# Tyrone Chalmers v. State of Tennessee

> Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee · June 25, 2008

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/1052311

## Case

- **Court:** Court of Criminal Appeals of Tennessee
- **Decided:** June 25, 2008
- **Precedential status:** Published
- **Opinion:** Opinion
- **Judges:** Judge John Everett Williams
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

## Citator (automated)

- No negative treatment found by the automated citator. That is not the same as a confirmation that the case is good law; read the citing cases.
- Full citator and citing cases: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/1052311

## How later opinions describe it (automated extraction)

- holding that a sentence of death does not violate due process where the indictment fails to include language of the statutory aggravating circumstances that elevate the offense to capital murder
- holding that jury must be instructed that value of identification testimony may depend upon the witness’s capacity and opportunity to observe the offender

## Opinion text

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT JACKSON
September 11, 2007 Session

TYRONE CHALMERS v. STATE OF TENNESSEE

Direct Appeal from the Criminal Court for Shelby County
No. P-24695 W. Fred Axley, Judge

No. W2006-00424-CCA-R3-PD - Filed June 25, 2008

Capital Petitioner Tyrone Chalmers appeals as of right the judgment of the Shelby
County Criminal Court denying his petition for post-conviction relief. In 1997, the petitioner
was convicted of one count of first degree felony murder and one count of especially aggravated
robbery. The jury sentenced him to death after finding that the evidence of an aggravating
circumstance, that the defendant was previously convicted of one or more felonies other than the
present charge, whose statutory elements involve the use of violence to the person, see Tenn.
Code Ann. § 39-13-204(i)(2), outweighed evidence of mitigating circumstances beyond a
reasonable doubt. The trial judge imposed a sentence of twenty years for the especially
aggravated robbery conviction, to run concurrently with the death sentence but consecutively to
sentences previously imposed in another case. See State v. Chalmers, 28 S.W.3d 913, 915
(Tenn. 2000). On April 19, 2001, the petitioner filed a pro se petition for post-conviction relief.
An amended petition was filed on September 22, 2003. An evidentiary hearing was conducted
in August 2005. On January 24, 2006, the trial court entered an order denying post-conviction
relief. On appeal to this court, the petitioner presents a number of claims that can be
characterized in the following broad categories: (1) the ineffective assistance of counsel and (2)
the constitutionality of the imposition of a sentence of death. Following a thorough and
exhaustive review of the record and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the post-
conviction court.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Criminal Court Affirmed

JOHN EVERETT WILLIAMS, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which DAVID H. WELLES and
ALAN E. GLENN , JJ., joined.

Donald E. Dawson and Catherine Y. Brockenborough, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellant,
Tyrone Chalmers.
Robert E. Cooper, Jr., Attorney General & Reporter; Michael Moore, Solicitor General; Mark E.
Davidson, Assistant Attorney General; William L. Gibbons, District Attorney General; and John
Campbell, Assistant District Attorney General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.

OPINION

Facts Underlying the Petitioner’s Convictions

The proof, as set forth in our supreme court’s decision, established the following:
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on August 20, 1994, the body of the African-
American victim, 28-year-old Randy Allen, was discovered lying face down on
the sidewalk next to Netherwood Street in Memphis. His pants and underwear
had been pulled down around his ankles, and he had been shot five times. Two of
the wounds, one to the head and another to the back, were fatal.

Ten days after the shooting, the 21-year-old African-American [petitioner]
admitted to Memphis police that he had killed the victim during a robbery. The
defendant stated:

I met up with “Dre” and “Black” on Orleans and So. Parkway near the
park. “Black” was driving something like a[sic] Oldsmobile, “Dre” was in the
front passenger seat and I got in the back seat. We were just riding around
looking for somebody to rob. I had some kind of automatic rifle, it had a clip in
it, black and brown color. “Dre” had a .380 automatic or something, look [sic]
black to me. I think “Black” had a shotgun. “Black” was driving down
Netherwood, and me and “Dre” jumped out on two boys. We tried to rob them.
We made them strip, then I had hit the one that was killed with the rifle and it
went off, and I couldn’t let the rifle go. Then me and “Dre” jumped in the car and
left, with “Black” driving. Then “Black” dropped me and “Dre” off near a house,
close to Southside School.

The [petitioner], who robbed Murphy and the victim of $3.00, estimated
that he had fired six times. The [petitioner] concluded his statement by
remarking, “I’m sorry it ever happened. If I could go through it again, I
wouldn’t.”

Based on this proof, the jury convicted the [petitioner] of felony murder
and especially aggravated robbery.

During the sentencing phase, the State introduced evidence of the
[petitioner]’s previous convictions for attempted especially aggravated robbery
and attempted first degree murder for a criminal episode occurring on the same
date as the present offenses. The Deputy Clerk for the Shelby County Criminal
Court Clerk’s Office testified that, according to the court records, Tyrone

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Chalmers was convicted of attempted especially aggravated robbery and
attempted first degree murder on July 8, 1996, for offenses committed against
Joseph Hunter on August 20, 1994. During cross-examination, defense counsel
contested the clerk’s identification of the [petitioner], asking, “[Y]ou have no way
of knowing whether or not those documents that you have are in fact, belong to
[sic] Tyrone Chalmers, do you? You have no personal knowledge yourself, do
you?” Hunter, the victim of those prior crimes, then testified that he was driving
home at approximately 2:55 a.m. on August 20, 1994, when the [petitioner]
stepped in front of his car, pointed a rifle at him, and told him to “give it up.”
According to Hunter, the [petitioner] fired approximately fifteen rounds at him as
he drove away, striking Hunter in the leg and arm.

The [petitioner] presented the testimony of his mother and sister. His
mother testified that the [petitioner] was one of seven children, had graduated
from high school, and had never given her any trouble. At the time of these
offenses, the [petitioner] was employed and was caring for his mother who
suffered from diabetes. The [petitioner]’s sister described the [petitioner] as “a
very caring person” and her best friend. She conceded that he had been in
juvenile court once but claimed that the victim of that offense had “actually
committed a crime” against the [petitioner].

The last witness was the [petitioner], who testified that only hours before
he committed these offenses he had been drinking alcohol and had smoked crack
cocaine for the first time. He claimed that he could not remember what happened
but did recall that the gun he used belonged to one of the accomplices. He
admitted having been in juvenile court but asserted that the only criminal charges
he had ever faced were those arising from the events of the early morning hours
of August 20, 1994. The [petitioner] told the victim’s family that he was sorry
and expressed his desire to take the victim’s place if he could. On cross-
examination, the [petitioner] admitted that he tried to rob Hunter before he ever
met up with Dre and Black.
State v. Chalmers, 28 S.W.3d 913, 915-17 (Tenn. 2000).

Proof at Post-Conviction Evidentiary Hearing

A hearing on the petition for post-conviction relief was held in the Shelby County
Criminal Court August 15 through 17, 2005. During this hearing, the following proof was
presented.

Linda Kendall-Garner, a Memphis attorney, testified that she first became involved in the
petitioner’s case when appointed counsel, Janice White, became ill in 1996. Ms. Kendall-Garner
became responsible for part of Ms. White’s docket, and the petitioner’s case was part of that
designated portion. Eventually, the trial court appointed Ms. Kendall-Garner to replace Ms.
White. At the time of her appointment, Ms. Kendall-Garner had no experience in death penalty
litigation. Although she had attended numerous continuing legal education courses and seminars

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directly related to criminal practice, she could not recall reading any manuals regarding capital
litigation. Ms. Kendall-Garner testified that she had previously been retained in one case where
the death penalty was initially going to be sought; although, in the end, an offer was made.

Ms. Kendall-Garner further testified that she had sat in on murder trials with Kenny
Armstrong, Floyd Peete and D’Army Bailey. She admitted that she did not have an active role
in these trials. Ms. Kendall-Garner did state that, since the day she “got out of [law] school,” she
has had “major felony trials.”

Ms. Kendall-Garner admitted that, at the time of her appointment, she was not familiar
with the “A[B]A guidelines for representation of clients in death penalty cases.” She was also
unfamiliar with the three volume set entitled “Tools for the Ultimate Trial” published by the
[Tennessee] Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. However, she was aware that she
needed a second chair attorney. She also understood the concept of a “defense team,” which she
described as a group of lawyers who handles the case, and duties were delegated among the
lawyers according to their practice skills.

Ms. Kendall-Garner testified that Mr. Johnson was appointed as second-chair counsel on
this case. She stated that she was accustomed to working with Mr. Johnson. She stated that,
although she was lead counsel, she deferred to Mr. Johnson, stating that he “had far more
knowledge than I with respect to the trial of a capital case.” She could not recall the process as
to how they divided the work to be done. She agreed that she handled the suppression hearing,
the voir dire, the cross-examination of Lieutenant Woods, and the closing argument at the guilt
phase. Mr. Johnson handled all the other witnesses, as well as opening statements in both the
guilt and penalty phases.

Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she was also appointed to represent the petitioner in the
Hunter case, the case that would ultimately be the sole aggravating circumstance in his capital
case. She further affirmed that the State filed its notice to seek the death penalty four days after
the petitioner entered a guilty plea in the Hunter case. Regarding this case, Ms. Kendall-Garner
recalled the descriptions of the perpetrator provided by the victim. In the August 20, 1994,
police report, the victim described the suspect as wearing a trench coat. The victim further
described the suspect as a “[m]ale black 29, 5’11”, 127 pounds, skinny build, medium
complected [sic], black hair with corn rows, dirty in appearance, medium goatee and mustache.”
On September 19, 1994, in a typewritten statement, the victim described the suspect as “a black
male with a trenchcoat over his head . . . [m]ale black, five eleven, 175 pounds with cornrows in
his hair going to the back, medium complexion approximately twenty to twenty-one years old
and he was wearing a beige trenchcoat, blue jeans, and tennis shoes.” The record of arrest
indicated that the petitioner was twenty-one years old, black male, height five-ten, weight 180,
hair black, eyes brown, complexion medium.”

Ms. Kendall-Garner testified that, at no time, did the petitioner ever deny that he had
been the person shooting at Mr. Hunter. She stated that the petitioner wanted to enter a guilty
plea to this offense. It was his desire never to go to trial on this matter. Notwithstanding the
petitioner’s desires, Ms. Kendall-Garner asked the trial court for a continuance. She maintained

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that her position was that she could not permit him to enter a guilty plea in this case when he had
another murder case pending. Ms. Kendall-Garner also discussed the impact a guilty plea in the
Hunter case would have on his pending murder case; in other words, she informed the petitioner
that a conviction in the Hunter case would be the aggravator that would make him death-eligible
in the murder case. Despite this information, the petitioner indicated that he still intended to
enter a guilty plea in the Hunter case. In July 1996, the petitioner entered his guilty plea in the
Hunter case.

Regarding her representation of the petitioner in the capital case, Ms. Kendall-Garner
testified that she consulted with Mr. Johnson. She met with the petitioner “at length.” Ms.
Kendall-Garner obtained the files of former counsel Janice White. She attempted to locate
witnesses discussed by the petitioner. The petitioner mentioned a man named “Black.” Ms.
Kendall-Garner testified that “[she has] no idea to this day who Black is.” She explained that the
petitioner did not provide her with a last name. She conceded that she did not have an
investigator in this case. She explained that “I had no facts available to me where I found a
pressing need for an investigator in order to prepare for the trial.” She also did not communicate
with the investigator who was handling the Andre Ragland case. She did talk extensively,
however, with Mr. Ragland’s attorney, Ron Johnson.

Ms. Kendall-Garner identified a memo written by Ralph Nally, an employee of the
Public Defender’s Office. This memo summarized an interview taken on July 13, 1995 with
Darren Murphy, a friend of the co-defendant Ragland. This interview indicated that Mr. Murphy
believed that the victim, Mr. Allen, was selling drugs that night. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that
she did not judge this information as being helpful to the petitioner’s case. She admitted that her
investigation was limited to trying to find out who these individuals were. She had access to and
reviewed Andre Ragland’s statement. Andre Ragland indicated that there were three of them
involved: himself, Black and the petitioner. Ms. Kendall-Garner also reviewed the statement of
Marlon Murphy, the other victim that night. She recalled that, originally, the petitioner and co-
defendant Ragland, were to be tried together. However, co-defendant Ragland ultimately
entered a guilty plea. Ms. Kendall-Garner never made any attempt to interview Andre Ragland.
Ms. Kendall-Garner recalled that the petitioner’s version of the facts surrounding the incident
were that “he hit Mr. Allen with the gun and the gun kept firing.” She conceded that she made
no attempt to confirm the veracity of this statement.

Regarding her preparation for the sentencing phase, Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she
and Mr. Johnson met with the petitioner’s family. She had previously discussed with Janice
White what kind of student the petitioner had been. She also knew that he had worked at
Wendy’s restaurant. Ms. Kendall-Garner and Mr. Johnson talked with the petitioner’s sister and
mother about the petitioner’s academic performance. The petitioner’s sister testified, as did the
petitioner. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she never met with the petitioner’s father. She
recalled that they discussed the petitioner’s school records. His mother stated that the petitioner
was an average student. His mother added that he had never given her any problems and that he
worked and took care of her. Ms. Kendall-Garner recalled that, during these interviews, there
was no mention about a family history of alcoholism. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that they were

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never in a position to gather information regarding the lifestyle of the petitioner’s father, Johnny
Chalmers. She stated that Johnny Chalmers refused to meet with them.

Ms. Kendall-Garner did not recall reviewing the petitioner’s Memphis City School
records or a report titled “Memphis City Schools Mental Health Center, Professional Report.”
She also did not recall reviewing the petitioner’s “notice of placement, parent response to the
division of special education.” However, she stated that she reviewed something “familiar” to
this when reviewing Janice White’s files. Ms. Kendall-Garner remarked that she did not find it
remarkable that the petitioner was a C-student. She further stated that “special education doesn’t
necessarily mean that you are not able to participate effectively in your defense.” She conceded
that she was unaware the petitioner had been diagnosed as having a developmental expressive
writing disorder. She commented that she was not of the opinion that a writing disorder was
relevant as a mitigating factor. She stated that neither she nor Mr. Johnson considered having an
educational specialist or someone with a psychological or psychiatric background examine the
petitioner for mitigating evidence. She stated that they discussed the possibility but that, based
on the information she had, they saw no need for a specialist.

Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that the issue of the petitioner’s reading comprehension was
never discussed in relation to his motion to suppress. Notwithstanding, the motion to suppress
filed by Janice White mentioned the fact that “[the petitioner’s] reading comprehension is so
limited he is unable to understand the contents of the documents that he signed . . . being his
confession or admission of guilt.” Ms. Kendall-Garner maintained that there was no indication
from the petitioner that his reading comprehension was relevant to the motion to suppress.
Rather, the petitioner informed her that “he did give a confession. He did not say he didn’t
understand it nor did he say that it wasn’t true.” She stated that the petitioner’s complaint was
that the “police officers beat him on the head with a telephone book which he called the book of
knowledge.”

Ms. Kendall-Garner explained that, although the statements for the Hunter case (the non-
capital offense) and the Allen case (the capital offense) were made within an hour or so of the
other, the petitioner did not feel anything improper happened during his statement in the Hunter
case. While she admitted that brain damage or other disorder may affect the admissibility of a
statement, she stated that they had no evidence that the petitioner had ever been diagnosed with
any kind of brain injury affecting his ability to read, understand, or verbalize his thoughts. She
stated that, because the petitioner was a C-student, “no red flag” was raised that would have
triggered her to look behind the school records. Ms. Kendall-Garner conceded that she never
talked with any of the petitioner’s teachers. She did talk with the petitioner’s employer at
Wendy’s restaurant. She stated that he was employed there for less than a month. Ms. Kendall-
Garner stated that she was not aware of the petitioner’s employment as a welder at Zip Products.

Ms. Kendall-Garner informed the petitioner “point blank” that she felt certain that he
would be convicted if they proceeded to trial and advised him to consider the plea. In preparing
for the sentencing phase, Ms. Kendall-Garner talked to “those sources that were the closest to
him,” his mother, his sister. She did not talk with the petitioner’s brothers, Jack and Robert. The
petitioner’s mother was asked about the petitioner, what kind of son he was, the environment he

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lived in, and how he took care of his mother. Ms. Kendall-Garner related that she never heard
any fact that indicated that he lived in an environment so damaging that he was unable to
appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct. She further admitted that she did not limit herself to
issues that affect whether the petitioner appreciates the wrongfulness of his act.

Ms. Kendall-Garner admitted that she could have put on evidence that the father would
not come to court because he felt that he needed to get his food stamps. The petitioner’s mother
did testify that the petitioner was a good son and that he took care of her. Prior to these present
incidents, the petitioner “had not had a mentionable criminal history.” She stated that she did
not investigate the criminal histories of the petitioner’s family members. She conceded that she
was not aware of murders committed in the petitioner’s immediate neighborhood nor was she
aware that the petitioner had been shot in the leg. In this regard, Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that
“[i]f the client doesn’t tell the attorney something that puts the attorney on notice that there is
some area that needs further investigation, then how would the attorney know to do those
things.” She then conceded that she did not talk to other people in the petitioner’s neighborhood.

Ms. Kendall-Garner did not subpoena the medical records of the petitioner’s mother. In
her professional judgment, she did not feel that the records were relevant. She had information
that the petitioner took care of his mother, who suffered from diabetes. Ms. Kendall-Garner
stated there was nothing to indicate that the petitioner’s mother was not following her
instructions.

Ms. Kendall-Garner conceded that she was unaware that the petitioner’s father was a
gambler, used drugs, or was a drinker. She admitted that she was not aware that the petitioner’s
father was charged with murder in 1975. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she never visited the
petitioner’s home. She stated that the fact that “the projects were five doors down the street”
from the petitioner’s home would not have raised any “red flags” to her because she, herself,
grew up “five doors down the street” from the projects.

Regarding Ms. Kendall-Garner’s conduct of the voir dire, she stated that they wanted to
know about particular biases or prejudices of the jurors. She wanted to know whether they had
been victims of crime and wanted to know where they lived. Ms. Kendall-Garner related that
“ideally you want to know all of the things – everything there is to know about a potential juror
that might bear on your client’s case to get him the most favorable result.” She stated that she
was able to rehabilitate two or three jurors who initially stated that they were not able to impose
a sentence of death. She conceded that she was not familiar with the term “automatic death jury
or juror.” She further admitted that she was not familiar with the case of Morgan v. Illinois, 504
U.S. 719, 112 S. Ct. 222 (1992), which held that, to be qualified as a juror, you must be able to
consider and give effect to mitigation. She could not recall to what extent the remaining jurors
were able to consider and give effect to mitigation evidence.

On cross-examination, Ms. Kendall-Garner explained that this case originated in 1994.
The petitioner was originally represented by Janice White for almost two years. In 1996, Ms.
Kendall-Garner was appointed, and the case went to trial in 1997. She related that Ms. White
had reviewed the petitioner’s school records and had interviewed the petitioner and his family.

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Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that the petitioner never indicated that his statement provided
to the police was incorrect. Rather, the petitioner’s only complaint was that the police had hit
him with a telephone book and forced him into providing a statement.

Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she did not have a problem communicating with the
petitioner. She stated that she could understand the things he said, although he was sometimes
quiet. There was no indication that he had a problem understanding her or the nature of the
proceedings against him. At no time was there any indication to Ms. Kendall-Garner that the
petitioner had a problem that needed to be addressed by an expert. The petitioner’s family never
indicated that he had any mental or behavioral problems nor was there anything in Janice
White’s records to indicate that the petitioner was incapable of assisting in his defense.

As mitigation proof, the defense team presented the testimony of the petitioner, his
mother, and his sister. The strategy was to show a side to the petitioner that was “endearing.”
He took care of his mother, went to school, and was an average student. The petitioner had
never been involved in any trouble and was close to his family. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that
it was brought before the jury that the petitioner “felt like he was in a haze” and that he had been
taking cocaine and drinking.

As to the guilt phase, Ms. Kendall-Garner explained that the defense was that the cocaine
and drinking was a one-night thing. The petitioner claimed that, because of the cocaine, he
could not remember what had happened. In other words, the petitioner could not form the intent
necessary to justify a first degree murder charge. She also stated that the petitioner never
disputed the facts of the case.

Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she and the petitioner had a very good working
relationship. She asserted that the petitioner never voiced any objections to the way his case was
being prepared. The people who were called to testify were the people he wanted to testify. She
affirmed that there was no indication from the petitioner or his family that there was any family
history of mental illness or substance abuse. Ms. Kendall-Garner stated that she exhausted the
information she received from Janice White’s notes and from conversations with the petitioner
and his family. There was nothing that led her to believe that there was any irregularity in his
family that contributed to his conduct. She further affirmed that the petitioner had a verbal I.Q.
of 73, a performance I.Q. of 85, and a full scale I.Q. of 77.

William Johnson testified that, at the time of his appointment in the petitioner’s case, he
had handled several capital trials. When asked how many of his capital cases actually went to
trial, Mr. Johnson responded:
Quite a few of them have went to trial. I can tell you statistically, the only people
on death row, there was three I was co-counsel on and only one I was lead
counsel on death row, and I won all the rest of them, so you have no record of
them, because I won them all.

Mr. Johnson further stated that he was “death qualified . . . by the Tennessee Supreme
Court.” He stated that he could not recall what he did in this case nor could he recall the facts of

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the case. He did state that he met with the petitioner on several occasions. He stated that, as
Janice White had originally been appointed to represent the petitioner, a “lot of the leg work had
already been done.”

Regarding voir dire, Mr. Johnson stated that he could not recall whether the defense used
all their peremptory challenges. He stated that he handled the penalty phase of the trial because
Ms. Kendall-Garner had no prior experience and he had handled many. He stated that, in
preparing for the penalty phase, they used everything that they deemed relevant. In this regard,
he explained that “[i]f it meant crying before the jury, that’s what we did. If it meant putting him
on the stand for him to beg for his life, that’s what we did.” However, Mr. Johnson conceded
that he did not interview any witnesses personally. He added that Janice White had obtained the
petitioner’s birth certificate and school records during her representation.

On cross-examination, Mr. Johnson affirmed that the petitioner never denied that he
committed the crime. Mr. Johnson stated that the State’s plea offer was explained to the
petitioner. Specifically, he explained that “you can always work your way out of a life sentence,
but if you get death, it’s very difficult to work your way out.” It was Mr. Johnson’s opinion that
the petitioner did not want to accept the plea because he “thought he was going to pull a rabbit
out of the hat. . . .” Mr. Johnson also discussed the plea offer with the petitioner’s mother. He
recalled that the petitioner ultimately made the decision not to accept the guilty plea offer. He
further stated that it would be impossible to sell the petitioner’s theory to the jury that the gun
accidentally discharged five times. He stated that they would have lost all credibility with the
jury if they had attempted this theory.

Mr. Johnson testified that there were no factors that led him to believe that an expert was
necessary to explain the petitioner’s behavior. The petitioner was an average student; there was
nothing unique about him. The petitioner’s family indicated that he was not a troublemaker and
did not indicate he was having any problems. Mr. Johnson also explained that he did not find the
petitioner’s neighborhood especially relevant. He stated that lead counsel grew up in the same
neighborhood. Mr. Johnson further opined that the problems of family members were not
relevant unless they were directly related to the petitioner.

Mr. Johnson agreed that mitigation evidence could be positive. He stated the defense
team attempted to introduce positive mitigation evidence. They attempted to show the
redeeming social qualities of the petitioner: that his family loved him and that his life was worth
saving.

Jack Chalmers testified that he was one of six siblings and that the petitioner was his
brother. He explained that all his siblings lived in Memphis with the exception of one brother,
Randy, who joined the military and was stationed in Colorado. Jack Chalmers did explain that
he has not seen his brother, Clyde, in about fifteen years and was unsure of his location. He
stated that Clyde Chalmers had gotten into trouble and that he just tried to forget about him.
Specifically, Clyde Chalmers had been accused of murder.

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Jack Chalmers stated that Johnny and Clytee Chalmers were his parents. Both parents
lived in the home, although there were times when his father would go away for a few days at
the time. He described his father, Johnny Chalmers, as a “roamer.” Jack Chalmers further
explained that his father was a gambler, who had two or three children with another woman.
The petitioner has met his half-siblings and their mother.

Jack Chalmers stated he grew up in what is known as South Memphis and attended Alton
Elementary, Longview Elementary, Longview Junior High, and Southside High School. He
described the neighborhood as “pretty rough.” He explained that by “pretty rough,” he meant
that there was gun fire, prostitutes and drugs. He said they heard gun shots every day. Jack
Chalmers stated that he was shot in 1990.

Jack Chalmers described his younger brother, the petitioner, as a very quiet, happy child.
However, he stated that “[y]ou could tell that he was little odd . . . a little different.” He
explained that the petitioner was not out-going and preferred to be alone. Jack Chalmers
testified that the Chalmers’ children “took care of one another” and that they were an average
family. He described them as “basically just happy.”

Jack Chalmers related that the petitioner had two children of his own, “Little Tyrone will
be twelve and Tyeshia will be thirteen.” “Little Tyrone’s” mother was Pamela, and Tyeshia’s
mother was Keesha. The petitioner and Keesha’s romance was “like a high school crush.” Jack
Chalmers related that, at first, the petitioner denied that Tyeshia was his child. Later, “[h]e came
around and stepped up to the plate so to speak and took care of her.” The petitioner lived with
Pam and her mother. The petitioner took care of the entire household. Jack Chalmers stated that
his brother really loved Pam. At this time, the petitioner was working as a welder at Zip
Products, and Jack Chalmers worked at the same location. At some point, the petitioner and
Pam ended their relationship. The petitioner was quite hurt by their break up, which was caused
by another man.

Jack Chalmers stated that he was aware that his brother “drank occasionally and smoke a
little marijuana.” He stated that the petitioner had worked at Church’s Chicken before being
employed by Zip Products. Jack Chalmers could not recall talking with anyone from the
petitioner’s defense team. He stated that, if asked, he would have testified for his brother. He
explained that he could not believe it when he learned that the petitioner had been arrested for
murder. He explained that this was out of character for the petitioner.

Jack Chalmers related that their mother’s health started to deteriorate during the 1980’s.
She has “been in comas, had strokes,” and “forgets things.” Once their mother’s health began to
fail, the family members had to take a more active role in her care. She had to be watched
because she would forget to take her medication, and she could not be left alone to cook because
she would forget to turn off the stove.

Jack Chalmers stated that the petitioner was not a bully; however, he would protect
himself if necessary. He stated that the petitioner played football in school. He agreed that the
petitioner never caused the family any problems, did well enough in school, maintained stable

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employment, took care of his family and his children, and assumed responsibility for the care of
their invalid mother.

Clytis Chalmers, the petitioner’s sister, testified that their mother’s health condition was
poor at the time of the petitioner’s trial. Prior to the petitioner’s arrest, their mother had
suffered a coma in 1987 and had been in the hospital several times. She explained that her
mother’s memory was affected by her medical condition. Clytis Chalmers explained that their
father was often gambling or “visiting lady friends” and that the children were aware of their
father’s activities.

Clytis Chalmers explained that her only meeting with the petitioner’s defense counsel
took place briefly in the hallway during the trial. She stated that they did not ask about the
family background and did not inquire as to the number of siblings.

Clytis Chalmers reiterated Jack Chalmers’ description of their neighborhood. She added
that one of her friends was raped and that her neighbor was shot by her boyfriend. She stated
that the petitioner was only nine years old when their neighbor was shot. Clytis Chalmers added
that, not only was their neighborhood violent, their schools were violent as well. There were
many fights in the school yard, and she saw someone stabbed at the high school. She also
recalled an instance when a dead body was found in a car.

Clytis Chalmers stated that the petitioner did not have an automobile. She stated that he
was involved in a lot of fights at school and blamed this on the fact that the petitioner was
“slow” and “was in resource.” She explained that the petitioner would be teased because “he
lacked knowledge,” and this would lead to fights. The petitioner was embarrassed by the fact
that he was “in resource.” Clytis Chalmers testified that she would help the petitioner with his
homework.

Clytis Chalmers stated that, in her opinion, the petitioner wanted to marry Pam. He was
“really happy” when he learned that she was pregnant. She also described Pam as “conniving.”
She stated that the petitioner and his son, Tyrone, Jr., share the same birthday.

Robert Chalmers, another brother of the petitioner, testified that he was the youngest of
the Chalmers’ siblings. Robert Chalmers stated that they all lived together while they were
growing up. He explained that their father was there for him when needed and that he could go
to his father with any problem. There were times when their father was unavailable, but then
Robert would talk with the petitioner, whom he described as caring and a “really nice guy all
around.” He conceded that he did observe his brother get “hot-headed” on a few occasions. He
also stated that the petitioner got into a lot of fights while growing up, although Robert did not
believe that the petitioner started any of these fights.

Their paternal grandmother stayed with them part of the time and in Mississippi part of
the time. The petitioner adored their grandmother and was impacted by her death.

-11-
As did his other siblings, Robert Chalmers described their neighborhood as “rough.” He
stated that everything was “gang related,” “[a]ll kinds of drugs,” “it’s just wild” and “lots of
shooting.” Notwithstanding, Robert Chalmers stated that he felt safe walking alone in his
neighborhood.

Robert Chalmers recalled when the petitioner was shot. The petitioner came home and
told Robert that he had been shot. Robert panicked. He was unable to contact police from his
house, so the neighbor phoned the police for him. The injuries sustained from the gunshot
interfered with the petitioner’s plans to care for his family and to enter the military. Robert
Chalmers also recalled that the petitioner’s friend, Marcus Love, shot himself while they were
still in school.

Robert Chalmers described Andre Ragland, the petitioner’s co-defendant, as a “bad guy.”
He met Ragland through the petitioner. He also related that the petitioner drank alcohol and
smoked marijuana. Robert Chalmers stated that, although he had heard that the petitioner had
taken cocaine, he had never witnessed it. He stated that, once the petitioner began hanging
around Andre Ragland, he spent all of his time with him.

Robert Chalmers testified that he was in jail on a robbery conviction at the time of the
petitioner’s arrest and was still incarcerated when the petitioner’s case went to trial. He stated
that no one asked him to testify for the petitioner.

Thelma House, a retired teacher, testified that she taught at Longview School in
Memphis for eighteen years. In addition to being an educator, Ms. House also held degrees in
guidance and counseling. She stated that the eighteen years were not continual; rather, Ms.
House explained that she taught for thirteen years, left, and then returned for five additional
years. Ms. House testified that Longview School was the first middle school in the City of
Memphis and housed approximately seven hundred students in the fifth through the eighth
grades. She stated that this was a “predominately . . . black school. . . some Hispanics and
maybe just a little speckling of white students. . . .” Longview was a neighborhood school, and
Ms. House described the neighborhood as “a relatively nice kind of neighborhood . . . not
elaborate, but homeowners, the school sits right in homeowners.” She continued that the
economic background of the neighborhood was “a mixture.” “There are some that lived in the
area were professionals . . . but there were also common laborers.”

Regarding her relationship with the petitioner, Ms. House admitted that he was never her
student. However, she did have the opportunity to know the petitioner. Ms. House also taught
the petitioner’s sister, whom she described as a good student. She explained that the petitioner
was having some difficulties at school, which caused concern. This resulted in some teachers
taking a special interest in the petitioner. Ms. House stated that, despite the petitioner’s
difficulties, he was not a discipline problem.

Thelma House testified that the petitioner’s sister, Clytis, was a good student. She stated
that Clytis assisted other students and was dependable. Ms. House testified that the petitioner
“did not read well” and “did not really speak well.” She stated that the petitioner would accept

-12-
blame for things that he did not do. She stated that, when she learned of the petitioner’s arrest,
she was amazed. Ms. House affirmed that she was not aware that the petitioner was serving a
death sentence until 2005. She stated that, had she been asked, she would have been “happy” to
talk with anyone and would have testified on behalf of the petitioner.

Clara Hill, a retired teacher, testified that she taught in the Memphis Public School
System for forty-six years. She stated that she taught the petitioner health during his seventh
grade and eighth grade years. She described the petitioner as “a mild mannered student, very
quiet acting, he was a follower and not a leader.” Ms. Hill added that the petitioner “was in
special ed.” She stated that the petitioner showed exceptional interest in the units relating to
stress and nutrition that she taught in her health classes.

Ruby Elmore, a seventh grade teacher with the Memphis City Schools, testified that she
has been a teacher for almost thirty-five years. During this time, she had the opportunity to teach
at Longview Middle School. Ms. Elmore stated that the petitioner was in her home room and in
her seventh grade World Geography and her eighth grade American History classes. She added
that the petitioner was on her school team, the SuperSonics.

Ms. Elmore related that the petitioner was in special education classes at Longview. As
the petitioner’s home room teacher, Ms. Elmore was part of the team that did his Individual
Educational Program. As part of the petitioner’s individualized plan, he did not take regular
math, reading, or language arts classes. After reviewing the petitioner’s educational records, Ms.
Elmore affirmed that he had continued in special education classes through high school. She
recalled that the petitioner had to repeat the first grade and that his standardized testing scores
remained very low throughout his education. Ms. Elmore stated that, although the petitioner
graduated from high school, he did so with a special education diploma, which is a certificate of
attendance. She explained that there were only two tests to attain a certificate of attendance, the
Tennessee Proficiency in Math and Reading. She added that the student was able to take this test
many times. The petitioner first scored 53 and later scored 80. Ms. Elmore testified that the
petitioner’s score surprised her as she opined that his reading level was no more than a fourth or
fifth grade level. His low reading level represented deficits in the areas of verbal skills and
language processing.

Ms. Elmore explained that the students placed in the resource class were often humiliated
and called names by the other students. She stated that this happened to any child placed in
resource, including the petitioner. She described the petitioner as “passive,” “shy,” and “quiet.”

Contrary to Ms. House’s description of the neighborhood as “nice,” Ms. Elmore
described it as a “war zone.” She explained that there was a lot of violence and gang
recruitment. The teachers routinely looked for weapons. She stated that there were families and
children in crisis. She added that “you had to be worried about standing outside . . . [y]ou didn’t
want to be shot.” Ms. Elmore recalled two or three shootings at the school involving students
who were being bullied into joining gangs.

-13-
Ms. Elmore described the petitioner’s support system as the school, his mother, and his
siblings. She stated that she was surprised when she learned of the petitioner’s convictions and
sentences. She added that she would have been willing to talk with the petitioner’s defense team
in 1996.

Shernard Wallace knew the petitioner his entire life. He grew up in the same
neighborhood and attended the same schools. Mr. Wallace stated that it was “rough” growing up
in their neighborhood. He described the neighborhood as violent and stated that he had
witnessed robberies, killings, burglaries, and drugs. He stated that you could not avoid the
drugs.

Mr. Wallace stated that the petitioner was “[p]retty cool to me.” He affirmed that the
petitioner as in “resource” classes and that this placement “mentally” affected the petitioner. He
stated that he and the petitioner were very easily influenced. Mr. Wallace added that their role
models were “drug dealers” and “thugs. He explained that “you could make a lot of money
doing this . . . [y]our momma and them, they can’t pay for it, you can get it doing this.” Mr.
Wallace stated that you would end up selling drugs to support your family. Mr. Wallace stated
that, when he was eleven or twelve years old, he was robbed of his shoes and jacket on his way
home from school. Mr. Wallace added that one of their friends, Marcus Love, lost his life
playing Russian Roulette.

Mr. Wallace stated that he was not contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his
trial in 1997. He stated that, if asked, he would have testified.

Orlando Coleman, Sr., testified that he met the petitioner in 1983. The two have a
common interest in art, and Mr. Coleman now considers the petitioner as a brother. The
petitioner was close with Mr. Coleman’s grandmother, Ida. He described the petitioner as “a
good person . . . he likes [sic] kids and senior citizens, I know a whole lot.”

Mr. Coleman and the petitioner would walk to school together. They would sometimes
take the long way to school on Lauderdale and Rosewood. There was a “group of guys that used
to . . . loiter . . . one guy had something against [Mr. Coleman’s] cousin.” On one occasion, Mr.
Coleman and the petitioner realized they were being followed by at least forty or fifty people.
Mr. Coleman stated that he was afraid for his safety. He also recalled that a friend of theirs,
Quentin Jamerson, was found dead in a vehicle. Mr. Coleman also related an incident where his
brother, Anthony, was trying to make a firing pin for his sawed-off shotgun out of a piece of a
fence. At some point, the gun went off, sending shrapnel into the petitioner’s leg and blowing
off three of Anthony’s fingers.

Mr. Coleman was aware of the incident leading to the petitioner’s arrest and ultimate
convictions. He knew the co-defendant, Andre Ragland, and stated that he never heard anything
positive about him. Mr. Coleman was surprised to hear of the petitioner’s involvement. He
stated that he was never contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial. He stated
that, if asked, he would have testified.

-14-
Rodrequis Coleman stated that he grew up with the petitioner and is the uncle of Orlando
Coleman. He described the petitioner as “a very nice person, real energetic.” He explained that
people, however, are intimidated by the petitioner’s looks and size. Rodrequis Coleman stated
that, while growing up, he and the petitioner were very close and that he frequently ate dinner at
the petitioner’s house. They remained friends after high school graduation. He knew Pam
Rogers, the mother of the petitioner’s child.

Both Rodrequis Coleman and the petitioner worked a summer job at the Pine Hill
Community Center. They oversaw a group of children ages ten to fourteen years of age. The
petitioner enjoyed working with the children. Mr. Coleman testified that Marcus Love was his
best friend and that “[e]verybody took [Marcus Love’s death] real hard.”

He stated that he was never contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial
and that, if asked, he would have testified.

Rodney Wickfall grew up and attended school with the petitioner. Mr. Wickfall,
however, transferred out of Southside High School because he was involved in a fight. Mr.
Wickfall’s mother also “felt that our education at Southside wasn’t as prosperous as other
schools and she seen that our neighborhood was really changing a lot and so she wanted me to
try going away from that environment.” He explained that “[c]rack had hit and it was really,
really kind of ugly. . . .” Notwithstanding his transfer to a different school, Mr. Wickfall
returned to Southside for his senior year because he wanted to be with “people that I knew
friends and stuff that I was affiliated with.”

Mr. Wickfall recalled when a dead body was found in a car at school. He stated that
“[w]e saw stuff like that all the time over at our school.” He stated that he was never contacted
by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial but would have testified if he had been asked.

Patrick Haley worked with the petitioner at Zip Products, a steel company. He related
that he was a press operator and that the petitioner was a welder. Because they did not have a
car, Mr. Haley, the petitioner, and the petitioner’s brother would walk to work together. Mr.
Haley eventually earned a “social degree in childcare” and left his employment at Zip Products.

Mr. Haley knew the petitioner’s family and would visit and eat with them. He also knew
Pam Rogers and witnessed the petitioner’s relationship with her. He described Pam Rogers as
“the type of person [who] asked for more than what she’s supposed to. . . .” Mr. Haley stated
that the petitioner adored his son, Tyrone, Jr. Mr. Haley was of the opinion that the petitioner
was a good role model. He also stated that he socialized with the petitioner and that they would
drink together. He described them as “fringe drinker[s],” explaining that they did not drink
during the week; only on weekends. In other words, he stated that they drank when they got
paid.

Mr. Haley learned about the petitioner’s arrest when he was home visiting from college.
He was uncertain whether the petitioner was still with Pam at the time of the arrest. He stated

-15-
that he was never contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial. He stated that, if
asked, he would have testified.

Cornelius Wells, another of the petitioner’s co-workers at Zip Products, testified that he
worked with the petitioner for approximately two and one-half years. He described the petitioner
as a “consistent worker . . .[p]roductive.” Mr. Wells never observed the petitioner drinking or
taking drugs on the job. He stated that the petitioner was always sober when he came to work in
the mornings.

Wells socialized with the petitioner outside of work. He stated that the two men would
talk and drink. He never saw the petitioner use illegal drugs. He testified that the petitioner
always talked about his son, Tyrone Jr. However, Mr. Wells did not know Pam and did not
know about the petitioner’s relationship with her.

He described the petitioner as “free hearted. . . helpful . . . a nice person.”
Notwithstanding, Mr. Wells stated that, “if someone pushed his button, I think he would defend
himself very quickly.” Mr. Wells stated that he drove the petitioner home on the day of his
arrest. Mr. Wells was surprised to learn of the charges as it was out of character for the
petitioner. He stated that he was never contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his
trial and that, if asked, he would have testified.

Tim Irwin, the president of Zip Products, Inc. stated that Zip Products is a manufacturing
business that does metal stamping, welding and fabrication. Mr. Irwin stated that “every one [of
the Chalmers’ family had] work[ed] for me. Of the four Chalmers’ brothers, Mr. Irwin
described “Johnny and Tyrone [as] the serious ones and Jack and Clyde were the happy go lucky
ones. . . .” Mr. Irwin recalled that Clyde Chalmers was charged with murdering his girlfriend’s
grandmother. He has not seen Clyde since he failed to report that day. Mr. Irwin stated that he
ended up firing Jack Chalmers because Jack was stealing from him.

Mr. Irwin characterized the petitioner as a good employee. He could not recall any
specific instances of problems. Although there were a few notes in his employee file, Mr. Irwin
stated that “just nothing really negative [stood] out.” One day in 1994, the petitioner did not
show up for work. Mr. Irwin recalled hearing that the petitioner was in jail. He stated that he
was disappointed because he thought the petitioner had potential. Mr. Irwin testified that, in his
opinion, the petitioner did not fit the “mold” of someone on death row.

Mr. Irwin stated that all of the Chalmers brothers were close with one another. He
described Johnny Chalmers as the father figure of the bunch. He stated that he was never
contacted by the petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial. He stated that, if asked, he would
have testified.

Herb Howard, another employee at Zip Products, testified that he first met the petitioner
through his employment. He stated that the Chalmers’ brothers were “quiet and wanted to
work.” Mr. Howard attended a barbecue at their home, and on this occasion, he witnessed the
petitioner drinking. He stated that he never saw the petitioner use drugs. He was surprised to

-16-
learn that the petitioner was on death row. He stated that he was never contacted by the
petitioner’s defense team prior to his trial, but would have testified if he had been asked.

Dr. Keith Caruso, an expert in the area of forensic psychiatry and general psychiatry, was
contacted to evaluate the petitioner for mitigation evidence. Dr. Caruso met with the petitioner
on five occasions to gather information. He stated that he also liked to have a variety of
information gathered before hand, including school records, health records, criminal records and
family records. Dr. Caruso testified that the petitioner’s school records, taken alone, triggered
the need for further evaluation. He added that another important trigger is the petitioner’s verbal
I.Q. of 73, performance I.Q. of 85, and full scale I.Q. of 77. He explained that, with these
scores, you have someone with border line intellectual functioning.

Dr. Caruso determined that neuropsychological testing was necessary to determine
whether the petitioner had improved since his school years or whether he continued to have these
deficits. Dr. Caruso testified that:
. . .[t]here are multiple disadvantages that [the petitioner] had. I think he was
born with. The intellectual deficits. He was raised in an environment where there
was a lot of violence in addition, so that’s going [to] be a stressor for him – when
he’s a victim of the violence that’s going to certainly be worse, and then sustains
a lot of losses.
He stated that Dr. Frantana, a neuropsychologist, examined the petitioner. As a result of Dr.
Frantana’s report, Dr. Caruso was able to conclude that the petitioner continued to have his
deficits and also demonstrated further deficit, which was the attention deficit, hyperactivity
disorder.

Dr. Caruso testified that delinquent behavior was common among several of the
Chalmers’ children. He stated that this history reveals that “impulsive behavior runs in families
and . . . has a genetic basis.” Additionally, the behavior may be a product of the family
environment. He continued that, when you see that all of the males in the family have a problem
with the law, one starts to wonder whether they also have problems with substance abuse and/or
whether there is a genetic propensity for impulsive behavior.

Dr. Caruso stated that he gathered information revealing that the petitioner’s father,
Johnny, would “beat” the petitioner’s mother. He stated that this information was relevant as the
family dynamic is revealed. He stated that the absences of the petitioner’s father from the family
home was likewise relevant. Dr. Caruso asserted that people without a father figure in the home
have difficulty in following rules and in dealing with authority.

The petitioner’s environment, particularly the violence present in his neighborhood,
similarly played an important role in the evaluation of the petitioner. Dr. Caruso commented
that, if the streets were not safe, childhood games were not able to be played. The loss of the
games translates into a loss of learning about life’s lessons. The violence in the street also
exposed the petitioner to the principle of violence as problem-solving and also “numbed” him to
violence in general.

-17-
Dr. Caruso related that the petitioner stated that he felt “overwhelmed in the family.”
The petitioner was closest to his grandmother; he felt overlooked as the middle child and, thus,
developed a special bond with his grandmother. Later in life, the petitioner became closest to his
mother because he was caring for her. Dr. Caruso concluded that the petitioner did have some
clear deficits.

As a result of his evaluation of the petitioner and the materials he was provided, Dr.
Caruso made the following conclusions:
. . . I think that he has chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. He also had
dependence on cocaine or at least it’s in remission now – had dependence on
cocaine, on marijuana, and on alcohol. He had a proneness to depressing. He has
a mixed receptive expressive language disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and in addition, he’s got borderline
personality disorder with anti-social features.
He continued:
. . . [H]e is multiply disadvantaged. This is a guy with intellectual deficits who in
addition has you know not had good role modeling, not been taught effective
coping mechanisms, has been traumatized, suffered the los[s] of the person he
was closest with, his grandmother, I believe also suffered the loss of a friend, was
shot, various things, you know I think all of which are going to be quite a burden
on him and the likelihood that this guy is going to succeed, I think is very, very
low. In fact, I was somewhat surprised there wasn’t a more extensive history of
criminal behavior.
Dr. Caruso opined that the petitioner was very sensitive to loss and abandonment. He stated that,
when the petitioner’s relationship with Pam Rogers ended and he no longer had access to his
son, this stressor brought back all the other losses. The petitioner looked for a way to deal with
his pain and chose drugs and alcohol. Dr. Caruso stated that the petitioner was not very verbal.

At the time of the offense, the petitioner was in a downward spiral and was spending his
time with persons who were dealing drugs. Dr. Caruso stated that the petitioner coped with his
abandonment issues through substance abuse. Dr. Caruso further related that learning deficits
and disabilities are associated with false confessions, as were psychiatric disorders and substance
abuse. As the petitioner suffered all these deficits, Dr. Caruso concluded that a more thorough
examination of his confession would have been wise. He similarly concluded that the deficits
could have contributed to the petitioner’s understanding of his Miranda rights and his
vulnerability to law enforcement officers. Dr. Caruso added that, because of the petitioner’s
deficits, the petitioner’s ability to assist his attorneys in his defense would be limited.

Regarding the petitioner’s defense team, Dr. Caruso commented that the death of the
petitioner’s original counsel triggered another abandonment issue. This may have impacted the
petitioner’s ability to trust the next set of attorneys. Dr. Caruso commented that, had he been
consulted by the defense team, he would have advised against the petitioner testifying on his
own behalf. He explained that testifying at trial was stressful for the petitioner; this coupled with
his other deficits and lack of coping mechanisms meant that the petitioner was unable to perform
well.

-18-
On cross-examination, Dr. Caruso affirmed that, after the petitioner ended his
relationship with Pam Rogers, he was using up to a quarter-ounce of cocaine daily and drinking
very heavily. He affirmed that the petitioner began using marijuana regularly at the age of
thirteen, often sneaking away from class to smoke in the bathroom. Dr. Caruso stated that the
petitioner felt overwhelmed in crowds.

Dr. Caruso agreed that the version of the crime and the preceding robbery provided to
him by the petitioner was the same version that the petitioner provided his defense counsel.
When questioned as to what were the “anti-social features” of his diagnosis that the petitioner
had a borderline personality disorder with anti-social features, Dr. Caruso referred to the
petitioner’s “unlawful behavior” and other “juvenile behavior,” including a shop lifting incident.

The deposition of Calvin Vickers was introduced into the record. Mr. Vickers is retired
from the Memphis City Schools. During his tenure as a teacher, Mr. Vickers taught metals
technology at Southside High School. The petitioner was one of Mr. Vickers’ students. He
described the petitioner as “a little stubborn to start with, but he came around.” He stated that
the petitioner was a very good student.

Calvin Vickers stated that, regarding the demographics of the school, the school had very
few, if any, white students. Most white students transferred before completing one year at the
school. Other than these few white students, Mr. Vickers described the school as “a hundred
percent black.”

Mr. Vickers recalled visiting the Chalmers’ residence on at least one occasion. He stated
that he recalled hearing about the petitioner’s arrest but stated that no member of the petitioner’s
defense team contacted him.

Findings of Post-Conviction Court

On January 24, 2006, the post-conviction court entered an order denying relief. The
court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law are summarized as follows:
...
The petitioner contends trial counsel’s representation was ineffective.
Specifically, petitioner contends trial counsel failed to properly cross-examine
certain witnesses at trial, failed to properly investigate petitioner’s case and failed
to present adequate mitigation including evidence[] of petitioner’s alleged drug
use, intellectual deficits; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and personality disorder.
...
This court finds petitioner has failed to demonstrate that he received
ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. This court does not find that counsel’s
performance was deficient. There is no evidence that counsel failed to discover
pertinent information about the petitioner’s background or that counsel failed to
adequately prepare for either the guilt/innocence phase of the trial or the
sentencing phase of the trial. Both of petitioner’s trial counsel explained that there

-19-
were strategic reasons for presenting or not presenting certain evidence, and this
court finds no reason to second guess those decisions.

Much of the complaints raised by the petitioner revolve around mitigation
proof. However, Mr. Johnson explained that during his twenty-five years of
experience trying criminal cases and his considerable experience with death
penalty cases, he had a sense for what type of mitigation evidence would be
successful. Thus, he stated that he relied on that experience in making his
decisions about what proof to put on in the sentencing phase of Mr. Chalmers’
trial. In fact, certain family members did in fact testify at trial. Other family
members were unavailable either due to illness or incarceration. Additionally,
several remaining family members had at some point been incarcerated prior to
trial. Moreover, much of the facts that petitioner claims should have been relayed
during the sentencing phase, such as the absence of his father, simply do not
appear to be accurate. Thus, this court will not fault trial counsel for failing to put
on that proof.

Even if trial counsel was ineffective in failing to discover certain
witnesses, present certain testimony or better evaluate certain documents relating
to petitioner’s past, this court finds petitioner was not prejudiced by trial
counsel’s alleged inaction. As previously mentioned, testimony from family
members was presented during the sentencing phase of the trial. This court is
unconvinced that trial counsel’s failure to present testimony from incarcerated
and ill family members or members with significant criminal histories was
prejudicial to defendant.

Moreover, this court is not swayed by Dr. Caruso’s testimony. Dr.
Caruso’s diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is suspect since much of his
conclusion is based on an incident that was in fact an accidental shooting and did
not involve violence. However, that is not the troubling part of the diagnosis; the
troubling fact is that Dr. Caruso used the incident to make the diagnosis without
actually knowing the underlying facts. Dr. Caruso was also unable to state from
where he received information relating to alleged domestic abuse in petitioner’s
home. Apparently, this too made up a portion of Dr. Caruso’s diagnosis, yet
again he was unfamiliar with any particular incident of abuse and could not say
who told him about the abuse, but could only say the information did not come
from the defendant. This court is further unconvinced that Dr. Caruso’s diagnosis
of anti-social personality disorder and ADHD would have had significant
mitigating effect.

Finally, despite petitioner’s obvious learning disabilities, this court is
skeptical of Dr. Caruso’s opinion that petitioner was susceptible to providing
false information or giving a false confession. Petitioner consistently relayed the
same story about the events surrounding the murder to police, trial counsel, the
jury and Dr. Caruso. Additionally, both of petitioner’s trial counsel stated that

-20-
they did not have any difficulty communicating with the petitioner. Thus, this
court finds that even if counsel was ineffective in failing to consult with a
psychiatrist to determine the level of petitioner’s mental and/or academic
deficiencies, petitioner was not prejudiced by counsel’s decision.

Therefore, having found petitioner’s trial counsel provided adequate and
competent professional assistance during both the guilt and penalty phases of his
trial; and having further found that even if counsel’s alleged inaction
demonstrated ineffective representation, petitioner suffered no prejudice;
petitioner’s Petitioner for Post-Conviction relief, is hereby, DENIED.

I. Standard of Review

Post-conviction relief is only warranted when a petitioner establishes that his or her
conviction is void or voidable because of an abridgement of a constitutional right. Tenn.Code
Ann. § 40-30-103 (2003). The petition challenging this petitioner’s convictions is governed by
the 1995 Post-Conviction Act, which requires that allegations be proven by clear and convincing
evidence. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-30-110(2)(f) (2003). Evidence is clear and convincing
when there is no serious or substantial doubt about the accuracy of the conclusions drawn from
the evidence. Hicks v. State, 938 S.W.2d 240, 245 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1998).

Once the post-conviction court has ruled upon a petition, its findings of fact are
conclusive on appeal unless the evidence in the record preponderates against them. Wallace v.
State, 121 S.W.3d 652, 656 (Tenn. 2003); State v. Nichols, 90 S.W.3d 576, 586 (Tenn. 2002)
(citing State v. Burns, 6 S.W.3d 453, 461 (Tenn. 1999)). This court may not reweigh or
reevaluate the evidence or substitute its inference for those drawn by the post-conviction court.
Nichols, 90 S.W.3d at 586. Questions concerning the credibility of witnesses and the weight to
be given their testimony are for resolution by the post-conviction court. Id. (citing Henley v.
State, 960 S.W.2d 572, 579 (Tenn. 1997)). It is, therefore, the burden of the petitioner to show
that the evidence preponderated against those findings. Clenny v. State, 576 S.W.2d 12, 14
(Tenn. Crim. App. 1978).

Notwithstanding, determinations of whether counsel provided a defendant
constitutionally deficient assistance present mixed questions of law and fact. Wallace, 121
S.W.3d at 656; Nichols, 90 S.W.3d at 586. As such, the findings of fact are reviewed under a de
novo standard, accompanied with a presumption that those findings are correct unless the
preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. See Fields v. State, 40 S.W.3d 450, 458 (Tenn.
2001) (citations omitted). In clarifying the standard, our supreme court explained that the
standard for reviewing the factual findings of a trial court has always been in accordance with
the requirements of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, specifically Rule 13(d). Id. at
456.

The petitioner complains that the post-conviction court made incorrect statements in its
order denying the petition and in its summary of the testimony of the witnesses. Accordingly,

-21-
the petitioner asserts that this court should not apply the presumption of correctness to the lower
court’s findings of fact. He argues that this court must apply a de novo standard to both the
findings of fact and the conclusions of law.

The petitioner cites as error in the post-conviction court’s findings of fact numerous
misstatements and/or a misleading summarization of facts. Specifically, the petitioner assigns as
error the following statements of the post-conviction court:
1. “Having heard the testimony presented by both Chalmers and the State . . . .”
He asserts that the record reflects that the State did not present any proof other
than its cross-examination of the petitioner’s witnesses. The State asserts that it is
clear from the reading of the lower court’s order that this is standard language
used in rendering post-conviction orders. We agree. A reading of the court’s
order does not reflect any proof presented by the State.

2. “When asked about her training, Garner testified that she had attended several
seminars on death penalty litigation and that all of her continuing legal education
courses where [sic] related to criminal law.”
The petitioner asserts that the record “makes it clear that Ms. Garner was
speaking of general criminal practice seminars where the death penalty was
mentioned as opposed to seminars devoted to the defense of death penalty cases.”
Ms. Garner also conceded that she was unaware of the ABA Guidelines for the
Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases nor
was she aware of the three editions of the Tools for the Ultimate Trial, or any
other manuals on death penalty defense. While the post-conviction court’s
statement was not entirely accurate, it was also not entirely inaccurate. Ms.
Garner testified that she had attended seminars where death penalty litigation was
discussed. She further stated that all of her CLEs were directly related to her
criminal practice. The post-conviction court correctly summarized her testimony
that this was Ms. Garner’s first capital case. We agree with the State that the
post-conviction’s court summarization of Ms. Garner’s testimony was only
slightly inaccurate.

3. “With regards to her experience handling expert witnesses, Garner admitted
that petitioner’s case was the first criminal case where she had utilized expert
testimony in the guilt phase of a trial.”

4. “[Ms. Garner] stated that in approximately sixty percent of the criminal cases
she has handled, she has utilized psychological testimony for the purpose of
mental and/or competency evaluations.”
The petitioner asserts that the defense did not use a single expert witness in either
phase of his trial. He asserts that, not only did the defense not call an expert
witness at the guilt phase, it did not call any witness during the guilt phase. The
petitioner further asserts that the record reveals that Ms. Garner had never had an
expert of any kind testify in a criminal case. Rather, Ms. Garner stated that her
use of psychiatric or psychological experts in criminal cases had been limited to

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determinations of competence to stand trial and sanity at the time of the offense.
During the post-conviction hearing, Ms. Garner testified that she previously
participated in a murder trial with Floyd Peete and Kenny Armstrong where an
expert was used in the guilt phase. The State asserts that any error in the post-
conviction court’s findings of fact benefitted the petitioner. We agree and cannot
conclude that the evidence preponderates against the lower court’s findings.

5. “Next, Ms. Garner was questioned about a plea she negotiated from Mr.
Chalmers on a pending murder charge which then became the aggravating factor
used against him in the current case.”
The petitioner asserts that Ms. Garner did not negotiate the plea for the petitioner
in the Hunter case. This conviction was then used as the sole aggravating
circumstance in the present case. Ms. Garner testified that the petitioner insisted
upon entering the guilty plea in the Hunter case against Ms. Garner’s advice. The
charge was “attempt to commit especially aggravated robbery and attempt to
commit first degree murder.” The post-conviction court’s findings are clear as to
what case it was referring to, i.e, the Hunter case.

6. “With regard to trial preparation, Garner testified that she often consulted with
Mr. Johnson who had handled many capital cases and testified that Mr. Johnson
used an investigator to prepare certain materials for trial.”
The petitioner asserts that the record is clear that no investigator was employed to
assist in preparing for trial. The record does reflect that Ms. Garner consulted
with Mr. Johnson, who had handled many capital cases. The record further
reflects that Ms. Garner consulted with Ron Johnson of the Public Defender’s
Office, who was representing the co-defendant. Mr. Johnson had materials
obtained by his investigator. We cannot conclude that the evidence preponderates
against the post-conviction court’s findings.

7. The petitioner next complains about the following statements made by the
post-conviction court of co-counsel William Johnson:
-Johnson was “co-counsel at petitioner’s trial;”
- “he had been practicing for twenty-five years;”
-“all of his practice had consisted of criminal work;”
-“he served on the Shelby County Public Defender’s capital team
for four years;”
-“by the time he handled Mr. Chalmer[s’] case, he had handled
over ten capital cases;”
-“he met with Chalmers several times before trial;”
-“when Ms. Garner took over most of the investigation was
complete;”
-“Ms. White had done much of the ‘leg work;’”
-“he handled the voir dire process;”

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-“When specifically asked about two jurors who were not struck
from the jury, he stated that they were not challenged for strategic
reasons.”
The petitioner states that Mr. Johnson did not testify to having handled the voir
dire. He also complains that Mr. Johnson’s testimony did not contain the
information in the remaining nine statements. The petitioner complains that “the
court’s summary grossly distorts the record and certainly cannot be relied upon to
evaluate the performance of trial counsel.” The record of the proceeding reflects
that the post-conviction court’s findings are an accurate reflection of the evidence
introduced at the post-conviction hearing.

8. The petitioner next challenges the post-conviction court’s summary of Dr.
Caruso’s testimony. The petitioner contends that the post-conviction court
ignored the evidence before it. Specifically, the petitioner challenges the post-
conviction court’s characterization of Dr. Caruso’s testimony in that Dr. Caruso
was unaware of the accidental nature of the wound to the petitioner’s buttocks.
The record reveals that Dr. Caruso admitted that he was familiar with the
evidence as to the accidental shooting injury. The record is unclear as to whether
there were two shooting incidents or one. We adopt the State’s position and
cannot conclude that the post-conviction court was incorrect merely on the basis
that the petitioner disagrees with the court’s interpretation of the testimony.

The petitioner contends that the post-conviction court’s findings of fact are not supported
by the evidence and, therefore, should be reviewed de novo. We cannot conclude that the
evidence preponderates against the post-conviction court’s findings. Accordingly, the post-
conviction court’s findings are afforded the presumption of correctness.

I. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

Legal Standard

The Sixth Amendment provides, in pertinent part, that, “[i]n all criminal prosecutions,
the accused shall enjoy the right. . . to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.” U.S.
Const. amend. VI. This right to counsel is “so fundamental and essential to a fair trial, and so, to
due process of law, that it is made obligatory upon the States by the Fourteenth Amendment.”
Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, 350, 83 S. Ct. 792 (1963) (quoting Betts v. Brady, 316
U.S. 455, 465, 62 S. Ct. 1252 (1942)). Inherent in the right to counsel is the right to effective
assistance of counsel. Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 344, 100 S. Ct. 1708 (1980); McMann
v. Richardson, 397 U.S. 759, 771 n. 14, 90 S. Ct. 1441 (1970); see also Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 686, 104 S. Ct. 2052 (1984).

“The benchmark for judging any claim of ineffectiveness must be whether counsel’s
conduct so undermined the proper functioning of the adversarial process that the trial cannot be
relied on as having produced a just result.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 686, 104 S. Ct. at 2064;

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Combs v. Coyle, 205 F.3d 269, 277 (6th Cir. 2000). A two-prong test directs a court’s
evaluation of a claim of ineffectiveness:
First, the defendant must show that counsel’s performance was deficient. This
requires showing that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not
functioning as the “counsel” guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth Amendment.
Second, the defendant must show that the deficient performance prejudiced the
defense. This requires showing that counsel’s errors were so serious as to deprive
the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S. Ct. at 2064; see also Combs, 205 F.3d at 277.

The performance prong of the Strickland test requires a petitioner raising a claim of
ineffectiveness to show that counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of
reasonableness or “outside the range of professionally competent assistance.” Strickland, 466
U.S. at 690, 104 S. Ct. at 2066; see also Kimmelman v. Morrison, 477 U.S. 365, 386, 106 S. Ct.
2574 (1986). “Judicial scrutiny of performance is highly deferential, and ‘[a] fair assessment of
attorney performance requires that every effort be made to eliminate the distorting effects of
hindsight, to reconstruct the circumstances of counsel’s challenged conduct, and to evaluate the
conduct from counsel’s perspective at the time.” Combs, 205 F.3d at 278. Upon reviewing
claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, the court “must indulge a strong presumption that
counsel’s conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance; that is, the
defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged actions
‘might be considered sound trial strategy.’” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S. Ct. at 2065.
Additionally, courts should defer to trial strategy or tactical choices if they are informed ones
based upon adequate preparation. Hellard v. State, 629 S.W.2d 4, 9 (Tenn. 1982). Finally, it is
acknowledged that criminal defendants are not entitled to perfect representation, only
constitutionally adequate representation. Denton v. State, 945 S.W.2d 793, 796 (Tenn. Crim.
App. 1996). In other words, “in considering claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, ‘we
address not what is prudent or appropriate, but only what is constitutionally compelled.’”
Burger v. Kemp, 483 U.S. 776, 794, 107 S. Ct. 3114, 3126 (1987). Notwithstanding, it is the
duty of this court to “search for constitutional [deficiencies] with painstaking care” as this
responsibility is “never more exacting than it is in a capital case.” Id. at 785, 107 S. Ct. at 3121.

If the petitioner shows that counsel’s representation fell below a reasonable standard,
then the petitioner must satisfy the prejudice prong of the Strickland test by demonstrating “there
is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the
proceeding would have been different.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S. Ct. at 2068. “A
reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id.
In evaluating whether a petitioner satisfies the prejudice prong, a court must ask “whether
counsel’s deficient performance renders the result of the trial unreliable or the proceeding
fundamentally unfair.” Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 372, 113 S. Ct. 838 (1993) (citing
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687, 104 S. Ct. at 2064). That is, a petitioner must establish that the
deficiency of counsel was of such a degree that it deprived the petitioner of a fair trial and called
into question the reliability of the outcome. Nichols, 90 S.W.3d at 587. For example, the
evidence stemming from the failure to prepare a sound defense or to present witnesses must be
significant, but it does not necessarily follow that the trial would have otherwise resulted in an

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acquittal. Nealy v. Cabana, 764 F.2d 1173, 1178-179 (5th Cir. 1985); Code v. Montgomery, 799
F.2d 1481, 1483 (11th Cir. 1986). “A reasonable probability of being found guilty of a lesser
charge, or a shorter sentence satisfies the second prong of Strickland.” State v. Zimmerman, 823
S.W.2d 220, 225 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1991); see also Chambers v. Armontrout, 907 F.2d 825, 832
(8th Cir. 1990), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 950, 111 S. Ct. 369 (1990). Moreover, when challenging
the imposition of a sentence of death, the petitioner must show that “there is a reasonable
probability that, absent the errors of counsel, the sentencer . . . would have concluded that the
balance of the aggravating and mitigating circumstances did not warrant death.” Henley v. State,
960 S.W.2d 572, 579-80 (Tenn. 1997), reh’g denied, (1998), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 830, 119 S.
Ct. 82 (1998) (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 695, 104 S. Ct. at 2069).

A. Guilt Phase Deficiencies

The petitioner raises numerous complaints that trial counsel, Linda Kendall-Garner and
William Johnson, failed to function as effective counsel as guaranteed by both the Tennessee and
United States Constitutions. In this regard, the petitioner asserts that trial counsel denied him
effective assistance of counsel at the guilt phase of his capital trial by breaching acceptable
standards for capital representation in that:
1. Counsel was not qualified to handle a capital case;
2. Counsel failed to develop a theory of defense;
3. Counsel failed to expose biases prejudicial to the petitioner during voir dire;
4. Counsel failed to adequately pursue the suppression motion;
5. Counsel failed to use available resources;
6. Counsel delivered inadequate opening and closing arguments; and
7. Counsel failed to adequately cross-examine the State’s witnesses.

i. Counsel was not qualified to handle a capital case.

The petitioner contends that lead trial counsel was unqualified to handle a capital case.
He cites to Ms. Kendall-Garner’s failure to familiarize herself with the duties of defense counsel
in a capital trial. He contends that her lack of qualifications is exemplified by her failure to
utilize an investigator in preparing for trial. The petitioner also cites to Ms. Kendall-Garner’s
testimony that she had never used the testimony of an expert witness in the trial of a criminal
case, she had not attended any specialized training for defense counsel in a death penalty trial,
she was not aware of the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense
Counsel in Death Penalty Cases nor was she aware of the Tennessee death penalty manual, Tools
for the Ultimate Trial..

Ms. Kendall-Garner was appointed to represent the petitioner on January 29, 1996. Her
appointment was prior to the effective date of the standards for appointment of counsel
contained in the current version of Rule 13, Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Prior to July
1, 1997, no qualifying criteria was specified as to lead counsel. Moreover, while the American
Bar Association (ABA) standards as to capital representation were in place at the time of the
appointment and while it must be conceded that Ms. Kendall-Garner failed to satisfy all of the

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suggested criteria established by the ABA, these guidelines are not binding upon the trial courts
of this state. There is no authority that the aspirational qualifications of counsel in a capital trial
set forth in the ABA standards or that the required qualifications of capital counsel set forth in
Rule 13, Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court, are constitutionally compelled. See generally
Trent Starks v. State, No. W2005-02478-CCA-R3-PC (Tenn. Crim. App., at Jackson, Nov. 2,
2006), perm. to appeal denied, (Tenn. Mar. 5, 2007). The Fourteenth Amendment guidelines
simply require the appointment of an attorney to a capital petitioner. While the Tennessee
Supreme Court has put into place heightened requirements in Rule 13, including the
requirements of two attorneys that meet certain specific eligibility criteria, the attorneys need not
meet these stringent standards to pass constitutional muster. Id.

While the Sixth Amendment does not grant a defendant the right to counsel of his own
choice, see Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153, 96 S. Ct. 2909 (1976), it has become apparent that
special skills are necessary to assure adequate representation of defendants in death penalty
cases. See ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty
Cases at 5.1. Notwithstanding this fact, there is no presumption that counsel is ineffective
because of lack of experience in trying a particular kind of case. See Russell v. State, 849 So.2d
85, 122 (Miss. 2003). In other words, lack of experience does not equate to per se deficient
performance. We refuse to conclude that mere allegations of inexperience automatically result
in a finding of deficient performance. A successful claim of ineffectiveness requires more than
just a showing that trial counsel was inexperienced. Rather, the petitioner must demonstrate
with specificity that counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not functioning as counsel
guaranteed the petitioner by the Sixth Amendment and that such errors prejudiced the defense.
We proceed therefore to examine the petitioner’s specific allegations of deficient performance.

ii. Counsel failed to develop a comprehensive theory of defense.

The petitioner next complains that trial counsel failed to develop and pursue a
comprehensive defense theory for the guilt/innocence phase of the trial. Ms. Kendall-Garner
testified that the defense theory was that the petitioner was unable to form the intent to justify a
first degree murder charge. This theory was based upon the petitioner’s assertion that, due to his
use of cocaine, he could not remember what had happened that evening. Ms. Kendall-Garner
explained that the defense was that the cocaine and drinking was a one-night thing. Both Ms.
Kendall-Garner and Mr. Johnson stated that the petitioner never disputed the facts of the case.
Mr. Johnson further testified that it would be impossible to persuade the jury to accept the
petitioner’s theory that the gun accidentally discharged five times. He stated that, if they would
have attempted this theory, they would have lost all credibility with the jury.

We are unable to conclude that the petitioner’s trial counsel were ineffective based on
this claim. The petitioner has not advanced any other reasonable theory of defense at the post-
conviction hearing. Moreover, it cannot be said that incompetent representation has occurred
merely because other lawyers, judging from hindsight, could have made a better choice of
tactics. Hellard v. State, 629 S.W.2d 4, 9 (Tenn. 1982).

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The petitioner has not met the requirements to be granted post-conviction relief on this
issue.

iii. Counsel failed to adequately conduct voir dire.

The petitioner makes numerous challenges regarding trial counsel’s failure to
competently select the jury. Included within the petitioner’s challenges are his allegations that
trial counsel did not adequately voir dire prospective jurors on their respective attitudes about the
death penalty, including the failure to ask questions designed to reveal jurors’ biases and
questions regarding the jurors’ ability to give effect to mitigating evidence. Additionally, he
alleges that counsel failed to question two prospective jurors regarding the fact that they both
worked for the Memphis City Schools. The petitioner contends that “the result of counsel’s
deficient performance was the absence of any assurance that the jurors who heard the case were
able to follow the law and return a sentence less than death.”

The petitioner asserts that trial counsel failed to elicit any information that would
demonstrate a potential juror’s views on mental illness, learning disabilities, or childhood
trauma. He contends that counsel failed to so inquire as they had failed to adequately investigate
his case to be aware that these issues were relevant. The petitioner also contends that trial
counsel failed to “life qualify” the jury under Morgan v. Illinois, 504 U.S. 719, 112 S. Ct. 2222
(1992) (defendant must be permitted to voir dire jury to insure that jury will be able to consider
and give effect to mitigation and consider life). He adds that the voir dire conducted did nothing
to identify the ADP (automatic death penalty) jurors.

The ultimate goal of voir dire is to insure that jurors are competent, unbiased, and
impartial. State v. Mann, 959 S.W.2d 503, 533 (Tenn. 1997), reh’g denied, (1998), cert. denied,
524 U.S. 956, 118 S. Ct. 2376 (1998); Cazes, 875 S.W.2d at 262. There is no constitutional right
that a petitioner is entitled to have questions posed to the venire specifically directed to matters
that conceivably might prejudice venire men against him. See Ristaino v. Ross, 424 U.S. 589,
594, 96 S. Ct. 1017, 1020 (citing Ham v. South Carolina, 409 U.S. 524, 527-28, 93 S. Ct. 848,
850 (1973)). Moreover, in the capital murder context, where the jury in the punishment phase
must choose between life and death, several courts have held that not questioning as to whether a
prospective juror can fairly consider a life sentence does not necessarily constitute deficient
performance. Hartman v. State, 896 S.W.2d 94, 105 (Tenn. 1995); Stanford v. Parker, 266 F.3d
442, 453-454 (6th Cir. 2001); Commonwealth v. Morris, 546 Pa. 296, 684 A.2d 1037, 1042-43
(Pa. 1996).

This court has reviewed the transcript of the voir dire. We cannot conclude that the
petitioner’s trial was “fundamentally unfair.” Each of the jurors ultimately impaneled made
unqualified assertions that they could be fair and impartial. The transcript before this court does
not demonstrate any fundamental unfairness in the conduct of the trial. Indeed, “where a juror is
not legally disqualified or there is no inherent prejudice, the burden is on the [d]efendant to show
that a juror is in some way biased or prejudiced.” State v. Caughron, 855 S.W.2d 526, 539
(Tenn.), cert. denied, 510 U.S. 979, 114 S. Ct. 475 (1993). In the present case, the petitioner has
failed to establish that he was not provided a trial cloaked with guarantees of fundamental

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fairness. Accordingly, we cannot conclude that trial counsel was deficient in performing an
adequate voir dire. This issue is without merit.

iv. Counsel failed to adequately pursue the suppression motion.

Although defense counsel pursued the motion to suppress, the petitioner asserts that
counsel’s performance was deficient in that they “failed to challenge his statement on the basis
of his language disabilities preventing a knowing and intelligent waiver and raising the
possibility that his statement contained serious errors.” The petitioner cites to original counsel’s
draft of a suppression motion on this basis.

At trial, defense counsel pursued the motion to suppress on the basis that the statement
the petitioner gave to police was the result of coercion and force. At the post-conviction hearing,
Ms. Kendall-Garner conceded that she was unaware that the petitioner had been diagnosed as
having a developmental expressive writing disorder. She admitted that the issue of the
petitioner’s reading comprehension was never discussed in relation to his motion to suppress.
Notwithstanding, Ms. Kendall-Garner maintained that there was no indication from the
petitioner that his reading comprehension was relevant to the motion to suppress. Rather, the
petitioner informed her that “he did give a confession. He did not say he didn’t understand it nor
did he say that it wasn’t true.” She stated that the petitioner’s complaint was that the “police
officers beat him on the head with a telephone book which he called the book of knowledge.”
While she admitted that brain damage or other disorder may affect the admissibility of a
statement, she stated that they had no evidence that the petitioner had ever been diagnosed with
any kind of brain injury that affected his ability to read or to understand or to verbalize his
thoughts. She stated that, because the petitioner was a C-student, “no red flag” was raised that
would have triggered her to look behind the school records. Trial counsel stated that the
petitioner’s version of the events provided to them was the same as the version of facts recited in
his confession.

At the hearing on the motion to suppress, Sergeant Woods testified that he did advise the
petitioner of his rights, did not coerce the petitioner, and did not suggest what answers the
petitioner should provide. Lieutenant Nichols described the petitioner as reasonably intelligent.
The petitioner testified that he understood his rights.

At the post-conviction hearing, Dr. Caruso related that the petitioner’s learning deficits
and disabilities are associated with false confessions as were psychiatric disorders and substance
abuse. As the petitioner suffered all these deficits, Dr. Caruso concluded that a more thorough
examination of his confession would have been wise. He similarly concluded that the deficits
could have contributed to the petitioner’s misunderstanding of his Miranda rights and his
vulnerability to law enforcement officers. Dr. Caruso added that, because of the petitioner’s
deficits, the petitioner’s ability to assist his attorneys in his defense would be limited.
Notwithstanding Dr. Caruso’s testimony, we consider the record as a whole, including the
petitioner’s testimony at the motion to suppress, and we cannot conclude that counsel was
deficient in their chosen strategy of the motion to suppress.

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v. Counsel failed to use available resources.

The petitioner next complains that trial counsel were deficient for failing to make
effective or timely use of legal resources available to them. In support of this allegation, the
petitioner refers to Ms. Kendall-Garner’s failure to request the appointment of co-counsel until
the death notice had been pending for five months. The petitioner further asserts that trial
counsel failed to request investigative or expert services.

During the post-conviction hearing, Ms. Kendall-Garner explained: “I had no facts
available to me where I found a pressing need for an investigator in order to prepare for the
trial.” Mr. Johnson opined that there were no events or facts available to them that triggered the
need for an expert.

While counsel has an affirmative duty to investigate, counsel has the duty to make
reasonable investigations or to make a reasonable decision that makes particular investigations
unnecessary. Nichols v. State, 90 S.W.3d 576, 587 (Tenn. 2002) (emphasis added) (quoting
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S. Ct. at 2052). The petitioner has presented no proof to
establish that an expert would have assisted the defense during the guilt phase. Likewise, the
petitioner has failed to presented proof to show he would have been benefited during the guilt
phase by an investigator. Accordingly, the petitioner is not entitled to relief on this issue.

vi. Counsel delivered inadequate opening and closing arguments.

The petitioner contends that trial counsel were ineffective for (1) failing to include in
their opening and closing argument an account of his substance abuse leading up to the offense
and (2) failing to offer an explanation of the elements necessary to establish robbery.

Mr. Johnson testified that opening statement was not important and that he only makes an
opening argument if the State makes one. He also stated that he never provides his theory of
defense in the opening statement and never provides a summary of the potential proof because
he does not want to promise something that he may not be able to prove. At the petitioner’s trial,
Mr. Johnson’s opening statement was limited to asking the jury to keep an open mind and
reminding them of the State’s burden of proof. Mr. Johnson applied this same strategy to the
opening statement of the penalty phase. Mr. Johnson’s closing statements focused on the burden
of the State in proving the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Johnson’s
statement suggested that the confession was not voluntary and that the State had failed to prove
intent. Mr. Johnson’s closing statement during the penalty phase summarized the mitigating
proof.

The right to effective assistance extends to opening and closing arguments. See Bell v.
Cone, 535 U.S. 685, 701-02, 122 S. Ct. 1843 (2002); Herring v. New York, 422 U.S. 853, 865,
95 S. Ct. 2550 (1975). Nonetheless, counsel has wide latitude in deciding how best to represent
a client, and deference to counsel’s tactical decisions in his closing presentation is particularly
important because of the broad range of legitimate defense strategy at that stage. Closing
arguments should sharpen and clarify the issues for resolution by the trier of fact, id. at 862, 95

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S. Ct. at 2550, but which issues to sharpen and how best to clarify them are questions with many
reasonable answers. Indeed, it might sometimes make sense to forgo closing argument
altogether. See Bell, supra, at 701-02, 122 S. Ct. at 1843. Judicial review of a defense
attorney’s summation is, therefore, highly deferential and doubly deferential when it is
conducted in hindsight. See Yarborough v. Gentry, 540 U.S. 1, 5-6, 124 S. Ct. 1, 4 (2003).

In the present case, counsel’s opening argument implored the jury to keep an open mind
and to acknowledge the presumption of innocence afforded the petitioner. During closing
argument, defense counsel focused on the State’s burden of proof and the weaknesses of the
State’s case, including the State’s failure to establish intent and the fact that the petitioner’s
confession was not voluntary.

While we agree that counsel’s antiseptic argument failed to set forth any facts of the
petitioner’s substance abuse, we cannot conclude that a different result would have occurred if
counsel done so. Additionally, as the trial court properly instructed the jury as to the elements of
the offenses, we cannot conclude that counsel’s failure to explain the elements of robbery to the
jury constituted prejudicial error. The petitioner is not entitled to relief on this claim.

vii. Counsel failed to adequately cross-examine the State’s witnesses.

The petitioner contends that defense counsel’s cross-examination of the State’s witnesses
was “unprepared and woefully inadequate.” He cites to counsel’s failure to explore the victim’s
drug use and also refers to the fact that the “longest cross-examinations by counsel cover six
pages of transcript.”

First, we acknowledge that the brevity of counsel’s examination of a witness does not
equate to a per se ineffective examination. Next, the petitioner has failed to establish the
relevance of the victim’s drug use. The petitioner fails to establish how trial counsel’s
performance was deficient or that he was prejudiced thereby. The petitioner is not entitled to
relief on this issue.

B. Penalty Phase Deficiencies

The petitioner raises several complaints regarding trial counsel’s performance during the
penalty phase of his capital trial. Specifically, he contends that trial counsel, Linda Kendall-
Garner and William Johnson, failed to function as effective counsel, as guaranteed by both the
Tennessee and United States Constitutions, by breaching acceptable standards for capital
representation in that:
1. Counsel failed to request certain jury instructions;
2. Counsel failed to object to testimony regarding the Hunter offense;
3. Counsel failed to object to State’s closing argument regarding the Hunter
offense; and
4. Counsel failed to properly investigate and prepare mitigation evidence.

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i. Counsel failed to request certain jury instructions.

The petitioner complains that trial counsel failed to file proposed jury instructions on jury
unanimity and erred by waiving inclusion of identity instructions. The petitioner’s identity was
never at issue. The record of his trial reflects that the trial court provided the jury with an
instruction on the identity of the petitioner. Without further articulation of the precise error of
counsel by the petitioner, we cannot conclude that the petitioner has established deficient
performance on this claim.

Likewise, he does not articulate the basis of the failed request for unanimity instructions
or any objection to the instruction during the penalty phase. We reject any invitation to
hypothesize as to the nature of the alleged error. Instructions that the verdict must be unanimous
during the penalty phase have been upheld on appeal. See State v. Nesbit, 978 S.W.2d 872, 902-
03 (Tenn.1998); State v. Brimmer, 876 S.W.2d at 87.

The petitioner has failed to establish that he was prejudiced by counsel; therefore, he is
not entitled to relief on this claim.

ii. and iii. Counsel failed to object to testimony regarding the Hunter offense
and failed to object to the State’s closing argument regarding the Hunter
offense.

The petitioner complains that trial counsel were ineffective for failing to object to the
State’s inclusion of the facts underlying the aggravating circumstance in its case-in-chief at the
penalty phase and for referring to these facts in closing argument. The Tennessee Supreme
Court reviewed these issues under plain error and requested that the parties brief the issues. See
Chalmers, 28 S.W.3d at 917. After review, our supreme court found any error to be harmless.
Id. at 918-19. Although counsel failed to enter objections to this evidence and argument, with
consideration of the supreme court’s holding, we cannot conclude that the petitioner has
established prejudice. (see infra).

iv. Failure to Properly Prepare Mitigation Evidence

As characterized by the post-conviction court, the crux of the petitioner’s request for
relief focuses upon defense counsel’s failure to properly investigate and prepare mitigation
evidence for the penalty phase of the trial. The petitioner bases the root of counsel’s derelict
performance in their failure to thoroughly review the petitioner’s school records. He contends
that, although counsel was in possession of the petitioner’s school records, they failed to
interview any of the petitioner’s former teachers, failed to obtain expert assistance to develop the
information contained in the record and they took no action to use the information to develop
mitigation. Additionally, the petitioner avers that defense counsel failed to explore his family
history, the criminal records of his family members, and the neighborhood in which the
petitioner was raised. The petitioner contends that trial counsel failed to interview his brothers
and his neighbors. He also complains that counsel failed to visit his family home and failed to
investigate his mother’s medical history.

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In the context of capital cases, a defendant’s background, character and mental condition
are unquestionably significant. “[E]vidence about the defendant’s background and character is
relevant because of the belief . . . that defendants who commit criminal acts that are attributable
to a disadvantaged background, or to emotional and mental problems, may be less culpable than
defendants who have no such excuse.” California v. Brown, 479 U.S. 538, 545, 107 S. Ct. 837,
841 (1987); see Eddings v. Oklahoma, 455 U.S. 104, 113-15, 102 S. Ct. 869, 876-77 (1982);
Lockett v. Ohio, 438 U.S. 586, 604-05, 98 S. Ct. 2954 (1978) (plurality opinion); Zagorski v.
State, 983 S.W.2d 654, 657-58 (Tenn. 1998). The right that capital defendants have to present a
vast array of personal information in mitigation at the sentencing phase, however, is
constitutionally distinct from the question whether counsel’s choice of what information to
present to the jury was professionally reasonable.

There is no constitutional imperative that counsel must offer mitigation evidence at the
penalty phase of a capital trial. Nonetheless, the basic concerns of counsel during a capital
sentencing proceeding are to neutralize the aggravating circumstances advanced by the State and
to present mitigating evidence on behalf of the defendant. Although there is no requirement to
present mitigating evidence, counsel does have the duty to investigate and prepare for both the
guilt and the penalty phase. See Goad, 938 S.W.2d at 369-70.

Although there is no absolute duty to investigate particular facts or a certain line of
defense, counsel does have a duty to make reasonable investigation or to make a reasonable
decision that makes particular investigation unnecessary. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 691, 104 S. Ct.
at 2052. In determining whether counsel breached this duty, counsel’s performance is reviewed
for reasonableness under prevailing professional norms, which includes a context-dependent
consideration of the challenged conduct as seen from counsel’s prospective at the time.
Wiggins, 539 U.S. 523, 123 S. Ct. at 2527 (citations omitted). Counsel is not required to
investigate every conceivable line of mitigating evidence no matter how unlikely the effort
would be to assist the defendant at sentencing. Id. at 533, 121 S. Ct. at 2381. Neither is counsel
required to interview every conceivable witness. Hendricks v. Calderdon, 70 F.3d 1032, 1040
(9th Cir. 1995). In other words, counsel’s duty to investigate and prepare is not limitless. See
Washington v. Watkins, 655 F.2d 1346 (5th Cir. 1981). Counsel’s performance will not be
found deficient for failing to unveil all mitigating evidence, if, after a reasonable investigation,
nothing has put counsel on notice of the existence of that evidence. See Babbit v. Calderson,
151 F.3d 1170, 1174 (9th Cir. 1998) (citation omitted). In summary, “no particular set of
detailed rules can satisfactorily take account of the variety of circumstances faced by defense
counsel. Rather, “courts must judge the reasonableness of counsel’s conduct on the facts of the
particular case, viewed as of the time of counsel’s conduct, and judicial scrutiny of counsel’s
performance must be highly deferential.” Roe v. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. 470, 477, 120 S. Ct.
1029, 1034-35 (2000) (internal citations and quotations omitted).

To determine whether or not trial counsel were ineffective for failing to present
mitigating evidence, the reviewing court must consider several factors.

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1. The reviewing court must analyze the nature and extent of the mitigating
evidence that was available but not presented. Goad, 938 S.W.2d at 371 (citing
Deutscher v. Whitley, 946 F.2d 1443 (9th Cir. 1991); Stephens v. Kemp, 846 F.2d
642 (11th Cir. 1988); Cooper v. State, 847 S.W.2d 521, 532 (Tenn. Crim. App.
1992); State v. Adkins, 911 S.W.2d 334 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1994)).

2. The court must determine whether substantially similar mitigating evidence
was presented to the jury in either the guilt or penalty phase of the proceedings.
Id. (citing Atkins v. Singletary, 965 F.2d 952 (11th Cir. 1992), cert. denied, 515
U.S. 1165, 115 S. Ct. 2624 (1995); Clozza v. Murray, 913 F.2d 1092 (4th Cir.
1990), cert. denied, 499 U.S. 913, 111 S. Ct. 1123 (1991); Melson, 722 S.W.2d at
421.

3. The court must consider whether there was such strong evidence of applicable
aggravating factor(s) that the mitigating evidence would not have affected the
jury’s determination. Id. (citing Fitzgerald v. Thompson, 943 F.2d 463, 470 (4th
Cir. 1991), cert. denied, 502 U.S. 1112, 112 S. Ct. 1219 (1992); Elledge v.
Dugger, 823 F.2d 1439 (11th Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 485 U.S. 1014, 108 S. Ct.
1487 (1988)).

During the penalty phase, the petitioner presented the testimony of his mother and his
sister. The petitioner also took the stand in his own behalf. Clytee Chalmers, the petitioner’s
mother, testified that the petitioner had never given her any trouble. She stated that she never
had to take him to Juvenile Court and that he was a “manner able” child. She characterized him
as a “good child.” Clytee Chalmers testified that the petitioner graduated from Southside High
School and that he was mainly a “C[] and B[]” student. She explained that she suffered from
diabetes and that he took care of her. She added that the petitioner had five brothers and one
sister. The petitioner was the only child that had ever had problems. On cross-examination,
Clytee Chalmers conceded that the petitioner may have gone to Juvenile Court and she was not
aware.

Clytis Chalmers characterized her brother as a “very caring person.” She stated that he
had been to Juvenile Court, but as the victim. She added that the petitioner was her best friend.

The petitioner testified that he was twenty-one years old when the offense occurred. He
explained that, on the night in question, he had been taking crack cocaine and drinking alcohol.
He stated that he could not recall what transpired that evening, stating that he “had went in a
black stage.” He stated that this was the first time he had used drugs. On cross-examination, he
stated that he could not recall what kind of weapon was used and that he did not know how to
operate it.

The only aggravating factor was the (i)(2) factor of a prior violent felony.

We summarize the mitigating evidence presented at the post-conviction evidentiary
hearing as follows:

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1. Jack Chalmers, brother: Jack Chalmers testified that their brother Clyde had
been accused of murder and he had not seen him since. He stated that both their
parents lived in the home, although their father would sometimes go away for
days at a time. He described their father as a “roamer” and a gambler. He added
that their father had two or three children with another woman. Jack Chalmers
described their neighborhood as “pretty rough,” explaining that there was gun
fire, prostitutes and drugs. He stated that he was shot in 1990. Jack Chalmers
described his younger brother, the petitioner, as very quiet and a happy child.
However, he stated that “[y]ou could tell that he was little odd . . . a little
different.” He explained that the petitioner was not out-going; he liked to be by
himself. Jack Chalmers testified that the Chalmers’ children “took care of one
another” and that they were an average family. He described them as “basically
just happy.” He stated that the petitioner had two children of his own. Jack
Chalmers stated that he was aware that his brother “drank occasionally and smoke
a little marijuana.” He agreed that the petitioner never caused the family any
problems, that he did well enough in school, that he maintained stable
employment, that he took care of his family and his children, and that he assumed
responsibility for the care of their invalid mother.

2. Clytis Chalmers, sister. She reiterated Jack Chalmers’ description of their
neighborhood. She added that one of her friends was raped and that her neighbor
was shot by her boyfriend. She stated that the petitioner was only nine years old
when their neighbor was shot. Clytis Chalmers added that, not only was their
neighborhood violent, their schools were as well. There were many fights in the
school yard, and she saw someone stabbed at the high school. She also recalled
an instance when a dead body was found in a car. She stated that he was involved
in a lot of fights at school. She blamed this on the fact that the petitioner was
“slow,” “[h]e was in resource.” She explained that the petitioner would be teased
because “he lacked knowledge,” and this would lead to fights. The petitioner was
embarrassed by the fact that he was “in resource.”

3. Robert Chalmers, brother. Robert Chalmers explained that their father was
there for him when needed and that he could go to his father with any problem.
There were times when their father was unavailable, but then Robert would talk
with the petitioner. He described the petitioner as caring and a “really nice guy
all around.” He conceded that he did observe his brother get “hot-headed” on a
few occasions. He also stated that the petitioner got into a lot of fights growing
up. The petitioner adored their grandmother. Her death impacted the petitioner.
Robert Chalmers described their neighborhood as “rough.” He stated that
everything was “gang related,” “[a]ll kinds of drugs,” “it’s just wild” and “lots of
shooting.” Notwithstanding, Robert Chalmers stated that he felt safe walking
alone in his neighborhood. Robert Chalmers also recalled that the petitioner’s
friend, Marcus Love, shot himself while they were still in school. Robert
Chalmers described Andre Ragland, the petitioner’s co-defendant, as a “bad guy.”

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He met Ragland through the petitioner. He also related that the petitioner drank
alcohol and smoked marijuana. Robert Chalmers stated that, although he had
heard that the petitioner had done cocaine, he had never witnessed this himself.
He testified that, at the time of the petitioner’s arrest, he was in jail on a robbery
conviction. He was still incarcerated when the petitioner’s case went to trial.

4. Thelma House, retired teacher. Thelma House testified that Longview
School was a predominately black school. She described the neighborhood as
“relatively nice . . . not elaborate. . . .” She described the economic background
of the neighborhood as “a mixture” of “professionals . . .[and] common laborers.”
Thelma House described the petitioner as having some difficulties in school but
stated that he was not a discipline problem.

5. Clara Hill, retired teacher. Clara Hill characterized the petitioner as “a mild
mannered student, very quiet acting, he was a follower and not a leader.” She
stated that the petitioner “was in special ed.”

6. Ruby Elmore, teacher. Ruby Elmore testified that the petitioner was in her
home room at Longview School. She affirmed that the petitioner was in some
special education classes at Longview. She stated that the petitioner remained in
special education classes in high school. Ms. Elmore stated that the petitioner had
to repeat the first grade and that his standardized school test scores remained low
throughout his educational career. She described the petitioner as “passive,”
“shy” and “quiet.” Ms. Elmore described the neighborhood as a “war zone.” She
stated there was a lot of violence and a lot of gang recruitment.

7. Shernard Wallace, friend. Shernard Wallace and the petitioner grew up in
the same neighborhood and attended the same schools. Mr. Wallace concurred
that the neighborhood was violent and stated that he had witnessed robberies,
killings, burglaries and drugs. He described the petitioner as “pretty cool” but
explained that he was very easily influenced. Mr. Wallace stated that their role
models were “thugs” and “drug dealers.” He added that it was common to sell
drugs in order to support your family. Mr. Wallace testified that Marcus Love, a
close friend of the petitioner, was killed while playing Russian Roulette.

8. Orlando Coleman, Sr., friend. Orlando Coleman, Sr., stated that the
petitioner was a “good person.” He related the incident where the petitioner was
injured by shrapnel from a sawed-off shotgun. He explained that this incident
occurred when the petitioner’s brother was trying to fashion a firing pin from a
piece of a fence. Mr. Coleman stated that Andre Ragland, the petitioner’s co-
defendant, was not necessarily a good person.

9. Rodrequis Coleman, friend. Rodrequis Coleman described the petitioner as
“a very nice person, real energetic.” He stated that Marcus Love was his best
friend and that everyone “took it hard” when he died.

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10. Rodney Wickfall, friend. Rodney Wickfall affirmed that the neighborhood
was not good. He stated that “crack had hit and it was . . . ugly.” He related that
a dead body was found in a car at school.

11. Patrick Haley, co-worker. Patrick Haley worked with the petitioner at Zip
Products. He stated that he would walk to work with the petitioner and his
brother. He stated that the petitioner adored his son, Tyrone, Jr. Mr. Haley
testified that the petitioner was “a good role model.” He explained that they were
“fringe drinkers,” meaning that he and the petitioner only drank on the weekends
when they got paid.

12. Cornelius Wells, co-worker. Cornelius Wells worked with the petitioner at
Zip Products. He described him as “a consistent worker . . . [p]roductive.” Mr.
Wells never observed the petitioner using illegal drugs. He stated that the
petitioner was “a nice person.”

13. Tim Irwin, employer. Tim Irwin testified that he is the president of Zip
Products. He stated that every one of the Chalmers’ brothers had worked for him.
He recalled that Clyde Chalmers was charged with the murder of his girlfriend’s
grandmother. He said he had not seen Clyde Chalmers since the day he failed to
report. Mr. Irwin stated that he fired Jack Chalmers for stealing from the
business. Notwithstanding, Mr. Irwin characterized the petitioner as “a good
employee.”

14. Herb Howard, co-worker. Herb Howard socialized with the Chalmers’
brothers outside of work. He stated that he never witnessed the petitioner using
drugs.

15. Dr. Keith Caruso, forensic psychiatrist. Dr. Caruso testified that the
petitioner’s I.Q. scores indicated a person with borderline intellectual functioning.
He opined that a review of the petitioner’s school records alone triggered the need
for further evaluation. Dr. Caruso testified that delinquent behavior was common
in the Chalmers’ family and stated that “impulsive behavior . . . has a genetic
basis.” The behavior could also be the result of the familial environment. Dr.
Caruso opined that the absences of the petitioner’s father, the neighborhood
environment, and the family dynamic of the petitioner as the middle child were
all factors relevant in evaluating the petitioner. Dr. Caruso concluded that the
petitioner suffered from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. He also has a
dependence on cocaine, marijuana and alcohol. The petitioner has a proneness to
depression and suffers from a receptive expressive language disorder, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and a borderline
personality disorder with anti-social features. Dr. Caruso opined that the
petitioner’s deficits, coupled with the lack of good role modeling and coping
skills, placed such a burden on him that Dr. Caruso was surprised that the
petitioner did not have a more significant criminal history. Dr. Caruso added that

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the petitioner turned to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Dr. Caruso
affirmed that, after the petitioner ended his relationship with Pam Rogers, he was
using up to a quarter ounce of cocaine a day and drinking very heavily. He
affirmed that the petitioner began regularly using marijuana at the age of thirteen,
often sneaking off from class to smoke in the bathroom. Dr. Caruso agreed that
the version of the crime and the preceding robbery provided to him by the
petitioner was the same version that the petitioner provided his defense counsel.
When questioned as to what were the “anti-social features” of his diagnosis that
the petitioner had a borderline personality disorder with anti-social features, Dr.
Caruso referred to the petitioner’s “unlawful behavior” and other “juvenile
behavior,” including a shop lifting incident.

16. Calvin Vickers, retired teacher. During his tenure as a teacher, Mr.
Vickers taught metals technology at Southside High School. The petitioner was
one of Mr. Vickers’ students. He described the petitioner as “a little stubborn to
start with, but he came around.” He stated that the petitioner was a very good
student. Calvin Vickers stated that, regarding the demographics of the school, the
school had very few, if any, white students.

The petitioner’s complaints regarding trial counsel’s failure to present sufficient
mitigating evidence are intertwined with his complaints that counsel failed to complete a
sufficient pre-trial investigation, and they cannot be entirely separated. We proceed to address
the issues regarding the petitioner’s allegations of deficient investigation as one issue. The
petitioner presented sixteen witnesses at the post-conviction evidentiary hearing. With the
exception of Dr. Caruso’s testimony, the testimony of these witnesses can be broken down into
three general areas: (1) the petitioner was a good, nice, and caring person, (2) the petitioner’s
neighborhood was crime-ridden, and (3) the petitioner was placed in special education classes.

At the petitioner’s penalty phase, his mother and sister testified that he was a good and
caring person. As to the numerous witnesses who testified at the post-con

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/1052311. Public record. Not legal advice.