Humphrey v. Walker

In 2002, Artemus Walker was tried by jury and convicted of the murder of Lynwood Ray Gresham, as well as several related crimes. For murder, he was sentenced to death, and for the other crimes, he was sentenced to terms of imprisonment. On direct appeal, the Supreme Court affirmed his convictions and sentences. In 2009, Walker filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Following an evidentiary hearing, the habeas court granted the writ. Although it found that some claims were procedurally barred, not cognizable in habeas proceedings, or otherwise without merit, the habeas court concluded that several of his claims had merit. In particular, the habeas court concluded that Walker was denied due process by having been tried while incompetent, and it concluded as well that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel, not only with respect to his competence, but also with respect to the presentation of certain defenses and mitigating evidence involving his mental health. In Case No. S13A1472, the Warden appealed the grant of the writ, and in Case No. S13X1473, Walker cross-appealed. Upon review, the Supreme Court affirmed the grant of the writ in the appeal by the Warden. By affirming the grant of the writ, the cross-appeal was moot. View "Humphrey v. Walker" on Justia Law