Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_96-cv-06252/USCOURTS-caed-1_96-cv-06252-2/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

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96dp06252.OApptgCounsel.Ray.wpd 1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

CLARENCE RAY, JR., )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

Steven W. Ornoski, as Acting )

Warden of San Quentin State )

Prison, )

)

Respondent. )

)

Case No. CIV. F-96-6252-AWI

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER APPOINTING COUNSEL

Petitioner Clarence Ray, Jr. (“Ray”) applied for appointment of

federal counsel on December 28, 2005. Respondent Steven W. Ornoski,

as Acting Warden of San Quentin State Prison, (the “Warden”) did not

oppose the application. On December 30, 2005, the Court entered an

order referring the case to the Selection Board for the Eastern

District of California. On February 22, 2006, the Court conducted a

Preliminary Case Management Conference to hear from both parties

regarding the status of pending state exhaustion proceedings, from the

Selection Board about the status of its recommendation of suitable

counsel, and from the Warden regarding any issues about proceeding in

federal court during the pendency of state exhaustion proceedings.

Counsel representing the Selection Board informed the Court that the

Federal Defender was considering whether it would accept Ray’s case.

Case 1:96-cv-06252-LJO-SAB Document 21 Filed 03/14/06 Page 1 of 2
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96dp06252.OApptgCounsel.Ray.wpd 2

The Selection Board was directed to provide an informal status report

on its progress in locating qualified counsel.

On March 13, 2006, the Selection Board transmitted a letter to

the Court advising that the Federal Defender’s Office is available to

represent Ray in these federal proceedings. The letter further

informs the Court that two assistant federal defenders from the office

will be assigned to Ray’s case and that appointment of outside counsel

is not anticipated. 

The Court hereby appoints the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal

Defender’s Office to represent Ray in these federal proceedings. When

the identities of the assistant federal defenders who will be assigned

to this case are known, that information shall be provided to the

Court. The prior order that Ray’s counsel (now the Capital Habeas

Unit of the Federal Defender’s Office) file quarterly status reports

regarding state exhaustion proceedings at the beginning of the first,

fourth, seventh, and tenth months of each calendar year, is still in

effect.

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

DATED: March 14, 2006 

 /s/ Anthony W. Ishii 

 Anthony W. Ishii

 United States District Judge

Case 1:96-cv-06252-LJO-SAB Document 21 Filed 03/14/06 Page 2 of 2