Court Opinion

ID: 4375748
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-03-11 16:35:36.630886+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:30:52.140366
License: Public Domain

J-S73011-18

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA              :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                           :        PENNSYLVANIA
                     Appellee              :
                                           :
              v.                           :
                                           :
 JAMES R. TURNER, JR.                      :
                                           :
                     Appellant             :        No. 294 WDA 2018

                 Appeal from the PCRA Order January 30, 2018
                In the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County
             Criminal Division at No(s): CP-04-CR-0001944-2014

BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., BENDER, P.J.E., and OLSON, J.

MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.:                    FILED: March 11, 2019

       Appellant, James R. Turner, Jr., appeals from the order entered in the

Beaver County Court of Common Pleas, which denied his first petition filed

under the Post Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”), at 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9541-9546.

We affirm.

       The relevant facts and procedural history of this case are as follows. On

the night of August 14, 2014, Appellant and his girlfriend (“Victim”) went to a

bar.   After a few drinks, Victim left the bar and did not return, leaving

Appellant behind. Appellant obtained a ride to Victim’s home and confronted

Victim about leaving him at the bar.      In the course of this confrontation,

Appellant repeatedly stabbed Victim in multiple parts of her body. Appellant

left Victim’s home, taking her car and the knife he used to stab her. Later,

Appellant discarded the knife in the Ohio River. The stab wounds to Victim’s
J-S73011-18

left carotid artery and vein caused her to bleed out slowly and die. Appellant

surrendered to police the next day, claiming he had acted in self-defense

because Victim attacked him first with a knife. Evidence indicated Appellant

was intoxicated when he attacked Victim, and Appellant claimed he was also

intoxicated when he gave his statement to the police.          On the day of

Appellant’s arrest, the police obtained a search warrant to collect blood

samples from Appellant to compare to blood samples obtained from the scene

of the attack. The Commonwealth utilized the blood samples for DNA analysis

and the crime lab later destroyed them pursuant to lab protocol.

      On February 12, 2016, a jury convicted Appellant of third-degree

murder. The court sentenced Appellant on March 3, 2016, to twenty (20) to

forty (40) years’ imprisonment. On March 11, 2016, Appellant timely filed

post-sentence motions, followed by numerous pro se and counseled filings

and extensions of time. The court denied Appellant’s post-sentence motions

on November 2, 2016. On November 23, 2016, Appellant filed a petition for

appointment of new counsel. On December 2, 2016, Appellant’s prior counsel

timely filed a notice of appeal on Appellant’s behalf. Appellant filed a motion

to withdraw the notice of appeal on December 9, 2016. Following a hearing

on the same day, the court allowed Appellant to discontinue his direct appeal

and appointed conflict counsel to pursue a PCRA petition instead. Appellant

first filed a pro se petition, and new counsel filed an amended PCRA petition

on June 19, 2017.

                                     -2-
J-S73011-18

      At a PCRA hearing on September 25-26, 2017, the court heard

testimony from Appellant’s sister, brother-in-law, son, and trial counsel. Also

at the PCRA hearing, Appellant made an oral motion to reinstate his direct

appeal rights nunc pro tunc, which the court denied on December 5, 2017.

On January 30, 2018, the court also denied PCRA relief. Appellant filed a pro

se notice of appeal on February 12, 2018. On February 15, 2018, the court

ordered Appellant to file a concise statement of errors complained of on

appeal, pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b).     Counsel timely filed an amended

notice of appeal on February 26, 2018, and a timely Rule 1925(b) statement

on March 8, 2018.

      Appellant raises the following issues on appeal:

         1. WHETHER THE PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
         INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE,
         OBTAIN AND ANALYZE (A) THE SAMPLE OF [APPELLANT’S]
         BLOOD SEIZED BY POLICE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
         SEIZURE OF [APPELLANT’S] INCULPATORY STATEMENT TO
         POLICE AND (B) THE FOOTAGE OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
         OF [APPELLANT] ENTERING AND EXITING THE POLICE
         STATION IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER THE POLICE
         SEIZURE OF [APPELLANT’S] INCULPATORY STATEMENT FOR
         ADMISSION      TO    CORROBORATE      [APPELLANT’S]
         INTOXICATED AND CONFUSED STATE ON THE ISSUE OF
         WHETHER IT WAS A KNOWING, INTELLIGENT AND
         VOLUNTARY STATEMENT?

         2. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
         INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO MARSHAL AND INTRODUCE,
         DURING BOTH (A) A HEARING TO SUPPRESS AND (B)
         TRIAL, AVAILABLE EVIDENCE FROM AT LEAST THREE
         WITNESSES     IN   THE   COMPANY    OF    [APELLANT]
         IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE POLICE SEIZURE OF
         [APPELLANT’S]    STATEMENT  AS   TO    [APPELLANT’S]
         INTOXICATED AND CONFUSED STATE ON THE ISSUE OF

                                     -3-
J-S73011-18

       WHETHER IT WAS A KNOWING,        INTELLIGENT   AND
       VOLUNTARY STATEMENT?

       3. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
       INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO MOVE TO SUPPRESS OR
       PROHIBIT THE EVIDENTIARY USE AT TRIAL OF ANY
       EVIDENCE INVOLVING THE ANALYSIS OF [APPELLANT’S]
       BLOOD SEIZED BY POLICE FOR A VIOLATION OF
       [APPELLANT’S] FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONAL
       DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITY TO
       PRESENT A DEFENSE?

       4. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
       INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO OBJECT TO ALL TESTIMONY
       OF THE COMMONWEALTH FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST NOT
       EXPLICITLY CONTAINED WITHIN HIS EXPERT AUTOPSY
       REPORT, ESPECIALLY HIS EXPERT OPINIONS THAT THE
       DECEDENT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND PRONE WHILE
       STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES?

       5. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
       INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO MARSHAL, LOCATE, SECURE
       THE ATTENDANCE OF, AND INTRODUCE TESTIMONY OF
       AVAILABLE   WITNESSES    AND   OTHER    CHARACTER
       EVIDENCE OF THE DECEDENT’S VIOLENT PROPENSITIES IN
       GENERAL AND A SPECIFIC STATEMENT OF INTENTION OF
       VIOLENCE TOWARD [APPELLANT]?

       6. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
       INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO REQUEST A JURY
       INSTRUCTION OF AN ADVERSE INFERENCE FROM THE
       DESTRUCTION OF [APPELLANT’S] BLOOD SEIZED BY
       POLICE AND THE POLICE VIDEO AS IT RELATES TO BOTH
       (A) WHETHER [APPELLANT’S] INCULPATORY STATEMENT
       TO POLICE WAS KNOWING, INTELLIGENT AND VOLUNTARY,
       AND (B) WHETHER [APPELLANT] WAS CAPABLE OF
       FORMING A SPECIFIC INTENT TO KILL?

       7. WHETHER PRIOR LEGAL TRIAL COUNSEL WAS
       INEFFECTIVE FOR FAILING TO REQUEST A JURY
       INSTRUCTION TO THE EFFECT THAT A DEFENDANT CANNOT
       BE FOUND TO HAVE ACTED WITH MALICE UNLESS IT FINDS
       THAT THE VICTIM’S INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE
       DEFENDANT’S     INTENTIONAL      AND    VOLUNTARY

                              -4-
J-S73011-18

          ACTION(S)−INVOLUNTARY ACTION IS NOT SUFFICIENT?

(Appellant’s Brief at 4-5).1

       Our standard of review of the denial of a PCRA petition is limited to

examining whether the evidence of record supports the court’s determination

and whether its decision is free of legal error. Commonwealth v. Conway,

14 A.3d 101 (Pa.Super. 2011), appeal denied, 612 Pa. 687, 29 A.3d 795

(2011). This Court grants great deference to the findings of the PCRA court if

the record contains any support for those findings. Commonwealth v. Boyd,

923 A.2d 513 (Pa.Super. 2007), appeal denied, 593 Pa. 754, 932 A.2d 74

(2007). We give no such deference, however, to the court’s legal conclusions.

Commonwealth v. Ford, 44 A.3d 1190 (Pa.Super. 2012).             Traditionally,

credibility issues are resolved by the trier of fact who had the opportunity to

observe the witnesses’ demeanor. Commonwealth v. Abu-Jamal, 553 Pa.

485, 720 A.2d 79 (1998), cert. denied, 528 U.S. 810, 120 S.Ct. 41, 145

L.Ed.2d 38 (1999). Where the record supports the PCRA court’s credibility

resolutions, they are binding on this Court. Id.

       Pennsylvania law presumes counsel has rendered effective assistance.

____________________________________________

1 In his PCRA petitions, Appellant failed to raise any claim of trial counsel’s
ineffectiveness for failure to move to suppress or preclude the
Commonwealth’s use of any evidence involving the analysis of Appellant’s
blood sample. Thus, Appellant’s third issue is waived. See Commonwealth
v. Williams, 909 A.2d 383, 386 (Pa.Super. 2006) (holding issues not raised
in PCRA petition are waived on appeal); Commonwealth v. Brown, 767 A.2d
576, 585 (Pa.Super. 2001) (stating same).

                                           -5-
J-S73011-18

Commonwealth v. Williams, 597 Pa. 109, 950 A.2d 294 (2008). When

asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the petitioner is required

to demonstrate that: (1) the underlying claim is of arguable merit; (2) counsel

had no reasonable strategic basis for his action or inaction; and, (3) but for

the errors and omissions of counsel, there is a reasonable probability that the

outcome of the proceedings would have been different. Commonwealth v.

Kimball, 555 Pa. 299, 724 A.2d 326 (1999). The failure to satisfy any prong

of the test for ineffectiveness will cause the claim to fail. Williams, supra.

      “The threshold inquiry in ineffectiveness claims is whether the

issue/argument/tactic which counsel has foregone and which forms the basis

for the assertion of ineffectiveness is of arguable merit….” Commonwealth

v. Pierce, 537 Pa. 514, 524, 645 A.2d 189, 194 (1994). “Counsel cannot be

found ineffective for failing to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.”

Commonwealth v. Poplawski, 852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004).

         Once this threshold is met we apply the ‘reasonable basis’
         test to determine whether counsel’s chosen course was
         designed to effectuate his client’s interests. If we conclude
         that the particular course chosen by counsel had some
         reasonable basis, our inquiry ceases and counsel’s
         assistance is deemed effective.

Pierce, supra at 524, 645 A.2d at 194-95 (internal citations omitted).

         Prejudice is established when [an appellant] demonstrates
         that counsel’s chosen course of action had an adverse effect
         on the outcome of the proceedings. The [appellant] must
         show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for
         counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding
         would have been different. A reasonable probability is a
         probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the

                                      -6-
J-S73011-18

           outcome. In [Kimball, supra], we held that a “criminal
           [appellant] alleging prejudice must show that counsel’s
           errors were so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair
           trial, a trial whose result is reliable.”

Commonwealth v. Chambers, 570 Pa. 3, 21-22, 807 A.2d 872, 883 (2002)

(some internal citations and quotation marks omitted).

      Regarding Appellant’s issues one, two, four, five, and seven, after a

thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the applicable law,

and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable James J. Ross, we conclude

these issues merit no relief.      The PCRA court opinion comprehensively

discusses and properly disposes of the questions presented (See PCRA Court

Opinion, dated January 30, 2018, at 20-29) (finding: Appellant’s complaints

of trial counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to preserve, obtain, and analyze

blood sample, to obtain surveillance video, and to request jury instruction on

involuntariness defense lacked arguable merit and counsel’s strategy cannot

be challenged simply by comparing in hindsight trial strategy employed with

alternatives not pursued; claims of counsel’s failure to call Appellant’s relatives

as witnesses, counsel’s failure to object to certain testimony of pathologist,

and counsel’s failure to utilize evidence of Victim’s propensity for violence were

explained by counsel’s reasonable trial strategy). Accordingly, as to issues

one, two, four, five, and seven, we affirm on the basis of the PCRA court’s

opinion.

      In Appellant’s remaining issue (six), Appellant argues trial counsel failed

to request an adverse inference instruction relating to the destruction of

                                       -7-
J-S73011-18

Appellant’s blood sample and the police station surveillance video. Appellant

avers counsel should have requested an instruction specifically addressing the

loss of this evidence to allow the jury to infer that the missing evidence would

have been unfavorable to the Commonwealth and favorable to Appellant.

Appellant alleges an adverse inference instruction could have partially

mitigated counsel’s initial failure to obtain, preserve, and analyze the blood

sample and to obtain the video. Appellant concludes this Court should “arrest

judgment on the count of Murder−3° and grant him a new trial.”            (See

Appellant’s Brief at 47.) We disagree.

      “Under Brady [v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d

215 (1963)] and subsequent decisional law, a prosecutor has an obligation to

disclose all exculpatory information material to the guilt or punishment of an

accused, including evidence of an impeachment nature.” Commonwealth v.

Roney, 622 Pa. 1, 22, 79 A.3d 595, 607 (2013), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___,

135 S.Ct. 56, 190 L.Ed.2d 56 (2014). “To establish a Brady violation, an

appellant must prove three elements: (1) the evidence at issue was favorable

to the accused, either because it is exculpatory or because it impeaches; (2)

the evidence was suppressed by the prosecution, either willfully or

inadvertently; and (3) prejudice ensued.” Id. When the Commonwealth fails

to preserve “potentially useful” evidence, as opposed to            “materially

exculpatory” evidence, no due process violation occurs unless the defendant

can prove the Commonwealth acted in bad faith.            Commonwealth v.

                                     -8-
J-S73011-18

Chamberlain, 612 Pa. 107, 30 A.3d 381 (2011), cert. denied, 566 U.S. 986,

132 S.Ct. 2377, 182 L.Ed.2d 1017 (2012). “Potentially useful evidence is that

of which no more can be said than that it could have been subjected to tests,

the results of which might have exonerated the defendant.” Id. at 143, 30

A.3d at 402 (internal quotations marks omitted).

      Instantly, Appellant wanted to use both the blood sample and the police

station video to show he was intoxicated when he gave his inculpatory

statement to police. The video surveillance and the blood evidence obtained

from Appellant at the time of his statement, however, were only “potentially

useful,” as the evidence could have been subjected to tests that might have

assisted in Appellant’s defense. See id. Because the evidence was potentially

useful at best, Appellant was required to show that the Commonwealth acted

in bad faith regarding the destruction of the evidence at issue. See id. Here,

Appellant failed to submit any evidence that the Commonwealth acted in bad

faith or to contradict the assertions that the video evidence was recycled in

due course. Trial counsel indicated only that by the time he requested the

video surveillance, it was no longer available.

      As for the blood samples, the Commonwealth utilized them for DNA

analysis, whereas Appellant wanted the blood samples to show he was

inebriated when he made his statement to the police. The crime lab, however,

disposed of the blood samples pursuant to lab protocol, which provided for

specimens to be retained for thirty days. The blood evidence might have been

                                     -9-
J-S73011-18

“potentially useful” but, absent more, the evidence was not “materially

exculpatory.” Appellant failed to prove any due process violation occurred as

a result of the disposal of the blood evidence. See id.

      As to the potential to use the evidence to demonstrate Appellant’s

incapacity to form the specific intent to kill, we observe the jury convicted

Appellant of third-degree murder, which does not require the specific intent

to kill. See Commonwealth v. Clemons, ___ A.3d ___, 2019 WL 286565

(Pa. filed January 23, 2019) (reiterating voluntary intoxication for diminished

capacity purposes serves only to reduce first-degree murder to third-degree

murder); Commonwealth v. Reed, 583 A.2d 459 (Pa.Super. 1990), appeal

denied, 528 Pa. 629, 598 A.2d 282 (1991) (explaining evidence of voluntary

intoxication may reduce first-degree murder to third-degree murder, but

cannot reduce third-degree murder to manslaughter). Appellant’s voluntary

intoxication had already been used to mitigate the specific intent to kill. Thus,

Appellant’s claim regarding an adverse inference instruction related to the

surveillance video and blood samples lacks arguable merit.              Because

Appellant’s underlying claim lacks arguable merit, he fails to meet the first

prong of the test for ineffective assistance of counsel. See Williams, supra;

Kimball, supra; Pierce, supra. Therefore, counsel cannot be deemed on

PCRA review as ineffective for failing to pursue a meritless claim and

Appellant’s sixth issue warrants no relief. Accordingly, we affirm.

      Order affirmed.

                                     - 10 -
J-S73011-18

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 3/11/2019

                          - 11 -
                                                                        Circulated 02/22/2019 11:59 AM

             IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF BEAVER COUNIY
                              PENNSYLVANIA
                            CRIMINAL DMSION

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

             vs.                                        No.    1944-2014

JAMES R. TURNER, JR.

ROSS, J.                                                              January 30, 2018

                             MEMORANDUM OPINION

                                     INTRODUCTION

       Defendant, James R. Turner, Jr., was charged in this case with a general charge

of homicide, and a jury trial was held on that charge before this Court in February, 2016.

On February 12, 2016, the jury entered a guilty verdict of third degree murder against

defendant. On March 3,    2016,   this Court sentenced defendant to   20-40   years in a state

correctional facility. Post-sentence motions were timely filed, and this Court addressed

all post-sentence motions in an Opinion and Order dated November 2, 2016, which

denied all of the points raised by defendant in his motions.

       On November 23, 2016, defendant filed a pro se petition requesting that the

Court dismiss his trial counsel, that the Court appoint new counsel for him and that he

be permitted to withdraw his direct appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and

pursue a Post-Conviction Relief Act (hereinafter "PCRA") petition instead.

      Trial counsel timely filed a notice of appeal with the Clerk of this Court on

December   2, 2016.   The Court ordered that defendant be transported from his state

correctional facility and brought before this Court on December 9, 2016. At that hearing,

the Court conducted a lengthy colloquy with defendant, advising him of all of his rights

in connection with the direct appeal and the dangers associated with withdrawing the
appeal and pursuing only a PCRA petition. After the colloquy was completed and

defendant was given the opportunity to have private consultation with his trial counsel,

defendant expressly stated that he understood all of his rights, that he desired his trial

counsel withdraw his direct appeal and that he only desired that new counsel be

appointed to pursue a PCRA petition.

       In light of the foregoing, this Court entered an Order on December 9, 2016,

acknowledging that defendant wanted his direct appeal withdrawn, which was in fact

done, and ordering that conflicts counsel be appointed to pursue a PCRA petition on

defendant's behalf upon discontinuance of the direct appeal.

       By subsequent Order, the Court appointed conflicts counsel, who was permitted

to supplement the PCRA petition previously filed by the defendant pro se. The Court .

scheduled a hearing on the PCRA petition for Monday, September 25 and Tuesday,

September 26, 2017. At that hearing, the Court received evidence and testimony with

regard to the issues raised in the PCRA petitions. Also at that hearing, there was a

discussion concerning defendant's waiver of his direct appeal rights before the Court on

December 9, 2016. At that hearing, new counsel for defendant made an oral motion for

reinstatement of the direct appeal rights. The Court permitted both counsel to brief that

issue, and the Court received the briefs of the parties.

       After considering the briefs of the parties and applicable law, the Court addressed

the issue of reinstatement of defendant's appeal rights in a Memorandum Opinion and

Order of December 5, 2017. In that Opinion and Order, the Court denied the oral motion

for reinstatement of defendant's appeal rights, finding that defendant made a knowing,

voluntary and intentional decision to withdraw those rights.
       In this Memorandum Opinion, the Court will address the defendant's PCRA

petitions. Based upon the discussion below, the Court will deny the petitions.

                                 TESTIMONY ATTRIAL

       At the trial of this case, Melissa Lay testified as a Commonwealth witness. She

testified that her mother was Patricia Thompson, who went out for drinks in the evening

hours of August 14, 2014. (See pp. 55-57 of Vol. III of trial transcript). Ms. Lay came

home in the early morning hours of August 15, 2014 and found her mother dead on the

kitchen floor with a pool of blood surrounding her. (See pp. 67-69 of Vol. III of trial

transcript). Ms. Lay testified that there were signs of a struggle in the kitchen (See p. 85

of Vol. Ill of trial transcript), and Ms. Lay called 911. (See pp. 78-79 of Vol. III of trial

transcript).

       Captain Douglas Edgel of the Aliquippa Police Department testified as a

Commonwealth witness. Captain Edgel testified that he received a call from 911 and

arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, he found the body of Patricia Thompson dead in the

kitchen area of the residence. (See pp.95-98 of Vol. III of trial transcript).

       Another Commonwealth witness, Tyrone Reddick, testified that he was at Dave's

Bar in Aliquippa during the evening hours of August 14, 2014. Defendant James Turner

requested a ride home, and Mr. Reddick drove Mr. Turner to Patricia Thompson's

residence. On the ride home, defendant Turner stated "I should beat that bitch's ass."

(Seep. 13 of Vol. IV of trial transcript).

       Dr. James Smith was called as a Commonwealth witness. He is a forensic

pathologist, who testified that the cause of Patricia Thompson's death was blood loss.

(See p. 103 of Vol. V of trial transcript). Dr. Smith testified that there were eight stab

wounds to Ms. Thompson's neck, all contained within a limited area. (See pp. 105-06 of

                                             -3-
Vol V of trial transcript). While testifying and referring to autopsy photographs,

specifically Exhibit 62, Dr. Smith stated as follows:

               Sometimes we see areas where it appears as though a knife
               may have penetrated the same wound twice or a knife
               sometimes is partially withdrawn and then plunged down
               again causing the wound to be much bigger than the width of
               the blade of the knife.

(See pp.   105-106   of Vol. V of trial transcript).

       Dr. Smith further testified that the victim was unconscious at the time she was

stabbed based upon his assessment of the evidence. (See p. 107 of Vol. V of trial

transcript). Dr. Smith found no defensive wounds on the victim during the autopsy or

through the photographs. � p.            108   of Vol. V of trial transcript). Dr. Smith further

testified that the assailant was moving around and stabbing from different directions.

He specifically stated that any one of the wounds could have been fatal. Dr. Smith also

testified that there were stab wounds to the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the

brain. (See p. 109 of Vol. V of trial transcript). He opined that these wounds were

inflicted while the victim was unconscious.I'See p. 107 of Vol. V, Trial Transcript).

       When referring to Exhibit 63 (a photograph of the victim), Dr. Smith noted three

stab wounds to the victim's scalp, which were not life threatening. (Seep. 112 of Vol. V of

trial transcript). Referring to Exhibit 65 (a photograph), Dr. Smith noted two wounds to

the back of the victim which were superficial slashing wounds. (Seep. 115 of Vol. V of

trial transcript).

       Dr. Smith also referred to Exhibit 62 (a photograph) and noted blunt force

trauma behind Patricia Thompson's left eye. (Seep. 117of Vol. V of trial transcript). Dr.

Smith noted blunt force trauma to the victim's ear when reviewing Exhibit 69 (a

photograph). (Seep. 122 of Vol V of trial transcript). Finally, Dr. Smith testified that the
cause of Patricia Thompson's death was bleeding from the carotid artery secondary to

knife wounds. According to Dr. Smith's testimony, the "manner of death was homicide."

� p.    124 of Vol. Vof trial transcript).

       The defendant testified in his own behalf at trial. He testified that his wife died in

2013 and that he moved around that time from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Aliquippa.

In 2014, Mr. Turner established a relationship with Patricia Thompson. � p. 170 of

Vol. V of trial transcript). Mr. Turner stated that he lived with Patricia Thompson at her

Aliquippa residence while he restored a house of his own in Aliquippa. (S�e pp. 176-77 of

Vol. V of trial transcript).

       Turner stated that on the evening of August 14, 2014, he went to Dave's Bar in

Aliquippa with Patricia Thompson. (See p. 186 of Vol. V of trial transcript). He went on

to state that both he and the victim, Patricia Thompson, had drinks at Dave's Bar and

that the victim left Dave's Bar and did not return. Mr. Turner was left behind. (See pp.

186-88 of Vol. V of trial transcript). Mr. Turner confirmed that Tyrone Reddick took

him to Patricia Thompson's home, but he cannot recall the time that he went there. �

p. 190 of Vol. V of trial transcript).

       Defendant Turner stated that when he got home, Patricia Thompson was sitting

at the kitchen table and smoking crack cocaine. � p. 193 of Vol. V of trial transcript).

Defendant Turner claims that Patricia Thompson attacked him in the kitchen when she

came at him with a knife. (See p. 197 of Vol. V of trial transcript). Turner stated that

there was a struggle during which he wrestled the knife from the victim, and both be and

the victim fell to the floor. Mr. Turner admitted to stabbing Patricia Thompson in the

back. � pp. 199-204 of Vol. V of trial transcript).

                                             -5-
       Turner stated that he then left the residence, taking the knife and Patricia

Thompson's car, and traveled to the North Side of Pittsburgh to see a friend. (See pp.

205-06 of Vol. V of trial transcript). Tomer testified that   he was not able to reach the
friend in Pittsburgh and began to drive back to Aliquippa. � pp. 207-08 of Vol. V of

trial transcript).

       Mr. Turner stated that on his way back to Aliquippa, he ran out of gas in

Sewickley, Pennsylvania, in the morning hours of August 15 and began to walk to his

sister's residence in Moon Township. While walking across the Sewickley Bridge, he

threw a towel that he was carrying and the knife into the Ohio River and continued to

walk to his sister's residence, where he showered. � pp. 209-11 of Vol. V of trial

transcript).

       When questioned about the struggle, defendant Turner stated that he acted in

self-defense because he believed he would be killed. � pp. 13-14 of Vol. VI of trial

transcript). On cross-examination, defendant Turner conceded that he did not seek help

for the victim after the incident. � p. 37 of Vol. VI of trial transcript). Also on cross-

examination, Turner confirmed that he threw the knife off the bridge into the Ohio

River.� p. 39 of Vol. VI of trial transcript).

        During the jury charge, the Court charged the jury, at page 45 of Vol. VII of the

trial transcript, that it could find that the use of a deadly weapon to a vital organ of the

body can supply the requisite malice for a conviction on third degree murder. The Court

defined malice for the jury as taking action while consciously disregarding a serious risk,

thereby demonstrating an extreme indifference to the value of human life. (See p. 44 of

Vol. VII of trial transcript). The jury returned a verdict of guilty on third degree murder

on February 12, 2016.

                                                 -6-
         FACTS AND EVIDENCE ADDUCED AT THE PCRA HEARING
                 HELD ON SEPTEMBER 25 and 26, 2017

      The Court conducted a hearing on defendant's PCRA petitions on Monday,

September 25 and Tuesday, September 26, 2017. There were multiple witnesses who

testified at that hearing. The Court will set forth the relevant testimony by each witness

in separate subsections below.

1.    Lori Turner-Williams

      Lori Turner-Williams is the defendant's sister. She lives in Moon Township and is

employed by Allegheny County. � pp. 12-13 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). She

confirmed that the defendant was at her residence on August 15, 2014, the date of the

incident in question. (See p. 16 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Ms. Turner arrived home

from work at around   1;00   p.m. and found the defendant sleeping on the couch in her

house. (Seep. 19 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). She saw a pill bottle on the table and once

the defendant woke up, he appeared intoxicated/disoriented.� pp.          20-21   of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript).

      Ms. Williams testified that she and her husband, Major Williams, drove the

defendant from her residence in Moon Township to his residence in Aliquippa, Beaver

County, on August 15, 2014. En route to the defendant's residence, they stopped to buy

him a 40 oz. beer. Ms. Williams testified that she made no complaints about buying him

beer, even though the defendant was intoxicated and disoriented. �pp. 24-25 of Vol.

I, PCRA transcript). Ms. Williams testified that after she and her husband dropped

defendant off at his residence, she went to her daughter's home in Aliquippa, stayed

there for a while and never saw the defendant again that day. (See pp. 25-26 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript).
       Williams stated that she never spoke to the defense lawyers about what she saw.

� p. 27 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Ms. Williams further stated that she was available

to testify throughout the proceedings in this case regarding her observations on August

15, 2014. (See p. 29   of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). She also testified that she heard the

victim, Patricia Thompson, say on one occasion to the defendant, "You are not going to

kill me, I'm going to kill you." (Seep. 30 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

       On cross-examination, Williams admitted that she never went to the lawyers to

tell them what she saw. She was confronted with her signed statement to the police,

which revealed that some of the things that she testified to were not in the police

statement.� pp. 34-36 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). She also admitted that she never

went to the lawyers to tell them what she knew. � pp. 29 and 39 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). Williams also admitted that police detectives questioned her on August 16,

2014. � p. 37 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

2.     Major Williams
       Major Williams is the husband of Lori Turner-Williams and the brother-in-law of

the defendant. He testified that he did not work on August 15, 2014. � p. 53 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript). Major Williams stated that the defendant came to his residence on

that date, at which time the defendant looked stunned (See p. 55 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). Mr. Williams testified that he was with the defendant throughout the day

and that the defendant drank beer and took pills most of the day.� pp. 56-57 of Vol.

I, PCRA transcript). According to Williams, the defendant was disoriented. (See p. 58 of

Vol. I, PCRA transcript),

       Williams stated that, while the defendant was at his residence, he left to go to

Pittsburgh to pick up his wife from work. She was to finish work at 1:00 p.m. that day.

                                             -8-
The defendant was sleeping on the couch at the Williams' residence when Williams left.

(See pp. 59-60 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Williams also testified that the defendant was

high and exhibited slurred speech when he (Williams) returned from his trip to

Pittsburgh. (See pp. 61-62 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Williams testified that he drove

the defendant home on August 15, 2014 and en route bought him two 40 oz. beers. �

p. 63 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).1

       Williams drove the defendant to a residence and picked him up at a later point in

the day to take him to the Aliquippa police station. At the time he picked the defendant

up, the defendant was still intoxicated according to Williams. � pp. 69-71 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript). Williams stated that the defendant was still drinking beer and taking

pills at that time, and the defendant still exhibited signs of intoxication.� pp. 71-72 of

Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

       Major Williams also testified that he was questioned by the detectives and told

them that the defendant was intoxicated on the date of the incident.� p. 75 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript). Williams testified that he also heard the victim threaten the

defendant, quoting the same words and the same incident as those used by his wife,

namely that the victim said to the defendant, "You're not going to kill me, I'm going to

kill you."� p. 77 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Williams stated he would have testified if

called. � p. 78 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

        Finally, at the end of cross-examination, Major Williams became confrontational

with the Assistant District Attorney and had to be escorted out of the courtroom by the

Sheriff at the conclusion of his testimony. (See pp. 85-89 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

1 The Court notes that this testimony is inconsistent with the testimony of Lori Turner-Williams, who
testified that only one 40 oz. beer was purchased. The Court questions why any rational person would buy
an allegedly intoxicated person 80 oz. of beer.
                                                  -9-
3.    Jamie Tumer
      Jamie Turner is the defendant's son. � p. 94 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Jamie

Turner stated that he was stopped by the Hopewell Police on August 15, 2014 and

advised that he was a suspect in the murder. The police released him after discovering

they had the wrong individual. � pp.          101-102 of Vol I, PCRA transcript). Jamie

Turner accompanied Lori Turner-Williams and Major Williams, his aunt and uncle, to

the defendant's residence on August    15th   to pick him up and drive him to the police

station. According to Turner, the defendant reeked of alcohol and was drinking beer.

� pp. 108-09 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Jamie Turner stated that he had to help his

father out of the house and to the car, because his father was stumbling, and had to help

his father out of the car at the police station for the same reason.� pp. 110-12 of Vol.

I, PCRA transcript).

      Jamie Turner stated that he told defense counsel about his father's condition and

was willing to testify to that condition if called. (See pp. 116-17 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). When confronted with a statement signed for present defense counsel at the

PCRA proceeding, it was established on cross-examination that Jamie Turner did not

say the same things in the statement. At this point it should be noted that Jamie Turner

stated that he, his aunt and uncle, and the defendant were all in the car and they took

the defendant to the police station. (See pp.    124-25   of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). This

testimony should be compared and contrasted with the testimony of Lori Turner-

Williams cited above, in which she stated that she stayed at her daughter's house while

Major Williams left that residence to drive defendant to the police station, leaving her

behind. She stated that she never saw the defendant again that day, but went to the

police station later and learned that the defendant was already in the station. In other

                                          -10-
words, she was not in the car when the defendant was taken to the police station by

Major Williams. � pp. 25-26 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Major Williams also

confirmed that Lori Turner-Williams was not in the car when the defendant was taken
to the police station on August 15, 2014. � pp. 68-69 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

4.    Frank Paganie

      Frank Paganie is an Assistant Beaver County Public Defender, who has worked in

that office for six years. � p. 129 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). He was assigned to

represent the defendant and had his first meeting with the defendant at the Beaver

County Jail shortly after the defendant's arrest. {Seep. 132 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

At the time Mr. Paganie was assigned to this case, he had never handled a homicide

case, but had tried 3-4 cases to jury verdict.� pp. 133-34 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

There was a second attorney, William Braslawsce, who assisted Mr. Paganie.

      Early on in the case, after meeting with the defendant at the jail, the defense team

determined that it was appropriate to pursue a self-defense theory. (Seep. 135 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript). Paganie requested discovery from the Commonwealth by discovery

letter, which was admitted into evidence as defense Exhibit Cat the PCRA hearing.�

pp. 138-40 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). As a result of the discovery request, the defense

received a tape recording of defendant's statement to the police on August 15, 2014. �

p. 141 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). In that statement, the defendant gave differing

versions of the events.� p. 142 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Mr. Paganie determined it

was appropriate to move to suppress the statement on the basis that the defendant was

not in a proper condition to give the statement due to intoxication. Accordingly, he filed

a suppression motion. (Seep. 143 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

                                           -11-
      The defendant did advise Paganie that other people witnessed his condition,

namely Lori Turner-Williams, Major Williams and Jamie Turner. (See pp. 144-45 of Vol.

I, PCRA transcript). Paganie advised that he did not interview these individuals for

purposes of asking them to testify, but admitted that these individuals told him that the

defendant was intoxicated. � pp. 146-47 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie admitted

that it would have been beneficial to keep defendant's different versions of the events in

his statement from the jury and that this served as his reason for filing the suppression

motion. � p. 149 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

      Paganie stated that he did not think it was a good idea to call these witnesses

because they were with the defendant for an extended period of time while he (the

defendant) was being sought by, and potentially avoiding, the police. Paganie thought

this would be a negative for the defendant.� p.150 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

      Paganie did state that the defendant wanted all three witnesses called, but

Paganie believed the witness' account of the events sounded rehearsed and almost

identical.� p. 152 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie believed that Major Williams

and Jamie Turner were 'very passionate about the defendant and felt their judgment

could be clouded. (See pp. 154-55 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie also stated that be

did not view the video surveillance at the police station to see if it captured the

defendant's ability to walk, etc. (See p. 155 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Jamie Turner told

Attorney Paganie that the defendant took four pills and drank beer.� p. 156 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript).

      Attorney Paganie was questioned about the autopsy report in this case, which was

admitted into evidence as defense Exhibit Eat the PCRA hearing.� p. 159 of Vol. I,

PCRA transcript). Paganie admitted that there is nothing in the autopsy report that

                                            -12-
states that the victim was stabbed while unconscious. � pp. 160-61 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). Paganie stated that he was surprised when Dr. James Smith, the forensic

pathologist, testified to this.� p. 163 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript}. Paganie admitted

that he did not object to or challenge this testimony in court. (Seep. 166 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript}. Paganie stated that he did not challenge the testimony because he thought

the wounds were throughout the body and not concentrated, thereby indicative of a

struggle. Specifically, Paganie testified that the wounds went from the lower back to the

top of the head of the victim, as well as to the neck.� pp. 170-71 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). Paganie stated that if the victim was knocked unconscious there was no need

to have wounds all over her body, and that the blood all over the body and the scene

confirmed a struggle. � p. 172 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie stated that he

believed he cross-examined Dr. Smith on these issues. � p. 173 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript).2

        Attorney Paganie testified that he did not object to Dr. Smith's testimony that the

cause of death was homicide because he believed Dr. Smith was allowed to testify to this.

According to Paganie, homicide simply means killing. (See pp. 180-81 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript).

       There were vials of blood taken from the defendant on the date of his arrest. The

vials of blood were destroyed after testing at the Pennsylvania State Police Crime

Laboratory. Attorney Paganie admitted that the defendant asked that the vials of blood

be preserved because of his state of intoxication. � pp. 183-85 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript). Paganie stated that he wanted to have the blood tested for both alcohol

2 The clear inference that arises from the Paganie testimony is that Paganie did not object to this
testimony because, in Paganie's mind, the testimony was not consistent with the evidence, and Paganie
wanted to challenge it on cross-examination rather than to object to its admission.

                                                -13-
content and any other substances that the defendant may have had in his body. Paganie

stated that he did not have this opportunity because the vials of blood were destroyed on

November 26, 2014, the defendant was not arraigned until December 2, 2014 and he

(Paganie) could not make the discovery request until after arraignment. � pp. 187-89 .

of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie also stated that he did not even know who was in

possession of the blood evidence until April 2015. � p. 191 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

       With regard to the assertions by Lori Turner-Williams and Major Williams, that

the victim had previously made threatening comments about the defendant ("I'm going

to kill you"), Paganie said that he did not put these two individuals on the stand because,

in his estimation, they were close family members and not credible witnesses. (See pp.

194-95 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie acknowledged that the defendant did not

make a good witness on his own behalf at trial, but Paganie still chose not to put these

individuals on the stand because of their credibility issues. � p. 197 of Vol. I, PCRA

transcript).

       On cross-examination, Paganie stated that the clear theory of defense in this case

was self-defense.� p. 202 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie discussed with the

defendant testifying on his   own behalf, with regard to the self-defense theory, early on.
� p. 203 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Moreover, once Paganie learned that the vials of

blood bad been destroyed, he filed a motion to quash the first degree murder charge.

(See p. 206 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript). Paganie also moved to suppress the defendant's

statement to the police on the basis of intoxication and requested that the Court give an

instruction to the jury on intoxication as a defense to first degree murder. (See pp. 208-

10 of Vol. I, PCRA transcript).

                                            -14-
       With regard to strategy, Paganie stated on cross-examination that he requested

the blood vials in a discovery motion.� pp. 6-7 of Vol II, PCRA transcript). That

discovery motion was admitted into evidence at the PCRA hearing as Commonwealth

Exhibit 4.

       With regard to the pre-trial motions, Paganie testified that he had the defendant

testify to the issue of intoxication, rather than Lori Turner-Williams, Major Williams

and Jamie Turner, because he believed that the defendant was more credible than these

other individuals. Paganie also stated that he believed that the testimony of the other

witnesses was too similar and appeared fabricated. � pp. 7-8 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript).

       Paganie stated that be tried to secure any video surveillance tape of the Aliquippa

police station but was not successful. � pp. 8-9 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

       Paganie did secure the services of an investigator to try to obtain records

regarding the victim's history of aggressive behavior. The investigator was not able to

find anything worth using. (See pp. 9-10 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

       Paganie further testified that he hired a forensic toxicologist to establish that

there was both cocaine and alcohol in the victim's system, and this toxicologist gave

opinions at trial as to the effect of the combination of these substances on an individual.

(See pp. 14-15 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). He intended to use this testimony along with

the defendant's testimony to verify that a struggle occurred. (See p. 16 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript). The defendant also testified to his intoxication to challenge that the

statement he gave at the police station was voluntary. (See p. 16 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript).

                                           -15-
       Paganie testified that he did request jury instructions on the failure to produce

evidence and voluntary intoxication from the Court. � p. 18 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript). Paganie stated that he thought the Commonwealth's destruction of the vials

of blood in November of 2014 was completely wrong and would have challenged the

destruction in a direct appeal, but the defendant's insistence that Paganie withdraw the

direct appeal voided the ability to make such a challenge. (Seep. 19 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript).

       On re-direct examination, Paganie was questioned about two Aliquippa police

reports involving the police investigation of incidents in which the victim, Patricia

Thompson, was the subject. Paganie did not use these reports because they were both

remote (2008) and involved property damage and not injuries to persons. � pp. 22-

25 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). Paganie was also questioned about medical records that

he had seen or secured involving a diagnosis of the victim's depression. Paganie stated

that he did not use these records because his understanding and research indicated that

depression does not equate to aggressive behavior. � pp. 28-30 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript).

5.     J@llles Turner
       The defendant testified on his own behalf. He began his testimony by stating his

understanding that a PCRA petition is different from a direct appeal. (Seep. 38 of Vol.

II, PCRA transcript). The defendant stated that he filed his own PCRA petition initially

through his own due diligence. (See pp. 38-39 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

       With regard to this case, the defendant stated that he met with Attorneys Paganie

and Braslawsce at the Beaver County Jail approximately 72 hours after the incident and

before the preliminary hearing.� p. 40 of Vol II, PCRA transcript). The defendant

                                           -16-
testified that he has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Point Park

University. He had important engineering jobs over the years. He stated that he was

both well-educated and honorably discharged from the military.-� pp. 42-46 of Vol.

II, PCRA transcript). This testimony was evidently elicited for purposes of showing the

defendant's knowledge and ability to comprehend matters and intelligently discuss

them with his defense attorneys.

      The defendant stated that he told his defense lawyers of his struggle with the

victim at the very first meeting at the jail in August, 2014. He also told them of the

statement he gave to police. He told them about the blood that was drawn on the day of

his arrest, August 15, 2014. If this meeting occurred approximately 72 hours after the

arrest, he would have made these statements to defense counsel before the end of

August 2014. (See pp. 46�48 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). The defendant further stated

that he told his attorneys of the video at the police station and of the witnesses who

could confirm his intoxication at this first meeting. He also stated that he advised them

that an analysis of his blood would confirm his intoxication. According to the defendant,

the attorneys gave no response to these matters at that meeting. (See pp. 48-49 of Vol.

II, PCRA transcript).

       With regard to the struggle and theory of self-defense, .defendant stated that he

wanted to be clear in his discussions with his attorneys at this first meeting that he was

not the aggressor. He told the attorneys that when he arrived home in the early morning

hours of August 15, 2014, he asked the victim (Patricia Thompson) why she had left him

at the bar and she immediately became aggressive. He told the lawyers that he never

intentionally stabbed the victim. (See pp. 52�55 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

                                            -17-
       The defendant stated that he received discovery from his attorneys and read it at

the jail. He stated that he advised the attorneys of the witnesses who could be called to

testify at the suppression hearing and these witnesses were, in     fact, in the courtroom
during the hearing.� pp. 56-60 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). Once the suppression

motion was denied, the defendant stated that he wanted these witnesses to be called at

trial regarding the voluntariness of the statement because it was still an issue at that

point, but the witnesses were never called at trial. � pp. 63-66 of Vol. II, PCRA

transcript). According to the defendant, Attorney Braslawsce stated, "Who's going to

believe them. '7   �
                       pp. 67 and 76·77 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). The defendant also

stated that, after reviewing the autopsy report, he advised Attorney Paganie that the

wounds were superficial, indicative of a struggle. According to the defendant, Paganie

did not respond.� pp. 68-69 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

       The defendant testified that he wanted scientific proof of his intoxication. He

stated that he brought up these and many other points because he is an engineer who

pays close attention to detail. � pp. 72 and 77·78 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

       The defendant stated that he made it known from day one that he was willing to

testify. (Seep. 84 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). He wrote letters to his attorneys from the

jail, and they wrote back. � p. 90 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript). Defendant's attorneys

filed motions to suppress and also filed a motion to quash the first degree murder

charge.� pp. 94-96 of Vol. II, PCRA transcript).

                   GENERAL LAW REGARDING PCRA PETIDONS

       Defendant contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance and that

he is therefore entitled to either a new trial or dismissal of the charges against him. {See

116, p. 4 of defendant's Amended Petition for Post-Conviction Relief).

                                            -18-
       "It is well-established that counsel is presumed effective, and to rebut that

presumption, the PCRA petitioner must demonstrate that counsel's performance was

deficient and that such deficiency prejudiced him." Commonwealth v. Koehler, 36 A.3d

121, 132 (Pa. 2012) (citing   Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687-91, 104 S.Ct.

2052, _____, 80 L.Ed.2d 674,                                 (1984). The Pennsylvania

Supreme Court set forth a three-part test to determine whether a defendant has received

ineffective assistance of counsel, with those three parts being as follows: (1) the

underlying legal issue has arguable merit; (2) counsel's actions lacked an objective

reasonable basis; and (3) the defendant was prejudiced by counsel's act or omission.

Koehler, 36 A.3d at           132   (citing   Commonwealth v. Pierce, 515 Pa.      153,

______, 527 A.2d 973, 975 (1987). The Court must analyze defendant's seven

claims under these parameters.

                                    LEGAL ANALYSIS

              The defendant's PCRA petition has raised seven claims. Those seven

claims are as follows:
              1.     Trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting to certain
                     expert testimony of James Smith, M.D.

              2.     Trial counsel was ineffective in that defendant was denied
                     a full and effective cross-examination opportunity of the
                     expert testimony of James Smith, M.D., as it related to
                     the alleged unconsciousness of the defendant and the
                     prone position of decedent while she was stabbed.

              3.     Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request a
                     charge regarding the involuntariness of defendant's
                     action as it related to malice, a necessary element in
                     proving third degree murder.

              4.     Trial counsel was ineffective for not objecting to that
                     portion of the testimony of James Smith, M.D. where he

                                              -19-
                         quoted from the autopsy report regarding manner of
                         death and thereby allowed Dr. Smith to testify at trial that
                         the manner of death was homicide.

                5.       Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to procure the
                         testimony of available witnesses and in failing to preserve
                         evidence to support the claim that the August 15, 2014
                         statement of the defendant was involuntary.

                 6.      Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to preserve blood
                         evidence or to request an adverse inference instruction
                         due to the missing evidence.

                7.       Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to procure
                         testimony of available witnesses and for failing to present
                         character evidence of the decedent as permitted by
                         Pa.R.Evid. 404.

    These are the contentions on which testimony and evidence was received at the PCRA

    hearing and are the issues that will be addressed by the Court in separate subsections

    below.a

         1.     Defendant Alleges Trial Counsel Was Ineffective for Not
                Qbiectingto Certain Expert Testimony of James Smith, M,D.
         Defendant complains that the forensic pathologist, Dr. James Smith, testified to

certain matters that were not disclosed in the autopsy report. The defendant contends

that this violated Pa.R.Crim.P. 573(E) and precluded the defendant from effective cross-

examination of Dr. Smith. The defendant further contends that trial counsel's failure to

object rendered counsel ineffective.

         Specifically, Dr. Smith testified that the number of stab wounds in a small area of

the neck indicated that the defendant was unconscious at the time of the stab wounds

and that the defendant was moving about the victim when the stab wounds were

inflicted, while the victim was unable to resist.

3 Defendant raised other issues in his original pro se petition, but these are the seven issues, and the only
real issues, pursued at the hearing.
                                                    -20-
         Defense counsel Paganie acknowledged that there was nothing specifically in the

autopsy report that stated that the victim was unconscious at the time that the stab

wounds were inflicted. He stated that he did not object to the testimony because the

wounds were not concentrated in a specific area. The wounds went from the lower back

to the top of the head, the front of the head and neck area. Paganie stated that if the

victim were truly knocked unconscious, there was no basis for wounds al] over the body,

and it was Paganie's belief that Dr. Smith's testimony and the location of the wounds

was indicative of a struggle. Paganie cross-examined Dr. Smith on these issues. (See pp.

127-32   and 136-37 of Vol. I, Trial transcript).

         This testimony of defense counsel clearly raises a matter of strategy and tactics.

"Generally, where matters of strategy and tactics are concerned, counsel's assistance is

deemed constitutionally effective if he chose a particular course that had some

reasonable basis designed to effectuate his client's interests." Commonwealth v.

Howard, 553 Pa. 266,                 , 719 A.2d 233, 237 (1998). The Howard Court also

noted that a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel cannot succeed by simply

comparing, by hindsight, the trial strategy employed with alternatives not pursued. "A

finding that a chosen strategy lacked a reasonable basis is not warranted unless it can be

concluded that an alternative not chosen offered a potential for success substantially

greater than the course actually pursued." Id. Here, defendant did not establish that an

alternative basis offered a potential for success substantia11y greater than the course

chosen. In this case, it must be remembered that the defense was one of self-defense,

with the defendant actually testifying to the events in question. The defendant's version

of the events and the struggle was consistent with the multiple stab wounds throughout

                                              -21-
the body of the victim, and there was a reasonable basis for defense counsel to take the

position chosen.

       Moreover, a careful review of the autopsy report entered into evidence as Exhibit

E at the PCRA hearing reveals that it is a five-page document that details not only the

final anatomical diagnosis in the first two pages, but also details the wounds and their

locations in a three-page attachment. A similar case was presented in Commonwealth v.

Davida, 630 Pa. 217, 242�43, 106 A.3d 611, 626 (Pa. 2014). In Davida, there was a PCRA
petition filed on a similar basis. In that case, the Commonwealth's medical expert

testified to certain matters not necessarily contained within bis report. The

Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that there was no discovery violation under Rule

573(E) and that the doctor's testimony should have been expected based upon the

doctor's report. The same can be said here in light of a reading of the autopsy report and

attachment. For this reason, defendant's petition on this basis will be denied.

       2.    Defendant's Allegation that Trial Counsel Was
             Ineffective for Failing to Effectively Cross-Examine
             James Smith, M.D. as it Related to the Alleged
             Unconsciousness of the Decedent and the Prone
              Position of the Defend@nt When She Was Stabh!:d
       In this contention, defendant raises many of the same allegations as raised in the

first allegation for relief. It must be noted that defense counsel did cross-examine Dr.

Smith on the basis that all of the wounds were not concentrated. (See pp. 127�32 and

136-37 of Vol. V, Trial transcript). Paganie's, and the defendant's, theory was that the

wounds were not concentrated and it makes no sense to have wounds throughout the

body inflicted upon someone who was unconscious, as opposed to two people engaged

                                           -22-
in a struggle. The same discussion and logic set forth in the preceding section applies

here, and the Court will deny defendant's petition on that basis.

      3.     Defendant Alleges Trial Counsel Was Ineffective
             For Falling to Request a Charge Regarding the
             Involuntariness of Defendant's Action as it Relates
             to Malice, a Necessary Element in Proving Third
             Degree Murder

       Defendant next a1leges that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request

the Court to charge the jury that the defendant could not be liable for third degree

murder due to defendant's testimony and conduct in stabbing the victim after the

altercation began and after the defendant and the victim fell to the floor. Defendant

asserts that his conduct was involuntary and accidental, not sufficient to prove malice, a

required element for third degree murder. Defendant relies primarily upon the

Pennsylvania Superior Court decision in Commonwealth v. Fierst, 423 Pa. Super. 232,

620 A.2d 1196 (1993). In that case, the Pennsylvania Superior Court addressed a PCRA

situation in which the defendant's alleged involuntary actions, as they related to malice

necessary for third degree murder, were drawn into question because he suffered from

seizures. The defendant was convicted of aggravated assault, vehicular homicide and

third degree murder. The defendant was driving a car in a reckless fashion that resulted

in the death of his passenger. Id. at 237, 620 A.2d at 1198. The Superior Court held that

trial counsel was ineffective in that case for failing to request a jury charge that the

defendant could not be guilty of third degree murder and aggravated assault because of

his involuntary actions due to seizures that would not be sufficient to prove malice. The

defendant was granted a new trial. Id. at 248-49, 620 A.2d a 1205-06.

                                           -23-
         This case is a far cry from Fierst. This case is factually distinguishable in that

there was no evidence of seizures here.s Moreover, defense counsel Paganie asserted

that defendant's theory was one of self-defense, and not involuntariness. As the Howard

Court notes above, it is not sufficient for a defendant to succeed in a PCRA by simply

comparing, in hindsight, the trial strategy employed with alternatives not pursued. 553

Pa. at           , 719 A.2d at 237. The issue of involuntarines.s was factored into, and

covered by, the asserted self-defense theory, and this claim by the defendant lacks merit.

Accordingly, the petition will be denied on this basis.

         4.     Defendant Alleges Trial Counsel Was Ineffective
                For Not Objecting to that Portion of the Testimony
                of James Smith, M.D. When Dr. Smith Quoted from
                the Autopsy Report Stating that the Manner of
                Death wu Homicide
         In this case, Dr. James Smith, a forensic pathologist, testified that the manner of

death was homicide. That statement is clearly contained in the autopsy report entered

into evidence at the PCRA hearing as Exhibit E. Webster's Dictionary defines homicide

as a person who kills another or a killing of one human being by another.

         Defense Counsel Paganie testified that he did not object because he understood

homicide to mean a killing, which is the definition referenced above. The statement, "the

manner of death was homicide," is contained in the autopsy report. The forensic

pathologist, Dr. Smith, was called to testify to the manner of death, which is required in

4 To the extent that defendant claims his intoxication renders his conduct involuntary, the law is clear that
intoxication is not a basis to negate intent. Commonwealth v. Graves, 461 Pa. 118, 394 A.2d 661 (1975).

                                                    -24-
homicide prosecutions,s He was simply doing his job, and his report and his testimony

at trial both gave reasons for this opinion.

       The Court believes that this is a meritless position asserted by defendant and

rejects it as a basis for ineffective assistance of counsel.

       5.      Defendant Alleges That Trial Counsel Was Ineffective
               For Failing to Procure Testimony of Available
               Witnesses and in Failing to Preserve Evidence to
               Support the Claim that Defendant's August 15, 2014
               Statement to the Police Was Involuntaty
       Defendant asserts essentially three contentions in this argument. First, he argues

that defense counsel was ineffective for not calling certain witnesses who allegedly

observed defendant's state of intoxication before going to the police station on August

15. Second, defendant claims that counsel was ineffective for failing to preserve blood

samples taken from him (defendant) on the date of his arrest that allegedly would have

confirmed the level of his intoxication. Third, defendant claims that counsel was

ineffective for failing to secure video surveillance from the Aliquippa police station to

show the manner in which he walked into the police station on August 15, as evidence of

his intoxication. The Court will address each contention below.

       First, defendant claims that his trial counsel was ineffective for not producing the

testimony of Lori Turner-Williams, Major Williams and Jamie Turner, either at the pre-

trial motions stage or at trial to confirm defendant's level of intoxication. Defense

counsel testified that he did not produce these witnesses because of their relationship

with, and allegiance to, the defendant and because their testimony appeared rehearsed

5 The Commonwealth is required to prove that the victim is dead, that the defendant killed her and that
the killing was done with malice to prove third-degree murder.     s«   18 Pa.C.S.A. §2502(c) and Pa.
Suggested Standard Criminal Jury Instructions, 15.2502C. Smith's testimony was relevant to that end.
                                                 -25-
to him. In hearing the testimony at the PCRA hearing, the Court noted that the

witnesses testified to events in a very similar fashion. For example, both Lori Turner-

Williams and Major Williams testified that the defendant was intoxicated, disoriented

and confused on the day of the incident before going to the police station. They both

testified that defendant consumed 40 oz. beers and pills. In fact, their testimony was so

similar that the Court questioned whether it was rehearsed. Moreover, there were

implicit inconsistencies within the testimony. For example, Lori Turner-Williams

testified that her brother, the defendant, was so intoxicated at her residence that he was

confused and disoriented. Major Williams testified to the same. Nevertheless, they both

testified that while driving the defendant to his home from their residence while in this

state, they stopped and bought him more beer. This defies logic in the Court's mind.

Moreover, that testimony was inconsistent with Lori Turner-Williams testifying that

Major Williams bought the defendant one 40 oz. beer while driving defendant home.

Major Williams testified that he bought two 40 oz. beers. Further, Jamie Turner testified

that he, Lori Turner-Williams, Major Williams and the defendant were all in the car

when they drove the defendant to the police station. Lori Turner-Williams testified that
she was not in the car at that point, but instead stayed behind at another residence.

       Defense counsel testified that he did not believe these individuals to be credible

and chose to go with the testimony of the defendant alone. There is reasonableness in

this choice in light of the discussion above, and it should not be second-guessed under

the Howard language and decision cited above.

       Second, defendant challenges his trial counsel's effectiveness on the basis that

counsel did not secure the vials of blood before they were destroyed at the Pennsylvania

State Police Crime Laboratory. Defense attorney Paganie explained what he attempted

                                           -26-
to do in that regard. He specifically stated that the blood was destroyed in late

November, 2014 and there was not an opportunity to file pre-trial motions or discovery

requests until after the defendant's arraignment in early December. The Court

acknowledges that defendant testified that he advised attorneys Paganie and Braslawsce

of the availabi1ity of this blood at a meeting in mid-August, several days after the

incident in 2014. His claim is that counsel failed to take any steps to preserve the

evidence between August and November of 2014. Defense counsel Paganie testified that

he intended to challenge the destruction of the materials in a direct appeal of this case,

but was denied that opportunity by defendant's insistence and vo]untary and intentional

decision to withdraw the direct appeal and pursue this PCRA. Given these

circumstances, it cannot be said that defense counsel was ineffective in that regard.

       Third, defendant testified that his counsel was ineffective for failing to secure

videotape surveillance at the Aliquippa police station that would have revealed him

stumbling and staggering into the police station before questioning. Attorney Paganie

indicated that the video was requested, but was not avai1able. This basis alone does not

render counsel ineffective, and counsel did file a suppression motion challenging the

statement on the basis of intoxication. Accordingly, the Court finds no merit in this

contention and rejects it as well.

       6.     Defendant Alleges Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
              Due to Counsel's Failure to Preserve Blood Evidence
              or to Request an Adverse Inference instruction Due
              to the Missing Evidence
       This again deals with the vials of blood secured from the defendant on the date of

his arrest. The Court addressed this issue in the preceding section. Defense counsel did

file a motion to quash the first degree murder charge on the basis of the missing vials of
blood. He also raised this issue in the suppression motion. Trial counsel stated his

intention to pursue this on a direct appeal that he filed with the Superior Court. That

appeal was withdrawn upon the insistence and direction of the defendant after an

extensive and formal colloquy advising him (defendant) of his rights. Again, the Court

finds no merit in this position and rejects it as a basis for ineffective assistance of

counsel.

       7.    Defendant's Allegation that Trial Counsel was
             Ineffective for Failing to Procure Testimony
             and Available Evidence and to Present Character
             Evidence of the Decedent under Pa.R.Evid. 404

       Finally, defendant alleges that trial counsel was ineffective for not calling Lori

Turner-Williams and Major Williams as witnesses at trial to testify to a statement that

the victim, Patricia Thompson, allegedly made in their presence. That statement was

allegedly directed at James Turner in which Patricia Thompson stated "You ain't gonna

kill me, I'm gonna kill you." Defendant also alleges that counsel was ineffective for

failing to offer into evidence the contents of Aliquippa police reports regarding incidents

involving the victim and also failing to put into evidence mental health records

regarding the victim.

       As to the statements and potential testimony of Lori Turner-Williams and Major

Williams, defense attorney Paganie stated that he felt the testimony was rehearsed

because it was identical. The Court agrees with that assessment. A review of the PCRA

hearing transcript reflects that both witnesses said the very same thing in the very same

manner. While this may be some evidence of the victim's intentions, there was no

surrounding testimony as to the circumstances under which these statements were

made. For example, there was no indication as to whether the victim was serious or

                                           -28-
joking at the time. Moreover, the testimony almost seemed rehearsed when given at the

PCRA hearing. Defense counsel Paganie said that he questioned the credibility of these

statements and also considered the relationship of the witnesses to the defendant and

their reasons for this testimony. In fact, attorney Paganie stated that Major Williams

was too passionate about the case, giving rise to the inference that Attorney Paganie

believed that Major Williams may say anything to assist his brother-in-law.

       It must also be recalled that when Major Williams testified at the PCRA hearing,

he became irate and confrontational with the Assistant District Attorney during his

cross-examination. Williams had to be escorted out of the courtroom by the Sheriff. This

exchange at the PCRA hearing gives credence to Attorney Paganie's assessment of Mr.

Williams.

       With regard to attorney Paganie's failure to present evidence of the two incidents

m   2008    contained in Aliquippa police reports, Attorney Paganie stated that both

incidents were not only remote, but also involved only damage to property and not harm

to any individuals. This was a strategy decision by Attorney Paganie and must be viewed

under the Howard standard set forth above. There is no indication that the use of this

evidence, if admitted, offered a potential for success substantially greater than the

course actually pursued.

      With regard to the mental health records> Attorney Paganie gave a very valid

reason for not using mental health records of depression, namely because they do not

equate to aggression or violent propensities. For these reasons, the final contention of

defendant in his PCRA petition is rejected.

                                          -29-
                                              CONCLUSION

                 An Order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion will be entered this same

         date.

                                                        BY THE COURT:

                                                                                c;
                                                                                --
                                                                                "'":-:.
                                                                                          -
                                                                                          ,.._.
                                                                                          00
                                                                                          L...
                                                                                          ::,>
                                                                                                  c�
                                                                                                  --<
                                                                             ..
                                                                            ( �. �;.'     :z.     -I
       . ...,                                                                             L•J     ......
 .""'(:.:.                                                                                        ;·1·1
                                                                                          0
·=QQ;
 ·x�
                                                                                                  C1

.?', /"':-..
                                                                                 ,. .•.
                                                                                 c:       "O      0
                                                                                                  c
                                                                                                  ::a
 ',I ··-·                                                                        C,"'.
                                                                                 V)
                                                                                          Y:-'    -1
                                                                                          0
                                                                                          ...D

                                                 -29-