United States Fourth Circuit

Vacated the lower court's denial of habeas relief in a death penalty case where the defendant alleged juror bias. The defendant, who was convicted in Virginia state court of murdering a law enforcement officer, claimed that a juror had failed to disclose that his brother was a law enforcement officer. Agreeing that there was a potential issue of bias, the Fourth Circuit concluded that Supreme Court precedent required a hearing in these circumstances, and therefore vacated in relevant part and remanded with instructions for the trial court to hold an evidentiary hearing on the juror bias question.

Appellate Information

• Published 2018/08/03

Judges

• Thacker

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel