Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_13-cv-00408/USCOURTS-cand-3_13-cv-00408-5/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

---

United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RICHARD ALLEN DAVIS,

Petitioner,

v.

RON DAVIS, Warden, San Quentin State

Prison,

Respondent.

___________________________________/

No. C-13-0408 EMC

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER DENYING RESPONDENT’S

MOTION TO DISMISS; AND

GRANTING PETITIONER’S MOTION

FOR STAY

(Docket Nos. 36, 40)

Petitioner Richard Allen Davis is a condemned prisoner at California’s San Quentin State

Prison. Petitioner has filed a habeas petition containing 37 claims. The parties agree that claims 1-

3, 6, 8-10, 12-17, 19-24, 29, 32-34 and 36 are exhausted, claims 35 and 37 are unexhausted, and

claims 4-5, 7, 11, 18, 25-28, 30-31 and 33 are partially exhausted. These claims allege, inter alia,

that: Petitioner was denied the effective assistance of counsel throughout his trial, his representation

was plagued by conflict of interest, trial counsel failed to adequately prepare his mental health

experts, the prosecutor committed misconduct, aggravating evidence was improperly admitted, the

evidence is insufficient to support the conviction, the jury received faulty jury instructions, the trial

court inadequately responded to a question from the jury, the trial court failed to excuse impaired

jurors, the trial court improperly restricted the presentation of mitigation evidence, the jury

committed misconduct, and that the extreme delay between the imposition of the death sentence and

execution is unconstitutional. Respondent waives exhaustion as to the unexhausted portion of claim

33. In a motion to dismiss filed on March 2, 2015, Respondent contends that Petitioner’s

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 1 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

2

unexhausted/partially exhausted claims must be dismissed and litigation should proceed only on the

remaining exhausted claims. In a cross-motion for a stay filed on May 14, 2015, Petitioner counters

that the petition should instead be held in abeyance pending his exhaustion of claims in state court. 

In a reply filed on June 11, 2015, Respondent requests that Petitioner’s motion for a stay be denied,

and that Petitioner be ordered to file an amended finalized petition containing only exhausted claims. 

For the reasons stated below, Respondent’s motion to dismiss is DENIED and Petitioner’s motion

for a stay is GRANTED.

I. BACKGROUND

In September 1996, Petitioner was sentenced to death in Santa Clara County Superior Court

following a conviction of first degree murder of 12-year old Polly Klaas, as well as the burglary of

her home, kidnaping, an attempted lewd act against her, two counts of false imprisonment, two

counts of assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of robbery. The California Supreme Court

affirmed his conviction and death sentence on June 1, 2009. People v. Davis, 46 Cal. 4th 539

(2009). The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari on January 11, 2010. Davis v.

California, 558 U.S. 1124 (2010).

On November 5, 2007, while his direct appeal was pending, Petitioner filed a state habeas

petition. (ECF Doc. No. 2) The Supreme Court of California denied this petition on January 23,

2013. 

Petitioner filed a request for appointment of federal habeas counsel and stay of execution in

this Court on January 29, 2013. His request for a stay was granted and his case was referred to the

Selection Board for recommendation of counsel. (ECF Doc. No. 4) The Court appointed counsel on

October 21, 2013. (ECF Doc. No. 8) 

On January 23, 2014, prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations period, Petitioner

filed a preliminary petition. (ECF Doc. No. 9) On April 9, 2014, the parties filed a joint statement

wherein Petitioner sought leave to file motions for discovery, evidence preservation and equitable

tolling. (ECF Doc. No. 17) The Court denied without prejudice Petitioner’s request to file a

discovery motion, and granted his requests to file motions for evidence preservation and equitable

tolling. (ECF Doc. No. 19)

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 2 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

3

Petitioner filed a motion for equitable tolling on June 30, 2014. This motion was granted in

part and denied in part on September 15, 2014. Petitioner filed an amended petition on October 21,

2014, and further amended the petition on January 29, 2015. The instant briefing followed.

II. LEGAL STANDARD

Federal courts may not grant a writ of habeas corpus brought by a person in custody pursuant

to a state court judgment unless “the applicant has exhausted the remedies available in the courts of

the State.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(b)(1)(A). The exhaustion requirement is grounded in principles of

comity as it gives states the first opportunity to correct alleged violations of a prisoner’s federal

rights. Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 731 (1991). 

The Supreme Court follows a rule of “total exhaustion” requiring that all claims in a habeas

petition be exhausted before a federal court may grant the petition. Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509,

522 (1982). A district court is permitted, however, to stay a mixed petition to allow a petitioner to

exhaust his claims in state court without running afoul of the one-year statute of limitations period to

file for federal habeas review imposed by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996

(“AEDPA”). Rhines v. Weber, 544 U.S. 269, 273-75 (2005). A district court must stay a mixed

petition if: (1) the petitioner has good cause for his failure to exhaust his claims, (2) the

unexhausted claims are potentially meritorious, and (3) there is no indication that the petitioner

intentionally engaged in dilatory tactics. Id. at 278.

The Supreme Court has not articulated with precision what constitutes “good cause” for

purposes of granting a stay under Rhines. In Pace v. DiGuglielmo, 544 U.S. 408, 416 (2005), the

Supreme Court stated in dicta that a “petitioner’s reasonable confusion about whether a state filing

would be timely will ordinarily constitute ‘good cause’ for him to file in federal court” without

exhausting state remedies first. More recently, in Martinez v. Ryan, 132 S. Ct. 1309, 1315 (2012),

the Supreme Court held that ineffective assistance of post-conviction counsel may constitute cause

for overcoming procedural default.

The Ninth Circuit has clarified that “good cause” for failure to exhaust does not require

“extraordinary circumstances.” Jackson v. Roe, 425 F.3d 654, 661-62 (9th Cir. 2005). Nonetheless,

the good cause requirement should be interpreted in light of the Supreme Court’s admonition that

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 3 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

4

stays be granted only in “limited circumstances” so as not to undermine AEDPA’s twin goals of

reducing delays in the execution of criminal sentences and streamlining federal habeas proceedings

by increasing a petitioner’s incentive to exhaust all claims in state court. Wooten v. Kirkland, 540

F.3d 1019, 1024 (9th Cir. 2008). A petitioner’s mistaken impression that his counsel included a

claim in an appellate brief does not qualify as “good cause” for failure to exhaust as such an

allegation could be raised by any petitioner, rendering stay-and-abeyance orders routine. Id.

More recently, in Blake v. Baker, 745 F.3d 977, 983 (9th Cir. 2014), the Ninth Circuit held

that “[ineffective assistance] by post-conviction counsel can be good cause for a Rhines stay,”

finding that such a conclusion was consistent with and supported by Martinez. The court found that

the “good cause element is the equitable component of the Rhines test,” and that “good cause turns

on whether the petitioner can set forth a reasonable excuse, supported by sufficient evidence, to

justify [the failure to exhaust.]” Id at 982. The petitioner in Blake argued that he failed to exhaust

his ineffective assistance of trial counsel claim because state post-conviction counsel failed to

discover evidence that he suffered extreme abuse as a child, as well as organic brain damage and

psychological disorders. Id. He supported his argument with evidence of his abusive upbringing

and history of mental illness. In light of this showing, the Ninth Circuit found that the district court

abused its discretion in denying a stay and remanded the case. Id. at 983-84.

III. DISCUSSION

Respondent moves to dismiss Petitioner’s petition because it contains unexhausted claims. 

Such a dismissal is unwarranted because a mixed petition may be stayed provided that Petitioner

meets the requirements set forth in Rhines, namely: (1) shows good cause for his failure to exhaust,

(2) establishes that his claims are potentially meritorious and (3) shows that he did not intentionally

engage in dilatory tactics. Rhines, 544 U.S. at 273-78. As discussed below, Petitioner meets the

requirements for a stay. 

A. Good Cause

Petitioner contends that a variety of factors establish good cause for his failure to exhaust. 

He asserts that: (1) state post-conviction counsel was ineffective, (2) post-conviction counsel

labored under a conflict of interest, (3) Cullen v. Pinholster, 131 S. Ct. 1388, 1398 (2011) imposed a

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 4 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

5

novel, unforeseen change in the law, and (4) it is not clear that the state courts would find his claims

procedurally barred. He also asserts that the Court has inherent power to stay this case. Because the

Court finds that ineffective assistance of post-conviction counsel adequately establishes good cause

for Petitioner’s failure to exhaust, it will not address Petitioner’s alternate arguments.

Petitioner alleges that state post-conviction counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate

and raise the completely and partially unexhausted claims contained in his finalized petition. In

particular, he asserts that counsel failed to interview mitigation witnesses, such as family and

friends, who could have testified regarding Petitioner’s family history of physical, substance and

sexual abuse. Petitioner claims that post-conviction counsel failed to retain expert witnesses to

explore the mitigating effects of his drug and alcohol addiction, his neuropsychological impairments

and his Native American background. Additionally, post-conviction counsel allegedly failed to

present evidence demonstrating that trial counsel were in possession of evidence that could have

been used to impeach the State’s expert Kathleen O’Meara’s testimony that Petitioner did not suffer

extensive abuse as a child. 

Petitioner further asserts that post-conviction counsel clearly recognized the need for an

adequate mitigation investigation. As early as 2005, counsel acknowledged that “[i]t may be that

renewed efforts to contact Rick’s older brothers, and his mother, are in order, but it is also necessary

to attempt to contact other relatives who were around during Rick’s early years.” (ECF Doc. No.

40-1, Exh. 137) Seven months prior to the filing of the state habeas petition however, counsel wrote

a memo to his investigator, Sanford Glickman, stating that “the more I think about where we stand

on the investigation I assigned you in the Davis case, the more disappointed I am.” (ECF Doc. No

40-2, Exh. 138) He complained of Glickman’s failure to obtain signatures on declarations, his lack

of preparation when interviewing witnesses, and postponement of assignments, resulting in a

situation where “as a result of the work you [Glickman] have done on this case I have nothing to

show for it . . . work on the Davis case is simply unacceptable to meet the standards for postconviction capital cases.” Id. Petitioner contends that despite counsel’s recognition of the

inadequacy of the investigation, he failed to remedy the situation, as none of the necessary

mitigation investigation was ever conducted.

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 5 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

6

Based on its review of the record, the Court finds that Petitioner has advanced a reasonable

excuse, supported by evidence, to justify his failure to exhaust his claims. See Blake, 745 F.3d 982. 

Petitioner supports his allegations with memos from post-conviction counsel’s files documenting

failure to conduct an adequate investigation. Petitioner’s showing of post-conviction ineffective

assistance satisfies the Rhines good cause requirement.

Respondent faults Petitioner for failing to provide a declaration from post-conviction counsel

“shedding any light on his possible tactical considerations behind his alleged ineffectiveness,” but

fails to provide any authority establishing such a requirement. Respondent cites Burt v. Titlow, 134

S. Ct. 10, 17-18 (2013), in which the Supreme Court found that the absence of evidence that counsel

gave constitutionally adequate advice regarding whether to withdraw a guilty plea did not overcome

the strong presumption of counsel’s effectiveness. The Court did not establish a requirement that

ineffective assistance claims be supported by declarations from counsel. In any event, Petitioner has

submitted a declaration from post-conviction counsel as an attachment to his reply. (ECF Doc. No.

43, Exh. 139) The declaration states that post-conviction counsel had no strategic reason for failing

to interview mitigation witnesses, hire an addiction specialist, hire an expert on Native American

culture, or to have a thorough neuropsychological evaluation completed. Id.

Respondent further complains that “not one first time Rhines stay request in a capital case in

this district has been denied,” and that “this surely cannot be what the Supreme Court meant by the

concept of ‘limited circumstances’ in Rhines.” (ECF Doc. No. 42 at 9) The definition of good cause

need not, however, be limited “to only those excuses that arise infrequently.” Blake, 745 F.3d at

982. In the instant case, Petitioner has demonstrated good cause.

B. Merit of Claims

Petitioner argues that Rhines requires that at least one unexhausted claim be “potentially

meritorious,” and that one or more of his unexhausted claims meet this requirement. He focuses his

argument on claims 4, 5, 35 and 37. Respondent contends that Petitioner’s claims are not

meritorious.

Under the second prong of the Rhines test, a district court would abuse its discretion if it

were to grant a petitioner a stay when his claims are plainly “meritless.” Rhines, 544 U.S. at 277. 

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 6 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

7

This rule has been interpreted to mean that a stay is appropriate as long as at least one claim is not

plainly meritless. See, e.g., Petrosky v. Palmer, No. 3-10-cv-0361, 2013 WL 5278736 *5 (D. Nev.

Sept. 16, 2013). Here, Petitioner has filed a lengthy petition containing allegations that are not

vague, conclusory or patently frivolous. For example, in claim 4, Petitioner alleges that he was

denied his right to conflict-free and effective legal representation at all stages of his trial

proceedings. Claim 4 contains seven subclaims, and is supported by numerous exhibits and citations

to controlling caselaw. Claim 5 alleges, in detail, that trial counsel were ineffective for failing to

properly select and prepare mental health experts to testify on Petitioner’s behalf. Claim 35 alleges

that appellate counsel was ineffective. Claim 37 alleges that Petitioner’s constitutional rights were

violated by the State’s presentation of fundamentally unreliable forensic evidence, specifically hair

comparison and fiber analysis. In all of these claims, Petitioner has articulated cognizable

constitutional claims supported by relevant legal authority, and has presented such evidence and

offers of proof as are presently available to him. Based on its review of the record, the Court cannot

conclude that Petitioner’s unexhausted claims are plainly meritless.

C. Absence of Dilatory Tactics

Under the third prong of the Rhines test, “it likely would be an abuse of discretion for a

district court to deny a stay and to dismiss a mixed petition if . . . there is no indication that the

petitioner engaged in intentionally dilatory litigation tactics.” Id. at 278. The Court already found

that Petitioner has been pursuing his rights diligently when it granted equitable tolling. (ECF Doc.

No. 25) Since then, Petitioner has been following this Court’s Habeas Local Rules in litigating his

petition. There is no further evidence that Petitioner has engaged in dilatory litigation tactics to date. 

Petitioner satisfies the third prong of Rhines.

In addition, district courts have inherent power to control their dockets and stay proceedings. 

Ryan v. Gonzalez, 133 S. Ct. 696, 708 (2013), quoting Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, 473

(2007) (“the decision to grant a stay . . . is ‘generally left to the sound discretion of district

courts.’”). Here, granting Petitioner a stay promotes the interest of judicial economy, as it will

eliminate the possibility of piecemeal litigation. Calderon v. United States District Court (Taylor),

134 F.3d 981, 987-88 (9th Cir. 1998). A stay will also promote comity, as it will provide the state

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 7 of 8
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8

court the opportunity to rule on Petitioner’s claims first. Rose, 455 U.S. at 518. These factors

strongly favor the issuance of a stay.

IV. CONCLUSION

For the above-mentioned reasons, the Court finds as follows:

1. Respondent’s motion to dismiss is DENIED;

2. Petitioner’s motion for a stay is GRANTED;

3. Counsel for Petitioner shall file an exhaustion petition in state court within 90 days of

the date of this Order;

4. One hundred and twenty days after the entry of this Order, and every 90 days

thereafter until proceedings in his state exhaustion case are completed, Petitioner shall serve and file

in this Court a brief report updating the Court and the parties on the status of his pending state

habeas action. No later than 30 days after proceedings in his state case are completed, Petitioner

shall serve and file notice that proceedings are completed.

This order disposes of Docket Nos. 36 and 40.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: July 24, 2015

_________________________

EDWARD M. CHEN

United States District Judge

Case 3:13-cv-00408-EMC Document 44 Filed 07/24/15 Page 8 of 8