Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-ared-1_19-cv-00117/USCOURTS-ared-1_19-cv-00117-0/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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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

NORTHERN DIVISION

KATHERINE R. WARREN PETITIONER

ADC #714772

V. CASE NO. 1:19-CV-117-BSM-BD

BRADLEY

Warden, McPherson Unit, 

Arkansas Department of Correction RESPONDENT

RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION

I. Procedure for Filing Objections:

This Recommendation for dismissal of the habeas corpus petition filed by 

Katherine R. Warren has been sent to Judge Brian S. Miller. Ms. Warren may file written 

objections if she disagrees with the findings and conclusions set out in the 

Recommendation. To be considered, however, objections must be filed with the Clerk of 

Court within 14 days. Objections should be specific and should include the factual or 

legal basis for the objection. 

If Ms. Warren does not object, she may lose the right to appeal questions of fact. 

And, if no objections are filed, Judge Miller can adopt this Recommendation without 

independently reviewing the record.

II. Discussion:

Petitioner Katherine R. Warren is serving a sentence in the Arkansas Department 

of Correction (ADC) after pleading guilty in Desha County Circuit Court to first-degree 

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murder.1 In her habeas corpus petition, Ms. Warren claims that she was “incompetent” at 

the time of the murder for which she was convicted. (Docket entry #1 at 6-7) For relief, 

she requests a mental health evaluation and an opportunity to explain what happened in 

more detail. (#1 at 8)

In a December 3, 2019 Order, the Court alerted Ms. Warren of her obligation 

either to pay the $5 filing fee required in habeas corpus cases or to file a motion for in 

forma pauperis status. The Court warned her that, if she did not file a motion to proceed 

in forma pauperis or pay the filing fee within 30 days, her petition would be dismissed, 

without prejudice. Ms. Warren has not responded to the December 3 Order, and the time 

allowed for her to address the filing fee requirement has expired.

III. Certificate of Appealability:

When entering a final order adverse to a petitioner, the Court must issue or deny a 

certificate of appealability. See Rule 11 of the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in 

the United States District Court. The Court can issue a certificate of appealability only if 

Ms. Warren has made a substantial showing that she was denied a constitutional right. 28 

U.S.C. § 2253(c)(1)-(2). In this case, Ms. Warren has not provided a basis for the Court 

to issue a certificate of appealability. Accordingly, a certificate of appealability should be 

denied.

 1 A docket search on CourtConnect indicates that Ms. Warren entered a guilty plea in 

Desha County Circuit Court, although a copy of the judgment is not available. See 

Arkansas Judiciary Website, Docket Search, http://caseinfor.aoc.arkansas.gov; State v. 

Warren, 21ACR-15-56, Plea (Feb. 27, 2017).

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IV. Conclusion:

The Court recommends that Ms. Warren’s habeas corpus petition (#1) be 

dismissed, without prejudice, for failure to comply with the Court’s December 3, 2019 

Order.

DATED this 22nd day of January, 2020.

___________________________________

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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