Opinion ID: 1745774
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Trial counsel failed to produce expert witnesses.

Text: Cabello contends that counsel's failure to secure expert witnesses prejudiced his defense, though counsel had moved to obtain funds for expert assistance, which the trial judge denied. In Johnson v. State, 476 So.2d at 1203, the Court noted that a reversal on this ground will be granted only where the accused demonstrates that the trial court's abuse of discretion is so egregious as to deny him due process. Here, Cabello fails to prove either that the trial court abused its discretion or that counsel's failure to pursue expert assistance following the motion's denial, was deficient performance and prejudicial. See also, Merritt v. State, 517 So.2d 517, 518 (Miss. 1987) ([T]here is no law requiring employment of a forensic pathologist as a prerequisite to defense counsel being considered constitutionally effective.) Error is denied.