Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-4_06-cv-00385/USCOURTS-azd-4_06-cv-00385-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (State)

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As these state court findings are entitled to a presumption of correctness and Hollie

has failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that the findings are erroneous, the

Court hereby adopts these factual findings. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1); Schriro v. Landrigan,

550 U.S. 465, — , 127 S.Ct. 1933, 1940, 167 L.Ed.2d 836 (2007); Wainwright v. Witt, 469

U.S. 412, 426, 105 S.Ct. 844, 853, 83 L.Ed.2d 841 (1985); Cf. Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509,

519, 102 S.Ct. 1198, 1204, 71 L.Ed.2d 379 (1982).

WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

JEROME HOLLIE, 

Petitioner, 

vs.

J. STERNES, et al.

Respondents. 

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No. CV-06-385-TUC-CKJ

ORDER

Pending before this Court is Petitioner’s Motion for Writ of Habeas Corpus by a

Person in State Custody Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 [Doc. #1]. Respondents have filed an

Answer [Doc. #18] and Petitioner has filed a Traverse [Doc. #20]. 

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

The Court of Appeals of Arizona stated the facts1

 as follows:

[On November 12, 1996,] D., P., and J. were cooking dinner at J.’s

trailer when [Jerome] Hollie entered through an unlocked screen door and

ordered them at gunpoint to back down the hallway to the master bedroom.

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Footnote 1 to the Court of Appeal’s opinion explains, “J. sold cocaine and apparently

hid her drugs and drug paraphernalia in a box in her closet.” Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 2.

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Once there, Hollie instructed D., P., and J. to lie face down on the floor.

Hollie then began rummaging around the bedroom, looking for money and

“the box.”2

 Hollie told J., “I’m gonna say it one more time, b----h, where’s the

money?” When J. failed to respond, Hollie shot her in the head, killing her.

Hollie then left and D. called the police.

Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 2.

A jury convicted Jerome Hollie (“Hollie”) of first-degree murder, kidnapping,

aggravated assault, and armed robbery. Id. Hollie “was sentenced to aggravated, concurrent

prison terms, the longest of which was natural life.” Id. 

A. Direct Appeal

Hollie timely appealed his convictions to the Arizona Court of Appeals, raising the

following claims: (1) the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress pretrial

identifications of him by two other victims; (2) the trial court violated his right to confront

witnesses by refusing to exclude two victims from the courtroom during key proceedings;

(3) the trial court erred by failing to declare a mistrial when one juror allegedly told another

juror that she feared possible retaliation if Hollie were found guilty; and (4) the trial court

erred in allowing testimony regarding Hollie’s flight from police in a stolen vehicle the day

after the murder. See Respts.’ Exh. “A.” Hollie also sought review of State v. Dumaine, 162

Ariz. 392, 783 P.2d 1184 (1989), which allows witness testimony from individuals who have

received favorable plea agreements from the State. Id. at 11. 

On June 28, 2001, the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed Hollie’s convictions. See

Respts.’ Exh. “A.” Upon review of the record for a showing of “clear and manifest error,”

the Court of Appeals rejected Hollie’s argument that the preliminary hearing, at which two

witnesses identified him as “the intruder who had killed J[,]” was a “one-man-show-up.” Id.

at 3. The court held that “[b]ecause the minute entry demonstrates that the trial court found

that the prosecutor’s actions and the circumstances were not unduly suggestive, we reject

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State v. Dessureault, 104 Ariz. 380, 453 P.2d 951 (1969).

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Hollie’s argument.” Id. The court went on to “consider the evidence presented at the

Dessureault3

 hearing” noting that it could affirm Hollie’s convictions if there was a

“significant indicia of reliability” surrounding the witnesses identification. Id. at 3-4. Based

on the totality of the circumstances, the court did not find clear and manifest error in the trial

court’s refusal to suppress the witnesses’ pretrial identification of Hollie. Id. at 7. Next, the

court found that Hollie was not denied the right to effectively cross-examine victim witnesses

simply because they were allowed to attend all of the criminal proceedings. Respts.’ Exh.

“A” at 8. The court also held that the trial court did not commit fundamental error when is

did not declare a mistrial sua sponte after excusing a juror because she recognized the name

of a witness mentioned during testimony, and expressed a fear of retaliation if Hollie were

convicted. Id. at 9-10. Hollie further argued that the “trial court denied him a fair trial when

it failed to individually ask the jury panel members whether [the excused juror] had said

anything to them or whether they had similar fears.” Id. at 9. The Court of Appeals rejected

this argument expressing satisfaction that the trial court had taken “adequate precautions to

ensure that the jury was fair and impartial.” Id. Regarding the testimony regarding Hollie’s

flight in a stolen vehicle, the court held that it was admissible 1) because Hollie stated to a

passenger in the stolen vehicle that he could not stop for police because he “had smoked a

b----h last night” and 2) because Hollie elicited the testimony that the vehicle was stolen and

therefore could not then complain about its erroneous introduction. Id. at 10. Finally, the

court declined Hollie’s request to revisit the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision in Dumaine

citing its position as an intermediate appellate court and “lack [of] authority to overrule or

disaffirm supreme court precedent.” Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 11.

Subsequently, Hollie filed a petition for review with the Arizona Supreme Court. On

December 11, 2001, the Arizona Supreme Court denied review without comment.

 . . .

 . . .

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B. First Post-Conviction Relief Proceeding

On December 26, 2001, Hollie filed his first notice for post-conviction relief. Respts.’

Exh. “C.” On June 16, 2003, through his counsel of record, Hollie filed his first petition for

post-conviction relief. Respts.’ Exh. “D.” Hollie claimed, inter alia, that 1) the State violated

Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963) by failing to disclose

evidence of an alleged relationship between Barbara Marvel, the prosecutor’s legal assistant,

and Michael Hollie, Petitioner’s half-brother who testified against Hollie at trial; 2) the

prosecutor committed misconduct by allegedly concealing evidence of the relationship

between Marvel and Michael Hollie; 3) the alleged relationship between Marvel and Michael

Hollie constituted “newly discovered evidence” for purposes of impeachment to undermine

the testimony of Michael Hollie and two other witnesses at trial; 4) mistrial due to

prosecutorial misconduct will result in double jeopardy protections barring retrial; 5) he was

denied his Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel when his trial attorney,

Ralph Ellinwood, failed to call four defense witnesses, two of whom stated that Michael

Hollie confessed to killing Jackie DeMoss and two who would have impeached Michael

Hollie’s credibility; and 6) Hollie was denied his Sixth Amendment right to effective

assistance of counsel when his appellate attorney, Roger Weissman, failed to argue on appeal

that the trial court erred in denying Petitioner’s motion for new trial. 

On September 13, 2004, the trial court dismissed Hollie’s post-conviction relief

petition. Respts.’ Exh. “E.” The court analyzed the evidence regarding Barbara Marvel’s

alleged relationship with Michael Hollie pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83

S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963). Under the three-part test, the court found 1) evidence

of the alleged relationship between Marvel and Michael was favorable to Petitioner because

of its impeachment value; 2) that Petitioner had presented a colorable claim that the alleged

relationship began prior to trial and that the State failed in its duty to disclose the

relationship; and 3) that Petitioner was not prejudiced by the lack of disclosure. See Respts.’

Exh. “E.” The court noted that even if the State had timely disclosed Marvel and Michael

Hollie’s relationship, it would not have changed the outcome at trial. Id. at 8. In support of

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this finding, the court determined that evidence of the relationship between Marvel and

Michael Hollie would have undermined the credibility of “three witnesses, none of whom

were key witnesses.” Id. Moreover, evidence of the relationship between Marvel and

Michael Hollie would have been additional impeachment against Michael Hollie who was

already cross-examined regarding his bias. As such, the evidence would have been

“cumulative impeachment material against Michael Hollie.” Id. The court further noted that

the “[i]ndependent evidence overwhelmingly pointed to defendant’s guilt, particularly the

testimony of the two surviving victims that witnessed the murder.” Id. at 9. Therefore, the

court held that Petitioner “failed to raise a colorable claim that the State committed a Brady

violation. Respts.’ Exh. “E” at10.

The court additionally held that Petitioner’s claim of prosecutorial misconduct was

“without merit.” Id. Further, the court determined that the relationship between Marvel and

Michael Hollie did not constitute “newly discovered evidence.” Id. at 10-11. The court also

found that double jeopardy principles did not attach because the remedy for a Brady violation

is a new trial, not dismissal. Id. at 11 (citations omitted). Finally, the court analyzed both

of Petitioner’s ineffective assistance of counsel claims pursuant to Strickland v. Washington,

466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984). The court held that Petitioner failed to demonstrate any prejudice

as a result of any deficiencies on the part of either trial or appellate counsel. See Respts.’

Exh. “E” at 12-16. Therefore, Petitioner’s ineffective assistance of counsel claims failed.

Accordingly, the trial court denied Petitioner’s PCR petition. See id.

On October 13, 2004, Hollie, through his counsel of record, filed a petition for review

by the Arizona Court of Appeals. Respts.’ Exh. “F.” On appeal Hollie asserted that the trial

court erred in its resolution of the following claims 1) the State violated Brady v. Maryland,

373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963) by failing to disclose evidence of an

alleged relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie, Petitioner’s half-brother who

testified against Hollie at trial; 2) the prosecutor committed misconduct by allegedly

concealing evidence of the relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie; 3) the alleged

relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie constituted “newly discovered evidence”

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for purposes of impeachment to undermine the testimony of Michael Hollie and two other

witnesses at trial; 4) mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct will result in double jeopardy

protections barring retrial; 5) he was denied his Sixth Amendment right to effective

assistance of counsel when his trial attorney, Ralph Ellinwood, failed to call four defense

witnesses, two of whom stated that Michael Hollie confessed to killing Jackie DeMoss and

two who would have impeached Michael Hollie’s credibility; and 6) Hollie was denied his

Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel when his appellate attorney, Roger

Weissman, failed to argue on appeal that the trial court erred in denying Petitioner’s motion

for new trial. See id.

On August 26, 2005, the Arizona Court of Appeals granted review, but denied relief.

Respts.’ Exh. “G.” Upon review of the trial court’s sixteen (16) page minute entry and

pertinent portions of the record, the court of appeals “found support for the trial court’s

findings and conclusions.” Id. at 2. Hollie did not seek review with the Arizona Supreme

Court.

C. The Instant Habeas Proceeding

On July 28, 2006, Hollie filed the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus by a Person in

State Custody Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (“Petition”). Hollie claims five (5) grounds for

relief. First, Hollie asserts that his rights to “due process and equal protection of laws and

hearings to a fair trial” pursuant to the Fourteenth Amendment were violated. Petition at 5.

Additionally, Hollie asserts a “conflict of interest” claim. Id. Hollie alleges that the State’s

failure to disclose the relationship between the prosecutor’s legal assistant, Barbara Marvel,

and witness Michael Hollie deprived Petitioner of his”constitutional right to a fair trial.” Id.

Second, Hollie asserts a due process violation “to have a fair hearing on

identification.” Petition at 6. Hollie bases this claim on the trial court’s refusal to suppress

his pre-trial identification by two victim witnesses.

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Petitioner copied page 8 of the government form for his additional claim. The Court

has designated this second page 8, containing “Ground V” as page 8[a].

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Third, Hollie claims a Sixth Amendment violation based upon “newly discovered

evidence.” Petition at 7. Hollie asserts that the relationship between Marvel and Michael

Hollie constitutes “newly discovered evidence.” Id.

Fourth, Hollie further asserts that transportation records would have shown that he had

been transported to a “live line up” and constitute “newly discovered evidence” in violation

of his due process right to a fair trial and fair hearings pursuant to the Fourteenth

Amendment. Petition at 8.

Fifth, Hollie asserts ineffective assistance of counsel claims against appellate counsel

for his direct appeal. In support of this claim, Hollie argues that “a Motion for a New Trial

on the transportation records [was] clearly in favor of the defendant [and] this information

was over look [sic] by appeal lawyer.” Petition at 8[a].4

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

The federal courts shall “entertain an application for a write of habeas corpus in behalf

of a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a State court only on the ground that he

is in custody in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States.” 28

U.S.C. § 2254(a) (emphasis added). Moreover, a petition for habeas corpus by a person in

state custody:

shall not be granted with respect to any claim that was adjudicated on the

merits in State court proceedings unless the adjudication of the claim – (1)

resulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable

application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme

Court of the United States; or (2) resulted in a decision that was based on an

unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in

the State court proceeding.

28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, — , 127 S.Ct. 1933, 1939,

167 L.Ed.2d 836 (2007). Correcting errors of state law is not the province of federal habeas

corpus relief. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 67, 112 S.Ct. 475, 480, 116 L.Ed.2d 385

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(1991). Ultimately, “[t]he statute’s design is to ‘further the principles of comity, finality, and

federalism.’” Panetti v. Quarterman, — U.S. — , 127 S.Ct. 2842, 2854, 168 L.Ed.2d 662

(2007) (quoting Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S.322, 337, 123 S.Ct. 1029, 154 L.Ed.2d 931

(2003)).

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (“AEDPA”), 110 Stat.

1214, mandates the standards for federal habeas review. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254. “The Act

limits the ability of federal courts to reexamine questions of law and mixed questions of law

and fact.” Jeffries v. Wood, 114 F.3d 1484 (9th Cir. 1997). Federal courts reviewing a

petition for habeas corpus must “presume the correctness of state courts’ factual findings

unless applicants rebut this presumption with ‘clear and convincing evidence.’” Landrigen,

550 U.S. at — , 127 S.Ct. at 1940 (citing 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1)). Moreover, on habeas

review, the federal courts must consider whether the state court’s determination was

unreasonable, not merely incorrect. Id., 550 U.S. at —, 127 S.Ct. at 1939. Such a

determination is unreasonable where a state court properly identifies the governing legal

principles delineated by the Supreme Court, but when the court applies the principles to the

facts before it arrives at a different result. See Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362, 120 S.Ct.

1495, 146 L.Ed.2d 389 (2000); See also Casey v. Moore, 386 F.3d 896, 905 (9th Cir. 2004).

III. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

The AEDPA mandates that a one-year statute of limitations applies to applications for

a writ of habeas corpus by a person in state custody. 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1). Generally, the

limitation period begins to run from “the date on which the judgment became final by the

conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review.” 28 U.S.C.

§ 2244(d)(1)(A). Section 2244(d)(1) mandates that the one year limitation period shall run

from the latest of:

(A) the date on which the judgment became final by the conclusion of direct

review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review;

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(B) the date on which the impediment to filing an application created by State

action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States is removed,

if the applicant was prevented from filing by such State action;

(C) the date on which the constitutional right asserted was initially recognized

by the Supreme Court, if the right has been newly recognized by the Supreme

Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review; or

(D) the date on which the factual predicate of the claim or claims presented

could have been discovered through the exercise of due diligence.

28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1); Shannon v. Newland, 410 F.3d 1083, 1086 (9th Cir. 2005). “The

time during which a properly filed application for State post-conviction or other collateral

review with respect to the pertinent judgment or claim is pending shall not be counted toward

any period of limitation under this subsection.” 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(2). Respondents do not

dispute the timeliness of Hollie’s Petition. The Court has independently reviewed the record

and finds that the Petition is timely pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1)(A).

IV. EXHAUSTION OF STATE REMEDIES

Prior to application for a writ of habeas corpus, a person in state custody must exhaust

all of the remedies available in the State courts. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b)(1)(A). This “provides

a simple and clear instruction to potential litigants: before you bring any claims to federal

court, be sure that you first have taken each one to state court.” Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509,

520, 102 S.Ct. 1198, 1204, 71 L.Ed.2d 379 (1982). As such, the exhaustion doctrine gives

the State “the opportunity to pass upon and correct alleged violations of its prisoners’ federal

rights.” Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 29, 124 S.Ct. 1347, 1349, 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004)

(internal quotations omitted). Moreover, “[t]he exhaustion doctrine is principally designed

to protect the state courts’ role in the enforcement of federal law and prevent disruption of

state judicial proceedings.” Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. at 518, 102 S.Ct. at 1203 (internal

citations omitted). This upholds the doctrine of comity which “teaches that one court should

defer action on causes properly within its jurisdiction until the courts of another sovereignty

with concurrent powers, and already cognizant of the litigation, have had an opportunity to

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pass upon the matter.” Id. (quoting Darr v. Burford, 339 U.S. 200, 204, 70 S.Ct. 587, 590,

94 L.Ed. 761 (1950)).

Section 2254(c) provides that claims “shall not be deemed . . . exhausted” so long as

the applicant “has the right under the law of the State to raise, by any available procedure the

question presented.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(c). “[O]nce the federal claim has been fairly

presented to the state courts, the exhaustion requirement is satisfied.” Picard v. Connor, 404

U.S. 270, 275, 92 S.Ct. 509, 512, 30 L.Ed.2d 438 (1971). The fair presentation requirement

mandates that a state prisoner must alert the state court “to the presence of a federal claim”

in his petition, simply labeling a claim “federal” or expecting the state court to read beyond

the four corners of the petition is insufficient. Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 33, 124 S.Ct.

1347, 1351, 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004) (rejecting petitioner’s assertion that his claim had been

“fairly presented” because his brief in the state appeals court did not indicate that “he was

complaining about a violation of federal law” and the justices having the opportunity to read

a lower court decision addressing the federal claims was not fair presentation); Hivala v.

Wood, 195 F.3d 1098 (9th Cir. 1999), cert. denied, 529 U.S. 1009 (2000) (holding that

petitioner failed to exhaust federal due process issue in state court because petitioner

presented claim in state court only on state grounds). Furthermore, in order to “fairly

present” one’s claims, the prisoner must do so “in each appropriate state court.” Id. at 29,

124 S.Ct. at 1349. “Generally, a petitioner satisfies the exhaustion requirement if he properly

pursues a claim (1) throughout the entire direct appellate process of the state, or (2)

throughout one entire judicial postconviction process available in the state.” Casey v. Moore,

386 F.3d 896, 916 (9th Cir. 2004) (quoting Liebman & Hertz, Federal Habeas Corpus

Practice and Procedure, §23.3b (4th ed. 1998)).

In Arizona, however, for “cases not carrying a life sentence or the death penalty,

review need not be sought before the Arizona Supreme Court in order to exhaust state

remedies.” Swoopes v. Sublett, 196 F.3d 1008, 1010 (9th Cir. 1999); see also Moreno v.

Gonzalez, 192 Ariz. 131, 962 P.2d 205 (1998). Additionally, the Supreme Court has further

interpreted § 2254(c) to recognize that once the state courts have ruled upon a claim, it is not

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necessary for an applicant to seek collateral relief for the same issues already decided upon

direct review. Castille v. Peoples, 489 U.S. 346, 350, 109 S.Ct. 1056, 1060, 103 L.Ed.2d 380

(1989).

V. PROCEDURAL DEFAULT

“A habeas petitioner who has defaulted his federal claims in state court meets the

technical requirements for exhaustion; there are no state remedies any longer ‘available’ to

him.” Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 732, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 2555, 115 L.Ed.2d 640

(1991). Moreover, federal courts “will not review a question of federal law decided by a

state court if the decision of that court rests on a state law ground that is independent of the

federal question and adequate to support the judgment.” Id., 501 U.S. at 728, 111 S.Ct. at

2554. This is true whether the state law basis is substantive or procedural. Id. (citations

omitted). Such claims are considered procedurally barred from review. See Wainwright v.

Sykes, 433 U.S. 72, 97 S.Ct. 2497, 53 L.Ed.2d 594 (1977).

The Ninth Circuit explained the difference between exhaustion and procedural default

as follows:

The exhaustion doctrine applies when the state court has never been presented

with an opportunity to consider a petitioner’s claims and that opportunity may

still be available to the petitioner under state law. In contrast, the procedural

default rule barring consideration of a federal claim applies only when a state

court has been presented with the federal claim, but declined to reach the issue

for procedural reasons, or if it is clear that the state court would hold the claim

procedurally barred. Franklin v. Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1230 (9th Cir. 2002)

(internal quotation marks and citations omitted). Thus, in some circumstances,

a petitioner’s failure to exhaust a federal claim in state court may cause a

procedural default. see Sandgathe v. Maass, 314 F.3d 371, 376 (9th Cir. 2002);

Beaty v. Stewart, 303 F.3d 975, 987 (9th Cir. 2002) (“A claim is procedurally

defaulted ‘if the petitioner failed to exhaust state remedies and the court to

which the petitioner would be required to present his claims in order to meet

the exhaustion requirement would now find the claims procedurally barred.’”

(quoting Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 735 n.1, 111 S.Ct. 2546, 115

L.Ed.2d 640 (1991))).

Cassett v. Stewart, 406 F.3d 614, 621 n.5 (9th Cir. 2005). Thus, a prisoner’s habeas petition

may be precluded from federal review due to procedural default in two ways. First, if the

petitioner presented his claims to the state court, which denied relief based on independent

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and adequate state grounds. Coleman, 501 at 728, 111 S.Ct. at 2254. Federal courts are

prohibited from review in such cases because they have “no power to review a state law

determination that is sufficient to support the judgment, resolution of any independent federal

ground for the decision could not affect the judgment and would therefore be advisory.” Id.

Second, where a “petitioner failed to exhaust state remedies and the court to which the

petitioner would be required to present his claims in order to meet the exhaustion

requirement would now find the claims procedurally barred.” Id. at 735 n.1, 111 S.Ct. at

2557 n.1 (citations omitted). Thus, the federal court “must consider whether the claim could

be pursued by any presently available state remedy.” Cassett, 406 F.3d at 621 n.6 (quoting

Ortiz v. Stewart, 149 F.3d 923, 931 (9th Cir. 1998) (emphasis in original).

Where a habeas petitioner’s claims have been procedurally defaulted, the federal

courts are prohibited from subsequent review unless the petitioner can show cause and actual

prejudice as a result. Teague v. Lane, 489 U.S. 288, 298, 109 S.Ct. 1060, 1068, 103 L.Ed.2d

334 (1989) (holding that failure to raise claims in state appellate proceeding barred federal

habeas review unless petitioner demonstrated cause and prejudice); see also Smith v. Murray,

477 U.S. 527, 534, 106 S.Ct. 2661, 2666, 91 L.Ed.2d 434 (1986) (recognizing “that a federal

habeas court must evaluate appellate defaults under the same standards that apply when a

defendant fails to preserve a claim at trial.”). “[T]he existence of cause for a procedural

default must ordinarily turn on whether the prisoner can show that some objective factor

external to the defense impeded counsel’s efforts to comply with the State’s procedural rule.”

Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 488, 106 S.Ct. 2639, 2645, 91 L.Ed.2d 397 (1986); see also

Martinez-Villareal v. Lewis, 80 F.3d 1301, 1305 (9th Cir. 1996) (petitioner failed to offer any

cause “for procedurally defaulting his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, [as such]

there is no basis on which to address the merits of his claims.”). In addition to cause, a

habeas petitioner must show actual prejudice, meaning that he “must show not merely that

the errors . . . created a possibility of prejudice, but that they worked to his actual and

substantial disadvantage, infecting his entire trial with error of constitutional dimensions.”

Murray, 477 U.S. at 494, 106 S.Ct. at 2648 (emphasis in original) (internal quotations

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omitted). Without a showing of both cause and prejudice, a habeas petitioner cannot

overcome the procedural default and gain review by the federal courts. Id., 106 S.Ct. at

2649.

The Supreme Court has recognized, however, that “the cause and prejudice standard

will be met in those cases where review of a state prisoner’s claim is necessary to correct ‘a

fundamental miscarriage of justice.’” Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 111 S.Ct. 2546,

115 L.Ed.2d 640 (1991) (quoting Engle v. Isaac 456 U.S. 107, 135, 102 S.Ct. 1558, 1572-73,

71 L.Ed.2d 783 (1982)). “The fundamental miscarriage of justice exception is available

‘only where the prisoner supplements his constitutional claim with a colorable showing of

factual innocence.’” Herrara v. Collins, 506 U.S. 390, 404, 113 S.Ct. 853, 862, 122 L.Ed.2d

203 (1993) (emphasis in original) (quoting Kuhlmann v. Wilson, 477 U.S. 436, 454, 106 S.Ct.

2616, 2627, 91 L.Ed.2d 364 (1986)). Thus, “‘actual innocence’ is not itself a constitutional

claim, but instead a gateway through which a habeas petitioner must pass to have his

otherwise barred constitutional claim considered on the merits.” Herrara, 506 U.S. at 404,

113 S.Ct. at 862. Further, in order to demonstrate a fundamental miscarriage of justice, a

habeas petitioner must “establish by clear and convincing evidence that but for the

constitutional error, no reasonable factfinder would have found [him] guilty of the underlying

offense.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(2)(B). 

In Arizona, a petitioner’s claim may be procedurally defaulted where he has waived

his right to present his claim to the state court “at trial, on appeal or in any previous collateral

proceeding.” Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.2(a)(3). “If an asserted claim is of sufficient constitutional

magnitude, the state must show that the defendant ‘knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently’

waived the claim.” Id., 2002 cmt. Neither Rule 32.2 nor the Arizona Supreme Court has

defined claims of “sufficient constitutional magnitude” requiring personal knowledge before

waiver. See id.; See also Stewart v. Smith, 202 Ariz. 446, 46 P.3d 1067 (2002). The Ninth

Circuit recognized that this assessment “often involves a fact-intensive inquiry” and the

“Arizona state courts are better suited to make these determinations.” Cassett, 406 F.3d at

622.

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VI. BRADY VIOLATION

A. Ground One: Brady Violation Based on the State’s Failure to Disclose the

Alleged Relationship Between Barbara Marvel and Michael Hollie

Hollie asserts that his due process rights were violated when the State failed to

disclose the existence of a romantic relationship between the prosecutor’s legal assistant,

Barbara Marvel, and witness Michael Hollie. A petition for habeas corpus by a person in

state custody:

shall not be granted with respect to any claim that was adjudicated on the

merits in State court proceedings unless the adjudication of the claim – (1)

resulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable

application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme

Court of the United States; or (2) resulted in a decision that was based on an

unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in

the State court proceeding.

28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, — , 127 S.Ct. 1933, 1939,

167 L.Ed.2d 836 (2007). Hollie initially raised this claim in his first petition for postconviction relief. Respts.’ Exh. “D.” In consideration of that petition, the trial court

analyzed the evidence regarding Barbara Marvel’s alleged relationship with Michael Hollie

pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963). Under

the three-part test, the court found 1) evidence of the alleged relationship between Marvel

and Michael was favorable to Petitioner because of its impeachment value; 2) that Petitioner

had presented a colorable claim that the alleged relationship began prior to trial and that the

State failed in its duty to disclose the relationship; and 3) that Petitioner was not prejudiced

by the lack of disclosure. See Respts.’ Exh. “E.” The court noted that even if the State had

timely disclosed Marvel and Michael Hollie’s relationship, it would not have changed the

outcome at trial. Id. at 8. In support of this finding, the court determined that evidence of

the relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie would have undermined the credibility

of “three witnesses, none of whom were key witnesses.” Id. Moreover, evidence of the

relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie would have been additional impeachment

against Michael Hollie who was already cross-examined regarding his bias. As such, the

evidence would have been “cumulative impeachment material against Michael Hollie.” Id.

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The court further noted that the “[i]ndependent evidence overwhelmingly pointed to

defendant’s guilt, particularly the testimony of the two surviving victims that witnessed the

murder.” Id. at 9. Therefore, the court held that Petitioner “failed to raise a colorable claim

that the State committed a Brady violation. Respts.’ Exh. “E” at10. Subsequently, the

Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s determination. Respts.’ Exh. “G.”

“There are three components of a true Brady violation: The evidence at issue must be

favorable to the accused, either because it is exculpatory, or because it is impeaching; that

evidence must have been suppressed by the State, either willfully or inadvertently; and

prejudice must have ensued.” Strickler v. Greene, 527 U.S. 263, 281-82, 119 S.Ct. 1936,

1948, 144 L.Ed.2d 286 (1999). The trial court properly enunciated the rule in its

consideration of Hollie’s claim. See Respts.’ Exh. “E.” Based upon the facts present in this

case, the trial court determined that although evidence of a relationship between Marvel and

Michael Hollie was favorable to Petitioner because of its impeachment value and that the

State had failed to disclose the evidence, Petitioner Hollie’s claim must ultimately fail

because of a lack of prejudice. See id. This determination is not unreasonable “in light of

the evidence presented in the State court proceeding.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). Indeed the

United States Supreme Court has delineated the question of prejudice as “whether the

favorable evidence could reasonably be taken to put the whole case in such a different light

as to undermine confidence in the verdict.” Strickler, 527 U.S. at 289, 119 S.Ct. at 1952, 144

L.Ed.2d. 286 (internal quotations omitted). The trial court based its decision on 1) the

impeachment evidence against Michael Hollie was cumulative and 2) the independent

evidence, including the testimony of two victim witnesses, would be unaffected by the

additional evidence. The trial court properly analyzed the evidence before it in light of Brady

v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963). As such, Hollie’s claim

for a due process violation in light of Brady is without merit.

 . . .

 . . .

 . . .

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Under Dessureault a trial court is required to hold a hearing “to determine from clear

and convincing evidence whether [pretrial identification procedures] contained unduly

suggestive circumstances.” State v. Dessureault, 104 Ariz. 380, 384, 453 P.2d 941, 955

(1969).

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VII. WITNESS IDENTIFICATION OF PETITIONER

Hollie asserts a due process violation “to have a fair hearing on identification.”

Petition at 6. Hollie bases this claim on the trial court’s refusal to suppress his pre-trial

identification by two victim witnesses because it occurred at a preliminary hearing rather

than a line up. Id. The trial court held a Dessureault hearing and determined that the

“prosecutor’s actions and the circumstances were not unduly suggestive.”5

 Respts.’ Exh. “A”

at 3. This determination was affirmed by the Arizona Court of Appeals. Id.

A due process claim arises when a “defendant could claim that ‘the confrontation

conducted . . . was so unnecessarily suggestive and conducive to irreparable mistaken

identification that he was denied due process of law.’” Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188, 196,

93 S.Ct. 375, 381, 34 L.Ed.2d 401 (1972) (quoting Stovall v. Denno, 388 U.S. 293, 301-02,

87 S.Ct. 1967, 1972). This determination must be made on a “totality of the circumstances.”

Id. The United States Supreme Court articulated several factors for determining whether “the

identification was reliable even though the confrontation procedure was suggestive.” Neil,

409 U.S. at 199, 93 S.Ct. at 388, 34 L.Ed.2d 401. These include

the opportunity of the witness to view the criminal at the time of the crime, the

witness’ degree of attention, the accuracy of the witness’ prior description of

the criminal, the level of certainty demonstrated by the witness at the

confrontation, and the length of time between the crime and the confrontation.

Id. 

In the instant case, the Arizona Court of Appeals weighed the evidence presented to

the trial court during the Dessureault hearing pursuant to Neil. Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 4-7.

The appellate court considered the testimony of the witnesses, one of whom looked at Hollie

for “a minute or so,” and one whom although had only seen Hollie’s face for a few seconds,

she had gotten a “good look” at his face and felt as if “time froze” when she was looking at

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him. Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 4; Respts.’ Exh. “L” at 59, 62, 93. The appellate court agreed with

the trial court’s finding that “the witnesses’ opportunity to view the intruder who shot [J.]

was adequate to allow them to testify to their impression.” Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 5 (quoting

trial court’s minute entry); See also Coleman v. Alabama, 399 U.S. 1, 90 S.Ct. 1999, 26

L.Ed.2d 387 (1970) (holding a fleeting but “real good look” at assailant in the headlights of

a passing car admissible). 

The appellate court rejected Hollie’s argument that the witnesses were distracted by

his weapon and their attention was not riveted upon him. Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 5. The

appellate court correctly held that there is no evidence in the record to support Hollie’s

argument regarding the presence of the weapon. Id. Moreover, it correctly noted that there

is no “minimum level of attention” requirement. Id. As such, the trial court’s finding that

“the witnesses’ attention to the perpetrator was as one could expect under the circumstances

of the case” is without error. Id.

The appellate court found that although the witnesses’ prior descriptions of Hollie

differed with respect to his attire, their descriptions of his physical characteristics were

similar. Id. at 6. Furthermore, the lead detective testified that her initial reaction to Hollie’s

appearance was that he “looks just like the guy they described.” Respts.’ Exh. “A” at 6. The

appellate court found that the witnesses’ “prior description of the intruder were [not] fatal to

the admission of their pretrial identifications.” Id.

The appellate court determined that the witnesses exhibited a sufficient level of

certainty regarding their identification of Hollie. Id. Both had “strong emotional and

physical reactions when they saw Hollie for the first time after the murder.” Id. The record

supports such a conclusion. See Respts.’ Exh. “L.”

Finally, the appellate court held that the seven months that had elapsed between the

incident and the pretrial identification was not too long. Respts. Exh. “A” at 7. This is

consistent with the United States’ Supreme Court’s finding in Neil, in which seven (7)

months elapsed between the incident and confrontation. Neil. 409 U.S. at 201, 92 S.Ct. at

383.

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In light of the foregoing, and “weighing all the factors, [this Court] finds no

substantial likelihood of misidentification.” Id. The state courts properly analyzed the

evidence in light of established federal law. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). Accordingly, Hollie is not

entitled to habeas relief.

VIII. NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE

A. Ground Three: Alleged Relationship Between Marvel and Michael Hollie as

“Newly Discovered Evidence”

Hollie claims a Sixth Amendment violation based upon “newly discovered evidence.”

Petition at 7. Hollie asserts that the relationship between Marvel and Michael Hollie

constitutes “newly discovered evidence.” Id. Respondents properly argue that this claim was

originally presented to the state court solely as a violation of state law. See Answer to

Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (“Answer”) [Doc. #18] at 8. Prior to bringing a claim to

federal court, a habeas petitioner must present all claims first to the state court. Rose v.

Lundy, 455 U.S. 509, 520, 102 S.Ct. 1198, 1204, 71 L.Ed.2d 379 (1982). The fair

presentation requirement mandates that a state prisoner must alert the state court “to the

presence of a federal claim” in his petition. Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 33, 124 S.Ct.

1347, 1351, 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004) (rejecting petitioner’s assertion that his claim had been

“fairly presented” because his brief in the state appeals court did not indicate that “he was

complaining about a violation of federal law” and the justices having the opportunity to read

a lower court decision addressing the federal claims was not fair presentation); Hivala v.

Wood, 195 F.3d 1098 (9th Cir. 1999), cert. denied, 529 U.S. 1009 (2000) (holding that

petitioner failed to exhaust federal due process issue in state court because petitioner

presented claim in state court only on state grounds).

In the instant case, Hollie failed to alert the state court to a federal due process issue

based on a “newly discovered evidence” theory. This claim was presented to the state court

solely as an issue of state law. See Respts.’ Exh. “D” at 20. As such, Hollie has failed to

exhaust his claim before the state court and is not entitled to federal habeas relief.

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The rule states that “[a] motion for a new trial shall be made no later than 10 days

after the verdict has been rendered.” Ariz. R. Crim. P. 24.1(b).

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B. Ground Four: Alleged Due Process Violation Regarding Transportation

Records

Fourth, Hollie further asserts that transportation records would have shown that he

had been transported to a “live line up” and constitutes “newly discovered evidence” in

violation of his due process right to a fair trial and fair hearings pursuant to the Fourteenth

Amendment. Petition at 8. This issue was originally asserted in Hollie’s first petition for

post-conviction relief, as part of his ineffective assistance of trial counsel claim. See Respts.’

Exh. “D” at 30-4. In its September 13, 2004 order, the trial court acknowledged Hollie’s

argument, but found that the motion for new trial was filed twelve (12) days after the entry

of judgment and was therefore untimely pursuant to Rule 24.1(b), Arizona Rules of Criminal

Procedure.6

 Respts.’ Exh. “E” at 15. Accordingly, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to

entertain the issue of the transportation records. Id. at 16.

Hollie’s claim regarding the transportation records is therefore procedurally defaulted.

Hollie presented his claim to the state court, which denied relief based on independent and

adequate state grounds. See Coleman, 501 at 728, 111 S.Ct. at 2254. The trial court

recognized that it was barred from entertaining Hollie’s claim because the motion for a new

trial was untimely. Respts.’ Exh. “E” at 15-6. This state procedural bar to review now

prohibits this Court from review because the “state law determination [] is sufficient to

support the judgment, [and] resolution of any independent federal ground for the decision

could not affect the judgment and would therefore be advisory.” Coleman, 501 at 728, 111

S.Ct. at 2254.

IX. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL

Hollie’s fifth claim regarding the ineffective assistance of his appellate counsel, Mr.

Roger Weissman, were properly raised in his first PCR petition, on appeal of that petition

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to the Arizona Court of Appeals and in his current habeas petition. As such, he has properly

exhausted this claim in the state court system.

The Supreme Court elucidated a two part test for determining whether a defendant

could prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel sufficient to overturn his

conviction. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674

(1984). First, Hollie must show that counsel’s performance was deficient. Id. at 687, 104

S.Ct. at 2064. “This requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was

not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment.” Id.

Second, Hollie must show that this performance prejudiced his defense. Id. “This requires

showing that counsel’s errors were so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial whose

result is reliable.” Id. Ultimately, whether or not counsel’s performance was effective hinges

on its reasonableness under prevailing professional norms. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688, 104

S.Ct. at 2065; See also State v. Carver, 160 Ariz. 167, 771 P.2d 1382 (1989) (adopting

Strickland two-part test for ineffective assistance of counsel claims). The Sixth

Amendment’s guarantee of effective assistance is not meant to “improve the quality of legal

representation,” rather it is to ensure the fairness of trial. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104

S.Ct. at 2065.

“Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s performance must be highly deferential.” Id. Judging

counsel’s performance must be made without the influence of hindsight. See id. As such,

“the defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged

action ‘might be considered sound trial strategy.’” Id. (quoting Michel v. Louisiana, 350 U.S.

91, 101, 76 S.Ct. 158, 164, 100 L.Ed. 83 (1955). Without the requisite showing of either

“deficient performance” or “sufficient prejudice,” Hollie cannot prevail on his ineffectiveness

claim. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700, 104 S.Ct. at 2071.

Here, Hollie asserts that Mr. Weissman provided ineffective assistance by failing to

argue that the trial court erred in denying Hollie’s motion for a new trial. Petition at 8a. This

motion “claimed that the prisoner transportation records of the Pima County Sheriff’s

Department were altered to conceal the alleged fact that there was an undisclosed time that

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Additionally, the Court finds that Hollie failed to demonstrate sufficient prejudice to

warrant a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. Nothing before this Court suggests

that Hollie did not receive “a fair trial whose result is reliable.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687,

104 S.Ct. at 2064.

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Petitioner was viewed by [witness] Mason prior to the pretrial hearing.” Respts.’ Exh. “E”

at 15. The trial court held that Hollie’s motion for a new trial was untimely pursuant to Rule

24.1(b), Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. Id. As such, the court lacked jurisdiction to

consider the motion. Id. at 15-6.

Hollie has failed to present any evidence suggesting that Mr. Weissman’s decision not

to appeal the trial court’s finding was unreasonable. “[T]he failure to take a futile action can

never be deficient performance.” Rupe v. Wood, 93 F.3d 1434, 1445 (9th Cir. 1996). The

procedural bar delineated by Rule 24.1(b), Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, is explicit.

Mr. Weissman’s failure to raise a meritless issue does not constitute deficient performance.

 See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984) (“This

requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as the

‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment.”). Without deficient

performance, Hollie’s ineffective assistance of counsel must fail.7

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. Petitioner’s Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus [Doc. #1] pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 2254 is DENIED;

2. All other pending motions are DENIED AS MOOT;

3. This matter is DISMISSED with prejudice; and

4. The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment and shall then close its file in this

matter.

DATED this 29th day of September, 2009.

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