Opinion ID: 2507832
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: In conclusion, we find Bailey's issue was preserved for appellate review as it was raised to and ruled upon by the PCR judge. In terms of the merits, we hold trial counsel was deficient in failing to object to the supplemental jury instructions as the judge perpetuated the jury's confusion that they could convict Bailey of homicide by child abuse based on an unindicted allegation of neglect. We find that a confluence of the lone specific allegation of physical abuse in the indictment and the jury's expressed confusion about the necessity of evidence of physical abuse by Bailey with the insufficient jury instructions created a structural due process defect that deprived Bailey of a fair trial. We conclude that Bailey was prejudiced by counsel's deficient performance. Accordingly, we reverse the order of the PCR judge and remand for a new trial. REVERSED AND REMANDED. TOAL, C.J., PLEICONES, KITTREDGE and HEARN, JJ., concur.