Opinion ID: 2686798
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mendoza’s Closing Argument

Text: Defense attorney Wax presented Mendoza’s closing argument. Wax first emphasized that Mendoza had never planned to kill Calderon. He pointed out that Mendoza only robbed Street, though he could have killed him. Mendoza and the Cuellar brothers intended to only rob Calderon, but Calderon fired a shot. Wax 23 Case: 13-14968 Date Filed: 07/31/2014 Page: 24 of 58 stressed that the fact that Calderon fired first was a “very important factor” in what had happened. Wax then turned to the mitigating evidence about Mendoza’s background and mental health problems. He reminded the jury that, unlike aggravating circumstances, mitigating circumstances need not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Wax stated that “[t]he two witnesses [who] played the most significance were Mrs. Mendoza . . . and Dr. Toomer.” Ms. Mendoza told the jury about Mendoza’s “difficult childhood.” Wax disputed the State’s suggestion that Mendoza’s drug addiction was not severe. Wax asked the jury to consider these non-statutory mitigating circumstances: (1) “family background”; (2) “alcohol and drug use or abuse”; (3) “mental problems”; (4) “the circumstances of the offense itself”; and (5) the noncapital sentences received by Mendoza’s co-defendants. As to Ms. Mendoza’s not finding drugs other than marijuana in Mendoza’s room, Wax pointed out, “[p]arents many times are the last to know.” As for Mendoza’s failure to seek treatment in the United States, Wax explained, “that is the hallmark of any addict.” Challenging the State’s contention that Dr. Toomer was biased, Wax emphasized that Dr. Toomer had many years of experience and was previously qualified as an expert. Dr. Toomer’s preliminary tests showed “evidence of brain 24 Case: 13-14968 Date Filed: 07/31/2014 Page: 25 of 58 damage,” as well as “a major chemical dependency.” Wax pointed out that the State did not rebut Dr. Toomer’s psychological conclusions. Rather, the State’s expert, Dr. Castiello, evaluated Mendoza only once and only for competency to stand trial.