JONES v. STATE (2021)

ORDER

Following a jury trial in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Elijah Jones was convicted of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action. He was sentenced to consecutive sentences of life imprisonment for murder and 55 years for armed criminal action. After this Court affirmed his convictions, Jones filed a motion for post-conviction relief under Supreme Court Rule 29.15, and his appointed counsel filed an amended motion. The circuit court denied relief following an evidentiary hearing. Jones appeals. He contends that his trial counsel was ineffective in multiple respects: for failing to properly advise Jones in connection with a plea offer; for failing to move for a mistrial when the court and the parties referred to earlier charges which the State had abandoned; for failing to present a video recording of an eyewitness’ pre-trial statement during trial and at a suppression hearing, to show that the eyewitness’ testimony had been tainted by improperly suggestive police procedures; and by failing to present alibi witnesses during the guilt phase of his trial, and the testimony of his mother and grandmother during the sentencing phase. 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 Because a published opinion would have no precedential value, we have provided an unpublished memorandum to the parties which sets forth the reasons for this order.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: