Opinion ID: 1810649
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Failure to object to State's improper argument

Text: ¶ 98. Crawford's final assertion is that counsel failed to take steps to ensure that the prosecution did not violate his rights during their closing argument. He first complains that the state instructed the jury not to consider the mitigating circumstances of Crawford's alleged lack of capacity. However, upon reading the statements provided by Crawford, it is clear that the prosecution was merely rebutting the assertion that Crawford lacked capacity. Attempting to disprove a mitigating factor is not the same as instructing the jury not to consider one. See Ladner v. State, 584 So.2d 743, 762 (Miss.1991). ¶ 99. Crawford's contention that the prosecution presented evidence that was not in the record is also misguided. The evidence complained of, a first ransom note, was received into evidence at the end of his mother's testimony and the fact that he wrote it is a reasonable inference given her testimony. In addition, we find that even were this evidence erroneously admitted and counsel deficient for not contesting it, the necessary level of prejudice could not be found. Woodward, 843 So.2d at 7. ¶ 100. Crawford's contention that the prosecution instructed the jury to consider premeditation as a factor is without merit. No such instruction can be inferred from the quote offered by Crawford. The most that can be inferred is that the prosecution was attempting to rebut mitigation evidence that Crawford could not appreciate his actions because he was suffering from extreme emotional disturbances. ¶ 101. Finally, contrary to Crawford's assertion, the prosecution did not improperly attempt to place the jury in the victim's shoes. Much like in the case of Davis v. State, 684 So.2d 643, 655-56 (Miss.1996), he requested that the jury imagine the last moments of the victim's life and what she must have thought. Because Crawford is incorrect as to the underlying assertion in regards to each of the above claims, they are without merit.