JEFFERSON v. STATE (2022)

ORDER

Following a jury trial, Dontae Jefferson was convicted in 2017 in the Circuit Court of Jackson County of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of armed criminal action. Following the affirmance of his convictions on direct appeal, Jefferson filed a motion for post-conviction relief under Supreme Court Rule 29.15. The circuit court denied the motion after an evidentiary hearing, and Jefferson appeals. Jefferson argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present evidence which he promised during opening statements. Jefferson also contends that his appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to argue that the circuit court had erroneously prevented him from offering testimony of a law-enforcement officer, concerning a prosecution witness’ motivations to lie about Jefferson. 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 Because a published opinion would have no precedential value, we have provided an unpublished memorandum to the parties which sets forth the reasons for this order.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: