Opinion ID: 883619
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Must Appellant's sentences be vacated for material Brady error?

Text: Next, the Brady information must be analyzed for materiality in considering the punishment levied. Brady, 373 U.S. at 87, 83 S.Ct. at 1196-97. Focusing on Bull Coming's undisclosed rape allegation and on Bull Coming's undisclosed criminal record, which included convictions for misdemeanor assault and theft, we conclude that our confidence in the sentence is undermined. The undisclosed information regarding Bull Coming could have been used to support Appellant's contention that he was manipulated by Bull Coming. Section 46-18-304, MCA, sets forth the mitigating factors to be considered by a court contemplating the imposition of a death sentence. One enumerated factor is that the defendant acted under extreme duress or under the substantial domination of another person. Section 46-18-304(3), MCA. We cannot say that it is more likely than not that the undisclosed information would have changed the sentences imposed in Appellant's case. However, the appropriate test is whether there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the sentencing hearing (i.e., Appellant's sentences) would have been different. We hold that there is a reasonable probability that, had Bull Coming's rape allegation and criminal record been provided to Appellant, the result of the sentencing proceeding could have been different. Therefore, we vacate Appellant's sentences imposed for robbery, aggravated assault, and deliberate homicide and remand to the trial court for resentencing.