Brown, Ex Parte Curtis Eugene ( 2006 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS

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NO. AP-75,377

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EX PARTE CURTIS EUGENE BROWN, Applicant

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ON APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

CAUSE NO. 2000-1-4031 IN THE 24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

REFUGIO COUNTY

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   Per Curiam.

O R D E R

This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus which was transmitted to this Court by the clerk of the trial court pursuant to the provisions of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 11.07, Section 3. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to imprisonment for twelve years. Applicant filed a motion for a new trial based, in part, on new evidence that allegedly demonstrated his innocence. In support of his claim of actual innocence, Applicant provided, among other things, an affidavit from the complainant recanting the allegation of sexual assault and an affidavit from the complainant's mother stating that the complainant was lying when she accused Applicant of sexual assault. The trial court scheduled a hearing on Applicant's motion. At the hearing, the parties agreed to allow the trial judge to interview the complainant off the record in camera to determine whether the judge believed the recantation or not. After meeting with the complainant, the trial judge denied the motion, stating, "I do not believe the recantation of the child . . . [.]" Applicant did not appeal.

Applicant file an application for a writ of habeas corpus alleging that new evidence affirmatively establishes his innocence. In support of his habeas allegation, Applicant submits the same affidavits from the complainant and the complainant's mother that he presented to trial court in support of his motion for a new trial. We remanded this case to the trial court for an evidentiary hearing. On remand, the trial court held a live hearing where Applicant, the complainant, and the complainant's mother testified. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing, the trial court concluded that "Applicant has established by clear and convincing evidence that no reasonable juror could convict him in light of [the complainant's] testimony. The evidence of Applicant's guilt is far outweighed by the evidence of his innocence." As a result, the trial court recommended that we grant Applicant relief.

We file and set this case for submission to determine whether, for purposes of this habeas proceeding, the complainant's recantation is newly discovered evidence of actual innocence. See Ex parte Tuley, 109 S.W.3d 388, 391-95 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002); Ex parte Elizondo, 947 S.W.2d 202, 209 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). The parties shall brief this issue. If the trial court finds that Applicant is indigent, the trial court will, pursuant to the provisions of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 26.04, appoint an attorney to represent him. If the trial court finds that Applicant is not indigent, Applicant shall be given the opportunity to retain counsel within 15 days of the trial court's finding. Any hearing conducted pursuant to this order shall be held within 30 days of this order. Applicant's brief shall be filed with this Court on or before June 7, 2006. Any brief filed in response by the State shall be filed no later than 30 days after the filing of the Applicant's brief.

  IT IS SO ORDERED: April 12, 2006

DO NOT PUBLISH