United States Eighth Circuit

Denial of habeas relief from convictions for first-degree murder for the deaths of petitioner's estranged wife, his three children, and two children of his wife's boyfriend is affirmed over claims that counsel was constitutionally ineffective for: 1) failing to argue adequately that he was incompetent to stand trial; and 2) failing to reasonably investigate and present insanity and diminished responsibility defenses.

Appellate Information

• Decided 08/08/2008
• Published 08/08/2008

Judges

• WOLLMAN, Circuit Judge., Before WOLLMAN, BEAM, and RILEY, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Eighth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• Unes J. Booth, argued, Osceola, IA, for appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• Thomas William Andrews, argued, Des Moines, IA, for appellee.