Opinion ID: 3163175
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Trial and Penalty Phase

Text: On August 27, 1986, the jury found McWilliams guilty of murder during robbery in the first degree and murder during rape in the first degree. The penalty phase took place the following day. Counsel’s strategy during the penalty phase was to present McWilliams as a man who grew up with significant psychological 3 The petition is known as a “Petition for Inquisition Upon Alleged Insane Prisoner.” 4 Four doctors appear in the report, including Dr. Norman G. Poythress, the Director of Clinical Services at Taylor Hardin. Dr. Poythress did not summarize his own medical conclusions but did ultimately sign the report on May 27, 1986. 5 Case: 13-13906 Date Filed: 12/16/2015 Page: 6 of 46 problems that affected his behavior. Although counsel subpoenaed Dr. Rhodes to testify during the penalty phase, Dr. Rhodes did not respond to the subpoena. Ultimately, only McWilliams and his mother testified for the defense. McWilliams and his mother testified that McWilliams had head injuries as a child and a history of blacking out, hallucinating, chronic headaches, doctor visits, and memory problems. Prior to this testimony, counsel was unaware of these injuries and conditions. McWilliams was permitted to read Dr. Davis’s report and her MMPI test results into the record and explain his mental health issues to the jury. The court also admitted Dr. Davis’s report into evidence. However, McWilliams was unable to explain any technical aspects of the report, and when cross-examined, he told the prosecutor that he was not a psychologist. The State then presented two mental health experts from the Lunacy Commission, who each testified that McWilliams was faking psychotic symptoms and was not mentally ill. The jury voted 10 to 2 in favor of the death sentence.