White, Garcia Glen ( 2015 )

WR-48,152-06
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Transmitted 1/12/2015 5:08:38 PM
Accepted 1/13/2015 9:30:06 AM
EX PARTE GARCIA GLEN WHITE ABEL ACOSTA
CLERK
WRIT NO. 48,152-06 RECEIVED
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
1/13/2015
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS ABEL ACOSTA, CLERK
AT
AUSTIN, TEXAS
____________________________________
Cause No. 723847
EX PARTE § IN THE 180TH DISTRICT COURT
§ OF
GARCIA GLEN WHITE, § HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
Applicant
STATE’S MOTION TO DISMISS APPLICATION FOR
WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS AND
DENY REQUEST FOR STAY OF EXECUTION
Respondent, the State of Texas, by and through its Assistant District
Attorney for Harris County, files this, its Motion requesting that the Court of
Criminal Appeals dismiss the applicant’s application for writ of habeas
corpus and request for stay of execution. The applicant does not satisfy the
requirements for the filing of a subsequent writ application under TEX. CODE
CRIM. PROC. ANN. art. 11.071, § 5, and, alternatively, the applicant’s grounds for
relief are meritless. In support, Respondent would show the following:
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I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The applicant is confined pursuant to the judgment and sentence of the
180th District Court of Harris County, Texas, in cause number 723847
(hereinafter “the primary case”), wherein a jury convicted the applicant of
the felony offense of capital murder. On July 23, 1996, the jury answered
“yes” to the first two special issues, and “no” to the last, and the trial court
assessed punishment at death.
The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the applicant’s conviction in an
unpublished opinion delivered on June 17, 1998. White v. State, No. 72580
(Tex. Crim. App. June 17, 1998)(not designated for publication).
On February 21, 2001, the Court of Criminal Appeals denied the
applicant relief on his initial state habeas application. Ex parte White, WR-
48,152-01 (Tex. Crim. App. Feb. 21, 2001).
On April 17, 2001, the applicant filed his initial federal habeas petition.
However, the applicant subsequently moved to dismiss his petition in order
to return to state court, and the federal district court granted the applicant’s
motion on January 9, 2002. White v. Thaler, No. H-02-01805, 2011 WL
4625361 (S.D. Tex. Sept. 30, 2011).
On January 11, 2002, the applicant filed a subsequent habeas
application, cause no. 723847-B. The Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed
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the applicant’s subsequent state habeas application for abuse of the writ on
April 24, 2002. Ex parte White, WR-48,152-02 (Tex. Crim. App. April 24,
2002).
On May 3, 2002, the applicant filed a federal habeas petition, and the
district court granted the applicant an administrative stay pending the
results of DNA testing. White v. Thaler, No. H-02-01805, 2011 WL 4625361
(S.D. Tex. Sept. 30, 2011).
On June 30, 2007, and January 28, 2009, the applicant filed additional
subsequent state habeas applications, cause nos. 723847-C and 723847-D.
The Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed both of these habeas petitions on
May 6, 2009. Ex parte White, WR-48,152-03 & WR-48,152-04 (Tex. Crim.
App. May 6, 2009).
On September 30, 2011, following the completion of the applicant’s
post-conviction DNA testing, the federal district court dismissed the
applicant’s federal habeas petition and denied the applicant a certificate of
appealability (COA). White v. Thaler, No. H-02-01805, 2011 WL 4625361
(S.D. Tex. Sept. 30, 2011).
On April 1, 2013, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the
applicant’s application for COA. White v. Thaler, 522 Fed. App’x. 226, 2013
WL 1442568 (5th Cir. 2013).
3
On January 13, 2014, the United States Supreme Court denied the
applicant’s petition for writ of certiorari. White v. Stephens, 134 S. Ct. 907
(2014).
The applicant is scheduled for execution on January 28, 2015.
II. TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
State’s Evidence at Guilt-Innocence
King Solomon was a sixty-four year old man who was married and had
seven children (XV S.F. at 35). Bonita Edwards was his girlfriend in
November 1989, and she lived with her identical twin daughters, Annette
and Bernette, the complainant (XV S.F. at 35-6). Solomon would often see
Bonita on the weekends and call her during the week (XV S.F. at 38). He
talked to her on the telephone on Wednesday, November 29; however, she
did not answer the phone when he called her the next day (XV S.F. at 39). In
fact, there was no answer for the following two days (XV S.F. at 39).
On the third day, Saturday morning, Solomon went over to Bonita’s
apartment (XV S.F. at 40). He knocked on her door, but there was no answer
(XV S.F. at 40). He then returned home and watched television for much of
the day (RR. XV - 41). Later in the day, Solomon had his wife drop him off
approximately two blocks from Bonita’s apartment (XV S.F. at 41). He
walked over to her apartment and saw another man standing on the porch
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(XV S.F. at 41). The other man claimed to be responsible for maintenance but
stated that he did not have a key to the apartment (XV S.F. at 41). The man
told Solomon to get the manager (XV S.F. at 41). When the apartment
manager opened the door, Solomon saw two bodies on the floor (XV S.F. at
45). The manager then pulled the door back and said, “Don’t you-all come in”
(XV S.F. at 46).
Leonard Dawson, Houston Police Department homicide crime scene
unit, was called to the scene (XV S.F. at 56-7). There was no sign of forced
entry on the front door to the apartment, and all of the windows were locked
and closed (XV S.F. at 69, 149). A bloody sock was found underneath the
Christmas tree (XV S.F. at 83). The door to the south bedroom appeared to
have been forced open (XV S.F. at 91, 151).
Bonita was found in the dining and living room area (XV S.F. at 66-7).
She was wearing a blue and white printed blouse and black panties (XV S.F.
at 167). She had fourteen stab wounds in her chest: seven superficial and
seven that were five to six inches deep into her left chest area (XVII S.F. at
275, 278, 280). One stab wound perforated her heart and the others
penetrated her left lung (XVII S.F. at 278). All of the seven deep wounds had
the potential to kill her (XVII S.F. at 282). Bonita also had a contusion on the
right side of her neck (XVII S.F. at 277).
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Annette was found just inside the front door next to a love seat (XV S.F.
at 66-7). She was wearing only a pair of panties (XV S.F. at 84). She
sustained eight stab wounds to her chest, one stab wound in her neck, and
two defensive wounds: a stab wound in her right arm and a cutting wound
on her right hand (XVII S.F. at 287-288, 292-93). One of Annette’s chest
wounds involved her left lung and was fatal (XVII S.F. at 291). The neck
wound penetrated into her trachea (XVII S.F. at 292). She also suffered from
two blunt trauma abrasions over her left cheek (XVII S.F. at 288-89).
The complainant, Bernette, was found in the south bedroom facing a
dresser and a bed (XV S.F. at 67-8). A pink shirt was wrapped around the
back of her neck and through her mouth to form a gag (XV S.F. at 85, 147).
There was a white discharge near her vaginal area and a white substance on
her lower abdomen indicating a possible sexual assault (XV S.F. at 147).
Semen was detected on her vaginal and rectal swabs (XVI S.F. at 247). She
had two stab wounds to her neck, eleven stab wounds to her chest, stab
wounds in the left elbow and hand, a cutting wound on the right hand, and a
stab wound on her right arm (XVII S.F. at 300). Any one of the two stab
wounds to the neck or of the five to the chest were sufficient to cause death
(XVII S.F. at 307). The applicant’s DNA matched that of the semen gathered
6
from the complainant, and the probability that the applicant was the source
of the semen was 99.9999 percent (XVII S.F. at 384-85).
Tecumseh Manuel was a thirty-four year old man who had known the
applicant “like a brother” for his entire life (XVI S.F. at 185). The applicant
told Manuel that he stabbed a woman and her twin daughters (XVI S.F. at
186). On July 20, 1995, Manuel relayed this information to Todd Miller,
Houston Police Department homicide division (XVI S.F. at 186, 189). The
applicant was arrested for the crime at approximately 8:20 p.m., the next day
and read his Miranda warnings (XVI S.F. at 190-91).
The applicant gave a videotaped statement in which he stated that he
and Terrence Moore went over to Bonita’s apartment and that both men had
rocks of cocaine. State’s Ex. 55. The men agreed to share their drugs with
Bonita in exchange for sex. State’s Ex. 55. Both men got naked; however,
neither was able to get sexually aroused, and they refused to share the drugs
with Bonita. State’s Ex. 55. The applicant stated that Bonita then became
upset and grabbed a knife out of the kitchen drawer. State’s Ex. 55. The
applicant grabbed her from behind while Moore took the knife from Bonita.
State’s Ex. 55. The applicant stated that he then threw Bonita on the floor
while Moore stabbed her. State’s Ex. 55.
7
The applicant further stated that, while Bonita was screaming and
kicking, Annette and the complainant ran out of the bedroom. State’s Ex. 55.
The applicant grabbed the daughter who ran toward the front door. State’s
Ex. 55. He touched her breasts and vagina, held her down with his hand over
her mouth, and then ejaculated on her. State’s Ex. 55. Meanwhile, Moore
forced open the bedroom door to get the other daughter. State’s Ex. 55.
Moore then exited from bedroom and stabbed the daughter that was with the
applicant. State’s Ex. 55. The applicant stated that Moore was wearing gloves
and never ejaculated. State’s Ex. 55.
After an investigation, Miller determined that Moore had been killed on
July 25, 1989, or four months prior to the deaths of the complainant, her
sister and her mother (XVI S.F. at 205-6, 224). On July 28, 1995, Miller again
interviewed the applicant (XVI S.F. at 206). After advising the applicant of his
rights, Miller confronted the applicant with the information regarding Moore
(XVI S.F. at 206-7). The applicant waived his rights and gave another
videotaped statement during which he stated, “I made it all up…With the
Mom…She reached for a knife, and I took the knife and stabbed her…Some
kids come out…I went into the bedroom after them. Stab…I stabbed one in
the bedroom and one in the living room. That’s all I want to talk about.”
State’s Ex. 56.
8
State’s Evidence at Punishment
During the punishment phase, the State reoffered all of the evidence
admitted during the guilt phase and introduced evidence that on March 20,
1995, the applicant received two years in a state jail for theft which was
probated for three years (XX S.F. at 8)(XXI S.F. at 449, 452). John Thomas, a
Harris County adult probation officer, testified that the applicant used
marijuana and tested positive for cocaine (XXI S.F. at 454, 460).
The State also presented evidence regarding the murder of Greta
Williams. At approximately 11:30 a.m., on November 1, 1989, Philip Clark,
Houston Police Department, was called to the 3400 block of Linn where he
met Raymond Manuel (XX S.F. at 22, 26). Manuel directed Clark to a vacant
house at 3419 Linn (XX S.F. at 23). Clark pulled back a sheet of plywood that
covered one of the windows and saw a body in the back of the house (XX S.F.
at 24).
Wayne Wendel, Houston Police Department homicide division,
responded to the scene where he saw both Manuel and the applicant (XX S.F.
at 29). The house was boarded up and had been used by neighborhood drug
users (XX S.F. at 30). Inside was the body of Greta Williams; she had been
beaten to death and was partially covered by a carpet (XX S.F. at 31). There
was evidence of severe trauma to her head, and there were medium velocity
9
blood spatter stains along the west wall which indicated repeated blows (XX
S.F. at 37, 40). Williams’ clothes were found under her body, and there were
some broken teeth next to her neck (XX S.F. at 38, 39). Also at the scene was
a cigarette lighter with blood on it and a used condom on the back steps (XX
S.F. at 54-5).
On November 2, 1989, Harminder S. Narula, a Harris County medical
examiner, performed the autopsy on Williams (XX S.F. at 92). She had blunt
trauma over her face, head, chest, back, left forearm, and left hand, and six
lacerations on her left eyelid, mouth and chin (XX S.F. at 95-6). She had a
fracture on her left upper jaw, loose teeth in her lower jaw, and chipped and
broken upper teeth (XX S.F. at 97). There was bruising and a slight tear on
her heart as well as fractured ribs and a partial crushing of her liver (XX S.F.
at 100). Williams died from blunt trauma to her head, face, chest, and
abdomen which caused the fractured jaw, fractured ribs, and lacerated liver
(XX S.F. at 102-3). A drug screen was negative, and there was no evidence of
semen in the body (XX S.F. at 103-4).
Wendel talked to Manuel three different times about the Williams’
murder (XX S.F. at 43). Furthermore, police took a written statement from
the applicant concerning the incident (XX S.F. at 46, 65). The applicant stated
that he was sitting on a front porch when Williams came by and asked what
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was up (XX S.F. at 86). The applicant stated that Williams then left, and he
saw two guys named Daniel Noel and Tony Trahan say “hey baby” to her (XX
S.F. at 87). The case was referred to the grand jury, but the applicant was no-
billed (XX S.F. at 49-50).
On July 13, 1995, sixteen-year-old Hau Trung Pham was working with
his father on Roland Street in his father’s convenience store (XIX S.F. at 32-3).
Pham’s father weighed approximately 111 pounds and was 57 years old (XIX
S.F. at 54). At approximately 11:00 that morning, the applicant and another
man came into the store and then left (XIX S.F. at 34, 51). At about 3:00 p.m.,
Pham was sleeping in the storeroom when he heard a scream (XIX S.F. at 34).
The two men had returned, and one of them grabbed his neck and told him to
open up the cash register (XIX S.F. at 35). Pham saw his father laying on the
floor with the applicant standing next to him (XIX S.F. at 35, 42). There was a
broken chair very close to his father (XIX S.F. at 43). Pham’s father had blood
in his eyes and was not saying anything (XIX S.F. at 37). One of the robbers
then picked up the cash register and fumbled underneath it, and then the
other robber took Pham into the back of the store and put a milk pot on his
head (XIX S.F. at 37). When the men left, Pham called the police (XIX S.F. at
37-43).
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James L. Crowson, Houston Police Department, responded to the call at
the Village Food Market at 3115 Roland (XIX S.F. at 11). He saw that an older
Asian man had a large gash over his left eye and was incoherent (XIX S.F. at
12). Crowson did not call the crime scene unit because the crime was just an
aggravated robbery at the time; however, Pham’s father died within a few
days as a result of the injuries sustained during the robbery (XIX S.F. at 14).
No suspects were detained at the scene (XIX S.F. at 17).
Todd Miller, Houston Police Department homicide division, was
contacted about the Roland Street robbery on July 17, 1995, after Pham’s
father died (XIX S.F. at 60-1). During his investigation, he talked to Terrence
Davis, Perry Harvey, and Tecumseh Manuel (XIX S.F. at 65). Manuel told
Miller about the Roland Street robbery and the present triple murder on
Weaver (XIX S.F. at 67). The applicant then confessed to the crime. State’s Ex.
96.
On July 17, 1995, Eduardo Bellas, Harris County medical examiner,
conducted an autopsy of Pham’s father (XIX S.F. at 81). The victim had a
fracture immediately above his eyeballs which was consistent with multiple
blows to that area (XIX S.F. at 84). The primary causes of death were a
fractured skull, brain contusions and lacerations, and infections to both lungs
which was a complication of the other injuries (XIX S.F. at 84).
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Defendant’s Evidence at Punishment
Lizzie White, the applicant’s mother, testified that she named the
applicant after a nurse’s last name (XXI S.F. at 225). White had seven
children; the applicant was the third oldest and was born in Houston (XXI S.F.
at 226-27). She lived in Kashmere Gardens and in the Fifth Ward area of
Houston (XXI S.F. at 228).
The applicant’s mother testified that the applicant went to Hilliard
Elementary School, Fleming Middle School, and Wheatley High School, and
that he was a poor student but had good conduct (XXI S.F. at 229-30). He did
not miss a day of school in the twelfth grade (XXI S.F. at 234). White testified
that her son got along well with everyone and did not have trouble with the
juvenile authorities; however, when the applicant was about fourteen years
old, he took one of her cars (XXI S.F. at 235). Also, she was once called to
school because the applicant did not dress for physical education (XXI S.F. at
236).
White testified that the applicant played football for Wheatley as a
starter and graduated in 1981 (XXI S.F. at 237). The applicant then went to
Lubbock Christian College to play football; but he busted one of his knees in
1982 and ended his football career (XXI S.F. at 239-40). The applicant
dropped out of school and returned to Houston to recuperate (XXI S.F. at
13
240). The applicant then started painting houses and working for his father,
Leon Charles, who had a mechanic’s shop (XXI S.F. at 241). The applicant left
home when he was about twenty-one and went to live with the Manuel
family (XXI S.F. at 247).
White stated that, in 1984, the applicant started sandblasting buildings
with a company called Clean America (XXI S.F. at 244). In March of 1988, the
applicant was hospitalized with a hurt hand and head after falling three or
four stories off of a building (XXI S.F. at 246). When the applicant was
released from the hospital, he did not come around the family as much (XXI
S.F. at 248). He started hanging out with drug users and was living with the
mother of his children at the Manuels (XXI S.F. at 249). The applicant had
three children: fourteen-year-old Christopher, ten-year-old Porsha, and six-
year-old Jared (XXI S.F. at 249). The applicant was behind in child support;
however, he still loved his children (XXI S.F. at 253). Finally, White asked the
jury to give her son a life sentence (XXI S.F. at 254).1
Monica Garrett, the applicant’s sister, testified that the applicant was a
nice brother and that she helped him with his homework (XXI S.F. at 271).
She also stated that the applicant was a good football player, but his college
1
During cross-examination, it was revealed that the applicant knew Tecumseh and
Raymond Manuel since junior high school (XXI S.F. at 259).
14
career ended with a knee injury after his first semester (XXI S.F. at 273).
Finally, she asked the jury for a life sentence (XXI S.F. at 275).2
Robert Yohman, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist, testified that he
reviewed the applicant’s records and tested him with the Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Scale, academic achievement batteries, and personality tests (XXI
S.F. at 312-13). Yohman stated that the applicant had an IQ of 76, which was
in the sixth percentile for intellectual functioning and on the borderline
between average and mental retardation (XXI S.F. at 315-16). The applicant
did not have elevated levels of distress in his life which suggested that he was
handling his impulses through denial (XXI S.F. at 326-27). Yohman stated
that cocaine use could accentuate impulsive behavior caused by a head injury
(XXI S.F. at 336). Yohman concluded that the applicant would not be a future
danger in a controlled prison environment because of the limitations on
cocaine use (XXI S.F. at 346).3
Dennis Nelson, Ph.D., stated that the applicant had an IQ of 85 to 87
(XXI S.F. at 392). He concluded that the applicant was reasonably
2It was revealed during cross-examination that the applicant could do better with grades
when he applied himself, and the applicant never asked for help with his problems (XXI
S.F. at 277-78).
3 During cross-examination, Yohman admitted that there was no evidence that the
applicant suffered a brain injury (XXI S.F. at 352). He also stated that, if the applicant lied
during the interview, then the diagnosis of cocaine addiction was inaccurate (XXI S.F. at
365). Yohman stated that the applicant was capable of anger and lust (XXI S.F. at 370).
Finally, Yohman admitted that his conclusions were based on the assumption that drugs
are not available to prison inmates (XXI S.F. at 375).
15
responsible, not violent, fairly quiet, somewhat socially inhibited, and not
prone to digging into trouble (XXI S.F. at 410). The applicant told Nelson that
cocaine was the major drug that he abused (XXI S.F. at 413). Nelson stated
that the applicant was dependent on circumstances and that a properly
functioning prison should be a controlled environment (XXI S.F. at 425).
III. APPLICANT FAILS TO MEET ART. 11.071, § 5 REQUIREMENTS
ALTERNATIVELY, APPLICANT’S CLAIMS ARE MERITLESS
In the instant application for writ of habeas corpus filed on January 8,
2015, the applicant urges two issues relating to the admission of his custodial
statement: (1) that his invocation of counsel is entitled to more deference
due to his alleged borderline IQ; and, (2) that the Texas Constitution
mandates additional scrutiny of the applicant’s invocation of counsel due to
the applicant’s alleged mental limitations or illness.
In support of his allegation of a borderline IQ, the applicant relies on
the 2008 psychological report of Patricia M. Averill, Ph.D., which was
previously included with the applicant’s third subsequent state habeas
application, cause no. 723847-D. Applicant’s Exhibit 3. According to Dr.
Averill’s report, the applicant achieved a Full Scale IQ score of 78 on a
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Third Edition. Dr. Averill concludes that,
while the applicant does not qualify for a diagnosis of mental retardation, he
16
functions at a borderline intellectual level, and his intellectual limitations
likely result in social vulnerabilities. Dr. Averill states that the applicant’s
adaptive functioning is difficult to ascertain due to a lack of information, but
she remarks that the applicant attended college on a football scholarship
until he sustained a knee injury; that the applicant maintained employment
for several years; that the applicant had a family; that the applicant got along
well with others; and, that the applicant had no social/interpersonal skill
difficulties. Notably, Dr. Averill reaches no conclusions regarding the
applicant’s ability to invoke his right to counsel.
The applicant also proffers the 1998 report of Jerome Brown, Ph.D., a
report that was previously presented in the applicant’s initial state
application for writ of habeas corpus, cause no. 723847-A. Applicant’s Ex. 4.
Dr. Brown’s report, however, contains no reference to the applicant’s
intellectual functioning. Rather, the thrust of the report is that the applicant
does not represent a danger to others provided he is not using street
chemicals; that the applicant adjusted well to prison; and, that the applicant
should respond well to a structured environment and provide no problem for
prison authorities.
Notwithstanding that the instant habeas petition is labeled an
“original” habeas application and that it was filed directly with the Court of
17
Criminal Appeals, the applicant does not meet the statutory requirements for
filing a subsequent state application for writ of habeas corpus. See TEX. CODE
CRIM. PROC. art. 11071, § 5. The instant habeas claims are merely reiterations
of previously urged and rejected claims. On direct appeal, the Court of
Criminal Appeals overruled the applicant’s challenge to the admissibility of
his custodial statement, based on his alleged invocation of his right to
counsel. White, No. 72580, slip op. at 4-8. The applicant urged the same
claim in his initial state habeas application, and the Court of Criminal Appeals
adopted the trial court’s findings and denied the applicant habeas relief.
White, No. 48,152-01, slip op. at 2.
In his second subsequent state habeas petition, cause no. 723847-C,
filed in 2007, the applicant alleged that he suffered from impairment and
mental problems, including cocaine addiction, and was not competent to
waive his rights to silence and counsel. Applicant’s writ, cause no. 723847-C,
at p. 3, 7. Included with the applicant’s petition was the 2002 evaluation of
Seth Silverman, M.D., referencing the punishment phase trial testimony of
Robert Yohman, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist, and Dennis Nelson, Ph.D.,
18
a psychologist, concerning the applicant’s intellectual functioning.4
Applicant’s writ, cause no. 723847-C, Exhibit E. The purpose of Dr.
Silverman’s evaluation, however, was not to gauge the impact of the
applicant’s alleged limited intellectual functioning on his ability to waive his
right to silence and counsel but to examine the applicant’s drug use at the
time of the primary offense and its effect on his judgment and ability to
engage in deliberate thought. Applicant’s writ, cause no. 723847-C, Exhibit E
at 1.
In his third subsequent state habeas petition, cause no. 723847-D, filed
in 2009, the applicant relied on Dr. Averill’s 2008 report, which the applicant
again presents in the instant habeas application, to argue that trial counsel
was ineffective for failing to discover his IQ of 78. Applicant’s writ, cause no.
723847-D, at 3-5.
In his habeas petition filed in federal district court, the applicant again
challenged the admissibility of his confession, arguing, in part, that he was
not competent to waive his Miranda rights due to his substance abuse. The
4
Dr. Yohman testified that he evaluated the applicant in order to ascertain his cognitive
and emotional status. Based on that evaluation, Dr. Yohman concluded that the applicant
had a cocaine dependency and borderline intellectual functioning but no major
psychopathology (XXI S.F. at 298). Dr. Yohman stated that the applicant’s IQ was 76,
placing him in the 6th percentile for intellectual functioning or the borderline range (XXI
S.F. at 315-16). Dr. Nelson testified that the applicant’s IQ was in the 85 to 87 range (XXI
S.F. at 392).
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federal district court held that the applicant’s claim was meritless. White, No.
H-02-01805, 2011 WL 4625361, at *12-14.
Finally, in his petition to the Fifth Circuit, the applicant again
challenged the admissibility of his confession, arguing, in part, that he was
not competent to waive his rights. The Fifth Circuit overruled the applicant’s
claim, noting the testimony of the officer who conducted the applicant’s
interview that the applicant was not intoxicated at the time of questioning,
and the applicant specifically told the officer that he was drug free for a few
days. White, 522 Fed. App’x. at 231, 2013 WL 1442568, at *5. In sum, the
applicant presents nothing new in the instant habeas petition.
Further, there is no support for the applicant’s assertions regarding his
ability to invoke counsel or request for heightened scrutiny of his invocation
of counsel. See Delao v. State, 235 S.W.3d 235, 241 (Tex. Crim. App.
2007)(holding that the totality of the circumstances standard for assessing
the voluntariness of a confession given by a person of normal mentality is the
appropriate standard to apply when a confession is made by someone
suffering from mental retardation and mental illness). The Court of Criminal
Appeals has upheld the admission of confessions made by defendants
suffering from mental impairments, including mental retardation. See Bell v.
State, 582 SW.2d 800, 809 (Tex. Crim. App. 1979)(defendant was mildly
20
mentally retarded and lacked capacity to read and understand certain
statements); Casias v. State, 452 S.W.2d 483, 488 (Tex. Crim. App.
1970)(defendant was illiterate with a second grade level education and an IQ
o f68).
Additionally, to the extent that the applicant argues that he has low
intellectual functioning, the applicant cannot now urge that his execution is
barred under Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002). First, the applicant has
bypassed the opportunity to raise mental retardation. 5 See Ex parte Blue, 230
S.W.3d 151, 154 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007)(holding that constitutional
prohibition against executing mentally retarded person does not mean that
such claim can be made “at any time;” the Legislature may exercise its
“regulatory authority to impose limitations on successive and abusive state
post-conviction writs”).
Moreover, given the applicant’s IQ testing results, the applicant cannot
satisfy even the first prong criteria for mental retardation, significantly
subaverage general intellectual functioning, much less the adaptive
5
In Hall v. Florida, ___ U.S. ___, 134 S. Ct. 1986, 1990 (May 27, 2014), the United States
Supreme Court replaced the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in its
opinion. Because the applicant’s claims and the Court’s ensuing orders predate Hall and
use the term “mental retardation,” the State will refer to mental retardation unless
discussing an opinion where the term “intellectual disability” is used.
21
functioning and early onset prongs. Ex parte Briseno, 135 S.W.3d 1, 7 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2004)(to establish mental retardation, defendant must prove by a
preponderance of the evidence that he meets all three prongs of the three-
prong test of mental retardation: (1) significantly subaverage general
intellectual functioning; (2) that is concurrent with deficits in adaptive
behavior; (3) and, originates during the developmental period); see also TEX.
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE, § 591.003 (13).
Based on the foregoing, the applicant fails to meet the requirements of
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 11.071, § 5. In the alternative, and notwithstanding
the applicant’s failure to meet the statutory requirements of art. 11071, § 5
for the filing of a subsequent application for writ of habeas corpus, the
applicant’s claims are meritless.
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IV. CONCLUSION
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, the Respondent respectfully
requests that the Court of Criminal Appeals dismiss the applicant’s instant
original application for writ of habeas corpus and/or deny the applicant
habeas relief as well as deny the applicant’s request for stay of execution.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/LYNN HARDAWAY
LYNN HARDAWAY
Assistant District Attorney
Harris County, Texas
1201 Franklin, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 755-6657
(713) 755-5240 fax
TBC 08948520
Hardaway_Lynn@dao.hctx.net
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V. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE AND COMPLIANCE
Service has been accomplished by sending a copy of this instrument by
mail to counsel for the applicant on this the 12th day of January, 2015.
Pat McCann
Attorney at Law
909 Texas Ave. #205
Houston, Texas 77007
713 223-3805
713 226-8097 fax
writlawyer@justice.com
Pursuant to TEX. R. APP. P. § 9.4, I certify that the instant document contains
5,155 words.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/LYNN HARDAWAY
LYNN HARDAWAY
Assistant District Attorney
Harris County, Texas
1201 Franklin, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 755-6657
(713) 755-5240 fax
TBC 08948520
Hardaway_Lynn@dao.hctx.net
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