Opinion ID: 2272524
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Trial Counsel Was Ineffective for Failing to Object to the Introduction of Victim Impact Evidence During the Penalty Hearing

Text: Appellant complains that trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting to the presentation of victim impact testimony during the penalty phase of the trial. [21] Appellant asserts such testimony was inadmissible and should not have been presented because the comments of the prosecutor were inflammatory. In addition, Appellant claims that because the offense herein occurred prior to the effective date of relevant amendments to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711, he is entitled to a new penalty hearing. See Commonwealth v. McNeil, 545 Pa. 42, 679 A.2d 1253 (1996) (holding that victim impact testimony was inadmissible in cases originating prior to the 1995 amendment to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711). No relief is due on this claim because Appellant failed to meet his burden of proving that trial counsels failure to object to the prosecutors actions prejudiced him. First, the actions and comments of the prosecutor were innocuous insofar as they were fleeting and did not dwell on the victim. In numerous cases, this Court has refused to find prejudice under similar circumstances. See Commonwealth v. Freeman, 573 Pa. 532, 827 A.2d 385, 414 (2003) (holding that brief victim impact testimony indicating that victim was peaceful and nice was not prejudicial); see also Commonwealth v. Rollins, 558 Pa. 532, 738 A.2d 435, 447 (1999) (same). Appellant cannot prove prejudice for a second reason. The PCRA court, sitting as factfinder, indicated that it was not influenced by the victim's photograph or the prosecutor's comments and that neither the photograph nor the comments had any effect on the verdict it ultimately rendered. PCRA Court Opinion, 6/30/07, 37-38. It is presumed that a trial court, sitting as factfinder, can and will disregard prejudicial evidence. See Commonwealth v. Davis, 491 Pa. 363, 421 A.2d 179, 183 (1980); Commonwealth v. David Brown, 886 A.2d 256 (Pa.Super.2005). Thus, because Appellant has failed to prove that the outcome of the proceedings would have been different had trial counsel lodged an objection, he is not entitled to relief with respect to this claim. [22]