Title: People v. Morgan

State: illinois

Issuer: Illinois Supreme Court

Document:

Docket No. 82374-Agenda 2-March 1999.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Appellee, v. SAMUEL MORGAN, Appellant.
Opinion filed September 23, 1999.
JUSTICE McMORROW delivered the opinion of the court:
Defendant, Samuel Morgan, was charged with two counts of murder and with aggravated kidnaping and rape. Following a
jury trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant was found guilty of all charges. Defendant waived his right to a
jury for the sentencing phase of the proceedings, and the circuit court found defendant eligible for the death penalty on the
basis that he was convicted of murdering two individuals. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9-1(b)(3). The court then
determined that no factors in mitigation were presented to preclude imposition of the death penalty and sentenced defendant
to death for the murders. The circuit court also imposed concurrent extended prison terms (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par.
1005-8-2(a)) of 60 years for the rape and 30 years for the aggravated kidnaping. On direct appeal, this court affirmed
defendant's convictions on all charges, and affirmed his sentence of death. This court also vacated the extended-term
sentences imposed for rape and aggravated kidnaping and, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 615, reduced defendant's
sentence for rape to 30 years and his aggravated kidnaping sentence to 15 years. People v. Morgan, 112 Ill. 2d 111 (1986).
The United States Supreme Court subsequently denied defendant's petition for writ of certiorari. Morgan v. Illinois, 479 U.S. 1101, 94 L. Ed. 2d 180, 107 S. Ct. 1329 (1987).
Defendant thereafter filed a petition pursuant to the Post-Conviction Hearing Act (725 ILCS 5/122-1 et seq. (West 1994)),
challenging his convictions and death sentence. The circuit court dismissed all claims presented in defendant's post-conviction petition without an evidentiary hearing, with one exception. The court granted an evidentiary hearing on
defendant's allegation that his trial counsel, Lawrence Levin, was ineffective because he failed to investigate and present
certain mitigation evidence at sentencing. Following the evidentiary hearing, the circuit court denied defendant relief on this
claim as well. This appeal followed.
BACKGROUND
This court previously detailed the evidence presented at defendant's trial in our opinion on direct appeal. See People v.
Morgan, 112 Ill. 2d 111 (1986). Therefore, we reiterate only those facts which are germane to the issues raised in this
appeal. We set forth in some detail the facts relating to defendant's sentencing hearing and the evidence presented in the
post-conviction proceedings.
Defendant was charged with the murders of William Motley and Kenneth Merkson, and the aggravated kidnaping and rape
of Phyllis Gregson. On the afternoon of January 27, 1982, defendant visited his long-time friend, Elijah Prater, at Prater's
apartment at 1627 West Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. Accompanying defendant to Prater's apartment were Motley and
Merkson, two friends of defendant. The evidence presented at trial showed that, after the trio arrived at Prater's apartment,
all four men used various drugs and alcohol. Another friend of Prater, Phyllis Gregson, arrived at Prater's apartment
sometime after 8 p.m.
The four men and Gregson spent the night at Prater's apartment. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on January 28, Motley,
Gregson and defendant were in the apartment's front room. The evidence showed that Motley was sitting on a couch,
talking on the telephone, and looking through a small, black telephone book. As he was making phone calls, Motley had a
.357 Magnum handgun tucked under his leg. Defendant was sitting on a chair with a shotgun across his lap. Prater and
Merkson were in the kitchen.
At that point, defendant instructed Gregson to remove her clothing and dance for him. Gregson refused, and Motley, who
was still sitting on the couch, made an unknown comment to defendant. Defendant, who was between six and seven feet
away from Motley, aimed the shotgun at him and fired. Motley landed on the floor with a fatal shotgun wound to the chest.
Defendant then removed the handgun from Motley's body and placed the gun in his own waistband.
Defendant thereafter went into the kitchen and told Prater and Merkson to come into the front room and clean up Motley's
body. Merkson removed money, marijuana, and the black telephone book from Motley and gave them to defendant.
Defendant looked at the names in the book, asked if anyone knew the listed individuals, and then placed the book in his
pocket. Defendant said that he wanted to get Motley's body out of the apartment and told Prater and Merkson to pull the
drawer out of a bedroom dresser to determine if the body would fit inside. Although Motley's body was bent and tied with a
rope, the dresser drawer would not accommodate the body. Prater and Merkson then stuffed Motley's tied body into a
laundry bag and wrapped it inside a mattress. Defendant then instructed Gregson to clean Motley's blood from the floor,
which she did.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., defendant sent Prater to a liquor store to buy something to drink, told Prater to put gas in
Prater's car, and instructed him to park the car at the rear of the apartment building. Prater ran the errands and returned to
the apartment approximately 15 minutes later. Upon Prater's return, Gregson was washing dishes in the kitchen, and
defendant was sitting in the dining room with the shotgun in his lap and the handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants.
Merkson was walking around the apartment making jokes. Prater gave defendant the liquor he purchased and the men took
a few drinks. Merkson continued to make jokes until defendant told him to stop joking and to remove Motley's body from
the apartment. Merkson and Prater then moved Motley's body, wrapped inside the mattress, to the center of the room.
When Merkson made another remark, defendant chased Merkson into the front room, where they started to argue. After
hitting Merkson in the head with the butt of the handgun, defendant again instructed Merkson and Prater to remove the
body from the apartment. Merkson made another remark to defendant and defendant told Merkson to get down on his knees
and face the floor. Prater testified that he saw defendant point the handgun at Merkson's head from a distance of four to five
feet. Prater then turned to face the wall. Prater heard a shot and turned back to see Merkson's body on the floor and
defendant, holding the handgun, standing beside it. Gregson also testified that as she emerged from the kitchen she saw the
handgun in defendant's hand as he stood near Merkson's body. Defendant ordered Gregson to clean up Merkson's blood,
and instructed Prater to get the body out of the apartment. As Prater began to tie up Merkson's body with his belt, defendant
came up behind Prater and began shooting at him. Prater testified that he felt a bullet pass by his head. Prater then ran
through the kitchen and out the back door of the apartment.
Defendant, who was now alone with Gregson in the apartment, ordered her into the bathroom. Gregson complied, and
locked the bathroom door behind her. After the passage of between 5 and 10 minutes, defendant ordered her out of the
bathroom. When she emerged, she saw defendant was still in possession of the handgun, although she did not observe the
shotgun. Defendant took Gregson by the arm and they left the apartment together at approximately 1:30 p.m.
In the meantime, Prater's downstairs neighbor, Frank Blume, had called the police. Blume, who had heard several loud
shattering sounds coming from Prater's apartment during the morning, testified that the last loud blast, which occurred at
about 1:15 p.m., caused a hole in the ceiling in Blume's front hallway. The police arrived shortly after 1:30 p.m., and, upon
entering Prater's apartment, discovered the bodies of Motley and Merkson. From the apartment the police recovered a
loaded shotgun, a fingerprint from a dresser drawer later identified as defendant's, and a bullet from the floor. The police
also recovered a bullet from Blume's apartment.
Gregson testified that after leaving Prater's apartment, defendant, who was still armed with the handgun, ordered her into
his car and drove her to the South Shore Motel, where he checked in under the alias of Joseph Thurston. Defendant, who
had Gregson by the arm, then led her to a motel room, where he began to undress her. Although Gregson told defendant that
she did not want to have sex with him, defendant completed removing her clothes, pushed her onto the bed, and had sexual
intercourse with her. Thereafter, defendant, who was still armed with the handgun, escorted Gregson by the arm to his car.
A motel employee testified that he observed defendant pointing a gun to Gregson's head. Defendant, upon seeing the
employee, aimed the gun at him and began chasing him. As the employee ran towards the motel lobby, defendant ceased
the chase, again took Gregson by the arm, and pushed her headfirst into his car. Soon thereafter, defendant stopped the car
and told Gregson to get out. After warning her not to tell anyone what had happened, defendant drove off at a rapid rate of
speed. Defendant was arrested the next day, January 29, 1982. Later that same day, Prater contacted the police and informed
them that defendant was responsible for the deaths of Merkson and Motley. Prater's statements to the police were
subsequently confirmed by Gregson.
At trial, expert testimony showed that the handgun recovered from defendant at the time of his arrest had fired the bullets
recovered at the apartment building. A plastic bag defendant dropped prior to his arrest contained a black notebook, which
Prater and Gregson described at trial as being the one Merkson gave defendant from Motley's body.
A jury found defendant guilty of all charges on May 3, 1983. Defendant waived a sentencing jury, and the trial court judge
conducted defendant's capital sentencing hearing on June 14, 1983. At the eligibility phase of the sentencing hearing, the
State introduced into evidence a certified copy of defendant's birth certificate showing that he was over 18 years of age at
the time of the murders, and argued that defendant was eligible for the death sentence on the basis that he had been
convicted of murdering two individuals. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9-1(b)(3). Defense counsel presented no evidence
regarding defendant's eligibility, but argued that because the Illinois death penalty statute was unconstitutional, "the
proceedings *** in terms of the death penalty hearing should not be held." Based upon the evidence offered, the trial court
judge concluded that defendant was eligible for the death penalty.
The trial court judge then heard evidence relevant to aggravation and mitigation. In his opening remarks, the prosecutor
focused upon defendant's "consistent history of unprovoked violence," and argued that, for most of his adult life, defendant
"has been involved in violent confrontations with people, most of them innocent people."
Defense counsel, in his opening statement, engaged in a religious appeal to the judge. Counsel stated: "What I can bring
forth before this court, at this time, is the knowledge and wisdom of Catholicism, the Pope, the archbishops." Although
counsel admitted that "there can be no question that [defendant] has been found guilty of a crime," counsel argued that by
seeking the death penalty, the State "is proposing to this court *** that this court shall act in the stead of a God, that this
court, with its supervising powers, shall become the almighty and terminate a man's life." Concerning mitigation evidence,
counsel stated that he would "let the evidence speak for itself, insofar as mitigation is concerned," and he promised the trial
court judge that "[y]ou will hear from [defendant]. You will hear from kin of [defendant]. You will hear regarding medical
testimony as to the problems medically that the defendant has had and still suffers from."
During the State's case in aggravation, the State introduced defendant's criminal history, which dated back to 1965, and
presented the testimony of five witnesses. The State's first witness was Earnest Powell, who testified that as he was walking
to his car one evening in November 1965, he was approached by defendant, who had a gun. Defendant told Powell to get
out of his car, whereupon Powell's wallet and car were stolen. Defendant was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to
three months' imprisonment and five years' probation.
While defendant was on probation for the armed robbery of Powell, defendant was arrested in May 1967 for the aggravated
battery of Joseph Smoot. Smoot testified that he was playing softball at Washington Park when defendant, whom Smoot
had never met, hit Smoot in the back of his head with a baseball bat. Defendant pled guilty to aggravated battery and was
sentenced to three to five years' imprisonment. Defendant was also sentenced to a concurrent term of three to five years'
imprisonment for jumping bail in connection with this offense. Finally, defendant was sentenced to an additional concurrent
term of three to eight years' imprisonment for violating the provisions of his original probation for the previous armed
robbery conviction.
In October 1967, defendant was convicted of aggravated battery, intimidation and mob action in connection with a race riot
at Cook County jail. James Czernek, who had been incarcerated at Cook County jail, testified that defendant, who was an
organizer of the race riot, had instructed all white prisoners to kneel on the floor in the middle of the jail's day room.
Defendant then struck Czernek in the throat with a stick. For these offenses, defendant was sentenced to a term of three to
five years' imprisonment, to run concurrently with the other sentences mentioned above.
Chicago Police Officer John Gallagher also testified in aggravation. He stated that in October 1976 he investigated an
armed robbery at defendant's apartment and learned that defendant had shot two females with a sawed-off shotgun.
However, on cross-examination, Gallagher acknowledged that the State subsequently moved to strike, with leave to
reinstate, the aggravated battery and unlawful use of weapons charges against defendant stemming from the incident.
The State's final witness in aggravation was Chicago Police Officer Paul Zacharias. In November 1981, he stopped
defendant's car for failure to display a state vehicle registration sticker. When defendant failed to produce a valid driver's
license, he was placed under arrest. As Officer Zacharias attempted to handcuff defendant, Zacharias' partner observed a
scale and two bags containing a white powdered substance on the front seat of defendant's car. Defendant punched Officer
Zacharias in the face with his fist and also hit and shoved the officer's partner. Defendant then returned to his car and sped
off, with the officers in pursuit. Defendant thereafter left his vehicle, and the officers gave chase on foot. Ultimately,
defendant was apprehended and placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to
deliver, and battery. The case was still pending at the time of the hearing in aggravation in the case at bar.
The mitigation case presented by defense counsel consisted of two witnesses, whose testimony comprised 10 pages of
transcript. Defendant's girlfriend, Rosemary Thomas, related that she met defendant in 1972, and they lived together from
1974 until the time of defendant's arrest in this matter. Thomas testified that defendant played with her two small children,
baked cookies with them, helped them with their homework, and instructed them not to argue with one another. She also
stated that defendant provided her with moral support when she experienced difficult times. Thomas testified that she
benefitted from her time together with defendant, and that she and her children loved him.
Defense counsel next called defendant's mother, Josephine Rogers, who testified that she loved defendant. Then, the
following exchange, which were the only references developed by the defense relating to defendant's brain damage, took
place between Rogers and defense counsel Levin:
After the completion of Rogers' testimony, defense counsel requested that the court grant a continuance to the next day
because there were "certain other witnesses" that counsel stated that he wanted to call. The trial court judge denied this
request, noting that the date for the sentencing hearing had been agreed to by both sides and the hearing was taking place
over one month after defendant had been found guilty by the jury. Defense counsel then stated that because the court had
not allowed a continuance, defendant had asked him to bring specific matters to the attention of the judge. In connection
with defendant's request, counsel drew the court's attention to the contents of a 1978 presentence investigation report
regarding defendant, and elaborated that "defendant has been receiving medication and had prior instances involving a spot
on the brain which was supposed to have been traceable to an injury which occurred when he was eight years old. There is
information that the defendant was treated and had been utilizing particular medication while during his incarceration."
In closing argument at the aggravation-mitigation stage of the sentencing proceedings, the prosecutor commented to the
court that defendant presented "two angles" of mitigation: "that the defendant is a loved person, that his mother loves him,
that his girlfriend loves him, children love him *** [and] [s]econdly that the defendant suffered some medical incident
when he was eight years old that causes him to have blank spots." The prosecutor, focusing upon defense counsel's promise
during opening arguments that medical evidence would be presented regarding defendant's medical problems, observed that
the court had "not heard any medical testimony" other than "certain referrals in the presentence investigation," and that
there was no evidence presented "as to whether this medical condition would, in any way, mitigate or take away from the
defendant's conscious behavior when he performed certain acts."
Defense counsel, in his closing argument at the aggravation-mitigation stage of the sentencing proceedings, acknowledged
the "heinous nature of the events which took place," and then again engaged in a primarily religious appeal to the judge to
spare defendant's life, stating: "If human beings, such as yourself, feel it appropriate to rectify the wrong and [mete] out a
punishment, which is an eventuality of punishment, which is meted out by somebody else who is far more knowledgeable
than you or I, who is the person who decides. The giver of life then-then I would suggest that this court has taken a step
towards immortality which should not be done."
In speaking of the mitigation evidence presented in support of defendant, counsel stated: "I would submit to this court when
somebody has suggested that there is no mitigation, there is no right, that there is no love, they're wrong. Mothers love their
children. Wives love their husbands. Fathers love their children. But love is espoused by somebody much bigger than
somebody who is not here today." Counsel then concluded that "[m]itigation many times is not something that can be
directly spelled out by the mouth, by the words. Mitigation is not something which individuals come before this Court and
say, I apologize, I forgive, I have sinned. Mitigation is the process of individuals. Mitigation is the love that is shown by
individuals. Mitigation, in fact, Judge, is the being of human beings."
On June 14, 1983, the trial judge, finding no mitigating factors sufficient to preclude the imposition of the death penalty,
sentenced defendant to death on the murder charges and to concurrent extended prison terms of 60 and 30 years for rape and
aggravated kidnaping. As part of his sentencing decision, the trial court judge stated that he took into consideration the
factors of defendant's background, as well as the circumstances of the crime. Concerning defendant's background, the judge
stated that it was "one of all criminal conduct and activity," except for the facts related by defendant's girlfriend. As to the
circumstances of the crime, the judge observed that "[t]here wasn't any rhyme, there wasn't any reason" to the "senseless
killings." The trial court judge stated that "I might say that this could be the part that could be very distasteful to this court
or to this judge," and that "I'm not a great proponent of the death penalty," but "I have a job to do, and I'm going to do my
job. I see no other sentence."
Subsequent to this court's consideration of defendant's direct appeal (People v. Morgan, 112 Ill. 2d 111 (1986)) and the
United State's Supreme Court's denial of defendant's petition for writ of certiorari (Morgan v. Illinois, 479 U.S. 1101, 94 L. Ed. 2d 180, 107 S. Ct. 1329 (1987)), defendant, through the Cook County public defender's office, filed a petition for
post-conviction relief in January 1988. The post-conviction petition alleged that defendant's constitutional rights were
violated during his trial, sentencing, and direct appeal. Between July 1988 and April 1993, defendant underwent a series of
neurological, psychological, neuropsychological and social history evaluations. In March 1993, the State filed a motion to
dismiss defendant's post-conviction petition. Defendant, again through the public defender's office, filed an amended
petition for post-conviction relief in July 1993. The State filed an amended motion to dismiss in October 1993. In August
1994, the public defender's office was granted leave to withdraw as defendant's post-conviction counsel, and defendant's
present counsel was appointed. On July 3, 1995, present counsel filed a second amended petition for post-conviction relief.
A supplement to the second amended petition for post-conviction relief, as well as a second amended motion to dismiss,
were also filed.
Defendant's second amended petition raises numerous claims of ineffective assistance of counsel at trial, sentencing, and on
direct appeal, in violation of defendant's rights under the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and fourteenth amendments to the
United States Constitution (U.S. Const., amends. IV, V, VI, VIII, XIV), as well as his rights under article I, sections 2 and
11, of the Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, §§2, 11). We set forth only those claims which are raised by
defendant in this appeal. First, the petition alleged that defendant was denied effective assistance of counsel during trial and
at the eligibility phase of sentencing because counsel failed to investigate and present certain defenses; failed to
competently present the defense relied upon; was distracted by outside obligations; improperly admonished defendant
concerning his right to testify; and failed to request exculpatory statements from the State. Second, the petition alleged that
defendant was denied effective assistance of counsel during the aggravation-mitigation stage of the sentencing hearing
because counsel failed to investigate and present mitigating evidence concerning defendant's organic brain damage and
family background; failed to address mitigating circumstances in defendant's life during arguments at sentencing; allowed
defendant to waive a sentencing jury in a manner not knowing, intelligent and voluntary; and failed to object to a
presentence investigation report. Third, the petition alleged that defendant was deprived of the effective assistance of
appellate counsel during his direct appeal.
In support of the allegations in his petition, defendant attached affidavits from several professionals, as well as copies of his
medical records, school records, and arrest reports. Joanne Glass-Watson, a licensed social worker retained to investigate
defendant's social history and background, submitted an affidavit detailing defendant's history of epileptic seizures
beginning in infancy, defendant's "chaotic family system" that fostered both physical abuse and benign neglect of
defendant's emotional needs, defendant's early exposure to alcohol and drugs resulting in early addiction, and defendant's
special learning needs which were not addressed by the school system. Glass-Watson concluded that "the combination of
defendant's addiction and his entry into the adult world with extremely limited abilities renders his frequent contacts with
the criminal justice system almost an inevitability. It also appears from the results of neurological testing that [defendant's]
aggressive behavior may be directly attributable to his neurological problems."
Dr. Jonathan Pincus, former chairman of the neurology department at Georgetown University, also submitted an affidavit
on defendant's behalf, wherein he concluded that "[a]t the time of the offenses, as a result of the significant level of
neurological impairment exacerbated by the effects of cocaine, PCP, and alcohol, [defendant] was under extreme mental
and emotional disturbance." Dr. Pincus further concluded that "[a]t the time of the offenses and throughout his life,
[defendant's] aggressive and violent behavior was the direct result of brain damage. His aggressive impulses have also been
engendered by abuse and his extreme paranoia is the result of abuse and brain damage. All of these factors are beyond his
control."
Dr. Daniel J, Rybicki, a clinical psychologist, also submitted an affidavit on defendant's behalf, in which he stated that
various tests indicate that defendant "is capable of displaying prosocial attitudes and behavior." Dr. Rybicki opined that
defendant's brain deficits "have had profound effects on his daily life since his early childhood," leading to an "inability to
perceive social situations correctly and act accordingly, [an] inability to control his behavior, and [an] inability to act
rationally during stressful situations." Dr. Rybicki concluded: "In my opinion, which I hold to a reasonable degree of
medical certainty in my profession, at the time of the offenses, [defendant] was under extreme mental and emotional
disturbance. At the time of the offenses, [defendant's] deficits *** significantly interfered with his ability to think logically
and strategically and to understand the long term consequences of his actions. In addition, his capacity to conform his
conduct to the requirements of the law was substantially impaired."
Also attached to defendant's petition were numerous affidavits from relatives and friends, many detailing defendant's
history of seizures. The affidavits generally describe how, over the years, the affiants had noticed or heard from others that
defendant stuttered, had seizures, had strange fainting or blacking-out episodes, was forgetful, used drugs on occasion,
became violent for "no reason at all," acted "crazy and weird" in the police lockup after his arrest, and on occasion acted
"hostile and paranoic." Further, the rape victim in this case, Phyllis Gregson, submitted an affidavit stating that at the time
of the offenses, the four men were using drugs and drinking, and that immediately prior to the first shooting defendant
"flipped out." The other eyewitness to the murders, Elijah Prater, also submitted an affidavit in which he stated that before
the murders, defendant appeared to be "threatened" by the victims and that defendant believed the victims intended to kill
him.
In June 1996, the circuit court ruled upon defendant's petition. We note that the post-conviction judge was not the same
judge who presided over defendant's trial and sentencing due to the latter's retirement. Based upon the content of the
affidavits attached to defendant's petition, the post-conviction judge determined that defendant had made a substantial
showing of ineffective assistance of counsel only as to the allegation that defense counsel failed to investigate and present
mitigation evidence during the capital sentencing hearing concerning defendant's organic brain damage and medical
condition. The post-conviction judge granted the State's motion to dismiss the remainder of defendant's petition without an
evidentiary hearing.
The evidentiary hearing took place in October 1996. The post-conviction judge heard testimony from three witnesses
presented by defendant and one witness presented by the State. Defendant's first witness was his sister, Ruby Roberts.
Roberts related that their mother would often fly into rages, and would beat her children two or three times per week using
items such as extension cords, ropes and sticks. Roberts testified that during the beatings their mother would be "out of
control," and would only stop when the children cried. Roberts stated that defendant was beaten from age 3 to 16, and was
beaten for a longer period of time than the other children because defendant would not cry. According to Roberts, as a result
of the beatings defendant ran away from home as a teenager, spending time on the streets.
Roberts also testified concerning defendant's medical condition. She related that when he was young, defendant would
often bang his head against the floor and walls. Defendant was often hospitalized during his youth, and he routinely
suffered seizures involving thrashing and foaming at the mouth which lasted from 15 to 20 minutes per occurrence. Roberts
testified that even after he left home, defendant continued to have seizures: he would be seen lying in the street, convulsing,
and foaming at the mouth.
Roberts testified that her mother, who was deceased at the time of the post-conviction proceedings, hired Levin as defense
counsel the same day defendant was arrested. According to Roberts, the first time Levin was informed of defendant's
seizures by their mother was shortly after he was hired, and at that time Levin stated to her mother that he "would get on it
right away." According to Roberts, midway through defendant's trial, she attempted to speak with Levin in the hall of the
courthouse, but he "brushed [her] off." Roberts testified that she wanted to remind Levin that defendant suffered from
seizures and needed medical treatment in prison. Roberts stated that her mother followed Levin down the hall and repeated
the same information to him. Roberts testified that Levin responded that "he was on top of it." Roberts further testified that
neither Levin nor anyone from his office ever attempted to talk to her prior to the commencement of the trial. Furthermore,
although she and her mother attended the trial on a daily basis, neither Levin nor anyone from his office attempted to speak
to them at that time. Roberts stated that on the occasions she would try to speak with Levin during trial, Levin "would just
dismiss me and walk away."
At the time of defendant's sentencing hearing, Roberts testified, she did not know the purpose of the court date. It was only
when the judge stated that it was a death penalty hearing that she learned the purpose of the hearing. Before that day, she
was not aware that defendant could be sentenced to death. Roberts further testified that counsel never asked her or her
mother for names of people that could testify on defendant's behalf, never asked her or her mother about defendant's
seizures, and never asked anyone about defendant's health.
Defendant's next witness at the post-conviction evidentiary hearing was Dr. Jonathan Pincus, former chairman of neurology
at Georgetown University and chief of neurology at Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Pincus testified that he personally
examined defendant in 1990 and 1996, and studied defendant's medical and school records, as well as his social
background. Dr. Pincus described defendant's history as the "most important part" of a neurological assessment, and
observed that within defendant's history there were repeated mentions of seizures that started when defendant was 20
months old and continued throughout his childhood. Based upon defendant's medical records, Dr. Pincus concluded that
defendant's bout of meningo encephalitis at 20 months of age was the likely cause of defendant's brain damage, which led
defendant to suffer seizures. Dr. Pincus testified that brain damage never goes away, and in defendant's case there is a
correlation between his history of brain damage, medical history of seizures, and his learning disability.
Dr. Pincus related that defendant failed 6 of the 30 tests he was administered to determine the extent of the damage to the
frontal lobes of his brain. According to Dr. Pincus, less than one percent of the population would fail this number of tests.
Dr. Pincus concluded from these tests that defendant suffered from severe bilateral dysfunction of his frontal lobes, as well
as from more diffused damage involving deep subcortical involvement. Dr. Pincus explained that the most important
function of the brain's frontal lobes is to control judgment "so that a person can see the outcome of what they're thinking or
doing." When the frontal lobes are damaged, the person has "extremely poor judgment" and his personality changes. When
asked how the damage to the frontal lobes affects defendant's behavior, Dr. Pincus responded that the damage "makes him
short tempered and unable to check his impulses."
Dr. Pincus testified that there was a definite link between the criminal conduct described during the aggravation portion of
defendant's sentencing hearing and defendant's brain damage. Dr. Pincus stated that the "best example" of such a link was
defendant's battery of Joseph Smoot, a man defendant did not know. According to Pincus, defendant's brain damage caused
him to have a "paranoid thought concerning that person. [Defendant] felt that he was doing something that was justified and
he then behaved in a way which is to the objective observer *** completely irrational." Dr. Pincus explained that
defendant's brain damage may cause him not to understand the consequences of his actions.
Dr. Pincus then focused upon defendant's behavior at the time of the murders. Based upon his review of the trial transcripts
and the affidavits of people who saw defendant that night, Dr. Pincus was of the opinion that defendant was acting in a
"paranoid or psychotic state where he was not in control of what he was doing, where he was not able to plan. He was not
able to think clearly and *** [reacted to a stimulus] in an unthinking kind of a way. He was not deliberative. He was not
being pre-meditative. *** He was not able to focus his judgment on the issues that were coming up at that time. He was ***
excessively paranoid at the time. And he was excessively confused."
Dr. Pincus stated that the abuse suffered by defendant as a child, defendant's paranoia, and the drugs defendant was using at
the time of the murders were all important factors in connection with his behavior. However, Dr. Pincus opined that
defendant's brain damage was the "determining factor" in his behavior. According to Pincus, defendant's "brain damage
gave these factors their significance," and if defendant "had no brain damage he would have been able to check [his
impulses]." Dr. Pincus testified that defendant would not have conducted himself the way that he did at the time of the
offenses if he did not have brain damage.
The final witness to testify on defendant's behalf during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing was Dr. Daniel J. Rybicki.
Dr. Rybicki, a clinical psychologist, met defendant on three occasions, in 1988, 1989, and 1993, with each meeting lasting
approximately three hours. Dr. Rybicki administered various psychological tests to defendant, which showed near-normal
intellect, but also evidenced a learning disability and problems with social judgment. Based upon his testing and
examination of defendant's records, Rybicki concluded that defendant's brain damage was caused by encephalitis during
defendant's infancy, and that the damage is permanent.
Dr. Rybicki diagnosed defendant with "frontal lobe impairments which are quite extreme." In describing the severity of
defendant's brain damage, Dr. Rybicki testified that 98% of the general population has a more intact brain than defendant.
Further, 85% of those individuals with brain damage have a brain which is more intact than defendant's. Dr. Rybicki also
stated that due to the deficits in defendant's frontal lobes, defendant suffers from "paranoid ideation" and is impaired in his
"ability to think in logical sequences." When asked whether defendant's behavior at the time of the offenses was affected by
his brain damage and learning disabilities, Dr. Rybicki responded in the affirmative. Rybicki also noted that defendant's use
of drugs and alcohol at the time of the offenses magnified his brain deficiency.
The sole witness called by the State during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing was defendant's trial counsel, Lawrence
Levin. Levin testified that at the time he represented defendant, he had been a licensed attorney for 11 years and had
previously tried two or three capital cases. Levin repeatedly testified that he had "no independent recollection based on the
passage of time." Levin testified that although it was his practice to maintain a client's file for a period of time, he did not
retain defendant's case file and had no idea where it was.
Although Levin stated that he could not independently recall defendant's case, he testified that under circumstances similar
to those present in defendant's case, it was his "methodology and action to seek all witnesses who have information
germane to a litigation hearing." Levin then responded in the negative to questioning by the State as to whether defendant
gave Levin any indication that defendant was suffering from mental illness or mental difficulties. Levin stated that
defendant was able to converse with Levin without difficulty, and during his course of dealings with defendant, he never
observed defendant blank out, lose his train of thought, mumble, appear impulsive and angry, or suffer seizures. Levin
testified that although the 1978 presentence investigation report alluded to an incident when defendant was eight years old,
there was no other suggestion that defendant was brain damaged. Levin further pointed to a 1983 presentence investigation
report where there is no indication that defendant suffered from a medical condition.
On cross-examination, Levin stated that during his representation of defendant, "[t]o the best of my knowledge we had not
received from the mother or anybody else the names of any doctors or treating physicians." Further, Levin could not recall
when defendant's mother made him aware that defendant had a "spot on the brain" and suffered from seizures. Levin also
could not recall if he interviewed defendant's sister, Ruby Roberts, but stated that "my practice has been to interview all
available witnesses *** who can engender or give some degree of help relative to a defendant at a mitigation hearing."
Levin stated that he was unaware whether defendant was under any medication while in jail. Finally, because Levin was
unable to consult defendant's case file, he could not recall if during his representation of defendant he had reviewed
defendant's school records, hospital records, or police file.
Upon conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction judge found that defense counsel's performance at trial and
sentencing was not deficient because it did not fall below an objective standard of reasonableness as measured by reference
to professional norms. The judge found that Levin "did an adequate job based upon the information he had," and that there
was not sufficient evidence in the record "to indicate that the attorney should have known about any prior or current mental
conditions since, in fact, everything that I have heard indicates that this was a prior mental condition." The post-conviction
judge further determined that even if Levin's performance had been deficient, defendant did not suffer any prejudice. In
view of the nature of defendant's crime and his prior criminal record, the judge concluded that the outcome of defendant's
capital sentencing hearing would not have been any different if, in fact, testimony of defendant's medical condition had
been presented.
Defendant now appeals the dismissal of the claims in his post-conviction petition. With respect to the post-conviction
claims dismissed without an evidentiary hearing, defendant requests alternatively a new trial, a new sentencing hearing, or
remand for an evidentiary hearing on those claims. Defendant also appeals the post-conviction judge's finding following the
evidentiary hearing that defense counsel was not deficient in failing to investigate and present potential mitigation evidence
during defendant's capital sentencing hearing. Defendant also challenges the post-conviction judge's finding that, even if
defense counsel's performance was deficient, defendant suffered no prejudice as a result of counsel's failure to present the
potential mitigation evidence. Defendant contends that the court's findings are manifestly erroneous and a new sentencing
hearing should be ordered. Alternatively, defendant asserts that this court should direct the trial court to reopen the hearing
on count III to permit a full development of the facts.
ANALYSIS
The Illinois Post-Conviction Hearing Act provides a mechanism by which criminal defendants can assert that their
convictions were the result of a substantial denial of their rights under the United States Constitution, the Illinois
Constitution, or both. See 725 ILCS 5/122-1 (West 1994). An action for post-conviction relief is a collateral proceeding,
not an appeal from the underlying judgment. People v. Brisbon, 164 Ill. 2d 236, 242 (1995). In order to be entitled to post-conviction relief, a defendant must establish a substantial deprivation of federal or state constitutional rights in the
proceedings that produced the judgment being challenged. People v. Tenner, 175 Ill. 2d 372, 377 (1997).
The purpose of a post-conviction proceeding is to permit inquiry into constitutional issues involved in the original
conviction and sentence that have not been, and could not have been, adjudicated previously upon direct appeal. People v.
Towns, 182 Ill. 2d 491, 502 (1998); People v. Griffin, 178 Ill. 2d 65, 72-73 (1997). The doctrine of res judicata bars
consideration of issues that were raised and decided on direct appeal. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 502; Griffin, 178 Ill. 2d  at 73.
Issues that could have been presented on direct appeal, but were not, are waived. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 503; Griffin, 178 Ill. 2d  at 73.
An evidentiary hearing is warranted only where the allegations of the post-conviction petition, supported where appropriate
by the trial record or accompanying affidavits, make a substantial showing that a defendant's constitutional rights have been
violated. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 503. In determining whether to grant an evidentiary hearing, all well-pleaded facts in the
petition and in any accompanying affidavits are taken as true. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 503. A trial court's determination
regarding the sufficiency of the allegations contained in a post-conviction petition are reviewed de novo. People v.
Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d 366, 389 (1998). Determinations made by the trial court subsequent to an evidentiary hearing will not
be disturbed unless manifestly erroneous. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 503.
Before this court, defendant raises several claims of ineffective assistance of counsel at trial, sentencing, and upon direct
review, in violation of his rights under both the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution. The constitutional
guarantee of the assistance of counsel (U.S. Const., amends. VI, XIV) includes the right to effective assistance of counsel
(Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 344, 64 L. Ed. 2d 333, 343-44, 100 S. Ct. 1708, 1716 (1980)), both at trial and on a
defendant's first appeal as of right (Evitts v. Lucey, 469 U.S. 387, 396-97, 83 L. Ed. 2d 821, 830-31, 105 S. Ct. 830, 836-37
(1985)). Claims alleging ineffective assistance of counsel are judged under the standard set forth by the United States
Supreme Court in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674, 104 S. Ct. 2052 (1984). Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d 
at 397.
To prevail on a claim asserting that counsel was not effective, a defendant must first establish that his defense counsel's
performance was deficient in that "counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the 'counsel'
guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment." Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 687, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 693, 104 S. Ct.  at 2064. A
defendant must establish that "counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness." Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 688, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 693, 104 S. Ct.  at 2064. Because judicial scrutiny of a defense counsel's performance is highly
deferential, "a defendant must overcome the strong presumption that the challenged action or inaction of counsel was the
product of sound trial strategy and not of incompetence." Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d  at 397.
If a defendant establishes that defense counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, then a
defendant must demonstrate that "there is 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, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 698, 104 S. Ct.  at 2068.
A defendant must satisfy both prongs of the Strickland test before he or she can prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance
of counsel. However, if the ineffective assistance claim can be disposed of on the ground that the defendant did not suffer
prejudice, a court need not determine whether counsel's performance was constitutionally deficient. Griffin, 178 Ill. 2d  at
74.
Guilt and Eligibility Phases of Trial
Defendant contends that his post-conviction petition makes a substantial showing that he was deprived of his constitutional
right to effective assistance of counsel at the "guilt and eligibility phases" of his trial. According to defendant, because
counsel was ineffective in failing to investigate and present evidence of defendant's brain damage and neurological
impairments, defendant's sole "defense" was to imply that the State's two witnesses to the murder, Phyllis Gregson and
Elijah Prater, were not believable and were accomplices to the crimes. Defendant observes that no evidence was provided at
trial which was probative of defendant's mental state at the time of the murders, and contends that witnesses were available
who could have provided testimony concerning what defendant describes in his brief as his "bizarre behavior in and around
the time of the homicides," defendant's "intake of drugs and alcohol that night and morning," and defendant's "extreme fear
of Kenneth Merkson and William Motley." According to defendant, defense counsel "failed to competently present the
defense *** relied upon," and should have investigated and pursued a mental state defense based upon extreme mental and
emotional disturbance, and/or intoxication. Defendant also contends that counsel could have raised self-defense, or could
have pursued a voluntary manslaughter claim based upon an unreasonable belief in self-defense, and/or sudden and intense
passion.(1) According to defendant, absent these errors, he would not have been found eligible for the death penalty
because his eligibility was based upon the statutory provision requiring a finding of intent to kill two or more individuals.
Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9-1(b)(3).
Defendant, in his brief to this court, primarily cites to various passages from the affidavits of Gregson and Prater, including
that defendant "flipped out" the night before the shootings, that defendant "snapped in and out of periods of extreme
paranoia," that defendant believed "devils and demons" were after him, and that all four men in the apartment were
"drinking whisky, smoking marijuana, *** snorting cocaine" and possibly taking PCP during the time preceding the
murders. Defendant also relies upon statements in Prater's affidavit that during the time in the apartment, defendant
"appeared extremely threatened by [the victims]," that Motley made "at least five telephone calls throughout the night" in
which he "whispered privately" so that no one else could hear, and that defendant stayed awake all night "because he
believed that Motley and Merkson were going to kill him." Defendant additionally relies upon the affidavit of his girlfriend,
Rosemary Thomas, that defendant called her several times from Prater's apartment, that he "sounded very strange" and that
he told her that "devils and demons were after him." Finally, defendant cites to the affidavit of his longtime friend, Van J.
Ross, who visited defendant at the police station shortly after his arrest for the murders and avers that a police officer in
charge of the lockup stated that defendant had been acting "crazy" and "weird."
After carefully reviewing the affidavits attached to defendant's petition, and taking all well-pleaded facts as true, we cannot
say that defendant has made a substantial showing that there is a reasonable probability that defendant would not have been
convicted of first-degree murder if this testimony had been presented.
We find that defendant has failed to make a substantial showing that there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of
his trial at the guilt-innocence phase would have been different had defense counsel raised the defense of intoxication.
While voluntary intoxication is normally not a defense to the commission of a crime, evidence that the intoxication was so
extreme as to suspend the power of reason may be used to negate the existence of the mental state which is an element of
the crime. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 6-3(a); People v. Lucas, 132 Ill. 2d 399, 435 (1989). In light of the facts of the
case at bar, there is no reasonable likelihood that testimony that defendant was intoxicated at the time of the murders would
have successfully established the defense of voluntary intoxication or reduced defendant's culpability to provide a basis for
a conviction of voluntary manslaughter. Indeed, nowhere in the affidavits relied upon by defendant is there evidence that
defendant's purported intoxication was so severe that he could not form the requisite intent to support a first degree murder
conviction. Our conclusion is further supported by the fact that although evidence was in the record and presented to the
jury that defendant had consumed drugs and alcohol at and around the time of the crimes, this evidence did not alter the
jury's finding of culpability.
We also reject defendant's contention that he made a substantial showing that there is a reasonable likelihood that the result
of his trial at the guilt-innocence phase would have been different had counsel investigated and presented evidence that
defendant acted in self defense, in an unreasonable belief in the need for self defense, or under a sudden and intense passion
resulting from serious provocation.
Section 7-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 states:
It is well established that in order to raise a claim of self defense, a defendant must present evidence supporting each of the
following elements which justify the use of force in defense of a person: (1) that force had been threatened against
defendant; (2) that defendant was not the aggressor; (3) that the danger of harm was imminent; (4) that the force threatened
was unlawful; (5) that defendant actually believed that a danger existed, that the use of force was necessary to avert the
danger, and that the kind and amount of force actually used was necessary; and (6) that defendant's beliefs were reasonable.
See People v. Jeffries, 164 Ill. 2d 104, 127-28 (1995).
Defendant, relying upon statements in Prater's affidavit that defendant "appeared extremely threatened by [the victims]"
and that defendant "believed that Motley and Merkson were going to kill him" based upon phone calls that Motley made in
which he "whispered," contends that he was prejudiced by defense counsel's failure to seek an instruction on self-defense.
We disagree. There is no evidence of record that, at the time of the shootings, either Merkson or Motley made any threats of
use of unlawful force against defendant that would lead a person to reasonably believe that there was an imminent danger of
death or great bodily harm that required the use of deadly force in self defense. It is undisputed that Motley was shot as he
was sitting on the couch making phone calls, and that Merkson was shot in the back of the head after he complied with
defendant's instructions to kneel on the floor. Although defendant emphasizes the fact that Motley was armed with a
handgun, defendant overlooks the fact that at the time of Motley's murder defendant was also armed with a shotgun. In
addition, at the time of Merkson's shooting, Merkson was unarmed and defendant was in possession of the shotgun as well
as Motley's handgun. Defendant's argument regarding self-defense is therefore untenable.
We also reject defendant's contention that he has made a substantial showing that he was prejudiced by defense counsel's
failure to pursue an instruction for voluntary manslaughter. At the time of defendant's trial, the statute provided that an
instruction on voluntary manslaughter was available if there was evidence that the person had an actual but unreasonable
belief that the circumstances required the use of deadly force as a means of self-defense, or that the killing occurred while
he was acting under sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, pars. 9-2(a),
(b).(2) An instruction on voluntary manslaughter based upon an unreasonable belief in justification is permissible only if a
defendant presents some evidence that unlawful force was used against defendant, and that defendant was not the aggressor.
See People v. Tenner, 157 Ill. 2d 341, 373 (1993); People v. Sloan, 111 Ill. 2d 517, 521 (1986). As discussed above, there is
no evidence of record that either victim used unlawful force against defendant. The evidence indicates that defendant was
the aggressor. Therefore, we find that defendant suffered no prejudice.
We further determine that defendant has failed to make a substantial showing that he suffered prejudice at the guilt-innocence phase of his trial due to the failure of defense counsel to request a jury instruction and verdict for voluntary
manslaughter on the basis that at the time of the killing defendant was acting "under a sudden and intense passion resulting
from serious provocation." Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9-2(a). To constitute "serious provocation," it must be
established that the provocation fits within certain recognized categories. The categories of serious provocation which have
been recognized by this court are " ' "substantial physical injury or assault, mutual quarrel or combat, illegal arrest, and
adultery with [defendant's] spouse." ' " Tenner, 157 Ill. 2d  at 371, quoting People v. Fausz, 95 Ill. 2d 535, 539 (1983),
quoting People v. Crews, 38 Ill. 2d 331, 335 (1967). Neither the evidence of record, nor the facts presented in the affidavits,
establish that any of the recognized provocations apply in the case at bar.
In a related argument, defendant contends that, but for the above-described errors on the part of defense counsel during the
guilt-innocence phase of the proceedings, defendant would not have been found eligible for the death penalty because his
eligibility was based on a statutory provision requiring a finding of intent to kill. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, par. 9-1(b)(3).
For the reasons previously stated, we determine that defendant has failed to make a substantial showing that he was
prejudiced at the eligibility stage of his trial due to defendant's claims of counsel's ineffectiveness during the guilt-innocence stage of the proceedings.
Defendant next contends that Levin was distracted from defendant's trial due to outside obligations, resulting in Levin
rendering ineffective assistance of counsel. According to defendant, the record indicates that Levin was fully occupied with
other matters, both before and during defendant's trial, and his inattentiveness to defendant's case explains counsel's lack or
preparation, investigation, and strategic planning. In support of this claim, defendant cites to a comment made by Levin in
response to the trial court judge's query whether there was any reason that Levin could not proceed with defendant's case
immediately after he completed another criminal trial. Levin informed the judge that although he had been trying two
criminal cases simultaneously during the prior three weeks, he could think of no reason why he could not immediately start
defendant's trial, "save for the burnout factor."
Defendant further contends that Levin's preoccupation with other matters did not cease when defendant's trial commenced.
According to defendant, because Levin was absent from the courtroom at many critical stages of the trial, defendant was left
"effectively unrepresented." Although Levin's assistant, attorney Steven Decker, was present in the courtroom on the
occasions when Levin was absent, defendant contends that Decker's presence cannot excuse Levin's absences.
Additionally, defendant notes that Decker had not filed an appearance on defendant's behalf.
The State initially responds that defendant failed to raise this claim on his direct appeal, and thus it is waived. We disagree.
The waiver doctrine does not apply where, as here, defendant asserts that the alleged waiver stems from ineffective
assistance of appellate counsel. People v. Winsett, 153 Ill. 2d 335, 346 (1992). However, we find that defendant has failed
to make a substantial showing that he suffered prejudice as a result of Levin's courtroom absences.
We have repeatedly held that when a defendant claims ineffective assistance of counsel based upon allegations that counsel
was distracted due to personal and professional circumstances, the defendant must establish that, absent these distractions,
there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of defendant's trial would have been different. See People v. Orange, 168 Ill. 2d 138, 162 (1995); People v. Titone, 151 Ill. 2d 19, 32 (1992). Defendant, citing to a footnote in United States v.
Cronic, 466 U.S. 648, 659 n.25, 80 L. Ed. 2d 657, 668 n.25, 104 S. Ct. 2039, 2047 n.25 (1984), contends that the prejudice
caused by Levin's absences is a "foregone conclusion." Defendant's reliance on Cronic is misplaced. The portion of the
Cronic decision on which defendant relies states: "The Court has uniformly found constitutional error without any showing
of prejudice when counsel was either totally absent, or prevented from assisting the accused during a critical stage of the
proceeding." Cronic, 466 U.S.  at 659 n.25, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 668 n.25, 104 S. Ct.  at 2047 n.25. The record indicates that
Levin and Decker were acting in concert as defendant's counsel, and that defendant was never without representation
throughout the course of his trial. Aside from defendant's misplaced citation to Cronic, defendant offers neither argument
nor evidence that he was prejudiced by Levin's absences from the courtroom. Therefore, we reject defendant's claim.
Defendant next argues that his defense counsel improperly admonished him concerning his right to testify. Defense counsel
entered into an agreement with the State not to pursue a motion to suppress statements made by defendant to a detective and
assistant State's Attorney after his arrest, in exchange for an agreement by the State that it would not use defendant's
statements in its case in chief, but would reserve them only for impeachment purposes in rebuttal if defendant testified.
According to defendant, counsel told him, in open court, that this agreement meant that he could not testify in his own
behalf. Defendant's claim is waived on two grounds. Defendant failed to present this claim in his original or amended
petitions for post-conviction relief. 725 ILCS 5/122-3 (West 1994). This claim is additionally waived because defendant
failed to raise it on direct appeal. People v. Madej, 177 Ill. 2d 116, 127 (1997).
Defendant next contends that he has made a substantial showing that defense counsel was ineffective because counsel failed
to make discovery requests "seeking unrecorded exculpatory witness statements taken by the State." According to
defendant, had trial counsel requested these statements, counsel would have discovered the statements that Gregson and
Prater contend that they made to the police describing the changes in defendant's behavior shortly before the killings and
defendant's fear of the victims. Defendant argues that this favorable evidence would have been material to his case to the
extent that it would support a mental state defense as well as provide mitigating evidence.
We find that defendant has failed to make a substantial showing that he was prejudiced by counsel's failure to specifically
request unrecorded exculpatory witness statements. We observe that prior to trial, defense counsel filed a comprehensive
motion for discovery and inspection, requesting, inter alia, "any material or information within its possession or control
which tends to reduce *** punishment." The statements of the type defendant now contends should have been turned over
were encompassed by the filed motion. However, for the reasons previously stated in this opinion, we do not discern a
reasonable probability that the result of defendant's trial would have been different had these alleged unrecorded statements
been introduced. As noted above, neither Gregson's nor Prater's observations regarding defendant's behavior at the time of
the crimes, nor Prater's belief that defendant generally feared Motley and Merkson, would have been sufficient to support
the alleged mental state defenses.
In a related argument, defendant contends that the State violated defendant's right to due process by withholding the alleged
statements made by Gregson and Prater describing defendant's behavior and mental state. Defendant argues that these
statements constituted evidence that the State was required to disclose pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 10 L. Ed. 2d 215, 83 S. Ct. 1194 (1963). Defendant argues that, since his trial counsel requested information that would tend to
reduce punishment, the State's failure to disclose this evidence is particularly egregious. Defendant contends there is more
than a reasonable probability that the exculpatory evidence at issue regarding defendant's mental state would have resulted
in a different trial outcome.
We determine that defendant's claim lacks merit. In Brady, the United States Supreme Court required disclosure of
evidence that is both favorable to the accused and "material either to guilt or to punishment." Brady, 373 U.S.  at 87, 10 L. Ed. 2d  at 218, 83 S. Ct.  at 1197. Evidence is material "if there is a reasonable probability that, had the evidence been
disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would have been different." United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667,
682, 87 L. Ed. 2d 481, 494, 105 S. Ct. 3375, 3383 (1985). As stated above, on this record defendant has failed to make a
substantial showing that there is a reasonable probability that the statements made by Gregson and Prater concerning
defendant's behavior at the time of the offenses would have affected the outcome at the guilt-innocence phase of
defendant's trial. Accordingly, we reject defendant's claim.
Defendant's final contention is that the "cumulative effect" of counsel's failures at trial denied him his constitutional right
to the effective assistance of counsel. However, this claim is waived, as defendant failed to raise it in his amended post-conviction petition. 725 ILCS 5/122-3 (West 1994).
In sum, defendant's allegations fail to make a substantial showing of a violation of his right to effective assistance of
counsel at the guilt-innocence phase of trial and at death penalty eligibility. Therefore, the dismissal of that portion of his
post-conviction petition without an evidentiary hearing was proper. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed
as to these issues.
Aggravation-Mitigation Phase
Defendant next contends that the post-conviction judge's ruling that defendant was afforded effective assistance of counsel
during the aggravation-mitigation portion of his capital sentencing hearing was manifestly erroneous. Defendant contends
that his trial counsel was ineffective at the sentencing phase of his trial because counsel failed to investigate and present
mitigating evidence of defendant's medical background, specifically, his organic brain damage. According to defendant,
had Levin performed even the most minimal investigation, he would have learned of defendant's life-long brain damage,
history of seizures, and other neurological impairments from medical records, school records, and defendant's criminal file.
In addition, defendant's friends and family could have provided Levin with vivid recollections of defendant's medical
problems since childhood. Defendant further asserts that counsel was ineffective because counsel also failed to introduce
evidence of defendant's abused and deprived childhood.
In finding that defense counsel's performance during defendant's capital sentencing hearing was not deficient, the post-conviction judge found that Levin "did an adequate job based upon the information he had," which consisted of knowledge
of a "prior mental condition." The judge also found that there was nothing in the record to indicate that counsel "should
have investigated further or presented any other evidence" in relation to defendant's possible brain damage. The conclusion
of the post-conviction judge that counsel had no notice of this potential mitigating evidence, and that, even if counsel had
such notice, counsel had no reason to conduct an investigation, is contrary to both this court's well-established precedent
and to the facts presented in this case. We hold that the post-conviction judge's finding that defense counsel satisfied the
performance prong of Strickland is manifestly erroneous.
This court has repeatedly observed that "[m]itigating evidence is extremely important under the Illinois capital sentencing
scheme. Once an aggravating factor is found sufficient to impose the death penalty, there must be mitigating evidence
sufficient to preclude the imposition of the death penalty." People v. Perez, 148 Ill. 2d 168, 194 (1992). Because of the
critical importance of mitigating evidence, it is well established that defense counsel has a duty to make a reasonable
investigation for mitigation evidence to present at the capital sentencing hearing, or must have a sound reason for failing to
make a particular investigation. See Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 690-91, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 695, 104 S. Ct.  at 2066; Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 510; Orange, 168 Ill. 2d  at 170. Therefore, if mitigating evidence exits, "counsel then has a duty to introduce it in
support of defendant." Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 510; see also Griffin, 178 Ill. 2d  at 86; Kubat v. Thieret, 867 F.2d 351, 369 (7th
Cir. 1989).
The record in this matter establishes that defense counsel violated his affirmative duty to conduct a reasonable investigation
into potential sources of mitigation evidence in connection with defendant's medical condition. Counsel's failure in this
regard is magnified by the fact that, contrary to the determination of the post-conviction judge, the record is replete with
evidence that defense counsel was on notice of defendant's history of mental health problems. During the post-conviction
evidentiary hearing, defendant's sister, Ruby Roberts, testified that Levin was hired by defendant's mother the same day
defendant was arrested, and that the first time Levin was informed of defendant's seizures and related medical problems
was shortly after his hiring. According to Roberts, Levin assured her mother that he would "get on it right away." Roberts
further testified that she and her mother reminded Levin of defendant's seizures and his need for medical treatment in
prison, and that Levin responded that he "was on top of it."
Roberts' testimony that Levin was aware of defendant's medical problems from virtually the beginning of the case is
corroborated by Levin's actions during the sentencing phase of defendant's capital trial. During his opening statement at the
aggravation-mitigation stage of the sentencing hearing, Levin told the court he would present evidence "regarding medical
testimony as to the problems medically that the defendant has had and still suffers from." During the sentencing hearing,
Levin also stipulated to the admission into evidence of a 1978 presentence investigation report which noted that defendant
suffered continuing seizures after receiving a blow to the head at age eight.
Additional evidence that Levin was on notice of defendant's condition is found in Levin's questioning of defendant's
mother, Josephine Rogers, during the mitigation phase of the trial. Levin asked Rogers whether defendant had been hurt as
a youngster and if defendant "sometimes do[es] things that he is not responsible for" when he fails to receive medical care
or medication. Levin also asked Rogers: "Since eight years old until today's date, has [defendant] had problems as a result
of the spot on his brain?" Finally, Levin inquired of defendant's mother if she was aware that "unless [defendant] takes his
medication" defendant has "problems functioning." Levin's knowledge of defendant's medical condition is further
confirmed by his statement to the judge during the sentencing hearing after the judge denied counsel a continuance to call
other witnesses. Levin conveyed to the judge that defendant wanted the judge to know that defendant was receiving
medication and "had prior instances involving a spot on the brain which was supposed to have been traceable to an injury
which occurred when he was eight years old."
The evidence adduced during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing further reveals that despite being aware of defendant's
mental condition and brain damage, defense counsel failed to conduct an investigation into this relevant potential mitigation
evidence. Several of the affidavits submitted by defendant in support of his petition contain statements by the affiants that
they were never contacted by defense counsel during trial, and that they would have been willing to provide information
and testify in defendant's behalf if asked to do so. Further, the testimony of Ruby Roberts during the post-conviction
evidentiary hearing indicates that defense counsel never inquired of her or her mother regarding potential mitigation
evidence or witnesses. Importantly, during his testimony at the evidentiary hearing, Levin stated that could not
independently recall defendant's case, and, because the case file was missing, he could not testify as to whether he
interviewed witnesses or reviewed any documents in connection with defendant's brain damage.
The record additionally reveals that defense counsel failed to inquire about defendant's family history. The evidence
presented during the post-conviction proceedings revealed defendant's abused and violent childhood, and showed that
defendant's attorney failed to contact numerous individuals familiar with defendant's background who were willing to
testify on defendant's behalf at sentencing.
The State contends that Levin's representation of defendant did not fall below an objective standard of reasonableness. The
State relies upon Levin's testimony during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing that his conversations and contacts with
defendant led him to believe that investigation into defendant's mental state was unwarranted. We find that the State's
argument lacks merit. As stated, the record clearly establishes that defense counsel was on notice that defendant suffered
from medical problems involving his brain damage and mental deficiency. Furthermore, Levin's testimony at the
evidentiary hearing was contradictory on its face: after repeatedly stating that he had "no independent recollection" of
defendant's case and no case file, Levin then testified in detail concerning various interactions with defendant during his
period of representation. For example, after testifying that he had no recollection of defendant or his case, Levin stated that
defendant was able to converse with Levin without difficulty, and that during their course of dealings, defendant never
blanked out, lost his train of thought, mumbled, appeared impulsive or angry, or suffered seizures.
The State also argues that defense counsel cannot be faulted "in failing to further investigate defendant's mother's vague
assertions regarding her son's past seizure activity," because "such vague and general evidence would not have necessarily
suggested to Levin, a layman with no evidence of medical training, that he should delve more deeply into defendant's
mental health history." We have repeatedly held that the duty to make a reasonable investigation concerning potential
mitigation evidence is imposed on counsel and not upon a defendant. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 511; Perez, 148 Ill. 2d  at 193.
Moreover, we have also held that defense counsel's duty to investigate is not limited to matters about which defendant has
informed defense counsel. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 511. We therefore reject the State's implication, under the facts of this case,
that defense counsel's duty to investigate potential mitigation evidence is somehow lessened by the lack of the specificity of
information conveyed by members of defendant's family.
The State further contends that because Levin was faced with a lack of mitigation evidence, he adopted a strategy of
pleading for the judge's mercy at the sentencing hearing. According to the State, Levin's "strategic choice" did not amount
to incompetence. The State's argument is without merit. We are mindful that great deference is accorded to a trial counsel's
strategic decisions regarding the presentation of mitigating evidence. People v. Steidl, 177 Ill. 2d 239, 257 (1997); Orange,
168 Ill. 2d  at 170. It is well established, however, that such deference is not warranted where, as in the instant matter, the
lack of mitigation evidence stems from counsel's failure to properly investigate and prepare a defense. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at
514; Steidl, 177 Ill. 2d  at 257; Orange, 168 Ill. 2d  at 170. There can be no legitimate "strategy" where counsel has failed to
make any investigation into mitigating circumstances. People v. Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d 368, 385 (1997); People v. Coleman, 168 Ill. 2d 509, 535-36 (1995); see also Hall v. Washington, 106 F.3d 742, 749-50 (7th Cir. 1997); Jackson v. Herring, 42 F.3d 1350, 1367 (11th Cir. 1995); Baxter v. Thomas, 45 F.3d 1501, 1514 (11th Cir. 1995). The evidence shows that counsel
totally failed to investigate or present evidence of defendant's medical history or social background from readily available
sources. Therefore, we hold that counsel's failure to investigate was not a strategic choice among available options.
This court has previously held that defense counsel's failure to investigate and present evidence of a defendant's mental
health, neuropsychological difficulties, and social background constituted deficient performance which satisfies the first
prong of Strickland. In People v. Perez, 148 Ill. 2d 168 (1992), this court determined that defense counsel rendered
ineffective assistance of counsel during the defendant's capital sentencing hearing in failing to investigate and present
evidence of the defendant's mental history and background. Evidence adduced during the post-conviction evidentiary
hearing established that at the time of the defendant's sentencing hearing, defense counsel had in his possession the
defendant's school records, which revealed that the defendant was mentally deficient and had been placed in special classes
for the mentally handicapped. Defense counsel, however, failed to present this evidence to the sentencing jury. This court
concluded that the defense attorney was unaware of the contents of the school reports at the time of the sentencing hearing
due to his "lack of diligence," which consequently prevented counsel from investigating and presenting important
mitigating evidence contained in the records. Perez, 148 Ill. 2d  at 189.
In Perez, this court noted that although counsel stated that he had been provided no information about the defendant to
investigate, defendant's school records contained family information such as the names, addresses and telephone numbers
of the defendant's relatives, as well as the names of the defendant's schools, his teachers' initials, and the names of the
qualified school psychologists who prepared the reports. In finding that the actions of defense counsel fell below an
objective standard of reasonableness, this court concluded that counsel's "failure to investigate was the result of ignorance
of the family information contained in the various records he possessed." Perez, 148 Ill. 2d  at 192.
Levin's total failure to conduct any investigation in the case at bar falls below even the minimal efforts of defense counsel
found to be deficient in Perez. Defense counsel in Perez had obtained Perez's school records. Levin obtained no records or
documents concerning defendant's medical history or social background, and conducted no investigation of potential
mitigation evidence, even though he was patently aware of the severe medical problems involving defendant's brain and
defendant's mental limitations. Levin's failure to conduct an investigation into potential mitigation evidence is magnified
by the fact that defendant's mother and sister were almost always present in the courtroom, and were willing and able to
assist.
Similarly, in People v. Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d 368 (1997), this court found defense counsel's performance during the defendant's
capital sentencing hearing to be below minimal professional standards. In Ruiz, evidence introduced during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing showed that defense counsel never inquired into the defendant's family background, school
records, drug and alcohol usage, or about individuals who might have been able to supply information about him. Also, an
evaluation by a clinical psychologist revealed that the defendant had cognitive dysfunction, dysfunction in the left central
hemisphere of the brain, diffuse misfunction of the frontal lobe, and several other problems "peppered throughout the
brain." The expert in the Ruiz case testified that the defendant's neuropsychological dysfunctions could have contributed to
his participation in a violent triple murder. We determined in Ruiz that counsel's failure to investigate and present this
mitigation evidence was attributable to neglect rather than strategy. Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d  at 385-86.
Defense counsel in Ruiz showed the same deficiencies demonstrated by Levin in the instant matter. In both cases, defense
counsel failed to undertake any meaningful investigation of defendant's background and character, did not obtain the
assistance of anyone to investigate potential mitigation issues, failed to introduce documentary evidence in mitigation such
as school or medical records, and did not obtain evaluations by experts to analyze and interpret potential mitigating
evidence.
We conclude that Levin's failure to investigate and present mitigating evidence, which would have readily been revealed by
a thorough investigation of defendant's medical history and social background, constituted representation which fell below
objective standards of reasonableness under prevailing professional norms. Therefore, defendant has satisfied the first prong
of Strickland.
We now determine whether the second prong of the Strickland analysis is met, that is, whether Levin's deficient
performance so prejudiced defendant as to deny him a fair sentencing hearing. We conclude that it did.
Assessing the potential prejudice of an asserted deficiency in counsel's performance at a capital sentencing hearing requires
that we examine the effect of counsel's conduct upon the sentencer's decision. Tenner, 175 Ill. 2d  at 384; People v.
Sanchez, 169 Ill. 2d 472, 490-91 (1996). The relevant question is "whether there is a reasonable probability that, absent the
errors, the sentencer *** would have concluded that the balance of aggravating and mitigating circumstances did not
warrant death." Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 695, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 698, 104 S. Ct.  at 2069. "Moreover, we must assess prejudice in
a realistic manner based on the totality of the evidence. Accordingly, it is improper to focus solely on the potential
mitigating evidence. As our cases illustrate, the nature and extent of the evidence in aggravation must also be considered."
Coleman, 168 Ill. 2d  at 538.
Defendant contends that Levin's failure to investigate defendant's organic brain damage and social background prejudiced
him at sentencing, because there is a reasonable probability that presentation of this evidence in mitigation would have
avoided a sentence of death. Defendant contends that prejudice is particularly apparent in the instant matter, where the
absent mitigating evidence helps explain not only the aggravating evidence presented by the State at defendant's capital
sentencing hearing, but also defendant's actions at the time of the homicides.
We agree. A review of the comments made by the trial court judge at the time defendant's death sentence was imposed
reveals that the judge was clearly influenced in his sentencing decision by the lack of evidence in mitigation. In sentencing
defendant to death, the trial court judge stated that he had considered defendant's background, which was "one of all
criminal conduct." The judge explicitly stated that the only mitigation evidence presented on defendant's behalf was
Rosemary Thomas' testimony that she lived with defendant for many years and that he treated her and the children well.
Because Levin had failed to investigate and present readily available mitigation evidence, the judge was unaware not only
of defendant's severe life-long brain damage and neurological impairments, but also of defendant's abused childhood. This
evidence would have provided the court with a portrait of defendant that may have influenced the choice of sentence.
Concerning the circumstances of the crime, the judge commented that "there wasn't any rhyme, there wasn't any reason" to
the "senseless killings." We determine that there is a reasonable probability that Levin's failure to present any evidence of
defendant's brain damage, seizures and neurological impairments deprived the judge of the "rhyme" and "reason" for which
he was searching to explain defendant's behavior in this crime.
Finally, the trial court judge noted that although imposing the death penalty was "very distasteful," he nevertheless had "a
job to do." Under the Illinois death penalty statute, if no sufficient mitigation factors are found, "the court shall sentence the
defendant to death." (Emphasis added.) 720 ILCS 5/9-1(h) (West 1994). In the case at bar, because no evidence was
presented in mitigation, the trial court judge believed he was required to impose the death sentence.
We cannot say that the absent mitigation evidence could not have altered the judge's decision that there was no evidence
that militated against imposition of the death sentence. The comments of the sentencing judge reveal a nexus between his
imposition of the death penalty and defense counsel's failure to present any mitigating evidence other than two unprepared
family character witnesses, whose testimony accounted for only 10 pages of trial transcript.
The State nevertheless contends that the record establishes that defendant was not prejudiced by any actions on the part of
Levin. Initially, the State discounts the significance of the evidence concerning defendant's brain damage on the basis that
defendant's medical experts did not find him to be significantly below average intelligence. However, defendant's experts
stated that a person can have a relatively normal IQ, yet still suffer damage to the frontal lobes of the brain. We note that
during the post-conviction evidentiary hearing, the State introduced no expert testimony to refute the conclusions of
defendant's experts.
The State argues that counsel's failure to present evidence of defendant's brain damage did not prejudice defendant,
because much of the mitigating evidence that counsel might have introduced could have been characterized or viewed as
evidence in aggravation. This court has held that evidence concerning a defendant's mental or psychological impairment is
not inherently mitigating. Sanchez, 169 Ill. 2d  at 491-92.
The State argues that the evidence introduced concerning defendant's alleged brain damage during the post-conviction
proceedings was replete with factors in aggravation. The State points to Dr. Pincus' conclusion in his affidavit that
defendant's brain damage resulted in "aggressive and violent behavior," and that defendant's "aggressive impulses" have
been engendered by abuse. The State cites to Dr. Rybicki's affidavit, wherein he noted that the manner in which defendant
responded to certain neurological testing has been known to correlate with "hostile impulses" and "emotional outbursts."
The State also relies upon Dr. Rybicki's statement during the evidentiary hearing that defendant's exposure to violence
"taught him that violence is sometimes an acceptable solution to problems." The State additionally notes that the affidavits
submitted by defendant's family and friends include aggravating information. For example, one affiant stated that he saw
defendant "become violent for no reason at all," and another stated that "[o]ne time when you would see [defendant] he
would be fine and the next time hostile and paranoic." The State contends that this evidence is even more aggravating when
viewed in light of defendant's criminal history and the heinous and brutal manner in which the homicides of Merkson and
Motley were conducted.
The State additionally argues that because the aggravation evidence in the cause at bar was "overwhelming," it cannot be
said that but for counsel's failure to investigate and present mitigation evidence, the judge would have concluded that the
balance of aggravating and mitigating factors did not warrant the death penalty.
Under Illinois' death penalty statute, the finder of fact is required to weigh the aggravating and mitigating evidence, and to
determine whether there are "mitigating factors sufficient to preclude the imposition of the death sentence." 720 ILCS
5/9-1(g), (h) (West 1994). Previous decisions demonstrate that the presence of aggravating evidence does not foreclose the
conclusion that a defendant was prejudiced by defense counsel's failure to investigate and present available mitigating
evidence. E.g., Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d  at 379-80 (defendant, a gang member and drug user, shot someone other than the three
murder victims, and fired a rifle into a crowded parking lot); People v. Caballero, 126 Ill. 2d 248, 279 (1989) (defendant
was convicted of three brutal murders, had a past conviction for possession of a gun, and showed no remorse); Hall, 106 F.3d  at 748 (sentencing judge commented that he was "[f]aced with 'all the aggravating factors *** stacked against the
defendant' "); Emerson v. Gramley, 91 F.3d 898, 907 (7th Cir. 1996) (defendant had a "continuous record of truancy and
criminality from early youth").
We agree with the State that the heinous nature of the multiple murders for which defendant was convicted is an
aggravating factor. Nevertheless, we conclude that the evidence regarding defendant's severe organic brain damage may
have provided the court with knowledge of defendant which would have influenced the sentence imposed. This court has
previously acknowledged "the critical importance" of evidence of a capital defendant's "mental or emotional problems."
Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d  at 388. To this end, this court has held that the "resulting prejudice to defendant is clear" when counsel
fails to investigate a defendant's mental history and background (Perez, 148 Ill. 2d at 194-95), especially where "a great
deal of mitigating evidence existed which counsel failed to investigate and introduce" (Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d at 387). The
prejudice suffered due to defense counsel's failure to investigate and present mitigating evidence is magnified where, as in
the instant matter, the record indicates that the sentencing judge was clearly influenced by the failure to present evidence in
mitigation on defendant's behalf.
During the post-conviction evidentiary hearing, Dr. Pincus testified that, based upon his personal examination of defendant,
his review of defendant's medical and school records, and his study of defendant's social history, defendant has had severe
organic brain damage since infancy. Dr. Pincus testified that defendant suffers from severe bilateral dysfunction of the
frontal lobes of the brain, as well as from more diffused damage to other portions of his brain. Dr. Pincus testified that as a
result of frontal lobe damage, a person has "extremely poor judgment," suffers changes in personality and behavior, and
cannot understand the consequence of his actions. Importantly, Dr. Pincus testified that the physical damage to defendant's
frontal lobes causes defendant to be "short tempered"and "unable to check his impulses," and that there is a direct
connection between the damage to defendant's brain and the conduct described as part of the State's case in aggravation
during the death penalty hearing. For example, in connection with defendant's battery of Joseph Smoot, Dr. Pincus testified
that defendant's brain damage caused defendant to have a "paranoid thought" concerning Smoot, and because of the
damage to his brain, defendant was unable to check his "impulsive, irrational" behavior.
Significantly, Dr. Pincus also testified that defendant's brain damage was the "determining factor" in his behavior at the
time of the murders of Motley and Merkson. Dr. Pincus testified that the manner in which the offenses were carried out was
characteristic of defendant's frontal lobe damage, revealing "stimulus-bound" behavior and "excessive paranoia." Dr.
Pincus stated that, because of the damage to defendant's brain, defendant misinterpreted Motley's telephone calls as posing
a danger, even though Motley was defendant's long-time friend and did nothing threatening concerning defendant. Dr.
Pincus testified that, when Motley commented in connection with defendant's instruction to Gregson to dance without her
clothes, because of defendant's brain damage, he "over responded" to that comment and shot Motley. The effect of
defendant's brain damage was also evident in what Dr. Pincus described as defendant's "absurd" clean up of Motley's body
by attempting to fit it into a dresser drawer. Dr. Pincus also testified that defendant's stimulus-bound behavior caused
defendant to shoot Merkson when Merkson refused to stop joking. In addition, Dr. Pincus testified that defendant's brain
damage affected his actions in connection with Gregson, as there was no clear purpose in placing her in the bathroom,
taking her to the motel, and chasing the motel attendant. Dr. Pincus concluded that defendant would not have conducted
himself the way he did at the time of the offenses had the frontal lobes of his brain not been damaged.
Dr. Rybicki also diagnosed defendant with extreme impairments to the frontal lobes of his brain, and testified that these
impairments were caused by encephalitis at the age of 20 months. Dr. Rybicki testified that defendant's physical brain
damage is so severe that 98% of the general population has a brain which is more intact than defendant's. According to Dr.
Rybicki, defendant's brain damage causes him to suffer from "paranoid ideation," which impairs his social judgment and
his ability to think in logical sequences. Dr. Rybicki testified that because of his brain damage, at the time of the offenses
defendant's paranoia caused him to "misconstrue" the actions of Motley and Merkson and to react in an "irrational"
manner.
We find that the testimony of Dr. Pincus and Dr. Rybicki concerning defendant's severe organic brain damage explains
defendant's violent conduct as related in the State's case in aggravation, as well as defendant's conduct at the time of the
homicides. Both experts testified that there was a definite link between the physical damage to defendant's brain and
defendant's criminal conduct. The State adduced no expert medical testimony during the post-conviction evidentiary
hearing. In the absence of any countervailing evidence from the State, the conclusions of defendant's experts stand
unrefuted. We determine that there is a reasonable probability that the impact of the aggravating evidence presented by the
State could have been diminished by evidence of the effect upon defendant's conduct caused by defendant's brain deficits
and impairment.
In addition, evidence of a defendant's background, including family history, parental abuse, and neglect is important to the
sentencing decision and can be an influential mitigating factor. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d  at 519; Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d  at 388; Coleman,
168 Ill. 2d  at 537; Perez, 148 Ill. 2d  at 194-95. In the case at bar, the evidence of defendant's abused upbringing, testified to
in great detail by Ruby Roberts, would have provided the trial court judge with a better knowledge and understanding of
defendant's conduct.
Further, defendant may have been prejudiced by defense counsel's failure to present medical evidence relating to
defendant's brain damage, as counsel indicated he would do at the time he presented his opening argument at the
aggravation-mitigation phase of the sentencing proceedings. The record reveals that the only testimony during the entire
trial referring to defendant's severe brain impairment was the comment made by defendant's mother that defendant has "a
spot on his brains" and that if he does not take his medication, he has "these seizures, and he's a complete blank *** he
don't know what he's doing."
Counsel's closing argument at the aggravation-mitigation phase of the sentencing proceedings compounded the prejudice.
Counsel's argument consisted of irrelevant and incoherent religious references and nonsensical pleas, with no effort to
focus on any mitigating evidence. For example, counsel began by stating: "If human beings, such as yourself, feel it
appropriate to rectify the wrong and [mete] out a punishment, which is an eventuality of punishment, which is meted out by
somebody else who is far more knowledgeable than you or I, who is the person who decides. The giver of life then-then I
would suggest that this court has taken a step towards immortality which should not be done."
Apparently responding to the State's assertion in its closing argument that the defense had failed to present any evidence in
mitigation on defendant's behalf, Levin argued that "when somebody has suggested that there is no mitigation, there is no
right, that there is no love, they're wrong. Mothers love their children. Wives love their husbands. Fathers love their
children. But love is espoused by somebody much bigger than somebody who is not here today." In what appears to be an
attempt to explain the lack of mitigation evidence presented on behalf of defendant, Levin concluded that "[m]itigation
many times is not something that can be directly spelled out by the mouth, by the words. Mitigation is not something which
individuals come before this Court and say, I apologize, I forgive, I have sinned. Mitigation is the process of individuals.
Mitigation is the love that is shown by individuals. Mitigation, in fact, Judge, is the being of human beings."
At no point in his closing argument at the aggravation-mitigation stage of the proceedings did counsel mention the severe
physical damage to defendant's brain or the impact that damage had upon defendant's behavior. Had counsel fulfilled his
duty to investigate the wealth of mitigation evidence available in this case, he would have discovered the severe extent of
defendant's brain damage and the profound effect that damage had on defendant's ability to control his conduct. Defense
counsel would also have discovered the extent of the abuse defendant suffered throughout his childhood, as well as
defendant's learning disabilities. Counsel's failure to investigate mitigation evidence, coupled with counsel's nonsensical
closing argument, left the court with a prejudicial imbalance in the court's determination that there were no factors in
mitigation to preclude the imposition of the death penalty.
We note that, in previous decisions, this court has addressed post-conviction claims alleging ineffective assistance of
counsel at the capital sentencing hearing, and has held that, despite the violent nature of the offenses and the fact that the
defendants had been convicted of multiple murders, the failure of defense counsel to present and investigate mitigating
evidence so prejudiced the defendants as to warrant vacating their death sentences and ordering new sentencing hearings.
We find those cases to be instructive here. See  Ruiz, 177 Ill. 2d at 388-89; Perez, 148 Ill. 2d  at 195-96.
The ultimate focus of a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel must be upon the fundamental fairness of the proceedings
challenged. Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 696, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 699, 104 S. Ct.  at 2069. The court must scrutinize and remain
vigilant in determining whether the proceedings are unreliable because of a breakdown in the adversarial process.
Strickland, 466 U.S.  at 696, 80 L. Ed. 2d  at 699, 104 S. Ct.  at 2069. We conclude that such a breakdown occurred in this
case, and that the errors of defense counsel during the aggravation-mitigation phase of the sentencing proceedings raise a
serious doubt as to the propriety of defendant's sentence. We therefore affirm defendant's convictions but vacate his death
sentence and remand this cause to the circuit court for a new sentencing hearing. As a consequence, we find it unnecessary
to address the remainder of defendant's claims.
Convictions affirmed;
death sentence vacated;
cause remanded.
JUSTICE HARRISON, concurring in part and dissenting in part:
I agree that we should vacate defendant's death sentence. In my view, however, there is no need to remand the cause to the
circuit court for resentencing. Under the circumstances of this case, the only function a new sentencing hearing would serve
is to permit the State to seek the death penalty again. That should not be an option. For the reasons set forth in my dissent in
People v. Bull, 185 Ill. 2d 179 (1998), this state's present death penalty law does not meet the requirements of the eighth
and fourteenth amendments to the United States Constitution (U.S. Const., amends. VIII, XIV) or article I, section 2, of the
Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, §2). Defendant must therefore receive a sentence of imprisonment. Because
defendant has been found guilty of murdering more than one victim, the term of his imprisonment must be natural life. Ill.
Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, par. 1005-8-1(a)(1)(c).
JUSTICE BILANDIC, dissenting:
I do not agree with the majority that defendant is entitled to a new sentencing hearing. The post-conviction trial court
determined that, given "the viciousness of the crime" and "defendant's long criminal history," there was no reasonable
probability that the outcome of defendant's sentencing hearing would have been different had counsel presented the
mitigating evidence at issue. The trial court's determination is not manifestly erroneous. Therefore, I respectfully dissent.
There is no reasonable probability that, had counsel presented the mitigating evidence at sentencing, the trial court would
have concluded that the balance of aggravating and mitigating circumstances did not warrant death. See Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 695, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674, 698, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 2069 (1984). Defendant's sentencing hearing was
replete with aggravating evidence. The State introduced defendant's extensive criminal history. Defendant was convicted of
armed robbery in 1965. While on probation for that armed robbery, defendant committed aggravated battery by attacking a
man who was playing softball at a park by hitting the man on the back of the head with a baseball bat. A few years later,
defendant was convicted of aggravated battery, intimidation, and mob action after organizing a race riot in Cook County
jail, where he was incarcerated. This riot occurred when defendant and another inmate armed themselves with sticks and
buckets of scalding hot water and ordered all white inmates to get down on their knees. Defendant told the white inmates
that he was going to hang them. On another occasion, defendant was charged with aggravated battery and unlawful use of a
weapon after shooting two females with a sawed-off shotgun. At the time of defendant's sentencing hearing in this case, yet
another case was pending against defendant involving charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with
intent to deliver, and battery.
Moreover, the facts of this case show that defendant is a domineering and remorseless murderer who knew exactly what he
was doing as he committed these crimes. Defendant, William Motley, and Kenneth Merkson visited defendant's friend of
12 years, Elijah Prater, at Prater's apartment. Prater's girlfriend, Phyllis Gregson, subsequently arrived at the apartment.
Defendant told Gregson to remove her shirt and dance. Gregson refused. At this point, Motley made a comment. In
response, defendant aimed his shotgun at Motley's chest and fired, causing the left side of Motley's chest to be blown away.
Defendant removed Motley's .357 Magnum gun from his dead body and told Prater and Merkson to "clean up the body."
Merkson removed a black telephone book from Motley's clothes and gave it to defendant. Defendant looked at the names in
the book, asked if anyone knew any of the listed individuals, and then placed the book in his pocket.
Defendant told Prater and Merkson to pull the drawers out of a dresser to determine whether the dead body would fit inside
it. Because the body was too large, Prater and Merkson stuffed it into a laundry bag, pulled a mattress out of the closet, and
wrapped the mattress around the body. Defendant ordered Gregson to clean the blood off the floor. Approximately one hour
later, defendant sent Prater to the liquor store and told Prater to fill up defendant's car with gas and park it at the rear of the
apartment building.
When Prater returned, defendant was sitting in the dining room with the shotgun in his lap and the .357 Magnum in the
waistband of his pants. Merkson was walking around the apartment making jokes. Defendant told Merkson to stop making
jokes and to get Motley's body out of the apartment. As Merkson and Prater were moving Motley's body, Merkson made
another "crack." Defendant chased Merkson into the front room of the apartment, repeatedly hit Merkson in the head with
the .357 Magnum, and then said, "Now let's get the body out of here." When Merkson made another comment, defendant
told him to get down on his knees and face the floor. Merkson got down on his knees, and defendant pointed the .357
Magnum at Merkson's head and shot him. Defendant then said to Prater, "It's just us now and you got to get up the body."
As Prater began to tie up Merkson's body, defendant began shooting at Prater. Prater escaped as defendant continued to
shoot at him.
In the meantime, defendant had ordered Gregson into the bathroom. After shooting at Prater, defendant ordered Gregson to
come out of the bathroom. When Gregson opened the door, defendant grabbed her arm and said, "You're going with me."
Defendant and Gregson drove to a motel, where defendant checked into the motel under an alias. Once inside the motel
room, defendant raped Gregson. After the rape, defendant said that he was hungry and "let's go get something to eat." As
defendant and Gregson were walking to defendant's car, a motel employee observed defendant holding a gun to Gregson's
head. When defendant saw the employee, he aimed his gun at the employee and began to chase him. As the employee ran
toward the motel lobby, defendant stopped chasing him and took Gregson by the arm and pushed her into his car.
Defendant later released Gregson and warned her that he would find her if she told anyone about the crimes. Defendant was
arrested the next day after Prater contacted the police.
The senseless and heartless nature of defendant's crimes reveals a cold-blooded murderer who attempted to conceal his
crimes by killing or threatening all witnesses. Given the extent of the aggravating evidence in this case, there is no
reasonable likelihood that the result of defendant's sentencing hearing would have been different had the trial court heard
the evidence that was revealed during the post-conviction proceedings.
This court has, on numerous occasions, rejected defendants' claims that they were prejudiced by their attorneys' failure to
present certain mitigating evidence at the defendants' capital sentencing hearings, where the aggravating evidence was
overwhelming. See, e.g., People v. Evans, 186 Ill. 2d 83, 102 (1999) (affirming trial court's dismissal of post-conviction
petition without evidentiary hearing); People v. Johnson, 183 Ill. 2d 176, 205 (1998) (affirming trial court's dismissal of
post-conviction petition without evidentiary hearing); People v. Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d 366, 406-07 (1998) (affirming in
relevant part trial court's dismissal of post-conviction petition without evidentiary hearing); People v. Mahaffey, 165 Ill. 2d 445, 466 (1995) (affirming trial court's dismissal of post-conviction petition without evidentiary hearing); People v.
Caballero, 152 Ill. 2d 347, 366-67 (1992) (affirming trial court's denial of post-conviction petition following evidentiary
hearing); People v. Jones, 144 Ill. 2d 242, 278-80 (1991) (affirming trial court's denial of post-conviction petition following
evidentiary hearing).
In People v. Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d 366 (1998), for example, the defendant's post-conviction petition contained an evaluation
from a clinical psychologist which stated that as a result of the defendant's abusive background and early use of drugs, the
defendant has low average intelligence, suffers from extreme emotional disturbance, and is prone to impulsive behavior.
The aggravating evidence, however, established that the defendant methodically planned an armed robbery of a drug house
and shot one of the victims as she was begging the defendant for her life; that the defendant had a long history of violent
criminal behavior; and that the defendant's statements to others about the murders at issue revealed a "chilling" lack of
remorse for these crimes. This court held that this aggravating evidence outweighed the mitigating evidence presented in the
post-conviction petition. Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d  at 401-02, 405-06.
Similarly, in People v. Johnson, 183 Ill. 2d 176 (1998), the defendant's post-conviction petition contained evidence
regarding the defendant's dysfunctional family life, as well as an evaluation from a psychologist which stated that the
defendant suffered from mild mental retardation and a schizotypal personality disorder. Nevertheless, this court found that
the defendant failed to show the requisite prejudice under Strickland. The aggravating evidence established that the
defendant planned and directed the armed robbery of three people in a private home. During the robbery, the defendant
taunted the victims while they were bound and gagged. The defendant then savagely stabbed to death one of the victims,
laughing as he did so. The defendant shot one of the victims as the victim escaped. The evidence also revealed that the
defendant had a long history of criminal behavior. Johnson, 183 Ill. 2d  at 201-08.
Likewise, here, the aggravating evidence far outweighs the mitigating evidence. Given defendant's extensive criminal
history, as well as the heinous nature of the crimes in this case, defendant has failed to establish the requisite prejudice
under Strickland.
As a final matter, I stress the procedural posture of this case. The question presented in this appeal is not whether defendant
is entitled to an evidentiary hearing on the allegations contained in his post-conviction petition. In such a circumstance, a
court must accept the well-pleaded facts in the petition and any accompanying affidavits as true, to determine whether those
allegations make a substantial showing that the defendant's constitutional rights have been violated. People v. Towns, 182 Ill. 2d 491, 503 (1998). This is, in effect, a preliminary stage to determine whether the defendant is entitled to an
evidentiary hearing.
Here, however, the trial court has already held an evidentiary hearing on defendant's allegation that his trial counsel was
ineffective for failing to present mitigating evidence at defendant's capital sentencing hearing. After hearing all of the
evidence at the hearing, the trial judge denied defendant's post-conviction petition. A trial court's determination following a
post-conviction evidentiary hearing will not be disturbed unless the determination is manifestly erroneous. Coleman, 183 Ill. 2d  at 385. The term "manifest error" means error which is "clearly evident, plain, and indisputable." See People v. Ruiz,
177 Ill. 2d 368, 384-85 (1997). Considering the overwhelming aggravating circumstances in this case, I simply cannot agree
with the majority that the trial court was "evidently, plainly, and indisputably" wrong in denying defendant's post-conviction claim. I agree with the trial court that there is no reasonable probability that the outcome of defendant's
sentencing hearing would have been different had the mitigating evidence at issue been presented.
JUSTICE HEIPLE joins in this dissent.
1.      1We note that defendant does not argue that his counsel should have pursued an insanity defense or an instruction
requesting a finding of guilty but mentally ill.

2.      2Effective July 1, 1987, the legislature amended section 9-2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 and replaced the
offense of voluntary manslaughter with the offense of second degree murder. 720 ILCS 5/9-2 (West 1994); see People v.
Jeffries, 164 Ill. 2d 104, 111 (1995). The second degree murder statute incorporated the mitigating factors of sudden and
intense passion and unreasonable belief in self-defense.