Opinion ID: 1103987
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Secure Funds For Experts Needed.

Text: ¶ 21. Bell submits trial counsel failed to request the appointment of a ballistics expert. He maintains that evidence as to who fired which weapon would have been relevant mitigating evidence. He claims that the fatal wounds came from the.38 and, because Doss's fingerprints were found behind the counter, Doss had access to the victim's gun and thus fired the fatal shot. He contends this would have proved that Doss was the principal and that he was merely an accomplice. ¶ 22. At trial, the evidence presented showed that the victim was shot by .38 and.22 caliber guns. The State's position was that the .22 caliber wounds were inflicted by Bell. Because wounds from either weapon could have been fatal, the actual fatal wound was not established. Therefore, this argument is without merit. Ballistics is relevant in determining whether a particular gun fired a given bullet, not for determining which bullet proved fatal. Such a determination would require a pathologist. Likewise, because identity of the weapon was never an issue, it is likely such a request would have been denied. A ballistics expert would not aid in the determination of which bullet proved fatal or who served as the principal in the crime.