Opinion ID: 159762
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: bryson’s second stage evidence

Text: Petitioner argues that because she was required to present her mitigation evidence first she was not allowed an opportunity to defend herself against the attacks made by Bryson during the presentation of his mitigating evidence. Although asserted on direct appeal, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals did not discuss this issue. Thus, we review the district court’s determination de novo . As the district court noted, petitioner did not ask for an opportunity to present additional mitigating evidence after Bryson presented evidence, and at no time has she indicated what evidence she would have offered to rebut Bryson’s second stage evidence. In any event, most of Bryson’s second stage evidence focused on his family background and his mental state and did not implicate petitioner in any way. Also, petitioner complains she had no notice she would have to defend against aggravating evidence presented by Bryson. She, however, cites no authority indicating entitlement to such notice. -17- For alleged attacks by Bryson, petitioner points to the testimony of Bryson’s father indicating that he had advised Bryson to break off his relationship with petitioner. Although asked by Bryson’s attorney whether Bryson came to him regarding the killing, the trial court would not allow Bryson’s father to answer. He was only allowed to testify that Bryson was troubled by a statement petitioner had made to Bryson and that he had advised Bryson to stay away from petitioner. Even if this testimony could be characterized as incriminating, it is harmless because it is less incriminating than the testimony presented during the first stage of trial. Petitioner was aware of the first stage evidence and made no attempt to rebut it at the second stage. Petitioner further complains that Bryson’s mental health expert testified that petitioner represented the “bad mother” to Bryson. After the witness was told to confine his testimony to Bryson, he clarified that he was only referring to Bryson’s perceptions. We agree with the district court that this testimony did not incriminate petitioner.