Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_94-cv-01665/USCOURTS-caed-2_94-cv-01665-31/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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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ANTONIO ESPINOZA,

Petitioner,

v.

WARDEN,

Respondent.

No. 2:94-cv-1665 KJM DB P

ORDER

Petitioner is a state prisoner proceeding through counsel with a petition for a writ of 

habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. §2254. On March 26, 2024, this court appointed Dr. Hira Hanif 

as a neutral expert to advise the court on petitioner’s competency. (ECF No. 331.) Dr. Hanif has 

informed the court that they are moving out of state in July. Dr. Hanif has not yet begun work on 

the competency evaluation. This court finds appointment of an in-state expert will be most costeffective and efficient. 

In the March 26 order, this court also ordered apportionment of Dr. Hanif’s costs between 

petitioner’s counsel and respondent. Chief Judge Mueller recently granted petitioner’s counsel’s 

motion for reconsideration of this issue. (ECF No. 333.) 

Accordingly, this court will vacate the March 26 order appointing Dr. Hanif and 

apportioning costs and order counsel for the parties to propose a new expert. 

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Case 2:94-cv-01665-KJM-SCR Document 335 Filed 05/29/24 Page 1 of 2
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For the foregoing reasons, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that

1. The court’s order filed March 26, 2024 (ECF No. 331) is vacated; 

2. Within thirty days of the filed date of this order, counsel for the parties shall file a 

joint statement in which they either propose a neutral mental health expert to evaluate 

petitioner’s competence for purposes of his counsel’s motion or describe their 

differences in failing to agree on such an expert; and

3. The Clerk of the Court is directed to serve a copy of this order on Dr. Hanif at 

Hira.Hanif@ucsf.edu.

Dated: May 28, 2024

DB:9

DB prisoner inbox/capital/Espinoza.expert prop(2)

Case 2:94-cv-01665-KJM-SCR Document 335 Filed 05/29/24 Page 2 of 2