Opinion ID: 1465675
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Failure to Object Properly to Alleged Brady Violations

Text: In the Rule 37 hearing, Mr. Johnson alleged ineffectiveness for failing to object properly pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963), for timely production of all exculpatory and mitigating evidence, including making motions for continuance. Mr. Johnson argued that a motion for continuance would have been successful or grounds for a successful appeal. He identified four items of evidence: (1) a video of the Heath residence showing the crime scene, (2) a failure to reveal contacts between the Heath family and police, in particular alleged relationships between the police and an alternative suspect, (3) untimely production of shoe prints and hair that allegedly could have shown persons other than appellant were present, and (4) a failure to provide medical examiner's photographs that allegedly would have demonstrated further confusion in the physical evidence. The circuit court made an extensive ruling on this claim; however, on appeal Mr. Johnson has only pursued the claim with respect to the video of the crime scene. As to that piece of evidence, the circuit court ruled that Mr. Johnson presented no evidence concerning the harmful denial of a motion for continuance, that such matter should have been raised on direct appeal, and, further, that Mr. Johnson presented no evidence supporting his allegation that the video tape would have shown tainted evidence. Moreover, the circuit court credited the testimony of counsel that he was not interested in the videotape because he preferred still photographs. Once again, Mr. Johnson's argument is conclusory. He disagrees with the circuit court's credibility determination, to which this court defers. Jones v. State, 344 Ark. 682, 42 S.W.3d 536 (2001). Mr. Johnson further admits that he is unable to demonstrate prejudice because no video has been found to exist. Only references to a video in some trial documents exist, and the prosecuting attorney stated that he had seen no video and did not know where it was. Mr. Johnson admits that if such a video exists, it might have been an appropriate tactical decision not to use it. As stated previously, a tactical decision is not grounds for an ineffective-assistance claim, and without any claim of prejudice, neither prong of Strickland is met by this point on appeal. The trial court is affirmed on this point as well.