Opinion ID: 1140944
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Effect of Newly Discovered Evidence

Text: Even though we find that the evidence is not procedurally barred, we must still determine whether the evidence would probably produce an acquittal or lesser sentence on retrial. Cherry argues that Terry's confession to his presence at the murder would have resulted in at least a life sentence rather than the death penalty, if not an acquittal on the murder charge. The circuit court held that Terry's testimony was more credible than Hill's testimony on key points and also denied the newly discovered evidence claim on its merits. The circuit court's order states: Moreover, the Court finds that the claim should otherwise be denied on its merits. Mr. Hill's live testimony is inconsistent, albeit slightly, with his affidavit. More importantly, after hearing the testimony of all the witnesses and observing their demeanor, this Court finds that Mr. Hill's testimony is simply not credible, nor worthy of belief. The testimony of Mr. Terry, on the other hand, is more credible on key points. Postconviction Order II at 3. We find that the circuit court's conclusion as to the merits of the newly discovered evidence is supported by competent, substantial evidence. In evaluating a circuit court's order, this Court will not substitute its judgment for that of the trial court on . . . the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be given to the evidence, provided its order is supported by competent, substantial evidence. Porter, 788 So.2d at 923. We are highly deferential to circuit court determinations of credibility. Archer v. State, 934 So.2d 1187, 1196 (Fla.2006). After our careful review of the record, we conclude that the circuit court's determination on this issue should be affirmed. In addition, in assessing the weight to be accorded to newly discovered evidence, we consider the evidence in conjunction with all other admissible evidence. Jones, 709 So.2d at 522. Physical evidence introduced at trial confirms that Cherry was at the crime scene. Blood found on window panes at the Waynes' house, on a piece of paper near their cut telephone lines, and on a towel inside the Waynes' stolen car was consistent with Cherry's blood type. Cherry, 544 So.2d at 185. Cherry also had a cut on his thumb at the time of his arrest four days later, which he told police he had received while he was cutting the head off of a fish. Id. Lorraine Neloms testified that when Cherry had returned home the night that the murders took place, Cherry was bleeding from a cut on his thumb and that he told her that the injury was the result of having cut a line. Id. Cherry's palm print was also found on one of the doors inside the home, and his thumb print was found on one of the window panes. Id. This physical evidence, along with Neloms' testimony, served as the State's primary evidence and led to Cherry's conviction and death sentence. Id. Thus, it has not been demonstrated that even had Hill's testimony been presented at trial, Cherry probably would have received a different conviction or sentence. Even if Hill's testimony was wholly credible and believed by the jury, at no point in his statement did he indicate that Terry confessed to committing the murders or that Cherry did not participate in the events that night.