Opinion ID: 2546714
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Current CT and PET Scans

Text: Baumruk argues that the motion court clearly erred in overruling, without an evidentiary hearing, his claim that his counsel was ineffective for failing to obtain more recent computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans because such scans would have shown that Baumruk was incompetent to proceed. He argues that more recent CT and PET scans would show that the areas of his brain damaged were responsible for executive decision making and controlling impulsivity. He argues that without these areas functioning properly, he was incompetent to proceed. In overruling Baumruk's request for an evidentiary hearing on this matter, the motion court found that the record contained ample evidence of the brain injuries he suffered. It also found that Baumruk's claim that the scans would explain the actual effect of his brain injuries was refuted by the record. In conclusion, it found that [t]he scans would not have any probative value in any phase of this case, would be speculative, and would be cumulative to evidence already presented. The motion court did not clearly err in determining that this claim was refuted by the record. The record shows that the scans would not demonstrate that Baumruk was incompetent. Dr. Bruce Harry, a psychiatrist, testified that to understand the effects of Baumruk's brain injury would require an actual examination of him, the continued collection of information about him, and the linking together of this information and the examination, not merely new CT and PET scans of his brain. Baumruk also does not allege sufficient facts in his motion to show that performing new CT and PET scans on him would have led the circuit court to find him incompetent to proceed. The circuit court in the competency hearing heard evidence from multiple experts regarding Baumruk's competency including testimony regarding the effects of Baumruk's brain injuries. The record shows that CT or PET scans would be cumulative evidence and, therefore, not a sufficient basis for a finding of ineffective counsel. Forrest v. State, 290 S.W.3d 704, 709 (Mo. banc 2009). Baumruk also claims that the motion court clearly erred by overruling his motion requesting that the court order new CT and PET scans because such scans would have supported the allegations underlying Baumruk's Rule 29.15 motion. Because Baumruk's motion does not contain sufficient allegations to establish the need for these scans and the allegations it does make regarding the scans are refuted by the record, the motion court did not clearly err in overruling this motion.