Opinion ID: 1759881
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: CLAIMS OF ERROR RAISED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RCr 11.42 MOTION

Text: In addition to the claims raised in the initial RCr 11.42 motion, Appellant presents a number of other issues in his supplemental RCr 11.42 motion. Notwithstanding that his supplemental motion was struck by the trial court, in the interest of judicial economy we will review the seven additional claims of ineffective assistance of counsel raised in the motion. 1. Appellant argues that counsel failed to investigate or introduce evidence that the shootings might have been triggered by jealousy because Appellant mistook the victim, Eddie Early, for Eddie Phiel, the man who was at that time dating Appellant's wife. Such evidence, Appellant concludes, could have led the jury to impose a lesser sentence because it would have refuted the Commonwealth's assertion that Appellant intentionally stalked and killed two strangers. He further contends that the evidence could have served as proof of a triggering event thereby entitling him to an EED instruction. A claim of jealousy is not a basis for granting an instruction on extreme emotional disturbance. Thomas v. Commonwealth, Ky.App., 587 S.W.2d 264 (1979). Moreover, Appellant is arguing that counsel should have introduced evidence that the murders were intentional in contravention of his claim of innocence. The only possible motive for adopting such a strategy would be the misguided belief that the jury would have looked more favorably on Appellant if he killed two strangers, rather than the two people he actually intended to kill. We are not persuaded by such an argument. 2. Appellant claims counsel failed to request statements provided by Eddie Phiel supporting Appellant's theory that he killed the Earlys because he mistook Eddie Early for Eddie Phiel. Appellant contends that the statements were exculpatory evidence that he did not stalk and intentionally kill the Earlys. Appellant's contentions are clearly refuted by the record. The Commonwealth provided an open discovery file, and defense counsel made an oral motion for exculpatory evidence. 3. Appellant further claims that counsel failed to investigate other exculpatory evidence that could have led to the conclusion that someone other than Appellant committed the murders. Again, the record indicates that counsel made a motion for all exculpatory evidence and was provided an open discovery file. 4. Appellant claims that counsel failed to object to the Commonwealth's line of questioning regarding the possibility that Appellant's mental problems were feigned and used to manipulate his family. This claim was raised and disposed of on direct appeal and cannot be relitigated herein. 5. Appellant argues that the defense psychologist, Dr. Beal, did not follow the five-step process for a competent mental health evaluation in a criminal case. However, Appellant cites no authority for his contentions that an evaluation that does not adhere to the five-step process is legally deficient. Neither does Appellant cite any authority for the proposition that trial counsel who retains and relies upon a mental health expert who does not follow the process is automatically ineffective. 6. Appellant claims that counsel failed to request exculpatory evidence regarding a photo line-up. Again, such claim is refuted by the record. 7. Finally, Appellant asserts that counsel was ineffective in failing to introduce or elicit proof that there were seven gun shots fired, yet the gun recovered from his mother's property was only capable of firing six shots. Further, counsel did not cross-examine witnesses regarding whether they saw the gunman reload the gun. However, Appellant fails to appreciate that evidence was introduced that one bullet could have caused two wounds. Thus, the seven-shot theory was of such minimal evidentiary value that counsel's decision not to pursue it was not prejudicial. As with the initial RCr 11.42 motion, all of the claims asserted in the supplemental motion have either been decided on direct appeal or constitute harmless error, and are consequently insufficient to invalidate Appellant's conviction. Therefore, he was not entitled to a hearing or relief on any of the claims.