish ineffectiveness or prejudice." United States v. Ferreira-Alameda, 815 F.2d 1251, 1254 (9th Cir. 1986).
Petitioner alleges these deficiencies resulted in a complete lack of representation under United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, 658, 104 S.Ct. 2039, 80 L.Ed.2d 657 (1984) (no showing of prejudice required). However, for the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found petitioner was not denied "counsel acting in the role of an advocate" for purposes of Cronic because, for the reasons stated Schultz's jury selection process could reasonably be seen as strategic in nature. Cronic, 466 U.S. at 656, 104 S.Ct. 2039.
Petitioner also alleges prejudice under Strickland. He argues that Schultz's strategy resulted in a jury that was potentially pro-conviction and less diverse than the one that might have been chosen absent Schultz's noted strategy. (RT 3855-4095.) However, the state supreme court could reasonably have found no prejudice under Strickland, i.e., no reasonable probability of a different outcome.
As noted, Schultz removed seven prospective jurors and one alternate juror by peremptory challenge. (Prospective juror Christiansen, RT 3959; prospective juror Lung, RT 3973; prospective juror Neville, RT 3980; prospective juror Kruse, RT 3997; prospective juror Clark, RT 4019; prospective juror Zulim, RT 4042; prospective juror Slater, RT 4059; and prospective juror Snyder, RT 4090.)
The record reasonably could suggest that none of these prospective jurors appeared strongly in favor of a proposed life without parole sentence, or inclined to raise the prosecution's burden at the guilt phase. (SSCT 3042-57 (prospective juror Christiansen); SSCT 3163-79 (prospective juror Lung); SSCT 3210-26 (prospective juror Neville); SSCT 3103-17 (prospective juror Kruse); SSCT 3058-72 (prospective juror Clark); SSCT 3009-25 (prospective juror Zulim); SSCT 2746-60 (prospective juror Slater); SSCT 2793-2809 (prospective juror Snyder)).
Moreover, the record could reasonably suggest that none of the selected jurors were strongly in favor of a possible death sentence or inclined to lower the prosecution's burden at the guilt phase. (RT 3855-4095; see also SSCT 43-47, RT 3342-57 (juror Velluntini); SSCT 48-62, RT 2777-96 (juror Rye); SSCT 63-78, RT 1787-97 (juror Kozakowski); SSCT 79-94, RT 3415-29, (juror Whiteman); SSCT 112-128, RT 2824-41 (juror Sasaki); SSCT 129-145, RT 3801-13 (juror Kincade); SSCT 163-179, RT 392-402 (juror Allen); SSCT 180-196, RT 750-64 (juror Bystrom); SSCT 197-213, RT 1147-65 (juror Driscoll); SSCT 214-230, RT 2609-29 (juror Ploharz); SSCT 248-264, RT 2052-72 (juror Magyer); SSCT 265-281, RT 2700-10 (juror Rocholz)).
All of the selected jurors stated they could follow the law and the trial court's instructions; put aside personal feelings and remain open-minded and consider all facts and circumstances of the crimes in making the penalty determination; and stated that the possibility of a death sentence would not affect his or her guilt phase determination. (See RT 3855-4095; SSCT 43-47, RT 3342-57; SSCT 48-62, RT 2777-96; SSCT 63-78, RT 1787-97; SSCT 79-94, RT 3415-29; SSCT 112-128, RT 2824-41; SSCT 129-145, RT 3801-13; SSCT 163-179, RT 392-402; SSCT 180-196, RT 750-64; SSCT 197-213, RT 1147-65; SSCT 214-230, RT 2609-29; SSCT 248-264, RT 2052-72; SSCT 265-281, RT 2700-10); see also Leavitt v. Arave, 383 F.3d 809, 826-27 (9th Cir. 2004) (giving weight to jurors' assurances of impartiality).
Petitioner argues that Schultz's strategy resulted in a jury that was biased because
But the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding such allegations to be speculative. Petitioner does not cite to clearly established law that the gender of jurors is a basis to find bias. Rather the opposite appears the case. A juror selection strategy that discriminates based on gender would appear to run counter to the rule of Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 90 L.Ed.2d 69 (1986), and its state law corollary, People v. Wheeler, 22 Cal.3d 258, 148 Cal.Rptr. 890, 583 P.2d 748 (1978), rejected by Johnson v. California, 545 U.S. 162, 170, 125 S.Ct. 2410, 162 L.Ed.2d 129 (2005). See J.E.B. v. Alabama, 511 U.S. 127, 146, 114 S.Ct. 1419, 128 L.Ed.2d 89 (1994) (extending Batson protections to gender-based peremptory challenges).
Petitioner argues that Schultz's jury selection strategy resulted in a jury that included individuals with law enforcement backgrounds. One juror selected worked for the Fresno County Probation Department (SSCT 32-47.) Petitioner observes that the spouse of a juror was a retired Fresno policeman (SSCT 214-230) and that the brothers of another juror worked for police departments in the Central Valley and Southern California (SSCT 63-78). Here again the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding such allegations of bias to be speculative.
Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that the jurors selected included individuals biased by relatives employed in law enforcement. All of the jurors selected stated during voir dire that they could remain impartial, even though some of these individuals admitted connections to, or past run-ins with law enforcement authorities. (See RT 3855-4095; SSCT 43-47, RT 3342-57; SSCT 48-62, RT 2777-96; SSCT 63-78, RT 1787-97; SSCT 79-94, RT 3415-29; SSCT 112-128, RT 2824-41; SSCT 129-145, RT 3801-13; SSCT 163-179, RT 392-402; SSCT 180-196, RT 750-64; SSCT 197-213, RT 1147-65; SSCT 214-230, RT 2609-29; SSCT 248-264, RT 2052-72; SSCT 265-281, RT 2700-10); see also Leavitt, 383 F.3d at 826-27 (giving weight to jurors' assurances of impartiality); Quintero-Barraza, 78 F.3d at 1350 & n.5 (trial court's conclusion regarding "juror impartiality" is a "factual issue" given "special deference" under AEDPA).
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that defense counsel Schultz was not objectively unreasonable in the process of selecting jurors and that there was no reasonable probability of a different outcome absent counsel's alleged unprofessional errors. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Accordingly, the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, or an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim I is denied.
Claim II includes subclaims alleging pre-trial and trial ineffectiveness of counsel relating to the investigation, preparation
Petitioner contends that he was wrongfully convicted of aiding and abetting felony murders in which he did not participate, notwithstanding his alleged confession to his drug addict roommates Gail Goldman and Gene Buchanan. (Id.) Additionally he contends no robbery of the victims was intended or took place because valuables and cash remained at the crime scene. (Id.; see also Doc. No. 11617:1-12.) He contends the crime scene was ransacked by the actual killer, Richard Cullumber ("RC") searching for victim Freiri's gun (which RC used to kill himself four days later following a police chase in San Jose, California) after RC killed the victims in a drug induced rage. (Id.)
In these claims, petitioner argues that Schultz failed to investigate potential defenses, locate and interview witnesses, collect available records, seek out and utilize expert witnesses, adequately review the physical and impeachment evidence, familiarize himself with the rules of evidence and object to inadmissible evidence.
Petitioner presented these claims to the California Supreme Court in his second state habeas petition. (Lod. Doc. 30 at 105-99.) That court summarily denied the claims on the merits (Lod. Doc. 31) and found claims II(A), II(B), II(C), II(D), II(F), II(G), II(H), II(J), II(L), II(Q), II(R), II(S), II(T), II(U), II(V), and II(W) to be procedurally barred. (Id.)
Additionally, as discussed in the individual claim II subclaims, post, the California Supreme Court rejected certain of the allegations on direct appeal.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to use a "defense team" concept, resulting in a breach of the duty of loyalty and a breakdown of the adversarial process. Cronic, 466 U.S. at 656-57 & n.20, 104 S.Ct. 2039.
Petitioner faults Schultz for not using a defense team composed of two attorneys, an investigator, mitigation specialist and a mental defense expert as recommended by the ABA Guidelines. ABA Guidelines Nos. 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 104.
Petitioner also argues that Schultz, the only attorney assigned to the case was not adequately assisted by the defense team he did assemble which for the most part was composed of an assistant attorney in his office to conduct legal research and private investigator Willard Temple and Temple's employee Mel King. (Doc. No. 51-1, citing SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 2.) Mr. King, who lacked capital case experience and was on administrative leave from the Fresno Police Department while working for Mr. Temple was tasked with investigating key prosecution witness Buchanan and the penalty defense. (See RT 4848-59.) King worked on petitioner's case until it went to trial at which time King returned to employment with the Fresno Police Department.
Petitioner argues that King ended up harming his defense by providing favors to Buchanan. He alleges that King was conflicted by his relationship with the Fresno Police Department, the agency which investigated the crimes and arrested petitioner. He alleges that when King left the case he was replaced by Rick Runcie, a first year law student. (See Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 213(O); see also SSHCP ¶ 323.) He alleges that Runcie, who assisted Schultz at
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have found Schultz was not deficient in assembling his defense team. Petitioner has not demonstrated clearly established law entitling a capital defendant to additional counsel and experts. See Allen v. Woodford, 395 F.3d 979, 998 (9th Cir. 2005) (failure to seek second counsel not deficient performance).
Under state law in effect at the time of petitioner's proceeding the decision to appoint a second attorney for an indigent capital defendant was within the trial court's sound discretion, Keenan v. Superior Court, 31 Cal.3d 424, 430, 180 Cal.Rptr. 489, 640 P.2d 108 (1982), and required a showing of "genuine need" for second counsel, People v. Lucky, 45 Cal.3d 259, 280, 247 Cal.Rptr. 1, 753 P.2d 1052 (1988). Petitioner has not demonstrated the ABA Guidelines are authority otherwise. Nor may petitioner rely upon the April 11, 2014 declaration of prosecutor Hahus, wherein Hahus states "[i]t was my understanding at the time of trial that capitally charged defendants were entitled to two defense counsel at trial." (Doc. No. 116-1 ¶ 2.) This declaration, first filed in this federal proceeding, is not part of the state record and cannot be considered by this court absent a showing sufficient under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Petitioner has not demonstrated that Schultz and his defense team failed to maintain pretrial "close contact" with him as required by ABA Guidelines (see ABA Guideline No. 11.4.2) ("Counsel shall maintain a close contact with the client throughout the preparation of a case, discussing (inter alia) the investigation, potential legal issues that exist or develop and the development of a defense theory."). Significantly, Schultz in his April 7, 2003 habeas declaration does not state that he needed second counsel. (SHCP, Ex. B.) As noted, his assembled defense team assisted him with legal research and preparation of the defense including investigation of witnesses and generation of a social history for petitioner. (Id.; Lod. Doc. 30 at 111; see also SHCP, Ex. O-1.) In any event, for the reasons stated the ABA Guidelines do not alone set the standard of objectively reasonable conduct under Strickland.
Petitioner also argues that Schultz acted under a conflict of interest because he "simultaneously represent[ed] other felony defendants in jury trials at a rate of approximately one case per month" (Doc. No. 116 at 393:6-7, 19-21, citing SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 2) preventing Schultz from complying with the noted ABA Guidelines. (Doc. No. 116 at 393:17-21); Cronic, 466 U.S. at 656-57, 104 S.Ct. 2039; United States ex rel. Green v. Washington, 917 F.Supp. 1238, 1275 (N.D. Ill. 1996) (holding that excessive caseload forcing public defender to choose from among rights of his various clients inevitably creates a conflict of interest).
However, petitioner does not demonstrate on the evidentiary record that Schultz's obligations in other cases impacted his defense, or that Schultz ever stated as much. (See SHCP, Ex. B.) Instead, the record reflects that Schultz engaged in the noted pre-trial preparations including consultation with two mental health experts —
Additionally, Schultz and his team discussed petitioner's background with petitioner's mother. The state supreme court could reasonably have found that Schultz had concerns relating to potentially unfavorable behavioral, character and bad acts evidence and that such were an objectively reasonable basis not to further pursue such matters during the guilt phase. (SHPC, Ex. B ¶ 13.)
Petitioner alleges that had the work on petitioner's case been split among two attorneys and a proper defense team there is a reasonable probability the result would have been more favorable. (Doc. No. 116-1 ¶¶ 2-4; Doc. No. 128 at 169:9-14; see also SHCP, Ex. B. ¶¶ 2-3.) He argues that Schultz was unreasonable in not requesting second counsel; a request he contends would have been granted.
However, petitioner has not shown these alleged deficiencies were prejudicial under Strickland. Petitioner's habeas proffer does not suggest what different or additional defense preparation and presentation would have taken place upon appointment of a second attorney. Schultz's habeas declaration is uninformative in these regards. (SHCP, Ex. B.) Petitioner has not demonstrated that Schultz's reliance upon his defense team was unreasonable. See Bragg v. Galaza, 242 F.3d 1082, 1088 (9th Cir. 2001) (no ineffective assistance where attorney was well-informed and defendant fails to show what additional information would have been gained had counsel acted differently); LaGrand v. Stewart, 133 F.3d 1253, 1274 (9th Cir. 1998) (defense counsel need not personally conduct interviews where he had transcripts of prosecution interviews). Furthermore, "[a] lawyer may make reasonable decisions that render particular investigations unnecessary." Frye v. Warden, San Quentin State Prison, No. 2:99-CV-0628 KJM CKD, 2015 WL 300755, at *18 (E.D. Cal. Jan. 22, 2015).
The state supreme court reasonably could have rejected these allegations as speculative. The issues in this case were relatively straight forward, with the guilt phase focusing on petitioner's involvement in the crimes.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that defense counsel Schultz was not objectively unreasonable in assembling and utilizing the defense team, and that there was not a reasonable probability of a different outcome absent counsel's alleged unprofessional errors. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Accordingly, the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, or an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(A) is denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective in impeaching the primary prosecution witnesses, Buchanan and Goldman, and that he ignored and failed to present exculpatory and expert testimony and evidence
Petitioner argues that the prosecution case was built around the impeachable testimony of Buchanan and Goldman. (Doc. No. 116 at 178:2-9.) He claims that Schultz was deficient by failing to develop and present the case for petitioner's actual innocence. Petitioner's arguments are discussed separately below.
Petitioner alleges that the trial testimony of Buchanan and Goldman and the prosecution timeline for the crimes were inconsistent with the crime scene evidence. He notes that Schultz was aware the testimony of Goldman and Buchanan placed the time of the assaults on the evening of November 7, 1988. (Id.) He faults Schultz for not retaining a forensic pathologist to develop evidence in the police and autopsy reports to discount the prosecution theory, based upon the testimony of Buchanan and Goldman that the crime occurred between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. on November 7, 1988.
Petitioner argues a defense expert could have used the crime scene police reports (SSHCP, Ex. 9 at 320; id. at Ex. 11 at 345), the coroner's certificate and verdict (id. at Ex. 22 at 390-93), and crime scene witness statements in the police report (id., Ex. 10 at 333) to opine that the crimes occurred after lunch on November 8, 1988 rather than during the evening of November 7, 1988 as argued by the prosecution. He points to autopsy evidence, victim Freiri's post-mortem liver temperature and stomach contents and argues the actual time of the assault upon Ms. Caton and Mr. Freiri was not the evening of November 7, 1988 as theorized by the prosecution but rather the afternoon of November 8, 1988. (See SSHCP, Ex.'s 9, 11, 22.)
However, Schultz reasonably could have decided not to contest the prosecution timeline. The liver temperature of victim Freiri taken by the deputy coroner at the crime scene may have been affected by ambient conditions. Although the coroner's certificate of death stated that Freiri died "[b]etween November 7, 1998 and November 8, 1988, at an unknown time" (SSHCP, Ex. 22), the deputy coroner who took Freiri's liver temperature opined that an operating floor furnace proximal to victim Freiri impacted the liver temperature reading (SSHCP, Ex. 9 at 320).
As to Freiri's stomach contents, the deputy coroner opined that Freiri had eaten 1 to 2 hours prior to his death. (SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 345.) But that does not alone suggest Freiri died after eating lunch on November 8th (as petitioner asserts) rather than following dinner on November 7th (as the prosecution theorized). (See SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 346-47.) Statements from victim Caton's daughter, Ms. Garrett, to police suggest the victims ate a rice dinner at approximately 5:30 p.m. on November 7th, 1988. (Id.) This would be consistent with the coroner's findings regarding victims' stomach contents, (Id.; SSHCP, Ex. 9 at 320), and the coroner's stated time of death as "between November 7, 1988 and November 8, 1988, at unknown time." (SSHCP, Ex. 22 at 390.)
Petitioner also alleges that Schultz failed to develop witness testimony that the assaults likely took place on November 8, 1988. Petitioner points to a statement by Ms. Frutos, a neighbor of the victims, who reported seeing Caton at a local market at noon on November 8, 1988. (SSHCP, Ex. 10 at 333.) However, the record reflects that the market's owner stated he "had not seen either of the victims in his store." (Id.)
Petitioner also points to a statement by 15 year old neighbor, Valerie Montez, that at 4:00 p.m. on the afternoon of November
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that Schultz was tactically motivated when he decided not to further investigate an alternative timeline for the crimes, and that the habeas proffer does not suggest a reasonable probability of a different outcome.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz failed to investigate and develop evidence of a single hair found in victim Freiri's hand, a hair that did not match either the victims or petitioner. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 803.) Petitioner faults Schultz for failing to follow-up to exclude RC as a source of the hair and thereby possibly exculpate petitioner as RC's accomplice and potentially inculpate other likely suspects such as Buchanan, Long, Goldman, Sandoval and/or Flores.
However, as respondent suggests, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that Schultz determined to forgo further forensic testing because petitioner had already been excluded as a match (id.) and any retest risked a contrary result, tying petitioner to the crime scene.
As to RC, he was bald (RT 4309; Doc. No. 128 at 101) and an unlikely source of the hair. As to noted third party suspects, Buchanan, Long, Goldman, Sandoval and Flores, petitioner speculates that one or more of them might have been an accomplice to the crimes. But he does not cite to facts in the evidentiary record connecting any one of them to the crimes.
The state supreme court could reasonably have determined that further investigation as suggested by petitioner would not have advanced petitioner's primary defense theory that RC acted alone in the crimes and petitioner was not present at the crime scene. (RT 4981-95; SHCP, Ex. B, ¶ 5.)
Petitioner faults Schultz for failing to discount the prosecution's robbery/burglary motive given the dearth of supporting physical evidence. (The record reflects the perpetrator(s) entered the victim's home without force. (See SSHCP, Ex. 9; RT 4248-56.) Petitioner argues that RC was a frequent and welcome visitor of Caton and Freiri (RT 4311-12) who often borrowed money from Ms. Caton (RT 4312-13; SSHCP, Ex. 10 at 2-3) and who may have permissively possessed Freiri's gun.
Petitioner's argument finds some support in the record. Money (some bloodstained) and valuables remained at the crime scene after the murders. (See SSHCP, Ex. 9.) Furthermore, Goldman testified that she did not see petitioner with any money on the night of the murders. (RT 4353.) In the days after the murders RC stayed with a friend, Ms. Hansen, seemingly because he had no money. (RT 4834-35.)
However, Schultz's primary defense strategy that Buchanan and Goldman were not credible and petitioner did not admit to or participate in the crimes could be seen as objectively reasonable on the facts of this case. As noted, the significant evidence against petitioner was the testimony of Buchanan and Goldman regarding petitioner's conduct around the time of the
Moreover, the evidence of criminal motive seems mixed. Victim Caton was known to keep large sums of cash in her home. (RT 4277-86, 4298-4307.) Ms. Garrett (RC's mother and victim Caton's daughter) initially stated that $6000 (RT 4283-84) and her mother's ring were missing from the crime scene. (See SSHCP, Ex. 9, 326-27.) Goldman testified that after the crimes petitioner told her "they took $700 from Caton's house" (RT 4361) and that RC partially repaid her "around $40 or $50" on the night of the crimes (RT 4352). (See Doc. No. 116 at 183:18-23.) There also was testimony at trial that Freiri's wristwatch was taken by the perpetrator(s). (RT 4325.) The coroner apparently did check the victim (Freiri) for valuables and found none. (See SSHCP, Ex. 9 at 321.)
Petitioner faults Schultz for not investigating and developing a defense of insufficient evidence to counter the prosecution theory that petitioner aided or abetted RC in felony murder and that petitioner's intent to kill allegedly arose from a spontaneous unspoken thought following the apparent death of the first victim, Mr. Freiri. (See Doc. No. 116 at 259:14-18.)
Petitioner in his direct appeal alleged that there was insufficient evidence that he intended to kill Caton and Freiri. The California Supreme Court rejected the allegation by stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 903-04, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner argues the evidence pointed to RC as the actual killer. RC allegedly stated to witness Flores while commandeering witness Sandoval's car shortly after the crimes, that he had killed a woman. (RT 4562-63, 4801-02.) RC later killed himself with Freiri's gun. (RT 4318-19, 4472-74, 4481-84.) The evidence at the crime scene included the perpetrator's covering the body of Caton and the lack of forced entry. (RT 4161-68, 4205.) This suggested to authorities that the perpetrator might be a family member. (RT 4554-55, 4587-88.) As noted, on the night of the murders RC moved out of the Harvard Avenue apartment he shared with petitioner, Buchanan, Goldman and others. (RT 4339, 4683-85, 4735.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient in not conducting his own investigation of the charged crimes and the prosecution evidence. Especially so, he claims given that no physical evidence linked petitioner to the crime scene; police had closed the case until 3 months later when Buchanan implicated petitioner; and the prosecution case rested almost entirely upon the statements and testimony of witnesses Buchanan and Goldman.
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have found Schultz was not deficient in formulating a defense theory focused on impeaching the testimony of Buchanan and the testimony and statements of Goldman, with a view toward casting RC as the single perpetrator. (See e.g., RT 4553-56, 4985.) To this end Schultz variously attempted to show that the $5,000 private reward motivated Buchanan and possibly Goldman to come forward; that Goldman and Buchanan were routine abusers of street drugs with a penchant for lying; and that Buchanan in particular wanted revenge against petitioner for tearing up the only photo Buchanan had of his youngest daughter. (RT 4704-05, 4709-10.) Petitioner, in furtherance of the primary defense strategy took the stand to deny the admissions attributed to him by Goldman and Buchanan and to deny any involvement in the crimes. (RT 4870-71.)
Moreover, prior to and during trial, Schultz consulted with Dr. Peter Barnett, a forensic expert who examined certain crime scene evidence. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 786, 803; Doc. No. 116 at 25-26; Lod. Doc. 30 at 121.) Although Schultz did not call Dr. Barnett as a trial witness, the record reasonably suggests that Schultz's guilt phase defense considered and was consistent with Dr. Barnett's
Schultz also appears to have considered the possibility of mental state defenses to the charged crimes. Petitioner concedes that Schultz's pre-trial preparations included noted consultation with two mental health experts — psychiatrist Dr. John Hackett who found petitioner possibly suicidal (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 523), and psychologist Larry Thompson (id.; SSHCP, Ex. 19) who found petitioner mildly depressed. The state supreme court could reasonably have found Schultz's decision not to pursue guilty phase mental state defenses was objectively reasonable.
Additionally, petitioner's allegation that Schultz deficiently failed to investigate and present an insufficiency of the evidence defense fails for reasons discussed below in claim XXVI. To summarize that discussion, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that the crimes resulted from the joint motive of RC and petitioner to obtain money and property from victims Caton and Freiri (RT 4325, 4352, 4360-62); that RC and petitioner armed themselves (RT 4343-50) with the intent to kill victims who were frail and aged, (RT 4239-41); that the victims knew the perpetrators and could have identified them to authorities (RT 4311-13); and that the jury was properly instructed on the charges. (See claims XII and XXVI, post.)
Accordingly, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in finding a rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt.
Petitioner faults Schulz for failing to develop and present an actual innocence defense. He argues in essence that his actual innocence is established by the insufficient and unreliable evidence of his guilt and the prosecution's misconduct regarding the evidence.
This claim fails for the reasons stated in claims XXVI and XXVIII, post. In sum, it is not likely any reasonable juror would have reasonable doubt that the essential elements of the criminal counts could have been found beyond a reasonable doubt, for reasons stated in claims XXVI and XXVIII. Petitioner's allegations that false evidence was presented, evidence was suppressed and destroyed and third parties were involved in the crimes appear insufficiently supported in the evidentiary record at a level greater than harmless error. (See claims II(B), II(C), II(S), XIII.) Moreover, no facts or discrepancies in the testimony and physical evidence establish or compel the conclusion that Buchanan was motivated to and did testify falsely or inaccurately (see claims II(E), XIII and XVII), or that Goldman, by virtue of her alleged substance addiction, was motivated to and did testify falsely or inaccurately (see claims II(L), XXI).
Significantly, petitioner's confession to Buchanan and Goldman and the uncontroverted testimony of Buchanan and Goldman inculpating petitioner is consistent with the noted physical evidence (see claims II(B), II(C), II(L), II(S), XIII, XIV, XXI, XXVI and XXVIII).
A fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish his actual innocence sufficient to pass through the Schlup v. Delo gateway and even if he had his record claims fail for the reasons stated. 513 U.S. 298, 326, 115 S.Ct. 851, 130 L.Ed.2d 808 (1995) (procedurally defaulted petitioner must show that a constitutional
Petitioner alleges that Schultz did not make use of certain then available evidence impeaching Goldman and Buchanan.
Petitioner argues that Schultz failed to impeach Buchanan's testimony of petitioner's statement "if you kill one, you might as well kill them both" (RT 4689) with Goldman's failure to corroborate that petitioner made that statement even though Goldman was then present.
However, the fact Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony, which occurred months before trial, does not mention this statement is not necessarily a failure to corroborate. Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that either attorney asked Goldman about such a statement. (See e.g., RT 4334-4403.) Nor has petitioner demonstrated that Goldman ever denied petitioner made the statement. (Id.)
Petitioner argues that Schultz failed to impeach Goldman with her June 1989 taped statements to a defense investigator that contrary to her preliminary hearing testimony (RT 4349), petitioner and RC did not return to their apartment together on the night of November 7, 1988. (Doc. No. 116 at 22:1-5.) Petitioner also argues that a roommate in the apartment, Jerry Hodgeboom, would have testified, consistent with his statements to police that petitioner was at the apartment with Hodgeboom and Goldman all evening on November 7, 1988, the night the prosecution contends the crimes occurred. (Doc. No. 116 at 23:27-24:2.)
However, as discussed in claim XXII, the trial record shows that Schultz, at the preliminary hearing, considered and confronted Goldman with the noted 1989 tape recorded statements and gave her the opportunity to explain. (RT 4384-87.) Goldman's taped statement that RC returned to the apartment alone on the night of the crimes is equivocal given that RC apparently made two trips from the apartment on the evening of November 7, 1988. (See id.) Goldman's later testimony at the preliminary hearing appears to clarify in these regards; suggesting that although she could not remember making the taped statement that "[RC] and [petitioner] did not come back to the [apartment] together after they had left" (RT 4388), RC and petitioner made two trip from the apartment that night, the first to the nearby mini-store and the second after they apparently armed themselves as discussed above; and that she saw RC and petitioner return to the apartment "later on when they came back into the house and [RC] got — or started packing his clothes" (RT 4393).
Statements to police by Jerry Hodgeboom, a roommate in the apartment, suggesting that petitioner was at the apartment with Hodgeboom and Goldman all evening on November 7, 1988, appear otherwise unsupported by and contrary to the record including the statements under oath by Buchanan and Goldman and petitioner's own admission to them. The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding Schultz not to be deficient for failure to further investigate and develop Hodgeboom's note statements. Especially so given Goldman's testimony that she liked petitioner and that she did not want to testify against him. (RT 4364.)
Petitioner argues that Schultz failed to impeach Buchanan and Goldman with testimony
Witness Sandoval gave testimony potentially impeaching Goldman and Buchanan. Sandoval testified about events surrounding the alleged killer, RC, that shortly after the crimes, RC stated he had "killed a woman" (RT 4801), making no mention of an accomplice.
Witness Desumala gave testimony potentially impeaching Goldman's testimony of petitioner's admission to her. Desumala testified that Goldman told her a boy living with her "killed his grandmother" (RT 4809), that "the grandparents of the boy... were killed" (RT 4825) and that Goldman would "be given some kind of reward for her [preliminary hearing] testimony" (RT 4809).
Witness Hansen gave testimony potentially suggesting that, contrary to Goldman and Buchanan's testimony, RC acted alone in the crimes. Hansen testified that she found a newspaper article about the murders stuffed under a chair at her apartment after RC stayed with her for several days following the murders (RT 4831-35); that he seemed worried (RT 4840); that he arranged to meet a roommate twice while staying there (RT 4841), a roommate whose name was "something close to Dickey" (RT 4843) but she was not sure (id.).
Witness Heuter testified that he owned the store where the poster regarding the $5000 reward was placed in a window (RT 4846), but denied any further knowledge.
Witness King, a defense investigator, gave testimony potentially undermining the credibility of Buchanan. King testified that Buchanan told him he did not like petitioner (RT 4849); that he was "living room and board free" with those costs being deducted from this $5000 reward (RT 4851); and that Buchanan stated he used drugs daily and appeared to be under the influence during the majority of King's meetings with him (RT 4856-57).
Petitioner for his part took the stand and testified about his roommates at the Harvard Avenue apartment (RT 4873-77); admitted his prior 1982 conviction for second degree burglary (RT 4870); denied he made the admission to which Buchanan and Goldman testified (RT 4870-71); and stated he had nothing to do with events at the crime scene on November 7th (RT 4871-4927).
Based thereon, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was deficient by failing to present defense witness testimony impeaching Buchanan and Goldman. Notably, Schultz in his habeas declaration does not suggest presentation of these witnesses including petitioner was the result of anything other than trial tactics. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S.Ct. 2052 ("The reasonableness of counsel's actions may be determined or substantially influenced by the defendant's own statements or actions.").
Petitioner faults Schultz for not investigating social history and presenting mental defenses at the guilt phase.
Petitioner argues that Schultz failed to investigate and present evidence that the murders of Caton and Freiri were not the result of a planned robbery or burglary, but rather an unplanned and sudden drug induced and mental illness related outburst by RC, who along with petitioner, Goldman and Buchanan routinely used street drugs. (RT 4171-79, 4314-16, 4369-71, 4640-41.) He contends in particular that RC had no motive to steal from Caton because she voluntarily gave him money. (RT 4312-13.)
However, the record could reasonably suggest Schultz investigated and developed such evidence including as to petitioner's social and family history and drug use. Schultz had defense investigator King prepare such a report derived from interviews with petitioner's family and friends. (Lod. Doc. 30 at 111; see also SHCP, Ex. B.) Schultz also personally interviewed petitioner's mother and contemplated calling her to the stand at the penalty phase. (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 13; id. Ex. O.)
As noted, prior to petitioner's trial Schultz consulted with defense psychiatrist John Hackett and defense psychologist Larry Thompson. Petitioner was interviewed in jail by Dr. Hackett, (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 523; SSHCP, Ex. 2 at 119-120), who diagnosed him with antisocial personality disorder but nonetheless found him competent to assist in his defense (id.). Petitioner also was evaluated by Dr. Thompson
Additionally, in August of 1991, counsel on the new trial motion, Ms. Hart, retained psychiatrist Dr. Callahan to examine petitioner with a view toward possible sympathetic or character mitigation evidence including as to petitioner's prior felony involving alleged necrophilia. (SSHCP, Ex. 2 at 121.) Dr. Callahan testified that petitioner by age 17 "was manifesting grossly defective interpersonal functioning and poor impulse control, which are all factors in necrophilia behavior." (SSHCP, Ex. 2 at 131) Dr. Callahan diagnosed petitioner as an unstable and depressed personality exacerbated by self-medication with drugs and alcohol. (Id. at 130.)
Here, the state supreme court reasonably could have found that Schultz did reasonably develop a social history and investigate mental defenses. The noted record suggests Schultz reasonably relied upon his investigation and expert consultations in deciding not to further develop and present mental state defenses at the guilt phase. (See SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5); see also Harris v. Vasquez, 949 F.2d 1497, 1525 (9th Cir. 1990) ("It is certainly within the `wide range of professionally competent assistance' for an attorney to rely on properly selected experts."); Williams v. Woodford, 384 F.3d 567, 611 (9th Cir. 2004) (holding counsel's decision not to investigate mental defense further was reasonable in light of conclusions of mental health experts).
Petitioner argues the following information offered in his state habeas proceedings shows Schultz's prejudicially deficient investigation and presentation of guilt phase social history and mental defenses.
Dr. Khazanov faults trial experts, Drs. Hackett and Thompson for not addressing the possibility of neuropsychological defenses including frontal lobe deficits. (Id. at 273-74.) Especially so given then existing multiple risk factors of brain damage including childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"), hyperactivity and probable attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD"), chronic motor tic disorder, a predisposition to polysubstance abuse, depression, and related clinical symptoms in petitioner's social history. (Id. at 265-89.) She stated that these mental conditions impaired petitioner's ability to perceive, plan and make decisions and control impulses. (Id.)
In 2007, defense habeas expert, Dr. Barbara Counter, a clinical and forensic psychologist, reviewed petitioner's social history documents and interviewed him in prison for about 8 hours. She provided habeas counsel with a psychosocial history that found indicia of childhood ADHD, chronic motor tic disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. (See SSHCP, Ex. 2 at 27-28.) Dr. Counter's report chronicles petitioner's family history of mental illness, abuse (drug, alcohol, physical and sexual), domestic violence and crime. (Id. at 14-20.) She notes petitioner's prior felony conviction in Nevada involving apparent necrophilia during the course of which petitioner received a psychiatric evaluation by Dr. William Terry, who found petitioner's history to be compatible with a diagnosis of ADHD and depression (id. at 23-24, 94-98) and recommended psychiatric treatment of petitioner's difficulties relating to other people.
However, the state supreme court reasonably could have found the habeas proffer insufficient to suggest Schultz was prejudicially deficient in investigating and presenting social and mental state history and defense information. The record could reasonably suggest that petitioner then functioned at a level inconsistent with a significant mental state deficit or impairment. Petitioner graduated from high school in June of 1983 (id. at 102), approximately 5 years prior to the instant crimes. Later, while incarcerated in Nevada for the noted prior felony, he received certificates for education courses taken while in prison. (Id. at 108.) Several months before the instant crimes, he graduated from truck driving school at the top of his class. (Id. at 110.) Petitioner worked as a roofer and at an auto parts store just prior to his arrest for the instant crimes. (Id. at 112.)
Notably, the habeas experts examined petitioner 17 or more years after the instant crimes. The state supreme court reasonably could have found the habeas experts' conclusions as to petitioner's mental state at the time of the crime to be speculative. Especially so given the contrary conclusions reached by experts examining petitioner more proximal to his trial. In this regard, the state supreme court presumptively considered a 1992 examination of petitioner by prison psychologist M. Lyons, who found "no signs or symptoms
Petitioner does not demonstrate that any of the defense mental health professionals who evaluated petitioner prior to trial requested or required then existing information that was not provided to them by the defense team. Furthermore, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected petitioner's argument that Schultz was or should have been on notice of the need to further investigate petitioner's mental state defenses. Petitioner bases this argument on his habeas experts' suggestion that the need for such further investigation would have been evident to mental health professionals at the time of trial. But disagreement among experts is not alone a basis to find Schultz deficient. See e.g., Toler v. Troutt, 2015 WL 1408490 at *9 (W.D. Okla., Feb. 20, 2015) (medical difference of opinion not actionable under the Eighth Amendment).
Additionally, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that the primary defense theory, that petitioner was not present during or involved in the crimes, would not have been advanced by further investigation and consideration of matters relating to petitioner's social and mental history. (See claim XXVI, XXVIII.) Petitioner has not otherwise shown facts and circumstances surrounding the crimes reasonably placed Schultz on notice of any need for further social history and mental state defense investigation.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to overcome the strong presumption that Schultz made decisions relating to investigation and presentation of petitioner's social history and mental state in the exercise of professional judgment. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690, 104 S.Ct. 2052; see also United States v. Farr, 297 F.3d 651, 658 (7th Cir. 2002) (counsel "is not obligated to ... personally investigate every conceivable lead"); Morris v. State of California, 966 F.2d 448, 456 (9th Cir. 1991) (a defendant seeking to prove ineffective assistance of counsel "must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action might be considered sound trial strategy"). "The mere criticism of trial tactics is insufficient to establish ineffectiveness or prejudice." Ferreira-Alameda, 815 F.2d at 1254. Here, counsel's noted primary defense theory could be seen as reasonably furthered by the guilt phase investigation and presentation.
Petitioner faults Schultz for failing to develop and present defenses relating to crime scene evidence. He argues that the Fresno Police Department Identification ("I") Bureau collected at the crime scene a scant "six reference samples (from the victims and from petitioner) and 12 other items of biologic evidence." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 230-236.) Moreover, he argues that some of this crime scene evidence was mishandled. (Id.)
However, as noted, Schultz obtained discovery of the available crime scene evidence and retained defense forensic expert, Dr. Barnett, to examine it. (See Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 230,786, 803; Doc. No. 116 at 25-26; Lod. Doc. 30 at 121.) Dr. Barnett apparently confirmed the DOJ laboratory findings regarding fingerprint and ligature (cordage) evidence. (RT 4981-95; see also claims II(F), II(S), II(T), XIV; Doc. No. 116 at 158-59.) The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding that Schultz considered the findings
Furthermore, petitioner has not demonstrated prejudice. He argues the crime scene evidence, had it been properly collected, preserved and examined would have exculpated him. But the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding that none of this evidence inculpated him, discounting any argued necessity for exculpation.
Petitioner's further argument this evidence might have inculpated potential accomplices Buchanan, Sandoval, Flores, Long and Goldman is speculative and fails for the reasons that follow.
For the reasons stated above and those discussed in claims II(D), II(F) and XIV, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected these allegations relating to allegedly mishandled crime scene evidence.
Petitioner faults Schultz for not developing a defense theory under which someone other than petitioner acted as RC's accomplice. Especially so he argues, given that detective Stokes believed more than one perpetrator was involved in the crimes in light of the distance between the victims and the brutal nature of their wounds (RT 4626-30) and that petitioner denied he was present at and participated in the crimes. (RT 4871-4927); see also Jones (Jerry) v. Wood, 207 F.3d 557 (9th Cir. 2000) (ineffective assistance where counsel failed to investigate and present circumstantial evidence of alternative murder suspect).
Petitioner argues that Buchanan may have been RC's accomplice in the murders of Caton and Freiri. He points out that Buchanan fled the apartment shortly after the murders and knew too much about the crimes not to be involved. He further argues that:
However, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in discounting these allegations given the weight of the noted evidence including the uncontroverted testimony of Goldman and Buchanan linking petitioner to the crimes. Buchanan told the police that on the day the murders occurred, petitioner and RC removed a blind in their apartment and took it into the bedroom; that petitioner and RC then left, walking toward downtown; that the two later returned with $350 to buy drugs;
Furthermore, Goldman statements to police and her preliminary hearing testimony could reasonably corroborate Buchanan's testimony, that on the evening of November 7, 1988, petitioner and RC left the apartment together (RT 4339-40); before leaving they armed themselves with a cord and a knife (RT 4343-50); when they returned RC packed up and left the apartment (RT 4350); petitioner later admitted that he was present when RC killed his grandmother and Louis Freiri (RT 4357-58); and that after petitioner found out RC and Caton were dead, he appeared less depressed (RT 4378).
It follows that a fair-minded jurist could have concluded that Buchanan's testimony reflected what petitioner had admitted to him and that the record does not support an inference Buchanan aided and abetted the crimes in order to inculpate petitioner and commit robbery and burglary. Moreover, the argument attempting to inculpate Buchanan appears contrary to the noted primary defense theory that RC acted alone.
Petitioner argues that Goldman may have been RC's accomplice in the murders of Caton and Freiri. He suggests that Goldman was motivated by self-interest and drug use. He suggests Goldman may have been the woman that witness Montez said she saw standing in the crime scene doorway on the afternoon of November 8, 1988. (SSHCP, Ex. 10 at 333.) However, any inference that Goldman was aware of a plan to commit the crimes and that she was motivated to and physically able to participate and that she did so is unsupported by the weight of the evidentiary record. Witness Montez's testimony is uncorroborated, contrary to Buchanan's testimony and asserts a time of death later than that supported by the noted record. Moreover, the argument attempting to inculpate Goldman appears contrary to the primary defense theory that RC acted alone.
Petitioner argues that witnesses Sandoval and/or Flores may have been RC's accomplice(s) in the murders of Caton and Freiri. He argues detective Stokes investigated this possibility because RC previously purchased drugs from them; and RC's co-worker, Ms. Hemseth, told Stokes that on the morning of November 7, 1988 she saw RC in the company of a Mexican male who might have been either Sandoval or Flores. (See Doc. No. 105 at 69:22-23; SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 347.) Petitioner suggests it is inculpating that Sandoval and Flores initially denied knowing RC and that after the crime RC apparently stole Sandoval's car from Flores to leave Fresno. (Id.; see also Doc. No. 116 at 230; RT 4803-04; RT 4561-63, 4582-87.)
However, petitioner has not cited evidence in the record suggesting that detective Stokes concluded either Sandoval or Flores was involved in the crimes against Caton and Freiri. Moreover, Schultz appears to have investigated Flores and Sandoval prior to trial. Although Flores had by then been deported to Mexico (see claim XV), the defense team interviewed Sandoval and Schultz called him as a witness at trial. (Doc. No. 116 at 220-21.) Schultz elicited testimony from Sandoval inculpating RC, that RC stated "I've already killed a woman. I've got to get away." (RT 4800-06; see also Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 252-59.) This could reasonably be
Furthermore, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding that neither Sandoval nor Flores had a motive to and participated in the robbery/burglary of Caton and Freiri. Even if Sandoval and Flores were drug dealers who may have been seen with RC around the time of the crimes, petitioner has not demonstrated the weight of the evidentiary record shows that either of them acted as RC's accomplice in the murders. Especially so as RC was a routine drug user of street drugs and presumably associated with drug dealers. (RT 4314-16, 4369-71.) To the extent Sandoval and Flores denied knowing RC, Schultz could reasonably have considered this a reflection of their desire to avoid police scrutiny of their drug dealing enterprise, rather than evidence they were involved in the crimes against Caton and Flores. RC's absconding with Sandoval's car is not alone a reasonable basis to find either Sandoval or Flores was involved in these crimes.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found Schultz was not deficient by failing to develop an accomplice theory as to Sandoval and Flores and that petitioner was not prejudiced thereby.
Moreover, the argument attempting to inculpate these witnesses appears contrary to the primary defense theory that RC acted alone.
Petitioner faults Schultz for not developing a defense theory that Dean Long (victim Caton's other grandson and RC's cousin) acted as RC's accomplice. He argues that Ms. Garret, victim Caton's daughter, told detective Stokes that she suspected Long was involved in the crimes. (SSHCP, Ex. 10, at 334.) He argues that Long lived near the crime scene and allegedly was a drug user who may have purchased drugs from Buchanan. He argues that Long knew too much about the crimes not to have been involved; (see RT 4253-67); for example petitioner notes that Long, who along with Ms. Garrett discovered the victims at the scene around 6 p.m. on November 8, 1988, purported to quickly pronounce Freiri dead and Caton still alive. (Id.) He argues that Long fit the police belief the perpetrator was a family member. (RT 4587-88.)
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that Schultz's failure to develop Long as an accomplice was not unreasonable. Petitioner's surmise is not alone evidence that Long planned and participated in the crimes. Such surmise is contrary to the weight of witness testimony and evidence in the record including petitioner's admission to Buchanan and Goldman.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found Schultz was not deficient by failing to develop an accomplice theory as to Long and that petitioner was not prejudiced thereby. Moreover, the argument attempting to inculpate Long appears contrary to the primary defense theory that RC acted alone.
Finally, petitioner faults Schultz for failing to develop a defense theory that an unknown female acted as RC's accomplice. He points to the noted statement by a 15 year old neighbor of the victims, Valerie Montez, that in the late afternoon of November 8, 1988 she saw what appeared to be a female standing behind the screen door at the crime scene (Pet. Ex. No. 10 at 333) whom she "assumed ... was the lady... that lived at that location." (Id.)
Petitioner argues this statement suggests the possibility that RC may have had
But the record reflects that Ms. Montez was uncertain whether she actually saw a female in the doorway. (Id.) The noted evidence in the record suggests the crimes occurred the day before Ms. Montez's alleged observation. Schultz could reasonably have discounted the possibility that Goldman, or any perpetrator was seen standing in the doorway of the crime scene at the time Ms. Montez passed by.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found Schultz was not deficient by failing to develop an accomplice theory as to an unknown female and that petitioner was not prejudiced thereby. Here again, a theory attempting to inculpate a third party accomplice appears contrary to the primary defense theory that RC acted alone.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that Schultz acted unreasonably regarding impeachment of Buchanan and Goldman and that he otherwise failed to develop and present exculpatory evidence and expert testimony and evidence of third party liability and that because of such errors there is a reasonable probability of a different outcome of petitioner's proceeding. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Moreover, the police investigation file did not discount the possibility that RC acted alone, which was Schultz's primary defense theory.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(B) and II(C) are denied.
Petitioner faults Schultz for inadequately investigating the destruction of crime scene evidence and by failing to prepare and file related motions. Petitioner also faults Schultz for inadequately responding to crime scene evidence (i.e., fingernail scrapings, saliva, debris from a wound on Mr. Freiri's head, blood evidence and hair found at the crime scene) that went missing for 5 months while in custody of the authorities only to subsequently re-appear in partially degraded form.
The record reflects that on May 10, 1989, Schultz filed a written request for the results of comparative testing conducted by the state crime lab on physical evidence collected from the crime scene and samples collected from petitioner and the victims. (CT 15.) The trial court granted Schultz's request. (CT 6.)
However, prior to the preliminary hearing, the prosecution informed Schultz that the state crime laboratory could not locate the samples to be tested. (CT 6, 14-16, 95-98.) The missing evidence inexplicably re-appeared months later. As more fully discussed in claim XIV, some of the biologic samples had not been preserved and degraded such that test results were inconclusive. (RT 4565-69; see also SHCP, Ex. L.) The results that were obtained served to exclude petitioner as the source of the biologic materials and the hair collected from the crime scene. (RT 4413-16, 4565-69.) Schultz argued as much as trial. (RT 4970-87, 4917, 4987; Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 801-804; Doc. No. 103 at 37, 68.) Schultz's cross-examination of the state serology expert
Petitioner contends that had Schultz investigated the disappearance of this evidence, he might have been able to get the charges dismissed on grounds of the state's bad faith destruction of potentially exculpatory evidence. See Arizona v. Youngblood, 488 U.S. 51, 58, 109 S.Ct. 333, 102 L.Ed.2d 281 (1988) (bad faith of police to preserve potentially useful evidence denied defendant due process).
However, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding petitioner merely speculates that degradation of the evidence was due to the state's bad faith. Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that the blood swabs were testable when collected, or that the state failed to preserve the swabs, or that the swabs were potentially exculpatory. Youngblood, 488 U.S. at 53-58, 109 S.Ct. 333. Though the noted evidence apparently degraded while in the custody of the state crime lab, petitioner has not demonstrated on the record how and why the evidence degraded and that the state was anything more than negligent. A merely negligent degradation is not a due process violation. Youngblood, 488 U.S. at 58, 109 S.Ct. 333 ("[U]nless a criminal defendant can show bad faith on the part of the police, failure to preserve potentially useful evidence does not constitute a denial of due process of law.").
Furthermore, as in Youngblood, the evidence and the state's test results were made available to the defense — suggesting an absence of bad faith. Id. The state supreme court could reasonably have determined that petitioner was not denied access to potentially favorable evidence material to guilt. See California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 489, 104 S.Ct. 2528, 81 L.Ed.2d 413 (1984) ("Whatever duty the Constitution imposes on the States to preserve evidence, that duty must be limited to evidence that might be expected to play a significant role in the suspect's defense."). At bottom, all the noted evidence was ultimate located prior to trial and to the extent testing was possible, petitioner was not implicated.
Even if Schultz was deficient as alleged, the state supreme court could reasonably have found no reasonable probability of a different outcome absent such deficient conduct. Neither the undegraded evidence nor the degraded evidence linked petitioner to the crime scene. This coupled with petitioner's failure to attribute bad faith to the state could suggest no reasonable probability of a different outcome absent the allegedly deficient conduct. Moreover, absent bad faith, petitioner's argument the degraded evidence might have implicated third party accomplices is speculative and fails for the reasons stated. Absent bad faith on the part of the police, a mere failure to preserve potentially useful evidence does not constitute a denial of due process of law. See Trombetta, 467 U.S. at 488, 104 S.Ct. 2528.
A fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that Schultz acted unreasonably in investigating and responding to the crime scene evidence, and that absent the allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in
Claim II(D) is denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient by failing to investigate and present evidence of prosecution inducements to witness Buchanan.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to impeach Buchanan with a room and board agreement facilitated by the prosecution which he claims served as an inducement for Buchanan to testify at trial.
Petitioner points to March 29, 1989 agreement between Buchanan and boarding house operator Margie Strickland. The agreement was memorialized by and witnessed by prosecution investigators William Martin and A. Braga. (SHCP, Ex. G; RT 5266-5330; see also SHCP, Ex. H; RT 5324-25.) Petitioner alleges that under this agreement the prosecution or the police department promised to pay Strickland $350 per month for Buchanan's room and board out of the private reward money Buchanan expected to receive upon petitioner's conviction. (RT 5266-83, 5324-25.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz failed to develop this impeachment evidence even though he had a copy of the document memorializing the agreement prior to trial (Doc. No. 116 at 107:19-22; SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 6; Id. at Ex. G) and was aware Ms. Strickland was sending copies of bills thereunder to the prosecution, bills which Schultz allegedly declined the opportunity to review. (RT 5406; see also SHCP, Ex.'s G, I.)
Petitioner argues that agreement was strong evidence that Buchanan was dishonest; that Martin and Strickland so distrusted Buchanan that they put the agreement in writing. This dishonesty, petitioner asserts was demonstrated when Buchanan testified falsely that he had not received anything from the prosecution in return for his testimony (RT 4765-67); and that he worked as a manager and maintenance man at the boarding house and owed Ms. Strickland nothing, but that she owed him $25,000 (RT 4715-16, 5322-25).
Petitioner argues that failure to impeach Buchanan with the Strickland agreement was particularly harmful to the defense for several reasons. The jury was aware defense investigators had purchased a few beers, lunch and a pair of shoes for Buchanan (RT 4714-15, 4765), while Buchanan denied the prosecution had purchased anything for him (RT 4766, 5002, 5409). The other primary prosecution witness, Ms. Goldman, was untrustworthy and had been characterized as a liar by other witnesses. (See e.g., RT 4783-93.) Petitioner argues the Strickland agreement gave Buchanan a financial incentive to see to it that petitioner was convicted.
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined petitioner failed to demonstrate Buchanan's testimony was dependent upon or biased by the prosecution's involvement in the housing arrangement. The housing agreement on its face was solely between Buchanan and Strickland. The agreement as memorialized provided that Buchanan would pay Strickland $350/month in the form of an IOU. (SHCP, Ex. G.)
Petitioner has not demonstrated that the prosecution was a party to the housing agreement. He has not demonstrated that the prosecution financed or guaranteed the agreement. He has not demonstrated that the prosecution was to pay or paid any portion of the noted reward that funded
The record reasonably supports respondent's contention that the Strickland agreement was facilitated in the normal course and in order to ensure Buchanan would be and remain available to testify at petitioner's proceeding. (RT 5293-94.) For her part, Strickland testified that the agreement was not unprecedented; she had taken in boarders on an IOU basis on 30 to 40 other occasions. (RT 5314-25.)
Moreover, the jury was aware from the noted testimony that Buchanan was seeking the private reward offered by the victim families. Schultz argued to the jury that Buchanan may have implicated petitioner in order to get the reward. (RT 4990-91.) Schultz cross-examined Buchanan about the housing arrangement in the context of Buchanan's expectation of receiving the wholly private reward money. (RT 4715-16.) Notably, the trial court denied these same allegations when raised on the motion for new trial. (RT 1/17/92 9-15.)
Nor does the record reasonably suggest the prosecution was chargeable with any relationship or arrangement between Buchanan and Strickland not set forth in the agreement as memorialized. Although Buchanan testified, apparently falsely, that he worked for Strickland as a manager and maintenance man and that she owed him $25,000 under this relationship (RT 4615-16; 5322-25), prosecutor Hahus testified at the motion for new trial that he knew nothing of any such arrangement. (RT 5449, CT 583.)
Accordingly, petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that the prosecution had any involvement in any Buchanan-Strickland relationship apart from merely facilitating the agreement. Petitioner's suggestion that Strickland acted on behalf of the prosecution appears unsupported by the record. To the contrary, Ms. Strickland testified at trial that pursuant to the agreement Buchanan owed her over $5000; she also testified to her concern that Buchanan was not a trustworthy person. (RT 5325-28.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to impeach Buchanan's testimony with evidence the prosecution agreed to provide and provided assistance on separate felony and misdemeanor charges brought against Buchanan around the time of petitioner's trial. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 299-313; SSHCP, Ex. 12 ¶ 7; Doc. No. 116 at 113:2-6.)
Petitioner points to dismissal of two felony drug possession counts against Buchanan after he was identified as a witness and prior to petitioner's trial. (SHCP, Ex. J.) Additionally, he points to a separate misdemeanor drug possession charge that arose prior to Buchanan's trial testimony (RT 5396-5403; see also SHCP, Ex. K) that was dismissed at the request of prosecutor Hahus after petitioner's trial. (Id.; see also Supp. CT. 68-83.) Petitioner argues the dismissals suggest a plea bargain connected to Buchanan's testimony in petitioner's capital trial. (See RT 5341-79); see Reynoso, 462 F.3d at 1114 (counsel ineffective in murder case for failing to cross-examine state witnesses about their motivation for testifying); Thompson v. Calderon,
The state supreme court reviewed and rejected some of these allegations on direct appeal. That court conceded the information tended to impeach Buchanan's credibility, but nevertheless determined the information "was not material because it would have added little to the cumulative impact of the other impeachment evidence." Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 908, 909 n.9, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The state supreme court's rejection of these allegations was not unreasonable. Prosecutor Hahus, at the new trial hearing, testified to Buchanan's June 1989 assertion that he had a deal for dismissal of the felony drug case due to his status as prime witness against petitioner in the capital case. (RT 5380-82, 5394.) However, Hahus did not believe Buchanan. (RT 5385-88.) The district attorneys who were involved in Buchanan's felony drug case, Ms. Dotta and Mr. Hoff, denied a deal existed, stating the drug charges were dismissed on the merits because of a lack of proof; problems with the search warrant. (RT 5341-79; see also RT 1/17/92 at 14-16.) Petitioner argues a deal nonetheless implicitly existed, pointing to the time and effort the district attorney's office devoted to the felony drug case (id.; Supp. CT 8-84), and to the guilty plea by Buchanan's co-defendant in that case. (Id.)
However, the state supreme reasonably could have given weight to the direct testimony over petitioner's surmise. Especially so, given Schultz's statement in his habeas declaration that he was aware of the pending charges and dismissal prior to trial, but did not believe this information would be beneficial to the defense. (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 7.)
For the reasons it stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that this alleged impeachment evidence had it been presented would not in reasonable probability have resulted in a different outcome.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that Schultz acted deficiently by failing to investigate and present evidence of prosecution inducements to witnesses Buchanan and Goldman, and that absent the allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(E) is denied.
Petitioner next claims that Schultz was ineffective by failing to retain an expert to investigate the venetian blind evidence and by failing to object to related prosecution testimony and argument. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 314-20; 403-05.)
Petitioner faults Schultz for failing to object to the venetian blind from which a cord found around victim Freiri's neck (People's Ex. 19) was allegedly taken. He argues Schultz should have objected to Stokes's seizure of the blind from the landlady of the Harvard Avenue apartment,
Petitioner also argues that Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to the prosecution's alleged failure to link the cord found at the crime scene (see SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 345); (People's Ex. 19) to that particular venetian blind, pointing out the state supreme court unreasonably concluded police (rather than Ms. Hays) removed the venetian blind from the hall closet of the apartment. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 895-96, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Here, it appears that Hays evicted the remaining roommates from the Harvard Avenue apartment shortly after the murders and then cleaned the apartment, removing a blind without attached cord from the hall closet. (RT 4521-37.) She stored the blind and when later contacted by detective Stokes delivered the blind to him. (RT 4519-37.)
The state supreme court could reasonably have found that petitioner failed to demonstrate a search warrant was required on these facts. See e.g., U.S. v. Cormier, 220 F.3d 1103, 1112 (9th Cir. 2000) (Fourth Amendment rights waived by voluntary consent to warrantless search). Additionally, foundation, authentication and chain of custody supporting the venetian blind admitted into evidence (People's Ex. 28) reasonably could be found in the trial testimony of Hays. She testified that the subject blind was originally on the (Hollywood) back door of the apartment; she removed it from the apartment closet without any attached cord; stored it in her garage; delivered it to Stokes; and identified the blind, People's Exhibit 28, at trial. (RT 4521-30.) Detective Stokes confirmed as much in his testimony. (RT 4530-39.) Both Buchanan and Goldman testified the blind was last seen in the hall closet of the apartment. (RT 4534-37, 4666.)
Petitioner faults Schultz for not developing and presenting expert testimony discounting the evidentiary value of petitioner's thumb print that prosecution expert Mike Hall found on a slat of the subject venetian blind from the Harvard Avenue apartment where petitioner lived with Goldman and Buchanan.
Petitioner presented a portion of this claim on direct appeal which the California Supreme Court rejected, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 915, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner discounts the evidentiary value of his print on the venetian blind which had been in the apartment for 29 years. (RT 4515-19); see also Mikes v. Borg, 947 F.2d 353, 356-357 (9th Cir. 1991) (in fingerprint only cases, prosecution must present evidence sufficient to permit the jury to conclude that the objects on which the
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have given weight to the fingerprint evidence in the context of the evidentiary record as a whole. The testimony of prosecution fingerprint expert Hall suggested that fingerprint details are left by gripping an object. (RT 4577.) Hahus's argument could have relied thereon, and upon common experience as suggested by the state supreme court. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 914-15, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The jury was aware of and presumably considered petitioner's testimony that he put the venetian blind in the closet after it fell off the back door (RT 4883-84; see also RT 4345-46) and his suggestion his fingerprint may have been left at this time. Nothing in this testimony or the opinion of petitioner's forensic expert, Dr. Peter Barnett, or the existence of additional fingerprint details on the venetian blind (acknowledged by both experts Hall and Barnett) necessarily controverts Hall's conclusions and Hahus's noted argument. (See RT 4981-95; see also claims II(F), II(S), II(T), XIV; Doc. No. 116 at 158-59.) Moreover, Schultz acknowledged the additional print detail and argued it as a basis to discount the evidentiary value of petitioner's print. (See RT 4985-86.)
Petitioner's surmise that firm pressure on the blind would have left a print on the top frame of the blind rather than a slat (where petitioner's print was found) is alone unpersuasive. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 319; RT 4576.) Although Goldman testified that she saw RC handle the venetian blind, Goldman's testimony in this regard was equivocal. (See claim XXI.)
Petitioner's reliance on Mikes is misplaced because there, unlike here the conviction was based upon the fingerprint evidence alone. See Mikes, 947 F.2d at 356-57. Furthermore, Schultz offered the jury reasons to discount the fingerprint evidence. He cross-examined prosecution witnesses regarding this evidence, offered an alternative theory for petitioner's fingerprint being on the blind and argued the location of the fingerprint on the blind was inconsistent with the prosecution theory of the crime. (See e.g., RT 4575-80, 4985-86.)
Petitioner also faults Schultz for failing to develop and present evidence of an unreasonable crime scene investigation by the authorities wherein investigators recovered no useable fingerprints. (See RT 4226-33, 4332.) He points out that not one print from RC was found at the crime scene even though RC has been to the crime scene multiple times prior to the crimes. (RT 4311-12.) But petitioner's own forensic expert, Dr. Barnett, though finding the noted details of other prints apparently found no identifiable prints on the subject blind other than petitioner's fingerprint. (Doc. No. 116 at 133:27-134:10.) Petitioner has not shown that the state's processing of the crime scene and the venetian blind resulted in the failure to recover additional identifiable fingerprints. (RT 4981-95; See also claims II(F), II(S), II(T), XIV; Doc. No. 116 at 158-59.) Petitioner's speculation that such prints existed, but due to prosecution bad faith were not developed (Doc. No. 116 at 134:11-12, citing Doc. No. 116-1 ¶¶ 14-17) is not supported in the record.
It follows the state supreme court could reasonably have found that Schultz could properly have refrained from making what
Additionally, the state supreme court could reasonably have found no prejudice from Schultz's alleged deficiencies. For the reasons stated, petitioner has not demonstrated facts suggesting reasonable probability of a different outcome had unspecified fingerprint evidence been presented to the jury. The jury was instructed to "reject interpretations of or inferences from the evidence they found to be unreasonable" (RT 5010; CT 392-94) and that "statements made by the attorneys during the trial are not evidence." (RT 5008; see also 5146; CT 390). Jurors are presumed to follow instructions. Weeks v. Angelone, 528 U.S. 225, 234, 120 S.Ct. 727, 145 L.Ed.2d 727 (2000), citing Richardson v. Marsh, 481 U.S. 200, 211, 107 S.Ct. 1702, 95 L.Ed.2d 176 (1987) ("A jury is presumed to follow its instructions.").
Petitioner faults Schultz for failing to object to testimony by prosecution criminalist Cortner that the cord found tied around victim Freiri's neck was similar to "the part still on the venetian blind." (RT 4414; see also SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 345.) This testimony was false, petitioner contends because as noted no cord remained on the subject blind recovered by detective Stokes. (RT 4537.) He argues that the prosecution, by referring to reference samples of cord taken from other venetian blinds in the apartment as "attached to a (subject) venetian blind" (RT 4413-14) and "left on the (subject) venetian blind" (RT 4415) misrepresented that the cord used in the murder was compared to cord taken from that (subject) venetian blind retrieved by Stokes. (RT 4415-16.) He suggests Hahus made this false argument to the jury. (RT 4965-68.)
Petitioner argues that based in part on this false testimony and argument, the state supreme court unreasonably determined that "[t]he cord found around Mr. Freiri's neck came from the [v]enetian blind in defendant's apartment, and defendant was responsible for bringing it to Mrs. Caton's house." (Doc. No. 116 at 168:12-15, citing Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.) He highlights prosecutor Hahus's related argument that "[t]he only thing that the lab can tell us is [the crime scene cord] ... appears to be from the same material; same dimensions and the same weave [as the samples taken by Stokes from other blinds in the apartment]." (RT 4966.)
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have found Schultz was not objectively unreasonable by failing to object to Cortner's noted testimony. The record is clear that Stokes took three reference samples not from the subject venetian blind but rather from other blinds hanging in the then vacant Harvard Street apartment, (id.; RT 4413-14; 4538) and that it was these three samples that Cortner compared to the crime scene ligature. (Id.) Any suggestion by petitioner that the three samples were irrelevant could reasonably be rejected given the equivocal testimony of Goldman that the cord may have been taken from the blind hanging in the bedroom (RT 4347) and that multiple
It follows that the jury was aware the reference samples were taken from blinds contemporaneously in the Harvard Avenue apartment. Cortner testified at trial that the cord from Freiri's neck was similar to these reference samples but "[he] was not able to make a physical match to positively say it came from that particular cord that came from the venetian blind." (RT 4416.) Cortner opined that cord from Freiri's neck (SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 345; RT 4532) and the reference cords are consistent with each other in color, weave, pattern and thickness; that they are both made of cotton; but that a positive match could not be made due to the fibrous nature of the cord. (RT 4416; SHCP, Ex. L; RT 4203-04, 4346-47, 4413-16; People's Exhibits 26, 28, 30.)
The cord analysis of defense forensic expert Barnett was not necessarily inconsistent with Cortner's noted analysis. Prior to trial, Barnett determined the ligature around Mr. Freiri's neck could have come from the venetian blind introduced at trial and that the reference samples collected by Stokes from the other blinds in the apartment were in some ways inconsistent with the neck ligature. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 803.)
A fair-minded jurist could conclude that in context, the noted testimony of Cortner was not materially misleading. Moreover, Cortner's testimony that the cord from the murder scene did not match any cord samples from the apartment was seemingly helpful to the defense and not prejudicial. The jury was presumably aware no comparison was made to cordage from the venetian blind admitted in evidence because they knew that blind had no cord on it when retrieved by Stokes. Cortner did not testify otherwise.
As noted, the jury was instructed to reject inferences from the evidence they found to be unreasonable and that "statements made by the attorneys during the trial are not evidence." The state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that the fact the subject blind had no cord on it when retrieved by Stokes did not discount the materiality of that venetian blind admitted as evidence at petitioner's trial.
For the reasons stated, Schultz's statement in his habeas declaration that "he did not object to this argument because he did not recognize the basis for an objection, not as a tactical choice" (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 10) is not necessarily evidence that his failure to object was unreasonable. In assessing his performance, there is a "strong presumption" that counsel did not object "for tactical reasons." Yarborough, 540 U.S. at 8, 124 S.Ct. 1. Schultz does not appear to concede the basis for an objection.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz acted deficiently by failing to retain an expert to investigate the venetian blind evidence; and by failing to object to related testimony and argument; and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(F) and II(S) are denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective in preparing, calling and examining defense witnesses, Maxine Hansen and petitioner. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 321-341.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz inadequately investigated and prepared witness testimony of Hansen, a friend of RC's with whom he briefly stayed following the murders. Petitioner complains Schultz called Hansen even though he knew or should have known that her testimony was mostly hearsay and harmful to the defense by suggesting RC may have contacted petitioner during this time. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 323-325; RT 4829-44.)
Petitioner agues the defense team interviewed Hansen only once, when defense investigator Runcie spoke with her for less than an hour. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 322.) Schultz, according to petitioner largely ignored Runcie's report that RC had said nothing to Hansen about the crimes; that a person named Boyd Anderson who was staying with Hansen at the time might have more information than Hansen; and that Hansen could not hear very well (RT 4843) and "tends to run on and get side tracked." (Doc. No. 116 at 319:15-19.)
Schultz nonetheless called Hansen to testify. Hansen testified that while RC was staying with her, he contacted a roommate, as follows:
(RT 4843:7-44:1.)
Petitioner argues this testimony allowed the jury to speculate that petitioner was involved in the crimes — speculation encouraged by prosecutor Hahus during argument where he emphasized that Hansen was the least likely of the witnesses to be lying. (RT 5003-04.)
However, as petitioner seems to concede, based on the defense team's interview of Hansen, Schultz reasonably could have called her in support an argument that RC's accomplice, if there was one, was Buchanan or some other third party. The record provides some support for such a tactic. Petitioner apparently was not called "Dickey" by others, suggesting it is unlikely RC would have referred to him in this manner. (RT 4362, 4657, 4718.) Buchanan's personal items were found in RC's hotel room after the crimes. (RT 4541-42.) Buchanan was known to use the phone at the nearby Circle K Market (RT 4661), whereas petitioner had no access to a phone at the Harvard Avenue apartment (id.).
For these reasons, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded that Schultz anticipated Hansen's testimony would be exculpating of petitioner and that Schultz was not objectively unreasonable in calling Hansen to the stand.
Additionally, Schultz may have believed the prosecution would call Hansen and desired the defense be the first to elicit any potentially harmful testimony. Especially so in that Hansen's testimony was equivocal as to whether the contacted roommate was petitioner or one of the other roommates — offering the initial opportunity to the defense to focus the jury on Buchanan as RC's accomplice. Notably, petitioner has not offered Schultz's reasons for calling Hansen.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz failed to adequately consult with and prepare him to take the stand. He contends Schultz visited him at most six times during the approximately two years between his arrest and trial and that during these visits Schultz merely reassured him without discussing the charges or the defense, or soliciting petitioner's assistance with the defense. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 331-341; Doc. No. 116 at 311.) He argues he was prejudicially unprepared to testify.
Here, the record suggests Schultz's decision to call petitioner to testify could have been strategically motivated. Petitioner concedes he wanted to testify and told Schultz as much. (Doc. No. 116 at 302.) Defense psychologist, Dr. Thompson, examined petitioner 6 month before trial and found him credible and consistent in denying any involvement in the crimes, (see SSHCP, Ex. 19 at 381-84), and believed that if properly coached petitioner could perform well on the stand. (Id.)
The state supreme court reasonably could have found petitioner failed to demonstrate the defense team as a whole failed to consult with him, or that he was denied participation in his defense. Significantly, petitioner does not appear to address or account for the number of appearances and hearings he had with Schultz during the trial. See Daniels v. Woodford, 428 F.3d 1181, 1197 (9th Cir. 2005) (complete breakdown in communication between defendant and counsel is constructive denial of counsel); Crandell v. Bunnell, 144 F.3d 1213, 1217 (9th Cir. 1998), overruled on other grounds by Schell v. Witek, 218 F.3d 1017, 1025 (9th Cir. 2000), quoting ABA Guidelines, Guideline 11.4.2, ("counsel shall maintain close contact with the client throughout preparation for the case, discussing (inter alia) the investigation, potential legal issues that exist or develop and the development of a defense theory.").
Schultz could reasonable have made a tactical decision to avoid too much preparation and the risk petitioner would sound rehearsed on the stand. Moreover, brevity in testimony could serve to limit the risk of contradictions and harmful cross-examination. Here again, it is notable that petitioner has not provided any declaration of Schultz regarding his reasoning in these matters.
The state supreme court also could have found no reasonable probability of a different outcome absent Schultz's alleged deficiencies. Petitioner claims prejudice from Schultz's failure to elicit foundational facts supporting petitioner's complete denial of involvement in the crimes. He complains Schultz briefly asked him about his prior conviction for burglary (RT 4870) and elicited Petitioner's general denial of involvement in the crimes, as follows:
(RT 4870-71.) Petitioner points out that after a less-than-two-page direct examination, Mr. Schultz turned his client over to the prosecutor for a cross-examination that occupies 54 pages of the reporter's transcript, with no redirect examination. (RT 4871-4927; see also Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 213(S).) Albeit twelve pages were consumed with evidentiary argument outside the jury's presence. (RT 4888-4901.)
However, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected these allegations. The primary defense theory was consistent with petitioner's testimony denying any involvement in the crimes. Significantly, petitioner's testimony was directly contrary to the primary prosecution witnesses, Goldman and Buchanan. Moreover, a terse up front admission of the prior felony, which the prosecution was going to introduce in any event might suggest candor and be tactically advantageous. Petitioner's disagreement with counsel's strategy is not alone a basis to find deficient performance. See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690-91, 104 S.Ct. 2052; see also Lord v. Wood, 184 F.3d 1083, 1095 (9th Cir. 1999) (observing that "few decisions draw so heavily on professional judgment as whether or not to proffer a witness at trial").
Furthermore, petitioner's suggestion that Schultz should have elicited social and mental history testimony at the guilt phase (see Doc. No. 116 at 304-309) appears contrary to the noted primary defense and fails to consider potentially negative information which motivated Schultz not to put petitioner's mother on the stand during the penalty phase (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶¶ 13-14). Petitioner's suggestion such additional testimony would have furthered alternative third party accomplice and timeline defenses fails for reasons discussed in claims II(B), II(C).
Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable probability of a different outcome had he not testified, or had he testified differently. Especially so given the evidence supporting conviction including petitioner's admission to Buchanan and Goldman. (See claims XXVI, XXVIII.) Likewise the habeas proffer regarding facts and circumstances surrounding the Harvard Avenue apartment, the crimes and their aftermath. (Id.)
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective in preparing, calling and examining trial witnesses, Maxine Hansen and petitioner, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(G) and II(H) are denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to holding jury instruction discussions off the record and outside of petitioner's presence. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 365-373.) He claims prejudice to the extent post-conviction counsel was left with an incomplete record to review and analyze.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz should have objected to the trial court's holding guilt phase jury instruction discussions off the record. (RT 4938-49.) He argues the lack of such a complete record deprived petitioner of meaningful appellate review. See Coppedge v. United States, 369 U.S. 438, 446, 82 S.Ct. 917, 8 L.Ed.2d 21 (1962) ("the Court of Appeals must provide the would-be appellant with ... a record of sufficient completeness[.]"); People v. Howard, 1 Cal.4th 1132, 1166, 5 Cal.Rptr.2d 268, 824 P.2d 1315 (Cal. 1992) ("[u]nder the Fourteenth Amendment, the record of the proceedings must be sufficient to permit adequate and effective appellate review."). Specifically, petitioner argues the summary record does not show "what arguments his counsel made regarding jury instructions, and what errors the court made with respect to handling such requests, issues which could have been raised on appeal." (Doc. No. 116 at 270:26-271:1.)
It appears then applicable California law required death penalty proceedings to be conducted on the record, viz.:
Penal Code § 190.9(a)(1).
The record reflects that on March 14, 1991, the trial judge, the prosecutor and Schultz had an unrecorded conference on jury instructions outside the presence of petitioner and the jury. (RT 4938-49.) This, according to the trial judge was to avoid an "awkward record." (RT 4938.) Subsequently, in petitioner's presence the trial judge and counsel for both sides placed on the record a summary of the conference including objections by the parties. (RT 4938-46.) The court at that time specifically invited counsel to:
(RT 4939), and the trial court invited:
(RT 4946.) The court and counsel with petitioner present walked through each of the instructions to be given including modifications. (RT 4938-49). The court stated and the parties agreed that no theory of murder other than felony murder with aider and abettor liability was in issue. (RT 4946-47.) Petitioner was given a copy of the proposed instructions and Schultz discussed them with him. (RT 4947-49.)
The court finds that the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in determining the erroneous failure to record the jury instruction conference to be harmless error. Petitioner concedes that to
Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that the instructions were constitutionally infirm. (See claims II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q), XII.) The state supreme court would have been reasonable in finding off the record discussion regarding otherwise proper instructions did not deny petitioner adequate appellate review. That is, absent constitutional error there is no basis for federal habeas relief and no prejudice under Strickland. See Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62 at 67-68, 112 S.Ct. 475, 116 L.Ed.2d 385 (1991) (it is not the province of a federal habeas court to reexamine state court determinations of state law questions). Notably, petitioner's allegations in these regards are not supported by a declaration of trial counsel Schultz. Petitioner's speculation alone is not sufficient to entitle him to habeas relief. See Johnson v. Alabama, 256 F.3d 1156, 1187 (11th Cir. 2001), quoting Aldrich v. Wainwright, 777 F.2d 630, 636 (11th Cir. 1985) ("Speculation that [a] missing witness[] would have been helpful ... is insufficient to carry the burden of a habeas corpus petitioner."); see also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 905, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921, citing Estelle, 502 U.S. 62 at 71-75, 112 S.Ct. 475 ("Mere instructional error under state law regarding how the jury should consider evidence does not violate the United States Constitution.").
Petitioner alleges that Schultz failed to object to jury instruction discussions held without petitioner being present. (RT 4938-48.) He argues the jury instruction conference was a "critical stage" of his trial proceeding that required his assistance and that he had a right to be present, citing United States v. Gagnon, 470 U.S. 522, 526, 105 S.Ct. 1482, 84 L.Ed.2d 486 (1985) (a criminal defendant has the right to be present for all critical stages of his trial). He argues this error denied him a sufficient opportunity to assist in his defense because he might have raised concerns that could have been addressed by the trial court.
However, petitioner has not demonstrated that jury instruction discussions presented a critical phase of his proceeding. See Moore v. Campbell, 344 F.3d 1313, 1323 (11th Cir. 2003) ("the issue of whether a defendant must be present at all times in a capital trial has not yet been settled by the Supreme Court"). "It has long and clearly been held that criminal defendants are entitled to effective assistance of counsel during all critical stages of the criminal process." Nunes, 350 F.3d at 1052. "[I]t is counsel's dut[y] to consult with the defendant on important decisions and to keep the defendant informed of important developments in the course of the prosecution. Those obligations ensure that the ultimate authority remains with the defendant to make certain fundamental decisions regarding the case, as to whether to plead guilty, waive a jury, testify in his or her own behalf, or take an appeal." Id. at 1053.
Petitioner has not demonstrated clearly established law that he be present during jury instruction discussions. A defendant has a right to be present "whenever his presence has a relation, reasonably substantial, to the fullness of his opportunity to defend against the charge." Kentucky v. Stincer, 482 U.S. 730, 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658, 96 L.Ed.2d 631 (1987), quoting Snyder v. Massachusetts, 291 U.S. 97,
Even if petitioner could demonstrate absence during a critical phase, the state court could reasonably have found petitioner waived presence at the instructional conference. The California Supreme Court has "repeatedly rejected the argument that the Sixth Amendment [C]onfrontation [C]lause of the United States Constitution or the due process clause of the California Constitution prevents a criminal defendant from waiving the right of presence at a critical stage of a capital trial." People v. Bolin, 18 Cal.4th 297, 325, 75 Cal.Rptr.2d 412, 956 P.2d 374 (Cal. 1998). Defense counsel Schultz represented petitioner at the instructional conference. Both Schultz and petitioner acquiesced in petitioner's absence from the instructional conference. (RT 4938-49.)
In any event, that state supreme court could reasonably have found that petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable probability of a different outcome had he been present at the instruction conference. As noted, the trial court reviewed the final instructions with counsel and petitioner present. (Id.) The court allowed petitioner to review the instructions overnight and provide any comments or issues to counsel. (Id.) Petitioner apparently had none. (Id.) Instead, petitioner stated on the record that he was "satisfied" with proceedings as to the instructions. (RT 4948.)
Petitioner's argument that the summary record of the instructional conference is insufficient to determine unspecified errors which could have been raised on appeal, could reasonably be seen as speculative. Petitioner does not support any such errors on the record.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to holding jury instruction discussions off the record and outside of petitioner's presence, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(J) is denied.
Petitioner alleges Schultz was ineffective by failing to object when the trial court erroneously took notice of Penal Code section 128 and read it to the jury,
The record shows the prosecutor was allowed elicit testimony from prosecution witness Buchanan that the prosecutor had made him aware of Penal Code section 128, which at that time provided that:
See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 911, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921; (see also RT 4759-65).
Petitioner argues that Schultz should have objected because section 128 is not a meaningful deterrent to perjury and the chance of a successful prosecution under section 128 is so remote as to make that statute irrelevant to petitioner's proceeding. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 912, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. Respondent counters that these allegations are unexhausted.
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected these allegations on direct appeal, stating that:
The state supreme court's rejection of these allegations on grounds stated by that court was not unreasonable. Petitioner has not demonstrated on the clearly established federal law that Schultz erred by not objecting to Penal Code section 128, a then effective state statute. Schultz's statement in his habeas declaration that he did not object because he "did not recognize undue prejudice to the defense" rather than as a "tactical choice" (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 8) does not demonstrate he was objectively unreasonable by withholding objection to proper questions by the prosecutor or to judicial notice of the then effective statute. See Vieira v. Chappell, 2015 WL 641433, at *53 (E.D. Cal. February 5, 2015), citing Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 911-12, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921 (prosecutor's establishing witness aware of Penal Code section 128 not improper, but rather an accurate statement of then prevailing state law).
Even if Schultz did err as alleged, petitioner has not demonstrated prejudice, a reasonable probability of a different outcome absent the error. Buchanan's testimony was largely corroborated by Goldman (see claims XXVI, XXVIII) and the jury otherwise was aware of the parties' substantial direct and indirect evidence and argument relating to Buchanan's credibility (see claims II(P), XIII, XVII, XXVI, XXVIII).
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to and argue against the trial court's notice of Penal Code section 128 and reading of that statute to the jury, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Petitioner alleges the trial court erred in taking judicial notice of section 128 for the same reasons stated above.
As discussed more fully in claims that follow, trial court error violates due process where it renders the resulting criminal trial fundamentally unfair. Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284, 294, 303, 93 S.Ct. 1038, 35 L.Ed.2d 297 (1973). Here, the trial court's reference to and notice of section 128 was not prejudicially erroneous for the reasons discussed above including those stated by the California Supreme Court in denying these allegations.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found the trial court properly took notice of and read to the jury section 128, and that defense counsel Schultz was not objectively unreasonable by failing to object to such and by failing to address such in closing argument.
Accordingly, the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, or an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(K) and VIII are denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to detective Stokes trial testimony of statements of then deceased prosecution witness, Ms. Goldman, that were allegedly inconsistent with Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 376-379.) He argues that Stokes's testimony should not have been admitted under the state law hearsay exception for inconsistent statements (Evid. Code §§ 770, 1235) because doing so violated the Confrontation Clause. He argues that Goldman was not given the opportunity at the preliminary hearing to explain or deny her alleged prior statements to Stokes. He points out that Goldman was not a witness at trial and could not have given further trial testimony. (See Doc. No. 116 at 338:23-27, Doc. No. 128 at 150:25-151:5.)
The Supreme Court held in Crawford v. Washington that "[o]ur cases have thus remained faithful to the Framers' understanding: [t]estimonial statements of witnesses absent from trial have been admitted only where the declarant is unavailable, and only where the defendant has had a prior opportunity to cross-examine." 541 U.S. 36, 59, 124 S.Ct. 1354, 158 L.Ed.2d 177 (2004).
"Where nontestimonial hearsay is at issue, it is wholly consistent with the Framers' design to afford the States flexibility in their development of hearsay law — as does [Ohio v.] Roberts, and as would an approach that exempted such statements from Confrontation Clause scrutiny altogether. Where testimonial evidence is at issue, however, the Sixth Amendment demands what the common law required: unavailability and a prior opportunity for cross-examination." Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354; see also Williams v. Illinois, 567 U.S. 50, 132 S.Ct. 2221, 2223, 183 L.Ed.2d 89 (2012) ("[B]efore Crawford [], this Court took the view that the Confrontation Clause did not bar the admission of out-of-court statements that fell within a firmly rooted exception to the hearsay rule"). In Crawford, the Court held that such statements could be "admitted only where the declarant is unavailable, and only where the defendant
Crawford abrogated the rule Ohio v. Roberts, prevailing at the time of petitioner's trial that "[the prosecutor] was permitted to elicit hearsay testimony if the declarant was unavailable and there was a firmly-rooted hearsay exception (or indicia of reliability) that applied to the testimony." 448 U.S. 56, 66, 100 S.Ct. 2531, 65 L.Ed.2d 597 (1980), abrogated by Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354 (2004); see also Doc. No. 125 at 97:20-22.)
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 896-97, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
As noted, Goldman testified at the August 1989 preliminary hearing. (CT 19-98.) She died on December 17, 1990, two months before the start of petitioner's trial. (RT 4289, 4807.) Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony was admitted at trial as the prior testimony of an unavailable witness. (RT 4289-97, 4335-4403, 4417-4420.)
Goldman testified in pertinent part at the preliminary hearing that:
At trial, the prosecutor elicited testimony from detective Stokes that prior to the preliminary hearing Goldman told him:
Petitioner argues that Crawford should apply retroactively to his proceeding. Respondent disagrees, arguing the trial court could not have anticipated the Crawford's abrogation of the rule in Roberts.
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have applied Crawford to petitioner's case. Crawford has been retroactively applied to cases which were pending on direct review when it was decided, because it repudiated Roberts and announced a new rule on the effect of the Confrontation Clause on hearsay statements. Colon v. Paramo, 2014 WL 1330562, at *13 (E.D. Cal. Apr. 2, 2014).) Crawford has been found not retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review. See Whorton v. Bockting, 549 U.S. 406, 420, 127 S.Ct. 1173, 167 L.Ed.2d 1 (2007).
Here, the California Supreme Court did not affirm petitioner's conviction until May 23, 2005, Dickey, 35 Cal.4th 884, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921 (2005), and the United States Supreme Court did not deny petitioner's writ of certiorari until February 21, 2006. Dickey, 546 U.S. 1177, 126 S.Ct. 1347. The Supreme Court's decision in Crawford issued on March 8, 2004. Direct review of petitioner's conviction was pending when the Crawford decision issued. See Griffith v. Kentucky, 479 U.S. 314, 322-23, 107 S.Ct. 708, 93 L.Ed.2d 649 (1987) (new rule of constitution criminal procedure applies to all similar cases pending on direct review). Accordingly, the new rule of Crawford applies to petitioner's case.
The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in determining that Schultz's failure to object to Stokes's noted testimony was not a waiver of petitioner's right to confront this testimony. The record does not appear to suggest that Schultz intentionally waived confrontation as a matter of trial tactics. See e.g., Wilson v. Gray, 345 F.2d 282, 286 (9th Cir. 1965) ("the accused may waive his right to cross-examination and confrontation and that the waiver of this right may be accomplished by the accused's counsel as a matter of trial tactics or strategy"); see also Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S. 305, 129 S.Ct. 2527, 2534 at n.3, 174 L.Ed.2d 314 (2009) (same). Schultz has not provided
Moreover, Schultz may not have anticipated Crawford's new rule. See Colon, 2014 WL 1330562 at *14 citing People v. Johnson, 121 Cal.App.4th 1409, 1411 at fn. 2, 18 Cal.Rptr.3d 230 (2004) (Roberts, the governing law at the time "afforded scant grounds for objection."). Especially so as "[t]he right of an accused to cross-examine and confront prosecution witnesses in a state criminal trial is an essential ingredient of a fair trial. As such it is necessarily a right embodied in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment." Gray, 345 F.2d at 286, citing Pointer v. State of Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 403, 85 S.Ct. 1065, 13 L.Ed.2d 923 (1965).
Petitioner argues that noted statements were testimonial in nature.
Witness statements are nontestimonial when made in the course of police interrogation under circumstances objectively indicating that the primary purpose of interrogation is to enable police assistance to meet an ongoing emergency. Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 822, 126 S.Ct. 2266, 165 L.Ed.2d 224 (2006). Witness statements are testimonial when the circumstances objectively indicate that there is no such ongoing emergency, and that the primary purpose of the interrogation is to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution. Id.
In People v. Geier, the California Supreme Court "reviewed Crawford and Davis as to the determination of whether a statement is testimonial under the Sixth Amendment and held: [W]hat we extract from those decisions is that a statement is testimonial if (1) it is made to a law enforcement officer or by or to a law enforcement agent and (2) describes a past fact related to criminal activity for (3) possible use at a later trial. Conversely, a statement that does not meet all three criteria is not testimonial." 41 Cal.4th 555, 605, 61 Cal.Rptr.3d 580, 161 P.3d 104 (2007), overruled on other grounds by People v. Seumanu, 61 Cal.4th 1293, 1320, 192 Cal.Rptr.3d 195, 355 P.3d 384 (2015).
The record in this case reasonably suggests Goldman's statements were testimonial in nature. Goldman's statements were made during detective Stokes's investigation of Buchanan's statements implicating petitioner in the crimes against Freiri and Caton. (RT 4494-4503.) Stokes apparently interrogated Goldman to confirm past events. That is, he "wanted to talk to Gail Goldman as a result of some information that Mr. Buchanan had given." (RT 4592.) There was no apparent ongoing emergency because Buchanan implicated petitioner several months after the murders and RC's suicide. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 894-900, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. Testimonial statements under Crawford would typically include such statements during police interrogation under circumstances where an objective witness would reasonably believe the statement would be available for use later at trial. See Crawford, 541 U.S. at 51-51, 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354. Given the circumstances surrounding Goldman's interrogation, an objective witness would have expected he statements to be available for use at petitioner's trial.
Petitioner argues that Schultz had no opportunity to cross-examine Goldman's statements to detective Stokes.
The state supreme court also could reasonably have found that Schultz was denied the opportunity to cross-examine Goldman on her statements to Stokes. See Ocampo v. Vail, 649 F.3d 1098, 1113 (9th Cir. 2011) (a non-testifying declarant is not subject to cross-examination). Respondent argues Schultz could have cross-examined Goldman at the preliminary hearing on the gist of her statements to Stokes because prosecutor Hahus asked Goldman about statements she made to Stokes. However, it appears Goldman denied making and did not specifically discuss her statements to Stokes during her preliminary hearing testimony. (See e.g., RT 4346-47, 4363-67, 4373-77, 4396-4403.)
The state supreme court could reasonably have found that Schultz was not afforded the opportunity to cross-examine Goldman at the preliminary hearing about her prior statements to Stokes.
Petitioner argues that Stokes's testimony included hearsay admitted for the truth of Goldman's statements to him. But the state supreme court could have found Goldman's noted statements went toward impeaching her credibility.
The Confrontation Clause also does not bar statements introduced for a non-hearsay purpose. Tennessee v. Street, 471 U.S. 409, 414, 105 S.Ct. 2078, 85 L.Ed.2d 425 (1985) (defendant's rights under Confrontation Clause not violated by introduction of accomplice's confession for non-hearsay purpose); see also Gonzales v. Virga, 2012 WL 6004520, at **16-17 (E.D. Cal. Nov. 30, 2012) (the rule of Crawford only applies to testimonial statements that were introduced to establish the truth of the matter asserted); Crawford, 541 U.S. at 59 n. 9, 124 S.Ct. 1354, citing Street, 471 U.S. at 414, 105 S.Ct. 2078 ("The (Confrontation) Clause ... does not bar the use of testimonial statements for purposes other than establishing the truth of the matter asserted.").
In California, inconsistent statements are admissible to attack credibility of the declarant even without any giving the declarant an opportunity to explain or deny the inconsistent statement. See Gonzales, 2012 WL 6004520, at *13, citing Evid. Code § 1202. The rule of Crawford "only applies to testimonial statements that were introduced to establish the truth of the matter asserted." Id.; accord, Davis, 547 U.S. at 823, 126 S.Ct. 2266 (Confrontation Clause applies only to testimonial hearsay).
Here, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined Stokes's testimony was offered to impeach Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony, a non-hearsay purpose. See People v. Marquez, 88 Cal.App.3d 993,
Furthermore, the jury was instructed regarding consideration of Stokes's testimony for purposes of determining the believability of trial witnesses as follows:
(CT 400-01, CALJIC 2.20.) The jury was also instructed as to witness credibility that:
(CT 399, CALJIC 2.13.)
The court is unpersuaded by petitioner's passing argument that Goldman's statements to Stokes lacked foundation. Goldman testified as an eye witness to petitioner's actions and words around the time of the crimes. Petitioner points to Goldman's alleged statement to her friend, Ms. Desumala around the time of the preliminary hearing, seemingly controverting Goldman's statements by suggesting a grandson of the victims (rather than petitioner) may have confessed to Goldman. But Desumala's testimony could reasonably be seen as vague and in the nature of generalities and not necessarily contrary to Goldman's testimony of petitioner's admission to her. Nor does Desumala's testimony necessarily controvert the noted foundational facts for Goldman's statements to Stokes. (RT 4807-29); see also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 907, n.8, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Additionally, petitioner's brief argument that Stokes coerced Goldman's statements has scant support when considered in context. Goldman testified that during her February 1989 interview by Stokes she was scared of him because he threatened to take her to jail as an accessory if she did not tell him what she knew. (RT 4374.) However, the record reflects that months earlier, when detective Stokes was seeking information in the immediate wake of the crimes, he had explained to Goldman and others at the Harvard Avenue apartment about being an accessory after the fact. (RT 4595-97). Stokes denied making such statements or threatening to arrest Goldman during the February 1989 interview. (Id.) Instead, according to Stokes, Goldman then admitted "Detective Stokes, I'm sorry, I lied to you. I'm sorry I lied to you. I want to tell you the whole truth right
Petitioner alleges that Stokes's noted testimony regarding Goldman's statements to him was prejudicial because it attributed to petitioner possession of murder weapons (a knife — RT 4228, 4603, 4640-49; and a cord — RT 4416, 4532-34); and a consciousness of guilt (threats to those who might expose him — RT 4375-77, 4616; his hiding in the attic of the Harvard Avenue apartment when detective Stokes showed up wanting to question him — RT 4367, albeit petitioner denied hiding in the attic — RT 4901). (See also Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 863; Doc. No. 116 at 370:19-22; RT 4595-4616.) Petitioner argues that absent Stokes's testimony there is a reasonable probability he would not have been convicted.
But even if Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to detective Stokes trial testimony of Goldman's statements to him, the state supreme court reasonably could have found it not to be prejudicial. Stokes's testimony of Goldman's statements appears significantly cumulative of and corroborated by Buchanan's testimony. Cf., Ocampo, 649 F.3d at 1114 (inquiry into Confrontation Clause error considers whether errantly admitted evidence was cumulative). For example, Buchanan testified that on the night of the murders, he saw petitioner take the venetian blind out of the hall closet and go into the bedroom (RT 4665-66), and then exit the bedroom and return the venetian blind to the closet; he also saw a kitchen knife in the bedroom (RT 4706-07). See also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 898, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. He also testified that RC and petitioner returned later than night and bought drugs for the roommates with money RC and petitioner did not have earlier that evening and that petitioner then disposed of some of his clothing by throwing it into a canal. (RT 4682-85.)
Significantly, petitioner's admission of his role in the crimes to Goldman and Buchanan and discussion of events surrounding the crimes (see RT 4355-79; 4606-08, 4687-93) were consistently in the record and not implicated in Stokes's testimony of Goldman's statements.
Furthermore, petitioner's admission was corroborated by Goldman's consistent testimony that RC and petitioner left the apartment together the night of the crimes and returned together later that evening whereupon RC acted strangely; (RT 4349-79); see also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 898, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921; and by petitioner's initial depression following the crimes (RT 4352-54, 4378). Goldman's testimony about petitioner being essentially fearless and aggressive also was not necessarily controverted by Stokes's testimony (RT 4398) or by Buchanan's testimony that petitioner "never threatened my life in my presence." (RT 4745.)
For the same reasons, the state supreme court could reasonably have concluded there was no reasonable probability of a more favorable result had the jury been given an instruction limiting use of Stokes's testimony to non-hearsay purposes.
Finally, petitioner's suggestion that Stokes, by testifying as a police detective effectively vouched for Buchanan's consistent testimony could reasonably be seen as speculative. Petitioner does not demonstrate on the evidentiary record that Stokes either expressed his personal belief in Goldman's veracity or suggested information not known to the jury supported Goldman's testimony. See United States v. Hermanek, 289 F.3d 1076, 1098 (9th Cir.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to detective Stokes trial testimony of statements made by then deceased prosecution witness, Ms. Goldman, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(L) is denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient in requesting and failing to object to guilt phase instructions. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 380-399.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient by failing to object to the prosecutor's modified CALJIC 8.80 which he claims deleted the act in aid of first degree murder ("actus reus") requirement. He claims this error was prejudicial because the prosecutor argued in closing that the state was not required to prove actus reus on the part of petitioner for purposes of proving special circumstances. (RT 4952-4975, 4979-80.) He argues that absent this error there was a reasonable probability the result of the proceedings would have been different.
Petitioner was charged as an aider and abettor of the two murders, robbery of each victim, burglary, four felony murder special circumstances, and one multiple murder special circumstance. (CT 297-301; see also RT 4952, 4975, 4979-80.) At the time of his trial, Penal Code section 190.2, former subdivision (b), under which petitioner was charged, stated:
Penal Code § 190.2(b) (eff. Nov. 8, 1978). The standard CALJIC 8.80 special circumstance instruction (for murder committed before June 5, 1990) read in relevant part:
(SHCP, Ex. A.)
Petitioner argues the prosecution's primary theory was that "petitioner aided or abetted in the underlying felonies making him guilty of felony-murder, and that he formed an intent to kill in a spontaneous, unspoken thought following the apparent death of the first victim [Mr. Freiri] making him liable for five special circumstances, including three with regard to the first victim." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 381, 385.) Petitioner points to the prosecution argument that petitioner confessed to Buchanan that after he saw Mr. Freiri apparently dead, slumped over in a chair, he formed the spontaneous thought "if you kill one, you might as well kill them both." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 385; RT 4691-93.) The prosecutor argued this unspoken thought to the jury as mens rea, as follows:
(RT 4980.)
Petitioner argues the prosecution improperly modified CALJIC 8.80 to omit any component of the actus reus in aid of first degree murder. The record reflects that the trial court instructed the jury with a modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction, in relevant part as follows:
(CT 425; see also RT 5021-22.)
Petitioner argued on direct appeal that the modified instruction was inconsistent with then applicable Penal Code § 190.2(b) because the modified instruction erroneously relieved the prosecution of this requirement to show petitioner assisted in the actual killings. That is, he argued Penal Code § 190.2(b) required the prosecution to prove not only that he aided or abetted the burglaries and robberies, but also that he assisted in the actual killings themselves. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. The California Supreme Court disagreed, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner, in his direct appeal relied upon People v. Anderson, 43 Cal.3d 1104, 240 Cal.Rptr. 585, 742 P.2d 1306 (Cal. 1987), superseded by statute as stated in People v. Mil, 53 Cal.4th 400, 408-09, 135 Cal.Rptr.3d 339, 266 P.3d 1030 (Cal. 2012), for the proposition that the "actus reus of a special circumstance requires that a defendant aid or abet the actual killing, not just the underlying felony." Specifically, petitioner pointed to the statement in Anderson that:
Anderson, 43 Cal.3d at 1145, 240 Cal.Rptr. 585, 742 P.2d 1306. The state supreme court again disagreed, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 901, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. That court further noted that recasting the sufficiency of the evidence argument (see claim XXVI) as an instructional claim, that the trial court prejudicially erred by failing to instruct the jury that petitioner had to have aided or abetted the actual killings not just the underlying felonies, also failed. For the reasons stated above and in claims XII and XXVI, post, such is the case here. See also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 903-4, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction could reasonably be seen as sufficient under then applicable state felony murder analysis. A felony murderer jointly engaged in the underlying felony commits first degree murder. See e.g., People v. Pulido, 15 Cal.4th 713, 716, 63 Cal.Rptr.2d 625, 936 P.2d 1235 (1997). Petitioner has not demonstrated the clearly established law dictates otherwise.
The jury also was instructed regarding felony murder that an aider and abettor must intend to kill before a special circumstance can be found true. The state supreme court's rejection of petitioner's Anderson argument need not be seen as a retroactive expansion of his criminal liability. As that court concluded, the Anderson holding did not reach issues of actus reus and the challenged instruction correctly stated California law. This court is not in a position to conclude otherwise. See Bradshaw v. Richey, 546 U.S. 74, 98, 126 S.Ct. 602, 163 L.Ed.2d 407 (2005) (state supreme court's authoritative interpretation of state law is controlling of sufficiency of evidence claim). It is not enough for habeas relief that "[an] instruction was allegedly incorrect under state law." Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71-72, 112 S.Ct. 475. "In the absence of a federal constitutional violation, no relief can be granted even if the instruction given might not have been correct as a matter of state law." Mitchell v. Goldsmith, 878 F.2d 319, 324 (9th Cir. 1989).
For the reasons stated, petitioner has not demonstrated he was denied due process rights under his cited Bouie v. City of Columbia, 378 U.S. 347, 350, 84 S.Ct. 1697, 12 L.Ed.2d 894 (1964) (criminal statute must give fair warning of the conduct it makes a crime). Schultz's statement in his habeas declaration that was unaware the modified instruction prejudicially omitted any required element (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(a)) does not suggest an objection to the modified instruction would have been other than futile. Notably, Schultz stated on the record that he was happy with the modified CALJIC 8.80 that was ultimately read to the jury. (RT 4944; see also Doc. No. 116 at 280:4-6.)
Petitioner cites Bouie and alleges Schultz was deficient by failing to request an instruction or argue that the special circumstances charged for victim Mr. Freiri required a concurrence of intent to kill and an act in aid of the actual killings. 378 U.S. at 352, 84 S.Ct. 1697.
Petitioner argues prejudice, that had the omitted instruction been given the jury would have determined that the special circumstances involving Mr. Freiri were not proven. That is, he argues that Freiri was seemingly already dead when Petitioner allegedly formed the intent to kill attributed to him by Buchanan. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 388; see also CT 159-60.)
Ms. Hart, petitioner's counsel on motion for new trial, argued as much; that the special circumstance instructions failed to inform jurors that specific intent to kill must precede or accompany the act of killing. (RT 5243-46; see also CT 556.) The trial court rejected the argument by noting the lack of certainty as to when Freiri died as well as evidence in the record suggesting petitioner brought murder weapons to the crime scene, the cord found wrapped around Freiri's neck and the knife. (See RT 1/17/92 21-24.)
The California Supreme Court on direct appeal also considered and rejected these allegations, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904-05, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921; see also CT 395.
The state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting these allegations. The instructions given in their totality are sufficient to cover concurrence of act and intent, for the reasons discussed above. Although Schultz stated in his habeas declaration that he was unaware the approved special circumstance instructions prejudicially lacked a specific instruction on the required concurrence of intent to kill and an act in aid of the murders, (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(b); SHCP, Ex. C ¶ 1), for the reasons stated his failure to make a futile objection was not objectively unreasonable and prejudicial.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient by failing to request CALJIC No. 2.70 or 2.71 which would have instructed the jury to view evidence of Petitioner's alleged oral admissions or confessions with caution, and by failing to argue the inherent principles thereof to the jury. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 391; SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(c).)
The record shows that Ms. Hart raised these allegations on motion for new trial. (CT 547-51.) Prosecutor Hahus conceded that a cautionary instruction was not requested by either party and should have been given sua sponte. (CT 595-99; RT 5226-31.) Hahus went on to argue the error was harmless. (CT 595-99.) The trial court found the error non-prejudicial, stating that because petitioner denied the substance of his alleged admission, the jury
The California Supreme Court reviewed and also rejected these allegations on direct appeal, finding only harmless error. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 905, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. That court stated:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 905-07, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Here, Schultz admitted he was unaware such a cautionary instruction was missing from the instructions approved by the trial court. (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(c).) In any event, the respondent conceded the failure to instruct.
The state supreme court acted reasonably in finding non-prejudicial the failure to instruct, for the reasons noted above and stated by that court.
Petitioner goes on to argue that even if the jury was aware of argument by counsel placing the credibility of Buchanan and Goldman in issue, a cautionary instruction to that effect would have carried more weight with the jury. See Boyde v. California, 494 U.S. 370, 384, 110 S.Ct. 1190, 108 L.Ed.2d 316 (1990) (arguments of counsel generally carry less weight with a jury than do instructions from the court). Especially so, according to petitioner, given the prosecutor essentially vouched for these witnesses. (Doc. No. 116 at 290:4-6.) But petitioner has not demonstrated that vouching occurred. (See e.g., claim XVII.)
Furthermore, as noted the jury was instructed on witness credibility including tests for the veracity of witnesses making prior inconsistent statements. The jury was instructed a determination of witness believability should consider "the extent of the opportunity or the ability of the witness to see or hear or otherwise become aware of any matter about which the witness has testified ... the ability of the witness to remember or to communicate any matter about which the witness has testified ... [and] the demeanor and manner of the witness while testifying." (CT 400.) Moreover, Schultz's closing argument emphasized not the wording of the alleged admission but rather that the jury should discount the admission completely because Goldman and Buchanan were untrustworthy. (See RT 4983-95.)
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was deficient by failing to request case law based instructions allowing the jury to discount or disregard the testimony of Goldman and Buchanan as alleged drug addicts and drug abusers. See People v. Barnett, 54 Cal.App.3d 1046, 1050-51, 127 Cal.Rptr. 88 (1976) (cautioning instruction proper where a witness was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of his or her testimony); United States v. Collins, 472 F.2d 1017, 1018-19 (5th Cir. 1972) (cautionary
Petitioner argues that both Buchanan and Goldman were drug addicts. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 394.) He argues that Goldman (see CT 60-61, 74-75, 78, 92-93; RT 4369, 4382, 4401, 4676, 4754,) and Buchanan (see CT 81-82, RT 4390, 4717, 4733-37-42, 4856-57) may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of their respective observations and testimony.
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that Schultz was not deficient in these regards. The jury was instructed on witness credibility, that they could consider anything that might prove or disprove witness veracity including "the extent of the opportunity or the ability of the witness to see or hear or otherwise become aware of any matter about which the witness has testified ... the ability of the witness to remember or to communicate any matter about which the witness has testified ... [and] the demeanor and manner of the witness while testifying." (CT 400.)
Petitioner claims prejudice by arguing that had Barnett and/or Collins instructions been given, Schultz could have convincingly argued the testimony of these pivotal witnesses should have been discounted or disregarded. He argues that Schultz's failure to request such instructions was not tactical because Schultz stated that "he was not aware of the potential use of the Barnett or Collins instructions in this case, and that his omission of a request for these instructions was not a conscious or strategic choice on his part." (Doc. No. 116 at 295:23-26; SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(d-e).)
Even if the Barnett and Collins instructions should have been given, the failure to do so was not necessarily prejudicial. The Barnett court found the failure to give an instruction on witness intoxication not prejudicial where, as here, the jurors themselves could judge the issue from the demeanor and testimony of the witness.
Collins, unlike this case, involved testimony by a witness who was a drug addicted prosecution informant. Petitioner has not demonstrated concerns of bias and reliability evident in this case rise to the level seen in Collins. (See claims II(E) and XIII.) Also, the Collins court suggests prejudice attenuates with presentation of evidence corroborating the witness's statements. Here, the noted testimony of Buchanan and Goldman was consistent and corroborated in significant part. Furthermore, petitioner has not shown on the evidentiary record that either Goldman or Buchanan was intoxicated at the time of their testimony. Rather, the record suggests otherwise. (RT 4401, 4737, 4742, 4993.)
Petitioner argues cumulative prejudice from the above noted instructional claims as well as claim II(J) wherein petitioner faults Schultz for allowing the instruction conference to be held off the record and outside petitioner's presence. He again argues that the defense closing argument can be no substitute for proper jury instructions, the law the jury is bound to follow. See Francis v. Franklin, 471 U.S. 307, 324 n.9, 105 S.Ct. 1965, 85 L.Ed.2d 344 (1985) (jurors strive to understand, make sense of, and follow the instructions given them).
However, for the reasons stated, claims II(J), II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P) and II(Q) present no individual errors. Petitioner fails to demonstrate any singular errors for this court to aggregate. Thompson v. Calderon, 86 F.3d 1509, 1521 (9th Cir. 1996), amended by 109 F.3d 1358, 1369
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective in requesting and failing to object to guilt phase instructions, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P) and II(Q) are denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to evidence of the character of both RC and petitioner. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 400-402.)
Petitioner argues that Schultz should have objected to and excluded Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony which suggested that RC had a non-violent character while petitioner had a violent character. (Doc. No. 116 at 348:27-349:22.)
The record reflects the prosecutor elicited the following testimony from Goldman at the preliminary hearing:
(RT 4397-98.)
(RT 4398.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected this allegation on direct appeal, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 912-13, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting these allegations for the reasons stated by that court. Moreover, the record as a whole does not necessarily demonstrate Goldman's noted testimony was improper evidence of bad character offered to show a propensity to commit crimes of violence or lack thereof. Goldman's noted testimony does not appear to contravene petitioner's statements that RC assaulted the victims in sudden drug induced and mental illness related outburst. (RT 4173-77, 4314-17, 4483, 4640-42.) Nor does it suggest petitioner was prone to violence when viewed in the context of Schultz's cross-examination of Goldman which elicited the following:
(RT 4398-99.) Actions taken in self-defense or response to aggression might not suggest an inclination or predisposition toward violence. Schultz's statement in his habeas declaration that he did not recognize a basis for objection or prejudice to the defense from Goldman's noted testimony (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 9) does not necessarily suggest otherwise or that he failed to make a valid character evidence objection. State law error alone is not a basis for relief. Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71, 112 S.Ct. 475 (1991), citing Marshall v. Lonberger, 459 U.S. 422, 438 n.6, 103 S.Ct. 843, 74 L.Ed.2d 646 (1983) ("[T]he Due Process Clause does not permit the federal courts to engage in a finely tuned review of the wisdom of state evidentiary rules").
Petitioner alleges that Schultz failed to object to false evidence in the form of the prosecution's misreading at trial of Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony to attribute Goldman's use of cocaine to petitioner. (Doc. No. 116 at 352:9-19.)
Goldman testified at preliminary hearing that on the day after the crimes she injected cocaine purchased by petitioner. (RT 4371.) However, when the prosecution read Goldman's testimony into the record, it stated that petitioner (rather than Goldman) injected cocaine the day after the crimes. (CT 61.)
Nevertheless, the state supreme court could reasonably have denied relief on this basis. Petitioner has not demonstrated and the record seems not to suggest that the prosecution's misstatement was anything more than an errant reading of the passage. See Tayborn v. Scott, 251 F.3d 1125, 1130 (7th Cir. 2001) (statements that are merely inconsistent, rather than fabrications fall short of being perjurious statements).
In any event, the errant reading considered in context would not suggest a reasonable likelihood that the error could have affected the jury's verdict. Goldman's testimony both at the preliminary hearing and as read into the record at trial was clear that petitioner used cocaine with Goldman on the day after the crime and that this was the only time Goldman saw petitioner use cocaine. (RT 4367-71.) Any error of state law alone is not a basis for federal habeas relief. Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71, 112 S.Ct. 475.
Petitioner argues that absent the noted bad and false character evidence suggesting petitioner's predisposition to participate in and commit the crimes there is a reasonable probability petitioner would not have been convicted.
However, that state supreme court could reasonably have admitted the alleged character evidence as going to Goldman's credibility, a valid purpose under state law. See Evid. Code § 1101(c) ("[n]othing in this section affects the admissibility of evidence offered to support or attack the credibility of a witness."); see also Evid. Code § 780. Goldman had testified that she was afraid of petitioner and that he had threatened to kill her (RT 4373-77, 4615-17), such that she wanted assurance petitioner knew she did not turn him in to authorities. (RT 4397-98.) Similarly, Buchanan testified that he felt both he and Goldman were in danger from petitioner following the latter's confession to them. (RT 4756.)
Furthermore, as noted the alleged false testimony could reasonably be seen as non-prejudicial. Notwithstanding the errant reading into the record of Goldman's
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to evidence of the character of both RC and petitioner and the alleged false testimony regarding petitioner's use of cocaine, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(R) is denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to prosecutorial misstatements during guilt phase closing argument that were unsupported in the record. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 406-408.)
Petitioner complains that Hahus engaged in improper hyperbole in arguing Penal Code section 128, as follows:
(RT 4971-72; see also claims II(K) and VIII.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected this allegation, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 912, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. That court's rejection of the allegation was not unreasonable for the reasons stated and those discussed in claims II(K) and VIII. Petitioner has not demonstrated clearly established law that Schultz erred by not objecting to Penal Code section 128 on the facts of this case. Failure to object is not ineffectiveness where an objection would have lacked merit. United States v. Aguon, 851 F.2d 1158, 1172 (9th Cir. 1988), overruled on other grounds by Evans v. United States, 504 U.S. 255, 112 S.Ct. 1881, 119 L.Ed.2d 57 (1992); see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-698, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Petitioner also complains that Schultz failed to object to Hahus's allegedly false and prejudicial argument that: i) that the cord around Louis Freiri's neck matched the cord on a venetian blind provided to Detective Stokes by Edith Hays; and ii) that the only fingerprint found on the venetian blind was petitioner's fingerprint. (Doc. No. 116 at 203:6-205:5; Doc. No. 128 at 104:21-25, see also RT 4966-68, 4998.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected these allegations, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 914-15, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The state supreme court reasonably rejected the allegation of improper argument regarding whether the crime scene cord matched the venetian blind retrieved by Stokes. Hahus argued to the jury that the prosecution:
(RT 4966.) This argument was not without support in the record.
Hahus stated that no cord sample was taken from the venetian blind retrieved by Stokes, but rather the samples were taken from the larger blinds remaining in the apartment. (RT 4413-14; 4536-39.) He also stated that the cord samples from the larger blinds did not match the cord around Freiri's neck. (RT 4416, 4966.)
Prosecution expert Cortner's report and testimony was not inconsistent with Hahus's noted argument. Cortner testified that the cord from Freiri's neck was similar to the reference samples but that "[he] was not able to make a physical match to positively say it came from that particular cord that came from the venetian blind." (RT 4416; see also claims II(F), II(S).) He opined that cord from Freiri's neck (RT 4532) and reference cords, are consistent with each other in color, weave, pattern and thickness; that they are all made of cotton; but that a positive match between the two samples could not be made due to the fibrous nature of the cord. (RT 4203-04, 4347, 4413-16; see also SHCP, Ex. L; People's Exhibits 26, 28, 30.)
The state supreme court also could reasonably have rejected the allegation of improper argument regarding the only fingerprint on the venetian blind being petitioner's fingerprint. Petitioner contends that Hahus improperly argued an inference that only petitioner's print was found on the blind because only he held it with sufficient pressure, while cutting the cord, to leave a print. (RT 4573, 4998.) However, the testimony of prosecution fingerprint expert Hall provided some support for this argument, he suggested that fingerprint details are a function of gripping an object. (RT 4577.)
Hahus reliance thereon, as well as on common experience as suggested by the state supreme court, could reasonably have supported his argument. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 914-15, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647,
Additionally, the Ninth Circuit has repeatedly held that, "absent egregious misstatements," failing to object to error during closing argument falls within the "wide range" of reasonable assistance. Cunningham v. Wong, 704 F.3d 1143, 1159 (9th Cir. 2013), quoting United States v. Necoechea, 986 F.2d 1273, 1281 (9th Cir. 1993).
Here, the jury was instructed that counsel's argument was not evidence. (RT 5008.)
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish Schultz was ineffective by failing to object to prosecutorial misstatements during guilt phase closing argument, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(T) is denied.
Petitioner alleges that Schultz and all prior counsel were ineffective by failing to object to his pretrial and trial conditions of confinement and that he suffered violation of his rights under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 415-418, 892-898.)
The California Supreme Court on habeas review summarily denied these allegations on the merits and on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges that counsel were deficient by failing to object to his pretrial and trial conditions of confinement that severely limited his ability to concentrate and left him unable to participate in and assist with his defense, denying him due process and a fair trial. He purports to incorporate all other allegations and claims in the petition. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 893.) He argues that counsel knew petitioner was housed with mentally ill prisoners who at all times screamed and were noisy and prevented his sleeping and focusing on his trial, such that he "could not consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and did not have a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him." (Doc. No. 116 at 397:27-398:22) citing Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 172, 95 S.Ct. 896, 43 L.Ed.2d 103 (1975), quoting Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402, 402, 80 S.Ct. 788, 4 L.Ed.2d 824 (1960). He argues that all his prior post-judgment counsel were similarly deficient by failing to bring this claim.
However, the state supreme court could reasonably have denied this claim. Petitioner has not demonstrated by reference to the evidentiary record what Schultz and his post-conviction counsel knew of his housing conditions and any negative impact
Nor has petitioner shown prejudice, how and why the record suggests he was unable to concentrate and participate in and assist with his defense. Significantly, neither Schultz nor petitioner's prior post-conviction counsel provided a declaration in support of these allegations. His allegation that additional sleep would have resulted in a different outcome reasonably could be seen as only speculative. The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in denying the allegation on that basis.
Similarly, the state supreme court could reasonably have found petitioner's alleged conditions of confinement did not deny him due process and a fair trial. The Supreme Court has stated that a due process claim requires a showing that the error "so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violate[d] due process", Henderson v. Kibbe, 431 U.S. 145, 154, 97 S.Ct. 1730, 52 L.Ed.2d 203 (1977), quoting Cupp v. Naughten, 414 U.S. 141, 147, 94 S.Ct. 396, 38 L.Ed.2d 368 (1973), making the trial fundamentally unfair. Jammal v. Van de Kamp, 926 F.2d 918, 919-20 (9th Cir. 1991). As discussed above, petitioner does not point to facts showing a lack of sleep impacted much less denied him a fair trial.
Even if there was constitutional error, the federal court must still determine whether there was structure error or actual prejudice. Petitioner argues the error was structural so as to dispense with any need to show Brecht prejudice. 507 U.S. at 637-38 & n.9, 113 S.Ct. 1710. Structural error is error that permeates "[t]he entire conduct of the trial from the beginning to end" or "affect[s] the framework within which the trial proceeds." Campbell v. Rice, 408 F.3d 1166, 1171 (9th Cir. 2005), citing Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279, 309-10, 111 S.Ct. 1246, 113 L.Ed.2d 302 (1991). The list of structural errors is short and includes "total deprivation of the right to counsel at trial"; "a judge who was not impartial"; "unlawful exclusion of members of the defendant's race from a grand jury"; "the right to self-representation at trial"; "the right to[a] public trial"; and "[d]enial of the right to a jury verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." See id., at 1172.
For the reasons stated the state court could reasonably have found no structural error by virtue of a denial of due process. The question remaining is then whether any such error "had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict." Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710. Petitioner has not pointed to facts in the record demonstrating sleep deprivation impaired his abilities to assist in his defense and to comprehend the proceedings so as to deny him due process and a fair trial. (See e.g., Doc. No. 116 at 397:18-23, citing Dillard v. Pitchess, 399 F.Supp. 1225, 1237 (C.D. Cal. 1975) ("[D]ue process of law requires that a defendant not be denied the opportunity for a reasonable night's sleep before each day of his trial.").) The state supreme court could reasonably have found allegations that sleep deprivation negatively impacted
Accordingly, petitioner has not made any factual showing that his ability to participate and assist with the defense was impacted and that absent such conditions a more favorable result was reasonably probable.
A fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner's pretrial and trial conditions of confinement were not unconstitutional; and that petitioner failed to establish counsel were ineffective by failing to object to such conditions of confinement and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims II(V) and XXIV are denied.
Petitioner alleges ineffective assistance of counsel by the cumulative effect of all pretrial and guilt phase errors, violating his rights under the Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 419-420.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected for lack of merit claimed guilt phase cumulative error as to the claims then before it. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 915, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner alleges Strickland prejudice resulting from the cumulative effect of all counsel's pretrial and guilt phase errors including i) failure to investigate and prepare adequately for trial; ii) failure to consult adequately with petitioner; iii) failure to conduct proper voir dire; iv) failure to object to evidence; and v) failure to propose, or object to, jury instructions. He cites to Harris v. Wood, a case where the Ninth Circuit found eleven serious errors by counsel suggesting a reasonable probability of a different outcome absent the errors. 64 F.3d 1432, 1438 (9th Cir. 1995) ("[T]he plethora and gravity of [counsel's] deficiencies rendered the proceeding fundamentally unfair.").
However, for the reasons stated, petitioner presents no individual errors for this court to aggregate. See Thompson, 86 F.3d at 1521, ("finding no prejudice from the errors considered separately, we also find no cumulative prejudice"); see also Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (holding that there was no reason to reverse for cumulative error because there was no violation of federal rights in the guilt phase).
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that Schultz performed deficiently as a result of the cumulative effect of all alleged pretrial and guilt phase errors, and that absent this allegedly deficient conduct a different outcome was reasonably probable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687-98, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim II(W) is denied.
Trial court error violates due process where it renders the resulting criminal trial fundamentally unfair. Chambers, 410 U.S. at 294, 303, 93 S.Ct. 1038.
Petitioner alleges that the trial court denied him due process by holding jury instruction discussions off the record and outside of his presence, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Petitioner presented this claim to the California Supreme Court in his second state habeas petition and that court denied the claim summarily on the merits and on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner revisits allegations in claim II(J), that California law requires death penalty proceedings be conducted on the record (see Penal Code. § 190.9(a)(1)). He argues this error left an incomplete appellate record and denied him meaningful appellate review. See Coppedge, 369 U.S. at 446, 82 S.Ct. 917 ("[a] Court of Appeals must provide the applicant with the assistance of counsel and with a record of sufficient completeness" to effect his appeal); Draper v. Washington, 372 U.S. 487, 496, 83 S.Ct. 774, 9 L.Ed.2d 899 (1963) (state must provide the indigent defendant with means of presenting his contention to the appellate court which are as good as those available to a non-indigent defendant with similar contentions); Frye, 18 Cal.4th at 941, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 25, 959 P.2d 183 (reversal required when the resulting appellate record is not adequate to permit meaningful appellate review). He argues that as a result the appellate record did not show what arguments and objections his counsel made regarding jury instructions, and what errors the court made with respect to handling such requests, issues which might have been raised on appeal. He cites to modified CALJIC 8.80 (see discussion claim II(M)), as an example of such an incomplete record. (See also RT 4944.)
The state supreme court was not unreasonable in denying this claim. Petitioner does not provide authority that on the facts of this case the failure to record jury instruction discussion resulted in a fundamentally unfair trial. (See e.g., claim II(M).) The allegation reasonably could be denied as speculative. See e.g., Madera v. Risley, 885 F.2d 646, 648 (9th Cir. 1989) ("There is no Supreme Court or Ninth Circuit authority on the due process implications of a state court's failure to record portions of a criminal trial."). In Madera, the Ninth Circuit found no due process violation or ineffective assistance where a reconstructed transcript of unrecorded proceedings considered in the context of the entire trial record did not demonstrate prejudice. See Id., at 649.
Petitioner's citation to Britt v. North Carolina is not clear authority otherwise. 404 U.S. 226, 92 S.Ct. 431, 30 L.Ed.2d 400 (1971). In Britt, the Supreme Court identified
Petitioner also alleges that the trial court erred by allowing these jury instruction discussions, which he regards as a critical stage of his proceeding to be held while he was absent. (RT 4938-49; see also claim II(J).) He argues that Schultz did not adequately prepare for the jury instruction conference and did not research and discuss the instructions with petitioner prior to the conference. (See claims II(H), II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q); SHCP, Ex. C ¶ 1.) He argues that he was given only a few minutes to review the instructions at proceedings summarizing the conference. (RT 4948-49.)
Petitioner argues he was denied his right to be present at all critical states of trial. See Stincer, 482 U.S. at 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658 ("[A] defendant is guaranteed the right to be present at any stage of the criminal proceeding that is critical to its outcome if his presence would contribute to the fairness of the procedure."); Gagnon, 470 U.S. at 526, 105 S.Ct. 1482 (a defendant has a federal due process right to be present at court proceedings if his presence has a reasonably substantial relation to his ability to defend himself).
However, a capital defendant may validly waive his presence at critical stages of the trial, at least where evidence is not taken. See e.g., People v. Weaver, 26 Cal.4th 876, 966, 111 Cal.Rptr.2d 2, 29 P.3d 103 (2001); People v. Jackson, 13 Cal.4th 1164, 1209-1210, 56 Cal.Rptr.2d 49, 920 P.2d 1254 (1996). Such a waiver is ordinarily an intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right or privilege. Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 82 S.Ct. 1461 (1938).
Here, petitioner was advised why he was not present during the instruction conference, i.e., that the trial court wanted to avoid an "awkward record" and focus on the "end result". (RT 4938.) The trial court placed on the record a summary the jury instruction discussions and asked petitioner whether he was satisfied with those proceedings that were conducted outside his presence; petitioner responded in the affirmative. (RT 4938-49.) The state supreme court could reasonably have found that Petitioner failed to show on the evidentiary record that his waiver was other than knowing and intentional.
Petitioner argues the instruction conference was a critical part of his trial. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 626.) He points to state law, Penal Code section 190.9(a)(1) discussed in claim II(J), ante, and argues that death penalty cases require greater protections to ensure reliability. See Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280, 305, 96 S.Ct. 2978, 49 L.Ed.2d 944 (1976) (death sentence qualitatively different from sentence of imprisonment; there is a corresponding difference in the need for reliability). However, petitioner fails to identify clearly established law for the proposition that a jury
Respondent points to Ninth Circuit authority suggesting otherwise. See e.g. United States v. Sherman, 821 F.2d 1337, 1338-39 (9th Cir. 1987) (not plain error to exclude federal criminal defendant from jury instruction conference). Petitioner responds that Sherman is distinguishable because in that case defendant was not facing capital charges and did not claim instructional error such as petitioner claims here, citing claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q), XII and XVIII.
As noted, the Supreme Court has stated that a defendant has a right to be present "whenever his presence has a relation, reasonably substantial, to the fullness of his opportunity to defend against the charge." Stincer, 482 U.S. at 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658, quoting Snyder, 291 U.S. at 105-06, 54 S.Ct. 330. However, he need not be present "when presence would be useless, or the benefit but a shadow." Id., quoting Snyder, 291 U.S. at 106-07, 54 S.Ct. 330; see Rice, 77 F.3d at 1140 n.2 (listing cases finding right to presence not violated). Moreover, "the issue of whether a defendant must be present at all times in a capital trial has not yet been settled by the Supreme Court." Moore, 344 F.3d at 1323.
California courts are in accord that a defendant's "absence from various court proceedings, even without waiver, may be declared non-prejudicial in situations where his presence does not bear a reasonably substantial relation to the fullness of his opportunity to defend against the charge." Johnson, 6 Cal.4th at 18, 23 Cal.Rptr.2d 593, 859 P.2d 673.
It appears the Supreme Court has not clearly established what would contribute to the fairness of the procedure at a stage critical to [the criminal proceeding's] outcome for purposes of a due process violation). See Stincer, 482 U.S. at 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658. Here, for the reasons stated in claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q), XII, XVIII and XIX, the state supreme court reasonably could have found petitioner has not demonstrated that his presence at the conference on jury instructions could have contributed to the fairness of his trial proceeding. Petitioner has not demonstrated that any evidence was taken at the conference. Defense counsel was present at the conference and represented petitioner without objection. See Campbell, 408 F.3d at 1173 (defendant's absence from chambers conference regarding defense counsel's potential conflict of interest not a due process violation where no denial of fair and impartial trial).
Petitioner alleges these deficiencies had a substantial and injurious effect on the verdict under Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710.
However, for the reasons stated, the California Supreme Court could reasonably have found petitioner did not demonstrate that his presence would have prevented alleged instructional errors. As noted, petitioner, when given the opportunity to do so at trial following review of the final instructions and consultation with Schultz did not object to the final instructions or raise any concern with them. Instead, petitioner concedes that "the court and counsel later met with the reporter and summarized the contents of the conference and any objections by the parties." (RT 4938.)
The state supreme court could reasonably have found that petitioner failed to demonstrate the trial record was incomplete in a way that impacted his constitutional rights. Similarly, that court could reasonably have found petitioner's absence from the jury instruction conference was
The state supreme court could reasonably have found that even if the trial court erred as alleged such did not have a substantial impact on the jury's verdict.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that the trial court denied him due process by holding jury instruction discussions off the record and outside of his presence, substantially affecting the jury's verdict.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim IV is denied.
Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by giving erroneous guilt phase instructions, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 701-721.)
The California Supreme Court, on habeas review summarily denied these allegations on the merits and certain of the allegations were denied on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.) Certain of the allegations were also denied on direct appeal. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900-07, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Any error in the state court's determination of whether state law supported an instruction in this case cannot form the basis for federal habeas relief. See Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71, 112 S.Ct. 475 ("[T]he Due Process Clause does not permit the federal courts to engage in a finely tuned review of the wisdom of state evidentiary rules"). "Failure to give [a jury] instruction which might be proper as a matter of state law, by itself, does not merit federal habeas relief." Menendez v. Terhune, 422 F.3d 1012, 1029 (9th Cir. 2005), quoting Miller v. Stagner, 757 F.2d 988, 993 (9th Cir. 1985).
The Supreme Court has stated instead that a claim that a court violated a petitioner's due process rights by omitting an instruction requires a showing that the error "so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violate[d] due process." Kibbe, 431 U.S. at 154, 97 S.Ct. 1730. The burden on petitioner is especially heavy "where ... the alleged error involves the failure to give an instruction." Clark v. Brown, 450 F.3d 898, 904 (9th Cir. 2006).
Even if constitutional instructional error has occurred, the federal court must still determine whether Petitioner suffered actual prejudice, that is, whether the error "had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict." Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710. A "substantial and injurious effect" means a "reasonable probability" that the jury would have arrived at a different verdict had the instruction been given. Clark, 450 F.3d at 916.
Petitioner revisits allegations in certain of his ineffective assistance of counsel — instructional error claims, ante. Here, he recasts claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q) as alleged trial court error. Because petitioner has not demonstrated any prejudicial instructional error for the reasons stated in those claims as summarized below, the following allegations were reasonably rejected as court error claims by the California Supreme Court.
Petitioner alleges that former Penal Code section 190.2(b) under which petitioner was charged required proof of some act by petitioner in aid of the killing(s) to which the five charged special circumstances related. (Doc. No. 128 at 122:3-9, citing Sanders, 51 Cal.3d at 517, 273 Cal.Rptr. 537, 797 P.2d 561, quoting Anderson, 43 Cal.3d at 1145, 240 Cal.Rptr. 585, 742 P.2d 1306) ("the special circumstance instruction on aiding and abetting mirrors the language in section 190.2, subdivision (b), and thus unambiguously sets forth the rule that the aider and abetter must intentionally aid in a killing.".)
Petitioner argues the trial court erred in giving CALJIC 8.80 as modified by the prosecution because the modified instruction omitted an actus reus component, i.e., the special circumstance requirement of an act in aid of a killing. He claims the jury was erroneously instructed that "the only finding required by the instruction for aider or abettor special circumstance liability was an act in aid of the burglary/robbery and an intent to kill or an intent to aid another in a killing." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 704; see also Doc. No. 128 at 122:2-20.)
Petitioner argues the instructional error was compounded by the prosecutor's closing argument that the special circumstance could be established without any act in aid of a killing (RT 4973-81) and Schultz's conceded failure to object to the modified instruction (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5).
In denying these allegations on direct appeal the California Supreme Court stated that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900-03, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The Anderson holding did not reach issues of actus reus. The challenged instruction correctly stated California law. As noted, "the proposition advanced by defendant — for a felony-murder special circumstance the aiding or abetting has to relate to the act of killing itself rather than just the underlying felony — was not considered by the court in Anderson." Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 901, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. It follows that state supreme court's rejection of petitioner's Anderson allegation did not expand the reach of Penal Code 190.2(b) as applied to petitioner. Absent any state error, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in finding no constitutional error, i.e., error that "so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violate[d] due process." Cupp, 414 U.S. at 147, 94 S.Ct. 396.
Petitioner goes on to argue that the state supreme court violated his due process rights because its foregoing determination was an unreasonable application of clearly established Supreme Court law, citing Bouie, 378 U.S. at 353-54, 84 S.Ct. 1697 (due process precludes a state supreme court from retroactively and unforeseeably enlarging a criminal statute by means of judicial construction). He argues this error so infected the entire trial that his conviction violated due process under Cupp.
The state supreme court could reasonably find that petitioner was not denied due process under Bouie because his Anderson argument is unavailing for the reasons stated. See Mitchell, 878 F.2d at 324 ("In the absence of a federal constitutional violation, no relief can be granted even if the instruction given might not have been correct as a matter of state law."). Schultz's noted statement in his habeas declaration that he was unaware the modified instruction prejudicially omitted any required element (see SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 5(a)) does not suggest that an objection to the modified instruction would have been other than futile.
As noted, Schultz stated on the record that he was satisfied with the modified CALJIC 8.80 that was ultimately read to the jury. (See RT 4944; Doc. No. 116 at 280:4-6.)
For the same reasons, petitioner has not shown prejudice, that any essential element of each special circumstance (actus reus) was not proven. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710; Hedgpeth v. Pulido, 555 U.S. 57, 58, 129 S.Ct. 530, 172 L.Ed.2d 388 (2008) (Brecht standard applicable to instructional error). The California Supreme Court was not unreasonable in determining as a matter of state law that the special circumstances do not require a showing of an act in aid of the killings.
Whether or not the modified CALJIC 8.80 given by the trial court was a correct statement of California law is not a basis for federal relief. See Estelle, 502 U.S. at 67, 112 S.Ct. 475 (whether some action violated a state's law forms "no part" whatsoever (i.e., not a little, not at all) of an inquiry whether that action violated the Constitution.); see also Richey, 546 U.S. at 76, 126 S.Ct. 602 ("a state court's interpretation of state law ... binds a federal court sitting in federal habeas").
Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by failing to instruct on the required concurrence of act and intent to kill for each of the murders. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 706-707.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected this allegation on direct appeal, in stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904-05, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The state supreme court reasonably rejected these allegations because the instructions given in their totality sufficiently covered concurrence of act and intent for the reasons stated in claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q), XVI, XVIII and XIX. In sum, the record demonstrates that for each of the crimes charged and in addition to CALJIC No. 8.80 discussed ante, the jury was instructed as follows:
(CALJIC No. 3.31; RT 5010-11; CT 395.)
(CALJIC No. 8.83.1; RT 5024-25; CT 430.)
Petitioner argues that the concurrency requirement of CALJIC 3.31 on its face extended only to the crimes charged and not the special circumstances. But on the facts of this case, an objectively reasonable juror considering the instructions in their totality would understand these instructions to require concurrence of act and specific intent as to each of the crimes charged including the charged related special circumstance and aider and abettor allegations. Notably, the concurrence of act and specific intent instruction (CALJIC 3.31, CT 395) specifically includes a reference to the special circumstance requirement for intent to kill. (CT 387-438.)
Moreover, the jury was instructed to consider the instructions as a whole. (RT 5008.) They were instructed that statements by counsel are not evidence and that they must follow the law given them by the court. (RT 5007-08.) They were instructed that for each of the crimes charged in counts 1-5 of the information, there must be a union of act and a specific intent in the mind of the perpetrator. (RT 5010.) They were instructed that the specific intent required was included in the definitions of the crimes charged and that the special circumstance allegations required an intent to kill. (RT 5011.) They were instructed that if they found defendant guilty of first degree murder, they must then find true or not true the charged special circumstances (RT 5021). They were instructed that if they found defendant was an aider and abettor, then they must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended either to kill a human being or to aid another in the killing of a human being in order to find the special circumstance to be true. (RT 5022.)
The state supreme court could also reasonably conclude that petitioner failed to show any essential element of the special circumstances upon which the jury was not instructed or that the jury based its verdict upon an essential element of a special circumstance (actus reus) that was not proven. See Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710; Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904-05, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner also argues that the trial court erred in allowing the prosecutor to argue, incorrectly, that concurrence of intent to kill was not required and that the unexpressed thought attributed to petitioner by Buchanan, that "If you kill one you might as well kill them both" was sufficient to prove petitioner intended to kill both
(RT 4995.)
Petitioner argues that nothing in the evidentiary record suggests petitioner formed the intent to kill before finding Freiri dead or that he committed any act with the intent to kill that would prove felony murder. He argues the prosecutor conceded as much in argument to the jury:
(RT 4975; see also RT 4952.)
However, the California Supreme Court could reasonably have denied these allegations. The actus reus allegation based on Anderson fail for reasons discussed above and stated in the discussion of claims II(M), II(N), II(O), II(P), II(Q). Prosecutor Hahus's argument regarding the requirements for felony murder-robbery and felony murder-burglary does not seem to conflate or dispense with special circumstance requirement of intent to kill. Shortly after he made the above noted argument, Hahus argued to the jury that [t] the special circumstance, the killing of Marie, or the killing of Louis, as a special circumstance killing can only be found true if the defendant — this man — intended to kill ... you can't find the special circumstance true unless you find that not only were they killed, but that he intended to kill ... that he had in his mind the intent, the desire that one or both of them die." (RT 4979-80.)
Moreover, as discussed more fully in claim XXVI, post, the record could reasonably suggest that Freiri died after petitioner formed the above noted intent to kill and that petitioner may have participated in that killing. A fair-minded jurist could consider RC's alleged statement to third party Flores shortly after the crimes, that RC "had just killed woman" (RT 4801) as also suggesting the possibility that petitioner participated in the killing of Mr. Freiri.
Petitioner alleges that trial court erred by failing to instruct the jury with
The trial court rejected this allegation as raised in the motion for new trial, finding no prejudicial error. (RT 1/17/92 at 20-21.) The California Supreme Court reviewed and also rejected the allegation on direct appeal, finding only harmless error, as follows:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 905-07, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921; see also RT 5012-15; CT 399-407.)
The state supreme court's rejection of the allegation was not unreasonable. As alluded to by that court, the jury was instructed on witness credibility including tests for the veracity of witnesses making prior inconsistent statements. (RT 5012-15; CT 399-407.) The jury was specifically instructed that a determination of witness believability should consider "the extent of the opportunity or the ability of the witness to see or hear or otherwise become aware of any matter about which the witness has testified ... the ability of the witness to remember or to communicate any matter about which the witness has testified ... the demeanor and manner of the witness while testifying ... the existence or nonexistence of bias, interest, or other motive ... evidence of the existence or nonexistence of any fact testified to by the witness ... a statement previously made by the witness that is ... inconsistent with the testimony of the witness ... the character of the witness for honesty or truthfulness ... [and] the witness' prior conviction of a felony." (CT 400-401.)
In these regards, the jury was aware of the significant evidence impacting the credibility of Goldman and Buchanan including that they each routinely used street drugs around the time of petitioner's admission and that the drugs impacted Buchanan's ability to "pay attention"; and that Buchanan had used street drugs the day prior to this testimony in court. (See e.g., RT 4382-91, 4676-82, 4717, 4737-42.) The jury was aware that Buchanan testified inconsistently regarding whether he was motivated by the $5000 private reward (RT 4704, 4851); that Buchanan was giving Ms. Strickland IOU's payable from the private reward (RT 4716, 4757, 4851); and that Buchanan did not like petitioner and wanted revenge against him (RT 4387, 4391, 4704-05, 4849-51, 4857). The jury was also aware that Goldman had a reputation for being untruthful (RT 4777-85) and initially lied to police and delayed speaking to them in order to protect her friend, petitioner (RT 4590-99); that Goldman was aware of the private reward (RT 4809-10, 4820); that Goldman took medication four times on the day she testified (RT 4387); that Goldman has stated she had no knowledge of the murders (RT 4789-93); and that it may have been RC
The jury had before it such facts of drug use and presumably considered any impact(s) upon the witnesses' ability to perceive and relate events, lifestyle, trustworthiness, and personal and financial motivation. It was not unreasonable to conclude these facts would suggest the jury viewed with circumspection and caution testimony regarding petitioner's alleged admission that he participated in the crimes. On these facts, it was not unreasonable for the state supreme court to conclude that the instructions given the jury on weighing witness credibility were a sufficient substitute for the omitted cautionary admonition.
Furthermore, the thrust of Schultz's argument at trial was not directed to the wording of the alleged admission but rather that the jury should discount the admission completely because Goldman and Buchanan were untrustworthy. (See e.g., RT 4983-95); see People v. Bunyard, 45 Cal.3d 1189, 1224, 249 Cal.Rptr. 71, 756 P.2d 795 (Cal. 1988), abrogated on other grounds by People v. Diaz, 60 Cal.4th 1176, 1190, 185 Cal.Rptr.3d 431, 345 P.3d 62 (Cal. 2015) (failure to give cautionary instruction constituted only state law error where facts in conflict related to witness credibility rather than the oral admission). In this case, petitioner testified that he never made the admissions attributed to him by Goldman and Buchanan; he claims that those witnesses fabricated their testimony in this regard. (RT 4870-71; CT 598.)
Additionally, petitioner's argument that a cautionary instruction was needed because of prosecutorial vouching fails for reasons stated in claim XVII.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected allegations that the trial court committed prejudicial instructional error at the guilt phase. Even if petitioner established state law instructional error, such error is not alone a basis for federal habeas relief. Pulley v. Harris, 465 U.S. 37, 41, 104 S.Ct. 871, 79 L.Ed.2d 29 (1984).
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of the claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XII is denied.
Petitioner revisits allegations in his ineffective assistance of counsel claim II(L), that he was denied the right to confront and cross-examine statements Goldman made to detective Stokes, inconsistent statements that were used to impeach Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony. He recasts these allegations here as alleged trial court error. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 857-870.)
Because petitioner has not demonstrated any error in admitting this testimony for the reasons stated in claim II(L), summarized below, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting these same allegations brought as trial court error.
The California Supreme Court summarily denied these allegations presented for
"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right ... to be confronted with the witnesses against him." U.S. Const. amend. VI.
The Supreme Court held in Crawford that "[o]ur cases have thus remained faithful to the Framers' understanding: [t]estimonial statements of witnesses absent from trial have been admitted only where the declarant is unavailable, and only where the defendant has had a prior opportunity to cross-examine." 541 U.S. at 59, 124 S.Ct. 1354. A statement is testimonial if made with a primary purpose of creating an out-of-court substitute for trial testimony. See Michigan v. Bryant, 562 U.S. 344, 358, 131 S.Ct. 1143, 179 L.Ed.2d 93 (2011).
"Where nontestimonial hearsay is at issue, it is wholly consistent with the Framers' design to afford the States flexibility in their development of hearsay law — as does Roberts, and as would an approach that exempted such statements from Confrontation Clause scrutiny altogether. Where testimonial evidence is at issue, however, the Sixth Amendment demands what the common law required: unavailability and a prior opportunity for cross-examination." Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354.
As discussed in claim II(L), Crawford abrogated the rule Roberts, prevailing at the time of petitioner's trial that "[the prosecutor] was permitted to elicit hearsay testimony if the declarant was unavailable and there was a firmly-rooted hearsay exception (or indicia of reliability) that applied to the testimony." 448 U.S. 56, 66, 100 S.Ct. 2531, 65 L.Ed.2d 597 (1980), abrogated by Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354 (2004); (see also Doc. No. 125 at 97:20-22).
"The [C]onfrontation [C]lause may be violated by an extra-judicial statement which is admitted as an exception to the hearsay rule." U.S. v. King, 552 F.2d 833, 845 (1976). The Confrontation Clause does not absolutely require cross-examination, but rather safeguards of reliability. Id., at 846. However, where nontestimonial hearsay is at issue, evidence is exempt "from Confrontation Clause scrutiny altogether" and may be admitted pursuant to the hearsay law. Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354. Similarly, the Confrontation Clause does not bar statements introduced for a non-hearsay purpose. Gonzales, 2012 WL 6004520, at *16; Crawford, 541 U.S. at 59 n. 9, 124 S.Ct. 1354.
"A habeas petitioner is entitled to relief only if an alleged error had a substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict," i.e., only if he can establish actual prejudice. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 623, 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710; see also United States v. Berry, 683 F.3d 1015, 1020 (9th Cir. 2012) (Confrontation Clause violations are subject to harmless error analysis).
Petitioner alleges that the trial court erroneously failed to exclude sua sponte Stokes's testimony of unconfronted statements Goldman made shortly before petitioner's arrest.
On August 31, 1989, months after she made the statements to Stokes, Goldman testified at petitioner's preliminary hearing. (RT 4334-4403; CT 19-95.) Goldman died on December 17, 1990, two months before petitioner's trial started. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 861.) Her preliminary hearing testimony was admitted at trial as that of an
Petitioner alleges that at trial, Hahus elicited from Stokes's certain of Goldman's statements that were allegedly inconsistent with Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony, as follows:
(Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 863; see also RT 4591-4617.) Petitioner points out that at the preliminary hearing, Goldman testified that:
(Doc. No. 116 at 361:12-362:11.) Petitioner points out that at trial, Stokes testified Goldman told him that:
(Id., at 362:21-363:19.)
Petitioner argues that Stokes's testimony should not have been admitted under the state law hearsay exception for inconsistent statements (Evid. Code §§ 770, 1235) because doing so violated the Confrontation Clause. Crawford, 541 U.S. at 68, 124 S.Ct. 1354. He argues that Goldman was not given the opportunity to explain or deny her alleged statements at the preliminary hearing [and] Goldman was not a witness at trial [and] could not have given further testimony. (See Doc. No. 116 at 336:23-348:15; Doc. No. 128 at 150:6-152:11); Evid. Code §§ 770, 1235.
As noted, Goldman died shortly before trial. Her August 1989 preliminary hearing testimony was admitted at trial as testimony of an unavailable witness. (RT 4334.)
It is clear that the Confrontation Clause also does not bar statements introduced for a non-hearsay purpose. See Street, 471 U.S. at 414, 105 S.Ct. 2078 (defendant's rights under Confrontation Clause not violated by introduction of accomplice's confession for non-hearsay purpose); see also Gonzales, 2012 WL 6004520, at *16 (the rule of Crawford only applies to testimonial statements that were introduced to establish the truth of the matter asserted); Crawford, 541 U.S. at 59 n. 9, 124 S.Ct. 1354, citing Street, 471 U.S. at 414, 105 S.Ct. 2078 (same). For reasons stated in claim II(L), absent any valid waiver by petitioner, Crawford bars use of Goldman's unconfronted testimonial hearsay statements, but not use of Goldman' statements for the non-hearsay purpose of impeaching Goldman's credibility.
In California, inconsistent statements are admissible to attack the credibility of a declarant even without any giving the declarant an opportunity to explain or deny the inconsistent statement. See Gonzales, 2012 WL 6004520, at *13, citing Evid. Code § 1202. The rule of Crawford "only applies to testimonial statements that were introduced to establish the truth of the matter asserted." Id.; accord, Davis, 547 U.S. at 823, 126 S.Ct. 2266 (Confrontation Clause applies only to testimonial hearsay).
Here, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined Stokes's testimony was offered to impeach Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony. As discussed in claim II(L), Goldman's credibility was a significant issue at trial and was argued by both petitioner and respondent. Both parties invoked Stokes's testimony in arguing Goldman's credibility (directly) and Buchanan's credibility (indirectly). (See e.g., claims II(P), XXVI, XXVIII.) Schultz, as a matter of tactics may have hoped that as a result of Stokes's testimony the jury would discount Goldman as a witness and discount Buchanan at least to the extent his testimony was consistent with Goldman's.
In any event, the jury was instructed regarding consideration of Stokes's testimony including for purposes of determining the believability of Goldman and other trial witnesses. (CT 399-401.)
Even if there was trial court error as alleged, the California Supreme Court reasonably
A Confrontation Clause violation is harmless and so does not justify habeas relief unless it "had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict." Brecht, 507 U.S. at 623, 113 S.Ct. 1710. "[W]hen a habeas court is in grave doubt as to the harmlessness of an error that affects substantial rights, it should grant relief." O'Neal v. McAninch, 513 U.S. 432, 445, 115 S.Ct. 992, 130 L.Ed.2d 947 (1995). In general, the inquiry into whether the constitutionally erroneous introduction of a piece of evidence had a substantial and injurious effect is guided by several factors: "the importance of the testimony, whether the testimony was cumulative, the presence or absence of evidence corroborating or contradicting the testimony, the extent of cross-examination permitted, and the overall strength of the prosecution's case." Ocampo, 649 F.3d at 1114.
Here, Stokes's testimony appears significantly cumulative of and corroborated by Buchanan's testimony. See e.g., Ocampo, 649 F.3d at 1114 (inquiry into Confrontation Clause error considers whether errantly admitted evidence was cumulative). For example, Buchanan testified that on the night of the murders, he saw petitioner take the venetian blind out of the hall closet and go into the bedroom (RT 4665-66), and then exit the apartment bedroom and return the venetian blind to the closet; he also saw a kitchen knife in the bedroom (RT 4706-07). See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 898, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Buchanan also testified that RC and petitioner returned later than night and bought drugs for the roommates with money they did not have earlier that evening and that petitioner later disposed of some of his clothing by throwing it out of Buchanan's car. (RT 4675-85.) Significantly, petitioner's admission of his role in the crimes to Goldman and Buchanan and discussion of events surrounding (RT 4352-79; 4606-08, 4687-9494) were consistent in the record and not controverted by Stokes's testimony of Goldman's statements.
Petitioner's admission was corroborated by evidence of RC and petitioner leaving the apartment together the night of the crimes and returning together later that evening with RC acting strangely (id.; see also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 898, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921) and petitioner initially depressed following the crimes (RT 4352-63).
Goldman's testimony about petitioner being essentially fearless and aggressive was not directly controverted by Stokes's testimony (RT 4398) or by Buchanan's testimony that petitioner "never threatened my life in my presence." (RT 4745.)
Petitioner's suggestion that Stokes, by testifying as a police detective effectively vouched for Goldman's consistent (with the preliminary hearing) statements appears to be merely speculative. Petitioner does not demonstrate on the evidentiary record that Stokes either expressed his personal belief in Goldman's veracity or suggested information not known to the jury supported Goldman's statements. See Hermanek, 289 F.3d at 1098; see also McKoy, 771 F.2d at 1210-11 ("The rule that a prosecutor may not express his personal opinion of the defendant's guilt or his belief in the credibility of witnesses is firmly established.").
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish prejudicial trial court error in admitting Stokes's testimony of Goldman statements to him.
Claim XXI is denied.
A petitioner is entitled to habeas corpus relief if the prosecutor's misconduct "so infected the trial with unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process." Donnelly v. DeChristoforo, 416 U.S. 637, 643, 94 S.Ct. 1868, 40 L.Ed.2d 431 (1974).
To constitute a due process violation, the prosecutorial misconduct must be "of sufficient significance to result in the denial of the defendant's right to a fair trial." Greer v. Miller, 483 U.S. 756, 765, 107 S.Ct. 3102, 97 L.Ed.2d 618 (1987), quoting United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667, 682, 105 S.Ct. 3375, 87 L.Ed.2d 481 (1985). "Before a federal court may overturn a conviction resulting from a state trial ... it must be established not merely that the [State's action] is undesirable, erroneous, or even universally condemned, but that it violated some right which was guaranteed to the defendant by the Fourteenth Amendment." Smith v. Phillips, 455 U.S. 209, 221, 102 S.Ct. 940, 71 L.Ed.2d 78 (1982), quoting Cupp, 414 U.S. at 146, 94 S.Ct. 396.
Any claim of prosecutorial misconduct must be reviewed within the context of the entire trial. Greer, 483 U.S. at 765-66, 107 S.Ct. 3102; United States v. Weitzenhoff, 35 F.3d 1275, 1291 (9th Cir. 1994). The court must keep in mind that "[t]he touchstone of due process analysis in cases of alleged prosecutorial misconduct is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the prosecutor" and "the aim of due process is not punishment of society for the misdeeds of the prosecutor but avoidance of an unfair trial to the accused." Phillips, 455 U.S. at 219, 102 S.Ct. 940. "Improper argument does not, per se, violate a defendant's constitutional rights." Thompson v. Borg, 74 F.3d 1571, 1576 (9th Cir. 1996), quoting Jeffries v. Blodgett, 5 F.3d 1180, 1191 (9th Cir. 1993).
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has stated:
Boyde, 494 U.S. at 384-85, 110 S.Ct. 1190.
If prosecutorial misconduct is established, and it was constitutional error, the error must be evaluated pursuant to the harmless error test set forth in Brecht. See Thompson, 74 F.3d at 1577 ("Only if the argument were constitutional error would we have to decide whether the constitutional error was harmless."). A petitioner is entitled to relief in this context
Petitioner alleges prosecutorial misconduct by failing to disclose evidence under Brady v. Maryland and by knowingly presenting false and misleading evidence under Napue v. Illinois, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 722-768.)
The California Supreme Court summarily denied all these allegations as presented in petitioner's state habeas petition. (Lod. Doc. No. 10.)
That court also considered and rejected certain of these allegations on the merits on direct appeal, as discussed, post.
Petitioner alleges the prosecutor knowingly allowed witnesses to testify falsely.
The knowing use of false or perjured testimony against a defendant to obtain a conviction is unconstitutional. Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264, 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173, 3 L.Ed.2d 1217 (1959) (prosecutor's knowing presentation of false testimony violates due process); see also Mooney v. Holohan, 294 U.S. 103, 112, 55 S.Ct. 340, 79 S.Ct. 791 (1935) (conviction contrived by prosecution's deliberate presentation of perjured testimony violated due process).
In Napue, the Supreme Court held that the knowing use of false testimony to obtain a conviction violates due process regardless of whether the prosecutor solicited the false testimony or merely allowed it to go uncorrected when it appeared. 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173. The Court explained that the principle that a state may not knowingly use false testimony to obtain a conviction — even false testimony that goes only to the credibility of the witness — is "implicit in any concept of ordered liberty." Id.
A conviction obtained by the knowing use of perjured testimony "must be set aside if there is any reasonable likelihood that the false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury." Bagley, 473 U.S. at 678, 105 S.Ct. 3375. Nevertheless, simple inconsistencies in testimony are insufficient to establish that a prosecutor knowingly permitted the admission of false testimony. United States v. Zuno-Arce, 44 F.3d 1420, 1423 (9th Cir. 1995). "Discrepancies in ... testimony ... could as easily flow from errors in recollection as from lies." Id.
To warrant habeas relief, Petitioner must establish that: 1) the testimony was actually false; 2) the prosecution knew or should have known it to be false; and 3) there is a reasonable likelihood that the false testimony could have affected the jury's verdict. Tayborn, 251 F.3d at 1130.
Petitioner revisits allegation discussed in claim II(E), and alleges that the prosecution allowed false testimony by Buchanan that might reflect on his credibility — testimony regarding the favorable
Petitioner points to Buchanan's allegedly false testimony that "he did not receive a single thing" from the prosecution team (RT 4766); that he had been working for Strickland at her boarding house and did not owe her anything and that she owed him $25,000 (RT 4716); and that he met with prosecutor Hahus only a couple times before trial. (RT 4766.)
Petitioner alleges Buchanan testified falsely about the "[room and board] deal, brokered by the District Attorney's Office, between Buchanan and [boarding house operator] Ms. Strickland" under which Buchanan's room and board payments were deferred and payable from the anticipated private reward monies. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 735-39; RT 5268-81, 5309-29; SHCP, Ex.'s G, H; see also Brady allegations, post.) He alleges that prosecution investigator William Martin arranged the deal and memorialized the agreement on Fresno County District Attorney letterhead, for "long-term and (room and board) [on a] deferred basis." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 736; RT 5276; CT 583.) The memorializing document was signed by Buchanan and witnessed by Martin and another prosecution investigator in order to "protect Ms. Strickland because [Martin] did not trust Buchanan to fulfill his obligations to her" (RT 5268-5282; see CT 582-83), and to ensure Buchanan could be located when needed to testify, (id.).
Under this deal, petitioner alleges Buchanan received room and board in exchange for a promise to pay $350 per month out of the $5,000 private reward he expected to receive for helping to convict petitioner. (RT 5276; SHCP, Ex. G; Doc. No. 116 at 44:11-16.)
Petitioner alleges that by the end of trial 24 months later, Buchanan's debt to Strickland had risen to over $9100 covering room, board and personal loans. (Doc. No. 116 at 44:18.) Strickland herself placed the final debt at a little over $5000 and ultimately reduced it to the $3,500 paid by Buchanan, leaving $1,500 of the private reward money for Buchanan to keep. (RT 5325-28.) The record reflects that Strickland wrote down the debt because she felt sorry for Buchanan and to help his family. (Id.)
The trial court, on motion for new trial rejected petitioner's claim that the foregoing constituted prejudicial prosecutorial misconduct. (CT 541-47; RT 1/17/92 at 9-17.) That court viewed the Strickland deal as "a [prosecution] favor." (RT 5212.) Prosecutor Hahus agreed that "[w]ell, sure it's something, yeah, absolutely, absolutely." (Id.) But ultimately, the trial court concluded that:
(RT, Jan. 17, 1992, 16-17.)
Similarly, the California Supreme Court on direct appeal considered these same
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 909-11, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The state supreme court's rejection of these allegations for the reasons stated by that court was not unreasonable. The record suggests Buchanan requested assistance from investigator Martin because he had nowhere to stay upon his noted March 1989 OR release from jail and pending his testimony against petitioner. (SHCP, Ex. H.) While the jury may not have known the extent to which the prosecutor's office helped arrange the agreement between Buchanan and Strickland, the jury was aware of the agreement and its terms and conditions. (See e.g., RT 4387, 4857.)
Investigator Martin testified at the hearing on motion for new trial that this type of agreement was not unusual. (RT 5293-97.) He testified that he told both Buchanan and Strickland that issues relating to Buchanan's payment obligation were totally between them. (RT 5275.) He testified that notwithstanding Strickland's unsolicited mailing of Buchanan's account statements (bills) to the District Attorney's office, (RT 5288-90, 5309), the parties (Buchanan and Strickland) intended that Buchanan's promise to pay was limited to any reward proceeds that might become available and that no public funds would be used to pay the debt. (RT 5280-82, 5305-06.) Strickland acknowledged as much. (RT 5321-23.) Strickland testified she did not send the bills to the prosecution with the expectation that the latter was responsible for paying or would pay them. (Id.)
Strickland testified that she sometimes took in boarders on an IOU basis. (Id.) That she may have periodically phoned Hahus's office asking when she would get paid (see e.g., RT 5289, 5321-26, 5326, 5404-06) does not alone demonstrate public funds backstopped the agreement. Moreover, Hahus confirmed to Strickland that the private reward was contingent upon conviction and Buchanan's entitlement to the reward. (RT 5404-06.)
Petitioner fails to support with evidence his allegation that the prosecution was financially liable under the Buchanan-Strickland agreement. Petitioner argues, but does not support in the evidence that the prosecution provided $9,100 in benefits and/or participated with Strickland in her decision to write-down Buchanan's debt, (Doc. No. 116 at 74:28-75:2), and/or that Strickland offered benefits to Buchanan as
To the contrary, prosecutor Hahus testified at the new trial motion that he was unaware of any relationship or dealing between Buchanan and Strickland apart from the noted agreement facilitated by Martin that was reimbursable from the private reward money. (RT 5449-50; CT 582-583; SHCP, Ex.'s G, H.) Hahus noted that the room and board agreement with Strickland was in place when he as assigned to the case. (RT 5394.) Hahus also testified at the motion for new trial that the only thing he bought Buchanan was lunch once while Buchanan was testifying (RT 5408-09); and that Buchanan refused anything else for fear it would appear the prosecution was trying to buy his testimony (RT 5409-10).
In sum, the documentation prepared by investigator Martin memorializing the Strickland-Buchanan arrangement and the noted testimony of Martin, Hahus and Strickland demonstrate the prosecution was not financially responsible under the Buchanan-Strickland agreement and the prosecution was unaware of any dispute between Strickland and Buchanan regarding sums owing between them and/or write-down thereof.
Petitioner alleges that Buchanan received personal loans from Strickland of at least $760. (Doc. No. 116 at 44:18-23, 98:20-22; RT 5321; SHCP, Ex.'s. H, I.) Petitioner points to line item loan amounts included in the above noted bills Strickland sent to the prosecution, (see SHCP, Ex. I), and suggests these loans were an undisclosed inducement for Buchanan's testimony given that Buchanan was "a key [prosecution] witness." (RT 5271, 5390.)
The record reflects that during the time the agreement was in effect, Strickland sent to the Fresno District Attorney's Office copies of Buchanan's IOU's that included line itemed loans. (SHCP, Ex. I.) Nonetheless, this allegation fails for the same reasons the immediately above room and board allegations fail. At bottom, petitioner has not demonstrated on the evidentiary record that prosecution funds were loaned or paid to either Strickland or Buchanan for purposes of the alleged Strickland loans, or otherwise.
Petitioner alleges Buchanan testified falsely about the number of times prosecutor Hahus met with him prior to trial. Petitioner argues the falsely reduced number of meetings Hahus had with Buchanan was prejudicial to the extent it caused Buchanan to appear uncoached and more credible. (See Doc. No. 116 at 29:6-10, 47:19-23, 55:6-10, 62:1-12, 64:19-23.)
As noted, Buchanan testified that he had met with Hahus "a couple of times." (RT 4766.) Hahus later admitted at the motion for new trial hearing that he had "met" with Buchanan approximately 12 times prior to trial, had spoken to Buchanan by phone at least once, and his investigators had contacted Buchanan several times. (RT 5390; SHCP, Ex. N at 1-3.)
As an initial matter, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected respondent's argument that Hahus was speaking in merely colloquial terms — such that there was no false impression or that any impression as to the number of meetings was neither false nor material. (See Doc. No. 125 at 138:24-140:24.) The record reflects that Buchanan significantly understated the number of pretrial meetings he had with Buchanan.
Nevertheless, the state supreme court reasonably could have denied this allegation as harmless error. (See e.g., RT 4969.) Petitioner has not demonstrated on the evidentiary record that additional trial preparation would cause jurors to discount the credibility of a witness. Moreover, the jury was well aware of the facts relating to Buchanan's credibility including the testimony and statements of Goldman. (See claim(s) II(E), II(P), XXVI, XXVIII.)
The state supreme court concluded in these regards that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 907 n.8, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. A fair-minded jurist could have concluded that these same facts would be related to the need to prepare Buchanan for trial.
For the reasons stated, it was not unreasonable for the state supreme court to find pursuant to Napue that the foregoing alleged false testimony was harmless rather than material error. 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173; see also Dow v. Virga, 729 F.3d 1041, 1047 (9th Cir. 2013), quoting Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150, 154, 92 S.Ct. 763, 31 L.Ed.2d 104 (1972) (a new trial is required if "the false testimony could ... in any reasonable likelihood have affected the judgment of the jury....").
The jury was aware of the Strickland-Buchanan room and board agreement and the entirely private reward funding that backed it. They were aware of Buchanan's desire to get the reward, pay his bill to Strickland and leave town. They were aware Buchanan's alleged grudge against petitioner. The jury was aware of other noted facts relating to Buchanan's credibility; his observations on the night of the murders and his statements regarding petitioner's admission of involvement in the murders.
The jury was aware that Buchanan had met with Hahus, the prosecution team and the defense team. They were instructed that the argument of counsel, including Hahus's noted closing argument that defense investigators had made several apparently minor purchases for Buchanan
For the reasons stated the state supreme court could have found no reasonable likelihood the noted alleged false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury. Napue, 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173; see also Dow, 729 F.3d at 1047 (a new trial is required if "the false testimony could ... in any reasonable likelihood have affected the judgment of the jury....") That same court reasonably could have found that considering the record as a whole, the alleged false testimony did not "falsely buttress" Buchanan's credibility. Cf., Hayes v. Brown, 399 F.3d 972, 986 (9th Cir. 2005) (reversing conviction under Napue because concealment of a leniency deal allowed the State to "falsely buttress[]" credibility of a key witness). Petitioner was not denied a fair trial for these same reasons.
Petitioner revisits allegations in claims II(K) (alleging ineffective assistance of counsel) and VIII (alleging trial court error), alleging here that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct, bolstering Buchanan's noted alleged false testimony by making him aware of the potential for perjury provided by Penal Code section 128. (Doc. No. 116 at 40:3-13; RT 4764-66.)
Petitioner argues that Buchanan's bolstered testimony was false for the same reasons argued in claims II(K) and VIII, i.e., that section 128 is not a meaningful deterrent to perjury and the chances of a successful prosecution under section 128 are so remote as to be irrelevant. As discussed in those claims, the state supreme court rejected this reasoning on direct appeal. See, Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 912, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Respondent contends these allegations are unexhausted (Doc. No. 125 at 146:18-147:3) and lack support in the record (id.). The court does not reach respondent's exhaustion argument for the reasons stated in claims II(K) and VIII and because the claim is denied on the merits.
As noted, the prosecutor was allowed to elicit testimony from Buchanan that the prosecutor had made him aware of Penal Code section 128, which provided that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 911, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
To summarize the discussion in claims II(K) and VIII, the California Supreme Court considered and rejected on direct appeal the allegation that prosecutor Hahus improperly asked Buchanan whether he had been made aware of section 128, as follows:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 912, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could have found that considering the record as a whole, the alleged false testimony did not "falsely buttress" Buchanan's credibility, such that there was no reasonable likelihood the noted alleged false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury. Napue, 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173; cf., Hayes, 399 F.3d at 986. Petitioner was not denied a fair trial because the evidence could be seen as proper.
Finally, petitioner largely revisits allegations in claim II(L), (alleging ineffective assistance of counsel), that detective Stokes testified falsely when he described Goldman's statements to him regarding the actions and conversations of RC and petitioner on the day of the murders including as to a knife used the in murders (RT 4397). (Doc. No. 116 at 31:1-9.) Here the allegations are framed as prosecutorial misconduct in presenting false evidence relating the following allegedly inconsistent testimony.
Goldman testified at the preliminary hearing that:
At trial, the prosecutor elicited testimony from detective Stokes (see RT 4590-4616) that Goldman told him:
The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in denying these allegations consistent with the discussion in claim II(L). Stokes's testimony could reasonably be seen as impeaching Goldman's preliminary hearing testimony, a non-hearsay purpose.
Petitioner's contention that Stokes coerced Goldman's statements lacks support in the record. Stokes denied that at the time of the interrogation he threatened to arrest Goldman if she would not talk with him. (RT 4595-97.) Goldman stated "Detective Stokes, I'm sorry, I lied to you. I'm sorry I lied to you. I want to tell you the whole truth right now." (Id.) The state supreme court reasonably could have found Goldman's statements to Stokes during the interrogation were voluntary.
Furthermore, it was not unreasonable for the state supreme court to find, under Napue, and for all the reasons stated above that foregoing alleged false testimony was in any event harmless rather than material error. 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173; see also Dow, 729 F.3d at 1047 (a new trial is required if "the false testimony could ... in any reasonable likelihood have affected the judgment of the jury....").
Stokes's testimony could be seen as substantially cumulative of Buchanan's testimony. Cf., Ocampo, 649 F.3d at 1114 (inquiry into Confrontation Clause error considers whether errantly admitted evidence was cumulative). For example, Buchanan testified that on the night of the murders, he saw petitioner take the venetian blind out of the hall closet and go into the bedroom (RT 4665-66), and then exit the bedroom and return the venetian blind to the closet; he also saw a kitchen knife in the bedroom (RT 4706-07). See also Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 898, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. Buchanan testified that RC and petitioner returned later than night; bought drugs for the roommates with money they did not have earlier that evening; and petitioner disposed of some clothing by tossing it out of Buchanan's car. (RT 4682-85.)
Petitioner, in this claim XIII also alleges that Stokes testified falsely during direct examination about certain of Goldman's statements contained in his investigative report. (Doc. No. 116 at 31, n.4; RT 4621-22.) However, it appears that Stokes corrected such misstatements during cross-examination. (Id.) The state supreme court reasonably could have found no reasonable likelihood these misstatements of Stokes, corrected on the record could have affected the jury's verdict. Tayborn, 251 F.3d at 1130. For these reasons, that court would not have been unreasonable in viewing such misstatements as mere inconsistency or failure of Stokes to recollect what was in his investigation reports, rather than false testimony. See Zuno-Arce, 44 F.3d at 1423.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could have found that considering the record as a whole, the alleged false testimony did not "falsely buttress" Buchanan's credibility, such that there was no reasonable likelihood the noted alleged false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury. Napue, 360 U.S. at 269, 79 S.Ct. 1173; cf., Hayes, 399 F.3d at 986. Petitioner was not denied a fair trial for these same reasons.
Petitioner alleges the prosecutor knowingly failed to disclose material evidence to which the defense was entitled.
The Supreme Court has held that if the state fails to disclose exculpatory evidence in violation of Brady v. Maryland, the conviction cannot stand if there is a reasonable probability that the evidence, considered cumulatively, would have produced a different result at trial. 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963); Kyles v. Whitley, 514 U.S. 419, 434, 115 S.Ct. 1555, 131 L.Ed.2d 490 (1995) (same). If a habeas petitioner establishes the "reasonable probability" of a different result, the error cannot subsequently be found harmless. Id. at 436, 115 S.Ct. 1555. In Brady, the Supreme Court held that the suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused violates due process where the evidence is material either to guilt or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution. Brady, 373 U.S. at 87, 83 S.Ct. 1194. There are three components to a Brady violation: i) the evidence at issue must be favorable to the accused either because it is exculpatory or because it is impeaching; ii) the evidence must have been suppressed by the State either willfully or inadvertently; and iii) prejudice must have ensued. Banks v. Dretke, 540 U.S. 668, 691, 124 S.Ct. 1256, 157 L.Ed.2d
Petitioner alleges the prosecution failed to disclose to the defense legally discoverable evidence regarding inducements to and impeachment of witness Buchanan to which the defense was entitled, discussed below. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 758-768; see also SHCP, Ex.'s G-K, M, N.)
As a preliminary matter, petitioner argues that pursuant to United States v. Agurs, 427 U.S. 97, 112, 96 S.Ct. 2392, 49 L.Ed.2d 342 (1976), the Napue/Mooney prejudice standard should apply when determining Brady materiality. However, the court conducts a cumulative Brady/Napue prejudice analysis, post. See Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434-37, 115 S.Ct. 1555. Agurs is not authority otherwise.
Petitioner revisits the Napue allegations above that prosecutor Hahus failed to disclose the extent of his pre-trial contacts with Buchanan — that Hahus met with Buchanan twelve times, not the two times to which Buchanan testified. He also alleges that Hahus had spoken to Buchanan by phone at least once and that prosecution investigators had contacted Buchanan several times.
Petitioner again argues the failure to disclose these contacts made Buchanan's testimony appear credible, unrehearsed and not impaired by his admitted use of street drugs. He argues that in fact the higher (actual) number of meetings was necessary to prepare Buchanan's testimony.
However, for the same reasons noted in the above Napue discussion, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected these allegations. In sum, the jury was aware of the facts relating to Buchanan's credibility including testimony and statements of Goldman. (See claim(s) II(E), II(P), XXVI, XXVIII.) The state supreme court concluded in these regards that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 907 n.8, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. A fair-minded jurist could have concluded that these same facts would be related to the need to prepare Buchanan for trial. Also, the jury was instructed on weighing evidence going toward credibility, including that:
(CT 400.)
For the reasons stated the state supreme court could reasonably have found that had the prosecutor disclosed the full extent of contacts he and his office had with Buchanan, there would not have been a reasonable probability of a different outcome.
Petitioner alleges that prosecutor Hahus did not provide the defense with copies of the noted document memorializing the boarding house agreement between Buchanan and Strickland and bills thereunder. Such evidence, he claims would have impeached Buchanan's credibility. He alleges that in response to a discovery request by Schultz for "[t]he benefits to be received from the reward, including total monetary and/or any other benefit" (CT 260), the prosecution failed to disclose information by "narrowly limit[ing] its response to the private $5,000 reward." (CT 288-89.) He alleges that in response to a further discovery request for related documents the prosecution "failed to disclose any documentary evidence of the agreement to use the reward to secure housing and food, the cost of same, the eleven or more documented cash loans, the regular invoicing of the amounts owed and debts incurred, and the ultimate discounts provided by the boardinghouse." (Doc. No. 116 at 75:19-23, citing SHCP, Ex.'s G, H, I.)
The trial court in denying the motion for new trial and the state supreme court in denying these allegations on direct appeal each found the prosecution's involvement in the Strickland-Buchanan agreement potentially impeaching. (See RT 1/17/92 at 16-17); Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 910, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. Nevertheless, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in finding no prejudice, that there was "no reasonable likelihood the false impression created by Buchanan's testimony [relating to the Strickland room and board agreement] could have affected the judgment of the jury ... [T]he jury knew, through Buchanan's testimony and that of the defense investigator, of the agreement itself." Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 910, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Any argument by petitioner that the agreement and bills thereunder constituted evidence of "conflicting claims from [Ms.] Strickland" and on that basis Brady evidence (see Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 754) fails because the prosecution had no responsibility under the agreement for the reasons stated above. This was clear from prosecution investigator Martin's memorialization of and report regarding the Strickland-Buchanan agreement (RT 5278-79; SHCP, Ex.'s G, H) and the related testimony of Martin (RT 5280, 5308), Strickland (RT 5323) and Hahus (RT 5405). Petitioner fails to demonstrate on the evidence how benefits from the noted private reward could exceed the total amount of that reward, $5000, or that the prosecution provided any financial benefit as a result of the Buchanan-Strickland agreement. (See claim II(E).)
It appears that a copy of the document prepared by Martin memorializing the Strickland-Buchanan agreement was provided to defense counsel Schultz prior to trial and that the billings thereunder, sent to prosecution investigator Martin also were shown to the defense team. (RT 5406.) The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding Schultz's statement that he "does not recall receiving copies of the bills or being
Petitioner revisits allegations raised in claim II(E) (ineffective assistance of counsel), recast here as a Brady claim that the prosecution failed to disclose an agreement to provide and provided assistance to Buchanan regarding separate felony and misdemeanor charges brought against him around the time of petitioner's trial. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 740-750; Doc. No. 116 at 80:18-87:7; see also claim II(E).)
Petitioner argues the prosecution failed to disclose the dismissal of felony drug possession counts against Buchanan that arose after he was identified as a witness and prior to petitioner's trial. (CT 584; SHCP, Ex.'s J, K.) He contends that on July 18, 1989, prior to his trial, "criminal complaint case number 017993-7 ... charging Buchanan with two felony drug possession counts, was dismissed." (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 741; SHCP, Ex. J; see also Supp. CT 8-23, -24, 26-28, 37-39, 51-69.)
Petitioner argues the felony dismissals were part of a plea bargain connected to Buchanan's testimony in petitioner's proceeding (see RT 5341-58, 5370-79, 5391-94) and that this deal was meant not to be disclosed (RT 5384; SHCP, Ex. N). He further contends Buchanan told prosecutor Hahus of this deal prior to petitioner's trial (RT 5380-94) and that Hahus did not believe Buchanan and was unaware of any such deal. (RT 5385-88).
Additionally, petitioner argues 1990 misdemeanor charges were dismissed after petitioner's trial by Hahus at least in part in return for Buchanan's testimony in petitioner's proceeding. (RT 5396-5403; see also SHCP, Ex. K; Supp. CT. 68-83.) Specifically, he contends that on April 17, 1991, after petitioner's conviction, Buchanan's criminal case M48975-7 charging him with a misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and hypodermic needle was dismissed "in the interests of justice." (RT 5396-99; see also Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 741 and n.59, citing Supp. CT 68, 71, 77-78.)
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected these allegations on direct appeal, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 908-09, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
At the outset, the court does not reach respondent's contention that these allegations are unexhausted (Doc. No. 125 at 146:22-147:3) because these allegations are denied on the merits.
This court is not persuaded the state supreme court's rejection of these allegations was unreasonable. The district attorneys who were involved in Buchanan's felony drug case denied any deal by stating charges were dropped because of problems with the search warrant. (RT 5341-58, 5370-79, 5391-94.) The record reflects the felony case was dismissed by the prosecution on July 18, 1989 "due to evidentiary problems" (SHCP, Ex. N-1) and "lack of corpus delicti." (SHCP, Ex. J-2.)
Petitioner nonetheless argues such a deal to dismiss the felony charges existed, pointing to the time and effort he contends the district attorney's office devoted to the felony case (Supp. CT 24-25, 29-36, 40-50), and to the guilty plea to one (of three) counts by Buchanan's co-defendant in the felony case. (Supp. CT 24-25.) However, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected such surmise by petitioner
As for the misdemeanor case, the record reflects the Fresno District Attorney's Office dismissed the case for "lack of corpus delicti" and "in the interest of justice." (SHCP, Ex. K-2.) Prosecutor Hahus testified at the new trial motion that it was "hard to say" whether he dismissed the misdemeanor case in reward for Buchanan's testimony in petitioner's case. (RT 5402.) Even so, Hahus went on to testify that there was no agreement with Buchanan that the misdemeanor case would be dismissed; and that he never told Buchanan before the latter's testimony that the case would be dismissed. (RT 5393-5403.) Petitioner has not demonstrated on the facts that Buchanan believed such an agreement to dismiss the misdemeanor charges existed at the time of his testimony. Cf., Giglio, 405 U.S. at 154-55, 92 S.Ct. 763 (evidence of pre-testimony agreement regarding future prosecution of key witness co-conspirator was relevant to credibility of that witness and failure to disclose such evidence was a Brady violation).
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found that at the time Buchanan testified in petitioner's proceeding no dismissal deal related to these felony and misdemeanor charges existed with the prosecution and Buchanan did not believe such a deal existed. That court could reasonably have given weight to the direct testimony in the record over petitioner's surmise and found these allegations not to suggest a reasonable probability of a different result. Schultz's statement that he was aware of the pending charges and dismissal prior to trial, but did not believe this information would be beneficial to the defense, (SHCP, Ex. B ¶ 7; see also RT 5436), does not suggest otherwise.
Petitioner alleges that prosecutor Hahus failed to disclose, until just prior to the motion for new trial, his file notes regarding the above discussed alleged felony drug charge plea bargain. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 758-768; Doc. No. 116 at 77:2-80:15; SHCP, Ex. N; see also RT 5380-92.) Petitioner argues this failure to disclose these notes during pretrial discovery was prejudicial because this evidence was not otherwise in the record and without it the prosecutor was able to argue in closing that Buchanan testified truthfully. (RT 4969-72.)
However, for the same reasons discussed above the state supreme court reasonably could have found these notes by Hahus of his initial contact with Buchanan not to be materially exculpatory or impeaching. The trial court found Buchanan's statement regarding the alleged deal was untrue. (RT 1/17/92 at 18-19.) Hahus believed Buchanan's statement to be untrue (RT 5388), and merely an attempt to parlay benefit in exchange for testimony. (RT 5431-36.) Furthermore, Hahus stated that he did not view Buchanan's noted statement as a lie and did not see it as favorable to petitioner. (See id.) Instead, Hahus viewed the statement merely as a "flag" showing [Buchanan's] "relative sophistication in dealing with district attorneys" (RT 5384-88); that the statement simply showed Buchanan was "con-wise." (RT 4970.)
Accordingly, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding that even if Hahus had produced notes of Buchanan's initial contact with him there was no reasonable probability of a different result. As noted, the jury was aware of the facts relating to Buchanan's credibility. The record before the jury included
Petitioner alleges that prosecutor Hahus failed to disclose a deal with Buchanan not to prosecute the illegal drug activities to which Buchanan testified at trial. (Doc. No. 116 at 70:1-5.) Specifically, petitioner alleges the prosecution failed to pursue criminal charges against Buchanan even though he waived his Fifth Amendment right and admitted under oath at trial that he possessed, used and sold illegal drugs. (See Doc. No. 116 at 87:10-88:15.) Petitioner argues that there must have been an implicit agreement to this effect because no charges were ever filed. (Id.)
As a preliminary matter, the court does not reach respondent's argument these allegations are unexhausted (Doc. No. 125 at 146:22-147:3) because the allegations are denied on the merits as discussed below.
Petitioner has not made an evidentiary showing that there was an agreement not to prosecute, or that Buchanan believed there was one at the time Buchanan testified at petitioner's trial. (RT 4737-42.) To the contrary, Buchanan testified prior to these drug related admissions that he was not told by Hahus expressly or implicitly that he (Buchanan) would not be prosecuted. (RT 4741-42, 4754-56.) Nor has Petitioner demonstrated that Buchanan's waiver of his right against self-incrimination was constitutionally infirm.
Even if there was such a deal, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined any failure to disclose it was not prejudicial. As discussed above, the jury was otherwise aware of Buchanan's drug related activities and presumable considered such in evaluating his credibility and testimony. Additionally, petitioner has not demonstrated that Buchanan's drug related admissions were inculpating of petitioner or that absent the admissions petitioner would have realized a different outcome in his proceeding.
Petitioner's further allegation that Hahus failed to disclose such a deal to post-trial defense counsel similarly fails. Petitioner contends that at the hearing on the new trial motion, seven months after trail ended, Hahus was obligated to advise Ms. Hart, who had replaced Schultz as counsel for petitioner, that no prosecution has been initiated regarding the noted admissions. But for the same reasons stated above, petitioner has not demonstrated such a deal existed or if it did that he was prejudiced by it.
Petitioner finally alleges that the state supreme court was unreasonable in finding no cumulative material violation under Napue and Brady. (See Doc. No. 116 at 28:4-99:7.)
"The Supreme Court has clearly established that the combined effect of multiple trial errors may give rise to a due process violation if it renders a trial fundamentally unfair, even where each error considered individually would not require reversal." Parle v. Runnels, 505 F.3d 922, 928 (9th Cir. 2007), citing Donnelly, 416 U.S. at 643, 94 S.Ct. 1868.
Although individual errors looked at separately may not rise to the
Here, petitioner argues the state supreme court ignored facts that "(1) Buchanan was continuing to rely on the $5,000 reward, not on earnings from property management and maintenance, to pay his debt to the landlady; (2) [Buchanan] was beholden to the state for nailing down the agreement that allowed him to obtain room and board on credit; (3) [Hahus] met with [Buchanan] at least a dozen times prior to the trial; and (4) [Buchanan] had no real concern about being prosecuted — let alone facing the death penalty — for perjury." (Doc. No. 116 at 61:22-62:1.)
Petitioner argues that confidence in the verdict is undermined by: "1) the jury being deprived of knowing that Buchanan lied to the DA to gain personal advantage with respect to his willingness to testify in this case; 2) the DA's arguments to the jury that Buchanan was honest and reliable; and 3) the propensity of most all juries to disregard the testimony of liars, as they are instructed they can do." (Doc. No. 128 at 84:7-14.) He argues that absent these errors prosecutor Hahus would have had to present weaker theories, present less evidence, and refrain from making numerous arguments that vouched for Buchanan's veracity. This, petitioner argues would have "fueled a withering cross-examination, destroying confidence in Buchanan's story and raising a substantial implication that the DA had coached him during their dozen or more meetings." (Id. at 83:14-18.)
Cumulative prejudice arising from concurrent Brady and Napue error is analyzed as follows:
Jackson v. Brown, 513 F.3d 1057, 1076 (9th Cir. 2008).
As a preliminary matter, the court is unpersuaded by respondent's argument based upon Imbler v. Pachtman, that a claim under Brady can be analyzed under the Napue standard. See 424 U.S. 409, 431 n.34, 96 S.Ct. 984, 47 L.Ed.2d 128 (1976). The Imbler court's holding relates to prosecutorial immunity in the context of Brady and Napue and does not support respondent's asserted standard of review for cumulative error under Napue and Brady.
For the reasons discussed above, the state supreme court could reasonably have found no individual and cumulative prejudice under Napue and Brady. First, considering only the Napue allegations, that court could have found no reasonable likelihood that the false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury. For the reasons stated above, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected petitioner's allegations regarding the memorialization
Second, even when combined with the alleged Brady violations, there is no reasonable probability that the result of the proceeding would have been different. For the reasons stated above, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected allegations regarding prejudicial undisclosed contacts between Buchanan and Hahus including relating to alleged lies by Buchanan; the Strickland agreement; dismissal of criminal charges; and illegal drug use by Buchanan. Cf., Horton v. Mayle, 408 F.3d 570, 578-79 (9th Cir. 2005) (holding that failing to disclose a leniency deal was material because the witness's testimony was "central to the prosecution's case" and "the deal would have provided powerful and unique impeachment evidence demonstrating that [the witness] had an interest in fabricating his testimony").
There was no cumulative error under Napue and Brady because there was no individual constitutional error. See Thompson, 86 F.3d at 1521. For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found the alleged Napue and Brady errors not sufficient to "undermine confidence in the outcome" of the trial. See Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682, 105 S.Ct. 3375.
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have found petitioner failed to demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct under Brady and Napue.
Accordingly, the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, or an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XIII is denied.
Petitioner alleges prosecutorial misconduct by failing to collect and preserve and/or making unavailable and destroying material potentially exculpatory evidence, denying his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 769-825.)
The clearly established law for prosecutorial misconduct is set out in claim XIII, ante.
The failure of a state to preserve evidence "of which no more can be said than it could have been subjected to tests, the results of which might have exonerated the defendant," is not a denial of due process of the law "unless a criminal defendant can show bad faith on the part of the police." Youngblood, 488 U.S. at 57, 109 S.Ct. 333; Mitchell, 878 F.2d at 321.
Where the government fails to preserve evidence that is only potentially exculpatory, the right to due process is violated only if [the evidence] possesses "an exculpatory value that was apparent before the evidence was destroyed, and [is] of such a nature that the defendant would be unable to obtain comparable evidence by other reasonably available means." Trombetta, 467 U.S. at 489, 104 S.Ct. 2528. The defendant in Youngblood failed to establish
Petitioner alleges that the prosecution, in knowing bad faith failed to collect and preserve and/or destroyed material physical and biologic exculpating evidence.
The California Supreme Court summarily denied these allegations on the merits and denied certain allegations as procedurally barred, on habeas review. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges the state failed to collect and preserve material physical evidence at the crime scene and elsewhere.
Petitioner argues that by virtue of the law enforcement's bad faith failure to conduct a reasonable crime scene examination, no fingerprints from anyone were found at the crime scene notwithstanding the two victims and five witnesses known to have been in the home during the period from the murders until the police examination of the crime scene. (Doc. No. 116 at 121:1-24; RT 4214-33.) He suggests that such fingerprint evidence would have been exculpatory.
Petitioner argues the police failed to collect and examine two disconnected telephones with blood on them (RT 4321, 4330-31) found placed together in the living room. (RT 4320-21; SSHCP, Ex. 9 at 322.) He surmises bad faith was involved because i) RC was known to have a fascination with telephones (RT 4320-22) and ii) detective Stokes believed more than one perpetrator was likely involved in the crimes. (RT 4628-29.) He cites Miller v. Vasquez and argues this alleged bad faith failure to collect and preserve potentially exculpatory evidence violated his due process rights. 868 F.2d 1116, 1120-21 (9th Cir. 1989) (Youngblood applies where the state in bad faith fails to collect potentially exculpatory evidence); (see also Doc. No. 51-1-at 233:9-12).
However, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected these allegations. The record reflects police "I" Bureau officers dusted the crime scene including all areas likely to yield usable latent prints; they simply did not find any usable prints to collect. (RT 4211-33; see also Doc. No. 125 at 149:15-17.) The venetian blinds and window coverings at the crime scene were checked and found not to be missing any cord. (RT 4326-28.) Petitioner has not shown the existence of potentially useful fingerprints or other physical evidence that law enforcement failed to recover from the crime scene in bad faith. See e.g., United States v. Burdeau, 168 F.3d 352, 356-57 (9th Cir. 1999) (there are many reasons not to find usable prints).
The state supreme court reasonably could have found these allegations to be only speculative.
Petitioner argues that by virtue of the law enforcement's bad faith failure to examine the Fresno hotel room rented by RC shortly after the murders (RT 4420-34), potentially exculpatory evidence was lost including possible forensic evidence linking Buchanan to the crimes. (Doc. No. 116 at 123:6-124:15.) He points out that even though RC left his belongings including an empty prescription drug vial belonging
But the state supreme court could have determined the police investigation of the room was reasonable. Petitioner infers from the prescription drug vial and the fact Buchanan had access to a car that Buchanan was in the room with RC. Yet the weight of the evidentiary record seems not to support such an inference. The desk clerk at the Easy 8 Motel, Mr. Yeon, testified at trial that RC registered alone; Yeon makes no mention of anyone accompanying RC while at the Motel. (RT 4420-34.) Yeon testified he was interviewed by detective Stokes shortly after RC departed the Motel and that the police collected RC's registration card, entered his room and collected RC's remaining belongings. (Id.) Detective Stokes's testimony on these events tracked Yeon's; Stokes also testified that at the time, police were unfamiliar with Buchanan. (RT 4540-42.)
Additionally, petitioner's allegation that Buchanan was RC's accomplice in the crimes fails for the reasons discussed in claim II(B).
Accordingly, petitioner has not pointed to facts in the record reasonably suggesting potentially exculpatory evidence at the Easy 8 Motel that was not recovered by law enforcement in bad faith.
Petitioner argues that law enforcement's bad faith failure to examine the Harvard Avenue apartment RC shared with petitioner and others until three months after the murders resulted in the loss of potentially exculpatory evidence. (Doc. No. 116 at 128:6-131:5.) He argues that although law enforcement almost immediately suspected RC and one or more accomplices in the murders, (RT 4628), no warrant was sought to search the apartment for crime scene property or evidence linked to the crimes, such as the bloody knife and the ligature found at the crime scene.
However, petitioner has not demonstrated on the evidentiary record that any such potentially exculpating property or evidence existed and was lost. He argues law enforcement may have allowed the venetian blind recovered by detective Stokes, from which only petitioner's fingerprint was lifted, to be contaminated. (See claims II(F), II(S).) He suggests this was because of detective Stokes's requested that landlord, Ms. Hays, handle the blind. (Id.) These same allegations were discussed above in claims II(F), II(S) and fail for the reasons stated therein. Notably, petitioner's own expert was unable to identify on the venetian blind any additional usable latent prints suitable for comparison. (Id.; see also Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 786.)
Petitioner argues law enforcement similarly delayed several months investigating the ligature cord used in the murder of Freiri; that it was not until three months after the murders that Stokes returned to the then vacated and cleaned apartment to try and match the cord to a venetian blind. (RT 4514-30.) Petitioner argues that the venetian blind recovered by Stokes from Hays had no cord remaining and had been handled and possibly altered by Hays. (See Id.) Petitioner argues that Stokes, without foundation, took and had analyzed cord samples from the other three blinds remaining in the apartment even though those blinds were not missing any cord.
However, as noted in claims II(F) and II(S), the jury was informed that the crime scene ligature was not a match for the samples taken by detective Stokes. For the reasons stated in claims II(F), II(S), the
Petitioner revisits allegation in claims II(B), II(C), II(D) above, here couched as claimed prosecutorial error. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 807-813.) He complains of the prosecution's bad faith failure to collect and preserve crime scene biologic evidence. (Doc. No. 116 at 134:22-145:20.) Specifically, he argues fingernail scrapings, saliva, debris from a wound on Mr. Freiri's head, blood evidence and hair found at the crime scene were not properly preserved for analysis and that some of this evidence was lost at the state crime lab for up to 5 months. He notes in support that state criminologist Cortner testified at trial that most of blood evidence could not be analyzed. (RT 4567-69.)
However, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected these allegations. As discussed in claims II(B), II(C), II(D), the biologic evidence recovered and analyzed by law enforcement was not inculpating of petitioner. This allowed Schultz to argue at trial the primary defense that RC was the sole perpetrator. (RT 4985-87.) Fingernail scrapings tested positive for the presence of blood, but that the samples were insufficient for further analysis, i.e., petitioner was not a match. A hair found on the hand of victim Freiri was not a match for petitioner; defense forensic expert Barnett's pre-trial analysis confirmed as much. Of the seven blood swabs taken, three tested positive for blood, but only two could be typed and those excluded petitioner as a possible source. Petitioner has not demonstrated that the blood swabs which returned inconclusive results and the unanalyzed wound debris recovered from the scalp of victim Freiri, were testable when collected.
Additionally, the state supreme court could reasonably have found any failure to preserve potentially useful biologic evidence resulted from mere negligence and as such not a violation of petitioner's constitutional rights. See e.g., Youngblood, 488 U.S. at 58, 109 S.Ct. 333 ("The failure of the police to refrigerate the clothing and to perform tests on the semen samples can at worst be described as negligent."). Petitioner has not pointed to facts in the state record suggesting Stokes or the prosecution intentionally failed to recover and preserve potentially exculpating evidence or otherwise acted in bad faith in these regards. See Trombetta, 467 U.S. at 489, 104 S.Ct. 2528.
It follows that the state supreme court reasonably could have found speculative petitioner's allegations that detective Stokes and state crime lab employees intentionally and in bad faith failed to refrigerate and preserve potentially exculpatory biologic evidence. See Youngblood, 488 U.S. at 53-58, 109 S.Ct. 333. Absent any constitutional error as to the individual pieces of biologic evidence, there is no cumulative error. Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434, 115 S.Ct. 1555.
Petitioner alleges that the prosecution and/or the state or federal government deported material witness, Ruben Flores, in order to make him unavailable at petitioner's
The California Supreme Court, on habeas review summarily denied these allegations on the merits and denied certain allegations as procedurally barred. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges that the state through its subdivision, the prosecution, orchestrated Flores's deportation by transferring him to Immigration and Naturalization Service ("INS") custody in order to make him unavailable at petitioner's trial. (Doc. No. 128 at 113:4-9.) Petitioner cites People v. Valencia and argues that this state action violated due process because he was denied a fair trial. 218 Cal.App.3d 808, 826-27, 267 Cal.Rptr. 257 (Cal. Ct. App. 1990) (defendant made sufficient showing anticipated testimony of deported witness was arguably material and favorable to the defense).
Petitioner argues that Flores, who was the roommate of testifying witness Miguel Sandoval, was a material and favorable witness for the defense and possibly a suspect in the murders. It appears Flores was a drug dealer from whom RC may have purchased drug in the months leading up to the murders (Doc. No. 105 at 69:22-23), and that Flores may have been with RC on the morning of the murders. (Id.; see also SSHCP, Ex. 11 at 347.) Additionally, it was from Flores that RC allegedly stole the car he used to flee Fresno for San Jose shortly after the murders and to whom RC allegedly stated that "he had just killed a woman and [] needed the car to get away from Fresno." (RT 4801.)
Based thereon, petitioner argues that Flores had "material information regarding RC's drug use, drug addiction, drug purchases [including Flores' alleged statement to RC in the months before the murders that Flores could sell large quantities of drugs], behavior in the months prior to the crimes, and flight from the crimes." (Doc. No. 116 at 232:1-3.) Petitioner argues that Flores was a possible suspect in the murders because Flores falsely denied knowing RC when questioned by the police; it was from Flores that RC allegedly stole [witness Sandoval's] car; and Flores denied recollection of his activities around the time of the murders. (Doc. No. 116 at 232:5-14; Doc. No. 105 at 69:22-23.)
The record reflects that Flores was arrested in Fresno on December 27, 1988, shortly after the murders, on two felony drug counts and placed in jail to await trial. See Fresno County Case No. 025824-4. Detective Stokes interviewed him in jail in this case. (See RT 4584-87.) Flores was convicted on the drug counts and sent to prison where he remained until April 1990 when he was paroled, transferred to INS custody and deported prior to petitioner's trial. (See Doc. 51-1 ¶ 823; Doc. No. 105 at 69:22-23.)
The state supreme court could reasonably have found that the prosecution in petitioner's matter was uninvolved in the decision to deport Flores. The power to deport lies with the federal government. See United States v. Valenzuela-Bernal, 458 U.S. 858, 876, 102 S.Ct. 3440, 73 L.Ed.2d 1193 (1982), citing Article I, § 8, cl. 4, (Congress shall have the power "To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization"); Mathews v. Diaz, 426 U.S. 67, 81, 96 S.Ct. 1883, 48 L.Ed.2d 478 (1976) ("The responsibility for regulating the relationship
Here, petitioner has not demonstrated that the INS was aware of petitioner's case or Flores's alleged involvement in it, distinguishing this case from Valenzuela-Bernal. See 458 U.S. at 864, 102 S.Ct. 3440 ("When the government doesn't know what a witness will say, it doesn't act in bad faith by deporting him."); see also United States v. Leal-Del Carmen, 697 F.3d 964, 970 (9th Cir. 2012), citing United States v. Dring, 930 F.2d 687, 694 (9th Cir. 1991) (same).
Furthermore, in order to show denial of due process by deportation of an alien witness, a defendant must make a plausible explanation how such testimony would have assisted his defense. Valenzuela-Bernal, 458 U.S. at 873, 102 S.Ct. 3440. In this case, the state supreme court reasonably could have found that petitioner did not demonstrate Flores was a material and non-cumulative defense witness in this case. RC's drug use and behavior around the time of the murders was otherwise reflected in the trial record. Flores apparently had a learning disability that limited his complete recollection of what RC said to him at the time of the car theft. (RT 4586.) Petitioner concedes that Sandoval was called by the defense and testified to the alleged car theft and statements made by RC as related to him by Flores shortly after the car theft. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 823.)
The Sixth Amendment does not guarantee criminal defendants the right to compel the attendance of any and all witnesses. Rules 17(b) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure requires the Government to subpoena witnesses on behalf of indigent defendants, but only "upon a satisfactory showing ... that the presence of the witness is necessary to an adequate defense." Valenzuela-Bernal, 458 U.S. at 867, 102 S.Ct. 3440.
Here, Flores's anticipated testimony could reasonably have been seen by the state supreme court as cumulative of Sandoval's trial testimony regarding events and statements related by Flores to Sandoval. That the defense team apparently chose not to interview Flores prior to his deportation could reasonably suggest as much. Deportation of a witness is not sufficient to establish a violation of the Compulsory Process Clause of the Sixth Amendment or the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment absent some showing that evidence lost would be both material and favorable to the defense, in ways not merely cumulative to the testimony of available witnesses. Valenzuela-Bernal, 458 U.S. at 872-873, 102 S.Ct. 3440; cf., Leal-Del Carmen, 697 F.3d at 969 ("The government undermined [defendant's] opportunity to present a complete defense by deporting a witness it knew could give exculpatory evidence."). Petitioner appears not to have made such a showing.
Additionally, petitioner's speculation that Flores was an alternative suspect in the murders is not alone a basis to find him a material and favorable witness. (See claims II(B), II(C).) Petitioner does not appear to point to any direct evidence linking Flores to the crimes. The state supreme court could reasonably have rejected any suggestion that merely because Flores was an alleged source of drugs for RC, an alleged drug addict, and may have been seen with RC around the time of the murders, Flores was involved in the murders themselves.
For the same reasons, petitioner has not shown prejudice from the deportation of Flores. "As in other cases concerning the loss of material evidence, sanctions will be warranted for deportation of alien
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish prosecutorial misconduct by failure to collect and preserve and/or making unavailable and destroying material potentially exculpatory evidence including as to the deportation of Flores.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claims XIV and XV are denied.
Petitioner alleges that the prosecution requested and argued an improperly modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction, dispensing with the required actus reus and concurrence of act and intent, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 826-833, 839-849.)
The clearly established law for instructional error is set out in claim XII, ante.
The clearly established law for prosecutorial misconduct is set out in claim XIII, ante.
Petitioner argues that the prosecutor's modified version of CALJIC 8.80 improperly omitted a component for "actus reus" in aid of the commission of first degree felony murder with special circumstances, and omitted concurrence of actus reus and intent to kill as to each of the murders.
The California Supreme Court summarily denied these allegations on the merits and denied the allegations as procedurally barred, on habeas review. (Lod. Doc. No. 10.)
Furthermore, as stated in claim XII, that court rejected on direct appeal petitioner's underlying allegation that the modified instruction was an incorrect statement of California law. The state supreme court rejected on direct appeal petitioner's argument that under then applicable Penal Code § 190.2(b), the prosecution was required to prove not only that he aided or abetted the burglaries and robberies, but also that he "assisted in the killings themselves." Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900-03, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
That court reasoned that petitioner was guilty of first degree murder as an aider or abettor of felony murder robbery and felony murder burglary; and that his reliance upon Anderson was misplaced because the Anderson court did not consider the issue of whether the "actus reus of a special circumstance requires that a defendant aid or abet the actual killing, not just the underlying felony." See 43 Cal.3d at 1141-45, 240 Cal.Rptr. 585, 742 P.2d 1306.
Petitioner revisits allegations underlying claim XII, that the trial court committed error by giving the modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction. Here, he argues that the prosecutor committed misconduct by requesting and arguing the modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction. Petitioner again argues that the modified CALJIC 8.80 given by the trial court as set out in claim XII, cannot be harmonized with then applicable Penal Code section 190.2(b) under which Petitioner was charged and convicted, and that the prosecutor requested the errant instruction because he lacked proof of the charged special circumstances. Specifically, petitioner argues that the charged special circumstances required "some act by petitioner in aid of the killing(s) to which the special circumstance related." (Doc. No. 116 at 259:22-260:2, citing Sanders, 51 Cal.3d at 517, 273 Cal.Rptr. 537, 797 P.2d 561.)
However, for the reasons stated in the discussion of claim XII, ante, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined the modified CALJIC 8.80 given at trial was a correct statement of then prevailing California law and in any event not a basis for federal relief. See Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71, 112 S.Ct. 475 (any error in the state court's determination of whether state law supported an instruction in this case cannot form the basis for federal habeas relief). Petitioner's re-argument that the charged special circumstances required "some act by petitioner in aid of the killing(s) to which the special circumstance related" (Doc. No. 116 at 259:23-24) remains unsupported by then prevailing state law. (See claim XII.) That being the case, the jury could reasonably have found true the five special circumstances based on the noted prosecution theory that petitioner aided and abetted felony murder robbery and burglary and that according to Buchanan's testimony petitioner formed a spontaneous unspoken intent to kill following his discovery of victim Freiri.
Petitioner alleges the prosecutor improperly argued that a concurrence of act (actus reus) and intent was not required for the Caton and Freiri murders. (Doc. No. 116 at 266:23-27, citing CT 395, CALJIC 3.31; see also CT 426, CALJIC 8.81.3.) He contends the prosecutor Hahus improperly argued that the multiple murder special circumstance did not require a pre-existing intent to kill both victims, as follows:
(RT 4979-80.)
(Id.)
The California Supreme Court rejected allegations that petitioner did not intend to kill the victims, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner argues he was denied a fair trial because there was no evidence of his concurring intent to kill and an act in aid of the actual killing of Freiri and Caton; the case against him was generally weak; and the prosecutor's noted argument was improper. See Donnelly, 416 U.S. at 643, 94 S.Ct. 1868 (conviction violates due process where prosecutor's improper remark infected the trial with unfairness); see also Hein v. Sullivan, 601 F.3d 897, 912 (9th Cir. 2010) (same).
However, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting petitioner's allegation of an absence of concurring act and intent in the murders of Caton and Freiri. For the reasons it stated, that court could reasonably have discounted prosecutor Hahus's statements that "[w]e don't know if, when they went in there, they went in there to kill", that "[t]here's no evidence of that at all." (See RT 4975; cf. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 904, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921) ("While the prosecution did not rely upon it, there was ample evidence defendant formed the intent to kill Mr. Freiri before he discovered his body.")
Especially so in that petitioner fails to demonstrate on the record that victim Freiri was dead at the time of petitioner's unspoken thought "[i]f you kill one you might as well kill the other." (RT 4980.) The state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding, as Hahus suggested during the motion for new trial, that petitioner upon discovering Freiri approached him and strangled him with the cord, acting on his unexpressed intent to kill. (See e.g., CT 602:6-12.)
Moreover, the jurors received instructions on concurrence of act and intent. The jurors were instructed that in order to find the multiple murder special circumstance true, they must find "petitioner harbored a specific intent to kill for each victim; that each charged special circumstance required there existed in petitioner's mind a "union or joint operation of act or conduct and a certain specific intent"; that "[u]nless such specific intent exists, the crime to which it relates is not committed." (CT 424-425; CALJIC Nos. 3.31, 8.80 8.81.17, 8.83.1; RT 5010-11, 5021-25.) The jurors were instructed that they must follow the law given to them by the court (RT 5007),
Even if there was such prosecutorial misconduct, the state supreme court could reasonably have found petitioner did not suffer prejudice. The record could reasonably suggest petitioner intended to kill each victim before that victim died. Given the court's noted instructions, any errant argument by Hahus did not deny petitioner a fair trial. A fair-minded jurist could conclude that petitioner has not demonstrated substantial and injurious effect on the verdict. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710; see also Boyde, 494 U.S. at 384-85, 110 S.Ct. 1190 (arguments of counsel, like the instructions of the court, must be judged in the context in which they are made; errant argument is less likely to render a trial unfair than errant instructions); Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234, 120 S.Ct. 727 (jurors are presumed to follow the court's instructions notwithstanding errant argument by counsel).
For the reasons stated above and in claim XII, the modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction was not incorrect under then controlling state law. The state supreme court's rejection of petitioner's Anderson allegation did not expand the reach of then effective Penal Code section 190.2(b) as applied to petitioner. Furthermore, the jury was properly instructed on, and the trial record supported concurrence of act and intent. Absent any state error, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in finding no constitutional error, i.e., error that "so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violate[d] due process." Cupp, 414 U.S. at 147, 94 S.Ct. 396.
Accordingly, a fair-minded jurist could reasonably have found that had the prosecutor requested and argued the noted standard CALJIC 8.80 instruction (see claim XII), there would not have been a reasonable probability the jury's special circumstances verdict would have been different. See e.g., Clark, 450 F.3d at 916 (habeas relief may be granted only if the instructional error "had a substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict.").
For the same reasons, petitioner's allegation of cumulative error arising from the prosecutor's requesting and arguing the modified CALJIC 8.80 instruction fails as there is no individual error. Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434, 115 S.Ct. 1555. At bottom, petitioner has not demonstrated any error that "so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violate[d] due process." Cupp, 414 U.S. at 147, 94 S.Ct. 396.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish prosecutorial misconduct by requesting and arguing the modified CALJIC 8.80 so as to omit both "actus reus" in aid of the commission of first degree felony murder with special circumstances, and concurrence of actus reus and intent to kill as to each of the murders of Freiri and Caton.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of these claims was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the
Claims XVI, XVIII and XIX are denied.
Petitioner alleges that the prosecutor, in his closing arguments improperly vouched for the veracity of prosecution witness Buchanan, violating petitioner's rights under Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 834-838.)
The clearly established law for prosecutorial misconduct is set out in claim XIII, ante. Thereunder, the standard of review for claims of prosecutorial misconduct is a "narrow one of due process"; the federal habeas court must determine whether the alleged instances of misconduct "so infected the trial with unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process." Donnelly, 416 U.S. at 643, 94 S.Ct. 1868.
"Improper vouching typically occurs in two situations: (1) the prosecutor places the prestige of the government behind a witness by expressing his or her personal belief in the veracity of the witness, or (2) the prosecutor indicates that information not presented to the jury supports the witness's testimony." Hermanek, 289 F.3d 1076, 1098 (9th Cir. 2002); see also McKoy, 771 F.2d at 1210-11 ("The rule that a prosecutor may not express his personal opinion of the defendant's guilt or his belief in the credibility of witnesses is firmly established.").
Petitioner alleges prosecutor Hahus vouched for Buchanan during the prosecution closing argument, as follows:
(RT 4971.)
The California Supreme Court considered and summarily rejected these allegations on the merits, on habeas review. (Lod. Doc. No. 10.)
That same court considered and rejected the same allegations on direct appeal, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 913-14, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
Petitioner argues that Hahus stated his personal opinion regarding Buchanan's truthfulness. But petitioner does not demonstrate Hahus's comments lacked a basis in the record. In this regard, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in finding that Hahus's noted comments could have been based on and directed to evidence that was then before the jury. For example, the jury was aware that Buchanan knew of Penal Code section 128 and that it was a crime to testify falsely in this capital case and that the penalty for doing so included death. (RT 4764-65; see also claims II(K) and VIII.)
Notably the state supreme court, on direct appeal appears not to have determined whether Hahus's statements were improper vouching. See Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 913-14, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921; (see also Doc. No. 125 at 163 n.54). Nonetheless, the allegation was summarily denied as a habeas claim and thus adjudicated. (Lod. Doc. No. 10.)
Even if Hahus did vouch for Buchanan, the state supreme court reasonably could have found the error did not have a "substantial and injurious" effect on the jury's verdict. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 620, 113 S.Ct. 1710. Schultz successfully objected to Hahus's comments; Hahus moved to strike; and the trial court issued an admonition that the jury ignore Hahus's comment. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 837; RT 4971.)
Petitioner nonetheless contends the trial court admonition was insufficient. He argues prejudice is implicit from the record because at the end of the day, the jury believed Buchanan's (vouched for) testimony of petitioner's unexpressed thought that "if you kill one you might as well kill them both" (RT 4689); petitioner's removal of cord from a venetian blind (RT 4665-66); petitioner's use of a knife to cut the cord that was similar to a knife found at the crime scene (RT 4707); and petitioner's planning the crimes with RC (RT 4689).
But a fair-minded jurist could have found petitioner's argument for implicit prejudice to be mere surmise. Here again,
Petitioner otherwise has not demonstrated on the record that by virtue of Hahus's noted comment, he was denied a fair trial. See Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682, 105 S.Ct. 3375 (the prosecutorial misconduct must be "of sufficient significance to result in the denial of the defendant's right to a fair trial."). The jurors had before them noted substantive evidence regarding Buchanan's credibility. The jury instructions informed jurors how credibility determinations were to be made in relation to such evidence.
A fair-minded jurist could have concluded that Hahus's statement amounted to nothing more than ordinary error. See Agurs, 427 U.S. at 108, 96 S.Ct. 2392 (ordinary trial errors by a prosecutor do not suffice to show a due process violation; the misconduct must be significant enough to deny the defendant a fair trial).
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XVII is denied.
The applicable legal standard for ineffectiveness of post-conviction counsel is the Strickland standard set out in claim II, ante. See Smith v. Robbins, 528 U.S. 259, 285, 120 S.Ct. 746, 145 L.Ed.2d 756 (2000) (Strickland provides the proper standard for evaluating a claim that appellate counsel was ineffective); see also Miller v. Keeney, 882 F.2d 1428, 1433-34 (9th Cir. 1989) (same); Hurles v. Ryan, 752 F.3d 768, 785 (9th Cir. 2014) (same).
Petitioner alleges that post-trial counsel, Ms. Hart, who replaced Schultz after petitioner's sentencing was herself ineffective by failing to adequately investigate and present evidence at the motion for new trial, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 871-884.)
The California Supreme Court summarily denied these allegations on the merits and on procedural grounds, on habeas review. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges that Hart failed to adequately investigate guilt phase defenses and thereupon "present necessary evidence at the hearing on the motion for new trial" (Doc. No. 116 at 400:6-7), including new trial theories (id. at 400-06).
The record reflects that Hart raised eight claims in the motion for new trial (CT 525-91) including alleged insufficiency of the evidence relating both to credibility of Goldman and Buchanan and alleged third party culpability. (CT 532-565.)
As a preliminary matter, respondent contends there is no clearly established
However, the right to counsel provided under the Sixth Amendment adheres at all critical stages of a criminal proceeding. Marshall v. Rodgers, 569 U.S. 58, 133 S.Ct. 1446, 1449, 185 L.Ed.2d 540 (2013), quoting Iowa v. Tovar, 541 U.S. 77, 80-81, 124 S.Ct. 1379, 158 L.Ed.2d 209 (2004). The Ninth Circuit has held that in California, a motion for new trial is a critical stage of prosecution. See Menefield v. Borg, 881 F.2d 696, 699 (9th Cir. 1989); see also Robinson v. Ignacio, 360 F.3d 1044, 1057 (9th Cir. 2004).
Respondent's cited case law is not authority otherwise. Cf., Rothgery v. Gillespie County, Texas, 554 U.S. 191, 213, 128 S.Ct. 2578, 171 L.Ed.2d 366 (2008) ("Our holding is narrow ... reaffirm[ing] that [arraignment] trigger[s] attachment of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel."); Coleman, 501 U.S. at 756-57, 111 S.Ct. 2546 (no right to counsel to pursue appeal in state habeas).
Additionally, the court does not reach respondent's argument that these allegations are unexhausted because the allegations lack merit for the reasons that follow.
Petitioner alleges that Hart inadequately developed and presented i) Schultz's failure to challenge the prosecution theory including the timeline of the murders; ii) whether RC had an accomplice; and iii) an alternative accomplice defense. (See Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 877.) Petitioner argues that Hart merely relied upon the information contained in Schultz's defense file. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 876.)
However, petitioner concedes that Hart discovered and presented previously undisclosed evidence impeaching witness Buchanan and that Hart retained an investigator to look into possible jury misconduct. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 874.) The record reflects that Hart argued on the motion for new trial specifically how and why the testimony of Goldman and Buchanan should be seen as inconsistent and not credible. (See claims II (B), II(C), II(E), II(K), II(L), II(P), VIII, XIII, XXI; see also RT 5189-5454, 5507-5528, 5549-69; CT 531-576.) Furthermore, the record suggests that Hart did investigate possible third party accomplices. (See claims II(B), II(C), II(E), II(K), II(L), II(P), VIII, XIII, XXI.)
Petitioner argues at some length that Hart failed to develop Schultz's alleged failure to pursue accomplice theory against deported witness Flores. Especially so, petitioner contends in that Hart represented Flores in his separate felony drug proceeding (Fresno County Case No. 025824-4) wherein Flores was convicted, served part of his sentence and was then deported.
However, petitioner does not explain how and why Hart's noted representation of Flores in the criminal matter reasonably suggests Hart was deficient on petitioner's motion for new trial. Shortly after the murders, Flores was arrested on felony drug charges, convicted, imprisoned, paroled and deported. The state supreme court could reasonably have found that petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that Hart was objectively unreasonable by failing to link Flores to the crimes charged against petitioner. (See claims II(C), XV.)
For the reasons stated, the state supreme court would not have been unreasonable in concluding that Hart reasonably investigated the motion for new trial and was tactically motivated in her presentation of evidence regarding prosecution theory and third party accomplice defenses. See e.g., Robbins, 528 U.S. at 288, 120 S.Ct. 746 (counsel free to reasonably focus on what she believed to be the strongest claims).
Petitioner alleges Hart failed to develop and present evidence of two 1989 tape recorded interviews of Goldman by a defense investigator. He alleges these tapes contain the following information impeaching Goldman: her "vocal tone, inflections, demeanor, candor, clarity, and sincerity" (Doc. No. 116 at 403:12-13); her statements that RC and petitioner did not return to the apartment together on the purported night of the crimes (Doc. No. 116 at 401:10-21); and her statement that petitioner left the apartment the next day (id.).
However, the trial record shows that Schultz, at the preliminary hearing, considered and confronted Goldman with the noted 1989 tape recorded statements and gave her the opportunity to explain. (RT 4384-87.) Goldman's taped statement that RC returned to the apartment alone on the night of the crimes could reasonably be seen as equivocal given that RC apparently made two trips from the apartment on the evening of the crimes (see RT 4385); Goldman later testified that she did not remember telling the investigator who recorded the interview that "[RC] and [petitioner] did not come back to the house together after they had left" (RT 4388); and Goldman later testified that she saw RC and petitioner return to the apartment together "later on when they came back into the house and [RC] got — or started packing his clothes" (RT 4393). The state supreme court reasonably could have viewed Goldman's taped statement as suggesting that after the crimes RC left the apartment alone and not (as petitioner asserts) that after the crimes RC arrived back at the apartment without petitioner.
Moreover, Goldman's taped statement that petitioner left the apartment the day after the crime could reasonably be seen as inculpating (consciousness of guilt) and as cumulative of the other noted evidence impeaching Goldman — such that there reasonably could have been a tactical motivation in not presenting the statement. Additionally, the inconsistencies between Goldman's preliminary hearing transcript and her statements to Stokes and any impeachment value therefrom were already in the record, as was witness testimony that Goldman had a reputation for lying. (RT 4592-96, 4783-84, 4789-91.)
Hart could reasonably have determined not to present additional material from the tapes. Especially so as Hart appears not to have included a declaration explaining the reasons for her actions — giving rise to a presumption she acted strategically and not deficiently.
Finally, petitioner's speculation that demeanor evidence in the tape recording should have been presented to the jury (by playing the tapes), is unpersuasive. Any such evidence of vocal inflection and delivery, reflecting on Goldman's mental state, could have suggested to the jury a basis to discount her allegedly favorable recorded statements. For example, if she sounded altered by drugs. Furthermore, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined any such demeanor evidence from the tape recordings would have added little to Goldman's noted preliminary hearing testimony.
In sum, petitioner does not point to taped content, contained in the state record, favorable to petitioner and non-cumulative, which Schultz and Hart failed to present in state court.
For the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found any decision by counsel not to further pursue the taped defense interviews of Goldman by investigator Martin to be tactical absent any declaration or statement from counsel otherwise. Hart, for her part could reasonably have focused on what she believed to be the strongest claims. Robbins, 528 U.S. at 288, 120 S.Ct. 746.
Petitioner alleges that Hart was deficient by not developing and arguing the contents of a June 1989 report detailing defense investigator surveillance of Goldman. (Doc. No. 116 at 404:5-407:27.)
Defense counsel Schultz apparently had a defense investigator live with Goldman at her "flop house residence" for two weeks. (Id.) Petitioner argues the report shows Goldman's significant substance abuse; fondness for Buchanan; lying and pimping — all of which serves to impeach her credibility and according to petitioner should have been presented in state court by Schultz and Hart. (Id.)
Nonetheless, the state supreme court would have been reasonable in concluding that petitioner has not demonstrated on the record why and how the information in the report was non-cumulative and material. The jury presumably was aware of such matters from the noted evidence. (See e.g., RT 4382-93, 4590-99, 4676-82, 4704-05, 4716-17, 4737-42, 4757, 4777-85, 4809-25, 4849-57.) Schultz for his part received daily reports of the surveillance from the investigator. (Doc. No. 116 at 404:11-13.) Schultz's decision not to present seemingly cumulative evidence at trial and Hart's decision not to develop it on motion for new trial could reasonably be seen as tactical. Schultz seems not to have provided a declaration otherwise.
The state supreme court could reasonably have rejected this allegation.
Finally, petitioner alleges Hart was ineffective by failing to develop and present evidence that in consideration of his testimony against petitioner, the prosecution declined to investigate and charge Buchanan for his numerous criminal admissions under oath at petitioner's trial. (Doc. No.
But the state supreme court reasonably could have found unpersuasive these allegations of an implicit "no prosecution" agreement between Buchanan and Hahus for the same reasons discussed in claim XIII. Petitioner has not made an evidentiary showing that there was an agreement not to prosecute, or that Buchanan believed there was one, at the time Buchanan testified at petitioner's trial. The trial record reflects Buchanan testified prior to his drug related admissions (RT 4741-56) that "[he] was not told [by Hahus that he] would not be prosecuted." (RT 4741.) Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that was before the state supreme court that Buchanan's waiver of his right against self-incrimination was constitutionally infirm.
Even if there was such a "no prosecution" deal, the state supreme court could reasonably have determined any failure by Hart to develop and present it was not prejudicial. The jury was otherwise aware of Buchanan's drug related activities and presumable considered such in evaluating his credibility and testimony. Additionally, petitioner has not demonstrated that Buchanan's drug related admissions were inculpating of petitioner. Rather these admissions tend to negatively impact Buchanan's credibility cumulatively of other noted evidence in the record.
Significantly, petitioner does not identify facts in the record that Hart allegedly failed to develop relative to his alleged implicit deal with the prosecution. A fair-minded jurist could have found petitioner has not demonstrated an implicit "no prosecution" deal with the prosecution existed, or if it did that he could show prejudice, i.e., facts in the record which Hart could and should have proffered on the new trial motion suggesting a reasonable probability of a different outcome.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish post-conviction counsel Hart was ineffective by failing to adequately investigate and present evidence on motion for new trial.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XXII is denied.
Petitioner alleges that his appointed appellate counsel, Mr. Haworth, was ineffective by failing to adequately present claims on direct appeal, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 885-891.)
Petitioner raised this same claim in his second petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California Supreme Court, which that court summarily denied on the merits and on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges that appellate counsel, Mr. Haworth, who was appointed by the California Supreme Court on May 22, 1996, see People v. Dickey (Colin R.), Case
This claim fails to the extent each claim now before the court, having been adjudicated in state court, is denied on the merits under the § 2254(d) standard for reasons stated, ante and post.
Petitioner has not otherwise demonstrated that Haworth was deficient on direct appeal. The record reflects that Haworth filed a 340 page opening brief on August 31, 2001 raising 35 claims. (See Appellant's Opening Brief lodged Aug. 31, 2001 in People v. Dickey (Colin R.), Case No. S025519.) He also filed a 93 page reply brief (see Appellant's Reply Brief lodged October 16, 2002 in Dickey, Case No. S025519), and a 47 page petition for rehearing (see Appellant's Petition for Rehearing lodged June 10, 2005 in Dickey, Case No. S025519).
On May 23, 2005, the California Supreme Court denied the appeal in lengthy merits opinion. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th 884, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921. Therein the state supreme court noted Haworth's failure to file certain claims in habeas rather than on appeal, id. at 926, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921, and his raising claims on appeal that had consistently been rejected by that court, id. at 931, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
In any event, claim XXIII fails to the extent each claim now before this court, having been adjudicated in state court, is denied on the merits under the § 2254(d) standard for reasons stated. It follows that petitioner has not demonstrated prejudice under the Strickland standard as to such claims.
Additionally, petitioner has not demonstrated Haworth was prejudicially deficient as to any claims and allegations not raised on direct appeal. It is settled that appellate counsel has no constitutional obligation to raise every non-frivolous issue, even if requested by the appellant. Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 751, 103 S.Ct. 3308, 77 L.Ed.2d 987 (1983) (holding that an attorney need not advance every colorable argument on appeal); see also Mirzayance, 556 U.S. at 127, 129 S.Ct. 1411 ("Counsel also is not required to have a tactical reason — above and beyond a reasonable appraisal of a claim's dismal prospects for success — for recommending that a weak claim be dropped altogether.").
Petitioner has not demonstrated on the record that Haworth was deficient in claim selection. The habeas declaration of Haworth stops short of explaining his reasons for raising and not raising claims on appeal (see SHCP, Ex. C ¶¶ 1-3), other than to state that Schultz's trial file did not contain work product in support of certain claims. The Supreme Court has recognized that "since time beyond memory" experienced advocates "have emphasized the importance of winnowing out weaker arguments on appeal and focusing on one central issue if possible, or at most on a few key issues." Barnes, 463 U.S. at 751-52, 103 S.Ct. 3308; cf. Banks v. Reynolds, 54 F.3d 1508, 1515 (10th Cir. 1995) (failure to raise a "dead-bang winner" — an issue obvious from the record which would have resulted in reversal — is ineffective).
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish that appointed appellate counsel Haworth was ineffective by failing to adequately present claims on direct appeal.
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XXIII is denied.
A federal habeas court reviews challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence by determining whether in "viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt." Lewis v. Jeffers, 497 U.S. 764, 781, 110 S.Ct. 3092, 111 L.Ed.2d 606 (1990). "A reviewing court must consider all of the evidence admitted by the trial court, regardless whether that evidence was admitted erroneously." McDaniel v. Brown, 558 U.S. 120, 131, 130 S.Ct. 665, 175 L.Ed.2d 582 (2010) (same).
Sufficiency of the evidence claims raised in § 2254 proceedings must be measured with reference to substantive requirements as defined by state law. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 324 n.16, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). Evidence is sufficient under the due process clause where "after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt." Jackson, 443 U.S. at 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781; see also Payne v. Borg, 982 F.2d 335, 338 (9th Cir. 1992) (same).
In cases where the evidence is unclear or would support conflicting inferences, the federal court "must presume — even if it does not affirmatively appear in the record — that the trier of fact resolved any such conflict in favor of the prosecution, and must defer to that resolution." Jackson, 443 U.S. at 326, 99 S.Ct. 2781. To prevail here, Petitioner must show "that the prosecution's case against him "was so lacking that the trial court should have entered a judgment of acquittal." McDaniel, 558 U.S. at 131, 130 S.Ct. 665.
AEDPA adds another layer of deference over the already deferential
Petitioner alleges that the evidence before the jury was insufficient to allow it to find every element charged beyond a reasonable doubt, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 981-989.)
Petitioner raised and the state supreme court rejected this same claim on direct appeal. Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900-03, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
The California Supreme Court also summarily denied these allegations on the merits and on procedural grounds, on habeas review. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges there was insufficient evidence that he aided and abetted the killings, or that he harbored a specific intent to kill either victim. As noted, petitioner was tried on two counts of murder; two felony murder special circumstances (robbery-murder and burglary-murder) and a multiple murder special circumstance; robbery; and larceny. (See CT 227-31, 303-07.)
Petitioner revisits allegations in claims XII, XVIII and XIX, this time arguing that the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
(Doc. No. 51-1 ¶ 985.) Petitioner contends there was "no evidence whatsoever that [he] participated in the killing of Ms. Caton or her boarder, Mr. Freiri, in any way, or that petitioner even knew RC was committing or expected RC to commit the murders. The only piece of evidence to which the prosecution repeatedly referred, was the oral admission petitioner allegedly made to Gene Buchanan — an admitted drug-addict whose credibility was questionable — that when he later saw the body of Mr. Freiri slumped over, he thought to himself, if you kill one you might as well kill them both." (Id. ¶¶ 986-987.)
At the time of his trial, Penal Code section 190.2, former subdivision (b), under which petitioner was charged, stated:
Penal Code § 190.2(b) (eff. Nov. 8, 1978).
A person "aids and abets the commission of a crime when he or she,
The California Supreme Court considered and rejected this claim on direct appeal, stating that:
Dickey, 35 Cal.4th at 900-05, 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 647, 111 P.3d 921.
For these reasons and those discussed in claims XII, XVIII and XIX, the state supreme court could reasonably have rejected this claim. In sum, Buchanan testified that on the night of the murders he overheard RC and petitioner whispering about going to get money from some place, a task for which they armed themselves even though the victims were old and infirmed. (RT 4138-42, 4239-42, 4662-63, 4733.) At that time neither RC nor petitioner had any money. (RT 4348-52.) Goldman and Buchanan observed RC and petitioner preparing for the crimes. Goldman (RT 4534) and Buchanan (RT 4663-65) saw petitioner take the venetian blind from the closet to the bedroom where RC was waiting (RT 4534, 4663-65); petitioner returned the blind to the closet after the cord was removed. (RT 4534-37, 4666.) Petitioner's fingerprint was found on the blind from which cord used in the crimes was removed. (RT 4573.)
Buchanan saw a knife on the bed in the bedroom just before RC and petitioner left the apartment. (RT 4706-07.) Buchanan saw RC and petitioner leave the apartment together that night. (RT 4674-75.) Goldman identified a knife at the murder scene as identical to one in the apartment kitchen; (RT 4396-97); she had seen petitioner looking through the kitchen drawer where the knife was kept. (RT 4343-44.) Both Buchanan and Goldman testified that petitioner and RC returned to the apartment together about two hours later (RT 4337-49, 4662-76), with $700 they did not have earlier that evening (RT 4361, 4675-76), and spent some of this money on drugs. (RT 4348, 4352, 4675-77.) Buchanan testified that while driving RC to the Easy 8 Motel hours after the crimes, petitioner disposed of clothing, apparently evidence from the murders. (RT 4684-85.)
Furthermore, Buchanan (RT 4980) and Goldman (RT 4357-62) testified to petitioner's admission that he participated in the crimes with RC.
Prosecutor Hahus argued petitioner's intent, his noted unspoken thought during the crimes:
(RT 4980.)
Petitioner points out that prosecutor Hahus conceded in argument that:
(RT 4975.) Petitioner argues an absence of evidence of his intent to kill prior to finding Freiri dead. He notes in this regard Hahus's argument that "[w]e don't know if, when they went in there, they went in there to kill. There's no evidence of that at all." (RT 4975.) However, this argument was not evidence. While the record suggests that RC and petitioner intended to tie up the victims and steal money known to be in the house (RT 4689-90), an objectively reasonable juror could have found beyond a reasonable doubt what the state supreme court itself surmised, that RC and petitioner armed themselves before going to the crime scene with the intent to kill Caton and Freiri leaving no witnesses.
A reasonable juror could have concluded weapons were unnecessary in the absence of intent to kill. Victim Caton was in her seventies; victim Freiri was partially paralyzed, wore a leg brace and used a cane to get around. (RT 4138-42, 4239-42.) Both victims presumably knew the perpetrators and could have identified them to the authorities. During the crimes, RC assaulted Mr. Freiri leaving him apparently dead (RT 4691) and then "went berserk" and assaulted Ms. Caton. (RT 4360-61.)
The evidentiary record otherwise could reasonably support a plan to kill the victims. The murders appear callous and brutal and were committed with the cord and knife brought to the crime scene by petitioner and RC. (See e.g., SSHCP, Ex.'s 9-11.) The lack of proximity between the victims could reasonably suggest some significant amount of time and cooperation between perpetrators was involved. There is no suggestion in the record that petitioner tried to intervene in the assaults or aid the victims; for example Goldman testified that petitioner did nothing as RC assaulted his grandmother. (RT 4359-61.)
Additionally, the record suggests that RC may have been in contact with petitioner after RC left the Harvard Avenue apartment following the crimes; possibly suggesting the two were involved in the murders. (RT 4841-43.) After the crimes, petitioner was initially emotional and depressed about his confessed involvement, but petitioner's mood improved when he learned all of the victims and RC were dead. (RT 4378.) Even so, petitioner apparently threatened Goldman should she reveal his admitted role in the crimes. (RT 4375-77, 4616.)
Conflicting inferences must be resolved in favor of the prosecution. Jackson, 443 U.S. at 326, 99 S.Ct. 2781. The state supreme court could reasonably have found the jury was properly instructed on applying law to the noted facts in the record, including requirements that petitioner have a specific intent to kill each of the two victims (CT 395, 425-430; RT 5010-25); that in order to find the charged special circumstances true, there must have existed a "union or joint operation of
It follows that petitioner's further argument that "[he] is entitled to correct application of state law by the state courts" could reasonably be rejected. (Doc. No. 116 at 411:13-16); cf. Hicks v. Oklahoma, 447 U.S. 343, 346, 100 S.Ct. 2227, 65 L.Ed.2d 175 (1980) (defendant denied due process where jury abused state law sentencing discretion); Wasko v. Vasquez, 820 F.2d 1090, 1091 n.2 (9th Cir. 1987) (defendant may be deprived of liberty only to the extent authorized by state statute). For the reasons discussed above, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in finding no state law error. Even if there was state law error, that alone would not support federal habeas relief. Estelle, 502 U.S. at 71-72, 112 S.Ct. 475.
Here, a fair-minded jurist could have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that petitioner's conviction was supported by the evidence admitted at trial with conflicting inferences resolved in favor of the prosecution. Brown, 558 U.S. at 133, 130 S.Ct. 665 (a federal habeas court can only set aside a state-court decision if the state court's application of clearly established federal law is objectively unreasonable).
For the stated reasons, the California Supreme Court reasonably rejected petitioner's constitutional challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XXVI is denied.
The showing required for a free standing claim of actual innocence, i.e., a claim irrespective of constitutional error at trial or sentencing, is "extraordinarily high" and must be "truly persuasive." Herrera v. Collins, 506 U.S. 390, 417, 113 S.Ct. 853, 122 L.Ed.2d 203, (1993). To carry this burden Petitioner must affirmatively prove he is innocent. See Carriger v. Stewart, 132 F.3d 463, 476-77 (9th Cir. 1997).
In Schlup, the Supreme Court reached actual innocence as a gateway claim to consideration of otherwise barred Constitutional claims. "If a habeas petitioner ... presents evidence of innocence so strong that a court cannot have confidence in the outcome of the trial unless the court is also satisfied that the trial was free of non-harmless constitutional error, the petitioner should be allowed to pass through the gateway and argue the merits of his underlying claims." Schlup, 513 U.S. at 316, 115 S.Ct. 851. The Schlup court held that the proper standard is that a procedurally defaulted petitioner must show that a constitutional violation has probably resulted in the conviction of one who is actually innocent. 513 U.S. at 326, 115 S.Ct. 851. That is, "[t]he petitioner must show that it is more likely than not
It follows that petitioner's burden is to demonstrate that more likely than not, any reasonable juror would have reasonable doubt. House v. Bell, 547 U.S. 518, 538, 126 S.Ct. 2064, 165 L.Ed.2d 1 (2006). See Sawyer v. Whitley, 505 U.S. 333, 346, 112 S.Ct. 2514, 120 L.Ed.2d 269 (1992) (holding that in order to prove actual innocence, petitioner must show fair probability that rational trier of fact would have entertained reasonable doubt regarding the existence of facts which are prerequisites under state or federal law for imposition of the death penalty).
Petitioner alleges that he is actually innocent of capital murder such that his conviction, sentence and confinement are unlawful and in violation of his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. (Doc. No. 51-1 ¶¶ 995-1005.)
The California Supreme Court, on habeas review summarily denied these allegations on the merits and on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. No. 31.)
Petitioner alleges his actual innocence is supported by incorporation of all his above claims and allegations including noted arguments that the prosecution's timeline was unsupported by the forensic evidence; the physical evidence does not connect petitioner to the crime; key witness testimony against petitioner at trial was false; RC was the actual killer; significant evidence suggests third party culpability; and the prosecution engaged in a pattern of misconduct which skewed the evidence and the fact-finding process.
Petitioner further supports this claim by arguing that respondent has conceded the following facts are undisputed:
(Doc. No. 116 at 412:5-413:24.)
Respondent counters by arguing there is no clearly established Supreme Court law recognizing a free standing actual innocence claim for habeas relief. See e.g., House, 547 U.S. at 554, 126 S.Ct. 2064 (declining to resolve open question of whether free standing actual innocence claims are available on habeas review); Herrera, 506 U.S. at 400, 113 S.Ct. 853 (claimed actual innocence based on newly discovered evidence is not a basis for federal habeas relief absent an independent constitutional violation in the underlying state criminal proceeding); Saddler v. Evans, 2011 WL 9150943, *8 (S.D. Cal. Dec. 20, 2011) ("In the absence of Supreme Court authority establishing the cognoscibility of a free standing actual innocence claim on federal habeas review, the California Supreme Court's rejection of Saddler's claim cannot be contrary to, or involve an unreasonable application of, clearly established Supreme Court authority.").
Here, the state supreme court reasonably could have rejected petitioner's actual innocence claim as a gateway claim to the extent his noted guilt phase claims all fail on the merits. Notably, petitioner has not demonstrated insufficiency of the evidence, i.e., it is not likely any reasonable juror would have reasonable doubt that the essential elements of the criminal counts could have been found beyond a reasonable doubt. (See claim XXVI.) His allegations that false evidence was presented, evidence was suppressed and destroyed and a third party was involved in the crimes are not sufficiently supported in the evidentiary record at a level greater than harmless error. (See claims II(B), II(C), II(S), XIII.)
No facts or discrepancies in the testimony and physical evidence establish or compel the conclusion that Buchanan, by virtue of his alleged substance addiction, inducements including in other criminal matters, or otherwise, was motivated to and did testify falsely or inaccurately. (See claims II(E), XIII and XVII.) No facts or discrepancies in the testimony and physical evidence establish or compel the conclusion that Goldman, by virtue of her alleged substance addiction, was motivated to and did testify falsely or inaccurately. (See claims II(L), XXI.) Nor does the noted physical evidence controvert petitioner's admission to Buchanan and Goldman that he participated in the crimes and the consistent testimony of Buchanan and Goldman inculpating petitioner. (See claims II(B), II(C), II(L), II(S), XIII, XIV, XXI, and XXVI.)
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, a fair-minded jurist could have found that petitioner failed to establish his actual innocence sufficient to pass through the Schlup gateway and that even if he had his record guilt phase claims fail on the merits for the reasons stated. (See e.g., Smith, 510 F.3d at 1139-40 (9th Cir. 2007)) (no actual innocence where petitioner failed to show that it was more likely than not that no
It does not appear that the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or that the state court's ruling was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim XXVIII is denied.
On April 16, 2014, petitioner filed in conjunction with his merits brief a motion for development of facts relating to claims II(B), II(C), II(F), II(G), II(H), II(S), II(T), II(V), XIII, XIV, XV and XXIV.
As noted, § 2254(d), as amended by AEDPA, provides:
28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
In Pinholster, the Supreme Court held that "review under § 2254(d)(1) is limited to the record that was before the state court that adjudicated the claim on the merits," and thus "evidence introduced in federal court has no bearing on § 2254(d)(1) review." 563 U.S. at 181, 185, 131 S.Ct. 1388. Although the central holding of Pinholster pertained to § 2254(d)(1), the Supreme Court observed that "§ 2254(d)(2) includes the language `in light of the evidence presented in the State court proceeding,'" providing "additional clarity" that review under § 2254(d)(2) is also limited to the record before the state court. Id. at 185 n.7, 131 S.Ct. 1388. Therefore, for claims that were adjudicated on the merits in state court, a petitioner can only rely on the record that was before the state court to satisfy the requirements of § 2254(d).
A petitioner who seeks to expand the record without a hearing must meet the same requirements as a petitioner seeking to obtain an evidentiary hearing under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(2). See e.g., Holland v. Jackson, 542 U.S. 649, 653, 124 S.Ct. 2736, 159 L.Ed.2d 683 (2004) (finding that the restrictions of § 2254(e)(2) "apply a fortiori when a prisoner seeks relief based on new evidence without an evidentiary hearing"); Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, 474, 127 S.Ct. 1933, 167 L.Ed.2d 836 (2007) (district court not required to hold evidentiary hearing where state record refutes petitioner's allegations); Colegrove v. Hoshino, No. 13-CV-00096-BLF, 2014 WL 4421393, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 5, 2014) (petitioner who seeks to expand the record without a hearing must meet the same requirements as a petitioner seeking to
Accordingly, where a state court denies the claim on the merits, an expanded record cannot be considered in determining whether the state court's decision was objectively unreasonable. Rogovich v. Ryan, 694 F.3d 1094, 1096-97 (9th Cir. 2012), citing Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 180, 131 S.Ct. 1388).
Petitioner seeks the following factual development:
However, all the above requests relate to factual development of claims that were adjudicated on the merits in the state court. These claims do not survive 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d) analysis for reasons discussed above. See Richter, 562 U.S. at 99, 131 S.Ct. 770 ("[w]hen a federal claim has been presented to a state court and the state court has denied relief, it may be presumed that the state court adjudicated the claim on the merits in the absence of any indication or state-law procedural principles to the contrary.").
As noted, "review under [§] 2254(d) is limited to the record that was before the state court that adjudicated the claim on the merits." Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 181, 131 S.Ct. 1388; accord Stokley v. Ryan, 659 F.3d 802, 809 (9th Cir. 2011) (same). To this extent, new evidence in federal court simply cannot assist petitioner.
Petitioner may claim that he is entitled to a hearing under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(2). However, Pinholster suggests otherwise. "Section 2254(e)(2) continues to have force where [§] 2254(d)(1) does not bar federal habeas relief." Id. at 185, 131 S.Ct. 1388. Analysis of the claims under § 2254(d) must precede the granting of an evidentiary hearing under § 2254(e)(2). Id. Thus, only if a petitioner overcomes § 2254(d) can the court consider a hearing under § 2254(e)(2). As Justice Breyer stated: "If the federal habeas court finds that the state-court decision fails [§ 2254](d)'s test or if [§ 2254](d) does not apply), then an [§ 2254](e) hearing may be needed." Id. at 205, 131 S.Ct. 1388 (Breyer, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part).
As discussed above, § 2254(d) applies to claims II(B), II(C), II(F), II(G), II(H), II(S), II(T), II(V), XIII, XIV, XV and XXIV since they were adjudicated on the merits. Petitioner has not overcome § 2254(d) with respect to these claims.
For the reasons stated, petitioner's motion for factual development of claims II(B), II(C), II(F), II(G), II(H), II(S), II(T), II(V), XIII, XIV, XV and XXIV shall be denied.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, it is HEREBY ORDERED that:
IT IS SO ORDERED.
