Opinion ID: 1828411
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Penalty-Phase Closing Argument

Text: Owen's claim that the trial court erred in denying his arguments that trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting to the prosecuting attorney's penalty-phase closing argument is without merit. Owen asserts that the prosecutor's argument impermissibly relied on facts from three prior convictions to argue that aggravating factors other than the prior violent felony factor applied to the Slattery murder. When read in context, the prosecutor's argument is not improper. The prosecutor argued that the methodical nature of Owen's other crimes and the similarities among his crimes supported an inference that his actions in the Slattery murder were part of a careful plan rather than impulsive acts motivated by an insane delusion, but ultimately, the prosecutor argued that the jury should find CCP in the Slattery case because Owen committed the Slattery murder in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner, not because Owen committed other crimes in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner. Moreover, even if the prosecutor's argument was erroneous and reasonable counsel would have objected, Owen has not demonstrated prejudice. In his sentencing order, the sentencing judge cited to specific facts from the Slattery murder in finding that the aggravating factors that the offense was committed during the commission of a burglary, HAC, and CCP were proven beyond a reasonable doubt. On direct appeal, this Court reviewed the trial court's findings of HAC and CCP and found them appropriate. Owen III, 862 So.2d at 700-02. Owen also argues that trial counsel should have objected to the prosecutor labeling Owen a cunning rapist during closing argument. Prior to his retrial for the Slattery murder, Owen was convicted of sexual battery. Owen v. State, 596 So.2d 985, 986 (Fla.1992) (affirming conviction of murder, sexual battery, and burglary in Worden case). This conviction was entered into evidence during the penalty phase. The State likewise presented evidence that the murder and sexual battery of Karen Slattery was deliberate and planned. Prosecutors are permitted to argue logical conclusions that can be drawn from the evidence presented at trial. See Franqui v. State, 804 So.2d 1185, 1195 (Fla.2001). We do not find a basis upon which to grant postconviction relief because counsel did not object to the State's closing argument. See Darling, 966 So.2d at 383.