Opinion ID: 1805203
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to Object to Comments During Opening and Closing Statements

Text: First, Sexton alleges that counsel was ineffective for failing to object to prosecutorial comments in both opening and closing arguments. However, we have reviewed each of the alleged improper prosecutorial comments and agree with the trial court that none of the comments was improper under the facts of this case. Thus, this claim is without merit and was properly denied. Second, Sexton argues that his counsel was ineffective for explaining in his opening statement that Sexton engaged in sexual abuse and unusual familial relationships. Defense counsel stated to the jury: You're going to learn very quickly in this trial, if you haven't already, that Eddie Sexton is a far cry from the all American father. You're going to hear evidence that he engaged in conduct before he was arrested in this case with his children that could be considered reprehensible. You're going to learn that he took liberties with his children that may ask youor may cause you to ask yourselves and wonder, can this kind of thing really happen; does this really go on. I'm here to tell you that the evidence will show that in the Sexton family this did go on. This is a case about a very sick family. There will be a lot of mud thrown at the man sitting behind mesome of it true, some of it speculative, all of it ugly, all of it nasty, but none of it first-degree murder, and that is what you're here to decide. Eddie Sexton is not a murderer, and the only issue for you to pass upon is whether the evidence establishes that he's guilty of first-degree murder or if he's not guilty. We conclude that there is no deficiency in this regard. This evidence was to be admitted regardless of whether it was discussed in opening statements and counsel was simply referring to uncontradicted facts about Sexton's relationship with his family. Sexton has failed to demonstrate any deficiency in these comments of trial counsel.