ROBERSON v. STATE (2020)

ORDER

Following a jury trial, Adrian E. Roberson, Sr. was convicted in the Circuit Court of Jackson County of second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree robbery, and five counts of armed criminal action. After we affirmed his convictions on direct appeal, Roberson sought post-conviction relief pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 29.15. The circuit court denied relief following an evidentiary hearing, and Roberson appeals.

On appeal, Roberson claims that he received ineffective assistance from both his trial and appellate counsel. Roberson argues that his appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to raise claims on direct appeal concerning the prosecution’s use of peremptory strikes to remove two African-American women from the jury venire, and concerning the prosecution’s purported misstatement of the evidence in closing argument. He also argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to timely communicate a plea offer to Roberson, and for failing to timely inform Roberson that his co-defendant had reached a plea agreement with the State, and would be testifying against Roberson.

We affirm. Because a published opinion would have no precedential value, we have provided an unpublished memorandum to the parties which sets forth the reasons for this order. Rule 84.16(b).

PER CURIAM: