Opinion ID: 3065914
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Proceedings before and during trial

Text: The long procedural history of this matter is set forth in Cook, 538 F.3d at 1009-14. As relevant here, Cook and Matzke were charged with two counts of first-degree murder, including a death penalty allegation under Arizona Revised Statute § 13-703. The trial court appointed attorney Claude Keller (hereinafter “pretrial counsel”) to represent Cook. A 8578 COOK v. RYAN grand jury returned an indictment on two counts of firstdegree murder against both defendants. Cook was given two pretrial psychological evaluations. After a hearing, the trial court concluded that Cook was competent to stand trial. Cook was then given an additional neurological examination, the results of which were filed with the trial court. A couple of months later, Cook filed a pro se motion to waive counsel and have his counsel appointed as advisory counsel. During the ensuing hearing, Cook asked that the trial court “not appoint Mr. Keller as my legal advisor.” Cook explained, “Mr. Keller has worked hard for my defense; cares about the outcome of my trial. My personal belief[ ] is that he cannot advise me according to my defense.” Cook asked for a specific attorney, but the trial court said only someone else was available, whom Cook rejected. The trial court explained at length the perils of self-representation, but Cook still wanted to proceed pro se. The court then conducted extensive questioning pursuant to Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 835 (1975), and found that Cook knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily relinquished his right to counsel. The court granted Cook’s motion and appointed Keller as Cook’s advisory counsel. This was two weeks before trial. Matzke entered into a stipulated guilty plea and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Matzke testified against Cook at Cook’s trial. At the end of the trial, the jury deliberated for 77 minutes before returning a guilty verdict against Cook on both first-degree murder counts. Following his conviction, Cook continued to represent himself and presented no mitigating evidence at the sentencing hearing, stating that the “[o]nly sentence I will accept from this Court at this time is the penalty of death, your Honor. I have nothing further.” The court reviewed the presentence report, the mental health evaluations, the State’s sentencing memorandum, a letter from Cook, the trial evidence, and matters from hearings in the case. The court found three aggravatCOOK v. RYAN 8579 ing factors (the murders were multiple, were committed for pecuniary gain, and were committed in an especially heinous, cruel, or depraved manner). The court found no mitigating factors to offset these aggravating factors and sentenced Cook to death.