Satterfield v. State

John Orlando Satterfield v. State of Maryland, Misc. No. 10, September Term, 2022.
Opinion by Hotten, J.
MD. CODE ANN., CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE § 8-201 – POST-
CONVICTION DNA TESTING – EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE
Criminal Procedure Article § 8-201(d)(1) of the Maryland Code provides that a person
convicted of a crime of violence is entitled to post-conviction DNA testing, upon a showing
that “a reasonable probability exists that the DNA testing has the scientific potential to
produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence relevant to a claim of wrongful conviction or
sentencing[]” and “the requested DNA test employs a method of testing generally accepted
within the relevant scientific community.” Petitioner failed to demonstrate that there was
a reasonable probability that the results of any DNA testing would be exculpatory or
mitigating. As such, the circuit court properly denied Petitioner’s petition for post-
conviction DNA testing.
MARYLAND RULES 4-701 ET SEQ. – POST-CONVICTION DNA TESTING –
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS UNDER MD. CODE ANN., CRIMINAL
PROCEDURE ARTICLE § 8-201
“Maryland Rules 4-701 et seq. govern post-conviction DNA testing procedures.” Edwards
v. State, 453 Md. 174, 189 n.12, 160 A.3d 642, 651 n.12 (2017); Md. Rule 4-701 (“The
Rules in this Chapter apply to proceedings filed under [Md.] Code [Ann.], Criminal
Procedure Article, § 8-201.”). The Supreme Court of Maryland held that the circuit court:
(1) was not required to hold a hearing prior to denying Petitioner’s petition for post-
conviction DNA testing under Maryland Rule 4-709(b)(1)(B); (2) was not required to
consider Petitioner’s reply to the State’s answer nor was Petitioner entitled to submit a
reply under Maryland Rule 4-707(a); (3) failed to comply with Maryland Rule 4-709(e);
however, remand would be futile, Jackson v. State, 448 Md. 387, 411, 139 A.3d 976, 990
(2016). Accordingly, the Supreme Court affirmed the circuit court’s denial of Petitioner’s
petition for post-conviction DNA testing.
Circuit Court for Baltimore County IN THE SUPREME COURT
Case No.: 03-K-06-004604
Argued: February 3, 2023
OF MARYLAND*
Misc. No. 10
September Term, 2022
__________________________________
JOHN ORLANDO SATTERFIELD
v.
STATE OF MARYLAND
__________________________________
Fader, C.J.,
Watts,
Hotten,
Booth,
Biran,
Gould,
Eaves,
JJ.
__________________________________
Opinion by Hotten, J.
__________________________________
Filed: April 24, 2023
Pursuant to the Maryland Uniform Electronic Legal Materials
Act (§§ 10-1601 et seq. of the State Government Article) this
document is authentic.
2023-04-24 14:19-04:00
Gregory Hilton, Clerk
*During the November 8, 2022 general election, the voters of Maryland ratified a
constitutional amendment changing the name of the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court
of Maryland. The name change took effect on December 14, 2022.
The Post-Conviction DNA Testing Statute, Md. Code Ann., Criminal Procedure
(“Crim. Proc.”) § 8-201, allows persons convicted of a crime of violence to file a petition:
“(1) for DNA testing of scientific identification evidence that the State possesses that is
related to the judgment of conviction[]” or “(2) for a search by a law enforcement agency
of a law enforcement data base or log for the purpose of identifying the source of physical
evidence used for DNA testing.” A circuit court is required to order DNA testing of such
evidence if two conditions are met. See id. § 8-201(d). First, the petitioner must
demonstrate that “a reasonable probability exists that the DNA testing has the scientific
potential to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence relevant to a claim of wrongful
conviction or sentencing[.]” Id. § 8-201(d)(1)(i). Second, “the requested DNA test [must]
employ[] a method of testing generally accepted within the relevant scientific community.”
Id. § 8-201(d)(1)(ii). If the circuit court denies the petition, the petitioner can directly
appeal to this Court. Id. § 8-201(k)(6).
In this case, Petitioner, John Orlando Satterfield, was convicted of fourteen criminal
offenses, including first-degree murder, and sentenced to life imprisonment plus 150 years.
Pursuant to Crim. Proc. § 8-201(b)(1), Petitioner filed a Petition for Post-Conviction DNA
Testing (the “Petition”). The Circuit Court for Baltimore County denied the Petition
without a hearing or an explanation. On appeal, Petitioner seeks our review of the circuit
court’s denial of his Petition, as well as the circuit court’s decision not to conduct a hearing
or allow the opportunity to reply to the State’s answer to his Petition. For the reasons
outlined below, we shall affirm the circuit court’s denial.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Background
The testimony at trial established the following. On September 8, 2006, at
approximately 9:30 p.m., Randy Hudson, also known as “Scooby,” drove to Dundalk
located in Baltimore County to pick up his daughter from the home of her grandparents,
Anna and Eric Fountain. Mr. Hudson parked behind the house. As Mr. Hudson unlocked
the back door to enter the home, he was “approached from behind by someone who grabbed
him [around] the throat.”
Mr. Hudson testified that the man had “big arms[,]” but was unable to describe him
because the man had “a shirt pulled over his face.” The man pushed Mr. Hudson into a
nearby alley where two other men appeared. Mr. Hudson testified that the men “were
wearing Yankees baseball caps[]” and were armed. The men demanded money from Mr.
Hudson. According to Mr. Hudson, the men “beat him, [] took $3,000” from him, and
asked for “the rest” of his money.
Ms. Fountain testified that she and her granddaughter were sleeping in the living
room when a noise inside the house awakened her. According to Petitioner’s description
of Ms. Fountain’s trial testimony, two men “burst into her home, neither of whom [were]
Petitioner.” The men yelled at Ms. Fountain, “pointed a gun at her, told her not to look at
them, and took her cell phone.” The two men ran up and down her steps a few times until
they went back outside. They subsequently returned, “dragg[ing] [Mr. Hudson] into the
house, and up the stairs.” Ms. Fountain heard gunshots. The two men ran back downstairs
and left the home. Ms. Fountain went upstairs and discovered her husband on the floor
2
bleeding, and Mr. Hudson lying on the bed. Ms. Fountain called 911 from Mr. Hudson’s
cell phone.
Upon arrival, Officer Thomas Wehrle noticed the front door “was slightly ajar.” He
peered inside to see Ms. Fountain “kneeling down on the floor . . . holding a small child, . . .
hysterical and crying.” Ms. Fountain directed Officer Wehrle to “hurry up,” advising that
Mr. Hudson and Mr. Fountain were upstairs. Officer Wehrle found Mr. Hudson lying on
the bed, bleeding and “gasping for air.” He also found Mr. Fountain on the floor
“completely unresponsive” and not “breathing, . . . as if he’d been deceased.”
Dr. Carol Allan, an Assistant Medical Examiner for the State, performed the autopsy
on Mr. Fountain. Dr. Allan testified that Mr. Fountain “sustained two gunshot wounds to
his torso, one near his right shoulder and another to his upper abdomen.” Dr. Allan
determined that the cause of death was gunshot wounds and that “the manner of death [was]
homicide.”
Chalene Smith, an informant for the Baltimore City Police Department, contacted
the Baltimore City police with information related to the crime. Thereafter, the Baltimore
City authorities contacted the Baltimore County authorities, sharing Ms. Smith’s
information. Detective Craig Schrott, a member of the Homicide Unit of the Baltimore
County Police Department, interviewed Ms. Smith in September 2006. Detective Schrott
testified that, during the course of the investigation, authorities first identified Darnell
Smith as a suspect. Authorities “[t]hen [] were able to identify [Petitioner] and Christian
Lee[]” as suspects.
3
Detective Gary Childs, also a member of the Homicide Unit, interviewed another
witness to the crime, Tori Kucz. Ms. Kucz testified that, on the evening in question, she
and Petitioner were running errands. Ms. Kucz and Petitioner “drove around” until they
picked up Mr. Smith, Mr. Lee, and Ms. Smith. Ms. Kucz overheard in conversation that
Petitioner “didn’t like [Mr. Hudson][.]” Ms. Kucz testified that she “knew that we were
goin’ to do somethin’ that shouldn’t be happenin’[.] I knew that we were goin’ to do
somethin’ that wasn’t right.” She testified that they drove to a “liquor store[,]” smoked
marijuana, and drove to the Dundalk area near Ms. Fountain’s home. According to Ms.
Kucz, Petitioner told her to park the car in the alley on Ms. Fountain’s street. The group
subsequently “walked to a park,” where they sat and drank. A few hours later, Petitioner,
Mr. Smith, and Mr. Lee told Ms. Kucz and Ms. Smith “to stay there[]” and “that they were
gonna be back[.]” Ms. Kucz testified that the men left, “came back shortly thereafter[,]”
and “left again.”
Ms. Kucz testified that she later had to relieve herself, prompting her and Ms. Smith
to walk up the street and “around to the back alley, where [her] car was parked.” Ms. Smith
“stopped and went to the bathroom first, then further down the alley by [her] car [Ms. Kucz]
stopped and” relieved herself. Ms. Kucz testified that, as she was “goin’ to the bathroom
in the alley,” Mr. Lee and Mr. Smith “come runnin’ down the alley,” screaming to “start
the car[.]” According to Ms. Kucz, Mr. Lee and Mr. Smith “were yelling[]” and “anxious
or . . . afraid or something.” Ms. Kucz started the car, “made a left out of the alley,” and a
few moments later, picked up Petitioner on the “side of the street[.]” Ms. Kucz testified
that, “[w]hen [Petitioner] got in the car, he was fussin’ at me because I didn’t answer my
4
cell phone[]” and that he yelled at Mr. Smith and Mr. Lee that “nobody was supposed to
get shot. Nobody was supposed -- this wasn’t supposed to happen.” Ms. Kucz explained
that:
[Mr. Lee] . . . was saying he don’t know what happened. The man came at
him and he just pulled the trigger, that he didn’t mean to do it. He kept sayin’
that he shot the man, he think he dead. I think I [killed] him, yo. You know
that color white? He was that color white they get before they die. . . . [T]his
was not supposed to happen, that nobody was supposed to get hurt or die.
The police later searched Mr. Smith’s home and uncovered “a gun, ammunition,
and a sweatshirt.” It was determined that the gun and ammunition recovered were used to
shoot and kill Mr. Fountain. Authorities also recovered a cigarette butt from the alley that
was “laying on the ground near the fence opening” behind the Fountains’ house. A
Forensic Technician with the Baltimore County Police Department testified that the
cigarette butt was recovered with “other trash and debris in the alley[]” and “was neither
wet, dirty[,] or damaged.” The DNA on the cigarette butt was later determined to be that
of a female, thereby excluding Petitioner as a source of DNA. Detective Michael Forsyth
also testified that, on the evening in question, a cell tower “[l]ess than a mile[]” from Ms.
Fountain’s home intercepted a call from a cell phone associated with Petitioner.
Petitioner’s DNA was also collected from a hat recovered in the backyard of the Fountains’
home. Petitioner was subsequently arrested on September 29, 2006.
Legal Proceedings
On February 7, 2008, Petitioner was convicted in the Circuit Court for Baltimore
County of fourteen counts, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and first-degree
assault. On March 19, the circuit court sentenced Petitioner to life plus 150 years. That
5
same day, Petitioner noted an appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland.1 On April 15,
2010, the Appellate Court affirmed the convictions.
On January 7, 2015, Petitioner filed a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief pursuant
to the Uniform Post-Conviction Procedure Act. See Crim. Proc. §§ 7-101–109. The circuit
court conducted a post-conviction hearing on September 24. On October 27, by way of
written memorandum and order, the circuit court denied the petition. The circuit court
explained that:
Along with the testimony of the firearms expert, and Ms. Kucz’s testimony,
the [S]tate also relied on DNA evidence and cell phone records to tie the
three co-defendants to the crime. Ultimately this evidence led to the
conviction of Petitioner resulting in the Post-Conviction Petition that this
court is now addressing.
Petitioner filed leave to appeal, which was denied by the Appellate Court on July
28, 2016. On August 24, 2022, Petitioner filed the Petition. Pursuant to Crim. Proc. § 8-
201(d)(1)(i), Petitioner asserted that there was a reasonable probability that DNA testing
of the cigarette butt from the alley “has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or
mitigating evidence.” The State filed an answer and motion to dismiss on August 30. On
September 5, the circuit court denied the Petition without a hearing or explanation. On
October 3, Petitioner filed a motion for reconsideration. The circuit court denied the
motion on October 27, finding that the Petition “was properly denied.”
1
During the November 8, 2022 general election, the voters of Maryland ratified a
constitutional amendment changing the name of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland
to the Appellate Court of Maryland. The name change took effect on December 14, 2022.
6
On October 10, 2022, Petitioner filed a notice of appeal. By order dated October
27, the Appellate Court transferred Petitioner’s appeal to this Court. Petitioner filed a
Motion to Supplement the Record on January 24, 2023, whereby he sought to include the
transcripts of the police interviews with Ms. Smith and Ms. Kucz. We denied the motion
on January 30.2
DISCUSSION
Standard of Review
This Court “reviews without deference the legal standard that a [circuit] court uses
in ruling on a petition[]” for post-conviction DNA testing. Fuster v. State, 437 Md. 653,
671, 89 A.3d 1114, 1124 (2014) (citation omitted); Edwards v. State, 453 Md. 174, 185,
160 A.3d 642, 649 (2017) (“Because we are asked to interpret the language in the post-
conviction DNA testing statute, . . . our review is plenary.” (footnote and citations
omitted)). “We review a circuit court’s determination of whether a reasonable probability
exists that the DNA testing has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or mitigating
evidence for clear error.” Givens v. State, 459 Md. 694, 705, 188 A.3d 903, 909 (2018)
(citation omitted). “Under this standard, if there is any competent evidence to support the
factual findings below, those findings cannot be held to be clearly erroneous.” Id., 188
A.3d at 909 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
2
During oral arguments, defense counsel stated that she had the discs containing
the transcripts in her possession at the time the Petition was filed.
7
Parties’ Contentions
Petitioner raises two issues on appeal. First, Petitioner reiterates that a “reasonable
probability” exists that testing the cigarette butt had the potential to “produce exculpatory
evidence[]” relevant to his claim. Petitioner believes that the DNA testing could “implicate
and/or provide impeachment evidence” against Ms. Smith and Ms. Kucz before the jury.
Petitioner argues that Ms. Smith and Ms. Kucz possessed the “motivation to lie and
implicate others to avoid prosecution[.]” According to Petitioner, this would lead “the jury
to question their credibility as witnesses, thus making the evidence exculpatory.”
Petitioner contends that he would not have been convicted, but for Ms. Kucz’s testimony.
Second, Petitioner argues that the circuit court erred in dismissing the Petition
without conducting a hearing or providing the opportunity to reply to the State’s answer to
his Petition. Relying on Blake v. State, 418 Md. 445, 15 A.3d 787 (2011) (“Blake II”),
Petitioner maintains that he should “be given an opportunity to respond and challenge the
State’s representation[]” as a matter of “[f]undamental fairness[.]” He, therefore, believes
remand is appropriate.
In response, the State asserts that DNA testing of the cigarette butt would not have
resulted in the discovery of exculpatory evidence. Rather, it “may have, at best, amounted
to impeachment evidence against the credibility of” Ms. Smith and Ms. Kucz—“not
exculpatory evidence or mitigating evidence as required for relief under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-
201.” According to the State, “even if the DNA from the cigarette butt had been tested and
determined to match that of either [Ms.] Smith or [Ms.] Kucz, that evidence, as a matter of
law, would be neither exculpatory nor mitigating.” Furthermore, even if the DNA testing
8
revealed Ms. Kucz or Ms. Smith as “aiders and [abettors] . . . or . . . could have been used
to impeach their credibility,” such a showing would be “immaterial to the standard of relief
under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201.” Such evidence, the State maintains, would not “clear
[Petitioner] of guilt or tend to establish his innocence.”
Finally, on the procedural issue, the State contends that both Crim. Proc. § 8-201
and Maryland Rule 4-707 authorize the circuit court, upon consideration of the State’s
answer, to deny the Petition without a hearing and his response to the State’s answer.
Analysis
A. Crim. Proc. § 8-201: The Post-Conviction DNA Testing Statute
“[I]n 2001, the General Assembly enacted [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201, which authorizes
post-conviction DNA testing.” Givens, 459 Md. at 706, 188 A.3d at 910. “The General
Assembly intended [Crim. Proc. § 8-201] to serve as ‘a mechanism for a person who has
been convicted of certain serious crimes to obtain exculpatory or mitigating evidence
through the DNA testing of items related to that conviction.’” Id., 188 A.3d at 910 (quoting
Simms, 445 Md. at 167, 126 A.3d at 28); Edwards, 453 Md. at 188, 160 A.3d at 651 (“The
statute was enacted . . . to provide an avenue for the exoneration of the actually innocent.”
(internal quotation marks and citation omitted)).
Crim. Proc. § 8-201(b)(1) provides that “a person who is convicted of a crime of
violence[3] . . . may file a petition: [] for DNA testing of scientific identification evidence
3
“Crime[s] of violence” are defined by Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law § 14-101.
Petitioner was convicted of fourteen counts, including first-degree murder, armed robbery,
and first-degree assault. Petitioner’s offenses, by definition, qualify as violent crimes under
Crim. Proc. § 8-201. See id. § 14-101.
9
that the State possesses that is related to the judgment of conviction[.]” “Scientific
identification evidence” is defined as evidence that:
(i) is related to an investigation or prosecution that resulted in a judgment
of conviction;
(ii) is in the actual or constructive possession of a law enforcement agency
or agent of a law enforcement agency; and
(iii) contains biological evidence from which DNA may be recovered that
may produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence relevant to a claim of a
convicted person of wrongful conviction or sentencing if subject to DNA
testing.
Id. § 8-201(a)(5).4 Under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d), a court must “order DNA testing if the
petitioner demonstrates that two conditions are met.” Givens, 459 Md. at 707, 188 A.3d at
910 (citation omitted). First, a court must find “a reasonable probability exists that the
DNA testing has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence
relevant to a claim of wrongful conviction or sentencing[.]” Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i)
(emphasis added). Second, a court must also find that “the requested DNA test employs a
method of testing generally accepted within the relevant scientific community.” Id. § 8-
201(d)(1)(ii).
If it is determined that “‘a genuine factual issue as to whether the evidence exists,
ordinarily the court should hold a hearing.’” Brown v. State, 470 Md. 503, 546, 236 A.3d
488, 512 (2020) (quoting Arey v. State, 400 Md. 491, 507, 929 A.2d 501, 510 (2007)). “If
4
The cigarette butt at issue “meet[s] the statutory definition of ‘scientific
identification evidence.’ . . . [This] item[] [is] related to the investigation of [Petitioner] to
the extent that the police collected th[is] item[] from the scene of crime for processing.”
Edwards, 453 Md. at 190 n.13, 160 A.3d at 652 n.13 (citations omitted).
10
the results of the post[-]conviction DNA testing are unfavorable to the petitioner, the court
shall dismiss the petition.” Crim. Proc. § 8-201(i)(1). A petitioner “has a direct right of
appeal to this Court in cases involving post[-]conviction petitions for DNA testing[.]”
Fuster, 437 Md. at 663 n.2, 89 A.3d at 1120 n.2 (citing Crim. Proc. § 8-201(k)(6)).
B. The Exculpatory or Mitigating Evidence
Against this backdrop, we first address the issue of whether a “reasonable
probability exists” that the requested testing of the cigarette butt “has the scientific potential
to produce exculpatory evidence relevant to” Petitioner’s claim. Edwards, 453 Md. at 190,
160 A.3d at 652. We hold that, as a matter of law, the facts alleged do not afford Petitioner
relief.
As an initial matter, Petitioner is correct that he need not show that the DNA testing
has a reasonable probability to exonerate him under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i). We have
held that, under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i), “a ‘reasonable probability’ requires more
than mere possibility, rather, it is a fair likelihood that something is true.” Givens, 459 Md.
at 707, 188 A.3d at 910 (emphasis added) (citing Beaman v. State, 453 Md. 407, 420, 162
A.3d 864, 872 (2017)). As we explained in Givens:
The petitioner’s burden to demonstrate a reasonable probability that the
evidence would be exculpatory does not require “establish[ing] that the
result would have been different if the DNA results sought were known at
the time of trial.” The results need not exonerate the petitioner or prove that
someone else committed the crime. Rather, “exculpatory” in [Crim. Proc.]
§ 8-201 means only “evidence that would tend to clear the accused of guilt,
or tend to establish his or her innocence.” To satisfy his burden, [the
petitioner] must demonstrate that the testing he seeks has the scientific
potential to produce evidence that would tend to show that he did not commit
the crime, or that he is innocent.
11
Id. at 707–08, 188 A.3d at 910–11 (internal citations omitted). As such, Petitioner must
demonstrate that there is a reasonable probability that the testing of the cigarette butt “has
the scientific potential” to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence “that would tend to
show that he did not commit the crime[.]” Id., 188 A.3d at 910–11 (internal citations
omitted); Edwards, 453 Md. at 196, 160 A.3d at 655 (“We thus hold that ‘exculpatory’
under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201(d)(1) means evidence that would tend to clear the accused of
guilt, or tend to establish his or her innocence.”).
Furthermore, “[i]n assessing whether there is a reasonable probability that DNA
testing may produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence,” a court may consider the
following non-exhaustive factors: (1) “the nature of the item (e.g., whether it is an
instrumentality of the crime),” (2) “the physical proximity between where the item was
located and where the crime occurred,” and (3) “the temporal proximity between when the
perpetrator touched the item and when the crime occurred.” Edwards, 453 Md. at 199, 160
A.3d at 657. “Other relevant factors include the temporal proximity between the crime and
the discovery of the item, the condition of the item, and the evidence the jury heard
regarding that item.” Givens, 459 Md. at 714, 188 A.3d at 914 (citation omitted). “To
assess whether a reasonable probability exists that test results could produce exculpatory
or mitigating evidence, a court must examine the facts of the crime, as well as the
petitioner’s assertions.” Id., 188 A.3d at 914 (citations omitted).
Applying Edwards and Givens to the instant case, we conclude that Petitioner has
failed to establish that DNA testing of the cigarette butt is warranted. While the cigarette
butt was within “physical proximity” to the crime, it was not an “instrumentality of the
12
crime” nor touched by any of the three men who unlawfully entered the Fountains’ home.
See Edwards, 453 Md. at 199–200, 160 A.3d at 657 (finding reasonable probability where
the item requested for DNA testing was within “physical proximity” of the crime and
handled by the perpetrator immediately before the crime occurred).
Assuming, arguendo, the DNA testing of the cigarette butt matched with either Ms.
Kucz’s or Ms. Smith’s DNA, Petitioner contends that this match “would have drawn the
jury to question their credibility as witnesses, thus making the evidence exculpatory.” We
disagree. As the State recalls, the defense questioned “[t]he credibility of both
women . . . at trial. Ms. Kucz was vigorously cross-examined by the defense.” While Ms.
Smith did not testify at trial, “defense counsel emphasized [their] alleged ‘motivation to
lie’[5] about the events in question.” As the State observes, both the jury and the court were
“well aware” of Petitioner’s involvement in the crimes and that, on the night in question,
both Ms. Kucz and Ms. Smith smoked and walked through the alley. Ms. Kucz’s testimony
placed her and Ms. Smith at the scene of the crime. Ms. Kucz also testified that she and
Ms. Smith smoked on the night in question. The DNA on the cigarette butt was determined
to be that of a woman; therefore, the jury and the court knew that Petitioner was excluded
as a DNA source. Contrary to Petitioner’s contentions, finding Ms. Kucz’s or Ms. Smith’s
5
Petitioner is the father of Ms. Kucz’s children. While Ms. Kucz “love[s]”
Petitioner, Ms. Kucz testified that she “was involved in somethin’ that I shouldn’t have
been involved in. . . . [T]his man died . . . and I was close to that. . . . I’m hopin’ this will
[] put me at peace[.]” Additionally, Ms. Kucz testified knowing that she “could still be
charged in this case.”
13
DNA on the cigarette butt would not undermine their credibility because such a DNA result
would position them exactly where Ms. Kucz’s testimony already placed them.
Even if the DNA evidence on the cigarette butt had been a match with either Ms.
Kucz’s or Ms. Smith’s DNA, it would not have tended to “disprove or negate” Petitioner’s
guilt. Id. at 200, 160 A.3d at 657; Givens, 459 Md. at 716, 188 A.3d at 915 (noting that
“[t]he absence of DNA does not tend to clear [Petitioner] of guilt or establish that he was
innocent.” (emphasis added)). Finding either of their DNA on the cigarette butt “is not
exculpatory or inculpatory.” Givens, 459 Md. at 715, 188 A.3d at 915. Ms. Fountain and
Mr. Hudson both testified that three men were at the scene of the crime and entered the
Fountains’ home, including Petitioner. It follows that the DNA testing of the cigarette butt
from a female would not exculpate Petitioner from being present at the scene.
Again, a Forensic Technician with the Baltimore County Police Department
testified that the cigarette butt was recovered with “other trash and debris in the alley[]”
and “was neither wet, dirty[,] or damaged.” The cigarette butt was “laying on the ground
near the fence opening behind the vehicle parked in the backyard[]” of the Fountains’
house. The technician verified that there were a “group of homes[]” within the vicinity of
the alley. It is possible that the cigarette butt belonged to someone else entirely. See id. at
716, 188 A.3d at 915. As we stated in Givens, “[f]inding a third party’s DNA would not
suggest that someone else committed the crime[.]” Id., 188 A.3d at 915. “At best, this
result could indicate that there was another individual . . . in [the alley] at some unknown
time, and [] that individual also came into contact with [the cigarette butt] at some other
unknown time.” Wallace v. State, 452 Md. 558, 578, 158 A.3d 521, 532 (2017).
14
There are several “logical explanations” for why DNA testing of the cigarette butt
would not produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence. Givens, 459 Md. at 717, 188 A.3d
at 916. “‘[T]here is enough other incriminating evidence and an explanation for the DNA
result[]’” to establish Petitioner’s guilt. Id., 188 A.3d at 916 (quoting Dist. Atty’s Off. for
the Third Jud. Dist. v. Osborne, 557 U.S. 52, 62, 129 S. Ct. 2308, 2316 (2009)). It follows
that Petitioner “has failed to show that there is a reasonable probability that the results of
any testing . . . would be exculpatory or mitigating[]” under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i).
Id., 188 A.3d at 916. Rather, “[i]t simply maintains the status quo.” Id. at 716, 188 A.3d
at 915. We, therefore, conclude that Petitioner is not entitled to testing under Crim. Proc.
§ 8-201(d)(1)(i).
C. Crim. Proc. § 8-201’s Procedural Requirements
We next address whether the circuit court erred in dismissing the Petition without:
(1) providing Petitioner the “opportunity to respond to the State’s reply[]” and (2) “granting
a hearing[.]” For the reasons that follow, we affirm the circuit court’s denial of the Petition.
“Maryland Rules 4-701 et seq. govern post-conviction DNA testing procedures.”
Edwards, 453 Md. at 189 n.12, 160 A.3d at 651 n.12; Wallace, 452 Md. at 579 n.9, 158
A.3d at 533 n.9; Simms, 445 Md. at 167, 126 A.3d at 28 (“In 2009, this Court adopted rules
to govern proceedings under the statute. Maryland Rules 4-701 et seq.”); Jackson v. State,
448 Md. 387, 399, 139 A.3d 976, 983 (2016). Maryland Rule 4-701 explicitly states that
“[t]he Rules in this Chapter apply to proceedings filed under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201.”
Maryland Rule 4-704(a) defines the content required for a post-conviction DNA
petition. Specifically, Maryland Rule 4-704(a)(2) states that:
15
If the request is for DNA testing of scientific identification evidence, the
petition shall contain:
(A) a description of the specific scientific identification evidence that the
petitioner seeks to have tested;
(B) a statement of the factual basis for the claims that (i) the State possesses
that evidence or is able to acquire it from a third party on its own
initiative or by court order, (ii) the evidence is related to the conviction,
including a concise description of how the evidence is related to the
conviction, and (iii) a reasonable probability exists that the requested
DNA testing has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or
mitigating evidence relevant to a claim of wrongful conviction or
sentencing; and
(C) to the extent known: (i) a description of the type of DNA testing the
petitioner seeks to employ and (ii) a statement of the basis for a claim
that the DNA testing method has achieved general acceptance within the
relevant scientific community.
(Emphasis added). The State is required to file an answer “no later than the later of 60
days after the State’s Attorney receives notice of the filing or transfer of the petition or 60
days after the court denies a motion to transfer.” Md. Rule 4-706(a), (c)(1). “Upon
consideration of the State’s answer, the court may deny the petition if it finds as a matter
of law that (1) the petitioner has no standing[6] or (2) the facts alleged in the petition do not
entitle the petitioner to relief.” Md. Rule 4-707(a) (emphasis added). Under Maryland
Rule 4-708, a “petitioner may file a response to the [State’s] answer no later than 60 days
after the later of service of the State’s answer or entry of an order appointing counsel
pursuant to Rule 4-707 . . . .” (Emphasis added). A petitioner’s response to an answer
“may[:] (1) challenge the adequacy or [] accuracy of the answer, (2) request that a search
6
The State does not dispute that Petitioner has standing.
16
of other law enforcement agency databases or logs be conducted . . . , and (3) be
accompanied by an amendment to the petition.” Id. (emphasis added).
Maryland Rule 4-709 explains when a court is and is not required to hold a hearing
and when a hearing is discretionary under Crim. Proc. § 8-201. See also Jackson, 448 Md.
at 408, 139 A.3d at 988. Maryland Rule 4-709 provides, in relevant part:
(a) When Required. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b)(2) of
this Rule, the court shall hold a hearing if, from the petition, answer, and
any response, the court finds that the petitioner has standing to file the
petition and the petition is filed in the appropriate court, and finds one of
the following:
(1) specific scientific identification evidence exists or may exist that is
related to the judgment of conviction, a method of DNA testing of the
evidence may exist that is generally accepted within the relevant
scientific community, and there is or may be a reasonable probability
that the testing has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or
mitigating evidence relevant to a claim of wrongful conviction or
sentencing[.]
***
(b) When Not Required.
(1) For Denial of Petition. The court shall deny the petition without a
hearing if it finds that:
(A) the petitioner has no standing to request DNA testing or a search of a
law enforcement agency DNA database or logs; or
(B) as a matter of law, the facts alleged in the petition pursuant to
subsections (a)(2) and (3) of [Md.] Rule 4-704 do not entitle the
petitioner to relief under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201.
***
(c) When Hearing Is Discretionary. In its discretion, the court may hold a
hearing when one is not required.
17
(Emphasis added). Finally, under Maryland Rule 4-709(e), “[i]f the court declines to hold
a hearing, it shall enter a written order stating the reasons why no hearing is required.”
(Emphasis added).
1. Petitioner’s Entitlement to a Hearing
We first determine whether Petitioner was entitled to a hearing. Maryland Rule 4-
704(a)(2)(B)(iii) provides that “the petition shall contain: . . . a statement of the factual
basis for the claim[] that . . . a reasonable probability exists that the requested DNA testing
has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence relevant to a
claim of wrongful conviction or sentencing[.]” A court is required to order DNA testing if
it finds that “a reasonable probability exists that the DNA testing has the scientific potential
to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence[.]” Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i). We have
repeatedly recognized that Crim. Proc. § 8-201 is silent with respect to when a hearing is
required upon the filing of a petition requesting DNA testing.7 Gregg v. State, 409 Md.
698, 717, 976 A.2d 999, 1009 (2009) (“[Crim. Proc. §] 8-201 does not mandate a hearing
on a petition brought under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201.” (citation omitted)); Arey, 400 Md. at
506, 929 A.2d at 510 (footnote and citation omitted); Blake v. State, 395 Md. 213, 224, 909
A.2d 1020, 1026 (2006) (“Blake I”). However, pursuant to Maryland Rule 4-709(b)(1)(B),
“[t]he court shall deny the petition without a hearing if it finds that[,] . . . as a matter of
7
A hearing is explicitly required under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(j)(3) and (k)(4).
However, these provisions only apply where the State either: (1) “is unable to produce
scientific identification evidence” or (2) provides “notice that it intends to dispose of
scientific identification evidence[.]” Crim. Proc. § 8-201(j)(3), (k)(4). Neither apply in
the instant case.
18
law, the facts alleged in the petition pursuant to . . . [Maryland] Rule 4-704 do not entitle
the petitioner to relief under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201.” See also Jackson, 448 Md. at 408,
139 A.3d at 988. “Essentially, then, . . . a petitioner may be entitled to a hearing . . . if
‘there may be a reasonable probability’ that the [] DNA testing [] has ‘the scientific
potential to produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence . . . [.]’” Id. at 410, 139 A.3d at
989 (quoting Md. Rule 4-709(a)(1)) (emphasis added).
We established in Section A that Petitioner fails to show that there is a reasonable
probability that the DNA testing of the cigarette butt would be exculpatory or mitigating
under Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d)(1)(i). See Givens, 459 Md. at 716, 188 A.3d at 916. Again,
“‘there is enough other incriminating evidence and an explanation for the DNA result[]’”
to establish Petitioner’s guilt. Id. at 717, 188 A.3d at 916 (quoting Osborne, 557 U.S. at
62, 129 S. Ct. at 2316). Petitioner’s “assertions in this case do not come close to satisfying
the standard under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201 for ordering DNA testing.” Beaman, 453 Md. at
422, 162 A.3d at 873. Accordingly, the circuit court was not required to hold a hearing
prior to denying the Petition. Md. Rule 4-709(b)(1)(B). We, therefore, determine that the
Petition was properly denied without a hearing by the circuit court.
2. Petitioner’s Entitlement to a Response and the Circuit Court’s
Consideration of Such Response
We next consider whether the circuit court erred by not providing Petitioner the
opportunity to reply to the State’s answer to his Petition. This Court “interprets a Maryland
Rule by using the same canons of construction that the [C]ourt uses to interpret a statute.”
Fuster, 437 Md. at 664, 89 A.3d at 1120 (citation omitted). We “begin[] with the text of
19
the rule and give[] the relevant words their ordinary meaning in the context of the rule as a
whole and the larger set of rules of which that rule is part.” Admin. Off. of the Cts. v. Abell
Found., 480 Md. 63, 83, 279 A.3d 976, 987 (2022). “If there is ambiguity in either the
language itself or its application to the circumstances at hand, the history of the adoption
of the rule can be instructive as to the purpose of the rule.” Id., 279 A.3d at 987. “This
Court may use legislative history as a ‘check’ on its plain text interpretation.” Elsberry v.
Stanley Martin Companies, LLC, 482 Md. 159, 190, 286 A.3d 1, 19 (2022) (citations
omitted). In ascertaining the plain meaning of the rule, we do not look to the rule’s
language alone. See id. at 179, 286 A.3d at 12 (citation omitted); Fuster, 480 Md. at 664,
89 A.3d at 1120 (citation omitted). Instead, as we explained in Fuster:
[We] consider[] the Rule’s plain language in light of: (1) “the [] scheme to
which [the Rule] belongs”; (2) “the purpose, aim, or policy of [this Court] in
[adopt]ing the” Rule; and (3) the “presum[ption] that [this Court] intends [the
Rules and this Court’s precedent] to operate together as a consistent and
harmonious body of law[.]”
437 Md. at 664, 89 A.3d at 1120 (quoting Lowery v. State, 430 Md. 477, 496, 61 A.3d 794,
806 (2013)). “If the [r]ule’s plain language ‘is unambiguous and clearly consistent with
the [rule]’s apparent purpose,’ the [C]ourt applies the [r]ule’s plain language[,]” unless
doing so constructs an absurd result. Id. at 664–65, 89 A.3d at 1120 (quoting State v.
Weems, 429 Md. 329, 337, 55 A.3d 921, 926 (2012)); Hurst v. State, 400 Md. 397, 417,
929 A.2d 157, 168 (2007); Burson v. Simard, 424 Md. 318, 324, 35 A.3d 1154, 1157 (2012)
(citation omitted). If the rule’s plain language is ambiguous, we resolve the ambiguity by:
“search[ing] for [rulemaking] intent in other indicia, including the history of
the [rule] or other relevant sources intrinsic and extrinsic to the [rulemaking]
process[,]” in light of: (1) “the structure of the” [r]ule; (2) “how the [r]ule
20
relates to other laws”; (3) the [r]ule’s “general purpose”; and (4) “the relative
rationality and legal effect of various competing constructions.”
Fuster, 437 Md. at 665, 89 A.3d at 1120 (quoting State v. Johnson, 415 Md. 413, 422, 2
A.3d 368, 373 (2010)). “In addition, one may look to the ramifications of the possible
alternative interpretations of the language in question.” Abell Found., 480 Md. at 83, 279
A.3d at 987 (citation omitted).
a. Text of Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-708
As previously noted, Maryland Rule 4-707(a) states, in part, that “[u]pon
consideration of the State’s answer, the court may deny the petition if it finds as a matter
of law that . . . the facts alleged in the petition do not entitle the petitioner to relief.”
Maryland Rule 4-707(a)’s plain language does not require or mandate the circuit court to
consider or await Petitioner’s reply to the State’s answer prior to ruling on the petition.
Instead, it provides the court the discretion to deny the Petition “[u]pon consideration of
the State’s answer[]” on the grounds specified in the rule. (Emphasis added). In other
words, the court need only consider the Petition and the State’s answer to the Petition prior
to denying a petition. Maryland Rule 4-707(a) does not confer upon Petitioner the right or
need to reply to the State’s answer. The plain language of Maryland Rule 4-707(a),
considered in isolation, is unambiguous. However, we do not read Maryland Rule 4-707
in isolation. See Fuster, 437 Md. at 664, 89 A.3d at 1120.
Maryland Rule 4-708 permits a petitioner to file a response to the State’s answer as
follows:
The petitioner may file a response to the answer no later than 60 days after
the later of service of the State’s answer or entry of an order appointing
21
counsel pursuant to [Md.] Rule 4-707. The response may (1) challenge the
adequacy or the accuracy of the answer, (2) request that a search of other law
enforcement agency databases or logs be conducted for the purpose of
identifying the source of physical evidence used for DNA testing, and (3) be
accompanied by an amendment to the petition. The petitioner shall serve the
response on the State’s Attorney.
Maryland Rule 4-708 permits a petitioner to file a response to the State’s answer
within the time period established, and for the reasons outlined in the rule. Like Maryland
Rule 4-707, Maryland Rule 4-708 neither expressly requires a court to await or consider a
response from a petitioner prior to ruling on a petition. Read in isolation, however, the
plain language of Maryland Rule 4-708 suggests that a petitioner has the right to file a
response.
We acknowledge that the language in Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-708 provides
“two or more possible alternative interpretations . . . for the purposes of rule construction.”
Worsham v. Greenfield, 435 Md. 349, 361–62, 78 A.3d 358, 366 (2013) (citation omitted).
Our review persuades us that Maryland Rule 4-707(a) “become[s] ambiguous when
considered together with” Maryland Rule 4-708. Green v. State, 456 Md. 97, 141, 171
A.3d 1162, 1187 (2017). Because the plain language of the rules is inconsistent, “we
‘search[] for [rulemaking] intent in other indicia[.]’” Fuster, 437 Md. at 667, 89 A.3d at
1122 (quoting Johnson, 415 Md. at 422, 2 A.3d at 373).
b. History of Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-708
In Administrative Office of the Courts v. Abell Foundation, we enumerated various
“items” that can constitute “[t]he ‘legislative history’ of a Maryland Rule[:]”
• The original and amended versions of the particular rule.
22
• The record of any deliberations of the [Supreme Court] at the open
meeting at which the rule was considered and after which the Court
adopted the rule.
• Committee Notes of the Standing Committee of Rules of Practice and
Procedure [(“Rules Committee”)8] . . . , as adopted by [this Court] and
codified with various versions of the particular rule.
• Source Notes, published with a rule, that direct a reader to a predecessor
rule or other source, if any, from which the rule was derived.
• Reports by the Rules Committee submitted to the [Supreme Court], which
contain proposed rules, and the cover letters of the Chair of the Rules
Committee explaining the purpose and design of the proposed rules.
• Reporter’s Notes, which are not adopted by the Committee and are not
regarded as an official interpretation of proposed rules but which convey
to the Court some of the research and rationale behind proposed rules.
• Minutes of Rules Committee meetings and deliberations concerning its
proposals and the reports and minutes of subcommittees and other
committees appointed to address a particular subject.
480 Md. at 86–87, 279 A.3d at 989–90 (footnotes omitted). We turn to the history of the
rules and the minutes of the Rules Committee to assist in resolving this ambiguity. See
Long v. State, 343 Md. 662, 668, 684 A.2d 445, 448 (1996) (citations omitted).
According to the minutes of the Rules Committee’s June 19, 2009, meeting (the
“Rules Committee Minutes”), “[Maryland] Rule 4-707 has been placed in front of
8
We “created the Rules Committee to assist the Court in the exercise of its
constitutional rulemaking powers[,]” which includes the consideration and adoption of
rules. Abell Found., 480 Md. at 87 n.25, 279 A.3d at 989 n.25 (citing Md. Rule 16-701);
Murphy v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 478 Md. 333, 342 n.3, 274 A.3d 412, 417 n.3 (2022). The
Rules Committee “consists of judges, court officials, lawyers, and others with interest and
expertise in the subject matter of court rules.” Abell Found., 480 Md. at 87 n.25, 279 A.3d
at 989 n.25 (citing Murphy, 478 Md. at 342 n.3, 274 A.3d at 417 n.3).
23
[Maryland] Rule 4-708, ‘Response to Answer,’ and it is new.” Rules Committee Minutes,
pg. 94, archived at https://perma.cc/7JDJ-QY7Z. Maryland Rule 4-707(a) “pertains to the
denial of the petition. There can be a denial of the petition on its face. The Rule
incorporates the appointment of counsel at this stage of the proceedings.” Id. (emphasis
added).
The Rules Committee Minutes indicate that there were “two questions[]” before the
Rules Committee regarding Maryland Rule 4-707: (1) “whether the word ‘find’ should be
changed to the word ‘determine[]’” and (2) “whether the court is able to deny the petition
before the response is filed.” Id. at 98 (emphasis added). In an effort to “figure out how
this [rule] would work[,]” a Rules Committee member noted that:
Section (a) provides: “. . . if it [the court] finds as a matter of law . . . ”. The
more correct language would be if the court “concludes” or “determines” as
a matter of law. [He] added that he did not think that the Rule should imply
that the court is making a factual finding, but if the court is making a factual
finding, it is not fair to do this unless the petitioner is able to file a response.[9]
The language in the Rule is somewhat ambiguous.
Id. at 95 (emphasis added). In response, the Rules Committee Chair offered that:
[T]he Committee and the Subcommittee had discussed the problem that the
petition may be lacking in a number of respects simply because the petitioner
is unrepresented. Once the State files an answer, it may be clear as a matter
of law that the petitioner does not have standing or may not have been
convicted of the appropriate crime. The petition can be dismissed, and it is
not a fact issue. Unless the petition can be dismissed, counsel should be
appointed to represent the petitioner before the response is due. The response
is going to have to address whatever the State is saying and straighten out the
9
In Simms v. State, this Court reiterated this notion and stated that “[s]hould any
disputes arise from the parties’ submissions that are material to the disposition of the
petition, then the court must hold a hearing to resolve the disputes and make any necessary
findings of fact, before ruling on the petition.” 409 Md. 722, 734, 976 A.2d 1012, 1020
(2009) (citations omitted).
24
petition which may be lacking in detail. It would be difficult for the
petitioner to do this without the help of an attorney. That is why section (b)
was included.
Id. at 95–96 (emphasis added). Similarly, another Committee member “commented that
the petition may not have what is necessary to go forward . . . because the petitioner does
not have sufficient facts[.]” Id. at 97. Ultimately, “[n]o change was recommended by the
Committee.” Id. at 98. The Rules Committee approved Maryland Rule 4-707 by
consensus. Id.
The Committee then “presented [Maryland] Rule 4-708, Response to Answer, for
the Committee’s consideration.” Id. As previously explained, “[Maryland] Rule 4-708
had formerly been [Maryland] Rule 4-707, but because the Rule providing for counsel was
included, this Rule has been moved back.” Id. at 99. As the Rules Committee Minutes
detail:
When there is an answer to be filed, an attorney will have been appointed to
represent the petitioner, or the petitioner will have elected not to have an
attorney. The court is going to appoint someone as counsel, but the language
in the Rule provides that the appointment can be rejected. . . . If counsel is
appointed, and the petitioner accepts counsel, there is a period of 60 days
after the later of service of the State’s answer or entry of an order appointing
counsel for a response to the State’s answer to be filed. The petitioner may
file a response . . . . The provision in the Rule that pertained to the
appointment of counsel has been deleted, because the issue of appointment
of counsel has been moved to [Maryland] Rule 4-707.
Id. (emphasis added). The Rules Committee approved the amended Maryland Rule 4-708
by consensus. Id. at 100.
The discussion by the Rules Committee surrounding Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-
708 reflects a clear concern regarding whether an indigent petitioner is represented by
25
counsel. Specifically, the Rules Committee is cognizant of situations where a “petition
may be lacking in a number of respects simply because the petitioner is unrepresented.”
Id. at 96 (emphasis added). This is an example of when Maryland Rule 4-708 applies.
Maryland Rule 4-708 provides a petitioner the ability to respond to the State’s answer for
specific purposes: (1) to “challenge the adequacy or the accuracy of the answer,” (2) to
request that a search of other law enforcement agency databases or logs be conducted, or
(3) to amend the petition. On the other hand, the Rules Committee recognized that there
may be circumstances where it is clear, once the State files its answer, that a petition is
factually insufficient. Rules Committee Minutes, pg. 96. In such circumstance, a court
can dismiss a petition “and it is not a fact issue.” Id.
Based upon our review of the proceedings before the Rules Committee, the issue of
whether a court can deny a petition before a petitioner files a response was considered. Id.
at 98. A Rules Committee member expressed concern regarding the ambiguity surrounding
the rules’ language. Id. at 95. Despite this, the Rules Committee did not alter the proposed
language before presenting it to this Court for adoption. This Court adopted Maryland
Rules 4-707 and 4-708 as recommended by the Rules Committee.
From our perspective, the history of Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-708 reinforces our
conclusion that the rules allow Petitioner the opportunity to respond to the State’s answer
for the purposes enumerated under Maryland Rule 4-708; however, the court is not required
to wait until Petitioner files a response, or until the expiration of Petitioner’s response time,
prior to denying the Petition where the grounds outlined in Rule 4-707(a) are satisfied. The
26
court needs to only consider the State’s answer under Maryland Rule 4-707(a).10 Fuster,
437 Md. at 668, 89 A.3d at 1122.
While Maryland Rules 4-707 and 4-708 are separate rules, they both apply to post-
conviction DNA testing under Crim. Proc. § 8-201 and fall within Title 4, Chapter 700 of
the Maryland Rules. See Green, 456 Md. at 141, 171 A.3d at 1187. Our interpretation,
therefore, ensures that Maryland Rule 4-708 is “consistent and harmonious” with Maryland
Rule 4-707. Fuster, 437 Md. at 668, 89 A.3d at 1123 (internal quotation marks and citation
omitted). In sum, the plain language and history of Maryland Rules 4-707(a) and 4-708
compel our holding that Maryland Rule 4-707(a) neither requires the circuit court to await
or consider Petitioner’s response nor entitles Petitioner to a response. “Whether to change
course . . . is a matter that should be taken up by the Rules Committee[.]” Abell Found.,
480 Md. at 120, 279 A.3d at 1009 (Biran, J., dissenting).
c. Application to Petitioner’s Request to Respond
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 4-704(a)(2), Petitioner requested DNA testing of the
cigarette butt on the basis that there was a reasonable probability that the testing would
have the scientific potential to produce exculpatory evidence. The State filed a timely
answer and motion to dismiss. Upon consideration of the State’s answer, the circuit court
10
We recognize that there may be an instance where a petitioner seeks to raise a
Maryland Rule 4-708 issue, but their petition for post-conviction DNA testing was already
denied under Maryland Rule 4-707(a). In this scenario, the petitioner could seek
reconsideration by stating the intent to file a response under Maryland Rule 4-708. As the
interpretation of Maryland Rule 4-708 is concerned, however, we shall refer the matter to
the Rules Committee, “which will be in a position to reexamine and clarify the Rule in
light of this case[.]” State v. Matthews, 415 Md. 286, 298, 999 A.2d 1050, 1057 (2010)
(citation omitted).
27
denied the Petition because, as a matter of law, the facts alleged did not entitle Petitioner
to relief. Under Rule 4-707(a), the court was permitted to deny the Petition upon
consideration of the State’s answer upon a determination that “the facts alleged in the
[P]etition [did] not entitle Petitioner to relief.”
Petitioner filed a Motion for Reconsideration on October 3, 2022, which the State
opposed. Petitioner did not contend that any of the enumerated purposes in Maryland Rule
4-708 applied or entitled him to a response. Upon consideration of both the Motion for
Reconsideration and the State’s answer thereto, the circuit court denied Petitioner’s motion,
finding that the “Petition . . . was properly denied.” The trial judge who denied the Petition
is the same judge who presided over Petitioner’s post-conviction proceedings. Under the
procedural history involved in this case, even though the court was not required to wait for
a response by the Petitioner to the State’s answer, we observe that the motion for
reconsideration effectively served as Petitioner’s opportunity for response. Motion for
Reconsideration, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019) (“A party’s request that the court
allow another hearing of a case, motion, or appeal . . . to consider an alleged error or
omission in the court’s judgment or opinion.”). Therefore, the circuit court was not
required to consider Petitioner’s reply nor was Petitioner entitled to submit one.
Despite Petitioner’s contentions, Blake II does not apply. In Blake I, this Court held
that the circuit court erred by “summarily dismissing appellant’s petition for post[-
]conviction DNA testing[,]” 395 Md. at 222, 909 A.2d at 1025, because the State’s
response to the appellant’s petition was “insufficient[.]” Blake II, 418 Md. at 448, 15 A.3d
at 789 (“[A] remand for further proceedings was required as a result of the State’s
28
insufficient response to [a]ppellant’s petition[.]”). Specifically, the State’s answer
represented that certain evidence was “unavailable[]” and “no longer exist[ed][.]” Id., 15
A.3d at 789. In that specific circumstance, we held that “[a] petitioner has a right to notice
and opportunity to contest the State’s representation that the evidence is unavailable.” Id.,15 A.3d at 789 (citation omitted). That is not the case before us.11 The State did not allege
that the cigarette butt was not available for DNA testing. In fact, the State did the exact
opposite—it tested the cigarette butt.
3. Sufficiency of the Circuit Court’s Order
Finally, we review the circuit court’s order denying the Petition without explanation.
Under Maryland Rule 4-709(e), if a court “declines to hold a hearing, it shall enter a written
order stating the reasons why no hearing is required.” (Emphasis added). On September
5, 2022, the circuit court denied the Petition without an explanation. Although the circuit
court failed to comply with Maryland Rule 4-709(e), remand would be futile. See Jackson,
448 Md. at 411, 139 A.3d at 990 (“[W]e choose not to remand for inclusion of further
findings [] because of the obvious futility of [Petitioner’s] assertions.”). This is not a case
where the court erroneously “applied a more stringent standard” than required. Edwards,
453 Md. at 200, 160 A.3d at 657. Nor do the facts alleged in the Petition “come close to
satisfying the standard under [Crim. Proc.] § 8-201 for ordering DNA testing.” Beaman,
453 Md. at 422, 162 A.3d at 873; see also Edwards, 453 Md. at 199, 160 A.3d at 657(holding that the petition satisfied Crim. Proc. § 8-201(d) to warrant DNA testing and
11
Notably, the applicable rules did not exist at the time of Blake I, so that case did
not involve an interpretation of the relevant rules. For that reason, it is also inapposite here.
29
remanding for the circuit court to direct DNA testing). We, therefore, find “no reason to
remand this case for further proceedings” and affirm the circuit court’s denial of the
Petition.12 Beaman, 453 Md. at 422, 162 A.3d at 873.
CONCLUSION
We hold that Petitioner has failed to establish that a reasonable probability exists
that the DNA testing of the cigarette butt has the scientific potential to produce exculpatory
or mitigating evidence. The record and testimony reflect that any results of testing the
cigarette butt would not produce exculpatory or mitigating evidence. Accordingly, we
affirm the judgment of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT
COURT FOR BALTIMORE
COUNTY IS AFFIRMED. COSTS TO
BE PAID BY PETITIONER.
12
When a court denies a petition without a hearing, the court must provide a written
explanation for the basis of its denial under Maryland Rule 4-709(e). While we do not
enforce this requirement here, the failure to comply may, if not followed in the future, be
grounds for reversal.
30