Title: Gary Richard Whitton v. Michael D. Crews, etc.

State: florida

Issuer: Florida Supreme Court

Document:

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC11-2083 
____________ 
 
GARY RICHARD WHITTON,  
Appellant, 
 
vs. 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA,  
Appellee. 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC12-2522 
____________ 
 
GARY RICHARD WHITTON,  
Petitioner, 
 
vs. 
 
MICHAEL D. CREWS, etc.,  
Respondent. 
 
[October 9, 2014] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
Gary Richard Whitton appeals an order of the circuit court denying his 
motion to vacate his conviction of first-degree murder and sentence of death filed 
 
 
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under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851 and petitions this Court for a writ 
of habeas corpus.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 3(b)(1), (9), Fla. Const. 
FACTS 
 
Whitton was convicted for the 1990 murder of James Mauldin.  On direct 
appeal, this Court summarized the events leading to Mauldin’s murder, and 
Whitton’s subsequent arrest and conviction as follows: 
 
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Whitton and James 
S. Mauldin met each other in March 1989, while receiving alcohol 
treatment at a halfway house in Pensacola.  After leaving the halfway 
house, they continued to see each other at occasional Alcoholics 
Anonymous meetings.  On October 6, 1990, Mauldin arrived at 
Whitton’s Pensacola home in a taxicab.  Whitton then gave Mauldin a 
ride to the halfway house where they originally met.  On Sunday 
October 7, an intoxicated Mauldin returned to Whitton’s home.  He 
stayed with Whitton that day, as well as Monday, October 8. 
 
On October 8, Whitton drove Mauldin to a bank in Destin so 
Mauldin could withdraw some money.  The two men went to 
Mauldin’s bank in Destin rather than a bank in Pensacola because 
Mauldin had lost his passbook and he believed he needed it to 
withdraw money from a bank other than his own.  Mauldin’s bank 
was closed when the two men arrived, but they returned to the bank 
on October 9.  Upon their arrival, a teller told Mauldin he could not 
make a withdrawal without his passbook.  Upset by this information, 
Mauldin closed his account and obtained $1135.88 in cash.  Whitton 
assisted Mauldin in completing the transaction because Maudlin, who 
was apparently intoxicated, was unable to complete it himself. 
 
Whitton then took Mauldin to a motel in Destin at Mauldin’s 
request.  Whitton completed the motel registration forms due to 
Mauldin’s intoxication, but provided the motel clerk with false 
information about his own vehicle’s license plate number.  The motel 
clerk noticed the discrepancy and put Whitton’s correct license plate 
number on the form.  Whitton then assisted Mauldin to his room and 
left the motel sometime before noon. 
 
 
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Whitton originally told investigators that he did not revisit 
Mauldin that night.  He later admitted returning to the motel and 
stated that he did so to tell Mauldin his mother was looking for him.  
Whitton claimed Mauldin was dead when he arrived and that he 
remained in the room for only a few moments.  The motel clerk, 
however, testified that he saw Whitton’s car arrive at approximately 
10:30 p.m. that night and leave at around 12:30 a.m. 
  
The same motel clerk discovered Mauldin’s body the next day.  
An officer called to the scene testified that Mauldin’s pockets had 
been turned inside out and that no money, other than a few coins, 
remained in the room.  The officer testified that the blood found 
throughout the room made it appear as though a struggle had taken 
place.  Blood spatter evidence confirmed the officer’s conclusion.  An 
expert in bloodstain analysis testified that the initial bloodshed began 
on the south bed, then continued to the foot of that bed, then to the 
floor between the beds, and finally ended between the north bed and 
north wall. 
 
An autopsy revealed that Mauldin sustained numerous injuries 
during the attack which caused his death.  Mauldin’s skull was 
fractured and he suffered stab wounds to his shoulder, cheek, neck, 
scalp, and back.  In addition, Mauldin sustained three fatal stab 
wounds to the heart.  The medical examiner testified that these 
wounds prevented Mauldin’s heart from beating properly and, 
consequently, caused his death.  The medical examiner also testified 
that Mauldin had wounds to his arms and hands consistent with his 
attempting to defend himself.  Accordingly, the medical examiner 
concluded that Mauldin was conscious during the attack, although a 
blood alcohol test indicated Mauldin’s blood alcohol level was .34 at 
the time of death. 
 
The correct license plate number ascertained by the alert motel 
clerk led the police to Whitton’s home.  At approximately 1:30 a.m. 
on October 11, several officers knocked on Whitton’s door after 
observing his car parked outside the house.  Whitton invited the 
officers inside.  Although the officers explained that Whitton was not 
under arrest and that he was not required to answer their questions, 
Whitton agreed to talk with them.  After about twenty minutes, during 
which Whitton changed from his night clothes, he also agreed to 
accompany the officers to the police station.  At the police station, 
several officers continued questioning Whitton regarding Mauldin’s 
death until he invoked his right to remain silent. 
 
 
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A subsequent search of Whitton’s home revealed a pair of boots 
stained with blood matching Mauldin’s blood type.  A search of his 
car revealed blood stains matching Mauldin’s blood type, as well as 
receipts indicating that Whitton paid several overdue bills on October 
10.  In addition, a receipt indicating that Whitton obtained a car wash 
on October 10 at 2:37 a.m. was found in his car.  Consequently, 
Whitton was charged with first-degree murder and robbery. 
 
While incarcerated and awaiting trial, Whitton confessed to 
another inmate that he went back to the motel the night Mauldin was 
murdered to get the money Mauldin had withdrawn from the bank, 
that a fight ensued, and that he stabbed and killed Mauldin.  Whitton 
told the inmate he had to commit the murder in order to prevent 
Mauldin from testifying against him in any parole violation 
proceeding that might occur as a result of the robbery.  This 
confession was overheard by a third inmate and both inmates testified 
at Whitton’s murder trial.  A jury found Whitton guilty of murder and 
robbery. 
  
In the penalty-phase proceeding the jury unanimously 
recommended the death sentence.  The trial judge followed the jury’s 
recommendation and sentenced Whitton to death for the murder 
conviction and to a consecutive nine-year sentence for the robbery 
conviction.  In support of the death penalty the judge found five 
aggravating factors: (1) Whitton committed the crime while on parole 
for a 1981 armed robbery conviction; (2) Whitton was previously 
convicted of another felony involving the use or threat of violence; (3) 
the crime was committed to avoid arrest; (4) the crime was committed 
for pecuniary gain; and (5) the crime was heinous, atrocious, or cruel.  
The judge also found a number of nonstatutory mitigating factors [:(1) 
Whitton suffered a deprived childhood and poor upbringing; (2) 
Whitton was abused as a child; (3) Whitton was abused by his two 
alcoholic parents; (4) Whitton was a hard worker when employed; (5) 
Whitton had shown potential for rehabilitation; (6) Whitton had 
performed various humanitarian deeds; (7) Whitton was an alcoholic; 
(8) Whitton had an unstable personality consistent with alcoholism 
and child abuse; (9) Whitton is a human being and child of God,] but 
determined they did not outweigh the aggravating factors. 
Whitton v. State, 649 So. 2d 861, 862-64 (Fla. 1994) (footnotes omitted).   
 
 
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Whitton raised seven issues on appeal.1  This Court did not grant relief on 
any of Whitton’s claims and affirmed his convictions and sentences.  Id. at 867.   
 
On March 26, 1997, Whitton filed a shell motion for postconviction relief 
pursuant to rule 3.850.  Whitton subsequently filed three amendments to his 
motion; the third and last was filed on November 1, 2004.  Whitton raised twenty-
nine claims.  The court summarily denied eleven claims and conducted an 
evidentiary hearing on the remaining eighteen claims.  After the evidentiary 
hearings held on October 31 through November 3, 2005, the court denied each of 
Whitton’s remaining claims in a 102-page order issued on June 2, 2011. 
 
Whitton appeals the denial of five claims, and has filed a petition for a writ 
of habeas corpus, raising two additional claims.  Because we find that Whitton has 
failed to establish that he is entitled to relief on any of his claims, we affirm the 
postconviction court’s denial and deny Whitton’s petition for a writ of habeas 
corpus. 
                                          
 
 
1.  (1) The trial court erred in denying Whitton’s motion for mistrial after the 
prosecutor commented on his post-arrest silence during closing argument; (2) the 
trial court erred in denying in part Whitton’s motion to suppress statements he 
made to officers because the statements were allegedly the product of an illegal 
arrest; (3) the heinous, atrocious, or cruel instruction provided by the court was 
unconstitutionally vague; (4) the trial court erred in finding that the murder was 
especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel; (5) the trial court erred in failing to give a 
limiting instruction with respect to the avoiding arrest circumstance; (6) the trial 
court erred in finding that the murder was committed to avoid arrest; and (7) the 
death sentence is not proportionate in this case. 
 
 
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DISCUSSION 
Brady and Giglio 
 
In his first issue on appeal, Whitton raises several claims purported to be 
violations of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963).  Whitton’s claims appear to 
be a mixture of Brady, Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150 (1972), and improper 
argument claims.  The theme of Whitton’s claims is that, overall, the prosecution 
was corrupt and sought to convict him by any necessary means.  In each of these 
claims, Whitton fails to establish each of the prongs necessary to maintain a claim.  
Accordingly, we find that the postconviction court properly denied these claims.   
Standards of Review 
 
To successfully raise a Brady violation claim, Whitton must show that: (1) 
the evidence was favorable to him, either because it was exculpatory or 
impeaching; (2) the evidence was suppressed by the State; and (3) that the 
suppression resulted in prejudice.  Conahan v. State, 118 So. 3d 718, 729 (Fla. 
2013) (citing Strickler v. Greene, 527 U.S. 263, 281-82 (1999); Johnson v. State, 
921 So. 2d 490, 507 (Fla. 2005); Rogers v. State, 782 So. 2d 373, 378 (Fla. 2001)).  
“To establish the materiality element of Brady, the defendant must demonstrate a 
reasonable probability that, had the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the 
result of the proceeding would have been different.”  Conahan, 118 So. 3d at 730 
(quoting Guzman v. State, 868 So. 2d 498, 506 (Fla. 2003)) (internal quotation 
 
 
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marks omitted).  The review of a postconviction court’s denial of this claim is 
under a mixed standard where this Court defers to the lower court’s factual 
findings that are supported by competent, substantial evidence and reviews the 
application of law de novo.  Id. at 730 (quoting Sochor v. State, 883 So. 2d 766, 
785 (Fla. 2004)).   
 
Likewise, there are three elements to a successful Giglio claim, Whitton 
must demonstrate that (1) the testimony was false; (2) the prosecutor knew it was 
false; and (3) the testimony was material.  See Conahan, 118 So. 3d at 728 (citing 
Guzman, 868 So. 2d at 505).  If Whitton successfully demonstrates the first two 
elements, “the State bears the burden of proving that the testimony was not 
material by showing that there is no reasonable possibility that it could have 
affected the verdict because it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.”  Id. at 
728-29 (citing Johnson v. State, 44 So. 3d 51, 64-65 (Fla. 2010); Guzman, 868 So. 
2d at 506-07).  And, the claim carries the same mixed standard of review.  Id. at 
729 (citing Suggs v. State, 923 So. 2d 419, 426 (Fla. 2005)). 
Kenneth McCollough 
 
Whitton’s claims regarding McCollough are that: (1) the State coerced him 
into providing false testimony at Whitton’s trial, and (2) the State suppressed 
knowledge of McCollough’s crimes and relationship with the prosecutor’s mother, 
Inez Adkinson.  Whitton fails to establish that McCollough presented false 
 
 
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testimony at his trial or that the State was aware that any testimony was false.  
Second, the record refutes Whitton’s assertion that the State suppressed knowledge 
of McCollough’s relationship with Mrs. Adkinson because trial counsel impeached 
McCollough on the basis of this knowledge. 
 
Whitton’s Giglio claim is that the State knowingly presented McCollough’s 
false testimony at trial.  McCollough testified at trial that Whitton had confessed to 
him that he killed Maudlin.  Because McCollough’s testimony concerned 
Whitton’s confession, this evidence is clearly material.   See Shellito v. State, 121 
So. 3d 445, 460 (Fla. 2013) (“False evidence is material ‘if there is any reasonable 
likelihood that the false testimony could have affected the judgment of the jury.’ ” 
(quoting Guzman, 868 So. 2d at 506)).  However, Whitton has not demonstrated 
with certainty that the testimony McCollough provided was false, nor that the State 
knew it to be false.   
 
At the evidentiary hearing, witnesses testified generally about McCollough’s 
reputation as a known snitch and liar.  However, no witness provided admissible 
evidence that McCollough lied specifically about Whitton’s confession.  Billy Key 
testified that McCollough intended to recant his trial testimony.  George Broxon 
testified that he knew McCollough had committed a sexually deviant crime that he 
wanted to cover up.  Broxon did not testify that he had specific knowledge that 
McCollough had lied at Whitton’s trial in order to secure a deal with the 
 
 
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prosecution.  Whitton also introduced the testimony of Sheila Lowe (formerly 
McCollough), stating that McCollough was a liar and that she would not believe 
anything he said.  She did not testify specifically about Whitton’s case or that she 
had any specific knowledge that McCollough had lied during his testimony at 
Whitton’s trial.  Whitton also produced a transcript of Lowe’s police interview 
describing the nature of McCollough’s crimes.  Additionally, McCollough never 
executed an affidavit prior to his death.  It seems that the only evidence that 
McCollough may have wanted to recant his trial testimony was hearsay evidence 
presented by a third party.  Accordingly, the postconviction court’s ruling that 
Whitton failed to demonstrate that a Giglio violation occurred is supported by 
competent, substantial evidence.   
 
Next, Whitton alleges that the State suppressed knowledge of McCollough’s 
relationship with the prosecutor’s mother in violation of Brady.  This claim is 
procedurally barred and refuted by the record.  Whitton failed to raise this claim as 
a Brady violation in his motion for postconviction relief and, therefore, the 
postconviction court did not address it.  Accordingly, Whitton is procedurally 
barred from raising this claim here. 
Jake Ozio 
 
Whitton’s claim regarding Ozio is similar to his McCollough claim.  
Whitton alleges that Ozio recanted his trial testimony that Whitton confessed to 
 
 
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him in prison.  However, Whitton failed to present any evidence in support of his 
claim.  Accordingly, the postconviction court properly denied this claim. 
 
First, Whitton has failed to demonstrate that the evidence was false.  Ozio 
refused to testify and Whitton did not seek to have Ozio’s affidavit submitted into 
evidence.  Additionally, this Court has stated that recantations are highly 
unreliable.  See Spann v. State, 91 So. 3d 812, 816 (Fla. 2012) (stating that because 
recanting testimony is so unreliable, a new trial will be granted only when it 
appears that the witness’s testimony changes to such an extent as to render a 
probable different verdict) (citing Armstrong v. State, 642 So. 2d 730 (Fla. 1994)).  
The only testimony presented at the evidentiary hearing to support this claim was 
from Kevin Wallace, Ozio’s co-defendant, who never stated that Ozio lied at trial.  
Wallace testified that Ozio told him that Ozio was the only reason they had gotten 
out of jail.  Furthermore, even if Ozio’s trial testimony was false, Whitton has not 
demonstrated that the State was aware that Ozio intended to present false 
testimony.  Accordingly, the lower court properly denied this claim.   
Shirley Ziegler 
 
Whitton alleges that the prosecutor and sheriff’s office threatened Ziegler 
and that this deprived him of a fair trial.  This is neither a Brady nor Giglio claim 
because Whitton does not allege that the State either presented false testimony or 
 
 
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suppressed evidence, but rather alleges that the State attempted to suppress 
evidence or coerce Ziegler into testifying falsely about her laboratory results.   
 
Even if we were to address this claim on the merits, the record demonstrates 
that defense counsel was aware of the alleged threats during trial.  Further, Ziegler 
testified at the evidentiary hearing that she testified truthfully and did not withhold 
any information.  Accordingly, Whitton’s claim is refuted by the record and 
without merit.   
DNA Samples 
 
Whitton additionally claims that the blood that Ziegler tested was from a 
different location than that tested by the State’s expert, Lonnie Ginsberg.  During 
his postconviction proceedings, it appears that Whitton argued the opposite—that 
the State attempted to discredit Ziegler’s testimony by stating that she tested a 
different location than Ginsberg.  Because Whitton’s claim on appeal is different 
from his claim below, it is procedurally barred. 
The Other DNA Lab 
 
Whitton also alleges that the State suppressed its attempt to secure additional 
DNA testing and an audio-taped conversation between Lt. Mann and Brian 
Wraxall at the Serological Research Institute.  The postconviction court listened to 
the audiotape and determined that there was no exculpatory evidence contained on 
it.  On the tape, Lt. Mann opines that Ziegler probably performed part of the testing 
 
 
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process incorrectly, which altered the results.  Thereafter, the postconviction court 
found that Whitton’s claim was refuted by the record and properly denied this 
claim.   
Cellmark 
 
Whitton alleges that the State suppressed the Cellmark report stating that the 
test results were inconclusive.  Alternatively, Whitton argues that the State 
presented false testimony stating that the Cellmark report concluded that there was 
insufficient material to test.  Whitton has failed to establish either a Brady or 
Giglio violation because he presented no evidence in support of this claim. 
 
First, Whitton has not demonstrated that this evidence would be exculpatory.  
Zeigler testified at trial that the blood sample in question did not match that of 
Whitton or the victim.  Further, Whitton admitted that the victim’s blood was on 
his boots because, according to Whitton’s version of events, he walked through the 
victim’s blood in his hotel room after he had been murdered.  Whitton’s admission 
makes it impossible for him to demonstrate prejudice.  Likewise, Whitton has not 
established that any false evidence was presented at trial.  Accordingly, the 
postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
Car Wash Ticket 
 
Whitton next alleges that the State presented false testimony regarding a car 
wash ticket found in Whitton’s vehicle.  Whitton has not established that the 
 
 
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evidence was false, that the State was aware that it was false, or that he was 
prejudiced. 
 
The car wash ticket was purchased at 2:37 a.m. at a Conoco gas station on 
October 10, 1990.  Such tickets were given when anyone purchased at least eight 
gallons of gasoline at that particular service station.  A person who purchased 
regular grade gasoline would get one car wash, but a person who purchased mid- 
or super-grade gasoline would receive a double car wash.  The testimony at trial 
established that Whitton’s ticket was a double wash ticket.  Accordingly, Whitton’s 
argument that the ticket’s use by Lt. Mann proves that Whitton could not have used 
the ticket is incorrect.  Furthermore, the ticket was not used to demonstrate that 
Whitton had washed his car to remove evidence.  The ticket was presented at trial 
to establish Whitton’s whereabouts during the time of the murder because Whitton 
alleged that he was at home when Maudlin was murdered.  The car wash ticket 
demonstrates that Whitton was not at home and that he was in the vicinity of the 
victim’s hotel. 
 
Whitton has not established that the State presented false testimony.  At the 
evidentiary hearing, Whitton presented a report written by Lt. Mann who 
concluded that Whitton did not use the car wash.  However, in light of the 
testimony that Whitton’s receipt was valid for a double wash, this evidence is 
insufficient to establish that the State’s argument at trial was improper.  Further, 
 
 
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because it was not used to demonstrate that Whitton attempted to wash blood off of 
his car, Whitton cannot demonstrate that the State knew the evidence to be false.  
Finally, Whitton cannot demonstrate prejudice.   
Maureen Fitzgerald 
 
Whitton appears to raise another improper argument claim under the guise of 
Brady and Giglio.  Whitton does not allege that Fitzgerald lied at trial, but that the 
State improperly argued that Whitton lied to Fitzgerald about Maudlin’s 
whereabouts.  To the extent that this represents an improper argument claim, it is 
procedurally barred because it should have been raised on direct appeal.  To the 
extent that this is a Brady or Giglio argument, the postconviction court properly 
denied this claim. 
 
Fitzgerald testified at trial that Whitton called her on October 8 or 9, 1990, 
and told her that Mauldin was staying at a hotel in Destin.  She testified that she 
was uncertain of the name, but that she had likely written it down and thought the 
name might be “Sun Den.”  Whitton testified that he did not pay attention to the 
name of the hotel and was not certain what name he had given to Fitzgerald.  She 
was not certain of the name of the hotel and gave several different names.  During 
closing arguments, the State argued that Whitton had misrepresented the hotel’s 
name to Fitzgerald and gave her a different name than the “Sun and Sand” where 
Mauldin was actually staying. 
 
 
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Whitton cannot raise an improper argument claim as proper grounds for 
postconviction relief.  Because this claim should have been raised on direct appeal, 
it is procedurally barred.  See Jennings v. State, 123 So. 3d 1101, 1102 (Fla. 2013) 
(citing Spencer v. State, 842 So. 2d 52, 60 (Fla. 2003)). 
 
To the extent that Whitton is alleging a violation of Giglio, Whitton does not 
argue and cannot demonstrate that the evidence presented was false, nor that the 
State knew it to be false.  Finally, because Whitton also testified that he was 
uncertain of the name of the hotel, he cannot establish prejudice.  Accordingly, the 
postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
The “Corrupt” Prosecution 
 
Here, Whitton argues that the overall corruptness of the prosecution in his 
trial warrants a reversal.  Treating this claim as a claim of cumulative error, 
Whitton has failed to demonstrate that he is entitled to relief.   See Merck v. State, 
124 So. 3d 785, 802 (Fla. 2013) (“ ‘[W]here individual claims of error alleged are 
either procedurally barred or without merit, the claim of cumulative error must 
fail.’ ”) (quoting Griffin v. State, 866 So. 2d 1, 22 (Fla. 2003)).  
Ineffective Assistance of Trial Counsel 
 
In his second claim, Whitton alleges multiple instances of ineffective 
assistance of trial counsel.  In addition to reasserting the claims above as 
ineffective assistance of counsel, Whitton raises novel claims that involve his 
 
 
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assertion that trial counsel failed in multiple respects to establish an alternative 
theory of the crime by: (1) failing to call an expert to testify that a fingerprint could 
not have been deposited on the inside of a sandwich bag during manufacturing, (2) 
failing to call a forensic pathologist to dispute the length of time it took the victim 
to die, (3) failing to establish a different time of death, (4) failing to establish that 
the State’s theory of motive was not supported, (5) failing to argue that the crime 
scene was not properly processed, (6) failing to argue that the victim was “looking 
to get rolled,” and (7) failing to impeach John Maleszewski’s testimony.  Because 
Whitton has failed to establish deficiency or prejudice for each of these sub claims, 
his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in the guilt phase fails. 
Standard of Review 
 
In accordance with Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984), this 
Court employs the following standard of review: 
First, the claimant must identify particular acts or omissions of the 
lawyer that are shown to be outside the broad range of reasonably 
competent performance under prevailing professional standards.  
Second, the clear, substantial deficiency shown must further be 
demonstrated to have so affected the fairness and reliability of the 
proceeding that confidence in the outcome is undermined. 
Long v. State, 118 So. 3d 798, 805 (Fla. 2013) (quoting Bolin v. State, 41 So. 3d 
151, 155 (Fla. 2010)).  Additionally, 
There is a strong presumption that trial counsel’s performance was not 
deficient.  See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 690.  “A fair assessment of 
attorney performance requires that every effort be made to eliminate 
 
 
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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. at 689.  The defendant carries 
the burden to “overcome the presumption that, under the 
circumstances, the challenged action ‘might be considered sound trial 
strategy.’ ”  Id.  (quoting Michel v. Louisiana, 350 U.S. 91, 101 
(1955)).  “Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s performance must be highly 
deferential.”   Id.  “[S]trategic decisions do not constitute ineffective 
assistance of counsel if alternative courses have been considered and 
rejected and counsel’s decision was reasonable under the norms of 
professional conduct.”  Occhicone v. State, 768 So. 2d 1037, 1048 
(Fla. 2000).   Furthermore, where this Court previously has rejected a 
substantive claim on the merits, counsel cannot be deemed ineffective 
for failing to make a meritless argument.  Melendez v. State, 612 So. 
2d 1366, 1369 (Fla. 1992).   
 
In demonstrating prejudice, the defendant must show a 
reasonable probability that “but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, 
the result of the proceeding would have been different.  A reasonable 
probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the 
outcome.”  Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694.   
Long, 118 So. 2d at 805-06 (parallel citations omitted) (quoting Johnston v. State, 
63 So. 3d 730, 737 (Fla. 2011)). 
 
Because both prongs of the Strickland test present mixed questions of 
law and fact, this Court employs a mixed standard of review, 
deferring to the circuit court’s factual findings that are supported by 
competent, substantial evidence, but reviewing the circuit court’s legal 
conclusions de novo. 
Shellito, 121 So. 3d at 451 (citing Mungin v. State, 79 So. 3d 726, 737 (Fla. 2011); 
Sochor, 883 So. 2d at 771–72). 
Merits 
 
In this claim, Whitton raises several instances where he argues that trial 
counsel was ineffective.  For each of the subclaims, Whitton has failed to establish 
 
 
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both prongs of the Strickland test.  Accordingly, the postconviction court properly 
denied his claims. 
Car Wash Ticket 
 
Whitton first alleges that counsel was deficient for failing to introduce Lt. 
Mann’s report at trial, which contained Lt. Mann’s opinion that Whitton did not 
use the car wash.  Because Lt. Mann’s report would have constituted hearsay 
evidence, and Whitton did not call Lt. Mann to testify at the evidentiary hearing, 
Whitton cannot establish that counsel was deficient.  Additionally, as discussed 
above, the jury heard testimony that Whitton’s ticket was a “double car wash” 
ticket, meaning that Lt. Mann’s conclusion that Whitton did not use the ticket was 
based on an erroneous assumption.  Accordingly, even if counsel had submitted the 
report into evidence, Whitton cannot establish that it would have affected the 
outcome of his trial.  Therefore, the postconviction court properly denied relief on 
this claim.   
Fingerprint on the Sandwich Bag 
 
Whitton argues that counsel was deficient for failing to call an expert 
witness to testify that a fingerprint could not have been deposited inside the 
sandwich bag during the manufacturing process.  The postconviction court 
properly denied this claim because Whitton cannot establish prejudice or 
deficiency.  
 
 
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At trial Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent Tom Simmons 
testified that fingerprints not matching the victim or defendant were found on 
several items in the room.  Simmons further testified that the print on the sandwich 
bag could have been placed there by the person who opened the bag.  Lastly, 
during closing arguments, defense counsel argued that the prints created reasonable 
doubt.  Accordingly, counsel was not deficient for failing to call an expert witness 
to testify that the prints could not have resulted from the manufacturing process 
and the postconviction court properly denied this claim.     
Failure to Question Zeigler 
 
Whitton alleges that counsel was deficient for failing to question Zeigler 
about the threats she received in front of the jury.  Whitton argues that this would 
have been compelling evidence for the jury to consider.  However, Whitton cannot 
establish that counsel was deficient nor can he establish that he was prejudiced 
because Zeigler did not testify untruthfully at trial.  Zeigler stated that she testified 
truthfully and her testimony was favorable to Whitton.  Counsel moved for 
dismissal based on the threats Zeigler received, but the court denied the motion.  
Counsel then moved for a new trial which was also denied.  However, counsel 
does not appear to have followed up.  Counsel addressed the issue to the extent 
available at trial.  Accordingly, Whitton cannot establish that counsel was deficient 
or that he was prejudiced, and the postconviction court properly denied his claim.    
 
 
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Cellmark and Additional DNA Testing 
 
Whitton alleges that trial counsel were deficient for failing to produce 
evidence that the State attempted to obtain DNA testing at another lab.  Whitton’s 
claim here contravenes his claim above that the State suppressed the evidence of 
such attempt.  Whitton cannot establish that counsel was deficient.  The FDLE 
results were favorable to the defense and it was sound trial strategy not to call 
attention to the State’s attempt to obtain additional testing that might have caused 
the jury to doubt the credibility of the results.  Further, Whitton cannot establish 
prejudice because the results were favorable to him and it is not likely that the 
outcome of the trial would have been different.  Accordingly, the postconviction 
court properly denied this claim.  
Forensic Pathologist 
 
Whitton alleges that trial counsel were ineffective for failing to present 
evidence to rebut the coroner’s determination that Mauldin struggled for thirty 
minutes before he died from his injuries.  Whitton further alleges that counsel were 
ineffective for failing to present evidence that there were likely two weapons used 
and two people involved in Mauldin’s murder.  Whitton presented the evidence of 
Dr. Leroy Riddick at the evidentiary hearing.  Dr. Riddick disagreed with the trial 
testimony of Dr. Edmund Kielman.   
 
 
- 21 - 
 
Whitton cannot establish prejudice.  Although Dr. Riddick’s testimony 
differed from that of Dr. Kielman, there was nothing presented at the evidentiary 
hearing that affected Whitton’s guilt.  It is therefore not likely that Whitton would 
have been found not guilty if counsel had presented Dr. Riddick’s testimony at 
trial.  Further, Dr. Riddick’s testimony would not have negated the trial court’s 
finding of the HAC aggravator.  Therefore, it is also not likely that Whitton would 
have received a lesser sentence.  Accordingly, the postconviction court properly 
denied relief on this claim.   
Time of Death 
 
Whitton alleges that counsel were deficient for failing to more extensively 
cross-examine  Dr. Kielman regarding Mauldin’s time of death.  The only evidence 
presented at the evidentiary hearing to support this claim was Dr. Riddick’s 
testimony that the struggle was likely approximately five minutes rather than the 
thirty minutes Dr. Kielman opined elapsed.  Dr. Riddick opined that the time of 
death was between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on October 9.  Dr. Kielman’s trial 
testimony provided that the time of death could have been from 11:00 a.m. on 
October 9 to 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 1990.  Accordingly, Dr. Riddick’s 
testimony did not contradict Dr. Kielman’s.  Whitton cannot establish that he was 
prejudiced, and the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
 
 
 
- 22 - 
Motive 
 
Whitton alleges that trial counsel was deficient for failing to present the 
testimony of Debra Sims at trial to rebut the State’s theory of Whitton’s motive for 
killing Mauldin.  Whitton alleges that Sims would have testified that she gave him 
money to pay his bills and that he was not affected by losing his job because he 
had another job lined up.  As it relates to the testimony that Whitton had another 
job, such testimony would have been hearsay.  Counsel cannot be deemed deficient 
for failing to submit inadmissible evidence at trial.  Further, Whitton cannot 
establish prejudice.  Sims’ testimony that she gave him $200 would not likely have 
changed the outcome of the trial.  At trial, evidence was presented that Whitton’s 
past due bills were paid on the day after the murder.  It is not likely that the jury 
would have reached a different verdict if it had heard Sims’ testimony.  
Accordingly, the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
Blood Evidence Testimony 
 
Whitton alleges that trial counsel were ineffective for failing to argue that 
the blood evidence found in his car was consistent with his story that he walked 
through Mauldin’s blood when he found Mauldin’s body.  Whitton’s claim is 
disputed by the record.  Counsel argued during closing that only three drops of 
blood were found in Whitton’s car and that the person who committed the murder 
 
 
- 23 - 
would have been covered in blood.  Whitton has failed to demonstrate that this was 
deficient.  Accordingly, the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
Crime Scene 
 
Whitton alleges that counsel were ineffective for failing to present evidence 
that the crime scene was not properly processed.  By Whitton’s own allegation, 
counsel were not aware that any evidence was returned to the victim’s family 
without being tested.  Counsel cannot be deficient for failing to introduce evidence 
that was unknown at the time of trial.  Further, Whitton failed to present evidence 
to support this claim.  See Dennis v. State, 109 So. 3d  680, 694-95 (Fla. 2012) 
(finding that defendant’s failure to allege which experts should have been hired, 
what these experts would have testified, and how the failure prejudiced the 
defendant, was sufficient to support denial of the defendant’s postconviction 
claim.).  Accordingly, the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
Alternate Theory of Crime 
 
Whitton alleges that counsel were deficient for failing to present testimony 
that Mauldin was flashing his money, had previously been “rolled” by a prostitute, 
and was seeking the services of a prostitute on the night of his murder.  The 
evidence presented at the evidentiary hearing does not support Whitton’s claim.  
Whitton argues that Maudlin could have been “rolled” by a prostitute; however, at 
the evidentiary hearing, the cab driver testified that he did not.  Whitton, therefore, 
 
 
- 24 - 
cannot establish that he was prejudiced by counsel’s failure to present evidence to 
support this theory at trial.  Whitton did not produce any credible evidence at the 
evidentiary hearing that someone else murdered Mauldin.  Accordingly, the 
postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
John Maleszewski 
 
Whitton argues that counsel were ineffective for failing to impeach hotel 
clerk Maleszewski’s inconsistent testimony.  Whitton’s argument here is refuted by 
the record.  The record demonstrates that trial counsel impeached Maleszewski 
extensively.  Accordingly, Whitton has not established that counsel were deficient, 
and the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
Investigation and Impeachment of Snitches 
 
Whitton alleges that trial counsel were ineffective for failing to interview jail 
inmates to find witnesses to refute Ozio’s and McCollough’s testimony.  Whitton 
failed to present any evidence that would have been admissible at trial.  Further, 
the record demonstrates that both McCollough and Ozio were impeached 
extensively at trial.  Whitton failed to demonstrate that counsel were deficient.  
Accordingly, the postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
 
 
 
 
 
- 25 - 
Juror Communication 
Juror Notes 
 
Whitton alleges that the trial judge and bailiff communicated with the jury 
outside the presence of the defendant and counsel in violation of Florida Rule of 
Criminal Procedure 3.410.2  Whitton’s allegation is based on five notes from the 
jury of which he says he was unaware until recently.  Whitton’s claim is refuted by 
the record and thus without merit.  Additionally, two of the notes do not comprise 
communication within the scope of rule 3.410, and therefore do not constitute 
error.3  Whitton’s claim fails because these communications do not fall within the 
scope of rule 3.410.  See Mendoza v. State, 700 So. 2d 670, 674 (Fla. 1997). 
                                          
 
 
2.  Rule 3.410 provides: 
 
After the jurors have retired to consider their verdict, if they 
request additional instructions or to have any testimony read or played 
back to them they may be conducted into the courtroom by the officer 
who has them in charge and the court may give them the additional 
instructions or may order the testimony read or played back to them.  
The instructions shall be given and the testimony presented only after 
notice to the prosecuting attorney and to counsel for the defendant.  
All testimony read or played back must be done in open court in the 
presence of all parties.  In its discretion, the court may respond in 
writing to the inquiry without having the jury brought before the 
court, provided the parties have received the opportunity to place 
objections on the record and both the inquiry and response are made 
part of the record. 
Fla. R. Crim. P. Rule 3.410 (last amended November 8, 2012). 
 
3.   
The first note in the record states, “Is it to our understanding that a 
lady in the audience has a tape recorder recording this?  We the jury object.  It 
 
 
- 26 - 
                                                                                                                                        
gives us an uneasy feeling.”  In the trial record, this note appears to have been 
presented at the beginning of the defense’s portion of the penalty phase, right 
before counsel Tongue began questioning Dr. Larson.   The trial judge responded 
in open court, stating, “Let me make a general announcement before you call your 
first witness, and that would be simply to advise the jury that I have dealt with the 
situation that you brought to my attention.  And I will, for the record, just file this 
note with the clerk.” 
 
Whitton’s claim regarding this note fails for several reasons.  First, as 
demonstrated by the record, this communication did not fall under the scope of rule 
3.140 because it was not a request from the jury for additional instruction during 
deliberations.  Second, the note was addressed in open court with counsel for the 
defense, the State, the defendant, and the jury present.  Accordingly, Whitton is not 
entitled to relief. 
 
The fifth note in the record states, “I understand you may have a question.  If 
so, please write it down and Tim will hand it to me.”  L. Melvin, Judge.  On the 
same page, the jury appears to have written its response, “Mrs. Keyser’s feet 
cannot touch floor in jury box which is causing feet to swell—could I get a box to 
prop up feet.”  This exchange was captured in the trial record.  The trial judge and 
counsel discussed the procedure for notes at length: 
 
The Court:  I’ve just gotten a note that reads: “Some of the 
jurors want to ask a question.  May they write it down?”  The note 
was handed to me by my bailiff.  I will—If they’re going to ask a 
question, I want it written down.  I don’t want them to simply 
verbalize it in the courtroom.  Logistically, I think I need to bring 
them in and tell them that if they have a question they need to write it 
down and hand it to the bailiff. 
 
Mr. Bishop:  Judge, for the record, we would just allow Mr. 
Crenshaw to deliver that message.  I mean, we are all here in the 
courtroom.  I think, that for purposes of the record, we can lay out that 
the jury room door is located in front of the Court, that we would be 
able to observe Mr. Crenshaw enter the room, he can deliver the pad, 
come back, pick the message up from them, and we can just find out 
what it is at that time.  We would have no objection to, the defense, 
handling it that way. 
 
The Court:  All right.  Does the State have any objection? 
 
Mr. Adkinson:  (Indicating in the negative) 
 
 
- 27 - 
 
This Court has held that, where . . . there are communications 
between the judge and the juror outside the express notice 
requirements of rule 3.410, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, a 
harmless error analysis applies.  See Williams v. State, 488 So. 2d 62, 
64 (Fla. 1986).  Indeed, the United States Supreme Court has held 
that, even where such communications are not recorded . . . and are 
not subsequently disclosed to counsel . . . they are still subject to a 
harmless error analysis.  See Rushen v. Spain, 464 U.S. 114 (1983). 
Lebron v. State, 799 So. 2d 997, 1015 (Fla. 2001). 
                                                                                                                                        
 
The Court:  I will then write a note for the bailiff to hand into 
the jury room and wait outside for them to write a response back. 
 
Mr. Bishop:  Do you want to go forward with the testimony, or 
take a break at this point? 
 
The Court:  Let me see what they say.  My note to the jury 
reads: “I understand you may have a question.  If so, please write it 
down and Tim will hand it to me.” 
[an apparent break while they await the response] 
 
The Court:  What makes makes (sic) this funny is an inside 
joke.  I’m sitting in the burgundy chair now instead of the big one 
because my feet don’t touch the floor in the big brown one.  This note 
says, “Mrs. Keyser’s feet cannot touch the floor in the jury box, which 
is causing her feet to swell.  Could I get a box to prop up my feet?”  
And, so we do need to get her something to prop her feet up on. 
This exchange happened during the State’s case-in-chief prior to the direct 
examination of Dr. Kielman.  Accordingly, the communication does not fall within 
the scope of rule 3.140.  Therefore, the note is subject to harmless error analysis.  
See Lebron v. State, 799 So. 2d 997, 1015 (Fla. 2001).  As indicated by the record, 
the communication happened in open court and counsel did not object.  Indeed, 
defense counsel Bishop testified at the evidentiary hearing that he remembered the 
note about the juror’s feet not being able to reach the floor.  Additionally, this 
portion of the record appears to demonstrate that the process for juror notes was 
agreed upon by counsel for the defense, counsel for the State, and the trial judge.  
Whitton cannot demonstrate that any error occurred or that the error was 
prejudicial. 
 
 
- 28 - 
 
While the remaining notes4 appear to fall within the scope of rule 3.410, we 
agree with the postconviction court that these claims are refuted by the record.  
Whitton’s argument that he was unaware of the notes is refuted by counsel’s 
testimony that he remembered the content of at least two of the notes.   
 
We have stated that: 
Violations of rule 3.410 are per se reversible because communication 
between the judge and the jury, without notice to and outside the 
presence of the prosecutor, defense counsel, and the defendant, is too 
possibly prejudicial to be tolerated.  Bradley v. State, 513 So. 2d 112 
(Fla. 1987); Williams v. State, 488 So. 2d 62 (Fla. 1986); Curtis v. 
State, 480 So. 2d 1277 (Fla. 1985); Ivory v. State, 351 So. 2d 26 (Fla. 
1977).  
Brown v. State, 538 So. 2d 833, 834 (Fla. 1989).  However, as we stated in 
Thomas v. State, 730 So. 2d 667, 668 (Fla. 1998), “The per se reversible error rule 
announced in Ivory is prophylactic in nature and must be invoked by 
contemporaneous objection at trial.  Where counsel communicates to the trial 
judge his acceptance of the procedure employed, the issue will be considered 
waived.”  Id. at 668 (footnotes and emphasis omitted); see also, Lebron, 799 So. 2d 
                                          
 
 
4.   
The second note in the record states, “List of her (Judge Melvin’s) 
instruction (sic) to the jury.”   
 
The third note in the record states, “What is the soonest possible time he 
could get out of prison?  Gain time?  Model prisoner? etc.  Or is 25 yrs the soonest 
he could get out?” 
   
The fourth note in the record appears to be Judge Melvin’s response to the 
note above.  It states, “With regard to your question, please refer to the jury 
instructions.  L. Melvin, Judge.”   
 
 
- 29 - 
at 1017 n.2; Mendoza, 700 So. 2d at 674.  Here, Whitton’s counsel remembered 
several of the notes, including the one regarding Whitton’s sentence.  Accordingly, 
on the entire record before us, it appears that counsel could have objected 
contemporaneously.  See Thomas, 730 So. 2d at 668.  We note, however, the 
importance of ensuring a complete record during trial and admonish trial judges to 
remember:   
Any communication with the jury outside the presence of the 
prosecutor, the defendant, and defendant’s counsel is so fraught with 
potential prejudice that it cannot be considered harmless. . . .  
 . . . it is prejudicial error for a trial judge to respond to a request from 
the jury without the prosecuting attorney, the defendant, and 
defendant’s counsel being present and having the opportunity to 
participate in the discussion of the action to be taken on the jury’s 
request. 
 
Ivory, 351 So. 2d at 28.   
Juror Interviews 
 
The second part of Whitton’s juror communication claim is that the 
postconviction court erred by denying him an opportunity to interview the jury.  
This issue is reviewed for an abuse of discretion.  Marshall v. State, 976 So. 2d 
1071, 1076 (Fla. 2007) (citing Boyd v. State, 910 So. 2d 167, 178 (Fla. 2005)).  
This Court has stated: 
“Juror interviews are not permissible unless the moving party has 
made sworn allegations that, if true, would require the court to order a 
new trial because the alleged error was so fundamental and prejudicial 
as to vitiate the entire proceedings.”  Johnson v. State, 804 So. 2d 
 
 
- 30 - 
1218, 1224 (Fla. 2001) (citing Baptist Hosp. of Miami, Inc. v. Maler, 
579 So. 2d 97, 100 (Fla. 1991)). 
Power v. State, 886 So. 2d 952, 957 (Fla. 2004).  Because there was no 
fundamental or prejudicial error, the postconviction court properly denied juror 
interviews. 
Investigation of Mitigation 
 
In his fourth issue on appeal, Whitton alleges that trial counsel failed to 
properly investigate mitigation.  The trial court found in mitigation that Whitton 
suffered a deprived childhood and poor upbringing, that he was abused as a child, 
specifically that he was abused by his alcoholic parents, and that Whitton had an 
unstable personality consistent with parental alcoholism and child abuse.  Because 
the evidence presented at the evidentiary hearing was cumulative to that considered 
during Whitton’s penalty phase, he cannot establish that counsel’s failure to talk to 
additional members of his family created prejudice.  Accordingly, the 
postconviction court properly denied this claim.   
 
This Court has stated that trial counsel has a duty to investigate mitigation. 
“ ‘In reviewing a claim that counsel’s representation was ineffective based on a 
failure to investigate or present mitigating evidence, the Court requires the 
defendant to demonstrate that the deficient performance deprived the defendant of 
a reliable penalty phase proceeding.’ ”  Simmons v. State, 105 So. 3d 475, 503 
(Fla. 2012) (quoting Hoskins v. State, 75 So. 3d 250, 254 (Fla. 2011)).   
 
 
- 31 - 
 
“It is unquestioned that under the prevailing professional 
norms . . . counsel ha[s] an ‘obligation to conduct a thorough 
investigation of the defendant’s background.’ ”  Moreover, counsel 
must not ignore pertinent avenues for investigation of which he or she 
should have been aware.  “[I]t is axiomatic that ‘counsel has a duty to 
make reasonable investigations or to make a reasonable decision that 
makes particular investigations unnecessary.’ ” 
Id.  Here, counsel spoke to several of Whitton’s family members who resided in 
Florida.  Their combined information supplied sufficient evidence for the trial 
court to find multiple mitigating factors relating to Whitton’s childhood.  
Admittedly, counsel did not travel to New York to inquire further into Whitton’s 
background. 
 
Relating to the evidence in support of mitigation, the trial court found: 
 
The evidence is clear that the Defendant is an adult child of two 
alcoholic parents, that he was physically and mentally abused by his 
parents, and that he suffered a deprived childhood and poor 
upbringing.  The evidence also demonstrated that other siblings from 
this same family environment are productive, law abiding citizens.  
The Court finds that these mitigating circumstances have been 
established and they are given considerable weight by this court. 
 
The jury recommended the sentence of death in a unanimous verdict.  
Whitton cannot establish that he was prejudiced.  As noted, the additional 
testimony provided at the evidentiary hearing was cumulative to that presented at 
trial.  It is therefore not likely that he would have received a lesser sentence if 
counsel had presented the additional witnesses.  Accordingly, the lower court 
properly denied this claim. 
 
 
- 32 - 
 
Whitton next alleges that counsel was deficient for failing to appoint experts 
to testify regarding his likely fetal alcohol syndrome.  Whitton’s claim is refuted 
by the record.  Counsel appointed Dr. James Larson, who testified “that the 
Defendant had a full scale IQ of 84, indicating that his level of intellectual 
functioning was in the Low Average range. . . . that the Defendant does not have a 
major mental illness, but that he does have an unstable personality, consistent with 
alcoholism and child abuse.”  Pursuant to Dr. Larson’s testimony, the trial court 
found mental problems as a mitigating factor and gave them some weight.  Id.  
This Court has stated that trial counsel is not deficient simply because 
postconviction counsel could find a more favorable expert.  See Hoskins v. State, 
75 So. 3d 250, 255 (Fla. 2011) (“ ‘This Court has repeatedly held that counsel’s 
entire investigation and presentation will not be rendered deficient simply because 
a defendant has now found a more favorable expert.’ ” (quoting Card v. State, 992 
So. 2d 810, 818 (Fla. 2008))).  Accordingly, just because Whitton has found an 
expert who would diagnose him as having fetal alcohol syndrome does not mean 
that counsel provided deficient performance at the trial.  Further, even if this Court 
finds that counsel was deficient, because the evidence would be stronger, but 
cumulative to that provided at trial, Whitton cannot establish prejudice.  Therefore, 
the postconviction court properly denied this claim. 
 
 
 
- 33 - 
Cumulative Error 
 
In his final claim on appeal, Whitton argues that the cumulative effect of the 
errors in his trial entitle him to a new trial.  The postconviction court denied this 
claim below, finding that Whitton was not entitled to cumulative relief where there 
had been no error found.  The lower court is correct.  As discussed above, Whitton 
is not entitled to relief on any of his claims and is therefore not entitled to relief 
based on cumulative error.  See Merck, 124 So. 3d at 802.   
PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS 
 
In Whitton’s first habeas issue, he refashions one of his postconviction 
claims into an ineffective assistance of appellate counsel claim.  In his 
postconviction motion, he alleged both that the State had offered false testimony 
through McCollough and Ozio, and had suppressed evidence relating to 
McCollough.  Whitton argues that appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to 
follow up on McCollough’s recantation.  
 
Claims of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel are properly raised in a 
petition for writ of habeas corpus.  See Jackson v. State, 127 So. 3d 447, 476 (Fla. 
Sept. 2013) (citing Freeman v. State, 761 So. 2d 1055, 1069 (Fla. 2000)).  “In 
raising such a claim, the defendant has the burden of alleging a specific, serious 
omission or overt act upon which the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel can 
be based.”  Id. (internal quotation marks and alterations omitted).  Consistent with 
 
 
- 34 - 
the Strickland standard, to grant habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of 
counsel, this Court must determine: 
first, whether the alleged omissions are of such magnitude as to 
constitute a serious error or substantial deficiency falling measurably 
outside the range of professionally acceptable performance and, 
second, whether the deficiency in performance compromised the 
appellate process to such a degree as to undermine confidence in the 
correctness of the result.  
Pope v. Wainwright, 496 So. 2d 798, 800 (Fla. 1986); see also Freeman, 761 So. 
2d at 1069; Thompson v. State, 759 So. 2d 650, 660 (Fla. 2000).  In raising such a 
claim, “[t]he defendant has the burden of alleging a specific, serious omission or 
overt act upon which the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel can be based.”  
Freeman, 761 So. 2d at 1069; see also Knight v. State, 394 So. 2d 997, 1001 (Fla. 
1981).   
 
Whitton has not established that appellate counsel’s omission constitutes a 
substantial deficiency outside the range of professionally acceptable performance.  
Saunders testified that she received the communication from Billy Key that 
McCollough wished to issue a statement recanting his trial testimony.  She 
contacted trial counsel, who asked her to secure the statement.  Saunders attempts 
were thwarted because McCollough refused to issue a statement unless the State 
agreed that he would not be prosecuted for perjury.  Because Saunders could not 
overcome his refusal, McCollough did not submit a statement.  Whitton does not 
 
 
- 35 - 
provide any caselaw to support his assertion that Saunders owed him a greater 
duty. 
 
Further, Whitton cannot establish prejudice.  As discussed above, 
recantations are not credible.  Without McCollough’s testimony, Ozio’s testimony 
would still have provided the jury with evidence that Whitton admitted to 
murdering Maudlin.  That, coupled with the overwhelming evidence against 
Whitton, makes it extremely unlikely that McCollough’s recantation would have 
changed the outcome of the trial.   
 
Because we determine that the specific error alleged is not one for which 
Whitton is entitled to relief, we find that counsel is not deficient for failing to raise 
a meritless argument.  “If a legal issue ‘would in all probability have been found to 
be without merit’ had counsel raised the issue on direct appeal, the failure of 
appellate counsel to raise the meritless issue will not render appellate counsel’s 
performance ineffective.”  Rutherford v. Moore, 774 So. 2d 637, 643 (Fla. 2000) 
(quoting Williamson v. Dugger, 651 So. 2d 84, 86 (Fla. 1994)).  
 
In Whitton’s second habeas issue, he argues that appellate counsel was 
ineffective for failing to ensure the record was complete by ensuring that the notes 
to and from the jury were included in the record.  As with the previous issue, this 
claim is properly raised and the standard is as discussed above.  See Jackson, 127 
So. 3d at 476.  Because we determined that Whitton would not have been entitled 
 
 
- 36 - 
to relief on this issue, we likewise determine that counsel was not deficient.  See 
Rutherford, supra. 
CONCLUSION 
 
For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the postconviction court’s denial of 
Whitton’s 3.851 motion and deny his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. 
 
It is so ordered. 
LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
LABARGA, C.J., concurs with an opinion, in which PARIENTE, J. concurs. 
 
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND 
IF FILED, DETERMINED.   
 
LABARGA, C.J., concurring. 
I concur with the majority opinion.  I write separately, however, to address 
the lack of clarity in the record with respect to the notes submitted by the jury and 
to emphasize the need for trial courts to fully comply with the requirements of 
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.410.  Rule 3.410 establishes a procedure for 
trial courts to follow when jurors request that additional instructions be provided or 
that testimony be read or played back.  This rule serves the dual purpose of 
protecting the interests of parties and preserving the record.  Its purpose is clear.   
Jury deliberations are sacrosanct, and the impact of a jury’s deliberations 
cannot be overstated.  It is of paramount importance that both parties be made 
aware of any inquiries from the jurors and that the treatment of these inquiries is 
 
 
- 37 - 
fully reflected in the record.  Although not every juror inquiry that falls within the 
scope of rule 3.410 will result in the jury being brought back into open court to 
receive additional instructions or a read-back or play-back of testimony, the rule is 
clear that every inquiry will result in notice to counsel for both parties.  Moreover, 
rule 3.410 envisions that the record will clearly reflect the discussion and the 
resolution of the juror inquiry, which necessarily involves input from both parties.      
When the trial court receives an inquiry from the jury, after notifying the 
prosecuting attorney and counsel for the defendant, the court should go on the 
record and read the note aloud in the presence of the defendant, defense counsel, 
and the prosecuting attorney.  Then, still on the record, the trial court should invite 
input from both parties as to how to respond to the inquiry.  The trial court should 
not respond to any inquiry from the jurors without first discussing the matter on the 
record with both parties.  Strict adherence to this procedure is necessary to protect 
the defendant and the State, preserve the record, and assist the appellate court upon 
review. 
PARIENTE, J., concurs. 
Two Cases: 
An Appeal from the Circuit Court in and for Walton County,  
Michael Gordon Allen, Judge - Case No. 661990CF000429CFAXMX 
And an Original Proceeding – Habeas Corpus  
 
 
 
 
 
- 38 - 
Mark Evan Olive of the Law Offices of Mark E. Olive, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
for Appellant/Petitioner 
 
Pamela Jo Bondi, Attorney General, and Carolyn Marie Snurkowski, Associate 
Deputy Attorney General, Tallahassee, Florida, and Carol Marie Dittmar, Senior 
Assistant Attorney General, Tampa, Florida, 
 
for Appellee/Respondent