Opinion ID: 1859103
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion For New Trial: Motion and Evidentiary Hearing

Text: Dunster's motion for new trial focuses on the release of his medical records from DCS. The record shows that some, but not all, of the records were available to the court at the time of trial. Dunster alleged that the records show that he had serious, life-threatening, and previously undiagnosed conditions that materially affected his ability to knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently waive his right to counsel. He also alleged that these conditions affected his understanding of his rights concerning his guilty pleas and his other constitutional rights. Dunster alleged that these undiagnosed illnesses included: (1) chronic hepatitis C, diagnosed in November 2000; (2) type 2 diabetes mellitus, diagnosed in July 2001, causing unexplained numbness in the extremities, unexplained bleeding, mental confusion, and potentially death; (3) severe high blood pressure, diagnosed in July 2001; and (4) an acute psychotic episode, starting in February 2001, possibly triggered by medication prescribed by DCS. Dunster alleged that the undiagnosed conditions were impossible for Moore to have considered at the time of Dunster's pleas and sentencing. He also alleged that had he known he was suffering from undiagnosed depression associated with chronic illness, prescribed improper medication, and suffered from undiagnosed conditions, that he would not have pled guilty and demanded a death sentence. At the evidentiary hearing on the motion for new trial, Moore testified and repeated that when he interviewed Dunster for the competency hearing, Dunster did not show any signs of confusion and was competent to ask the court to sentence him to death. The district court found that the medications involved were related to Dunster's mood swings, depression, tension, dysphoria, and sleeping difficulties. Some medications were adjusted at times, and at times, Dunster refused to take the medications. Sometimes, Dunster reported problems with medications, and at other times, he stated that he felt adequately medicated. In June 1999, Dunster reported that he had adjusted to his medications and asked that he continue receiving them. The district court then found that Dunster, on all occasions while in court, was subjected to a complete examination by the court and was appropriately responsive. The court noted that his physical condition had deteriorated since sentencing and that his mental condition ebbed and flowed during the trial and sentencing period. But the court also found that when Dunster waived his right to representation and pled guilty, he was sufficiently aware of the consequences. Therefore, the court denied the motion for new trial.