# Correll v. Secretary, Department of Corrections

> District Court, M.D. Florida · March 19, 2013 · 932 F. Supp. 2d 1257

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/8707013

## Case

- **Full name:** Jerry William CORRELL v. SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
- **Court:** District Court, M.D. Florida
- **Decided:** March 19, 2013
- **Citations:** 932 F. Supp. 2d 1257; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37818; 2013 WL 1149321
- **Precedential status:** Published
- **Opinion:** Opinion of the court by Merryday
- **Judges:** Merryday
- **Cited by:** 1 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

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## Opinion text

ORDER
STEVEN D. MERRYDAY, District Judge.
In a single killing spree Jerry Correll murdered four victims, including his ex-wife and their five-year old daughter. Correll petitions for the writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (Doc. 71) and challenges the validity of both his convictions for four murders and his four death sentences. Correll asserts numerous errors allegedly committed by both the trial court and his attorneys. Based on the overwhelming evidence of guilt, the substantial evidence of aggravation, and the meager evidence of mitigation, Correll’s challenges to both the convictions and the sentences lack merit. 1
*1263 This action proceeds on Correll’s third amended petition 2 (Doc. 119) — -which was filed in late 2010 — the response (Doc. 120), and the reply (Doc. 123) — both of which were filed in 2011. Several grounds are procedurally barred from federal review and the remaining grounds lack merit.
I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
In 1986 Correll was convicted of four first-degree murders. The victims were Susan (his ex-wife), Tuesday (their five-year old daughter), Marybeth Jones (Susan’s sister), and Mary Lou Hines (Susan’s mother). 3 Correll was sentenced to death for each murder. 4 Correll v. State, 523 So.2d 562 (Fla.1988), cert. denied, 488 U.S. 871 , 109 S.Ct. 183 , 102 L.Ed.2d 152 (1988) (“Correll I”), affirmed each conviction and each death sentence. In 1990 Correll moved to vacate his sentences under Rule 3.850, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, and alleged that he was denied the effective assistance of trial counsel. The post-conviction judge, who was also the trial judge, denied Correll’s motion for post-conviction relief. In a state petition for extraordinary relief in the Florida Supreme Court under Rules 9.030(a)(3) and 9.100(a), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, Correll alleged that he was denied the effective assistance of appellate counsel. In a consolidated order on the petition for extraordinary relief and appellate review of the denial of the Rule 3.850 motion to vacate, the Florida Supreme Court denied relief. Correll v. State, 558 So.2d 422 (Fla.1990) (“Correll II”).
In 1990 Correll filed his initial Section 2254 petition for the writ of habeas corpus. The action was stayed in. 1995 (Doc. 51) to permit Correll to exhaust a claim based on newly discovered evidence. In 1998 the action was re-opened (Doc. 58) after the state court proceedings concluded in Correll v. State, 698 So.2d 522 (Fla.1997) (“Correll III”). In 1999 the federal action was transferred (Doc. 72) to the Orlando Division because the murders occurred in Orange County and Correll was indicted in Orange County. However, the Orlando Division transferred (Doc. 88) the action back to the Tampa Division because after a change of venue the trial occurred in Sarasota County. In 2002 the action was again stayed (Doc. 99) to await the Florida Supreme Court’s determination of the effect on Florida law of Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 , 122 S.Ct. 2428 , 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002). In 2005-the action was re-opened. (Doc. 111)
The state court record was lost during the pendency of this federal action, in part (perhaps) because both the Tampa and Orlando Divisions moved into a new courthouse. A July 5, 1994, docket entry shows that the record was initially received in the Tampa Division. An April 2, 1999, docket entry shows that the record was “placed in the death penalty room” in Orlando following the transfer to that division. The new courthouse in Orlando opened after the date of the docket entry. No docket entry shows that the record was either transferred to, or received by, the Tampa Division after the action was transferred back to the Tampa Division. Following a long and exhaustive search, in late 2010 the state court record was located at the Fed *1264 eral Records Center in Georgia. Discovery of the record was complicated because (1) the submission to the records center was in error, (2) the submission was not recorded on the docket sheet, and (3) the submission was improperly recorded on the list of. archived records. The parties filed new briefs after the state court record was returned from the federal archives. 5
II. FACTS
Correll’s murders were grisly, the crime scene was gory, and Correll’s guilt is indisputable because of the overwhelming, incriminating evidence. Correll I, 523 So.2d at 564 , reports the facts of the murders as follows:
On the morning of July 1, 1985, the bodies of the four victims were discovered in [Mrs. HinesJ’s home in Orlando. All had been repeatedly stabbed and died from massive hemorrhages; the three older victims had defensive type wounds on their hands. A sheriffs department investigator was called to the crime scene and approximately an hour and a half after his arrival encountered Jerry Correll there. Correll was asked for a statement and subsequently went to the sheriffs department where he gave first an oral and then a tape recorded statement. In his statement, Correll indicated that on the night of the murders he had been drinking and smoking marijuana with a woman, who later drove with him to Kissimmee. While at the sheriffs department, Correll consented to having his fingerprints taken and having pictures of the scratches, cuts and bruises on his hands and forearms taken. The next day, Correll was again interviewed and subsequently arrested. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Correll gave another statement after his arrest. Several bloody fingerprints and palm prints found at the murder scene were later matched to Correll’s. Evidence that he had previously threatened to kill his ex-wifé was also admitted. In addition, he could not be ruled out as the person whose bloodstains were found at the scene and whose sperm was found in Susan Correll’s vagina. 6
The following more detailed facts about the murder of Susan Correll are from the prosecution’s answer brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV at 127-30), are not in conflict with the facts from Correll’s opening brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV at 1-30), and are supported by the record. 7
The evidence in this case indicated that Susan Correll had at least fourteen (14) *1265 separate stab wounds, and that she bled to death from a massive hemorrhage produced by the wounds to her chest and abdomen (R 777, 1871). According to the [medical examiner], the wounds were inflicted in two “clusters” or “phases” involving the infliction of superficial yet painful and traumatizing wounds to the neck, followed by the “killing” phase involving the infliction of fatal wounds to the chest, back and abdomen (R 1869-1870; 1891). [The medical examiner] testified that the wounds, which penetrated the lungs, would have resulted in severe pain, and that they would not have incapacitated the victim or rendered her unconscious (R 1876); indeed the doctor testified that the victim could have lived for as long as ten to fifteen minutes after infliction of these wounds (R 1877). ‘
The autopsy slides indicate that Susan Correll suffered an extreme extensive wound to the abdomen, some seven inches deep, which resulted in the exposure of a great deal of her intestine (R 769-770); the [medical examiner] testified that there were indications that either the victim or the knife had moved while this wound was being inflicted (R 770). Likewise, the testimony and the slides indicate the existence of a significant number of defensive wounds on both of the victim’s hands, indicating that she sought to defend herself against the constant onslaught and that, as a result, she cut herself on the knife (R severed). The [medical examiner] also noted the presence of a number of bruises and abrasions on the victim’s forehead, shoulder blade, thighs and legs (R 781-2).'
The bloodstain pattern expert testified that, in her opinion, Susan Correll had been stabbed in the hallway outside her bedroom (R 1535-7). She had then been dragged into the bedroom and placed on her bed; the [medical examiner] testified that there was no way that Susan Correll would have been able to travel this distance on her own (R 782,-1885). The teeshirt she had been wearing at the time she had been stabbed was removed, and when she was found, Susan Correll was nude (R 778). Additionally, her body was partially covered by a sheet and the area from the mid-chest to the feet had been wiped clean of blood, a condition which could not have existed “naturally given the existence of substantial wounds (R 752-3). A pillow was found on top of the deep abdominal wound, and two types of bloodstains were found on the pillow: one type was consistent with that of Susan Correll, while the other was consistent with that of appellant only (R 755, 1375). As best as can be determined, the testimony of the bloodstain pattern expert could not rule out the possibility that these bloodstains were transferred onto the pillow at a point in time when one body was atop the other (R 1524-6). While no evidence of genital trauma was found, intact spermatozoa were found in Susan Correll’s vagina (R 756, 1431). [The forensic serology expert] testified that, based on appellant’s blood type and “secretor status,” appellant could not be ruled out as being the “source” of the semen, which could have existed in the victim’s body from anywhere between eight hours and three days prior to discovery (R 1433-4). [8] The [medical examiner] testified that the lack of genital trauma could be consistent with commission of a sexual battery after the victim was dead (R 756-7, 839-40, 851, 1888).
*1266 Near the completion of the medical examiner’s testimony about the wounds to Susan’s body and his use of slides and photographs depicting the wounds, 9 Correll asked to be excused from the trial (Respondent’s Exhibit VII at 776):
[Defense Counsel]: Your Honor, I don’t know whether this might be am appropriate time to take a recess. We’ve been going somewhat more than an hour. But I would also ask — Mr. Correll has not seen these things before and it has been very difficult for him — would it be appropriate—
[Prosecutor]: Your Honor, can we have something more than a speaking objection at this point?
The Court: What is your objection?
[Defense Counsel]: It’s a request not an objection. It’s been very difficult for him. I wonder if he might be excused until the showing of the slides is over. I have talked to him about it and he would request that — I don’t think there would be an objection in terms of— [Prosecutor]: Your Honor, the State objects to that. This is Mr. Correll’s trial and he ought to be here.
The Court: Well, at this point we are going to be having the balance of the direct examination concerning those slides, and I will be taking a recess at that point, when we complete that, and I will take up these other matters.
After the medical examiner concluded his testimony about Susan, the trial court revisited Correll’s request to be excused (Respondent’s Exhibit VII at 783, 785-86):
The Court: All right. Before the rest of us recess we will take up the Defendant’s request to be absent at his own trial. I also am of the mind that Mr. Correll should be here at all critical stages of the proceedings.... He should be here for all critical stages of the proceedings against, him. He should view the evidence that the State is presenting in the trial against him, particularly in a case of this nature. The question is whether or not I legally can require him to remain in the courtroom during the- course of his trial or whether he does, in fact, have the right to be absent from his own trial, absent some type of behavior necessitating it.
[Prosecutor]: Your Honor, it’s the State’s position that Mr. Correll needs to be present. There is no authority that I know of, casewise, for the defendant to pick and choose which portions of the trial that he wants to attend.... It’s the State’s position that this is Mr. Correll’s trial. He has a right to confront the evidence and the witnesses. I don’t see anything disruptive about his behavior, at this particular point, to cause the Court to force him to leave, and I didn’t see any reason why we should let him leave and come when he wants to.
The Court: All right. I’m going to deny the request to allow Mr. Correll to pick and choose what portions of this trial he wishes to attend. If he does not wish to view portions of the evidence, I suggest he turn his head or close his eyes. For so long as it does not necessitate his removal from the courtroom, I intend to have him present during the course of his own trial.
The following more detailed facts about the murder of Tuesday Correll are from the prosecution’s answer brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV at 144-45), are not in conflict with the facts from Correll’s opening brief (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV), and are supported by the record.
*1267 The evidence in this case indicates that Tuesday Correll suffered at least ten (10) stab wounds, and that she bled to death from a massive hemorrhage as a result of the multiple stab wounds to her chest (R 798). As with the other victims, the [medical examiner] testified that the wounds were inflicted in two “phases,” the first involving the infliction of superficial, yet painful and traumatizing wounds to the head, such “phase” followed by the infliction of fatal wounds to the chest (R 1879-1881). In this instance, one such terrorizing wound was a stab wound to the ear, and the [medical examiner] also noted marks on Tuesday’s neck which would have been consistent with the knife having been pressed very hard against it; the doctor stated that such mark was consistent with the child having been held as a hostage, and noted that slight movement had produced a superficial cut (R 790-1, 1879- 1880). Likewise, the [medical examiner] noted the cluster of stab wounds to her chest, including wounds which had penetrated her lungs and heart (R 791-6). The doctor pointed out the “butterfly” or “heart” configuration of one such wound, seemed to indicate that either the knife or the child had moved during the stabbing (R 792-3). [The medical examiner] stated that the wounds to the lung would have been quite painful, and that the child would have lived between two to three minutes after infliction of the chest wound (R 1880- 1). The' doctor also noted the presence of stabs on the child’s back and a number of abrasions or bruises on her legs (R 796-7). When she was found, Tuesday was clad in a nightgown and panties, ■ and the bloodstain pattern expert testified that Tuesday was stabbed while in the hallway, and that she was later moved to the bed in her room (R 788,1534-5).
The following more detailed facts about the murder of Ms. Jones are from the prosecution’s answer brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit -XXXV at 137-38), are not in conflict with the facts from Correll’s opening brief (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV)', and are supported by the record.
The evidence in this case indicates that Marybeth Jones suffered at least fourteen (14) stab wounds, and that she bled to death from a massive hemorrhage, as a result of the stab wounds to her chest (R 824). The [medical examiner] likewise testified, as in the case of Susan Correll, that these wounds had been inflicted in two phases, the first involving the infliction of superficial, yet painful and traumatizing wounds to the neck and face, the second involving the “killing” phase, wherein fatal wounds were inflicted to the chest (R 1881-3). Again, as with Susan Correll, the wounds were not immediately fatal, and the [medical examiner] testified that the victim could have lived up to ten minutes after the chest wounds were inflicted (R 1882). [The medical examiner] testified that one of the wounds was consistent with a knife having been drawn across the victim’s neck, and further noted that one of the major veins on the neck had been penetrated (R 820). The [medical examiner] stated that some of the wounds could have been inflicted from behind or while the victim was lying on the floor (R 820-1). The fatal stab wounds had penetrated the lung, liver and kidney (R 821). The [medical examiner] noted the presence of slight defensive wounds on the hands (R 822-3).
In all likelihood, according to the bloodstain pattern expert, Miss Jones was first attacked in the kitchen, her body then dragged through the utility room and into her bedroom (R 747-8, 886, 1539-40). When she was found, Mary *1268 beth Jones was wearing only a blouse and a pair of-panties (R 814): an ice cube tray was found out on the kitchen counter which was spattered with blood matching that of either Marybeth Jones or appellant (R 271). Blood consistent with that of appellant was found on several items in her room, including her wallet and purse (R 276). At the time she was found, the television and fan in her room were both still turned on, and the door to the outside was locked and bolted (R 595). Additionally, at the time that the wallet was found, it contained no paper currency, although a witness who had been in the company of Miss Jones earlier that day, testified that he had seen bills inside of her wallet (R 583); when appellant was arrested, a bloodstained twenty dollar bill was found in his possession (R 1429-30). Likewisé, when Miss Jones was found, her automobile, a black Mustang, was missing. Her boyfriend testified that he had last seen her drive off toward home at around midnight on the night of the murders (R 573); the car was later found, abandoned in a parking lot, with a bloodstain on the driver’s seat, and the keys subsequently turned up on the trunk of Richard Henestofel’s disabled vehicle 10 (R 997, 1026-7, 1205-8, 1426).
The following more detailed facts about the murder of Mrs. Hines are from the prosecution’s answer brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV at 151-52), are not in conflict with the facts from Correll’s opening brief (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV), and are supported by the record.
The evidence in this case indicated that Mary Lou Hines had at least fourteen (14) separate stab wounds, and that she bled to death from a massive hemorrhage of the chest cavity; the [medical examiner] also noted that because of the penetration of her trachea, Mrs. Hines had been forced to breathe in some of her own blood (R 810-811). In contrast to the other victims, the two “phases” of attack were not present in this case. Instead, the evidence indicated that the wounds had been inflicted, for the most part, in one massive cluster (R 1870, 1883). The [medical examiner] specifically identified those stab wounds which had penetrated the lungs, some of which were as deep as seven inches (R 805-6); he likewise noted those which had penetrated the aorta and the windpipe (R 807, 808). [The medical examiner] testified as to the presence of extensive defensive wounds on both of the victim’s hands, and the slides introduced indicate that Mary Lou Hines’s left hand was severely gashed and that her thumb was almost severed (R 1883-4; 808-9, slide numbers 451, 452, 453); several of the fingers of her left hand were cut all the way to the bone (R 809). Her body had a significant number of bruises and abrasions in many areas, including around the jaw, forehead, bridge of the *1269 nose, legs and shoulder (R 803,812, 1885). [The medical examiner] testified that the chest and hand wounds would have produced a significant amount of pain, and stated that the victim had, in all likelihood, lived for up to five minutes after infliction of the fatal wounds (R 1884-5).
It is clear from the testimony of both [the medical examiner] and the bloodstain pattern expert that a fierce bloody struggle had ensued between appellant and Mrs. Hines (R 1883-4, 747, 1540). She showed the most resistance of any victim. The struggle was so severe that Mrs. Hines’s dental plate was knocked out (R 813). The bloodstain evidence indicated that Mrs. Hines was first attacked while outside of Tuesday’s room, and that she was attacked fiercely while within that room; her blood was found spattered on the walls (R 1537-8). The expert likewise noted the presence of blood on the inside of the door and on the carpet, and stated that it was likely that the victim had been stabbed while kneeling on the floor or while backing up toward the bed (R 1538). The witness also stated that Mary Lou Hines had been stabbed while she was lying on the bed, and that the injuries to her forehead were consistent with her having come into contact, forcefully, with the wall (R 813, 1883). When she was found, the victim was wearing a nightgown (R 800).
Lawrence Smith testified (1) that, while confined in solitary, confinement in the Orange County jail, he and Correll were in adjoining cells, (2) that they would converse while walking in the recreation area, and (3) that they would talk while in their respective cells. 11 Smith testified that, although Correll never admitted to committing the murders, Correll admitted that “he was there that night.” (Respondent’s Exhibit X at 1283) Smith also represented that Correll claimed to have contracted with a friend in a motorcycle gang to kill Susan but that Correll “had got back in good with his ex-wife” before the contract was fulfilled. (Respondent’s Exhibit X at 1280) Smith testified that Correll claimed that he would use an alibi defense. Initially Correll stated that he was going to claim that he spent the evening with a woman named June but later he claimed that some friends were going to “set up” an alibi for him. “He said that they were going to be his alibi witnesses. That those people and other people that were his Mends, who he didn’t name, were going to set up an alibi for that night.” (Id. at 1284) Lastly Smith testified that Correll commented about the murder of Tuesday (Id. at 1289):
Q: He never specifically talked about how the murders took place, did he?
A: No.
Q: He did, however, say he would have to be insane to kill his own daughter, is that right?
A: He said that the jury would believe he was insanq, anybody that would kill his own daughter.
The trial court sentenced Correll to death for each murder and found that “Correll had been previously convicted of another capital offense” as an aggravating factor applicable to each murder. Correll I, 523 So.2d at 564 . The trial court found both the presence of additional aggravating factors for the murder of each victim and the absence of a mitigating factor (Respondent’s Exhibit XXIX at 4095-97):
The Murder of Susan Correll was Committed During the Course of Sexual
*1270
Battery
The presence of intact sperm in the vagina of Susan Correll which was consistent with the blood type of the Defendant when considered in conjunction with the testimony of [the crime scene re-construction expert], demonstrates beyond a reasonable doubt that her killer had sexual intercourse with her after infliction of the abdominal wound.
The Murder of Susan Correll was Committed in an Especially Heinous, Wicked, Atrocious and Cruel Manner
The testimony of [the medical examiner] revealed that a great many of the stab wounds to the neck area of Susan Correll were relatively shallow and superficial. These wounds would cause great pain but were not immediately life threatening. A slicing type wound on the back of Susan Correll also would have caused great bleeding and pain but was not itself life threatening. These wounds, when considered with the great number of stab wounds found on many different parts of her body, demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Jerry Correll tortured Susan Correll in the course of murdering her:
The Murder of [Ms. Jones] was Committed During the Course of a Robbery
The evidence shows that after Jerry Correll stabbed [Ms. Jones] numerous times he took her car keys and left the scene in her automobile. He was able to secure this getaway vehicle by rendering her unconscious with a knife.
The Murder of [Ms. Jones] was Committed for the Purpose of Avoiding or Preventing a Lawful Arrest
[Ms. Jones] had the misfortune of returning to her home before the killer had left. She knew Jerry Correll. She could identify Jerry Correll. Jerry Correll killed Mary Beth Jones in order to eliminate the only person alive who could identify him as the killer. There is no other reasonable explanation.
The Murder of Tuesday Correll was Especially Heinous, Atrocious, and Cruel
[The medical examiner] testified Tuesday Correll lived approximately five minutes before losing consciousness. It is difficult to imagine the degree of emotional anguish suffered by that dying child. She had apparently witnessed the brutal murder of her mother and experienced the horror of her own father repeatedly driving a sharp knife into her chest. She had no defensive wounds.
The Murder of Tuesday Correll was for the Purpose of Avoiding Arrest
The evidence from both sides revealed that the Defendant had a normal loving relationship with his daughter prior to killing her. There is no reasonable explanation for her murder other than to permanently silence her as a witness to the death of her mother.
The Murder of Tuesday Correll was Committed in a Cold, Calculated and Premeditated Manner Without any Pretense of Legal or Moral Justification
This five year old child was clad only in her nighty and was clutching her cloth doll when she was brutally and repeatedly attacked by her own father.
The “hostage type” wounds on the neck of Tuesday Correll as well as the “L” and “heart shaped” wounds caused by the movement of the knife while in her chest evidence the heightened premeditation of the Defendant at the time she was killed.
*1271
The Murder of [Mrs. Hines] was Especially Heinous, Atrocious, and Cruel
The evidence revealed that the murderer of [Mrs. Hines] went far beyond simply stabbing her to death. She was bludgeoned about the head and neck. She was stabbed repeatedly and in many separate “patterns.” She was chased while dying and had her fingers nearly amputated while attempting to shield herself. She was fifty-five years old.
Mitigating Factors
The Court has carefully considered all statutory mitigating factors and finds that no mitigating circumstance exists in the evidence of this case. The Court has also carefully examined and considered the record for any other factor or circumstance involving the case and the character of Jerry Correll. No mitigating circumstances can be found.
Correll asserts fifteen grounds for relief. The respondent correctly argues that some claims are procedurally barred from federal review. This order addresses the procedural issues before reviewing the merits of the remaining grounds, which are addressed sequentially beginning with a pretrial claim, followed by guilt and penalty phases claims, and concluding with Correll’s ineffective assistance of counsel claims.
III. EXHAUSTION AND PROCEDURAL DEFAULT
A petitioner must present each claim to a state court before raising the claim in federal court. “[Exhaustion of state remedies requires that petitioners ‘fairly presen[t]’ federal claims to the state courts in order to give the State the ‘opportunity to pass upon and correct’ alleged violations of its prisoners’ federal rights.” Duncan v. Henry, 513 U.S. 364, 365 , 115 S.Ct. 887 , 130 L.Ed.2d 865 (1995), quoting Picard v. Connor, 404 U.S. 270, 275 , 92 S.Ct. 509 , 30 L.Ed.2d 438 (1971). Accord Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509, 518-19 , 102 S.Ct. 1198 , 71 L.Ed.2d 379 (1982) (“A rigorously enforced total exhaustion rule will encourage state prisoners to seek full relief first from the state courts, thus giving those courts the first opportunity to review all claims of constitutional error.”), and Upshaw v. Singletary, 70 F.3d 576, 578 (11th Cir.1995) (“[T]he applicant must have fairly apprised- the highest court of his state - with the appropriate jurisdiction of the federal rights which allegedly were violated.”). Also, a petitioner must present to the federal court the same claim presented to the state court. Picard v. Connor, 404 U.S. at 275 , 92 S.Ct. 509 (“[W]e have required a state prisoner to present the' state courts with the same claim he urges upon the federal courts.”). “Mere similarity of claims is insufficient to exhaust.” Duncan v. Henry, 513 U.S. at 366 , 115 S.Ct. 887 . See also Brown v. Estelle, 701 F.2d 494, 495 (5th Cir.1983) 12 (“The exhaustion requirement is not satisfied if a petitioner presents new legal theories or entirely new factual claims in support of the writ before the federal court.”).
A petitioner must alert the state court that he is asserting a federal claim and not just a state law claim.
A litigant wishing to raise a federal issue can easily indicate the federal law basis for his claim in a state-court petition or brief, for example, by citing in conjunction with the claim the federal source of law on which he relies or a case deciding *1272 such a claim on federal grounds, or by simply labeling the claim “federal.”
Baldwin v. Reese, 541 U.S. 27, 32 , 124 S.Ct. 1347 , 158 L.Ed.2d 64 (2004). As a consequence, “[i]t is not enough that all the facts necessary to support the federal claim were before the state courts, or that a somewhat similar state-law claim was made.” Anderson v. Harless, 459 U.S. 4, 6 , 103 S.Ct. 276 , 74 L.Ed.2d 3 (1982). See also Kelley v. Sec’y, Dep’t of Corr., 377 F.3d 1317, 1345 (11th Cir.2004) (“The exhaustion doctrine requires a habeas applicant to do more than scatter some makeshift needles in the haystack of the state court record.”) (citations omitted).
Unexhausted grounds are procedurally barred from federal review and not reviewable unless Correll overcomes the procedural default. Correll must satisfy one of two tests to overcome procedural default, either (1) he shows “cause for the default and prejudice attributable thereto” or (2) he shows “that failure to consider [the defaulted] claim will result in a fundamental miscarriage of justice.” Harris v. Reed, 489 U.S. 255, 262 , 109 S.Ct. 1038 , 103 L.Ed.2d 308 (1989).
To demonstrate “cause” for his procedural default, Correll must justify his failure to comply with Florida’s procedural rules. In general, “the existence of cause for a procedural default must ordinarily turn on whether the prisoner can show that some objective factor external to the defense impeded ... efforts. to comply with the state procedural rules.” Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478, 488 , 106 S.Ct. 2639 , 91 L.Ed.2d 397 (1986). See Marek v. Singletary, 62 F.3d 1295, 1302 (11th Cir.1995). Even if he shows cause for his procedural default, Correll must show prejudice arising from the alleged constitutional error. A petitioner must show that he suffered actual prejudice, “not merely that the errors of the trial created a possibility of prejudice, but that they worked to his actual and substantial disadvantage, infecting his entire trial with error of constitutional dimensions.” United States v. Frady, 456 U.S. 152, 170 , 102 S.Ct. 1584 , 71 L.Ed.2d 816 (1982) (emphasis original). Accord Hollis v. Davis, 941 F.2d 1471, 1480 (11th Cir.1991). In essence, to show actual prejudice, Correll must demonstrate that the alleged error so infected the trial that his resulting conviction violates due process.
As an alternative to showing “cause and prejudice,” Correll must show that dismissal of his procedurally defaulted ground will result in a “fundamental miscarriage of justice,” an especial difficulty because Correll must demonstrate “actual innocence” of the crime of conviction. See Smith v. Murray, 477 U.S. 527, 537 , 106 S.Ct. 2661 , 91 L.Ed.2d 434 (1986) (citing Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. at 496, 106 S.Ct. 2678 ). See also Engle v. Isaac, 456 U.S. 107, 134-35 , 102 S.Ct. 1558 , 71 L.Ed.2d 783 (1982), and Ward v. Cain, 53 F.3d 106, 108 (5th Cir.1995) (denying a certificate of probable cause) (holding that a petitioner must show “as a factual matter that he did not commit the crime of conviction.”). Additionally, to meet the “fundamental miscarriage of justice” exception, Correll must show constitutional error coupled with “new reliable evidence — whether it be exculpatory scientific evidence, trustworthy eyewitness accounts, or critical physical evidence — that was not presented at trial.” Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298, 324 , 115 S.Ct. 851 , 130 L.Ed.2d 808 (1995).
Ground XII
Improper introduction of gruesome photographs deprived Mr. Correll of a fundamentally fair trial.
The police processed a gory crime scene that contained the bodies of three adults and a little girl, each of whom was stabbed to.death. The testimony at trial revealed that the three adults each sustained at *1273 least fourteen stab wounds and that the little girl sustained ten stab wounds. Correll complains that “the State was permitted to introduce numerous photographs of the victims, including over 100 pictures of the victims at the crime scene and at the morgue.” Correll further complains about “the admission of numerous additional photographs of the blood spatter at the crime scene, notwithstanding the fact that 105 blood-stained items including sections of the walls of the house were also entered into evidence.”
In a pre-trial hearing Correll successfully objected to many of the photographs and the prosecution also withdrew several items. 13 In his brief on direct appeal, Correll specifically objects to only nine photographs from the crime scene and eight photographs from the medical examiner’s office. Correll I, 523 So.2d at 564 n. *, summarily rejected this ground without elaboration as one of ten grounds the court found “to be without merit .... ”
Correll alleges that “[t]he prejudicial effect of this evidence outweighed its probative value; its introduction constituted constitutional error and denied Mr. Correll his fundamental right to a fair trial and sentencing.” The respondent correctly argues that this claim contests the trial court’s evidentiary ruling, which is a matter of state law and not a federal constitutional issue.
A review of Correll’s brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV, Point IV at 48) shows that, in presenting this ground to the state court; Correll argued only that the prejudicial effect outweighed the probative value and he failed to alert the state court that admitting the photographs and blood-stained items violated a constitutional right. As a consequence, Correll’s federal claim — that the “introduction constituted constitutional error and denied Mr. Correll his fundamental right to a fair trial and sentencing” — is both unexhausted and procedurally barred from federal review unless Correll can overcome the procedural default. See Anderson v. Harless, 459 U.S. at 6 , 103 S.Ct. 276 (“[T]he habeas petitioner must have ‘fairly presented’ to the state courts the ‘substance’ of his federal habeas corpus claim.”); Picard v. Connor, 404 U.S. at 275 , 92 S.Ct. 509 (“We emphasize that the federal claim must be fairly presented to the state courts.”). Correll presents no argument to overcome the procedural default. Consequently, ground XII is procedurally barred from federal review on the merits.
Even if not barred, this ground lacks merit. Federal habeas corpus relief is generally not available for an error of state law. Pulley v. Harris, 465 U.S. 37 , 104 S.Ct. 871 , 79 L.Ed.2d 29 (1984); Wainwright v. Goode, 464 U.S. 78 , 104 S.Ct. 378 , 78 L.Ed.2d 187 (1983). See also Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62, 75 , 112 S.Ct. 475 , 116 L.Ed.2d 385 (1991) (“Nor do our habeas powers allow us to reverse [a] conviction based on a belief that the trial judge incorrectly interpreted the” state’s evidence rules.). A federal court possesses only limited authority to review a state evidentiary ruling by habeas corpus. Burgett v. Texas, 389 U.S. 109 , 113—14, 88 S.Ct. 258 , 19 L.Ed.2d 319 (1967). Rather, a federal court’s inquiry into a state evidentiary ruling is limited to an examination of whether the state violated a federally guaranteed right, Nordskog v. Wainwright, 546 F.2d 69, 72 (5th Cir.1977), such as the denial of fundamental fairness. Hall v. Wainwright, 733 F.2d 766, 770 (11th Cir.1984). “As a guideline for applying the criterion of fundamental *1274 fairness, the erroneous admission of prejudicial evidence can justify habeas corpus relief only if it is material in the sense of a crucial, highly significant factor.” Dickson v. Wainwright, 683 F.2d 348, 350 (11th Cir.1982) (citations omitted). The category of infraction that violates fundamental fairness is narrowly defined. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 73 , 112 S.Ct. 475 . For the most part, an evidentiary ruling simply raises no question of constitutional magnitude.
A federal habeas petition may be entertained only on the ground that a petitioner is in custody in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States. 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (a). A state’s interpretation of its own laws or rules provides no basis for federal habeas corpus relief, since no question of a constitutional nature is involved. Bronstein v. Wainwright, 646 F.2d 1048, 1050 (5th Cir.1981). State courts are the ultimate expositors of their own state’s laws, and federal courts entertaining petitions for writs of habeas corpus are bound by the construction placed on a state’s criminal statutes by the courts of the state except in extreme cases. Mendiola v. Estelle, 635 F.2d 487, 489 (5th Cir.1981).
McCullough v. Singletary, 967 F.2d 530, 535-36 (11th Cir.1992), cert. denied, 507 U.S. 975 , 113 S.Ct. 1423 , 122 L.Ed.2d 792 (1993). Correll fails to show that the introduction of the photographs and bloodstained items violates his right to a fundamentally fair trial because the evidence against Correll is so overwhelming.
Ground XIII
Introduction of collateral crime evidence and evidence of “bad character” violated Mr. Correll’s right to a fair trial.
Correll asserts that, “[ojver defense objection, the State introduced collateral crime evidence, namely Mr. Correll’s having previously punctured the tires of [his ex-wife]’s car.” Correll I, 523 So.2d at 566 , establishes the following facts:
Correll’s next point involves the admission of testimony that Correll had slashed Susan Correll’s tires some two years prior to the murders in light of evidence that on the night of the murders, the tires of the man Susan was then dating had been slashed outside the ABC Bar sometime after Correll had seen the two of them inside the bar. Before trial, the state filed a notice of intent to offer similar fact evidence, and a hearing was conducted. Defense counsel objected to the admission of this testimony on the ground that it was too remote in time to be relevant, but the trial court ruled it admissible as it went toward lack of mistake, identity and motive.
A review of Correll’s brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV, Point IX at 84) shows that, in presenting this ground to the state court, Correll argued only that the evidence violated Florida’s Williams rule, 14 codified at Section 90.404, Florida Statutes, which precludes the admissibility of other crimes or wrongs if the “evidence is relevant solely to prove bad character or propensity.” Correll failed to alert the state court that admitting testimony about the earlier incident violated a constitutional right. As a consequence, Correll’s federal claim — that “Mr. Correll was denied his fundamental right to a fair trial when the State introduced irrelevant and prejudicial evidence” — is both unexhausted and procedurally barred from federal review unless Correll can *1275 overcome the procedural default. See Anderson v. Harless, 459 U.S. at 6 , 103 S.Ct. 276 (“[T]he habeas petitioner must have ‘fairly presented’ to the state courts the ‘substance’ of his federal habeas corpus claim.”), and Picard v. Connor, 404 U.S. at 275 , 92 S.Ct. 509 (“We emphasize that the federal claim must be fairly presented to the state courts.”). Correll presents no argument to overcome the procedural default.. Consequently, ground XIII is procedurally barred from federal review on the merits. 15
Ground V(A)
Trial counsel was rendered ineffective by court rulings in violation of the Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments [in the] Guilt-Innocence Phase.
Correll maintained his innocence and presented the defense that someone else committed the murders. He speculated that the murders' were the result of Susan’s use of drugs. Correll challenges the trial court’s precluding the introduction of evidence about Susan’s alleged drug use. The prosecution filed a motion in limine (Respondent’s Exhibit XXVIII at 3944) to preclude testimony about Susan’s history of using drugs. In a pre-trial hearing, the trial court “reserv[ed] ruling on the motion in limine until such time as I have enough information concerning relevancy and the questions raised.” (Respondent’s Exhibit XVIII at 2187) ■ Consistent with the pre-trial ruling, during trial defense counsel requested a side-bar conference at which he announced his desire to cross-examine a witness about Susan’s pri- or drug use. The trial court rejected the request based on a lack of relevance. (Respondent’s Exhibit V at 542-44)
Correll asserted this issue in his motion for post-conviction relief. The post-conviction court rejected the claim as one that “could have been raised on direct appeal.”
Claim I, that counsel was rendered ineffective by judicial rulings and prosecutorial improprieties, is procedurally barred as it involves matters which either were or could and should have been raised on direct appeal. Clark v. State, 460 So.2d 886 (Fla.1994 [1984]); Mikenos [Mike nas] v. State, 460 So.2d 359 (Fla.1984). Although cast in the guise of ineffective assistance of counsel, this claim involves nothing more than a dispute over several of this court’s rulings at trial, two of which were raised on direct appeal ... and another which could have been raised on direct appeal (the preclusion from eliciting, on cross-examination of a state witness, the fact that Susan Correll smoked marijuana on the night -she was murdered).
*1276 (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII, Claim I at 1-2) In affirming the post-conviction court’s decision, Correll II, 558 So.2d at 426 n. 6, applied the same reasoning for not reviewing the claim.
The state court specifically found this claim proeedurally defaulted and declined addressing the merits of this claim. Correll presents no argument to overcome the procedural default. Consequently, ground V(A) is proeedurally barred from federal review on the merits.
Ground VIII
The cold, calculated, and premeditated aggravating circumstance was improperly applied in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Ground IX
The heinous, atrocious, or cruel aggravating circumstance was improperly applied in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Correll challenges the application of both the “cold, calculated, and premeditated” (“CCP”) aggravating circumstance (ground VIII) and the “heinous, atrocious, or cruel” (“HAC”) aggravating circumstance (ground IX). Correll’s ground VTII consists of a single paragraph less than a half-page long and ground IX consists of two paragraphs less than a page long. Correll admits that both grounds are procedurally barred. These two grounds are addressed jointly because Correll conflates his arguments for these separate aggravating circumstances.
A. CCP:
Correll contends that the CCP aggravating circumstance is unconstitutionally vague and that the trial judge improperly applied the aggravator. Correll never alleged, either at trial or on direct appeal, that the CCP aggravating circumstance was unconstitutionally vague. 16 Although he asserted his vagueness challenge in the state post-conviction proceeding, Correll concedes that the post-conviction court rejected the vagueness claim as proeedurally barred. The respondent concurs stating, “This claim is proeedurally defaulted for habeas'purposes because it was not raised on direct appeal from Correll’s convictions and sentences.” (Response at 51, Doc. 120) Correll offers no rebuttal in his reply. (Doc. 123)
In his Rule 3.850 motion to vacate, Correll asserted his “improperly applied” challenge to the CCP aggravating circumstance, which challenge was rejected by the post-conviction court as proeedurally barred (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII at 11-12):
Claim XVIII, that the cold, calculated, and premeditated aggravating factor was improperly applied is proeedurally barred as it should have been raised on direct appeal. Henderson v. Dugger, 522 So.2d 835 (Fla.1988). Recent decisions of the Florida Supreme Court that this factor involves a careful plan or prearranged design do not represent a change in the law. Eutzy v. State, 541 So.2d 1143 (Fla.1989). This court finds that upon eliminating this aggravating factor and re-weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors it would still impose a sentence of death for the murder of Tuesday.
Correll II, 558 So.2d at 426 -27 n. 6, agreed with the post-conviction court that Correll should have raised this claim on direct appeal. As a consequence, Correll’s *1277 ground VIII is procedurally barred from federal review on the merits. 17
B. HAC:
Correll asserts two challenges to the HAC aggravating circumstance. First, he contends that the HAC aggravating circumstance “is unconstitutionally vague.” Correll never alleged, either at trial or on direct appeal or post-conviction, that the HAC aggravating circumstance was unconstitutionally vague. As a consequence, a challenge to the HAC aggravating circumstance based on vagueness is both unexhausted and procedurally barred.
Correll’s second contention is that “[t]he trial court improperly found the HAC aggravating circumstance, as the State did not prove its existence beyond a reasonable doubt.” Citing the post-conviction proceedings, Correll concedes that this claim was rejected as procedurally barred. The respondent concurs stating, “This claim is procedurally defaulted for habeas purposes because it was not raised on direct appeal.” (Response at 52, Doc. 120) Correll offers no rebuftal in his reply. (Doc. 128)
The “insufficiency-of-the-evidence” argument, which Correll presents in a single, cursory sentence, is not procedurally barred. In his initial brief on direct appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV at 144-46), Correll specifically challenged the trial court’s finding the HAC aggravating circumstance as applied to Susan, Tuesday, and Mrs.' Hines. The answer brief (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXV) supports the validity of the HAC aggravating circumstance as applied to Susan (pp. 181-33), Tuesday (pp. 145-46), and Mrs. Hines (pp. 150-53). Correll I, 523 So.2d at 568 , summarily rejected the insufficieney-of-the-evidence argument stating, “We also find no error with respect to the rest of the aggravating factors and the lack of mitigating factors.” Neither Correll nor the respondent recognizes that this “insufficiency-of-the-evidence” challenge to the HAC aggravating circumstance is not procedurally barred. Nevertheless, Correll is entitled to no relief because the state’s evidence was more than sufficient to prove the HAC aggravating circumstance as applied to his murdering Susan (his ex-wife), Tuesday (his little five-year-old daughter), and Mrs. Hines (his ex-mother-in-law).
C. CCP and HAC:
Correll alleges that both the CCP and the HAC aggravating circumstances are based.on improper jury instructions and counsel’s ineffectiveness. Both allegations are procedurally barred.
Correll alleges that the jury was improperly instructed on both the CCP and the HAC aggravating circumstances. On direct appeal Correll asserted a challenge to neither the CCP nor the HAC jury instructions. The post-conviction court determined that Correl’s jury instruction *1278 challenge was procedurally barred- (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII at 11):
Claim XVII, that Correll’s sentencing jury was improperly instructed on the especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel aggravating factor, is procedurally barred as it should have been raised on direct appeal. Adams v. State, 543 So.2d 1244 (Fla.1989); Marich [Harich] v. State, 542 So.2d 980 (Fla.1989). In any event, the claim is without merit as Maynard, supra, does not affect Florida’s sentencing procedure. Clark, supra; [1 8] Smalley v. State, 546 So.2d 720 (Fla.1989); Smith, supra. This court finds that upon eliminating this aggravating factor and re-weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors it would still impose a sentence of death for the murders of Susan Correll, Tuesday Correll, and [Mrs.] Hines.
Correll II, 558 So.2d at 426 -27 n. 6, agreed with the post-conviction court that Correll should have raised his jury instruction claim on direct appeal. As a consequence, Correll’s challenge to both the CCP and the HAC jury instruction is procedurally barred from federal review on the merits.
Ground IX also contains a cursory allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel for not challenging both the CCP (ground VIII) and the HAC (ground IX) aggravating circumstances (Third Amended Petition at 49 Doc. 119):
The jury’s death recommendations in Mr. Correll’s case were tainted by Eighth Amendment error because the jury received constitutionally inadequate instructions regarding the cold, calculated, and premeditated aggravating factor and the heinous, atrocious or.cruel aggravating factor. Godfrey v. Georgia, 446 U.S. 420 [, 100 S.Ct. 1759 , 64 L.Ed.2d 398 ] (1980); Furman v. Georgia, 408 U.S. 238 [, 92 S.Ct. 2726 , 33 L.Ed.2d 346 ] (1972); Shell v. Mississippi, 498 U.S. 1 [, 111 S.Ct. 313 , 112 L.Ed.2d 1 ] (1990). Any failure by trial or appellate counsel to preserve and raise these fundamental issues constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel. Counsel is ineffective when she fails to challenge the legality of an aggravating circumstance being used to enhance a sentence. Starr v. Lockhart, 23 F.3d 1280 (8th Cir.1994), cert. denied, 513 U.S. 995 , 115 S.Ct. 499 , 130 L.Ed.2d 409 (1994).
In his Rule 3.850 motion to vacate Correll never asserted that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by not. challenging either the CCP or the HAC aggravating circumstances. (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII at 229-46(HAC) and at 246-259(CCP)) In his state petition for extraordinary relief in the Florida Supreme Court under Rules 9.030(a)(3) and 9.100(a), Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVIII), Correll never asserted that appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance by not challenging either the CCP or the HAC aggravating circumstances. (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVTII at 84-101(HAC) and at 101-15(CCP)) Correll concedes that these claims were “deemed procedurally barred.” Correll presents no argument to overcome the procedural bar.
Additionally, even if Correll could both overcome the procedural bar and prevail on his challenges to the CCP and HAC aggravating circumstances, Correll would gain no relief because, in the 1990 order denying Correll’s Rule 3.850 motion to vacate, the post-conviction court specifically re-weighed the remaining aggravating and mitigating circumstances and determined that Correll would still receive a sentence of death for each victim. See Clemons v. Mississippi, 494 U.S. 738, 744-49 , 110 S.Ct. 1441 , 108 L.Ed.2d 725 (1990) (permitting the re-weighing of aggravating and *1279 mitigating circumstances after determining that an invalid aggravating circumstance was considered when the death sentence was imposed).
Ground XV
Mr. Correll was denied a fair trial and sentencing due to presentation of false or misleading evidence and trial counsel’s ineffectiveness in failing] to investigate.
The prosecution presented the testimony of Judith Bunker, an employee of the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office. The trial court accepted Ms. Bunker as an expert witness for blood spatter analysis. Correll alleges that newly discovered evidence reveals that the expert witness misrepresented her educational background. This Section 2254 petition was stayed and administratively closed while Correll presented his newly-discovered evidence to the state court in another Rule 3.850 motion to vacate, which claim Correll III rejected.
In addition to challenging the qualification of the expert witness, ground XV alleges that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance by not properly investigating the expert witness’s background. Correll never presented the ineffectiveness claim to the state court. Neither the second Rule 3.850 motion to vacate (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXIX) nor the transcript of the hearing (Id.) nor Correll’s initial brief on appeal (Respondent’s Exhibit XL) nor Correll III asserts or addresses an allegation that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance for not investigating Ms. Bunker’s educational background. As a consequence, Correll’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim is both unexhausted and procedurally barred from federal review unless Correll can overcome the procedural default. See Anderson v. Harless, 459 U.S. at 6 , 103 S.Ct. 276 (“[T]he habeas petitioner must have ‘fairly presented’ to the state courts the ‘substance’ of his federal habeas corpus claim.”), and Picard v. Connor, 404 U.S. at 275 , 92 S.Ct. 509 (“We emphasize that the federal claim must be fairly presented to the state courts.”). Correll presents no argument to overcome the procedural default. Consequently, this component of ground XV is procedurally barred from federal review on the merits. 19
IV. STANDARD OF REVIEW
This federal action began in July, 1990, when Correll ■ petitioned for the writ of habeas corpus. Because this action began before April 24, 1996, this action is not controlled by the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (“AED-PA”). Instead this petition is reviewed under pre-AEDPA law. Lindh v. Murphy, 521 U.S. 320, 336 , 117 S.Ct. 2059 , 138 L.Ed.2d 481 (1997); Mincey v. Head, 206 F.3d 1106 , 1131 (11th Cir.2000), cert. denied 532 U.S. 926 , 121 S.Ct. 1369 , 149 L.Ed.2d 297 (2001). As a consequence, the deference now routinely accorded a state court’s decision is inapplicable. 20 Instead, Correll is entitled to a de novo review of the state courts’ decisions on both questions of law and mixed questions of law and fact, Mincey, 206 F.3d at 1131, but not for findings of fact.
Even though this action is controlled by pre-AEDPA law, Correll faces a substan *1280 tial obstacle to overcome the state courts’ findings of fact, which are entitled to a presumption of correctness.
The state court’s factual findings are generally entitled to a presumption of correctness and may be ignored only if the petitioner shows by clear and convincing evidence that the state court’s determination was not “ ‘fairly supported by the record.’ ” Griffin v. Wainwright, 760 F.2d 1505, 1511 (11th Cir.1985) (quoting pre-AEDPA § 2254(d)). This presumption is equally applicable to state appellate court findings of fact. See, e.g., Sumner v. Mata, 449 U.S. 539, 549 , 101 S.Ct. 764, 770 , 66 L.Ed.2d 722 (1981).
Johnson v. Alabama, 256 F.3d 1156 (11th Cir.2001), cert. denied sub nom, Johnson v. Nagle, 535 U.S. 926 , 122 S.Ct. 1295 , 152 L.Ed.2d 208 (2002). See also Marshall v. Lonberger, 459 U.S. 422, 432 , 103 S.Ct. 843 , 74 L.Ed.2d 646 (1983) (“This deference requires that a federal habeas corpus court more than simply disagree with the state court before rejecting its factual determinations. Instead, it must conclude that the state court’s findings lacked even ‘fair support’ in the record.”).
Even though this action is controlled by pre-AEDPA law, the review of each direct appeal claim is governed by the “legal landscape” of 1988, when Correll I issued, and each ineffective assistance of counsel claim is governed by the “legal landscape” of 1990, when Correll II issued. Lambrix v. Singletary, 520 U.S. 518, 527 , 117 S.Ct. 1517 , 137 L.Ed.2d 771 (1997) (“Lambrix’s conviction became final on November 24, 1986, when his time for filing a petition for certiorari expired. Thus, our first and principal task is to survey the legal landscape as of that date .... ”).
Additionally, pre-AEDPA law governs whether an evidentiary hearing is required, as Correll requests. Even under pre-AEDPA law a petitioner is not always entitled to an evidentiary hearing. Atkins v. Singletary, 965 F.2d 952, 957-58 (11th Cir.1992), cert. denied, 515 U.S. 1165 , 115 S.Ct. 2624 , 132 L.Ed.2d 865 (1995), teaches that an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary if the petitioner’s allegations lack merit.
Atkins argues that, under Blackledge v. Allison, 431 U.S. 63 , 97 S.Ct. 1621 , 52 L.Ed.2d 136 (1977), the district court was required to hold an evidentiary hearing to give Atkins an opportunity to prove his claims. 4 We do not think so.
“A petitioner is entitled to an evidentiary hearing if he alleges facts which, if true, would warrant habeas relief.” Tejada v. Dugger, 941 F.2d 1551, 1559 (11th Cir.1991), cert. denied 502 U.S. 1105 , 112 S.Ct. 1199 , 117 L.Ed.2d 439 (1992). And we must accept as true the factual assertions made by a habeas petitioner when determining whether an evidentiary hearing is required. See, e.g., Smelcher v. Attorney General of Alabama, 947 F.2d 1472, 1478 (11th Cir.1991); Agan v. Dugger, 835 F.2d 1337, 1338 (11th Cir.1987). But after reviewing Atkins’ allegations and accepting as true his factual allegations, we conclude that he would be due no relief and, therefore, that Atkins is entitled to no evidentiary hearing. 5
*1281 See also Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at 700, 104 S.Ct. 2052 (“The state courts properly concluded that the ineffectiveness claim was meritless without holding an evidentiary hearing.”). Even after considering his asserted new evidence, Correll’s allegations lack merit. Consequently, no evidentiary hearing is required.
Although the deference accorded state court decisions under the AEDPA is inapplicable, the discussion of each ground commences with the state court’s analysis, which, although not controlling, is instructional.
V. PRE-TRIAL GROUND
Ground XI
The trial court failed to excuse for cause venire members Beiler and Cullen in violation of the Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
Correll alleges that two members of the jury venire, Ms. Beiler and Ms. Cullen, were each unsuitable to serve as a juror because of their responses during voir dire. Correll complains “that veniremember Beiler responded ‘that without a doubt’ she would have difficulty voting for life if Mr. Correll was found guilty of murder.” Correll complains that “venireperson Cullen also indicated she would ‘probably 1 find it difficult to vote for life.” Neither Beiler nor Cullen were stricken for cause. Correll argues that “[b]ecause the views expressed by Beiler and Cullen prevented and substantially impaired their ability to be fair and impartial, they should have been stricken for cause.”
“[T]he standard for determining whether prospective jurors may be excluded for cause based on their views on capital punishment ... is ‘whether the juror’s views would prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath.’ ” Gray v. Mississippi 481 U.S. 648, 658 , 107 S.Ct. 2045 , 95 L.Ed.2d 622 (1987), quoting Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. 412, 424 , 105 S.Ct. 844 , 83 L.Ed.2d 841 (1985). A reviewing court must consider a prospective juror’s voir dire responses based on the entire voir dire and not based on an isolated question. See, e.g., Owen v. Fla. Dep’t of Corr., 686 F.3d 1181, 1198-1201 (11th Cir.2012) (reviewing responses by a member of the venire based on each member’s voir dire as a whole — regarding whether they could impose a sentence of death — and not based on the member’s response to one question). The voir dire of Beiler, in proper context, is as follows (Respondent’s Exhibit I at 80-83):
[Defense Counsel]: The Judge is going to instruct you on the different aggravating factors and on mitigating factors and on the burden of proof, and he’s then going to have you decide whether the death penalty should be considered or not. Do you think that you could— you would find it difficult to vote for life after [being] given those instructions from the Court?
Ms. Beiler: For life?
[Defense Counsel]: Yes.
Ms. Beiler: You are trying to confuse me.
[Defense Counsel]: Not really. I don’t mean to.
Ms. Beiler: I guess it’s just lawyer’s terms. I don’t know.
[Defense Counsel]: What don’t you understand?
*1282 Ms. Beiler: Okay. What are you planning on asking me?
[Defense Counsel]: If the Judge instructs you on the aggravating circumstances and the mitigating circumstances and instructs you on the burden of proof, and then you have to go back and decide whether to consider the death penalty or not, would you have a difficult time in considering life rather than the death penalty?
Ms. Beiler: Once back there talking and considering the death, then I will have to consider it. And then also you put in there considering, which we are not really pointing out, that it is going to be. So what I will have to do, I will have to evaluate and consider it just as much as life or death.
[Defense Counsel]: Okay. You told the Prosecutor that you are for the death penalty up to a point. Could you explain to me what that means a little bit more?
Ms. Beiler: To me, I have never been in this situation, but if he or she is, you know, proven — do you understand what I’m saying — totally proven, then I do, I will consider the death penalty.
[Defense Counsel]: Do you think anyone who’s convicted of first-degree murder should be given the death penalty?
Ms. Beiler: If they are proven.
[Defense Counsel]: All right. What I’m asking — when I ask you about [what] the aggravating circumstances is under the law, the Judge is going to instruct you that if we get to the second phase, before you consider the death penalty you will be instructed that you will need to find beyond a reasonable doubt that these aggravating circumstances are present.
If you didn’t find them to be present, would you have a difficult time still voting for life if an individual had been convicted of first-degree murder?
Ms. Beiler: Yeah, without a doubt, you know.
The Court: Let me ask you a question in this regard, please. That question, because of its length and because of it being asked kind of backwards, it might be confusing to you, but the law in Florida is that a person who commits first-degree premeditated murder, if the jury after a trial finds beyond a reasonable doubt that that person did commit first-degree premeditated murder, does not automatically receive the death penalty. Then we go to the jury and I will be explaining certain additional aggravating factors that also would have to be proved before the death penalty could be considered, and mitigating factors that the jury can consider in order to vote for not imposing a death penalty or life in prison, and what both counsels are asking you in a roundabout way is whether or not you will put aside your personal feelings concerning when the death penalty should be imposed or not imposed and follow the instructions of the Court and apply it to the facts in this case in making a determination in accord with the law. Could you do that? Ms. Beiler: Yes, I could. You explained it a lot easier.
Defense counsel asserted no challenge for cause at the conclusion of Ms. Beiler’s individual voir dire, but at the conclusion of the individual questioning of all of the veniremen, defense counsel challenged Ms. Beiler for cause, which challenge was rejected. (Respondent’s Exhibit IV at 421-22)
The voir dire of Ms. Cullen, in proper context, is as follows (Respondent’s Exhibit II at 146-51):
[Prosecutor]: Afternoon, ma’am. The Judge indicated earlier that one of the possible penalties in this case could be the death penalty. We need to know, *1283 how do you feel about the death penalty?
Ms. Cullen: You mean do I approve of it?
[Prosecutor]: Approve of it, dislike it? Ms. Cullen: I approve of it.
[Prosecutor]: Do you understand not all cases involving first-degree murder warrant the imposition of the death penalty? Ms. Cullen: Yes.
[Prosecutor]: Because of that, we have certain laws in the State and the judge will instruct you according to those laws. He will instruct you as to certain aggravating and certain mitigating factors. Then you will take the facts of the case and the evidence and apply those against the Court’s instructions to arrive at a recommendation. If the facts of this case would warrant the imposition of the death penalty according to the law as instructed to you by the Court, could you vote to recommend the death penalty?
Ms. Cullen: Yes.
[Prosecutor]: On the other hand, if the facts of this case did not warrant the death penalty but warranted a sentence of life imprisonment, could you recommend to the Court according to the laws of this state that life imprisonment be imposed?
Ms. Cullen: Yes.
[Prosecutor]: What, I’m simply asking, ma’am, in nutshell is lay aside your personal feelings about the death penalty and follow the law concerning this imposition or non-imposition. Can you do that?
Ms. Cullen: Yes.
[Defense Counsel]: You said to the prosecutor that you approved of the death penalty. Could you be a little more specific and explain that for me? Ms. Cullen: Well, I think that if someone deserves the death penalty instead of being in prison for, say, seven to ten years and walk out — being a parent of kids, I think it puts a little more implant in their mind. It’s going to be a lot harder than spending seven or eight years in prison. -
[Defense Counsel]: Okay. Do you understand that the Judge is going to explain to you certain aggravating and mitigating factors, and he will explain to you what the burden of proof is, and then you will only decide at that point whether to consider the death penalty or life in prison. Do you understand that?.
Ms. Cullen: You lost me. The Court: You lost me too.
[Defense Counsel]: Okay, let me go back. Sorry about that. During the first phase, ma’am you are only concerned with the guilt or innocence of Jerry Correll, you are not concerned with the sentence at all. Do you understand that? -
Ms. Cullen: Right.
[Defense Counsel]: If you come back guilty of second degree murder or not guilty or guilty of manslaughter, you won’t even get to the second phase. Do you understand that?
Ms. Cullen: Uh-huh.
[Defense Counsel]: Okay. If by some chance you did, the jury were to come back guilty of first-degree murder, and we got to the penalty phase, the Judge would explain to you certain aggravating factors, certain mitigating factors, the burden of proof and the law, and you understand that you would have to follow his instructions and then decide on either the death penalty or life in prison? ■
Ms. Cullen: Right.
[Defense Counsel]: Do you think you would have a problem voting for life in prison?
*1284 Ms. Cullen: Probably.
[Defense Counsel]: Probably. Do you feel like anyone who is convicted of first-degree murder should automatically get the death penalty?
Ms. Cullen: I think it depends on the circumstances of. the case itself.
[Defense Counsel]: So you would follow the law based on—
Ms. Cullen: You have to.
[Defense Counsel]: —what the judge explains to you?
Ms. Cullen: Yeah.
[Defense Counsel]: Okay. I have nothing further.
The Court: Counsel approach the bench, please.
(Whereupon, counsel approached the bench, and the following proceedings were had outside the hearing of the jury):
[Defense Counsel]: I would challenge Ms, Cullen on the grounds that she said she would have a problem voting for life in prison probably, in fact, have a problem voting for life in prison, which means she would have difficulty applying the law and voting for life in prison, and I think that is the standard, and I would move to challenge her for cause based on that.
The Court: State wish to respond? [Prosecutor]: Yes, Your Honor. When questioned specifically whether or not she would follow the law, she unequivocally said she could. I think that her answer to that particular'question might stem from confusion concerning the question, and I think she meets the Witt standard. She said she would consider all penalties. She said she could vote for life. At the end of the other question she indicated she would have to wait and listen to the instructions by the court.
The Court: I agree. We seem to ask the same questions four or five different ways, and even though she indicated that she would probably have difficulty imposing life, she immediately thereafter indicated that she does not feel that [the] death penalty should be automatic, she would consider all the circumstances, not only could she, she would follow the law as spelled out by the court. So the challenge is denied.
At Correll’s request, the trial court permitted both the prosecution and the defense two additional peremptory challenges. (Respondent’s Exhibit IV at 425) The defense retained one peremptory challenge when jury selection concluded. (Id. at 433) Neither Ms. Beiler nor Ms. Cullen served on the jury. (Id. at 435)
Correll I, 523 So.2d at 564 n. *, summarily rejected this ground without elaboration as one of ten grounds the court found “to be without merit .... ” That ruling is correct.
“The purpose of voir dire is to ascertain whether potential jurors can render a verdict solely on the basis of evidence presented and the charge of the trial court.” Wilcox v. Ford, 813 F.2d 1140, 1150 (11th Cir.1987). The trial court found that both Beiler and Cullen would follow the court’s instructions on the law and consider the circumstances in determining a proper sentence. Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. at 428 , 105 S.Ct. 844 , teaches that a trial judge’s determination of potential juror bias is a finding of fact entitled to deference:
Last Term, in Patton [v. Yount, 467 U.S. 1025, 1038 , 104 S.Ct. 2885 , 81 L.Ed.2d 847 (1984)], we held that a trial judge’s finding that a particular venireman was not biased and therefore was properly seated was a finding of fact subject to § 2254(d). We noted that the question whether a venireman is biased has tradi *1285 tionally been determined through voir dire culminating in a finding by the trial judge concerning the venireman’s state of mind. We also noted that such a finding is based upon determinations of demeanor and credibility that are peculiarly within a trial judge’s province. 9
As a consequence, the trial court properly refused to strike either Beiler or Cullen for cause. Correll is entitled to no relief based on Ground XI.
VI. GUILT PHASE
Ground I
Trial counsel’s conflict of interest violated the Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
Ground I alleges that Correll was denied his right to counsel, not that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel. This distinction causes a different level of proof, as discussed below.
Two weeks before the trial commenced, the prosecutor filed a supplemental witness list (Respondent’s Exhibit XXIX at 4036), on which was listed Lawrence Anthony Smith as a witness. 21 Smith faced criminal charges in an action completely unrelated to Correll’s action. Smith was represented by William Kinane, an assistant public defender from the same Public Defender’s Office that represented Correll. Because both Smith and Correll were represented by attorneys irom the same Public Defender’s Office, the trial court appointed a private attorney to advise Smith about a potential conflict of interest. (Id. at 4037) At a hearing (Respondent’s Exhibit XXX at 4162-80)— which included the participation of Smith, both his assigned public defender and his newly-appointed private attorney, the prosecutor, and Correll’s public defender— the trial judge thoroughly reviewed the possibility of a conflict of interest and recognized that if Smith would not waive his attorney-client privilege of confidentiality, the Public Defender’s Officer would likely have to withdraw from at least one if not both of the actions. (Id. at 4165) Smith waived his attorney-client privilege of confidentiality. (Id. at 4168-69) The possibility of a conflict was discussed further (Id. at 4173-76):
The Court: The only thing I would' like to discuss is whether there is, in fact, a continuing potential' for conflict should the defense find it necessary to call a member of your own law firm to the witness stand, that being another public defender, to impeach or rebut statements made by this proposed witness. [Defense Counsel]: Well, I suppose there is always a continuing conflict to some extent in that Mr. Kinane is privy to discussions that we have had in the office in regard to our representation of Mr. Correll. Mr. Kinane, to my knowledge, has on occasion participated in discussions that I have had with her people and him about the Correll case. I can’t cite to the court right off hand anything specifically that was said or discussed. Mr. Kinane, in fact, may have had other discussions with other people in our office that relate to the *1286 Correll case including privileged communications from Mr. Correll as to our strategy, that kind of thing. Whether or not there is anything of value that comes out of that, I can’t say right offhand.
Secondly, I don’t know whether the state would want to — Well, I don’t know whether any of those things will come up, but they certainly could relate to a conflict of interest down the road somewhere. In other words, Mr. Kinane, in essence, is supposed to know about his case just like we are supposed to know about the Lawrence Smith case. I do know things about the Lawrence Smith case and I am sure he knows things about the Jerry Correll case. I have discussed it with, him from time to time. The Court: Is the state agreeing not to call William Kinane as a witness in other cases that also apply to the Jerry Correll case?
[Prosecutor]: That’s correct. The state is agreeing not to call William Kinane as a witness.
[Defense Counsel]: Let me ask something else. If Mr. Kinane is called as a witness on behalf of Mr. Correll, then will they be able to go into any of those matters that were in the deposition? I would like to make that clear if that is going to be the case. I think that those would remain privileged communications because that would, in fact, make Mr. Kinane a witness against his ex-client. The Court: The privilege that we are referring-to [is] of the client [and] is not a privilege of the attorney. The client has waived that privilege.
[Defense Counsel]: Mr. Correll certainly did not waive any privilege, the privilege to the extent of every member of the Public Defender’s Office.
The Court: You are referring to information that Mr. Kinane may have concerning the Correll case?
[Defense Counsel]: That is correct. I would think Mr. Correll’s privilege was not waived. Mr. Kinane is also a representative of the Public Defender’s Office and Mr. Correll would have to waive that privilege, not Mr. Smith. That is important.
The Court: Well, in this case, I am going to deny the motion to withdraw.
The motion to withdraw by Correll’s public, defender was denied and subsequently the Public Defender’s Office was removed from representing Smith. After an extensive discussion about the possibility of a conflict occurring — despite the removal of the Public Defender’s Office from representing Smith and Smith’s waiver of the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality — the trial judge agreed with the prosecutor’s summary of the parameters of what could happen if the defense called Smith’s former public defender as a witness to impeach Smith’s testimony (Respondent’s Exhibit XXX at 4179):
The only areas I- think we can legitimately inquire into, unless, as Your Honor says, the door has been opened by the defense, would be the areas of impeachment that he knows about Mr. Smith. However, as far as anything that Mr. Kinane learned about Jerry Correll, any statements that he learned from Mr. Correll as a result of his relationship with the Public Defender’s Office and Mr. Kinane, that wouldn’t be a fair area of perusal. Even at a deposition, if Mr. Kinane feels that a question is inappropriate, he can refuse to answer that question and it can be certified.
In other words, the defense could present Mr. Kinane as a witness to impeach Smith, and the prosecution agreed to ask Mr. Kinane no question about the Correll action.
Correll I, 523 So.2d at 564 n. *, summarily rejected this ground without elabo *1287 ration as one of ten grounds the court found “to be without merit .... ” The post-conviction court rejected this ground as one that was raised on direct appeal as part of Correll’s allegation of trial court error in denying defense counsel’s motion to withdraw. (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII at 6) Correll II, 558 So.2d at 426 n. 6, summarily rejected this ground without elaboration as one of eighteen grounds the court found “were or should have been raised on direct appeal.” .
Correll correctly argues that, to prove the denial of counsel based on a conflict of interest, he does not have to meet Strickland’s two-part deficient performance and prejudicial outcome test. Instead, Correll acquires a presumption of prejudice if he meets the two-part test established in Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335 , 100 S.Ct. 1708 , 64 L.Ed.2d 333 (1980), which test Strickland describes as follows:
Prejudice is presumed only if the defendant demonstrates that counsel “actively represented conflicting interests” and that “an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his lawyer’s performance.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 692 , 104 S.Ct. 2052 , quoting Sullivan, 446 U.S. at 350 , 100 S.Ct. 1708 .
Smith and Correll were defendants in unrelated criminal actions. Correll’s attorney was not “actively representing conflicting interests” of a co-defendant, a discouraged scenario rife with potential conflicts of interest. See, e.g., Holloway v. Arkansas, 435 U.S. 475 , 98 S.Ct. 1173 , 55 L.Ed.2d 426 (1979), and Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60 , 62 S.Ct. 457 , 86 L.Ed. 680 (1942). Instead, Smith and Correll were represented by attorneys who were, in essence, members of the same law firm, that is, the Public Defender’s Office. To prove the denial of the right to counsel, a defendant must show that an actual conflict of interest occurred, even if co-defendants are represented by partners in the same law firm:
There is certainly much substance to petitioner’s argument that the appointment of two partners to represent coindictees in their respective trials creates a possible conflict of interest that could prejudice either or both clients. Moreover, the risk of prejudice is increased when the two lawyers cooperate with one another in the planning and conduct of trial strategy, as [Burger’s counsel] and his partner- did. Assuming without deciding that two law partners are considered as one attorney, it is settled that “[requiring or permitting a single attorney to represent codefendants, often referred to as joint representation, is not per se violative of constitutional guarantees of effective assistance of counsel.” Holloway v. Arkansas, 435 U.S. 475, 482 , 98 S.Ct. 1173, 1178 , 55 L.Ed.2d 426 (1978). We have never held that the possibility of prejudice that “inheres in almost every instance of multiple representation” justifies the adoption of an inflexible rule that would presume prejudice in all such cases. See Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 348 , 100 S.Ct. 1708, 1718 , 64 L.Ed.2d 333 (1980). Instead, we presume prejudice “only if the defendant demonstrates that counsel ‘actively represented conflicting interests’ and that ‘an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his lawyer’s performance.’ ” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 692 , 104 S.Ct. at 2067 (citation omitted).
Burger v. Kemp, 483.U.S. 776, 783, 107 S.Ct. 3114 , 97 L.Ed.2d 638 (1987). As a consequence, Correll must prove that an actual conflict prejudiced his counsel’s performance. “We hold that the possibility of conflict is insufficient to impugn a criminal conviction. In order to demonstrate a violation of his Sixth Amendment rights, a defendant must establish that an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his *1288 lawyer’s performance.” Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. at 350, 100 S.Ct. 1708 .
Correll never complained in the ■ state proceedings that an actual conflict occurred. In his federal petition Correll alleges that an actual conflict occurred because defense counsel was deterred from developing a certain line of cross-examination of Smith “because it would have opened the door to additional negative testimony” and that the decision not to call Mr. Kinane.-as a witness was “not because of tactics or strategy, but because of their friendship and professional relationship and because of the conflict.” Third Amended Petition at 21.
Correll cites to a side-bar conference in which defense counsel stated his desire to delve into why Smith was in protective custody. At that point in the trial, the jurors knew nothing about why Smith was in protective custody. In the side-bar conference the prosecutor (1) “cautionfed that] if [Correll] wants to go into that he can face the consequences of other witnesses coming in and bolstering Mr. Smith’s testimony” and (2) argued that “unless [Correlfl’s prepared to get some statements from "someone in authority at the jail as to why he is where he is, then he’s just really shooting in the dark.” (Respondent’s Exhibit XI at 1307) The trial judge agreed. Nothing in this exchange indicates that defense counsel felt compelled to alter his trial strategy because counsel would have had to call Mr. Kinane as a witness.
Correll’s alleged proof of an actual conflict based on this side-bar exchange was never presented to the state courts, neither on direct appeal nor in the Rule 3.850 motion to vacate. Defense counsel never alerted the trial judge that his not cross-examining Smith about protective custody was because counsel feared calling Mr. Kinane as a witness. Correll’s Rule 3.850 motion to vacate contains the same nebulous statement asserted in the federal petition — that “[t]rial counsel chose not to call Mr. Kinane, not because of tactics or strategy, but because of their friendship and professional relationship” (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII at 107) — but the Rule 3.850 motion to vacate fails to cite the sidebar conference as support for this vague assertion. As a consequence, this assertion of a conflict of interest (based on the side-bar exchange) was an unsupported allegation in the state court proceedings. By presenting to this court facts that were not presented to the state court, Correll fails to meet the exhaustion requirement because he has not “fairly presented” the “substance” of his claims to the state courts. See, e.g., Brown, v. Estelle, 701 F.2d 494, 495 (5th Cir.1983) (“The exhaustion requirement is not satisfied if a petitioner presents new legal theories or entirely new factual claims in support of the writ before the federal court.”). .The state courts understandably summarily rejected the unsupported allegation.
Finally, the alleged basis for an actual conflict of interest is not because his defense counsel labored under a divided loyalty with another client, but because of counsel’s “friendship and professional relationship” with another attorney. Defense counsel’s decision not to call Mr. Kinane “because of their friendship and professional relationship” fails to show an actual conflict. See Mickens v. Taylor, 535 U.S. 162, 174-75 , 122 S.Ct. 1237 , 152 L.Ed.2d 291 (2002) (criticizing expanding Cuyler v. Sullivan to permit no showing of actual prejudice in actions alleging a potential conflict of interest based on counsel’s personal interests), citing United States v. Hearst, 638 F.2d 1190 (9th Cir.1980), cert. denied, 451 U.S. 938 , 101 S.Ct. 2018 , 68 L.Ed.2d 325 (1981). Because he fails to show both an actual conflict of interest and “that a conflict of interest actually affected the adequacy of his representation[, Cor *1289 rell must] demonstrate prejudice in order to obtain relief.” Sullivan, 446 U.S. at 349-50 , 100 S.Ct. 1708 . Correll shows no prejudice and he never presented to the state courts what he asserts as prejudice.
Ground III
Mr. Correll received ineffective assistance of a mental health expert ... in violation of Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
In ground III Correll alleges that the defense’s mental health expert failed to conduct a proper evaluation of Correll. Ground III focuses on Correll’s competency. Correll’s mental health as mitigation evidence is addressed later in ground II, in which Correll alleges that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel in the penalty phase. 22
A. Facts:
The trial court granted defense counsel’s request to appoint Dr. Pollack to conduct a psychiatric evaluation of Correll. In an introductory letter (Exhibit 4, Third Amended Petition, Doc. 119) defense counsel alerted Dr. Pollack to several issues:
Since this is not only an extremely serious case, but is also the kind of case in which Jerry’s mental state could be a critical issue in his sentencing, even if he is not incompetent and was not insane, please take as much time as you feel necessary to examine him. I do not believe that cost is a problem because of the seriousness of the case. If you feel that any other testing ought to be done, let me know and I will try to get it done. I have waited some time to ask this of you in hopes of getting records from Jerry’s school and background that might assist you. Unfortunately, his school records indicate no problems with his emotions or behavior.
Jerry used all kinds of drugs for several years. He appears to me to have a somewhat flat affect due to his drug use.
In his report (Exhibit 5, Third Amended Petition, Doc. 119) Dr. Pollack (1) represents that Correll’s cooperation facilitated conducting an adequate evaluation and (2) opines that Correll was both free “from any type of extreme emotional disturbance at'the time of the alleged offense” and competent at the time of the offense and at trial. The following is the most relevant portion of the report:
Mr. Correll was aware of the nature and purpose of my evaluation and was extremely cooperative throughout its entire course. Although, as he did with his counsel, he adamantly and vehemently denied having had anything to do with the alleged offense, he nevertheless provided me with all the information required to do an adequate Psychiatric Evaluation and to assess his state of mind, both at the present time as well as the time of the alleged offense.
He claims he was raised in an intact family unit and that his relationship with his parents and siblings was fine.... He states he has no previous arrest record, no past psychiatric history nor psychiatric treatment either as in- or out-patient. He admits to using alcohol several times per week and has experimented with marijuana, cocaine and several other drugs, but not on any regular basis. He claims he has no history of belligerent activity, either as a child or young adult, *1290 and no severe altercations with any individuals.
Mr. Correll was married at age 25 [and divorced] two years [later] .... He also stated he had been quite angry with [Susan] having been using and dealing in multiple drugs, especially amphetamine-like cogeners, and this was a source of constant friction between them. He stated that for six months the separation was easy, but after that, they began dating and she had even moved in with him. Things went well for about one-half year, and the[n] he relates they both separated, but remained in touch. They have a six-year old child, who was one of the victims, and he last saw them all reportedly one week before the events.
The Mental Status Examination showed him today to be alert and oriented to person, place and time. His mood is rather bland with a rather marked absence of depression or remorse. His affect is also rather flat and constricted with some appropriate range, but, in general, somewhat detached. M[r.] Correll claims that his general behavior and demeanor has been fairly consistent throughout his entire life and has suggested contact with other family members to confirm this. Thought content showed a rather profound absence of guilt, absence of remorse and absence of grief over the death of his daughter and ex-spouse. No evidence of any paranoia, delusions, or feelings of persecution. Thought processes are grossly intact with no evidence of any cognitive dysfunction or hallucinatory activity. Intellectual functions are grossly intact with no deficits in recent or remote memory — general fund of information is adequate. His level of insight is fair, his judgement is fair. There is no evidence of any suicidal or homicidal ideation.
At the present time, I feel that Mr. Correll appreciates the charges pending against him and the range and nature of possible penalties. He understands well the adversary nature of the legal process and has the capacity to disclose to his attorney pertinent facts surrounding the alleged offense. He has the ability to relate to his attorney and assist him in planning his defense, and can realistically challenge prosecution witnesses. Mr. Correll has the ability to manifest appropriate courtroom behavior and can testify relevantly, should he so choose. He appears motivated to help himself in the legal process and is having no difficulty coping with the stress of incarceration prior to trial.
Accordingly, I feel that Mr. Correll is certainly competent to stand trial at the present time.
At the time of the alleged offense, I do not feel [that] he was laboring under any delusions, influence of exogenous substances or irresistable [sic] impulse which would render him incompetent or legally insane at the time of the alleged offense.
Further comment on Mr. Correll is that I do not feel that he suffers from any type of brain damage or impaired ability to appreciate the criminality of his conduct, nor do I feel that he was suffering from any type of extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the alleged offense.
Addendum: Should there be any statements or positions available from family or friends of Mr. Correll describing his behavior or change in behavior over the past several years, I would be more than happy to review these and evaluate whether or not this would imply any behavioral change or alter my present opinion.
In his state Rule 3.850 motion to vacate (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXVII, Claim *1291 VIII at 147 et. seq.), Correll complained that Dr. Pollack failed to comply with defense counsel’s request in the introductory letter that the doctor determine whether Correll “suffer[s] from any brain damage .... ” The Rule 3.850 motion relies on test results from three experts Correll hired after his conviction. Each new expert disparages both Dr. Pollack’s evaluation and his opinions. The post-conviction court rejected this ground with the following analysis:
Claim VIII, that the mental health expert appointed to evaluate Correll failed to conduct a professionally competent evaluation, is procedurally barred as it could have been raised on direct appeal. Smith v. State, No. 75,208 (Fla. February 15, 1990); Doyle v. State, 526 So.2d 909 (Fla.1988). Even if this claim was cognizable, it is without merit, as the record demonstrates that Dr. Pollack conducted a competent evaluation of Correll, based on what he was told by counsel after counsel’s investigation and based on the statements of Correll himself.
Correll II, 558 So.2d at 426 , ignored the procedural default and rejected this ground on the merits 23 with the following analysis:
In the appeal from the denial of the motion for post-conviction relief, Correll makes two arguments that merit discussion.
Correll’s second argument is that he did not receive a professionally competent mental health evaluation. He refers to reports of three mental health practitioners who have recently examined him and who find that he suffers from serious mental defects or brain damage as a result of his excessive use of drugs.
The fact that Correll has now obtained psychiatric opinions which seriously question his mental capacity does not mean that he is entitled to a new penalty hearing. Correll’s attorney had specifically alerted Dr. Pollack to Correll’s pri- or drug and alcohol use, and Dr. Pollack explored this area with Correll. Dr. Pollack explicitly concluded that Correll had no brain damage.
Correll’s reliance upon State v. Sireci, 502 So.2d 1221 (Fla.1987), and Mason v. State, 489 So.2d 734 (Fla.1986), is misplaced. In Mason , the defendant had been treated for mental retardation, had been held jn a psychiatric ward, and had been the subject of a Baker Act petition for involuntary commitment. In Sireci , the defendant had suffered organic brain damage as a ■ result of an automobile accident which left him in a coma for two weeks and with right side facial paralysis. See State v. Sireci, 536 So.2d 231 (Fla.1988). There is no assertion that Correll had ever received prior mental health treatment. 4 We reject Correll’s claim that he did not receive an adequate mental health examination.
B. Ineffective Assistance of Mental . Health Expert:
Correll’s first claim in ground III is that he was denied the éffective assistance of a mental health expert. Ake v. Oklahoma, 470 U.S. 68, 84 , 105 S.Ct. 1087 , 84 L.Ed.2d 53 (1985), established an indigent’s right to the assistance' of a mental health expert:
*1292 We therefore hold that when a defendant demonstrates to the trial judge that his sanity at the time of the offense is to be a significant factor at trial, the State must, at a minimum, assure the defendant access to a competent psychiatrist who will conduct an appropriate examination and assist in evaluation, preparation, and presentation of the defense.
In his federal petition Correll complains that Dr. Pollack “conducted a professionally inadequate evaluation.” As a consequence, Correll presents the same claim addressed in Clisby v. Jones, 960 F.2d 925, 929 (11th Cir.1992), specifically that “[h]aving been supplied with a psychiatric expert, petitioner does not allege a denial of psychiatric assistance, but a denial of competent psychiatric assistance.” Because his claim is that the psychiatric expert that the court appointed “conducted a professionally inadequate evaluation,” Correll necessarily alleges trial court error. Clisby, 960 F.2d at 930 , instructs using a two-step process to determine whether the trial court erred:
[FJirst [we] examine the information before the trial court when it is alleged to have deprived the defendant of due process .... We then determine whether that information should have led the trial court to conclude that the defendant would probably not receive a fair trial.
The first step requires determining what information the trial court possessed when it ruled. “As petitioner complains of the trial court’s failure to provide him with competent psychiatric assistance, rather than with psychiatric assistance of any form, we need concern ourselves only with the facts that.could have indicated to the trial court that the psychiatrists who examined petitioner provided incompetent assistance.” 960 F.2d at 930 . Clisby’s claim failed, 960 F.2d at 934 , because the trial court was never advised that the psychiatrist allegedly conducted an inadequate evaluation:
[ClisbyJ’s claim of a due process violation collapses as soon as one seeks to identify the trial court’s ruling that purportedly rendered [Clisby]’s trial fundamentally unfair. [ClisbyJ’s counsel only once alerted the trial court to what might be construed as Dr. Callahan’s failure to provide competent assistance. After the first hearing on the first remand, [ClisbyJ’s counsel suggested to the trial court that he had been unable to obtain adequate psychiatric assistance for sentencing purposes because Dr. Callahan had examined [Clisby] only regarding competency to stand trial, and not regarding the existence of any mitigating circumstances. In response, the trial court ordered Dr. Callahan to examine [Clisby] with respect to mitigating circumstances. [Clisby]’s counsel never again complained of inadequate psychiatric assistance, even though he had plenty of opportunities to do so at the hearing immediately following Dr. Callahan’s second examination on the first remand and at the hearing on the second, and final, remand. Even ignoring [ClisbyJ’s failure to identify a due process violation in any particular ruling by the trial court, the trial court’s immediate response to the first and only suggestion of inadequate psychiatric assistance, the absence of any further such complaints, and the information available to the trial court until the day it entered the final findings and conclusions compel the conclusion that [Clisby] was not denied a fair trial.
Unable to pinpoint the ruling in which the trial court denied him due process by violating his right to competent psychiatric assistance, [Clisby] is left with a naked complaint about the purported incompetence of Dr. Callahan’s assistance. Stripped of its due process pretensions, [Clisby]’s claim' therefore amounts to an allegation of expert incompetence akin *1293 to an ineffectiveness of counsel claim under the Sixth Amendment. Ake , however, exclusively relied on due process grounds and explicitly refused to consider the applicability of the Sixth Amendment. Ake, 470 U.S. at 87 n. 13, 105 S.Ct. at 1098 n. 13.
Correll is in the same position as Clisby. Correll never alleges, and the record does not show, that the trial court was informed that Dr. Pollack allegedly “conducted a professionally inadequate evaluation.” As a consequence, Clisby forecloses Correll’s claim that the trial court denied him the effective assistance of a mental health expert. See Blanco v. Sec’y, Dep’t of Corr., 688 F.3d 1211, 1228 (11th Cir.2012) (“As we instructed in Clisby, 960 F.2d at 928-29, 934 , and later in Provenzano v. Singletary, 148 F.3d 1327, 1333-34 (11th Cir.1998), the defendant must point to an error of the trial court that deprived him of due process of law to make out an Ake claim. In this case, however, Blanco fails to expressly tell us when or how the trial judge denied him due process during re-sentencing”).
Ground XV
Mr. Correll was denied a fair trial and sentencing due to presentation of false or misleading evidence. 24
The prosecution presented the testimony of Judith Bunker, an employee of the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office. The trial court accepted Ms. Bunker as an expert witness for blood spatter analysis. Correll alleges that Ms. Bunker misrepresented both her educational background (the lack of a high school diploma) and her actual job assignments while employed in the medical examiner’s office. Correll III, 698 So.2d at 523-24 (italics original), agreed with the post-conviction court that Correll’s new evidence fails to qualify as “newly discovered evidence” because the evidence was discoverable at the time of trial and because the alleged misrepresentations had no impact on the outcome of thé action:
In order for evidence to qualify as newly discovered, “the asserted facts ‘must have been unknown by the trial court, by the party, or by counsel at the time of trial, and it must appear that the defendant or his counsel could not have known them by the use of due diligence.’ ” Jones v. State, 591 So.2d 911, 916 (Fla.1991) (quoting Hallman v. State, 371 So.2d 482, 485 (Fla.1979)). To obtain relief based on a newly discovered evidence claim, the defendant must establish that “the newly discovered evidence must be of such nature that it would probably produce an acquittal on retrial.” Jones, 591 So.2d at 915 .
In its order denying Correll’s motion for post-conviction relief the trial court stated:
The gravamen of the allegations contained in Correll’s motion is that Ms. Bunker has, subsequent to her testimony in the instant case, exaggerated her credentials, most notably holding herself out to be a high school graduate when she apparently does not, in fact possess a high school diploma. Significantly, the thrust of Correll’s complaint appears to be the witness’s qualification as an expert, as opposed to the substance, i.e. scientific validity or accuracy, of her testimony.
All of the “newly discovered evidence” contained in the Defendant’s motion is purely collateral to Ms. Bunker’s qualification as an expert witness by this *1294 Court. Ms. Bunker’s qualification as an expert at trial was based almost entirely on her experience in the relatively new field of blood spatter analysis, and not on her education. Clearly, whatever education the witness did or did not possess was discoverable at the time, had the appropriate questions been asked. Because no reasonable probability exists that the “newly discovered evidence” presented in the Defendant’s post-conviction motion would have affécted the outcome of the trial, had it been known at the time, no evidentiary hearing was warranted. See Jones v. State, 591 So.2d 911 (Fla.1991).
We agree with the trial court that the evidence proffered by Correll does not qualify as newly discovered evidence because it was discoverable at the time of trial. However, even if the evidence was not discoverable at the time of trial, the discrepancies between the level of education, training, and experience Bunker testified to at trial and the asserted level of education, training, and experience she actually had were not so great as to make any difference in the outcome of the ease. Moreover, Bunker’s vita, which among other things, falsely set forth that Bunker had a high school diploma, was never seen by the jury. Thus, any misrepresentations contained in the vita are irrelevant to Correll’s claim.
The only alleged misrepresentation of any import was Bunker’s assertion that she had worked as an assistant and technical specialist for the medical examiner’s office from 1970 through 1982, when in reality she was a secretary at the medical examiner’s office from 1970 to 1974, an assistant to the medical examiner from 1974 to 1981, and a technical specialist for the last five months of her employment with the medical examiner’s office. In view of the fact that it is undisputed that she worked on thousands of cases while in the employ of the medical examiner, even this discrepancy becomes less serious.
However, assuming for the sake of argument that Bunker’s testimony did contain serious discrepancies that could not have been discovered during trial, we are convinced that these discrepancies did not have any impact on the outcome of the case in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial in support of Correll’s guilt. 1 Moreover, Bunker’s testimony was not crucial to the State’s case and merely corroborated the medical examiner’s testimony. Correll’s argument that Bunker’s testimony greatly affected the outcome of the case because it was the only evidence presented in support of the State’s “single-killer” theory is meritless because there was overwhelming evidence of Correll’s guilt regardless of whether other perpetrators were involved in the murders. 2
Correll III above quotes the post-conviction court’s written order. The post-conviction judge also orally denied the motion for post-conviction relief (Respondent’s Exhibit XXXIX at 22-24), stating that he would have qualified Ms. Bunker as an expert witness' even if the witness’s true educational background and actual position within the medical examiner’s office were known.
Her qualification as an expert in this case was based almost entirely — and that’s clear from the record as well — on *1295 her experience in the relatively new field of blood spatter analysis, not on whether she had a high school diploma or any other degree. And I don’t see anything here that indicates that she was not sufficiently qualified by virtue of her experience to have given the expert testimony that she did give.
It’s true I believe that both the jury and the court found the testimony to be credible and relied upon it but that is because she was — in a believable and effective way through blood spatter analysis — able to demonstrate to the jury and to the court exactly how Jerry Correll went about killing these four people.
So the fact that she may have exaggerated her credentials in a c[urriculum] v[itae] that was not reviewed by the jury was not the subject of her qualification is purely collateral. ■
I note that the testimony itself that she gave is apparently not being attacked as to its scientific validity or accuracy, only whether or not she was properly received as an expert. With the same background and experience as I now know her to have, she would have been admitted as an expert in the emerging field of blood spatter analysis in 1986. I think obviously whatever education she did have or didn’t have was discoverable at the time, had the questions been asked. And I don’t think it would have had a bearing on her qualification as an expert in this new field at any rate. If that is the subject matter of the pending public records request, simply to indicate where she did or did not previously testify, there’s ample indication that she had previously qualified and would have qualified in this case as an expert in blood spatter analysis. Therefore, I don’t see a necessity for an evidentiary hearing.
The witness was a qualified expert based upon her training and experience, not based upon her educational background. Motion" is denied.
The record supports rejecting Correll’s newly discovered evidence argument. On voir dire, defense counsel verified that Ms. Bunker was not a medical doctor and that she held no degree in either chemistry or biology. Ms. Bunker was not asked whether she attained a high school diploma. In overruling defense counsel’s objection to qualifying Ms. Bunker as a expert witness “in bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene reconstruction,” the trial court stated that “I don’t think that the only way of obtaining expertise is through receiving a degree. I will permit this witness to give opinion testimony concerning bloodstain analysis.” (Respondent’s Exhibit XII at 1470 and 1474)
The trial court followed Florida law by relying on experience instead of education. Cheshire v. State, 568 So.2d 908, 913 (Fla. 1990), upheld a trial court’s qualifying a witness as an expert with similar or less experience than Ms. Bunker.
Cheshire alleges that the trial court improperly qualified a man named Allen Miller as an expert in blood-spatter evidence. It appears Miller’s qualifications consisted of a single forty-hour course, three prior qualifications as an expert and his own field experience. While we agree that these qualifications are open to reasonable question, we nevertheless believe that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing this expert testimony. Any deficiencies in an expert’s qualifications, experience and testimony may be aired on cross-examination, provided there is some reasonable basis to qualify the expert. We believe such a basis existed on this record.
Accord Anderson v. State, 863 So.2d 169, 180 (Fla.2003) (holding that the trial court *1296 did not abuse its discretion in qualifying an expert witness who had credentials similar to the expert witness in Cheshire), cert. denied, 541 U.S. 940 , 124 S.Ct. 1662 , 158 L.Ed.2d 363 (2004).
The trial court’s qualifying Ms. Bunker as an expert witness based on her experience, as compared to her educational background, is consistent with federal practice. United States v. Frazier, 387 F.3d 1244, 1260-61 (11th. Cir.2004) (“While scientific training or education may provide possible means to qualify, experience in a field may offer another path to expert status. In fact, the plain language of Rule 702 makes this clear: expert status may be based on ‘knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.’”) (en Banc) (italics original), cert. denied, 544 U.S. 1063 , 125 S.Ct. 2516 , 161 L.Ed.2d 1114 (2005). As a consequence, Correll fails to show that his discovery of Ms. Bunker’s alleged misrepresentations qualifies as “newly discovered evidence.” The trial court stated that the alleged misrepresentations had no effect on the trial because the court would have qualified her as an expert witness even if the witness’s true educational background and actual position within the medical examiner’s office were known. Correll is entitled to no relief based on ground XV.
VII. PENALTY PHASE
Ground XIV
The avoid arrest aggravating circumstance was improperly applied, in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Correll contends that the “trial court improperly found the avoiding arrest aggravating circumstance as to the murders of’ Tuesdáy and Ms. Jones because the state failed to “prove this aggravator beyond a reasonable doubt.” The respondent correctly argues that Correll presented the underlying basis for this claim on direct appeal but only as a suffieiency-ofthe-evidence claim under state law. Nevertheless, exhaustion is complete because the state standard of review for a sufficieney-of-the-evidence claim is identical to the federal standard of review.
Florida courts assess the sufficiency of the evidence used to convict criminal defendants under a legal standard identical to the one used by federal courts in deciding federal due process challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence.
In this case, the state court analyzed [petitioner]^ due process sufficiency of the evidence claim using a standard identical to the one required under federal law. Under these circumstances, we conclude [petitioner's federal claim has been .exhausted.
Mulnix v. Sec’y, Dep’t of Corr., 254 Fed.Appx. 763, 764-65 (11th Cir.2007). As a consequence, Correll “fairly presented” ground XIV to the state courts.
Correll I, 523 So.2d at 567-68 , rejected the suffieiency-of-the-evidenee claim with the following analysis:
Correll next alleges that the trial court improperly found certain aggravating factors as a basis for the judgment of death. Correll first challenges the court’s finding that the murders of Tuesday and [Ms.] Jones were committed for the purpose of avoiding arrest. In order to support this finding where the victim is not a law enforcement officer, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the dominant motive'for the murder was the elimination of a witness. Doyle v. State, 460 So.2d 353 (Fla.1984); Menendez v. State, 368 So.2d 1278 (Fla.1979); Riley v. State, 366 So.2d 19 (Fla.1978), ce rt. denied, 459 U.S. 981 , 103 S.Ct. 317 , 74 L.Ed.2d 294 (1982). We conclude that the evidence in this case supports the finding of this aggravating circumstance. With respect to [Ms. Jones], the facts indicate that she was *1297 the last person killed that night as she returned from seeing her boyfriend. It is evident that Correll intended to leave no survivors in the house. All of the telephone lines were cut, and the knife which severed one of the lines was already bloody. Correll was well acquainted with [Ms.] Jones and she could have easily identified him. It is also likely that Correll’s daughter ... was a witness to the murders. Since the relationship between Tuesday and her father appeared cordial, it is difficult to see why she was killed except to eliminate her as a witness. See Hooper v. State, 476 So.2d 1253 (Fla.1985), cert. denied, 475 U.S. 1098 , 106 S.Ct. 1501 , 89 L.Ed.2d 901 (1986).
The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits a criminal conviction “except upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime.” In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 364 , 90 S.Ct. 1068 , 25 L.Ed.2d 368 (1970): Because the burden of proof for both the elements of a criminal offense and an aggravating circumstance are the same, review for the sufficiency-of-the-evidence is the same. See Bullington v. Missouri, 451 U.S. 430, 438 , 101 S.Ct. 1852 , 68 L.Ed.2d 270 (1981) (The prosecution in the penalty phase “undertook the burden of establishing certain facts beyond a reasonable doubt in its quest to obtain the harsher of the two alternative verdicts. The pre-sentence hearing resembled and, indeed, in all relevant respects was like the immediately preceding trial on the issue of guilt or innocence. It was itself a trial on the issue of punishment so precisely defined by the Missouri statutes.”).
Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 324 , 99 S.Ct. 2781 , 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979), establishes the standard of review for a sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenge in a Section 2254 petition.
We hold that in a challenge to a state criminal conviction brought under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 — if the settled procedural prerequisites for the claim have otherwise been satisfied — the applicant is entitled to habeas corpus relief if it is found that upon the record evidence adduced at the trial no rational trier of fact could have found proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The governing question is whether a rational trier of fact could have found proof beyond a reasonable doubt, not whether the federal habeas court believes the evidence. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. at 318-19 , 99 S.Ct. 2781 (“[T]his inquiry does not require a court to ‘ask itself whether it believes that the evidence at trial established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.’ ” (quoting Woodby v. INS, 385 U.S. 276, 282 , 87 S.Ct. 483 , 17 L.Ed.2d 362 (1966) (emphasis original)).
A federal court, reviewing a state conviction in a Section 2254 petition, must defer to a jury’s credibility determination in weighing conflicting evidence:
The federal courts have consistently reiterated that this standard for weighing the constitutional sufficiency of the evidence is a limited one. It is not required that the evidence rule out every hypothesis except that of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Faced with a record of historical facts that supports conflicting inferences, we must presume that the jury resolved such conflicts in favor of the prosecution, deferring to the credibility of the evidence. The simple fact that the evidence gives some support to the defendant’s theory of innocence does not warrant the grant of habeas relief.
Wilcox v. Ford, 813 F.2d 1140, 1143 (11th Cir.) (footnote and citations omitted), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 925 , 108 S.Ct. 287 , 98 L.Ed.2d 247 (1987). Accord Johnson v. Alabama, 256 F.3d 1156, 1172 (11th Cir. *1298 2001) (“Although each element of the offense must be established beyond a reasonable doubt, ... the State is not required to rule out every hypothesis except that of the .guilt of the defendant.”) (citations omitted), cert. denied sub nom, Johnson v. Nagle, 535 U.S. 926 , 122 S.Ct. 1295 , 152 L.Ed.2d 208 (2002).
The facts recited in Correll I, 523 So.2d at 568 , warrant repeating:
With respect to [Ms.] Jones, the facts indicate that she was the last person killed that night as she returned from seeing her boyfriend. [25] It is evident that Correll intended to leave no survivors in the house. All of the telephone lines were cut, and the knife which sev-; ered one of the lines was already bloody. Correll was well acquainted with [Ms.] Jones and she could have easily identified him. It is also likely that Correll’s daughter ... was a witness to the murders. Since the relationship between Tuesday and her father appeared cordial, it is difficult to see why she was killed except to eliminate her as a witness.
Correll eliminated the possibility of an emergency call to the police'by severing the telephone lines. Based on the facts in the record, silencing those who could identify Correll is the only plausible explanation that justifies Correll’s murdering his daughter and Ms. Jones. The record supports the conclusion that Correll chose to murder each of them because each could identify Correll. Based on this evidence, a rational trier of" fact could have found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Tuesday and Ms. Jones were murdered to avoid arrest.
Ground VII
The trial judge failed to find mitigating factors apparent on the record in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Correll contends that, despite his presenting mitigation evidence, the trial court erred in failing to find specific mitigating circumstances. Although he cites fifteen individual pages he contends contain mitigation testimony, Correll fails to identify mitigation evidence on any specific page. Instead, immediately following the list of page numbers Correll states that “[fiactors such as poverty, emotional deprivation, lack of parental care, hard worker, poor family relationships, and drug abuse history are mitigating under Florida law.” Although a correct statement, Correll fails to show that sufficient evidence was presented during the penalty hearing to warrant finding one of the non-statutory mitigating circumstances that he lists. Correll fails to connect his list of non-statutory mitigation evidence to the facts presented in his trial.
The penalty hearing transcript shows that defense counsel’s obvious strategy was to “humanize” Correll by showing that he was a good person who deserved life imprisonment and not death. Cornells mother testified that in his youth Correll was “happy go lucky, loved to fish, [and to] swim” (Respondent’s Exhibit XVII at 1893), a description that Correll confirmed when he testified that he had a normal childhood. (Id. at 1934) Both Correll and his mother testified that he had a good relationship with his father.- (Id. at 1894, 1936, and 1939) Both Correll’s mother and his brother testified that Correll never exhibited violence. (Id. at 1894 and 1896) Correll, his mother, his brother, and his brother’s wife testified that Correll was good to his daughter (Tuesday) and took her to beaches, parks, picnics, and “cookouts.” (Id. at 1895, 1897, 1899, and 1948) *1299 After his divorce Correll moved into his mother’s home and helped her around the house. (Id. at 1950) Both Correll and his brother’s wife testified that after Correll’s arrest for the murders he started re-connecting with his religious roots. (Id. at 1903-04 and 1941-42) Finally, Correll presented a sociologist who testified that Correll’s lack of a criminal record and his familiarity with the victims imply that Correll has little chance of committing another, similar offense. (Id. at 1927-28)
During the penalty hearing Correll admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana since he was seventeen or eighteen years old and to using “crystal meth, cocaine, various other drugs ... on and off ... [but] not on a regular basis.” (Id. at 1939-40) He also testified (1) that he and Susan divorced because she suspected that he was having an affair when he was working long hours and (2) that she started “drinking pretty heavy” and “I was doing cocaine.” (Id. at 1947) After the divorce they “lived apart” and “moved back in together quite a few different times.” (Id. at 1948)
As the written sentencing order states (Respondent’s Exhibit XXIX at 4097), the trial judge found this evidence insufficient to' support either a. statutory or a non-statutory mitigating circumstance:
The Court has carefully considered all statutory mitigating factors and finds that no mitigating circumstance exists in the evidence of this case. The Court has also carefully examined and considered the record for any other factor or circumstance involving the case and the character of Jerry Correll. No mitigating circumstances can be found.
Correll presented this claim — that the trial court failed to find mitigating factors that were evidenced on the record — on direct appeal as trial court error. Correll I, 523 So.2d at 568 , summarily rejected the claim and stated, “We also find no error with respect to ... the lack of mi

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/8707013. Public record. Not legal advice.