GAITAN v. STATE (2025)

Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District.

Adalberto GAITAN, Appellant, v. STATE of Missouri, Respondent.

WD 87169

Decided: August 12, 2025

Before Division Four: Anthony Rex Gabbert, Chief Judge Presiding, Mark D. Pfeiffer, Judge, and Thomas N. Chapman, Judge

Shajiah Jaffri, Kansas City, MO, counsel for Appellant. Alex Beezley, Jefferson City, MO, counsel for Respondent.

ORDER

Adalberto Gaitan appeals from the judgment of the Jackson County Circuit Court denying his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief following an evidentiary hearing. Gaitan sought to vacate his convictions and sentences for one count of first-degree statutory rape and four counts of first-degree statutory sodomy. He contends that the motion court clearly erred in denying his motion because trial counsel was ineffective in failing to investigate and present character witness testimony during the guilt and penalty phases of his trial. Because a published opinion would have no precedential value, a memorandum explaining the reason for this decision is provided to the parties. The judgment is affirmed. Rule 84.16(b).

Per Curiam:

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