Opinion ID: 1890788
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to Present Evidence of Pace's Difficult Childhood

Text: Pace next asserts that Hall was ineffective for failing to present evidence that Pace suffered a difficult childhood and was greatly affected by the death of his grandmother. We find no error in the postconviction court's determination that Pace failed to demonstrate that Hall was deficient in respect to this evidence. There was evidence presented at the evidentiary hearing which indicated that Pace received stricter punishment from his stepfather (with no elaboration as to the punishment), that he was affected by his stepfather's departure and return, and that Pace was close to his grandmother and became withdrawn after her death. However, there was competent, substantial evidence supporting the postconviction court's conclusion that the evidence presented at the evidentiary hearing failed to establish an abusive childhood. Moreover, evidence concerning the fact that Pace's stepfather had abandoned the family during Pace's childhood was presented during the penalty phase. Regarding the death of Pace's grandmother, witnesses at the postconviction evidentiary hearing did not testify that Pace's grandmother's death had any strong effect on Pace. Competent, substantial evidence supports the postconviction court's finding that witness testimony was not detailed or substantial enough to attribute Pace's extreme behavioral changes to her death. Postconviction order at 21-22. We agree with the postconviction court's denial of relief.