Opinion ID: 1089522
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: ruth east

Text: A specific dereliction is alleged with reference to Ruth East, who was known to the prosecution but not to attorney Blanche. East was outside the bank when the defendant fled the scene. According to her testimony at the habeas hearing, she would have testified that defendant appeared to be pale, in shock, like a zoombie (sic), and walked strangely. Attorney Blanche's failure to learn about this witness indicates a deficiency in investigation and preparation. However, no prejudice to the defendant has been shown. The description which East would have given is consistent with the appearance of a person who has committed a homicide and been shot in an exchange of gun fire. The defense argues that East's testimony ... would have substantially enhanced the Jury deliberations to such an extent that a lesser verdict would have been probable or a sentence of life, without benefit, more appropriate... or conceivably returned a verdict of Not Guilty by reason of Insanity .... (Docket No. 82-K-2515, Vol. I, Tr. 42) These contentions are unfounded. East's testimony does not suggest that her appearance would have had an impact on the jury favorable to the defendant, much less the dramatic effects suggested. Prejudice resulting from Blanche's failure to learn about East has not been shown.