Opinion ID: 1094862
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prosecution of Cole By a Relative of the Victim

Text: Amy Whitten, one of the prosecutors at trial for the State of Mississippi, was related to the victim by marriage. The deceased, Nettie Mae Whitten, was Amy Whitten's paternal step-grandmother. Cole claims his prosecution by a relative of the victim deprived him of due process of law. This claim is barred, but even if not, it certainly provides no basis for the granting of Cole's application. The facts demonstrate that defense counsel, Davey Tucker, was well aware of the kinship at the time of trial and voiced no objection. He could have objected to Whitten's continued participation in the prosecution of the case had he desired to do so. Tucker made no objection, nor was the point raised on appeal. Accordingly, this claim is procedurally barred by the doctrine of waiver pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-39-21(1) unless Cole can show or demonstrate cause or actual prejudice in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 99-39-21(4) and (5). He has failed to demonstrate fundamental constitutional error, an intervening decision, cause for failing to raise this claim on direct appeal, or that this fact adversely affected the outcome of his conviction or sentence. Therefore, this assignment of error remains procedurally barred by the doctrine of waiver.