Opinion ID: 1671103
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: desert storm argument

Text: At the outset, I agree with the majority that the prosecutor's single, unobjected-to Desert Storm argument, while error, would ordinarily not amount to fundamental error. However, this case presents a unique situation where we have already expressly found this same argument to be a flagrant error in another capital case. Further, when this improper argument is considered along with the fact that the defense was denied the benefit of a PET scan, and the jury heard improper but inflammatory evidence of other crimes Rogers committed, the error further demonstrates why these other substantial errors could not possibly be harmless. Indeed, it is impossible for this Court to conclude that the jury's decision to recommend death was not affected by these three serious errors. Hence, under our harmless error analysis in State v. DiGuilio, 491 So.2d 1129 (Fla.1986), we are duty-bound to reverse and remand for a new penalty-phase proceeding. PARIENTE, J., concurs. QUINCE, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part. While I agree with the majority's affirmance of Roger's convictions for first-degree murder, armed robbery and grand theft of a motor vehicle, I believe that reversible error occurred in the penalty phase when the trial court denied Roger's request for a PET scan. Since the trial court should have ordered this scientific test but did not, Rogers should have a new penalty phase proceeding. In our prior opinions concerning PET scans, we indicated that a trial court's denial of a defendant's motion for a PET scan will not be disturbed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion. In determining whether, in a particular case, there has been an abuse of discretion, the reviewing court should consider whether the defendant has shown a necessity for the test and whether the defendant has been prejudiced by the trial court's failure to provide the test. See Hoskins v. State, 702 So.2d 202 (Fla.1997). Under the facts of this case, both prongs have been established. The defense presented information from two medical experts concerning the need for the PET scan. While neither expert used the magic word necessary or necessity, their description of the use to be made of the examination proves its necessity. Moreover, because there was no PET scan done, the State was able to argue in closing that there was an absence of objective evidence of brain damage. Because the doctors indicated the PET scan was necessary to show and explain the defendant's brain damage to the jury, the trial court abused its discretion in denying the request for this scientific testing. Therefore, I would remand this case to the trial court for a new sentencing hearing after performance of the PET scan. PARIENTE, J., concurs.