Opinion ID: 1660892
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Male Caucasian Hair

Text: Within his claim relating to the investigation of the crime scene, Thompson faults defense counsel for failing to properly investigate the derivation of a male Caucasian hair found inside the female victim's underpants. Placed in context, the evidence at trial indicated that the male victim was found wearing only his underwear, socks and shoes. The female victim was found fully clothed; however, dirt and debris were present on her back and underneath her undergarments in the buttocks area. From this, the medical examiner concluded that Ms. Walker's back and buttocks had been in contact with the ground in the park where the bodies were found. The State therefore suggested that both victims had been forced to disrobe and that Ms. Walker had been allowed to dress herself again. There is no indication in the record as to why the male Caucasian hair was not investigated; nor is there any mention of this evidence during the trial. Because the testimony at trial was that the female victim had been undressed at one point while at the crime scene, and because Mr. Thompson is African-American, the presence of a male Caucasian hair in this location on the female victim's body may have been relevant. However, we do not know whether defense counsel was aware that this evidence existed; whether the evidence was tested, but was of no evidentiary value; or whether this evidence was not presented to the jury as a result of counsel's sound tactical decision. In short, without the benefit of an evidentiary hearing, we are left only to speculate as to why this evidence was not pursued by trial counsel or presented to the jury. Therefore, we remand for an evidentiary hearing so that this claim may be explored further.