Garza, Humberto
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Opinion
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS RECEIVED COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS EXPARTE § TEXAS COURT OF 3/20/2015 CRIMINAL APPEALS ABEL ACOSTA, CLERK § NO. WR 78,113-01 HUMBERTO GARZA,§ § IN THE 370th JUDICIAL DISTRICT APPLICANT § COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS § NO. CR-3175-04-G(1)
APPLICANT'S OBJECTIONS TO, AND MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF, THE CONVICTING COURT'S FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND RECOMMENDATION OF DENIAL OF RELIEF
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar # 50511187 7301 Burnet Road, # 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 13 71 Fax: ( 512) 646 7067 HilarySheard@Hotmail.com
Counsel for Applicant. APPLICANT'S OBJECTIONS TO THE CONVICTING COURT'S FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND ITS RECOMMENDATION THAT RELIEF BE DENIED
Applicant Humberto Garza, by and through counsel, respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court withdraw its Order of February 12,2015, entering
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (hereafter "Findings and Conclusions)
and containing a recommendation denying habeas corpus relief, and, taking into
account the following objections, withdraw the Order of February 12, 2015, recuse
itself and request the assignment of a different judge to preside over renewed
proceedings or, in the alternative, enter revised Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law and recommend relief.
As Applicant in his Renewed Objections Concerning Procedures and
Rulings in this Tex. Code. Crim. Proc. Art. 11.071, filed simultaneously with his
proposed Findings and Conclusior:ts, has previously stated, these proceedings were
rendered unfair because of the Court's refusal to recuse itself, its refusal to admit
the reports of Applicant's expert witnesses and its denial of prompt and adequate
funding with which Applicant could develop his case. The fact-finding
procedures and rulings of the Convicting Court repeatedly impaired Applicant's
ability to adequately prepare and develop his case and to have his Grounds for
Relief fairly considered in these TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 capital
Page 2 of 51 habeas corpus proceedings. In a~dition to his previously stated objections, which
Applicant now renews, he makes further objection to the Order of February 12,
2015, which adopted almost in their entirety the State's proposed Findings and
Conclusions.
While state habeas courts are given discretion over the methods of
developing and receiving evidence to resolve contested factual claims, see, e.g.,
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071, § 9(a), such discretion is circumscribed by
the necessity that the fact-finding procedures be adequate for reaching reasonably
correct results. Ex parte Davila, 530 S. W.2d 543, 545 (Tex. Crim. App. 1975)
(citing Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 316 (1963)). Since the fact-finding
procedures here were not adequate, and the Convicting Court has largely adopted
the State's Findings and Conclusions despite the fact that they are flawed in many
ways, this Court should reconsider its rulings.
This Court is asked to remc;:dy several fundamental errors in this case,
namely:
I) The Convicting Court Should Have Recused Itself from Presiding over These Art. 11.071 Proceedings; 1
1 As discussed in Applicant's Petition for Writ of Mandamus of July 9, 2014 at 32-38, of which a copy is attached and which is incorporated herein by reference, the avenues by which to raise for review the denial of a Motion to Recuse filed during Art. 11.071 proceedings are unclear. Without mandamus relief, such proceedings continue to be presided over, as they have here, by a judge who should have been recused, and whose findings of fact and conclusions of
Page 3 of 51 2) The Convicting Court Adopted the State's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Recommendations almost in their entirety and with virtually no amendment, thereby abdicating from its proper role of"neutral arbiter" of the proceedings;
3) The Convicting Court Denied Applicant an Adequate Opportunity to Develop the Factual Basis for His Grounds for Relief Because of the Court's Consistent Failure to Provide Timely and Adequate Funding with Which Applicant Could Develop His Case.
4) The Convicting Court Rendered the Proceedings Unfair by Refusing to Admit the Reports ofExpert Witnesses Who Were Unable to Testify Solely Because ofThe Timing Limitations Imposed upon this Case.
law must be revisited. The issue of recusal is urged again in these objections, which are being filed simultaneously in the Court of Criminal Appeals, in order to ensure that Applicant's objection to the conduct of these proceedings before a judge who should have been recused is preserved.
Page 4 of 51 l) The Convicting Court Should Have Recused Itself from Presiding over These Art. 11.071 Proceedings.
On May 27,2014, Applica~t's Counsel filed a Motion for the Court to
Recuse Itself, which was denied. The case was therefore assigned to the Hon. J.R.
"Bobby" Flores of the 139lh District Court of Hidalgo County, for a hearing on the
motion to recuse. The hearing was conducted on June 16, 2014. On July 3, 2014,
Judge Flores entered an order denying the motion to recuse. Judge Flores denied
the Motion to Recuse on July 3, 2014, without stating reasons for his decision, and
Applicant subsequently, on July 8, 2014, sought leave to file a motion for writ of
mandamus against Judge Flores, and commanding him to vacate his "Order
Denying Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370lh District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez"
and to enter an Order recusing the Court. The Court of Criminal Appeals denied
leave to file the motion for writ of mandamus on July 18, 2014.
The Court of Criminal Appeals did not deny the Petition for Writ of
Mandamus on its merits, and Applicant continues to maintain that this Convicting
Court should have recused itself.
The grounds for the recusal motion were that the Court's impartiality might
reasonably be questioned, and that it had personal knowledge of disputed
evidentiary facts. The gist of the factual allegations were that the Court and its
bailiff, Alicia "Licha" Salinas, engaged in prejudicial off-the-record
Page 5 of 51 communications with the jury during the trial, in the jury room, and outside the
presence of counsel or the defendant.
The subject matter of the communications included the concern of jury
members about their personal safety in this gang-related case in which the jury
was required to answer the "future dangerousness" special issue, TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 37.071. The actions of the Court and bailiff formed part of the subject
matter of Applicant's Grounds for Relief Four, Five and Six, which included
allegations of'~ury misconduct, including the exposure of the jury to outside
influences." Because of the Convicting Court's failure to provide funding
(discussed further below) few of the jurors could be interviewed while the
Application was being prepared, and such interviews as were conducted were done
by volunteer law students. Some subsequent investigation of the case revealed
that former jurors would indeed testify that both the Court and its bailiff engaged
in off-the-record communications with the jury during the trial, in the jury room,
and outside the presence of counsel or the defendant. Those communications
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IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS RECEIVED COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS EXPARTE § TEXAS COURT OF 3/20/2015 CRIMINAL APPEALS ABEL ACOSTA, CLERK § NO. WR 78,113-01 HUMBERTO GARZA,§ § IN THE 370th JUDICIAL DISTRICT APPLICANT § COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS § NO. CR-3175-04-G(1)
APPLICANT'S OBJECTIONS TO, AND MOTION FOR WITHDRAWAL OF, THE CONVICTING COURT'S FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND RECOMMENDATION OF DENIAL OF RELIEF
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar # 50511187 7301 Burnet Road, # 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 13 71 Fax: ( 512) 646 7067 HilarySheard@Hotmail.com
Counsel for Applicant. APPLICANT'S OBJECTIONS TO THE CONVICTING COURT'S FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND ITS RECOMMENDATION THAT RELIEF BE DENIED
Applicant Humberto Garza, by and through counsel, respectfully requests
that this Honorable Court withdraw its Order of February 12,2015, entering
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (hereafter "Findings and Conclusions)
and containing a recommendation denying habeas corpus relief, and, taking into
account the following objections, withdraw the Order of February 12, 2015, recuse
itself and request the assignment of a different judge to preside over renewed
proceedings or, in the alternative, enter revised Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law and recommend relief.
As Applicant in his Renewed Objections Concerning Procedures and
Rulings in this Tex. Code. Crim. Proc. Art. 11.071, filed simultaneously with his
proposed Findings and Conclusior:ts, has previously stated, these proceedings were
rendered unfair because of the Court's refusal to recuse itself, its refusal to admit
the reports of Applicant's expert witnesses and its denial of prompt and adequate
funding with which Applicant could develop his case. The fact-finding
procedures and rulings of the Convicting Court repeatedly impaired Applicant's
ability to adequately prepare and develop his case and to have his Grounds for
Relief fairly considered in these TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 capital
Page 2 of 51 habeas corpus proceedings. In a~dition to his previously stated objections, which
Applicant now renews, he makes further objection to the Order of February 12,
2015, which adopted almost in their entirety the State's proposed Findings and
Conclusions.
While state habeas courts are given discretion over the methods of
developing and receiving evidence to resolve contested factual claims, see, e.g.,
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071, § 9(a), such discretion is circumscribed by
the necessity that the fact-finding procedures be adequate for reaching reasonably
correct results. Ex parte Davila, 530 S. W.2d 543, 545 (Tex. Crim. App. 1975)
(citing Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 316 (1963)). Since the fact-finding
procedures here were not adequate, and the Convicting Court has largely adopted
the State's Findings and Conclusions despite the fact that they are flawed in many
ways, this Court should reconsider its rulings.
This Court is asked to remc;:dy several fundamental errors in this case,
namely:
I) The Convicting Court Should Have Recused Itself from Presiding over These Art. 11.071 Proceedings; 1
1 As discussed in Applicant's Petition for Writ of Mandamus of July 9, 2014 at 32-38, of which a copy is attached and which is incorporated herein by reference, the avenues by which to raise for review the denial of a Motion to Recuse filed during Art. 11.071 proceedings are unclear. Without mandamus relief, such proceedings continue to be presided over, as they have here, by a judge who should have been recused, and whose findings of fact and conclusions of
Page 3 of 51 2) The Convicting Court Adopted the State's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Recommendations almost in their entirety and with virtually no amendment, thereby abdicating from its proper role of"neutral arbiter" of the proceedings;
3) The Convicting Court Denied Applicant an Adequate Opportunity to Develop the Factual Basis for His Grounds for Relief Because of the Court's Consistent Failure to Provide Timely and Adequate Funding with Which Applicant Could Develop His Case.
4) The Convicting Court Rendered the Proceedings Unfair by Refusing to Admit the Reports ofExpert Witnesses Who Were Unable to Testify Solely Because ofThe Timing Limitations Imposed upon this Case.
law must be revisited. The issue of recusal is urged again in these objections, which are being filed simultaneously in the Court of Criminal Appeals, in order to ensure that Applicant's objection to the conduct of these proceedings before a judge who should have been recused is preserved.
Page 4 of 51 l) The Convicting Court Should Have Recused Itself from Presiding over These Art. 11.071 Proceedings.
On May 27,2014, Applica~t's Counsel filed a Motion for the Court to
Recuse Itself, which was denied. The case was therefore assigned to the Hon. J.R.
"Bobby" Flores of the 139lh District Court of Hidalgo County, for a hearing on the
motion to recuse. The hearing was conducted on June 16, 2014. On July 3, 2014,
Judge Flores entered an order denying the motion to recuse. Judge Flores denied
the Motion to Recuse on July 3, 2014, without stating reasons for his decision, and
Applicant subsequently, on July 8, 2014, sought leave to file a motion for writ of
mandamus against Judge Flores, and commanding him to vacate his "Order
Denying Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370lh District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez"
and to enter an Order recusing the Court. The Court of Criminal Appeals denied
leave to file the motion for writ of mandamus on July 18, 2014.
The Court of Criminal Appeals did not deny the Petition for Writ of
Mandamus on its merits, and Applicant continues to maintain that this Convicting
Court should have recused itself.
The grounds for the recusal motion were that the Court's impartiality might
reasonably be questioned, and that it had personal knowledge of disputed
evidentiary facts. The gist of the factual allegations were that the Court and its
bailiff, Alicia "Licha" Salinas, engaged in prejudicial off-the-record
Page 5 of 51 communications with the jury during the trial, in the jury room, and outside the
presence of counsel or the defendant.
The subject matter of the communications included the concern of jury
members about their personal safety in this gang-related case in which the jury
was required to answer the "future dangerousness" special issue, TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 37.071. The actions of the Court and bailiff formed part of the subject
matter of Applicant's Grounds for Relief Four, Five and Six, which included
allegations of'~ury misconduct, including the exposure of the jury to outside
influences." Because of the Convicting Court's failure to provide funding
(discussed further below) few of the jurors could be interviewed while the
Application was being prepared, and such interviews as were conducted were done
by volunteer law students. Some subsequent investigation of the case revealed
that former jurors would indeed testify that both the Court and its bailiff engaged
in off-the-record communications with the jury during the trial, in the jury room,
and outside the presence of counsel or the defendant. Those communications
concerned, among other things, the Court stating that gangs may threaten and
follow jurors, and the bailiff telling the jurors, in response to their security
concerns, that the Court carried a gun.
Since both the Court and its bailiff's actions were an integral part of the
Page 6 of 51 pleaded grounds for relief, the basis for the motion to recuse was that, in the
circumstances the Court's ability to adjudicate impartially a ground for relief
concerning its own and its bailiffs conduct "might reasonably be questioned," and
also that "the judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts
concerning the proceeding", TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(l) and (3). Applicant objects
both to the Court's initial and continuing failure to recuse itself and to Judge
Flores' subsequent denial of the Motion to Recuse, and urges that the question of
recusal be reconsidered and reviewed.
Moreover, the Court's handling of the underlying issues during the
pendency of the case and in the subsequent Findings and Conclusions further
demonstrates that the Court's impartiality might reasonably be questioned: In
addition to refusing to recuse itself, Court refused even to be interviewed by
counsel concerning the allegations concerning outside influences on the jury and
would only answer a few questions from counsel about what it stated its general
courtroom practices to be. See Letters from undersigned counsel to the Court
dated July 29, 2014, and August 3, 2014, filed on August 5, 2014. Thus, counsel
was prevented from discovering relevant facts, and could not, of course, call the . Court as a witness in the proceedings, because of the absence of prior discovery,
and because ofTEX. R. EVID. 605, which prohibits a sitting judge from appearing a
Page 7 of 51 witness.
Furthermore, some of the very few amendments made by the Court to the
State's proposed Findings and Conclusions included truncating the factual
narrative of Ms. Palacios and Ms. Guerrero's accounts of what had happened as
set out by the State in its proposed Findings and Conclusions: Compare State's
proposed Findings and Conclusions at 528-539, with the Court's Findings and
Conclusions at 528-530, which eliminate paras. 562-90 of the State's drafting,
among other material.2 The Court then simply dismissed the former jurors'
testimony as not supporting "a finding that the jury was exposed to improper
comment from this Court or its staff," and added that it "agrees with Judge Flores'
implicit findings on credibility." Findings and Conclusions at para. 566, p. 529.
The Court also added that "The evidence at the recusal hearing does not support a
recusal," id., thereby volunteering an opinion in its own favor on a legal question
it was not called upon to answer. However, precisely because the Court's own
integrity and that of its staff member were being called into question, these
findings cannot be relied on as being impartially made. The jury-related claims
2 The Court also inserted some facts concerning the recusal proceedings, see, e.g., Court's Findings and Conclusions at 528. Applicant does not suggest that he agrees with the State drafted material that was redacted, but emphasizes that the Court's concern to edit this discrete part of the State's voluminous pleading demonstrates why the Court's impartiality may properly be questioned.
Page 8 of 51 are discussed again at pp. 600-604, and the Court again redacted some of the
State-drafted material. Paragraph 66 in the Court's version removes even the
explicit mention of material supporting both the recusal motion and Applicant's
3 jury-related grounds for relief.
Moreover, Applicant notes that Ms. Salinas was called by the State at the
hearing on the motion to recuse and her testimony might properly have been
considered by Judge Flores with regard to the recusal issue. However, Ms.
Salinas was neither called by the State in person at the August 20 14 evidentiary
hearing, nor was the transcript of her recusal hearing testimony offered into
evidence by the State for the purpose of these underlying Art. 11.071 proceedings,
which are governed by the "Texas Rules of Criminal (sic) Evidence," see Art.
11.071 § I 0. Applicant, on the other hand, had the transcripts of the recusal
hearing testimony of jurors PalaciosNera and Guerrero correctly admitted into
3 Despite discussing the case law at length, neither the State nor the Court address the fact that the communications with the jwy by the Court and bail iff in this case were ones which constituted an "outside influence" on the jury, evidence as to which would be admissible under TEX. R. EVID. 606(b)( I). Nor is any attempt made to objectively analyze the prejudice to Applicant from those communications, as required by McQuarrie v. State, 380 S.W.Jd 145, 153- 4 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) (reversing and remanding for further proceedings where outside influence had potentially had negative impact on jury's verdict). Colyer v. State, 428 S.W.Jd 117, 129-30 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014)(affirming objective "reasonable person" test as measure of impact of outside influence on hypothetical average jurors). Rather para. 71, p. 603, seems to directly contradict those authorities. The. findings and conclusions concerning this ground for relief therefore cannot stand, and are objected to.
Page 9 of 51 evidence. See Order on Motion to Deem Stipulated Evidence Formally Admitted
of August 29, 2014. The Court in these habeas proceedings properly only had
before it the affidavits, declarations and testimony of various former jurors,
uncontradicted by anything to which Ms. Salinas testified. In this situation,
whatever factors underlay Judge Flores' decision, this Court- or rather, a different
judge presiding over this matter subsequent to this Court's recusal- should have
arrived at its own estimation of the credibility of the former jurors rather than
simply adopting the supposed "implicit" findings contained in Judge Flores
simple statement that recusal was denied, and contained no findings of fact or
conclusions of law. Indeed, Judge Flores' ruling may not have rested on
credibility at all, or on any other matter relevant to these habeas proceedings.
For these reasons, Applicant objects to the Court's Findings and
Conclusions, which must be revisited.
2) The Convicting Court Adopted the State's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Recommendations Almost in Their Entirety and With Virtually No Amendment, Thereby Abdicating from its Proper Role of "Neutral Arbiter" of the Proceedings.
The Court adopted the State's proposed Findings and Conclusions virtually
without emendation or correction except, as noted above, with regard to
information concerning issues that Applicant contends should have led to the
Page 10 of 51 Court's recusal and to the grant of relief on his allegations concerning outside
influences on the jury. Those parts of the State's proposed Findings and
Conclusions that the Court did adopt overlook copious evidence that undennines
the State's findings, and the many logical flaws in the State's submissions. A
prime example is the finding concerning trial counsel's preparation of the case, at
p. 511:
523. This Court was not privy to infonnation concerning the steps which not privy to infonnation concerning the steps which (sic- repetition in original) Applicant's trial attorneys, Ralph R. Martinez and Libra do "Keno" Vasquez took to investigate the underlying criminal case, including any conversations they may have had with Applicant, members of his family, or other potential witnesses, and thus must rely on Mr. Martinez' and Mr. Vasquez' credible testimony concerning this topic.
This "finding" overlooks the fact that in no case is a trial judge ever likely
to be privy to the details of defense case preparation, and that if such knowledge
were a prerequisite to the grant of habeas relief, relief would probably never be
granted. Moreover, the Court overlooks the many affidavits from potential
mitigation witnesses either overlooked by trial counsel or from whom trial counsel
failed to elicit pertinent facts, as well as court and other records concerning
Applicant's background and that of his family. See, e.g., Applicant's Exhibits 4,
5, 10-29, 37-50, 54-73, and Applicant's Hearing Exhibits 2-3. The only reason
Page 11 of 51 that the Convicting Court stated it "must" rely on counsel's testimony is, logically,
that is the testimony that supported the State's position. This ignores the wealth of
information undermining the State-drafted Findings and Conclusions. In addition
to the affidavits from family members, the information before the Court included
psychological reports created during Applicant's adolescence, Applicant's
Exhibits 18 and 19, and the affidavit of Applicant's former TYC (Texas Youth
Commission, now Texas Juvenile .Justice Department) caseworker, which
indicated that Applicant had serious psychological problems and came from a
family background that contributed to those problems. Applicant's Exhibit 70,
Affidavit of Jeanette Brothers.
There is no indication that the Court actually considered the content of
Applicant's mitigation evidence developed in these habeas proceedings as
exposing trial counsel's flawed and cursory case preparation or the prejudice
caused to Applicant by trial counsel's performance: Although those four volumes
of exhibits are listed and described at pp. 78-282, they are barely mentioned or
discussed in the actual Findings and Conclusions. The Findings and Conclusions
signed by the Court do not therefore amount to the work of an impartial court
affording a full and fair proceeding and fairly supporting its findings by reference
to the actual record of the case. A post-conviction court must actually consider
Page 12 of 51 mitigation evidence brought before it, and may not unreasonably discount the
impact of such evidence by assuming that because, for example, it might be in
some way imperfect, it should be disregarded entirely. Porter v. McCollum, 558
U.S. 30, 37, 42-43 (2009) (perceived problems w:ith cognitive testing and with
evidence of alcohol abuse and abusive childhood did not justify "discount[ing]
entirely the effect that testimony might have had on the jury.").
The Court of Criminal Appeals in Ex parte Reed, 271 S.W.3d 698,729
(Tex. Crim. App. 2008) warned that a convicting court that does not act as a
neutral arbiter and carefully scrutinize the State's proposed findings to ensure that
they accurately reflect the record of a case can unnecessarily complicate that
Court's independent review. Reed, 271 S. W.3d at 729; See also Ex parte
Simpson, 136 S.W.3d 660,668 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004)(emphasizing importance
of convicting court's role in habeas proceedings). The United States Supreme
Court has also criticized courts for "their verbatim adoption of findings of fact
prepared by prevailing parties/' Anderson v. Bessemer City, 470 U.S. 564, 572
( 1985), and has recently remanded such a case for further review of the procedures
by which such a decision was made. Jefferson v. Upton, 560 U.S. 284,
294(20 I O)(remanding for determination whether state court factual findings
warranted presumption of correctness).
· Page 13 of 51 The practice of convicting qourts simply adopting the State's proposed
Findings and Conclusions completely, or almost completely, is not unique to the
370111 District Court of Hidalgo County, but is prevalent across this State: See Ex
parte Christopher Chubasco Wilkins, Tarrant County, WR-75~229-01 (findings
signed on December 22, 201 0); Ex parte Steven Anthony Butler, Harris County,
WR-41,121-02 (findings signed on February 28, 20I2); Ex parte Cortne Robinson,
Harrison County, WR-81,583-01 (findings signed on Aug. 25, 2014); Ex parte
Mark Soliz, Johnson County, WR-82,429-01 (findings signed on Nov. 6, 2014);
Ex parte Garland Harper, Harris County, WR-81,576-01 (findings signed on Dec.
II , 20 14) and Ex parte Gary Green, Dallas County, WR-81 ,575-0 1 (findings
signed on Dec. 31, 20 14).
This practice undermines the principle that the Texas courts should provide
an impartial and independent system for review of convictions and sentences. It
also defies the statutory instructio~ that "Every provision relating to the writ of
habeas corpus shall be most favorably construed in order to give effect to the
remedy, and protect the rights of the person seeking relief under it." TEX. CODE.
CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.04. Furthermore, it results in a denial of due course of law
under Art. I, s. 19 of the Texas Constitution, especially given that the Texas
habeas statute specifically mandates protection of"the rights of the person seeking
. Page 14 of 51 relief," and also denies due process under the United States Constitution.
Moreover, the relevant Findings and Conclusions signed by the Court do
not suggest that they have been the subject of careful scrutiny. In fact the content
of its 63 7 pages is sometimes jumbled, with for example, a brief discussion of the
law pertaining to Ground for Relief 14 inserted between a 16-page narrative
concerning the Court of Criminal Appeals' recent case law on TEX. R. Evm.
606(b), at pp. 511-527, and discussion of Grounds for Relief 4-6 concerning
outside influences on the jury, to which TEX. R. Evm. 606(b) is pertinent, at pp.
528-530. Between pages 332 and 584 there are 252 pages of text discussing
multiple grounds for relief, unrelieved by a single subheading, and frequently
discussing either the facts or the law without even explaining to the reader which
ground for relief is being dealt with.
Some examples of the many respects in which these largely State-drafted
findings did not merit the Court's signature are given below, specifically in regard
to Applicant's allegation that counsel rendered ineffective assistance at the
sentencing phase of his trial:
a) Unwarranted Reliance on Trial Counsel's "Credibility".
The Findings and Conclusions rely throughout on the rote recitation of the
word "credible" to describe trial counsel's testimony and on their attribution of
Page 15 of 51 strategic reasons for their actions and inactions. They fail, however, to address
whether counsel's explanation of their "strategies" and actions in fact
demonstrated "reasonable professional assistance," given contradictory facts in the
record. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 689-690 (1984). Even if counsel
were "credible" in the sense that the Court believed them to be sincere, and even if
their explanations, taken in isolation, sounded facially plausible, it is imperative
that any court reviewing a claim of ineffective assistance should come to a
determination based on the totality of the facts of the individual case. /d.
As discussed further in the sections below, there are irreconcilable
discrepancies between counsel's- particularly lead counsel's- assertions and
actions at Applicant's trial, assertions during the evidentiary hearing and the other
facts and evidence available to counsel. For example, the Findings and
Conclusions state that trial counsel did not want to introduce psychological reports
created during Applicant's adolescence because he wanted to avoid the jury
hearing of"Applicant's anti-social behavior and his gang involvement." Para. 407
at 463-64; para. 26, 29 at 590-91; para. 48 at 596-97. However, lead counsel
himself at trial referred to Applicant as "enforc[ing] things that maybe - that
definitely were anti-social," 35 RR 9, and the jury heard copious evidence of
Applicant's gang involvement during the guilt phase of trial, rendering counsel's
Page 16 of 51 subsequent explanation illogical.
b) Failure to Investigate and Present Evidence in Mitigation of Sentence.
The Findings and Conclusions are contradictory in that they quote, for
example, the American Bar Association Guidelines for the Performance of
Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (Rev. Ed. 2003 ), 31 HOFSTRA L. REV. 913 (2003)
advocating that counsel should retain an investigator, a mitigation specialist and
other professional expertise and conduct a "comprehensive pretrial investigation."
Findings and Conclusions at pp. 402-03, but then endorse counsel's failure to
retain a mitigation specialist, p. 461, and to simply conduct an investigation
himself in the short time available before the trial commenced. The Findings and
Conclusions in fact assert that trial counsel were fully prepared for Applicant's
capital murder trial and sentencing, para. 11, p. 586, despite counsel's preparation
having consisted almost entirely of reading the State's file, speaking to Applicant
and some family members, and performing legal research. Para. 12, p. 587. This
flies in the face of many of the authorities set out in the Findings and Conclusions
at, e.g., pp. 402-420 and 491-510, including the ABA guidelines and Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 706 (1986)("[C]ounsel's general duty to investigate ...
takes on supreme importance to a defendant in the context of developing
mitigating evidence to present to a judge or jury considering the sentence of
Page 17 of 51 death"); Wiggins v. Smith, 539 U.S. 510,537 (2003)(counsel ineffective for failing
to investigate and present mitigating evidence of petitioner's life history);
Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S. 362 (2000), Rompilla v. Beard, 545 U.S. 374, 382
(2005) and Ex parte Gonzalez, 204 S.W.3d 391,393-400 (Tex. Crim. App.
2006)(Cochran, J., concurring), which demonstrate the importance of an
independent, thorough and extensive investigation in a capital case.4
The Findings and Conclusions claim that trial counsel had "valid reasons"
for not obtaining the services of a mitigation specialist including lead counsel's
belief that he could do his own mitigation investigation, his assertion that there
was not that much mitigation evidence available and that he had spoken to
Applicant, Applicant's family and "church people," and that Applicant had denied
having problems with his father other than neglect. They also describe as "valid"
counsel's choice to simply tell the family members they interviewed that they
needed to know about "problems," "mental issues" or any other types of issues.
Para. 16, 17,46 and, p. 587-88, 596. This ignores the copious mitigation evidence
that was in fact readily available and was presented in these Art. 11.071
4 Given that the Court sat on the committee that oversaw the creation of the State Bar of Texas Guidelines and Standards for Texas Capital Counsel, Texas Bar Joumal966-982 (November 2006) which largely mirror the ABA guidelines, the Findings and Conclusions' endorsement of trial counsel's minimalist investigation as ''thorough" provides additional ground to conclude that these statements are not the product of a neutral arbiter carefully scrutinizing a proposed order to ensure an accurate reflection of the record and application of legal principles.
Page 18 of 51 proceedings. It again ignores the very case law and guidelines cited by the State
itself in these Findings and Conclusions, which undennine the Findings and
Conclusions' description of counsel's investigation as "thorough." Para.
17 at p. 588.
The discrepancies between the assertions oflead counsel that Applicant's
family had failed to tell him significant infonnation, or had given him different
infonnation from that contained in their later affidavits, p. 462, should have been
given little weight: Lead counsel testified that he had asked Applicant's mother
and family only indirectly about "problems" affecting applicant, and
acknowledged that people are sometimes embarrassed or slow to disclose
embarrassing things in their background, and that people with alcohol problems
may not necessarily recognize them as such. 2 EHRR 125-130. His cocounsel,
Keno Vasquez recalled that counsel had met the family in a group, with counsel
sometimes taking an individual family member aside. 3 EHRR 59. He recalled
lead counsel asking the family to talk about Applicant's childhood, but did not . recall any specific questioning about sexual abuse, substance abuse, or about
Applicant being suicidal, neglected by his mother or exposed to trauma other than
the murder he had witnessed. 3 EHRR 28-29. While Keno Vasquez' affidavit of
February 8, 2013 indicates, "Discussed everything with Defendant and family," in
Page 19 of 51 response to a question about whether these and other specific topics were
investigated, Affidavit at p. 15, his hearing testimony clarified that these specific ' topics were in fact not discussed. Indeed, Mr. Vasquez, who made it clear in both
his hearing testimony and his affidavit that Mr. Martinez had had primary
responsibility for the case, stated that had he been lead counsel, he would have
looked closer into everything possible and explored issues such as Applicant being
left alone by his mother. 3 EHRR 30-32.
Lead counsel claimed during the hearing that Applicant's family had
conveyed to him that Applicant h~d a "nice, warm happy home," 2 EHRR 118,
and that Applicant's mother, who counsel relied on as their primary source of
mitigation information, was "a great mom," 2 EHRR 242, who calmly handled the
pressure of having a son facing the death penalty. 2 EHRR 122. Those assertions
are belied by Applicant's psychological reports and TYC records, by the multiple
affidavits of family members and others describing Applicant's mother's poor
parenting, and by counsel's own statement to the jury that Lydia Garza was a
"deficient" and neglectful mother. 35 RR 8. Moreover, an ordained minister,
Salomon A vii a, describes Applicant's mother as "in a bad way" and "extremely
stressed and fearful," prior to her son's trial. Exhibit 42 at 3-4. The Findings and
Conclusions then condone as reasonable counsel's unquestioning acceptance of
Page 20 of 51 statements made by Applicant's family members about his having had a good and
happy upbringing, and denial or silence concerning familial alcohol related
problems and Applicant's suicide attempts Para. 20-21, p. 589. That this reliance
was unreasonable is demonstrated by the copious evidence that would have been
available to counsel had they used a qualified and competent mitigation specialist
to review records and thoroughly interview an appropriate range of witnesses
extending beyond Applicant's immediate maternal family.
Applicant and his family may have failed to volunteer information, or not
have been perfectly accurate or co~sistent in what they told counsel, but that does
not automatically excuse counsel's failings. Counsel had no mental health
training and no capital mitigation investigation experience and failed to hire
anyone who could supplement those deficiencies. Preparation time was severely
limited, but counsel did not move for sufficient additional time, and did not have
conducted the kind of repeated, in-depth one-on-one interviews, informed by
training and prior records review, that might have been more fruitful. See, e.g.,
State v. Herring, _ _ N.E.3d _·, 2014 Ohio 5228, 2014 Ohio LEXIS 3074 *51-
52 (Ohio December 3, 2014)(defendant's failure to be forthcoming did not excuse
trial counsel from conducting a mitigation investigation).
The conclusions, para. 34-36, p. 593, attribute strategic validity to the
Page 21 of 51 supposed decisions by counsel not to present evidence that Applicant's mother
neglected him in favor of her boyfriend, or that she had taken into her home a
violent adult male criminal who was later shot in front of Applicant. The
justification for these decisions is asserted as being that Applicant's mother had
denied exposing her son to negative influences, had claimed to be a good mother,
which was what counsel wanted the jury to hear and that she had failed to mention
the shooting. This "strategic" explanation is undermined by the fact that counsel
themselves described Applicant's mother as "deficient" and as having both
"spoiled" and "neglected him because of her relationships," 35 RR 7-8, but failed
to substantiate those assertions. Moreover, presenting Applicant as being the child
of a good mother would logically fail to explain the negative and criminal
trajectory of his life as being the product of his upbringing rather than simply the
result of his own voluntary choices. As the affidavits provided in support of the
writ application demonstrate, Applicant's mother did consistently give priority to
her husband and boyfriends rather than her child, failed to protect him, exposed
him to a wide range of criminal behavior and left him to his own devices for days
or weeks at a time when he was as young as ten or eleven. See, e.g., Applicant's
Exhibits 4, 13 and 15, Affidavits of Lydia Garza at 6, Jennifer Cavazos at 4,
Juanita Matthews at 2. The mere fact that, in conversation with counsel,
Page 22 of 51 Applicant's mother might have had told them she had not left Applicant alone and
was a "good mother," 2 EHRR 126, cannot excuse their failure to investigate
further.
Moreover, counsel's claim that Applicant's mother did not tell them about
the shooting is not credible: She and the widow of the deceased were friends, 35
RR 91, there was no reason Applicant's mother would have withheld the
information, which she states that she did give to counsel- See Affidavit of Lydia
Garza, Exhibit 4 at para. 81, and counsel elsewhere admitted that Applicant's
mother had identified for them which witnesses they should call. 2 EHRR 274.
That the Findings and Conclusions's characterization of counsel's decision-
making as based on valid strategy and a thorough mitigation investigation is
illogical is further demonstrated by their treatment of Applicant's report of
concerns, as a teenager, of"being pushed into sex." Para. 23, p. 590. The State's
Findings and Conclusions claim that counsel was right not to present evidence on
that issue because of damaging facts contained in the same report in which that
concern was mentioned. See App~icant's Exhibit 18, Report of Dr. L.R. Fricke, p.
2. This ignores two facts: (1) that counsel never even asked their own client to
explain what he had meant when he spoke of being "pushed into sex," 2 EHRR
132-34, and (2) that information in such reports can simply provide a basis for
Page 23 of 51 other investigation without actually being introduced into evidence. Given that
counsel did not give Applicant's statement even enough thought to simply ask him
what he had been talking about, which might have allowed them to discover, e.g.
the sexual abuse Applicant had experienced during his childhood- see, e.g.,
Applicant's Exhibit 10, Affidavit of Edna Wilma Garza- their decision not to
pursue that investigative avenue, or present a more expansive mitigation case,
should not be dignified as the pursuit of a valid strategy.
c) Mental Health Evidence and Use of Experts.
The Findings and Conclusions purport to validate trial counsel's failure to
have Applicant evaluated by a mental health professional because Applicant and
his family supposedly said he had no mental health issues and because counsel -
who had no training in the field of mental health - recognized no indication of
such problems. Para. 18, 20, 25, 27, p. 588-91. The conclusions state that
counsel were reasonable to rely on their personal belief that Applicant was
intelligent and their lack of perception that he had any problems. Para. 19, 27 p.
588-89, 591. Psychological reports, which had been disclosed by the State, put
counsel on actual notice that Applicant's mental health had caused prior evaluators
serious concern, not least because of the consequences of his witnessing the
murder of a family friend - a fact that counsel themselves identified as sufficiently
Page 24 of 51 important to Applicant's development to have presented evidence of it at
sentencing. See Applicant's Exhibit 18 (TYC Psychological Evaluations}; 35 RR
80-95, Testimony of Blanca Cortez.
Paras. 27, 28, 47, p. 591, 596, of the Findings and Conclusions state that
counsel were reasonable to rely on what was said by Applicant and his family
members, in deciding that Application had no mental health issues and that his
mother was a "great mother," and a constant and supportive presence in his life
with no alcohol-related issues, because they had no reason not to believe what
they were told. Again, this assertion is obviously illogical when Applicanfs
psychological reports and TYC records are actually taken into account: they
demonstrate a troubled upbringing by a neglectful mother and recommendations
that Applicant receive further testing and treatment for problems that were already
evident. See Applicant's Exhibit 18. Counsel had no reason to disbelieve the
reports and records but did not investigate or follow up on this independent source
material in any way. Rather, counsel claimed to have accepted what they were
told by family members at face value even when what they were told was
contradicted by the earlier reports; prepared by mental health professionals, and by
the records compiled by TYC case workers.
In a notable contradiction of the conclusions in paras. 28 and 47, discussed
Page25 of 51 above, the conclusion at para. 52, p. 598, states that counsel "properly relied" on
information received from Applicant and his family that Applicant's mother had
not wanted him, had tried to terminate her pregnancy with him, and had left him to
fend for himself as a child, that there was severe substance abuse within the
family, and that Applicant had attempted suicide by cutting his wrist, and had
emotional problems and depression and abused drugs. There is no indication in
the trial record whatsoever reflecting that counsel relied on this information in any
way, and the inherent contradictions among the various paragraphs of the State-
drafted Findings and Conclusions are irreconcilable.
The Findings and Conclusions describe as a "valid strategic decision"
counsel's decision not to utilize any experts "for fear that doing so would open the
door to the prosecution's use of hypothetical situations that would emphasize
Applicant's gang involvement and [admitted) extraneous offenses." Para. 19, 29,
p. 588, 591. The characterization as "valid" and "strategic" is absurd: Counsel
did not explain what the feared "hypotheticals" might consist of other than
references to guns or gangs, 2 EHRR 167-68, factors ofwhich the jury would have
been aware from the guilt phase evidence. Nor did they explain how the State
could further emphasize Applicant's gang involvement and extraneous offenses
which formed a large part of the guilt phase evidence. This conclusion also
Page 26 of 51 ignores the fact that it is possible to use experts to assist in case preparation
without necessarily choosing to call them to testify, and that such consultation has
been deemed a sine qua non of capital representation: See Commentary to ABA
Guidelines, The Defense Team and Supporting Services: Guideline 4.1 which
states that "mental health experts are essential to defending capital cases ...
creating a competent and reliable mental health evaluation consistent with
prevailing standards of practice is a time consuming and expensive process.
Counsel must compile extensive historical data, as well as obtaining a thorough
physical and neurological examination."
Similarly, the Findings and Conclusions excuse as a valid strategy counsel's
failure to present evidence of Applicant's post-traumatic stress disorder and
depression because the reports from which counsel would have known of those
mental disorders contained material about Applicant carrying a gun and having
engaged in "anti-social behavior." Paras. 25-26, 48, pp. 590-591, pp.596-97.
Leaving aside that the reports themselves need not necessarily have been
introduced into evidence, the jury in fact became aware, at and before sentencing,
of just such negative information about Applicant. What trial counsel failed to
provide to the jury was any coherent explanation of why Applicant had developed
as he had. Failing to provide such an explanation because of what counsel
Page 27 of 51 declared was a concern about introducing damaging material was an inadequate
response to the State's case which was already laden with negative information. 5
Indeed, Applicant's undesirable practice of carrying a gun could have been readily
explained had the jury been informed about his troubled background, not least that
it was the father for whom Applicant "yearned," according to trial counsel, 35 RR
7, who had constantly exposed Applicant as a child to firearms, drug-trafficking
and many other undesirable influences and activities. See Applicant's Exhibits 39,
40, 41, 43 Affidavits of George Morales, Eddie Garza, David Garza, Raul Herrera,
Jr.
d) Gang Evidence and Applicant's Statements.
The Findings and Conclusions assert that "Trial counsel also made a valid
stregic (sic) decision to keep evidence of Applicant's alleged gang involvement
and drug involvement out of Applicant's case." Para. 15, p. 587. This overlooks
the State's guilt phase presentation of comprehensive evidence of those very facts,
see, e.g., 30RR 154-65,31 RR 1-2,31 RR53-67,31 RR 70-91;31 RR209-17,31
RR 200-25, 32 RR 1-20, and that defense counsel themselves established, during
5 As the Tennessee Supreme Court recently remarked, in a case reversed for ineffective assistance in a capital sentencing: "Counsel held in their hands compelling evidence that [the Applicant) has a broken brain and a tragic past ... [t]he evidence from [Applicant's] mental health records held little to demean him further in the jury's eyes. However, it had great potential to explain the invisible mental machinations that made him behave this way." Davidson v. State, _ S.W.3d _ , 2014 Tenn. LEXIS 918 * 42-44 (Tenn. Nov. 17, 2014).
Page 28 of 51 the guilt phase, that the Texas Syndicate is a gang, 31 RR 129, and that
Applicant's imprisoned father, was a founder member of the Texas Syndicate, 31
RR 213, which information counsel had the same witness repeat on cross-
examination, 32 RR 34. Counsel then referred to the same facts in his punishment
phase opening. 3 5 RR 7.
The conclusion that counsel were reasonable to bring out that Applicant's
father was a negative influence but without actually investigating or "emphasizing
said matters," para. 30-31, 33 p. 592, for fear of bringing out information about the
father's previous convictions and gang activities, is another lapse in logic that
should not be upheld. Given that counsel did not know in advance what
Applicant's father's criminal reco~d consisted of, or what was in his records, their
"know-nothing" approach of not even investigating that background information
cannot be deemed "strategic." Moreover, as explained above, the jury was made
aware that Applicant's father was a founder of the Texas Syndicate gang, and the
evidence of Applicant's own gang involvement was comprehensively presented to
the jury during the trial on the merits. Counsel otherwise described Applicant's
father to the jury as " a violent man, extensive involvement," 35 RR 7, but
without further explanation or evidence. Further explanation of the early
influences at play in Applicant's life would have helped to demonstrate that
Page 29 of 51 Applicant's criminal activities were attributable in large part to the absence of any
positive role model or other support in his early life.
This Court should also reject the conclusion that trial counsel made a valid
strategic decision not to introduce evidence about Applicant's father because "they
had not wanted any gang evidence in this case and had instead wanted to limit this
case to the statement which Applicant had made and to argue that there was not
enough to prove the case," Para. 33, p. 592-93. Applicant's statement was the
very source of much ofthe evidence ofhis gang involvement. It had been
introduced at the guilt phase through the testimony of Detective Alvarez, 30 RR
154- I 66, 31 RR 1-204; Agent Bukowski, 31 RR 205-26, 32 RR 20-53, and
Detective Ochoa, 32 RR 54-185, and Applicant's admissions had presumably been
accepted by the jury that had now convicted Applicant. It was not logically or
legally possible to ask the jwy to ignore that evidence for the purpose of
sentencing. What was therefore relevant for trial counsel would have been to try
to mitigate Applicant's sentence. Evidence of a dysfunctional family background
and early exposure to criminal activities is precisely the kind of evidence that has
typically been viewed as mitigating, see, e.g., Sears v. Upton, 561 U.S. 945, _ ,
130 S.Ct. 3259,3264 (20IO)(counsel ineffective for failure to introduce evidence
of abusive upbringing and that petitioner's brother introduced him to life of crime)
Page 30 of 51 and trial counsel's failure to investigate and present such evidence cannot be
justified by concerns that would only have been pertinent at the outset of the guilt
phase.
The conclusion stating that it was sound strategy for counsel to rely at
sentencing on a theory that the State had not proved its case beyond reasonable
doubt, para. 49, p. 597, is similarly insupportable. Indeed, this conclusion stands
in marked contrast to that in para. 56, p. 599, which declares, "The record of
Applicant's case demonstrates that the jury had made a finding, based on the
evidence, that Applicant was a major participant in the killings involved and had
thus rejected any claim that Applicant's role had merely been peripheral." This
Court should have rejected these essentially contradictory conclusions.
e) Use of Applicant's Prison Records.
The conclusion that failing to challenge evidence of Applicant's
disciplinary violations in prison was a "valid strategic decision" because the
evidence would have been admitted anyway, Para. 37, p. 593-94, cannot stand.
Logically, a total absence of disciplinary violations suggests that an inmate is less
dangerous than one who has only some violations. Therefore, in the context of a
capital sentencing, the goal shoulct have been to exclude all such evidence, rather
than to fail altogether to challenge it. At least one argument for exclusion existed:
Page 31 of 51 the Confrontation Clause. See Russeau v. State, 171 S.W.3d 871, 880-81 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2005)(Confrontation Clause violated when State did not show that
prison officials were unavailable to testify and defendant had no opportunity to
cross-examine them concerning their testimonial statements). Moreover, contrary
to counsel's other asserted justification for their failure to challenge the evidence, . the violations in question included violent acts, among them a stabbing. State's
Exhibits 430, 440A.
The Findings and Conclusions also state that counsel were implementing a
"valid strategic decision" in not presenting prison records including certificates
that presented Applicant in a positive light as humorous and well-liked and as
having completed courses in prison, for fear of the State introducing "unfavorable
aspects" of Applicant's prison life'. Para. 39, p. 594. However, counsel had
actually tried, but failed, to introduce the certificates through Applicant's mother,
35 RR 135- 6, undermining their claim of"strategy." Moreover, the purported
"strategy" was groundless when the State had already introduced into evidence
Applicant's prison disciplinary record and parole file, counsel could not identify
any further negative incident that was not in the record, and could have introduced
the records under the business records exception to the hearsay rule. 2 EHRR
172-78.
Page 32 of 51 Further examples of conclusions that should not be approved by this Court
are at para. 38, p. 602, which asserts that counsel made a sound decision not to call
"too many, witnesses, including family witnesses, because they might mention
other incidents or extraneous offenses involving Applicant. Trial counsel did not,
however, point to any such actual incident or offense. Moreover, their belief that
Applicant's statement "absolved" him of intent to commit the murders, Para. 38, p.
594, was misplaced, given that the jury had just found him guilty of the murders.
That counsel "felt" that the jury would not give the death penalty even if it
convicted Applicant, Para. 38, p. 594, also does not represent a sound strategy: a
"feeling" is simply not a strategy that justifies limiting the investigation and
evidentiary presentation in a case involving a six-victim homicide.
The Findings and Conclusions assert that trial counsel made a valid
strategic decision to argue that Applicant had experienced a religious conversion.
Para. 14, p. 587. There was, however, no evidence to support that argument. The
hearing testimony oflead counsel that Applicant's religious devotion had changed
over time is simply not borne out by the trial record or other evidence. While
counsel claimed that he presented evidence of a jailhouse conversion, that was
apparently based on such conversions being "a generally accepted phenomena
(sic) that I personally believe in, but occurs in the minds of the jurors, who might
Page 33 of 51 3) The Convicting Court denied Applicant an Adequate Opportunity to Develop the Faetual Basis for His Grounds of Relief Because of the Court's Consistent Failure to Provide Timely and Adequate Funding with Which Applicant Could Develop His Case.
Successive counsel representing Applicant on both Direct Appeal and in
these Habeas Corpus proceedings attempted from the earliest days_ following
Applicant's conviction and death sentence to obtain sufficient funding with which
to conduct a proper investigation relevant to both stages of Applicant's trial, and
concerning events occurring during the trial itself. The need for such funding was
particularly acute because the original attorney retained on Applicant's behalf,
Charles Banker, and the actual trial attorneys, Ralph R. Martinez and Librado
"Keno" Vasquez, failed to utilize any investigators, mitigation specialists or other
expert assistance in the preparation of Applicant's trial.
Subsequently, Applicant's Direct Appeal counsel, F. Alan Futrell, filed a
motion for investigative funding, seeking to investigate issues of juror misconduct
in connection with a potential Motion for New Trial, on April 5, 2005, less than
two weeks after Applicant was sentenced to death. I CR 982-92. The Convicting
Court did not rule on that Motion.
In due course, both former habeas counsel, John E. Wright, and current
habeas corpus counsel, the undersigned, filed numerous applications for
investigative funding and funding for expert services in order to develop
Page 35 of 51 Applicant's claims, repeated requests for rulings on those applications and
repeated requests for payment for the individuals involved. Those Applications
and requests to the trial court, most of which were made ex parte and under seal,
are herein incorporated by reference and include those filed on: May 11, 2005;
October 30, 2006; December 19, 2006; March 8, 2007; June 19, 2007; July 5,
2007; July 12, 2007; August 2, 2007; September 24, 2007; March 5, 2008; April
25, 2008; March 19, 2013; June 17, 2013; July 30, 2013; August 13, 2013;
November 7, 2013; January 21, 2014; April 28, 2014; May 2, 2014; June 12,
2014; July 22, 2014; July 24, 2014; August 12, 2014 and October 17, 2014.
This Court repeatedly failed to rule on the applications that were filed,
necessitating counsels' further written requests for rulings. Because former
counsel was located in Huntsville and the undersigned is located in Austin,
hundreds of miles from Hidalgo County, visiting the Court to try to obtain rulings
was logistically extremely difficult for counsel. Because of the difficulty in
obtaining funding from this Court, counsel for Applicant were obliged to resort to,
e.g., using volunteer law students to assist in interviewing and investigation (see,
e.g., Application for Funding of July 12, 2007, requesting expenses for student
investigators - no ruling obtained), and to conducting investigation themselves,
see, e.g., Ex parte letter to the Court filed on September 18,2013. Even such
Page 36 of 51 funding as could be obtained had to be justified in great and time-consuming
detail, see, e.g., Ex parte letter to the Court filed on December 10, 2013.
At one point, the Court of Criminal Appeals ordered this Court on April 7,
2014, to rule on all outstanding motions within thirty days. That was not done.
Ultimately, it was only after the hearing in this case, on September 9, 2014, that a
formal order denying then-outstanding requests for expert and investigative
assistance was entered. Another request for funding, filed on November 7, 2013,
and including a request funding for the mitigation specialist/investigator working
on the case was only granted in part, despite counsel's detailed explanation of the
work that remained to be done. Undersigned counsel attempted to make
incremental requests for funding, see, e.g., January 24, 2014, Unopposed Motion
for Extension of Time at 14, since her predecessor's request for larger amounts at
one time had not been ruled upon, let alone granted. Moreover, to try to ensure
that rulings were obtained, counsel visited the Court in person to discuss the
requested funding and present orders for signature, and sent repeated requests for
rulings on outstanding items. In many instances, counsel repeatedly sought
funding, but was unable to secure a prompt ruling, when the Court ruled at all.
When funding was granted it was generally in amounts smaller than those
requested, even where the need for the funding had been explained clearly and in
Page 37 of 51 Applicant's efforts to obtain sufficient funding for development of his case
were also discussed in Motions for Extensions of Time and Advisories filed on his
behalf in the Court of Criminal Appeals on December 28, 2012; June 21, 2013;
and January 21, 2014.
Because of counsel's inability to obtain necessary funding, the work
performed on behalf of Applicant fell far short of the comprehensive investigation
and development of his case mandated by caselaw, statute and relevant guidelines.
See January 24, 2014, Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time at 8-16.
Consequently, Applicant was unable to adequately investigate and to present
evidence that would assist in demonstrating entitlement to relief with regard to
non-record based claims in his Application, such as Grounds for Relief I and 3,
concerning trial counsel's ineffective assistance in preparing for and conducting
the sentencing phase of Applicant's trial; Grounds for Relief 4-6, concerning the
hostile atmosphere in the courtroom and the outside influences brought to bear on
Applicant's jury; Grounds for Relief 15-16, concerning trial counsel's failure to
investigate and prepare for the hearing on a Motion to Suppress Applicant's oral
~is convicting court failed entirely to pay the mitigation specialist who obtained the original mitigation affidavits filed with the Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus in 2007~ and subsequently again declined to pay that mitigation specialist when requested to do so by the undersigned.
Page 38 of 51 statements, and Grounds for Relief 17-19, concerning trial counsel's failure to
investigate and litigate the admissibility of the testimony of the State's witnesses
concerning gang activities.
As explained in, inter alia, .Applicant's January 21, 2014, Unopposed
Motion for Extension of Time, and accompanying Ex Parte Advisory to the Court,
comprehensive investigation is necessary in capital cases, both at trial and in
habeas corpus proceedings, and the availability of adequate funding appears to
have a direct correlation with the likelihood of success in capital litigation.
Applicant's ability to prevail in this litigation was compromised throughout by the
Court's refusal to provide such funding or to timely rule on motions for funding.
Applicant therefore objects to this Court's entry of these Findings of Fact and
Conclusions ofLaw and Recommendation.
Page 39 of 51 4) The Convicting Court Rendered the Proceedings Unfair by Refusing to Admit the Reports of Expert Witnesses Who Were Unable to Testify Solely Because of The Timing Limitations Imposed upon this Case.
Of great importance to Applicant's sentencing case was the issue of the
impainnent to his mental functioning brought about by his mother's alcohol use
while he was in utero. In order to·demonstrate the role that his mother's alcohol
use had played in his mental and personal development, Applicant unsuccessfully
sought the admission into evidence of his Exhibits 34-36, the reports of experts
neuropsychologist Paul D. Connor, Ph.D., psychiatrist Richard S. Adler, M.D.,
and psychologist Natalie Novick Brown, Ph.D. Those experts had evaluated
Applicant following the suggestion of Dr. Craig Henderson, a psychologist who
interviewed Applicant in 2007 and recommended a comprehensive
neuropsychological evaluation. See Exhibit 22. Dr. Henderson had suggested that
Applicant might have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), given his
mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy and his previous psychological
test results. Dr. Richard Adler did subsequently diagnose such a disorder in
Applicant, and the excluded reports explain the nature ofF ASDs, the factors that
led to the diagnosis being made, and the impact of Applicant's FASD on his life
trajectory and choices.
Applicant filed the reports of Drs. Adler, Brown and Connor, along with
Page 40 of 51 other exhibits, on May 27,2014. Although it had indicated that it would stipulate
the admissibility of numerous other exhibits, the State of Texas did not state until
it wrote a letter to undersigned counsel dated July 23,2014, that it would not
stipulate to the admissibility of these reports.
The State indicated in its letter that it was not agreeing to stipulate the
expert reports because it would have no opportunity to cross-examine the experts
concerning their qualifications, their methodology or the validity of their work,
and because it believed that it had been given insufficient notice of the subject
matter of their reports.
The Court having set a date for an evidentiary hearing commencing August
6, 2014, Applicant's counsel checked the available dates on which the experts in
question could testify. None of them were available at all before the beginning of
October 2014, and the earliest date on which one of them would be available was
mid-December 2014. 2 EHRR 26. The three experts were unable to testify at the
live evidentiary hearing conducted on August 6-7, 20 14, solely because their prior
professional commitments prevented them from testifying until after a deadline
imposed by the Court of Criminal Appeals in an Order of July 18, 2014, requiring
that Applicant's case be completed and forwarded to that Court on or before
Page 41 of 51 August 31, 2014. 7 Thus, because of the incompatibility of that time constraint and
the availability of his experts, Applicant was unable to call them to testify.
The Court heard arguments concerning the admissibility of the reports
during the hearing conducted on August 6-7, 20 14, 2 EHRR 26 - 47, and
subsequently permitted the parties to file submissions concerning admissibility. 3
EHRR 65-69. The State argued for the first time in its post-hearing briefing that:
(a) The reports failed to demonstrate that the experts were relying on the proper application of the methods involved in their field;
(b) The reports failed "to assert that the tests conducted were normed to the population of either South Texas or to prison populations or death row inmates in particular;"
(c) The reports were "hearsay without exception," citing TEX. R. EVJD. 802-804.
The Court initially signed an Order on August 29, 2014, holding the reports
to be inadmissible on two grounds: (1) that the third prong of the criteria for
admissibility set out in Nenno v. State, 970 S.W.2d 549, 561 (Tex. Crim. App.
1998) was not met, i.e., that Applicant had not established that the experts's
reports properly relied upon and/or utilized the principles involved in their field
'Counsel for the parties were obliged to file two joint motions in the Court of Criminal Appeals, seeking additional time for the preparation of the proposed Findings and Conclusions which were ultimately filed on September 30, 2014. Then, in response to a letter request for additional time filed by the Convicting Court on October 13, 2014, the Court of Criminal Appeals eventually extended the time for completion of the case to November 13,2014. The proposed findings of fact and conclusio~s of law and the record of these proceedings have not been filed in the Court of Criminal Appeals as oftoday's date, March 19, 2015.
Page 42 of 51 and (2) that the State would not have an opportunity to cross-examine the experts.
Having reviewed Applicant's subsequently filed Motion to Reconsider
Admissibility of Expert Reports and supporting materials, the Court later
acknowledged that the criteria for admissibility under TEX. R. EVID. 702 and
Nenno had been met, but still declined to admit the reports into evidence because
to do so denied the State the opportunity for cross-examination of these three
experts. However, the State never suggested any actual flaw in these experts'
credential, nor any Jack of relevant expertise, or shortcoming in the reports that
they produced, other than querying whether the tests utilized in evaluating
Applicant were normed on appropriate populations. That concern was
subsequently addressed in an affidavit from Dr. Connor, dated August 26, 2014,
and was not referred to by the Court when it declined to admit the expert reports.
Thus, significant expert reports concerning potentially mitigating evidence
in Applicant's case were excluded solely because of the Court of Criminal
Appeals' deadline.
a) Affidavit Testimony is Admissible in Habeas Corpus Proceedings
A trial court has discretion to admit affidavit evidence in TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 11.071 proceedings. Under Art. 11.071 § 9(a) it may admit affidavits,
depositions and interrogatories, and has wide latitude as to the means of resolving
Page 43 of 51 the issues in the case. See, e.g., Ex parte Fierro, 934 S.W.2d 370, 371 (Tex.
Crim. App. 1996)(considering evidence obtained by means ofLetters Rogatory).
Thus, the admission of these reports was well within the Court's discretionary
powers, and the state failed to identify any substantive flaw in their reasoning or
methodology, the results arrived at or their creators' credentials.
b) Notice of Expert Testimony
The State claimed a lack of notice concerning the reports. However, the
topic of"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome~' was specifically raised in the July 17, 2007,
Report of Craig Henderson Ph.D., filed as Exhibit 22 to Applicant's 2007
Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus, and in which Dr. Henderson
recommended "a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation," in light of
Applicant's mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy and of Applicant's
school records and previous psychological testing. Familial alcohol and substance
abuse are mentioned in Claim Three of the Application itself and in supporting
affidavits, together with a statement from former counsel for Applicant John E
Wright at p. 70, that he had filed applications for funding for expert and
investigative assistance. As Mr. Wright stated, such funding was needed in order
to enable Applicant to fully present his claim.
The Henderson report similarly makes reference to depression/dysthymic
Page 44 of 51 disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma, all concepts developed in the
three more recent expert reports. Thus, the State had notice that those issues were
likely to be further developed in Applicant's case.
The State has been aware since late 2012 that undersigned counsel was
working on the case and was also aware that Applicant had sought extensions of
time in which to develop support for the Application. However, the State did not,
at any point prior to the filing of the three expert reports on May 27,2014, seek to
discover what expert testimony might be in preparation.
Under TEX. CODE CRJM. PROC. Art. 39.14(b) counsel may move for the
court for an order for their adversary to disclose the name and address of potential
experts, not later than the 201h date before a trial begins. The State made no
equivalent request in this case, and had notice prior to the hearing - exceeding by
three times the 20 day period set out in the rule- of these experts' names, their
contact details and the actual substance of their testimony.
Even at the time of the hearing, the State had apparently made no effort to
enlist any expert assistance of its own to formulate a substantive critique of, or
challenge to, the three expert reports. It suggested absolutely no specific
shortcoming in these experts' work other than their supposed failure to
demonstrate that they were relying on the proper application of the methods
Page 45 of 51 involved in their field when they assessed Applicant, and that their reports did not
assert that the tests conducted were normed to specific populations - a supposed
shortcoming whose relevance the State failed entirely to explain and which the
Court rejected when it ultimately ruled that the Nenno criteria were satisfied.
Thus, the State's protestation of lack of sufficient notice should be disregarded.
c) An Expert Opinion May be Supported by Hearsay Evidence
TEX. R. EVID. 703 states that, "If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts
in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts
or data need not be admissible in evidence." Thus, these expert reports were not
inadmissible because they are based on information and data narrated or created
by people other than the experts in question.
Moreover, the United States Supreme Court has affirmed that state hearsay
rules must not be applied mechanistically to exclude reliable hearsay evidence so
as to defeat the ends of justice. In Sears v. Upton, 561 U.S. 945, _ , 130 S.Ct. at
3263 n.6 (20 10), the applicant presented evidence, both lay and expert, concerning
head trauma, substance abuse and traumatic experiences, in addition to evidence
that Sears' brother introduced him to a life of crime. Although some of this
evidence was hearsay, that did not undermine its probative value or admissibility
in terms of sentencing.
Page 46 of 51 The evidence in Sears was rightfully not excluded by strict operation of
hearsay provisions, but admitted, considered and given effect owing to its possible
relevance when assessing counsel's deficiency. ld. at 3262-3264. The Supreme
Court noted that the exclusion ofl)ighly relevant evidence on a critical issue in the
punishment phase of trial may violate due process, regardless of state evidentiary
rules. See also Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284,302 (1973); Green v.
Georgia, 442 U.S. 95,97 (1979). Similarly here, the critical question ofwhether
counsel provided effective representation at sentencing in this capital case
militates in favor of admission, and proper consideration, of these reports. 8
This position is supported by state law also: TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art.
11.04 states: "Every provision relating to the writ of habeas corpus shall be most
favorably construed in order to give effect to the remedy, and protect the rights of
the person seeking relief under it." Likewise, in a capital sentencing, the court
may admit "any matter that the court deems relevant to sentence," so long as that
is consistent with the Constitutions of the United States and of the State ofTexas.
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 37.071§ 2(a)(l). The Court should therefore have
8 It should be noted that the three experts stated in their supplemental affidavits that the materials on which they relied are of exactly the type that are relied on by other professionals in their fields, demonstrating that they were following the same methods used by equivalent professionals and that reliance on e.g. affidavits from family members is considered reasonable in their respective fields.
Page 47 of 51 exercised its discretion under Art. 11.071 § 9(a) to admit these reports.
Applicant had the burden of proof in this TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art.
11.071 proceeding to prove not only that his attorney's performance was deficient,
but that he was thereby prejudiced. See Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668,
687-88 (1984). These exhibits were a component part ofhis mitigation case,
reflecting what could and should have been presented at trial, and he now
therefore reargues the admission of the reports either on remand to the Convicting
Court or in the Court of Criminal Appeals. Applicant objects to the unfairness of
the Convicting Court's ruling, and particularly so because the Convicting Court
entered Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that do not recommend relief on
Applicant's Ground for ReliefThtee, concerning the ineffective assistance of trial
counsel in preparing and presenting mitigating evidence.
While the progress of this case has been protracted, and it is now nearly ten
years since Applicant was sentenced to death in March 2005, it bears noting that
half of that time period is attributable to the failure of the State of Texas to file an
Answer to his Application, which was timely filed on July 19, 2007. The State's
Answer was not filed until November 12, 2012, over five years later, and only
after the Court of Criminal Appeals, on August I, 2012, had ordered this Court to
resolve remaining issues and conclude the case. Since taking over Applicant's
Page48 of 51 case upon the withdrawal of original State Habeas Counsel, undersigned counsel
worked diligently to ensure proper factual development of the case, which
included repeated attempts to obtain adequate funding for further investigation as
well as the assistance of experts, creating further delays.
The content of the reports themselves demonstrates that Mr. Garza suffers
from a condition created while he was in his mother's womb that caused life-long
adaptive impairments and susceptibility to other mental disorders, while the same
condition rendered him likely to be a low-risk inmate in the highly structured
environment of prison, especially as he grows older. See, e.g., Exhibit 36, Report
of Dr. Natalie Novick Brown at 32-43.
Applicant hereby renews his objection to the arbitrary exclusion of this
significant evidence due to factors for which he should bear no responsibility.
Such a result does not comport with the due process requirement that the fact-
finding procedures be adequate for reaching reasonably correct results, Ex parte
Davila, 530 S.W.2d 543, 545 (Tex. Crim. App. 1975), or with the statutory
mandate that "[e]very provision relating to the writ of habeas corpus shall be most
favorably construed in order to give effect to the remedy, and protect the rights of
the person seeking relief under it." TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.04.
Page49 of 51 CONCLUSION.
Applicant Humberto Garza, by and through counsel, therefore respectfully ' requests that this Honorable Cout1 withdraw its Order of February 12, 2015,
entering Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (hereafter "Findings and
Conclusions) and containing a recommendation denying habeas corpus relief, and,
taking into account the following objections, withdraw the Order of February 12,
2015, recuse itself and request the assignment of a different judge to preside over
renewed proceedings or, in the alternative enter revised Findings of Fact and
Conclusions ofLaw and recommend relief.
Respectfully submitted,
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar# 50511187 7301 Burnet Road,# l 02-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 1371 Fax: (512) 646 7067 HilarySheard@Hotmai l.com
Counsel for Hwnberto Garza Ill, Applicant.
Page 50 of 51 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on March 19, 2015, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served by U.S. Mail and electronically via www.efileTexas.gov on:
Theodore C. Hake, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse I 00 N. Closner, Room 303 Edinburg, Texas 78539. Ted.Hake@da.co.hidalgo.tx.us
Michael W. Morris, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Office of the District Attorney Hidalgo County Com1house I 00 N. Closner Edinburg, TX 78539 Michael.Monis@da.co.hidalgo.tx.us
Hilmy Sheard. ATTACHMENT
Petition for Writ of Mandamus filed in the Court of Criminal Appeals July 9, 2014 No._________________
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS
IN RE HUMBERTO GARZA III, Relator
v.
RON. J.R. "BOBBY" FLORES, PRESIDING JUDGE, 139TH DISTRICT COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS Respondent
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS AND MOTION FOR STAY OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE 370'b DISTRICT COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar# 505 I 1187 7301 Burnet Road,# 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 1371 Fax: (512) 646 7067 HilazySheard@Hotmail.com
Counsel for Relator. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PARTIES
Pursuant to TEX. R. APP. P. 52.3(a), a complete list of the names of all interested parties and counsel is provided below so that the members of this Honorable Court may at once determine whether they are disqualified to serve or should recuse themselves from participating in the decision of the case.
Relator:
Humberto Garza III, TDCJ-ID # 999495 TDCJ Polunsky Unit 3872 FM 350 South Livingston, TX 7735 I
Counsel for Relator:
Hilary Sheard 730 I Burnet Road, # I 02-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 137I Fax: (5I2) 646 7067
Respondent:
Hon. J .R. "Bobby" Flores Presiding Judge I391h District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas Hidalgo County Courthouse I 00 N. Closner, pt Floor Edinburg, TX 78539 1
1 The Hon. J.R. "Bobby" Flores is the Presiding Judge of the I 39th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. In this matter, he was sitting by assignment to decide a Motion to Recuse filed by Relator Humberto Garza III in Cause No. CR- 3175-04-G(l), currently pending in the 370th Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County. -i- Counsel for the State of Texas in this matter:
Rene Guerra, Esq. District Attorney of Hidalgo County
Theodore C. Hake, Esq. Michael W. Morris, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys
Office of the District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner Edinburg, TX 78539.
-II- TABLE OF CONTENTS
IDENTIFICATION OF THE PARTIES .................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................... iii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ...................................................................................... v
CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX ......................................................................... xi
STATEMENT OF THE CASE ................................................................................ xii
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION........................................................................xiii
ISSUE PRESENTED ............................................................................................... xiv
STATEMENT OF FACTS ........................................................................................ !
ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES ..................... :................................................... l2
I. THE WRIT OF MANDAMUS ..................................................................... 12
II. CLEAR ENTITLEMENT TO RELIEF ........................................................ 12
A. A REASONABLE PERSON, KNOWING THE FACTS OF THIS CASE, WOULD REASONABLY DOUBT JUDGE GONZALEZ'S ABILITY TO ADJUDICATE THE RELEVANT CLAIMS IMPARTIALLY.................................................................................. 14
1. The Legal Standard for Deciding Whether a Judge's Impartiality Might Reasonably Be Questioned ........................ 14
2. The Reasons Why Judge Gonzalez's Impartiality Might Reasonably Be Questioned in this Case ................................... 16
-iii- 3. Any private communication or contact by a trial judge with a juror during a trial is improper...................................... l7
4. Communication or contact by the trial bailiff with jurors during a trial may be improper if it goes beyond what is necessmy for the purpose of shepherding the jury................... 20
B. JUDGE GONZALEZ HAS PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF DISPUTED EVIDENTIARY FACTS WHICH REQUIRE HIS RECUSAL ..........................................................................................23
I. A Clear Entitlement to Relief Exists in these Circumstances ...........................................................................25
2. That a Convicting Court Normally Has the Discretion to Use Personal Recollection in Resolving Issues in a Habeas Proceeding Does Not Alter the Conclusion That Judge Gonzalez May Not Preside over this Case .............................. 28
III. NO ADEQUATE REMEDY AT LAW ........................................................ 32
I. Review of Denial of Recusal in the Context of Habeas Corpus Proceedings .................................................................32
2. Awaiting Later Appeal or Review Is Not an Adequate Remedy in the Context of this Case ...................................... .36
IV. A STAY OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURT IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE ......................................................................... 39
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................42
CERTIFICATION .................................................................................................... 43
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE................................................................................44
·IV- INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
FEDERAL CASES
Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279 ( 1991) .................................................... 12, 19
Brown v. Lynaugh, 843 F.2d 849, 850 (5th Cir. 1988)............................................. 24
Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co., 556 U.S. 868 (2009) ....................................... 12
Hoptv. Utah, 110 U.S. 574 (1884) ......................................................................... 19
Liteky v. United States, 510 U.S. 540 ( 1994) ...................................................passim
Presley v. Georgia, 558 U.S. 209 (2010) ............................................................... 20
Remmer v. United States, 347 U.S. 227 (1954) ...................................................... 17
Rose v. Mitchell, 443 U.S. 545 (1979) ..................................................................... 30
Rothgery v. Gillespie County, 554 U.S. 191 (2008) ............................................... 19
Rushen v. Spain, 464 U.S. 114 (1983) .................................................................... 19
Skilling v. United States, 56 I U.S. 358 (20 I 0) ........................................................ 19
Starr v. United States, 153 U.S. 614 ( 1894)............................................................ 17
Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293 (1963) ................................................................ .30
Tumey v. Ohio, 273 U.S. 510 (1927) ...................................................................... 12
United States v. United States Gypsum Co. eta/., 438 U.S. 422 ( 1978) ............... 17
Ward v. Hall, 592 F.3d I I44 (1 Itb Cir. 20IO) ......................................................... 20
Wellons v. Hall, 558 U.S. 220 (2010) ..................................................................... 30
-v- TEXAS CASES
Abdygapparova v. State, 243 S. W .3d 191 (Tex. App. -San Antonio 2007) ........ 14, 27
Blue v. State, 41 S.W.3d 129 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000) ........................................... 18
Brown v. Lynaugh, 843 F .2d 849 (5th Cir. 1988) ..................................................... 24
Buntion v. Harmon, 827 S. W.2d 945 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) .......................... passim
Davis v. McCray Refrigerator Sales Corp., 136 Tex. 296, 150 S. W.2d 3 77 (Tex. 1941 ) ................................................................................... 35
Ex parte Byars, 176 S. W.3d 841 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) ..................................... 30
Ex parte Davila, 530 S. W.2d 543 (Tex. Crim. App. 1975) ................................ 29,31
Ex parte Ellis, 275 S.W.3d 109 (Tex. App.- Austin 2008, no pet.) ......................27
Ex parte Galvan, 770 S. W.2d 822 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989) ................................... 34
Ex parte Humberto Garza, No. WR-78,113-01 (Unpublished Order of April 7, 2014) .................................................................. .39
Ex parte Roundtree, No. WR-74,550-01, 201 1 Tex. Crim. App. Unpub. LEXIS 249 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011) ..................... 33
Ex parte Van Alstyne, 239 S.W.3d 815 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) ........................... 34
Ex parte Simpson, 136 S.W.3d 660 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004) ................................. 38
ExparteSinegar, 324 S.W.3d 578 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010)........................... 13,33, 34
Gaal v. State, 332 S. W.3d 448 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011 ) ....................................... passim
Garza v. State, No. AP-75,217 (Tex. Crim. App. April 30, 2008) ........................... !
-vi- Gentry v. State, No. 06-05-00237-CR, 2006 Tex. App. LEXIS 2923 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 2006, no pet.) ................................................................. 24, 26
Green v. State, 374 S.W.3d 434 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) ....................................... 35
Hensarlingv. State, 829 S.W.2d 168 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992)............................ 23, 25
Keene Corp. v. Rogers, 863 S.W.2d 168 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 1993, no writ) .. 21
Kemp v. State, 846 S. W.2d 289 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) ....................................... 24
Kniatt v. State, 239 S. W.3d 910 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) ........................................ 15
Lagrone v. State, 84 Tex. Crim. 609, 209 S. W. 411 (Tex. Crim. App. 1919) ......... 18
Lueg v. Lueg, 976 S.W.2d 308 (Tex. App.- Corpus Christi 1998, pet. denied) .....21
Mattox v. United States, 146 U.S. 140 (1892) ........................................................20
McClenan v. State, 661 S.W.2d 108 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983)............................ .32, 35
McQuarrie v. State, 380 S.W.3d 145 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) ............................... 18
Neveu v. Culver, 105 S.W.3d 641 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003) ..................................... 12
North East Independent School Dist. v. Aldridge, 400 S. W.2d 893 (Tex. 1966).................................................................................... 35
0 'Quinn v. Hall, 77 S. W.3d 438 (Tex. App.- Corpus Christi 2002, no pet. )......22, 24
0 'Quinn v. Hall, 77 S. W.3d 452 (Tex. App. - Corpus Christi 2002) ..................... 22
Padilla v. McDaniel, 122 S.W.3d 805 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003) ............................. xiii
Parker v. Gladden, 385 U.S. 363( 1966) .................................................................. 20
Perkins v. Court ofAppeals, 738 S. W.2d 276 (Tex. Crim. App. 1987) ................. 38
-vii- Simmons v. State, 55 Tex. Crim. 441, 117 S. W.2d 141 (Tex. Crim. App. 1909).... 18
Smith v. Flack, 728 S.W.2d 784 (Tex. Crim. App. 1987) ....................................... 36
Sommers v. Concepcion, 20 S.W.3d 27 (Tex. Crim. App.- Houston [141h Dist.] 2000, pet. denied) .................................... 31
State ex rei. Hill v. Fifth Court ofAppeals, .34 S. W.3d 924 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001) ...................................................................................... 12, 26
State ex rei. Millsap v. Lozano, 692 S.W.2d 470 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985) ........... .41
State ex ref. Rosenthal v. Poe, 98 S.W.3d 194 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003) ................. 12
State ex rei Wade v. Mays, 689 S.W.2d 893, 899 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985)............. 12
Stearnes v. Clinton, 780 S.W.2d 216 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989)........................... 36,37
Thi Van Lev. Perkins, 700 S.W.2d 768, 776) (Tex. App.- Austin 1985) ............. 38
Thomas v. Stevenson, 561 S.W.2d 845 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978) ............................... xiii
Woodruffv. Wright, 51 S.W.3d 727 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 2001, pet. denied) ... 21
TEXAS CONSTITUTION
TEX. CON ST. Art. V, § 5(c) ................................................................................... xiii
TEXAS STATUTES
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 4.04 ....................................................................... xiii
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.07 ........................................................................29
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 .............................................................. passim
-vm- TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 30.01 .......................................................................... 13
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.22 ..................................................................... 20,31
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.23 .......................................................................... 20
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.24 ..........................................................................20
TEX. CODECRIM. PROC. Art. 36.27 ........................................................................ 19,31
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 37.071 ........................................................................ 16
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 38.05 .......................................................................... 19
TEX. CODE JUD. CONDUCT, Canon 3(B)(8) ............................................................. 19
TEXAS RULES
TEX. R. APP. P. 52 ........................................................................................... passim
TEX. R. APP. P. 72.1 ......•••••••••••••••••...•..••••••••••••••...•••••••••••••••...•••••••••••...•••••••.•••.••••• Xlll ... TEX. R. APP. P. 73.4 ................................................................................................ 34
TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a ...........................................................................................pass1m
TEX. . R. CIV. P. 18b .. ..... ... ...... ..... .... ...... .... .... ...... .... .......... ..... .... ....... .... ...... .....pass1m
TEX. R. EVID. 605 .............................................................................................. 23 ,25
TEX. R. EVID. 606(b) ............................................................................................... 16
-ix- OTHER AUTHORITIES
48B Robert P. Schuwerk & Lillian B. Hardwick, Texas Practice Series: Handbook ofTexas Lawyer and Judicial Ethics 40:26 (2010) ................................................ 15
Goode, Wellborn and Sharlot, Texas Rules ofEvidence: Civil and Criminal, 33 Texas Practice 605 .I ............................................................................................... 25
-x- CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX
An Appendix is filed herewith, pursuant to TEX. R. APP. P. 52.3(k).
Necessary Contents:
Exhibit A Order Denying Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez
Exhibit B TEX. R. CIV. P. l8a
Exhibit C TEX. R. CJV. P. 18b
Exhibit D TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071.
Optional Contents:
Exhibit E Applicant's Brief in Support of Applicant's Motion for Court to be Recused
Exhibit F State's Memorandum in Response to Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370'h District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez
Exhibit G Applicant's Motion for Court to Recuse Itself
Exhibit H Transcript: Excerpt of Proceedings from Hearing on Applicant's Motion for Court to Recuse Itself, June 16, 2014
Exhibit I Affidavit of Rose Marie Palacios, May 19, 2014
Exhibit J Affidavit of Rose Marie Vera, July 14, 2007
Exhibit K Affidavit of Melissa Guerrero, July 14, 2007
Exhibit L July 7, 2014, Letter of Assistant District Attorney Theodore C. Hake to the Hon. Noe Gonzalez
-xi- STATEMENT OF THE CASE
This is a petition for writ of mandamus against the Respondent, Hon. J .R.
"Bobby" Flores, of the 139th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, arising out
of a motion to recuse the presidingjudge ofthe 370th District Court of Hidalgo
County, Hon. Noe Gonzalez, in a capital habeas corpus proceeding filed pursuant
to TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art.§ 11.071.
The Relator seeks an order commanding the Respondent to vacate his Order
Denying Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez,
signed and entered on July 3rd, 2014, and to enter an Order recusing Judge
Gonzalez.
The Relator also seeks a temporary stay of the proceedings in the 370th
District Court, in order to permit this Court to resolve the issues presented in this
petition.
-xii- STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court is invoked pursuant to TEX. CON ST.
Art. V, § S(c); TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 4.04, § 1; TEX. R. APP. P. 72.1; and
TEX. R. APP. P. 52. Thomas v. Stevenson, 561 S.W.2d 845, 847 (Tex. Crim. App.
1978)(amendment of TEX. CONST. Art. V, § 5(c) provides this Court with power to
grant extraordinary writs in cases regarding criminal matters).
When a court of appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals have
concurrent, original jurisdiction over a petition for a writ of mandamus against the
judge of a district or county court, the petition should be presented first to the
court of appeals, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. Padilla v.
McDaniel, 122 S.W.3d 805, 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). This petition is being
presented to this Court in the first instance because this Court has sole jurisdiction
over the appeal and review death penalty cases, of which this is one. See TEX.
CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 4.04, § 2; TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071. Moreover,
the Court has previously ordered that the underlying case be expeditiously
concluded. See Order of April7, 2014 in Ex parte Humberto Garza, No. WR-
78, 113-0 1. Were this petition to be filed in the Thirteenth Court of Appeals, there
is the likelihood that the matter would still be brought to this Court in due course,
consuming additional time.
-xiii- ISSUE PRESENTED
The Respondent judge denied a motion to recuse the judge presiding over
an application for writ of habeas corpus, filed in a capital case pursuant to TEX.
CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071. The judge presiding over the application was the
convicting court at trial. The habeas application contained allegations of"jury
misconduct, including the exposure of the jury to outside influences."
Further investigation of the case, conducted prior to a scheduled evidentiary
hearing revealed that former jurors would testify that both Judge Gonzalez and his
bailiff engaged in off-the-record communications with the jury during the trial, in
the jury room, and outside the presence of counsel or the defendant. The subject
matter of the communications included the concern ofjury members about their
personal safety in this gang-related case in which the jury was required to answer
the "future dangerousness" special issue, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 37.071.
The basis for the motion to recuse was that, in the circumstances of this case
Judge Gonzalez's ability to adjudicate impartially a ground for relief concerning
his own and his bailiffs conduct "might reasonably be questioned," and that "the
judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the
proceeding", TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(l) and (3).
Humberto Garza had a right to a trial where the jury only made its decisions
-xiv- on the basis of evidence developed from the witness stand in a public courtroom,
in his personal presence and with the full protection of his rights of confrontation,
of cross-examination, and of counsel. Given the governing legal standards and the
record as developed, Mr. Garza has a clear entitlement to relief from this Court,
and would have no adequate remedy on appeal.
The intervention of this Court is therefore necessary in this extraordinary
situation in order to avert the continuation of a habeas proceeding that would
inevitably have to be remanded later for renewed proceedings before a different
judge.
An immediate stay ofthe proceedings in the trial court is also sought in
order to permit this Court to resolve the issues presented in this petition, and for
Mr. Garza to be able to actually receive the reliefrequested, namely that the
habeas proceedings should only continue before a different judge.
-xv- STATEMENT OF FACTS
Humberto Garza was convicted of capital murder in the 3 70th Judicial
District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, Judge Noe Gonzalez presiding, and
sentenced to death on March 24, 2005. Both the conviction and sentence of death
was affirmed on direct appeal. Garza v. State, No. AP-75,217 (Tex. Crim. App.
April 30, 2008)(not designated for publication).
A timely Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus was filed on July 19, 2007.
On November 13, 2012, the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office filed its
Answer to the Writ Application. Claims Five and Six of the Application alleged
that Mr. Garza's death sentence resulted from jury misconduct, including the
exposure of the jury to outside influences. 2
An affidavit of juror Rose Marie Vera, submitted as Exhibit 26 to the
Application, indicated that the trial judge had "warned us that sometimes gang
members come after the jury," and that the bailiff had told the jury that the judge
always carried a gun. 3
2 Claims Five and Six are virtually identical and were not argued separately within the Application. 3 Applicant was alleged to be a leader of the "Tri-City Bombers" gang, and was charged with carrying out a six-victim robbery-homicide along with other gang members.
-1- Ms. Vera's affidavit, which was obtained by volunteer law students, did not
specify whether the comment made by the judge about gangs was made in open
court (it does not appear on the record), when that comment was made and in what
circumstances, what the bailiffs name was, what were the circumstances in which
the bailiff was talking to the jury about the judge, when the bailiff told the jury
that the judge carried a gun, or what the influence of the judge and bailiffs
comments had been on Ms. Vera's sentencing decision.
Mr. Garza's original habeas corpus counsel, John Wright, withdrew and
undersigned counsel was appointed in his place on November 9, 2012.
Undersigned counsel subsequently obtained funding to further investigate and
develop the grounds for relief pleaded in Mr. Garza's habeas application.
On April 7, 2014, this Court entered an order directing the trial court to rule
on any outstanding motions in the case within 30 days and to resolve any
outstanding issues within 90 days. On May 14, 2014, the trial court set a hearing
date of June 9, 2014. In the meantime, investigation on behalfofMr. Garza
continued. 4
4 As stated at the recusal hearing on June 16, 2014, it has only been possible to interview some, but not all, of the trial jurors in this case because of the difficulty that undersigned and former counsel experienced in obtaining necessary investigative funding. -2- Further information and clarification about the communications between the
jury, Judge Gonzalez and his bailiffwas obtained during an interview of juror
Rose Marie Vera, now known as Rose Marie Palacios. Ms. Palacios signed a new
affidavit stating that both Judge Gonzalez and his bailiff had engaged in
communications with the jury in the jury room, and outside the presence of
counsel, during which the statements mentioned in her earlier affidavit were made.
A motion asking Judge Gonzalez to recuse himself was therefore filed on
May 27, 2014.5 Judge Gonzalez declined to recuse himself, and referred this
matter to the Regional Presiding Judge, who assigned the case to the Hon J.R.
"Bobby" Flores of the 139111 District Court ofHidalgo County.
A hearing was conducted on June 16, 2014. 6 Three witnesses testified:
former jurors Rose Marie Palacios and Melissa Guerrero were called on behalf of
Mr. Garza; the trial bailiff, Alicia "Licha" Salinas, was called by the State. Judge
Flores also took judicial notice of the contents of the court file pertaining to the
case, which included affidavits from Rose Marie Palacios dated May 19, 2014 and,
under her former name, Rose Marie Vera, dated July 14,2007, and from Melissa
5 Ms. Vera reverted to her maiden name ofPalacios after a divorce. 6 A transcript of the testimony from the hearing is attached as Exhibit H. -3- Guerrero, dated July 14, 2007. 7
Rose Marie Palacios (formerly Vera).
Ms. Palacios testified that she had been a juror at Mr. Garza's 2005 trial.
RHR at 4. 8 She had had concerns for her personal safety during the trial, which
were caused by the other jurors, and by the judge saying that jurors could be in
danger, as well as by the evidence itself. RHR. at 4-5. She had thought she might
be followed or threatened. RHR. at 4. Her concerns were increased by an incident
where someone took photographs of the jury in court during the trial. RHR at 5.
The jurors had been asking "if we were safe because of the gang activity." They
were concerned about gang members' families being in the courtroom, and about
the taking of the photograph. RHR at 8. Ms. Palacios acknowledged that the
family members in the courtroom could have been family members of the victims
in the case, which involved gangs on both sides. RHR at 18.
The bailiff, who was a woman named Licha, told the jury members that they
would be safe because the judge carried a gun, but that made Mrs. Palacios more
nervous. RHR at 5, 9. Licha's comments were made in the jury room, not the
7 These exhibits are attached as Exhibits I-K. 8 Page references are to the transcript of the testimony prepared and provided to the parties on June 17,2014, which is attached as Exhibit H. It is referred to here as "RHR" (Recusal Hearing Record). -4- courtroom, and with all the jurors present. RHR at 5, 7. Some other jurors had
told Licha they hoped she was carrying a gun: "And she said no, she didn't, but
not to worry because the judge did." RHR at 6. Licha said that she never carried a
gun, RHR at 17. This conversation occurred during the trial, and before the jury
arrived at a guilty verdict. RHR at 8. Licha also said "that she would be surprised
if [the judge] bought us lunch because he was a cheapskate[.]" RHR at 9.
The judge came into the jury room to talk to the jurors about their safety
concerns. RHR at 10. Ms. Palacios believed that the judge came into the jury
room in response to a note from another member of the jury. RHR at I 0. That visit
by the Judge to the jury room was while the trial was still going on, and before the
guilty verdict. RHR at I 0. All twelve members of the jury were there, but she
could not remember if the bailiff was there also. RHR at II. The court reporter
may also have been present, but not the defendant or his attorneys, RHR at II. 9
Ms. Palacios did not remember Mr. Garza or any of the attorneys ever being
present in the jury room. RHR at 7-8. The judge had mentioned scheduling when
he talked to the jurors. RHR at 15.
Ms. Palacios testified that the judge said "That he understood our fears, but
9 The Reporter's Record filed by the court reporter at trial, the late Francisco B. Moreno, does not include any transcript of proceedings conducted in the jury room. -5- ... he was going to provide us security and that we would be fine ... That the gangs,
sometimes they threaten the jurors and sometimes they -they may follow you."
RHR at II. The judge did not give any specific examples of gangs disrupting
trials or threatening people. RHR at I6-I 7. The judge said that the person who
had taken a photograph in court was "legitimate." RHR at II. He said that it was a
courthouse policy not to permit pictures ofjurors to be taken. RHR at I3-I4.
Mrs. Palacios thought that the judge may also have come into the jury room
another time, in response to a note. RHR at I2. Later in the trial, the jury had been
permitted to park on the west side of the courthouse, closer to the courtroom, and
the deputies had escorted the jurors. RHR at I4-15.
Mrs. Palacios had been interviewed about the case seven years ago by
people who said they were students from Austin, and she gave them an affidavit at
the time. RHR at I5-I6. Mrs. Palacios was asked additional questions when she
was interviewed a second time. RHR at I9. In her earlier affidavit, Mrs. Palacios
said she thought she saw Mr. Garza's mother sitting in a car out in the parking lot,
and the jury had been told by court staff that "they'd take care of the situation."
RHR at 16.
Ms. Palacios had not named the bailiff in her first affidavit, but she may not
have been asked for a name at that time. RHR at 20-21.
-6- Melissa Guerrero
Ms. Guerrero testified that she was a juror at Mr. Garza's 2005 trial. RHR at
22-23. She had had concerns for her personal safety because of the crime in
question, which concerned gang violence, and was specifically concerned about
being followed. RHR at 23. There was an incident during the trial when a
reporter took a picture, which she herself did not see, but which worried other
jurors. RHR at 23. She believed that jurors had expressed concern to court staff
about the security situation. RHR at 24.
The judge had approached the jury in the jury room behind the courtroom
on the fifth or sixth day of trial. RHR at 24. He said that he had come to calm the
jury down, and that they would be parking in a different area from that point. RHR
at 25. She assumed that the change in parking arrangements was because of
security concerns. RHR at 25. When the judge spoke to the jurors, there was
nobody else in the room, other than the twelve of them. RHR at 25. The jurors
were told that they would be allowed to leave for their parking area before others
were released from court. RHR at 25-26.
Ms. Guerrero did not know if it was a regular policy to let people park close
by the courthouse after hours so that they did not have to walk across the street.
RHR at 29. She had assumed the change in parking arrangements was because of
-7- the security situation. RHR at 30.
Ms. Guerrero could not remember any other remarks made by the judge, but
the conversation that did occur concerned security matters. RHR at 26. The
conversation was not about scheduling. RHR at 30. The judge also came to the
jury room after the trial to thank the jury and to provide information about
counseling. RHR at 31. Ms. Guerrero remembered that the bailiff in the case was
a woman, but did not recall any conversation with her about security
arrangements. RHR at 26-27.
Mrs Guerrero had signed an affidavit in 2007 in which she said nothing
about the judge going to the jury room. However, she had not been questioned
about that at the time. RHR at 27-28. She had been visited in the past few days by
defense counsel, together with another woman. RHR at 28. On cross-examination,
Ms. Guerrero said that defense counsel had not suggested what Ms. Guerrero
should say, other than telling her to be honest. RHR at 31.
She had been interviewed by two people in 2007, one of whom may have
been a lawyer, or they may have been law students. RHR at 32. The questions
asked more recently were in greater depth than on the previous occasion. RHR at
32. She may not have given further information in 2007 about her security
concerns because she was not asked at the time. RHR at 32. Also, time
-8- constraints may have prevented having a fuller conversation. RHR at 33.
Ms. Guerrero acknowledged that sentencing someone to death had been a
tough decision for her. RHR at 33-34.
Alicia "Licba" Salinas
Ms. Salinas confirmed that her nickname is "Licha." RHR at 35. She has
worked in the 370th District Court of Hidalgo County for 12 years. Noe Gonzalez
has been judge of that court throughout that time. RHR at 35. She is now the court
coordinator, but was working as bailiff back in 2005. RHR at 35. Ms. Salinas
stated that she "sort of' remembered Mr. Garza's trial. RHR at 36.
Ms. Salinas testified that one does not have to be a certified peace officer to
be a bailiff. RHR at 36. She did not carry a gun when she was acting as a bailiff in
2005. RHR at 36. She did not remember telling anybody on the jury that Judge
Gonzalez carried a gun, and does not think she would have said that. RHR. at 36.
To her knowledge, Judge Gonzalez did not carry a gun back then. RHR at 36.
As a bailiff, Ms. Salinas would escort the jury and give them notice that
they were needed in the courtroom. RHR at 37. She might escort them to a
restaurant if lunch was not being brought in for the jury. RHR at 3 7. Jurors in the
370'h district court would park in the big courthouse parking lot or, if they were
working late, certain parking areas would be blocked off for them where there is
-9- an entrance that goes right into the courtroom. RHR. at 37-38.
Ms. Salinas did not specifically remember any jurors expressing security
concerns during Mr. Garza's trial. RHR. at 38. If the jury had a note, they would
hand it to her to give to the judge so that the judge and lawyers could discuss the
response. RHR. at 38-39. Usually the judge would have a note handed back to the
jury, rather than bringing them back into the courtroom. RHR at 39.
While working at the 3 70th District Court, Ms. Salinas has performed the
functions of bailiff, interpreter and court coordinator. RHR at 39. She had been
approved for promotion to court coordinator, and has been in that position since
about February 2011. RHR at 39-40. The judge is her boss and writes her
performance reviews. RHR at 40. He would have some influence over whether
she would get an increase in salary. RHR at 40. She has worked for him for
twelve years. RHR. at 40. Her county job comes with benefits and a retirement
plan, and is a valuable thing to have. RHR at 40. She is a valued member of the
judge's staff and likes working where she does. RHR at 41.
Ms. Salinas' office is right next to the judge's chamber, so she is physically
very close to him - he can just call out and she is at his side in a minute. RHR at
41. Her name appears on court transcripts, together with that of the judge and the
attorneys. RHR at 41.
-10- Ms. Salinas is aware that there is a Code of Ethics governing judicial
behavior, including rules about behaving with dignity and being impartial, and
that the judge's staff should follow those same rules. RHR at 41-42. She knows
that it would be undignified to gossip about cases. RHR at 42. She has had
training at officially-run court bailiff workshops. RHR at 42. She has been taught
what she should and should not do, with regard to not exposing the jury to
anything that might cause them to be prejudiced for one side or the other, other
than by the evidence. RHR at 42-43. She understands that she should not talk
about a case with the jury except in the presence of the judge and with his
permission, that there are rules about the judge not communicating with the jury
except in writing, and that breaking some of these rules can result in a fine or
confinement in jail, or in a case reversal or a mistrial. RHR at 43. She knows that
if she broke those rules she could lose her job or be demoted. RHR at 44.
She knows that the judge might lose his reputation if he allowed such
breaches of the rules, and that such breaches could cause negative comment in the
media, or reversal of a case which would also cause the judge a loss of reputation,
RHRat44.
-11- ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES
I. THE WRIT OF MANDAMUS
Mandamus relief may be granted if the relator can demonstrate that: ( 1) the
act sought to be compelled is purely ministerial, and (2) that the relator has no
other adequate legal remedy. Neveu v. Culver, 105 S.W.3d 641, 642 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2003)(citing State ex rei. Rosenthal v. Poe, 98 S.W.3d 194, 198 (Tex. Crim.
App. 2003). The ministerial act requirement has been described as a requirement
that the relator have "a clear right to the relief sought" meaning that the relief
sought must be "clear and indisputable" such that its merits are "beyond dispute"
with "nothing left to the exercise of discretion or judgment." State ex rei. Hill v.
Fifth Court ofAppeals, 34 S.W.3d 924,927-28 (Tex. Crim. App. 200l)(citing
Buntion v. Harmon, 827 S.W.2d 945, 947 and 947 n. 2 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992);
State ex rei Wade v. Mays, 689 S.W.2d 893, 899 (Tex. Crim. App. 1985).
II. CLEAR ENTITLEMENT TO RELIEF
The right to an impartial judge is a fundamental one. Arizona v.
Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279, 308 (199l)(infraction of right to an impartial judge at
trial can never be treated as harmless error); Tumey v. Ohio, 273 U.S. 510, 535
( 1927)(due process right to impartial judge exists regardless of the strength of the
evidence); See also Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal Co., 556 U.S. 868, 876 (2009).
-12- Texas recusallaw provides protection for a litigant's right to an impartial
judge, providing for the disqualification of a judge who has an interest in the
subject matter of a case or is sufficiently closely related to any of the parties,
TEX. R. CIV. P. I8b(a)(2) and (3), and for the recusal of a judge for various reasons
that might have a bearing on the judge's ability to preside with fairness over a
case: TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b(b)(I )-(8). 10 This Court has recognized that the
protections ofTEX. R. CIV. P. I8a and I8b extends to criminal proceedings,
including habeas proceedings in the trial court: Gaal v. State, 332 S. W.3d 448,
452-3 n. I2 (Tex. Crim. App. 20 I I); Ex parte Sinegar, 324 S. W.3d 578, 58 I
(Tex. Crim. App. 20 I 0).
Mr. Garza sought recusal of Judge Gonzalez on two grounds under TEX. R.
CIV. P. 18b, namely that:
• "[T]he judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned," TEX. R. CIV. P. I8b (b)(I); and
• "(T]he judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding", TEX. R. CIV. P. I 8b (b)(3 ). 11
10 See also TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 30.0I (no judge may sit in criminal case where he is the injured party, has been counsel to either party or is connected to either the defendant or the complainant by consanguinity or affinity within the third degree).
"No allegation of"personal bias or prejudice" under TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(2) was made against Judge Gonzalez. -13- A. A REASONABLE PERSON, KNOWING THE FACTS OF THIS CASE, WOULD REASONABLY DOUBT JUDGE GONZALEZ'S ABILITY TO ADJUDICATE THE RELEVANT CLAIMS IMPARTIALLY.
1. The Legal Standard for Deciding Whether a Judge's Impartiality Might Reasonably Be Questioned.
Judges normally enjoy a presumption that they will perform their roles
impartially. Abdygapparova v. State, 243 S.W.3d 191, 198 (Tex. App.- San
Antonio 2007). That presumption may be rebutted. ld This Court's most recent
substantive decision concerning recusallaw in Texas, Gaa/ v. State, 332 S. W.3d
448, 453 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011), quoted the concurrence of Justice Kennedy,
joined by three other justices in Liteky v. United States, 510 U.S. 540, 557-58
(1994), in referring to the appearance of "an aversion, hostility or disposition of a
kind that a fair-minded person could not set aside " as being sufficient for a judge
to be recused for lack of impartiality. Justice Kennedy in Liteky also noted that
"[o]ne of the objects of law is the impartiality of its judges in fact and
appearance." Jd. (emphasis added).
In Gaal, this Court confirmed that there is no need for a party moving for
recusal on the basis of lack of impartiality to demonstrate what is going through a
trial judge's mind, or to prove actual bias: "Under [Rule 18b (b)(I)], showing that
the trial judge's impartiality 'might reasonably be questioned' suffices." /d. at
-14- 459.'2 In contrast, TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(2) requires a showing of actual bias, a
"personal bias or prejudice." Jd.
In Gaal, the Court referred to the standard applied by a recusal judge in
Kniatt v. State, 239 S.W.3d 910 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007), functionally very similar
to Justice Kennedy's position in Liteky, finding that recusal was required because:
A reasonable member of the public at large, witnessing [the trial judge's] words and acts ... and knowing all the facts in the public domain concerning the judge and the case, would have reasonably believed he [acted adversely to the defendant], and [those facts] would have caused such person to reasonably question, and to have a reasonable doubt about, [the trial judge's] impartiality and objectivity ... in a subsequent hearing ....
Gaal, 332 S. W.3d at 455 n. 26; See also 48B Robert P. Schuwerk & Lillian
B. Hardwick, Texas Practice Series: Handbook of Texas Lawyer and Judicial
Ethics 40:26 at 770 (2010) (quoting Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,
State v. Kniatt, No. 25704-CR (40th Dist. Ct., Ellis County, Tex. Jan. 20, 2008).
Thus, the correct standard to be applied is simply that of TEX. R. CIV. P.
18b (b)( 1): Recusal is required if"[T]he judge's impartiality might reasonably be
questioned," because of a factor "of a kind that a fair-minded person could not set
aside when judging the dispute" and it is not necessary to come to a conclusion
12 Gaal was decided with reference to an earlier version of TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b, in which the paragraph numbering is different from the current version. The text ofTEX. R. CIV. P. 18a and 18b appears in the Appendix as Exhibits Band C. -15- that the judge in question is, in fact, lacking in impartiality.
2. The Reasons Why Judge Gonzalez's Impartiality Might Reasonably Be Qyestioned in this Case.
A reasonable member of the public would reasonably doubt Judge
Gonzalez's ability to be impartial in adjudicating the claims concerning jury
misconduct or, perhaps more accurately here, the impact of"outside influences"
improperly brought to bear on the jury . 13 In the hearing in Respondent's court,
jurors Palacios and Guerra testified that Judge Gonzalez had private discussions
with sitting jurors, outside the presence of the defendant, the court reporter or
counsel for either party. The discussions concerned the jury's personal safety, in
the context of a case whose subject matter concerned a six-victim homicide
resulting from the activities of members of a local street gang, of which Mr. Garza
was alleged to be a Captain. Moreover, this was a death penalty case in which the
question whether Mr. Garza "would commit criminal acts of violence that would
constitute a continuing threat to society," was one the jury would have to answer
at sentencing. See TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 3 7.071 § 2 {b)(2).
In addition to making findings of fact concerning his own conduct in the
jury room, if he continues to preside over this case, Judge Gonzalez would be
13 See TEX. R. EVID. 606(b): "[A] juror may testify ... whether any outside influence was improperly brought to bear upon any juror[.]" -16- required to make findings of fact concerning the conduct of his long-time
employee, "Licha" Salinas, who was his bailiff at the time. According to the
testifying jurors, Ms. Salinas had conversed with jury members who had expressed
concern for their safety telling them that the judge carried a gun. As explained
below, the conduct ofbothjudge and bailiff breached court rules and
constitutional safeguards and was improper. These facts would create the
perception in a reasonable person that Judge Gonzalez could not be expected to
adjudicate his own or his bailiffs behavior impartially.
3. Any private communication or contact by a trial judge with a juror during a trial is improper.
"Any ex parte meeting or communication between the judge and ... jury is
pregnant with possibilities for error," United States v. United States Gypsum Co.
eta/., 438 U.S. 422,460 (1978), and may alone warrant reversal of a conviction.
ld. at 462; 14 see also Remmer v. United States, 347 U.S. 227 (1954):
In a criminal case, any private communication, contact, or tampering, directly or indirectly, with a juror during a trial about the matter pending before the jury is, for obvious reasons, deemed presumptively prejudicial, if not made in pursuance of known rules of the court and the instructions and directions of the court made during
14 "[I]t is obvious that under any system ofjury trials the influence of the trial judge on the jury is necessarily and properly of great weight, and that his lightest word or intimation is received with deference, and may prove controlling." Starr v. United States, 153 U.S. 614, 626 (1894). -17- the trial, with full knowledge of the parties.
Remmer was recently cited by this Court in McQuarrie v. State, 380 S.W.3d
145, 166 n.24 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012)(reversing and remanding for further
proceedings where outside influence had potentially had impact on jury's verdict).
As noted by Judge Johnson in Blue v. State, 41 S. W.3d 129 (Tex. Crim. App.
2000)(plurality opinion):
More than eighty years ago, we stated that too much caution cannot be exercised in the effort to avoid impressing the jury with the idea that the court entertains any impressions of the case which he wishes them to know, and putting before them matters which should not enter into or affect their deliberations ... should in all cases be avoided. To the jury the language and conduct of the trial court have a special and peculiar weight. The law contemplates that the trial judge shall maintain an attitude of impartiality throughout the trial. Jurors are prone to seize with alacrity upon any conduct or language of the trial judge which they may interpret as shedding light upon his view of the weight of the evidence, or the merits of the issues involved. The delicacy of the situation in which he is placed requires that he be alert in his communications with the jury, not only to avoid impressing them with any views that he has, but to avoid in his manner and speech things that they may so interpret.
Blue, 41 S.W.3d at 131, quoting Lagrone v. State, 84 Tex. Crim. 609,209 S.W. 411,415 (Tex. Crim. App. 1919). 15
Texas statutory law prescribes how communication between a trial court
15 See also Simmons v. State, 55 Tex. Crim. 441, 117 S.W.2d 141, 143 (Tex. Crim. App. 1909)("The trial judge is to the jury the Lord's anointed. His language and his conduct have to them a special and peculiar weight."). -18- and a jury should be conducted: TEx. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 36.27 sets out a
regime whereby all communications from the jury to the court must be "written,
prepared by the foreman, and shall be submitted to the court through the bailiff'
with answers also being in writing and made, if possible, only after notice to the
defendant and counsel, giving the defense an opportunity to object. Any
instructions or answers to jury notes must be read out in open court, unless that is
expressly waived, and all such proceedings should be made part of the record. Id.
The trial court is specifically prohibited from "at any stage of the proceeding
previous to the return of the verdict [making] any remark calculated to convey to
the jury his opinion ofthe case." TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 38.05. 16
Ex parte contacts between a trial judge and a jury may therefore infringe on
constitutional safeguards. In addition to the constitutional right to a fair trial
before an impartial judge, Fulminante, 499 U.S. at 309-10, and impartial jury,
Skilling v. United States, 561 U.S. 358, 377 (20 I 0), a defendant has the right to be
present in person,Rushen v. Spain, 464 U.S. 114, 118 (1983); Hoptv. Utah, 110
U.S. 574, 579-80 (1884), and to have the assistance of counsel, Rothgery v.
16 See also TEX. CODE JUD. CONDUCT, Canon 3(B)(8) {"A judge shall not initiate, permit or consider ex parte communications outside the presence of the parties between the judge and [court appointee] ... concerning the merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding."). -19- Gillespie County, 554 U.S. 191, 198 (2008), as well as having the right to a public
trial. Presley v. Georgia, 558 U.S. 209, 211-12 (2010). All of these rights are
jeopardized by ex parte and in camera communications by court officers with
jurors outside the presence of the defendant and his counsel.
4. Communication or contact by the trial bailiff with jurors during a trial may be improper if it goes beyond what is necessary for the purpose of shepherding the jury.
While the services of a bailiff are necessary to "attend the wants of the
jury," TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.24, communication with jurors about the
case on trial is impermissible, "except in the presence and by the permission of the
court." TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.22. Such communication may result in
confinement in jail or a fine. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.23.
Comments made privately by a bailiff to jurors may infringe on the right to
be fairly tried only on the basis of evidence developed from the witness stand in a
public courtroom where there is full judicial protection of the defendant's right of
confrontation, of cross-examination, and of counsel. Parker v. Gladden, 385 U.S.
363, 365 ( 1966) (bailiffs improper comment to jurors that petitioner was a
"wicked fellow" required reversal); see also Mattox v. United States, 146 U.S. 140
( 1892)(conviction reversed because bailiff remarked to jury that this was third
person defendant had killed); Ward v. Hall, 592 F .3d 1144, 1173-81 (11th Cir.
-20- 20 10 )(petitioner's constitutional rights to fair trial and reliable sentence were
violated when bailiff responded improperly to juror question).
The fact that a Judge has a personal or business relationship with a
particular individual is not necessarily enough, in itself, to require recusal on the
ground of a lack of impartiality. See, e.g., Woodrujfv. Wright, 51 S.W.3d 727,
737-38 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 2001, pet. denied)(that doctor who was a party to
case had operated on judge's mother and colleague, and judge had conducted
doctor's wedding ceremony was insufficient to require recusal); Lueg v. Lueg,
976 S.W.2d 308, 309, 311 (Tex. App.- Corpus Christi 1998, pet. denied)(recusal
not mandated although attorney for party was representing judge in separate
lawsuit and was his fanner campaign manager).
However, in Keene Corp. v. Rogers, 863 S. W.2d 168 (Tex. App. -
Texarkana 1993, no writ) where the judge's son-in-law had become an associate at
one of the law finns involved in the case, but had no direct involvement in it, the
Texas Supreme Court held that each situation where an individual to whom a
judge has a personal connection is associated with a case "has to be detennined on
an ad hoc basis, considering such factors as whether and to what extent [that
person] is participating in the case and whether [they] will be substantially
affected by the outcome of the proceeding."
-21- Here, the bailiff indicated in her hearing testimony that she has a long-
standing work relationship with the judge in question and is a valued employee
who he has promoted. She also acknowledged that both he and she could
experience adverse consequences as a result of a finding that her conduct had
jeopardized the outcome of a case. Thus, in this situation, the relationship
between judge and bailiff goes beyond the mere fact of employment. The court
that ultimately adjudicates the relevant claim will need to determine and evaluate
the actions of Ms. Salinas, a bailiff who has committed potentially punishable
misconduct, and who, given the close quarters in which the judge works with her,
may have knowledge of the judge's own conduct in this case.
A reasonable observer would conclude that in these circumstances, Judge
Gonzalez's ability to impartially adjudicate the allegations in the writ application
might reasonably be questioned, given that his own, and his bailiffs, conduct
departed from the normal standards of conduct with regard to sitting jurors.
The case ofO'Quinn v. Hall, 77 S.W.3d 438,447-48 (Tex. App.- Corpus
Christi 2002, no pet.) arose from the same court as Mr. Garza's case, and was also
presided over by the Hon. Noe Gonzalez, see 0 'Quinn v. Hall, 77 S. W.3d 452,
454 (Tex. App. - Corpus Christi 2002). In 0 'Quinn, there was a factual dispute
concerning the time when counsel received notice of an Order entered by Judge
-22- Gonzalez and supposedly conveyed to counsel by the court staff. The Thirteenth
Court of Appeals rejected the idea that the judge could take judicial notice of what
had occurred, and held that the judge's reliance on evidence about a contested fact,
conveyed to him by his own staff, created an appearance of bias and lack of
impartiality. 77 S.W.3d at 448. The same concerns militate here in favor of
recusal.
B. JUDGE GONZALEZ HAS PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF DISPUTED EVIDENTIARY FACTS WHICH REQUIRE HIS RECUSAL.
The State of Texas, in its Answer to the Writ Application, disputed Mr.
Garza's claims of outside influences on the jury contending that they "are based on
factual premises of doubtful validity," /d. at 387. Thus, there are disputed factual
issues here that require that the case be adjudicated by a judge who is a "neutral
arbiter in the courtroom," Hensarling v. State, 829 S.W.2d 168, 171 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1992).
On the evidence developed thus far, Judge Gonzalez has knowledge of the
existence - or non-existence - of facts concerning at least his own conduct and
possibly that of a valued employee - his bailiff- also. It is therefore very possible
that he will be called as a witness, which cannot be done while he is still presiding
over the case. See TEX. R. EVID. 605: "The Judge presiding at the trial may not
-23- testify in that trial as a witness."
Whether or not he testifies, for Judge Gonzalez to continue to preside over
this case, at minimum, "give[s] the appearance of the court becoming a witness in
this matter" and risks creating "the appearance of bias which Rule 605 seeks to
prevent." O'Quinn, 77 S.W.3d at 447-48. See also Brown v. Lynaugh, 843 F.2d
849, 850 (5th Cir. 1988)("1t is difficult to see how the neutral role of the court
could be more compromised, or more blurred with the prosecutor's role, than
when the judge serves as a witness for the state.").
In the analogous case of Gentry v. State, No. 06-05-00237-CR, 2006 Tex.
App. LEXIS 2923 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 2006, no pet.) the court held that a
judge could not decide the outcome of a suppression hearing where he may
himself have observed the conduct leading to initial detention, and explicitly ruled
on his personal knowledge of the sequence of events. The court noted that a lack
of impartiality on the part of a trial judge deprives a defendant of due process,
citing Kemp v. State, 846 S. W.2d 289, 305-06 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). The facts
of Gent1y were described as a "clear instance" of"personal knowledge of disputed
evidentiary facts," by this Court in Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 454. Similarly, the facts
here, concerning both Judge Gonzalez's own conduct and possibly that of his
bailiff also, provide another "clear instance" of critical facts of a case being
-24- personally known to a judge, who therefore cannot continue to preside.
Hensarling v. State, 829 S.W.2d 168, 171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992), a case
where the judge who had presided at trial testified at a retrospective competency
hearing, noted the practical difficulties that would occur should a presiding judge
attempt to testify as a witness in the same proceeding, and which underline why
such an endeavor is infeasible, quoting Goode, Wellborn and Sharlot, Texas Rules
ofEvidence: Civil and Criminal, 33 Texas Practice 605.1, p. 384:
A judge who testifies, for example, might be required to evaluate his own testimony in the course of deciding a motion for a directed verdict. Furthermore, the aura of impartiality surrounding the judge will likely cause the jury to give undue credence to his testimony. Opposing counsel might well be hesitant to attack the judge on cross- examination for fear of alienating either the judge or jury. Finally, practical problems inhere in such judicial testimony. Who, for example, will rule on objections?
The conclusion in Hensarling was that for the State to introduce the
testimony of the judge who had presided at a previous stage of the proceedings did
not violate TEX. R. EVID. 605, but on the facts of that case, a new judge was now
presiding,
and the judge's own conduct was not in question, as it is here.
1. A Clear Entitlement to Relief Exists in These Circumstances.
Mr. Garza has a "a clear right to the relief sought." The merits of the
situation are "clear and indisputable" with "nothing left to the exercise of
-25- discretion or judgment." State ex rei. Hill v. Fifth Court ofAppeals, 34 S.W.3d
924, 927-28 (Tex. Crim. App. 200l){citing Buntion v. Harmon, 827 S.W.2d 945,
94 7 and 947 n. 2 {Tex. Crim. App. 1992). 17
That there is a disputed evidentiary issue, and that Judge Gonzalez would
have personal knowledge of his own role in what occurred in the jury room during
the trial, see TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 18b(b)(3) is itself beyond dispute: The State, in
its Answer, disputed Mr. Garza's claims of outside influences on the jury
contending that they "are based on factual premises of doubtful validity," /d. at
387. The State has also contested the strength and credibility of the juror
affidavits and testimony adduced at the recusal hearing. See Exhibit F: "State's
Memorandum Response to Applicant's Motion to Recuse 3701h District Court
Judge Noe Gonzalez" at 12-19,21. 18
Likewise, given the allegations in the habeas application, the affidavits of
17 The fundamental nature of the right to an impartial trial judge was such that the Sixth Court of Appeals in Gentry, where the trial judge relied on his personal knowledge of the facts of the case in ruling, elected to address the issue sua sponte. That court held that the trial judge had been disqualified from presiding, and reversed and remanded to the trial court. Gentry, 2006 Tex. App. LEXIS 2923 * 8. 18 The State has acknowledged in its Response at 14 that there is a "clear-cut factual dispute concerning whether Ms. Salinas had made a remark about Judge Gonzalez carrying a gun for this court." -26- the two jurors and the hearing testimony, that Judge Gonzalez and his bailiff
brought an improper outside influence to bear on the jury, an outside observer
would question whether he could resolve those issues impartially. That is
apparent, whatever the merit of the underlying ground for habeas relief, and
whether or not Judge Gonzalez should decide to conduct a live hearing on the
allegation. 19 The question of whether he would in fact be partial may never be
resolved, and is not even relevant.
Moreover, the State in the proceeding below did not contest any of the basic
propositions of law either underlying the alleged ground for habeas relief or the
law on recusal. 20 The State has not contested the conclusion that Judge Gonzalez
19 Applicant's Motion for Supplemental Order Designating Issues concerning the claim of jury misconduct, and requesting a hearing upon it, remains pending in the trial court. 2 <1The State did refer, at the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth points in its Response, to propositions that have a bearing on the issue of personal bias on the part of a judge, which is not alleged here. See State's Response at 9-10. The State also referred to there being a "high threshold" to be met in recusing a judge on the basis of perceived impartiality. See State's Response at 12. The only case cited by the State that actually mentions a "high threshold" is Ex parte Ellis, 275 S.W.3d 109, 112 (Tex. App.- Austin 2008, no pet.) which referred to the concurrence of Justice Kennedy in Liteky, which then explains that a judge should only be disqualified, under the relevant federal statute, if it "appears that he or she harbors an aversion, hostility or disposition of a kind that a fair-minded person could not set aside when judging the dispute" adding that "[o]ne of the objects of law is the impartiality of its judges in fact and appearance." (emphasis added). The State also cited Abdygapparova, 243 S.W.3d at 198, which refers to a "high -27- would have personal knowledge of the behavior alleged. Nor has the State offered
any explanation ofhow a judge in his position could rule impartially. Finally, the
State has offered no argument showing how the appearance of impartiality has not
been compromised.
As Buntion explained, a ministerial act is one "clearly compelled by the
facts and legal authority extant in a given situation." 827 S.W. 2d at 947. Even
what might otherwise be deemed a discretionary function, may become
'"ministerial' when the facts and circumstances dictate but one rational decision.
!d. Here, the legal authorities and the facts in the record dictated that recusal was
necessary, and there is "no ... principled reason" apparent from the record
supporting the Respondent Judge's decision. On the contrary, the only rational
decision was to recuse Judge Gonzalez.
2. That a Convicting Court Normally Has the Discretion to Use Personal Recollection in Resolving Issues in a Habeas Proceeding Does Not Alter the Conclusion That Judge Gonzalez May Not Preside over this Case.
The State contended in Respondent's court that because the trial court in a
habeas proceeding may use personal recollection in determining the issues, recusal
was not required in this instance. While that argument is collateral to the question
standard," but in the context of a case concerning personal bias as a basis for recusal, which does not discuss the appearance of partiality at all. -28- of whether recusal was mandated on the facts available to Respondent, it will be
addressed here.
Both the capital and noncapital habeas corpus statutes provide that the
convicting court "may use personal recollection" in determining "controverted,
previously unresolved factual issues" in a writ application. See TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 11.071 § 9(a) {emphasis added); TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.07 §
3(d). There is, however, a dearth of authority concerning the scope of a trial
court's proper discretion to use personal recollection in determining controverted
issues. It is submitted that it may be appropriate to use personal recollection to
determine facts that are unlikely to be disputed or that might be verified by the
creation of a record to review. Here, however, the facts remain controverted, and
the State has not declared itself willing to stipulate that the actions of the judge
and bailiff testified to by former jurors Palacios and Guerrero did in fact take
place.
In Ex parte Davila, 530 S.W.2d 543 {Tex. Crim. App. 1975), no hearing
was conducted prior to the trial court making findings of fact and conclusions of
law. In that case the ruling was based on "the files and records in this case and
upon the pleadings," and the critical fact at issue was not disputed by the State.
This Court, granting relief, concluded that the "proper standard in such cases as
-29- the one before us is whether 'the fact-finding procedure there employed was ...
adequate for reaching reasonable correct results,"' quoting Townsend v. Sain, 372
U.S. 293 ( 1963)(hearing required in federal district court where state procedures
had been inadequate to ensure a full and fair hearing); See also Wellons v. Hall,
558 U.S. 220,223 n. 3 (2010) (remanding case concerning alleged ex parte
contacts between the trial court and jurors, on which the petitioner had been
prevented from creating a record, noting that it would be "bizarre if a federal court
had to defer to state-court factual findings, made without any evidentiary record.")
The fact-finding procedure must be fair to both parties. In Ex parte Byars,
176 S.W.3d 841 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005), where a recommendation for the grant of
habeas rei ief was upheld, a recanting witness had been interviewed by the trial
court in camera with only a court reporter present, albeit with the acquiescence of
the parties. Members of this Court concurred in the decision but expressed
concern as to whether the procedure employed was adequate, given that
"adversarial testing is the constitutionally prescribed method of assessing
reliability," and the State had not cross-examined the witness. Id at 841 (Keller,
P.J., and Hervey & Cochran, JJ., concurring). Similar concerns pertain where
there is a risk that the trial court will make findings on the basis of facts that
cannot actually be known, let alone properly tested or challenged. Rose v.
-30- Mitchell, 443 U.S. 545, 563 (1979)(earlier state court detennination of facts was
not dispositive where ''judge whose conduct [the petitioner] challenged decided
the validity of that challenge.").
Moreover, weight should be given to the circumstances in which the
convicting court acquires its knowledge of the facts: In Sommers v. Concepcion,
20 S.W.3d 27,43-44 {Tex. Crim. App.- Houston [14'h Dist.] 2000, pet. denied) a
trustee in bankruptcy tried to recuse a judge who had testified in another
proceeding concerning the same parties. It was held that it was no ground for
recusal if a judge has learned facts in the course of prior proceedings, but that
"where a party alleges the judge possesses personal knowledge of disputed facts,
the party must show that this knowledge either was wrongfully obtained or led to a
wrongful disposition of the case." Here, where the trial court's knowledge of the
occurrences in the jury room were obtained - indeed, created - in violation of the
relevant statutes, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 36.22 and 36.27 concerning
contacts and communications with a jury during trial, it may be fairly said that the
judge's personal knowledge seems to have been wrongfully obtained. Thus, to
have that same judge rely on his personal recollection of those events would not
be an adequate method "for reaching reasonably correct results." Davila, 530
S.W.2d at 545. A finding favorable to Mr. Garza's position here would require
-31- Judge Gonzalez- explicitly or implicitly- to admit negative facts about his own
conduct and possibly that of his longtime bailiff also. A finding adverse to Mr.
Garza could also result in factual determinations which cannot adequately be
reviewed later, since the court's contacts with the jury were in camera, ex parte
and unrecorded.
III. NO ADEQUATE REMEDY AT LAW
Mr. Garza has no adequate remedy at law. Unless mandamus relief is
granted, the proceedings will continue to be presided over by a judge who should
have been recused, and whose findings of fact and conclusions of law may have to
be revisited by a subsequent judge.
I. Review of Denial ofRecusal in the Context of Habeas Corpus Proceedings
There is no comparable criminal rule or statute to TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b,
which provides the various statutory bases for recusal. However, this Court has
held that the civil rules on recusal apply, absent legislative intent indicating
otherwise. Gaal v. State, 332 S.W.3d 448, 453 n. 12 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011);
McC/enan v. State, 661 S.W.2d 108, 110 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983). Because there
is no expressed legislative intent otherwise, TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b therefore certainly
applies to Mr. Garza's case.
This Court has also specifically held that TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b(a), which
-32- states the procedures governing recusal motions in the trial courts, applies to
habeas proceedings "before the trial court." Ex parte Sinegar, 324 S.W.3d 578,
580 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010). However, TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a G)(1)(A), provides
that: "[a]n order denying a motion to recuse may be reviewed only for abuse of
discretion on appeal from the fmaljudgment," (emphasis added) and the specific
application of that part of Rule 18a is not discussed in Sinegar.
Sinegar concerned a situation where the judge of a convicting court had
declined to address a motion to recuse filed in the course of a habeas corpus
proceeding in which the convicting court had already issued findings of fact and
conclusions of law recommending that relief be denied. In Sinegar, this Court was
presented with both the question of the trial court's handling of the recusal issue
and that court's findings of fact and conclusions of law on the merits. However, in
that case, unlike this, the trial court had not actually acted on the recusal motion,
and the Court apparently felt it necessary to have the recusal issue addressed prior
to deciding whether the findings and conclusions could even be reviewed, given
that Sinegar's recusal efforts were underway prior to the issuance of the trial
court's findings and recommendations. See also Ex parte Roundtree, No. WR-
74,550-01, 2011 Tex. Crim. App. Unpub. LEXIS 249 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011)
(Court of Criminal Appeals declined adoption of findings and conclusions because
-33- recusal proceedings were pending when trial court made findings and
conclusions); see also TEX. R. APP. P. 73.4 Action on Application: "The Court
may deny relief based on its own review of the Application or may issue such
other instructions or orders as may be appropriate. " 21
This Court has not stated whether its TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. I I .071 §
II review ofthe trial court's proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law on a
habeas application is an "appeal from the final judgment" for the purpose of TEX.
R. CIV. P. 18a G)(l )(A). It does not appear that it is: This Court reserves to itself
all final decisions on both fact and law in habeas corpus cases, Ex parte Van
Alstyne, 239 S.W.3d 815,817 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007)(Court ofCriminal Appeals
is "ultimate fact finder" in post-conviction habeas corpus review); Ex parte
Galvan, 110 S.W.2d 822, 823-24 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989)(Court of Criminal
Appeals not bound by trial court's conclusions of law). This Court's resolution of
a capital habeas writ application is itself the "final judgment" in a habeas action
which disposes of all issues and parties in a case. There is simply no "appeal" in
21 Neither Sinegar, nor any other authority that counsel has located, articulate whether this Court's "review," see TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. I 1.071 § I 1, is in an "appeal" for the purpose of TEX. R. CIV. P. I8a G)(l)(A)'s exclusive avenue to remedy the denial of a recusal motion.
-34- Texas law from this Court's "final judgment."22
Moreover, the habeas statute, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 instructs
this Court to review the application and possibly to request further briefing of"the
issues," but in this context, that reference must be to the factual issues material to
the underlying legality of an Applicant's confinement, see TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC.
Art. 11.071 § 8(a). The statute contains no specific provision allowing
presentation of arguments concerning irregularity or impropriety in the
proceedings below.
The plain words of the recusal rule TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a 0)(1)(A) indicate
that it requires the existence of an appeal from a trial court proceeding in order for
a recusal decision to be challenged. Being drafted as a civil rule, it is hardly
surprising that it makes no explicit provision for review of criminal habeas corpus
proceedings, and while this Court has long since extended an invitation to the
legislature to provide relevant rules specific to criminal cases, see McLenan, 661
S.W.2d at 111, no such rules have been provided.
There being no provision in the habeas context for an "appeal" in the usual
"!.JSee Green v. State. 374 S.W.3d 434,445-46 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) adopting Texas Supreme Court's interpretation of"final judgement," as that which disposes of all issues and parties in a case in North East Independent School Dist. v. Aldridge, 400 S. W.2d 893, 895 (Tex. 1966); Davis v. McCray Refrigerator Sales Corp., 136 Tex. 296, 150 S.W.2d 377 (Tex. 1941). -35- sense from a trial court's denial ofrecusal, there is no adequate remedy at law for
an improper denial.
2. Awaiting Later Appeal or Review Is Not an Adequate Remedy in the Context of this Case.
Even if TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 § 11 review is an "appeal from
the final judgment" for the purpose of TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a G)( 1)(A}, and provides a
potential remedy, that remedy would not be adequate in these circumstances.
In other cases where an appeal was a remedy that would eventually become
available to a defendant seeking mandamus, it has been held that such a remedy
was not adequate, given the circumstances. In Stearnes v. Clinton, 780 S. W.2d
216 {Tex. Crim. App. 1989), the relator complained that the respondent judge had
arbitrarily removed his court-appointed attorneys. The relator conceded that if he
was denied mandamus relief, and if convicted, he would be able to seek review of
the issue through an appeal. ld. at 225. This Court held that the "remedy of
appeal is simply inappropriate to the situation present here," and quoted Smith v.
Flack, 728 S. W.2d 784, 792 (Tex. Crim. App. 1987) {"In some cases, a remedy at
law may technically exist; however, it may nevertheless be so uncertain, tedious,
burdensome, slow, inconvenient, inappropriate, or ineffective as to be deemed
inadequate.") The Court held that failing to provide an immediate remedy would
burden the defendant by compelling him "to again endure a trip through the
-36- system creating in tum needless additional cost to the taxpayers of this state." !d.
at 225. In Buntion, 827 S.W.2d at 948-49 where the trial court arbitrarily replaced
counsel post-trial, this Court came to the same conclusion, emphasizing the
fundamental nature of the right to· counsel, and held that the relator had no
adequate remedy at law.
Given ''the subjective nature of such terms as 'plain' and 'uncertain,'
'convenient' and 'inconvenient,' 'effective' and 'ineffective,"' Smith v. Flack, 728
S.W.2d at 792, noted that the Court must examine the specific circumstances of
each case in the course of carefully exercising its discretion as to whether a
particular remedy at law would be adequate. While this case involved a different
right - the right to an impartial judge - than that at play in Stearnes and Buntion,
where the right to counsel was involved, the right to an impartial judge is equally
fundamental to a fair proceeding.
Relator could continue through the habeas corpus process with the presiding
judge unchanged, and then ask this Court to set aside any adverse findings and
conclusions of the trial court, reverse the respondent judge's ruling on the recusal
issue and remand for renewed litigation of the issues, untainted by the
involvement of a judge whose impartiality and knowledge are at issue. However,
to "require him to go through a complete [habeas proceeding] in order to assert
-37- this right to which he is now entitled would be to require a mere formality, and
would be wasteful of both time and money." Thi Van Lev. Perkins, 700 S.W.2d
768, 776) (Tex. App. - Austin 1985); Perkins v. Court ofAppeals, 738 S. W.2d 276
(Tex. Crim. App. 1987)(denying writ of mandamus against court of appeals in Thi
Van Le).
It should also be borne in mind that the trial court in a habeas proceeding
performs multiple tasks in such a case, all of which may be affected by his
discretionary decision-making: "He is 'Johnny-on-the-Spot.' He is the collector of
the evidence, the organizer of the materials, the decisionmaker as to what live
testimony may be necessary, the factfinder who resolves disputed factual issues,
the judge who applies the law to the facts, enters specific findings of fact and
conclusions of law, and may make a specific recommendation to grant or deny
relief." Ex parte Simpson, 136 S.W.3d 660, 668 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). Thus,
rather than any adverse rulings adverse being easily segregable if the case were
remanded to the trial court, the involvement of a judge whose impartiality might
reasonably be questioned would properly demand that the entire proceeding be
subject to a "do-over."
-38- IV. A STAY OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURT IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE
This Court issued an Order on April 7, 2014, commanding Judge Gonzalez
to resolve the outstanding issues and to have the completed case forwarded to the
Court on or before July 3 1, 2014. The Order, which reflected that Mr. Garza had
previously received extensions of time in which to prepare and investigate the
case, stated that no further extensions of time would be entertained. 23 See Order of
April 7, 2014 in Ex parte Humberto Garza, No. WR-78, 113-0 I. The Order also
stated that an order to show cause would issue "against the trial judge, the
prosecutor and defense counsel," ifthe July 31,2014 deadline was not met.
At the time that the additional information was obtained from former juror
Rose Marie Palacios, giving rise to the Motion for Court to Recuse Itself filed on
May 27,2014, Judge Gonzalez had ordered an evidentiary hearing to commence
during the week beginning June 9, 2014. However, because of the provisions of
TEX. R. Crv. P. 18a (f)(2)(A) which prevent a judge against whom a recusal motion
23 The Order states that undersigned counsel was seeking a fourth extension of time in the case. In fact, since appointment, undersigned counsel had received two previous motions for extension of time, one being granted on January 7, 2013 and one on August 2, 2013. An extension oftime which appears on the Court's website as being granted on November 5, 2012, was at the behest of the trial court on behalf of the State which had not filed its Answer, even though over five years had elapsed since the Application was filed. -39- has been filed from taking any further action while the motion is pending, Judge
Gonzalez was unable to proceed until the motion had been decided. That did not
happen until Respondent Judge Flores denied the motion, on July 3, 2014.
While Judge Gonzalez is no longer subject to the strictures ofTEX. R. CIV.
P. 18a (t)(2)(A), Mr. Garza's need for his case to be decided by a different judge
remains, and is the subject of this Petition for Writ of Mandamus. However,
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Theodore C. Hake, who has been handling
this matter for the appellate division of the Hidalgo County District Attorney's
office has asked Judge Gonzalez, in a letter of July 7, 2014, to set a renewed date
for an evidentiary hearing as soon as possible in light of this Court's Order of
April4, 2014. 24
While Mr. Garza regrets the need for further delay in this case, he submits
that his legitimate interest in having his habeas application adjudicated only in a
reliable proceeding before a judge whose impartiality cannot be questioned, and
who is not encumbered with personal knowledge of the disputed facts, should
prevail over this Court's earlier order. Mr. Garza did not create the circumstances
giving rise to the need to tile his recusal motion, and his interests- and, he would
24 A copy of that letter, as provided to undersigned counsel, is attached as Exhibit L.
-40- submits, the wider interests ofbothjustice and judicial economy- are imminently
25 threatened if the district court proceeds to an evidentiary hearing at this time.
He therefore moves, pursuant to TEX. R. APP. P. 52.1 0, for Temporary Relief
in the form of an immediate stay of the proceedings in the 3 70th District Court so
that this Court can resolve the case, and he can receive the relief he requests:
namely that the habeas proceedings should only continue before a different judge.
Without a stay, the proceedings in the district court may well have concluded
before this Court has time to rule, and the subject matter of this Petition will have
become moot. State ex rei. Millsap v. Lozano, 692 S.W.2d 470,480 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1985)(court lacks jurisdiction if it has no power to render the particular relief
awarded or if the issue is moot).
25 See, e.g., In re McCann, 2013 Tex. Crim. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1240 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013)(granting motion for Emergency Temporary Relief prior to filing of writ of mandamus, and staying contempt order entered by trial court, where "'potentially far-reaching issues" were raised in habeas corpus proceedings, and trial counsel otherwise faced incarceration while mandamus petition was filed and considered).
-41- CONCLUSION.
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Mr. Garza prays that this
Court grant the requested writ of mandamus, by directing Respondent to vacate his
Order Denying Applicant's Motion to Recuse 370th District Court Judge Noe
Gonzalez, signed and entered on July 3rd, 2014, and to enter an Order recusing
Judge Gonzalez.
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar# 50511187 7301 Burnet Road,# 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 1371 Fax: (512) 646 7067 HilmySheard@Hotmail.com
Counsel for Humberto Garza IlL Applicant.
-42- CERTIFICATION
In accordance with TEX. R. APP. P. 52.3(1), the undersigned, counsel for
Relator Humberto Garza III, certify that I have reviewed the foregoing petition and
that every factual statement therein is supported by competent evidence included
in the appendix or in the record of this case.
I also certify that I have complied with TEX. R. APP. P. 52.10 and promptly
advised the Hon. J .R. "Bobby" Flores, the Hon. Noe Gonzalez and Assistant
Criminal District Attorney Theodore C. Hake that temporary relief in the form of a
stay of proceedings in the 370th District Court is being sought.
Cft:A ~ Hilary She::P.-
-43- CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on July 8, 2014, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served electronically via www.efileTexas.gov:
Hon. J .R. "Bobby" Flores Presiding Judge I 39th District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner, 151 Floor Edinburg, TX 78539 RunBobbyRun@Yahoo.com
Rene Guerra, Esq. District Attorney of Hidalgo County Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner, Room 303 Edinburg, Texas 78539. Rene.Guerra@da.co.hidalgo.tx.us
Theodore C. Hake, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner, Room 303 Edinburg, Texas 78539. Ted.Hake@da.co.hidalgo.tx.us
Michael W. Morris, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Office of the District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner Edinburg, TX 78539 Michael.Morris@da.co.hidalgo. tx. us
Hilary Sheard.
-44- APPENDIX Exhibit A Order Denying Applicant’s Motion to Recuse 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez CAUSE NO. CR-3175-04-G (1)
EX PARTE § IN THE 370TH DISTRICT COURT
HUMBERTO GARZA, § OF
APPLICANT § IDDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
ORDER DENYING APPLICANT'S MOTION TO RECUSE 370TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE NOE GONZALEZ
On ·May 27, 2014, Applicant Humbelto Garza filed "Applicant's Motion to
Court to Recuse Itself' in this post-conviction habeas proceeding in a death penalty
case filed pursuant to TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. Art. 11.071 (Supp. 2013).
In said motion, Applicant asked that 370th District Court Judge Noe Gon-
zalez, who had presided over the underlying death penalty case, to either recuse
himself or request that the Presiding Judge of this administrative district hear the
motion himself or assign another judge to do so.
Judge Gonzalez utilized the latter option and Judge J. Rolando Olvera, Pre-
siding Judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region of Texas, then assigned
139th District Court Judge J.R. "Bobby" Flores to hear the motion to recuse. Accordingly, a hearing was held in the 139th District Court, before Judge
Flores, on June 16, 2014.
During said hearing, testimony was presented by former juror Rose Marie
Palacios, formerly known as Rose Marie Vera; former juror Melissa Guerrero; and
Alicia "Licha" Salinas, who had been the bailiff for the 370th District Court at the
time of the trial of Applicant's case.
After hearing said testimony and the argument of counsel, and having con-
sidered the further arguments presented in the memoranda submitted by each side,
this Court is of the opinion that "Applicant's Motion to Court to Recuse Itself'
should be, and same is hereby, DENIED.
Alexandra "Sandra" Gomez, the Criminal Appeals Deputy Clerk for the
Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office, is ordered to provide a copy of this Order
trict Attorney Theodore C. Hake. O ( CY t / to Applicant Garza's habeas counsel Hilary Sheard and to Assistant Criminal Dis-
~~ I~ SIGNED and ENTERED on this, the;,? day o£ e, 2014.
Judge Presiding 139th District Court Hidalgo County, Texas ( Exhibit B TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a 1 of 1 DOCUMENT
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STATE RULES TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE PART II. RULES OF PRACTICE IN DISTRICT AND COUNTY COURTS SECTION 1. General Rules
Tex. R. Civ. P. 18a (2014)
Rule 18a Recusal and Disqualification of Judges
(a) Motion; Form and Contents. --A party in a case in any trial court other than a statutory probate court or justice court may seek to recuse or disqualify a judge who is sitting in the case by filing a motion with the clerk of the court in which the case is pending. The motion: (1) must be verified; (2) must assert one or more of the grounds listed in Rule 18b; (3) must not be based solely on the judge's rulings in the case; and (4) must state with detail and particularity facts that: (A) are within the affiant's personal knowledge, except that facts may be stated on information and belief if the basis for that belief is specifically stated; (B) would be admissible in evidence; and (C) if proven, would be sufficient to justify recusal or disqualification. (b) Time for Filing Motion. (1) Motion to Recuse. --A motion to recuse: (A) must be filed as soon as practicable after the movant knows of the ground stated in the motion; and (B) must not be filed after the tenth day before the date set for trial or other hearing unless, before that day, the movant neither knew nor reasonably should have known: (i) that the judge whose recusal is sought would preside at the trial or hearing; or (ii) that the ground stated in the motion existed. (2) Motion to Disqualify. --A motion to disqualify should be filed as soon as practicable after the movant knows of the ground stated in the motion. (c) Response to Motion. (1) By Another Party. --Any other party in the case may, but need not, file a response to the motion. Any response must be filed before the motion is heard. (2) By the Respondent Judge. --The judge whose recusal or disqualification is sought should not file a response to the motion. (d) Service of Motion or Response. --A party who files a motion or response must serve a copy on every other party. The method of service must be the same as the method of filing, if possible. (e) Duty of the Clerk. (1) Delivery of a Motion or Response. --When a motion or response is filed, the clerk of the court must immediately deliver a copy to the respondent judge and to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the court is located ("the regional presiding judge"). (2) Delivery of Order of Recusal or Referral. --When a respondent judge signs and files an order of recusal or referral, the clerk of the court must immediately deliver a copy to the regional presiding judge. (f) Duties of the Respondent Judge; Failure to Comply. (1) Responding to the Motion. --Regardless of whether the motion complies with this rule, the respondent judge, within three business days after the motion is filed, must either: (A) sign and file with the clerk an order of recusal or disqualification; or (B) sign and file with the clerk an order referring the motion to the regional presiding judge. (2) Restrictions on Further Action. (A) Motion Filed Before Evidence Offered at Trial. --If a motion is filed before evidence has been offered at trial, the respondent judge must take no further action in the case until the motion has been decided, except for good cause stated in writing or on the record. (B) Motion Filed After Evidence Offered at Trial. --If a motion is filed after evidence has been offered at trial, the respondent judge may proceed, subject to stay by the regional presiding judge. (3) Failure to Comply. --If the respondent judge fails to comply with a duty imposed by this rule, the movant may notify the regional presiding judge. (g) Duties of Regional Presiding Judge. (1) Motion. --The regional presiding judge must rule on a referred motion or assign a judge to rule. If a party files a motion to recuse or disqualify the regional presiding judge, the regional presiding judge may still assign a judge to rule on the original, referred motion. Alternatively, the regional presiding judge may sign and file with the clerk an order referring the second motion to the Chief Justice for consideration. (2) Order. --The ruling must be by written order. (3) Summary Denial for Noncompliance. (A) Motion to Recuse. --A motion to recuse that does not comply with this rule may be denied without an oral hearing. The order must state the nature of the noncompliance. Even if the motion is amended to correct the stated noncompliance, the motion will count for purposes of determining whether a tertiary recusal motion has been filed under the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. (B) Motion to Disqualify. --A motion to disqualify may not be denied on the ground that it was not filed or served in compliance with this rule. (4) Interim Orders. --The regional presiding judge or judge assigned to decide the motion may issue interim or ancillary orders in the pending case as justice may require. (5) Discovery. --Except by order of the regional presiding judge or the judge assigned to decide the motion, a subpoena or discovery request may not issue to the respondent judge and may be disregarded unless accompanied by the order. (6) Hearing. (A) Time. --The motion must be heard as soon as practicable and may be heard immediately after it is referred to the regional presiding judge or an assigned judge. (B) Notice. --Notice of the hearing must be given to all parties in the case. (C) By Telephone. --The hearing may be conducted by telephone on the record. Documents submitted by facsimile or email, otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, may be considered. (7) Reassignment of Case If Motion Granted. --If the motion is granted, the regional presiding judge must transfer the case to another court or assign another judge to the case. (h) Sanctions. --After notice and hearing, the judge who hears the motion may order the party or attorney who filed the motion, or both, to pay the reasonable attorney fees and expenses incurred by other parties if the judge determines that the motion was: (1) groundless and filed in bad faith or for the purpose of harassment, or (2) clearly brought for unnecessary delay and without sufficient cause. (i) Chief Justice. --The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas may assign judges and issue any orders permitted by this rule or pursuant to statute. (j) Appellate Review. (1) Order on Motion to Recuse. (A) Denying Motion. --An order denying a motion to recuse may be reviewed only for abuse of discretion on appeal from the final judgment. (B) Granting Motion. --An order granting a motion to recuse is final and cannot be reviewed by appeal, mandamus, or otherwise. (2) Order on Motion to Disqualify. --An order granting or denying a motion to disqualify may be reviewed by mandamus and may be appealed in accordance with other law.
HISTORY: Amended by Texas Supreme Court, Misc. Docket No. 11-9126, effective August 1, 2011; Amended by Texas Supreme Court, Misc. Docket No. 11-9141, effective August 1, 2011. NOTES:
Change by amendment effective April 1, 1984: Subdivision (a) is changed textually. Change by amendment effective September 1, 1986: The words "the Court of Criminal Appeals" have been added in (a); and subsection "1" has been added to (g).
Comment to 2011 change by G.O. 11-9126 Rule 18a governs the procedure for recusing or disqualifying a judge sitting in any trial court other than a statutory probate court, justice court, or municipal court. Chapter 25 of the Government Code governs statutory probate courts, Rule 528 governs justice courts, and Chapter 29 of the Government Code governs municipal courts. Under Rule 18a, a judge's rulings may not be the sole basis for a motion to recuse or disqualify the judge. But when one or more sufficient other bases are raised, the judge hearing the motion may consider evidence of rulings when considering whether to grant the motion. For purposes of this rule, the term "rulings" is not meant to encompass a judge's statements or remarks about a case. (Comment amended by Texas Supreme Court, Misc. Docket No. 11-9141, effective August 1, 2011)
PUBLICATION REFERENCES. --See Texas Civil Trial Guide, Unit 5, Non- Evidentiary Motions; Texas Litigation Guide, Ch. 110A, Disqualification of Judge or Counsel.
2011 amendment, by G.O. 11-9126, Rewrote the rule, which read: "Recusal or Disqualification of Judges. (a) At least ten days before the date set for trial or other hearing in any court other than the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals or the court of appeals, any party may file with the clerk of the court a motion stating grounds why the judge before whom the case is pending should not sit in the case. The grounds may include any disability of the judge to sit in the case. The motion shall be verified and must state with particularity the grounds why the judge before whom the case is pending should not sit. The motion shall be made on personal knowledge and shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence provided that facts may be stated upon information and belief if the grounds of such belief are specifically stated. (b) On the day the motion is filed, copies shall be served on all other parties or their counsel of record, together with a notice that movant expects the motion to be presented to the judge three days after the filing of such motion unless otherwise ordered by the judge. Any other party may file with the clerk an opposing or concurring statement at any time before the motion is heard. (c) Prior to any further proceedings in the case, the judge shall either recuse himself or request the presiding judge of the administrative judicial district to assign a judge to hear such motion. If the judge recuses himself, he shall enter an order of recusal and request the presiding judge of the administrative judicial district to assign another judge to sit, and shall make no further orders and shall take no further action in the case except for good cause stated in the order in which such action is taken. (d) If the judge declines to recuse himself, he shall forward to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial district, in either original form or certified copy, an order of referral, the motion, and all opposing and concurring statements. Except for good cause stated in the order in which further action is taken, the judge shall make no further orders and shall take no further action in the case after filing of the motion and prior to a hearing on the motion. The presiding judge of the administrative judicial district shall immediately set a hearing before himself or some other judge designated by him, shall cause notice of such hearing to be given to all parties or their counsel, and shall make such other orders including orders on interim or ancillary relief in the pending cause as justice may require. (e) If within ten days of the date set for trial or other hearing a judge is assigned to a case, the motion shall be filed at the earliest practicable time prior to the commencement of the trial or other hearing. (f) If the motion is denied, it may be reviewed for abuse of discretion on appeal from the final judgment. If the motion is granted, the order shall not be reviewable, and the presiding judge shall assign another judge to sit in the case. (g) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court may also appoint and assign judges in conformity with this rule and pursuant to statute. (h) If a party files a motion to recuse under this rule and it is determined by the presiding judge or the judge designated by him at the hearing and on motion of the opposite party, that the motion to recuse is brought solely for the purpose of delay and without sufficient cause, the judge hearing the motion may, in the interest of justice, impose any sanction authorized by Rule 215(2)(b)."
2011 amendment, by G.O. 11-9141, added "or disqualification" in (f)(1)(A). Exhibit C TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b 1 of 1 DOCUMENT
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STATE RULES TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE PART II. RULES OF PRACTICE IN DISTRICT AND COUNTY COURTS SECTION 1. General Rules
Tex. R. Civ. P. 18b (2014)
Rule 18b Grounds for Recusal and Disqualification of Judges
(a) Grounds for Disqualification. --A judge must disqualify in any proceeding in which: (1) the judge has served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy, or a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law served during such association as a lawyer concerning the matter; (2) the judge knows that, individually or as a fiduciary, the judge has an interest in the subject matter in controversy; or (3) either of the parties may be related to the judge by affinity or consanguinity within the third degree. (b) Grounds for Recusal. --A judge must recuse in any proceeding in which: (1) the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned; (2) the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning the subject matter or a party; (3) the judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding; (4) the judge or a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law has been a material witness concerning the proceeding; (5) the judge participated as counsel, adviser, or material witness in the matter in controversy, or expressed an opinion concerning the merits of it, while acting as an attorney in government service; (6) the judge knows that the judge, individually or as a fiduciary, or the judge's spouse or minor child residing in the judge's household, has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding; (7) the judge or the judge's spouse, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person: (A) is a party to the proceeding or an officer, director, or trustee of a party; (B) is known by the judge to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding; or (C) is to the judge's knowledge likely to be a material witness in the proceeding. (8) the judge or the judge's spouse, or a person within the first degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person, is acting as a lawyer in the proceeding. (c) Financial Interests. --A judge should inform himself or herself about personal and fiduciary financial interests, and make a reasonable effort to inform himself or herself about the personal financial interests of his or her spouse and minor children residing in the household. (d) Terminology and Standards. --In this rule: (1) "proceeding" includes pretrial, trial, or other stages of litigation; (2) the degree of relationship is calculated according to the civil law system; (3) "fiduciary" includes such relationships as executor, administrator, trustee, and guardian; (4) "financial interest" means ownership of a legal or equitable interest, however small, or a relationship as director, adviser, or other active participant in the affairs of a party, except that: (A) ownership in a mutual or common investment fund that holds securities is not a "financial interest" in such securities unless the judge participates in the management of the fund; (B) an office in an educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organization is not a "financial interest" in securities held by the organization; (C) the proprietary interest of a policyholder in a mutual insurance company, of a depositor in a mutual savings association, or a similar proprietary interest, is a "financial interest" in the organization only if the outcome of the proceeding could substantially affect the value of the interest; (D) ownership of government securities is a "financial interest" in the issuer only if the outcome of the proceeding could substantially affect the value of the securities; (E) an interest as a taxpayer or utility ratepayer, or any similar interest, is not a "financial interest" unless the outcome of the proceeding could substantially affect the liability of the judge or a person related to him within the third degree more than other judges. (e) Waiving a Ground for Recusal. --The parties to a proceeding may waive any ground for recusal after it is fully disclosed on the record. (f) Discovery and Divestiture. --If a judge does not discover that the judge is recused under subparagraphs (b)(6) or (b)(7)(B) until after the judge has devoted substantial time to the matter, the judge is not required to recuse himself or herself if the judge or the person related to the judge divests himself or herself of the interest that would otherwise require recusal.
HISTORY: Amended by Texas Supreme Court, Misc. Docket No. 11-9126, effective August 1, 2011.
NOTES:
Change by amendment effective September 1, 1990. The grounds for a judge's mandatory recusal have been expanded from those in prior Rule 18b(2).
Comment to 2011 change by G.O. 11-9126 The amendments to Rule 18b are not intended to be substantive. PUBLICATION REFERENCES. --See Texas Civil Trial Guide, Unit 5, Non- Evidentiary Motions; Texas Litigation Guide, Ch. 110A, Disqualification of Judge or Counsel.
2011 amendment, by G.O. 11-9126, Renumbered former (1) as (a) and former (1)(a) through (1)(c) as (a)(1) through (a)(3); rewrote the introductory paragraph of (a), which read: "Disqualification. Judges shall disqualify themselves in all proceedings in which:"; substituted "the judge" for "they" or variant throughout (a); renumbered former (2) as (b) and former (2)(a) as (b)(1); rewrote the introductory paragraph of (b), which read: "Recusal. A judge shall recuse himself in any proceeding in which:"; substituted "the judge" for "he" or variant throughout (b); renumbered former (2)(b) as (b)(2) and (b)(3); renumbered former (2)(c) through (2)(g) as (b)(4) through (b)(8); substituted "the proceeding" for "it" in (b)(4); renumbered former (3) as (c) and added "Financial Interests.", and "herself" and "her" in (c); renumbered former (4) as (d) and former (4)(a) through (4)(d) as (d)(1) through (d)(4); added "Terminology and Standards" in the introductory paragraph of (d); renumbered former (5) and (6) as (e) and (f); added "Waiving a Ground for Recusal." in (e); in (f), added "Discovery and Divestiture.", substituted "a judge" or variant for "he", updated references, and added "herself"; and made related and stylistic changes throughout. Exhibit D TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.071 1 of 1 DOCUMENT
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CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE TITLE 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE OF 1965 HABEAS CORPUS CHAPTER 11. HABEAS CORPUS
GO TO TEXAS CODE ARCHIVE DIRECTORY
Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.071 (2014)
Art. 11.071. Procedure in Death Penalty Case
Sec. 1. Application to Death Penalty Case. --Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, this article establishes the procedures for an application for a writ of habeas corpus in which the applicant seeks relief from a judgment imposing a penalty of death. Sec. 2. Representation by Counsel. (a) An applicant shall be represented by competent counsel unless the applicant has elected to proceed pro se and the convicting trial court finds, after a hearing on the record, that the applicant's election is intelligent and voluntary. (b) If a defendant is sentenced to death the convicting court, immediately after judgment is entered under Article 42.01, shall determine if the defendant is indigent and, if so, whether the defendant desires appointment of counsel for the purpose of a writ of habeas corpus. If the defendant desires appointment of counsel for the purpose of a writ of habeas corpus, the court shall appoint the office of capital writs to represent the defendant as provided by Subsection (c). (c) At the earliest practical time, but in no event later than 30 days, after the convicting court makes the findings required under Subsections (a) and (b), the convicting court shall appoint the office of capital writs or, if the office of capital writs does not accept or is prohibited from accepting an appointment under Section 78.054, Government Code, other competent counsel under Subsection (f), unless the applicant elects to proceed pro se or is represented by retained counsel. On appointing counsel under this section, the convicting court shall immediately notify the court of criminal appeals of the appointment, including in the notice a copy of the judgment and the name, address, and telephone number of the appointed counsel. (d) [Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 781 (S.B. 1091), § 11, effective January 1, 2010.] (e) If the court of criminal appeals denies an applicant relief under this article, an attorney appointed under this section to represent the applicant shall, not later than the 15th day after the date the court of criminal appeals denies relief or, if the case is filed and set for submission, the 15th day after the date the court of criminal appeals issues a mandate on the initial application for a writ of habeas corpus under this article, move for the appointment of counsel in federal habeas review under 18 U.S.C. Section 3599. The attorney shall immediately file a copy of the motion with the court of criminal appeals, and if the attorney fails to do so, the court may take any action to ensure that the applicant's right to federal habeas review is protected, including initiating contempt proceedings against the attorney. (f) If the office of capital writs does not accept or is prohibited from accepting an appointment under Section 78.054, Government Code, the convicting court shall appoint counsel from a list of competent counsel maintained by the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions under Section 78.056, Government Code. The convicting court shall reasonably compensate as provided by Section 2A an attorney appointed under this section, other than an attorney employed by the office of capital writs, regardless of whether the attorney is appointed by the convicting court or was appointed by the court of criminal appeals under prior law. An attorney appointed under this section who is employed by the office of capital writs shall be compensated in accordance with Subchapter B, Chapter 78, Government Code. Sec. 2A. State Reimbursement; County Obligation. (a) The state shall reimburse a county for compensation of counsel under Section 2, other than for compensation of counsel employed by the office of capital writs, and for payment of expenses under Section 3, regardless of whether counsel is employed by the office of capital writs. The total amount of reimbursement to which a county is entitled under this section for an application under this article may not exceed $ 25,000. Compensation and expenses in excess of the $ 25,000 reimbursement provided by the state are the obligation of the county. (b) A convicting court seeking reimbursement for a county shall certify to the comptroller of public accounts the amount of compensation that the county is entitled to receive under this section. The comptroller of public accounts shall issue a warrant to the county in the amount certified by the convicting court, not to exceed $ 25,000. (c) The limitation imposed by this section on the reimbursement by the state to a county for compensation of counsel and payment of reasonable expenses does not prohibit a county from compensating counsel and reimbursing expenses in an amount that is in excess of the amount the county receives from the state as reimbursement, and a county is specifically granted discretion by this subsection to make payments in excess of the state reimbursement. (d) The comptroller shall reimburse a county for the compensation and payment of expenses of an attorney appointed by the court of criminal appeals under prior law. A convicting court seeking reimbursement for a county as permitted by this subsection shall certify the amount the county is entitled to receive under this subsection for an application filed under this article, not to exceed a total amount of $ 25,000. Sec. 3. Investigation of Grounds for Application. (a) On appointment, counsel shall investigate expeditiously, before and after the appellate record is filed in the court of criminal appeals, the factual and legal grounds for the filing of an application for a writ of habeas corpus. (b) Not later than the 30th day before the date the application for a writ of habeas corpus is filed with the convicting court, counsel may file with the convicting court an ex parte, verified, and confidential request for prepayment of expenses, including expert fees, to investigate and present potential habeas corpus claims. The request for expenses must state: (1) the claims of the application to be investigated; (2) specific facts that suggest that a claim of possible merit may exist; and (3) an itemized list of anticipated expenses for each claim. (c) The court shall grant a request for expenses in whole or in part if the request for expenses is timely and reasonable. If the court denies in whole or in part the request for expenses, the court shall briefly state the reasons for the denial in a written order provided to the applicant. (d) Counsel may incur expenses for habeas corpus investigation, including expenses for experts, without prior approval by the convicting court or the court of criminal appeals. On presentation of a claim for reimbursement, which may be presented ex parte, the convicting court shall order reimbursement of counsel for expenses, if the expenses are reasonably necessary and reasonably incurred. If the convicting court denies in whole or in part the request for expenses, the court shall briefly state the reasons for the denial in a written order provided to the applicant. The applicant may request reconsideration of the denial for reimbursement by the convicting court. (e) Materials submitted to the court under this section are a part of the court's record. (f) This section applies to counsel's investigation of the factual and legal grounds for the filing of an application for a writ of habeas corpus, regardless of whether counsel is employed by the office of capital writs. Sec. 4. Filing of Application. (a) An application for a writ of habeas corpus, returnable to the court of criminal appeals, must be filed in the convicting court not later than the 180th day after the date the convicting court appoints counsel under Section 2 or not later than the 45th day after the date the state's original brief is filed on direct appeal with the court of criminal appeals, whichever date is later. (b) The convicting court, before the filing date that is applicable to the applicant under Subsection (a), may for good cause shown and after notice and an opportunity to be heard by the attorney representing the state grant one 90-day extension that begins on the filing date applicable to the defendant under Subsection (a). Either party may request that the court hold a hearing on the request. If the convicting court finds that the applicant cannot establish good cause justifying the requested extension, the court shall make a finding stating that fact and deny the request for the extension. (c) An application filed after the filing date that is applicable to the applicant under Subsection (a) or (b) is untimely. (d) If the convicting court receives an untimely application or determines that after the filing date that is applicable to the applicant under Subsection (a) or (b) no application has been filed, the convicting court immediately, but in any event within 10 days, shall send to the court of criminal appeals and to the attorney representing the state: (1) a copy of the untimely application, with a statement of the convicting court that the application is untimely, or a statement of the convicting court that no application has been filed within the time periods required by Subsections (a) and (b); and (2) any order the judge of the convicting court determines should be attached to an untimely application or statement under Subdivision (1). (e) A failure to file an application before the filing date applicable to the applicant under Subsection (a) or (b) constitutes a waiver of all grounds for relief that were available to the applicant before the last date on which an application could be timely filed, except as provided by Section 4A. Sec. 4A. Untimely Application; Application Not Filed. (a) On command of the court of criminal appeals, a counsel who files an untimely application or fails to file an application before the filing date applicable under Section 4(a) or (b) shall show cause as to why the application was untimely filed or not filed before the filing date. (b) At the conclusion of the counsel's presentation to the court of criminal appeals, the court may: (1) find that good cause has not been shown and dismiss the application; (2) permit the counsel to continue representation of the applicant and establish a new filing date for the application, which may be not more than 180 days from the date the court permits the counsel to continue representation; or (3) appoint new counsel to represent the applicant and establish a new filing date for the application, which may be not more than 270 days after the date the court appoints new counsel. (c) The court of criminal appeals may hold in contempt counsel who files an untimely application or fails to file an application before the date required by Section 4(a) or (b). The court of criminal appeals may punish as a separate instance of contempt each day after the first day on which the counsel fails to timely file the application. In addition to or in lieu of holding counsel in contempt, the court of criminal appeals may enter an order denying counsel compensation under Section 2A. (d) If the court of criminal appeals establishes a new filing date for the application, the court of criminal appeals shall notify the convicting court of that fact and the convicting court shall proceed under this article. (e) Sections 2A and 3 apply to compensation and reimbursement of counsel appointed under Subsection (b)(3) in the same manner as if counsel had been appointed by the convicting court, unless the attorney is employed by the office of capital writs, in which case the compensation of that attorney is governed by Subchapter B, Chapter 78, Government Code. (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the court of criminal appeals shall appoint counsel and establish a new filing date for application, which may be no later than the 270th day after the date on which counsel is appointed, for each applicant who before September 1, 1999, filed an untimely application or failed to file an application before the date required by Section 4(a) or (b). Section 2A applies to the compensation and payment of expenses of counsel appointed by the court of criminal appeals under this subsection, unless the attorney is employed by the office of capital writs, in which case the compensation of that attorney is governed by Subchapter B, Chapter 78, Government Code. Sec. 5. Subsequent Application. (a) If a subsequent application for a writ of habeas corpus is filed after filing an initial application, a court may not consider the merits of or grant relief based on the subsequent application unless the application contains sufficient specific facts establishing that: (1) the current claims and issues have not been and could not have been presented previously in a timely initial application or in a previously considered application filed under this article or Article 11.07 because the factual or legal basis for the claim was unavailable on the date the applicant filed the previous application; (2) by a preponderance of the evidence, but for a violation of the United States Constitution no rational juror could have found the applicant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; or (3) by clear and convincing evidence, but for a violation of the United States Constitution no rational juror would have answered in the state's favor one or more of the special issues that were submitted to the jury in the applicant's trial under Article 37.071, 37.0711, or 37.072. (b) If the convicting court receives a subsequent application, the clerk of the court shall: (1) attach a notation that the application is a subsequent application; (2) assign to the case a file number that is ancillary to that of the conviction being challenged; and (3) immediately send to the court of criminal appeals a copy of: (A) the application; (B) the notation; (C) the order scheduling the applicant's execution, if scheduled; and (D) any order the judge of the convicting court directs to be attached to the application. (c) On receipt of the copies of the documents from the clerk, the court of criminal appeals shall determine whether the requirements of Subsection (a) have been satisfied. The convicting court may not take further action on the application before the court of criminal appeals issues an order finding that the requirements have been satisfied. If the court of criminal appeals determines that the requirements have not been satisfied, the court shall issue an order dismissing the application as an abuse of the writ under this section. (d) For purposes of Subsection (a)(1), a legal basis of a claim is unavailable on or before a date described by Subsection (a)(1) if the legal basis was not recognized by or could not have been reasonably formulated from a final decision of the United States Supreme Court, a court of appeals of the United States, or a court of appellate jurisdiction of this state on or before that date. (e) For purposes of Subsection (a)(1), a factual basis of a claim is unavailable on or before a date described by Subsection (a)(1) if the factual basis was not ascertainable through the exercise of reasonable diligence on or before that date. (f) If an amended or supplemental application is not filed within the time specified under Section 4(a) or (b), the court shall treat the application as a subsequent application under this section. Sec. 6. Issuance of Writ. (a) If a timely application for a writ of habeas corpus is filed in the convicting court, a writ of habeas corpus, returnable to the court of criminal appeals, shall issue by operation of law. (b) If the convicting court receives notice that the requirements of Section 5 for consideration of a subsequent application have been met, a writ of habeas corpus, returnable to the court of criminal appeals, shall issue by operation of law. (b-1) If the convicting court receives notice that the requirements of Section 5(a) for consideration of a subsequent application have been met and if the applicant has not elected to proceed pro se and is not represented by retained counsel, the convicting court shall appoint, in order of priority: (1) the attorney who represented the applicant in the proceedings under Section 5, if the attorney seeks the appointment; (2) the office of capital writs, if the office represented the applicant in the proceedings under Section 5 or otherwise accepts the appointment; or (3) counsel from a list of competent counsel maintained by the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions under Section 78.056, Government Code, if the office of capital writs: (A) did not represent the applicant as described by Subdivision (2); or (B) does not accept or is prohibited from accepting the appointment under Section 78.054, Government Code. (b-2) Regardless of whether the subsequent application is ultimately dismissed, compensation and reimbursement of expenses for counsel appointed under Subsection (b-1) shall be provided as described by Section 2, 2A, or 3, including compensation for time previously spent and reimbursement of expenses previously incurred with respect to the subsequent application. (c) The clerk of the convicting court shall: (1) make an appropriate notation that a writ of habeas corpus was issued; (2) assign to the case a file number that is ancillary to that of the conviction being challenged; and (3) send a copy of the application by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by secure electronic mail to the attorney representing the state in that court. (d) The clerk of the convicting court shall promptly deliver copies of documents submitted to the clerk under this article to the applicant and the attorney representing the state. Sec. 7. Answer to Application. (a) The state shall file an answer to the application for a writ of habeas corpus not later than the 120th day after the date the state receives notice of issuance of the writ. The state shall serve the answer on counsel for the applicant or, if the applicant is proceeding pro se, on the applicant. The state may request from the convicting court an extension of time in which to answer the application by showing particularized justifying circumstances for the extension, but in no event may the court permit the state to file an answer later than the 180th day after the date the state receives notice of issuance of the writ. (b) Matters alleged in the application not admitted by the state are deemed denied. Sec. 8. Findings of Fact Without Evidentiary Hearing. (a) Not later than the 20th day after the last date the state answers the application, the convicting court shall determine whether controverted, previously unresolved factual issues material to the legality of the applicant's confinement exist and shall issue a written order of the determination. (b) If the convicting court determines the issues do not exist, the parties shall file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for the court to consider on or before a date set by the court that is not later than the 30th day after the date the order is issued. (c) After argument of counsel, if requested by the court, the convicting court shall make appropriate written findings of fact and conclusions of law not later than the 15th day after the date the parties filed proposed findings or not later than the 45th day after the date the court's determination is made under Subsection (a), whichever occurs first. (d) The clerk of the court shall immediately send to: (1) the court of criminal appeals a copy of the: (A) application; (B) answer; (C) orders entered by the convicting court; (D) proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and (E) findings of fact and conclusions of law entered by the court; and (2) counsel for the applicant or, if the applicant is proceeding pro se, to the applicant, a copy of: (A) orders entered by the convicting court; (B) proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and (C) findings of fact and conclusions of law entered by the court. Sec. 9. Hearing. (a) If the convicting court determines that controverted, previously unresolved factual issues material to the legality of the applicant's confinement exist, the court shall enter an order, not later than the 20th day after the last date the state answers the application, designating the issues of fact to be resolved and the manner in which the issues shall be resolved. To resolve the issues, the court may require affidavits, depositions, interrogatories, and evidentiary hearings and may use personal recollection. (b) The convicting court shall hold the evidentiary hearing not later than the 30th day after the date on which the court enters the order designating issues under Subsection (a). The convicting court may grant a motion to postpone the hearing, but not for more than 30 days, and only if the court states, on the record, good cause for delay. (c) The presiding judge of the convicting court shall conduct a hearing held under this section unless another judge presided over the original capital felony trial, in which event that judge, if qualified for assignment under Section 74.054 or 74.055, Government Code, may preside over the hearing. (d) The court reporter shall prepare a transcript of the hearing not later than the 30th day after the date the hearing ends and file the transcript with the clerk of the convicting court. (e) The parties shall file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for the convicting court to consider on or before a date set by the court that is not later than the 30th day after the date the transcript is filed. If the court requests argument of counsel, after argument the court shall make written findings of fact that are necessary to resolve the previously unresolved facts and make conclusions of law not later than the 15th day after the date the parties file proposed findings or not later than the 45th day after the date the court reporter files the transcript, whichever occurs first. (f) The clerk of the convicting court shall immediately transmit to: (1) the court of criminal appeals a copy of: (A) the application; (B) the answers and motions filed; (C) the court reporter's transcript; (D) the documentary exhibits introduced into evidence; (E) the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; (F) the findings of fact and conclusions of law entered by the court; (G) the sealed materials such as a confidential request for investigative expenses; and (H) any other matters used by the convicting court in resolving issues of fact; and (2) counsel for the applicant or, if the applicant is proceeding pro se, to the applicant, a copy of: (A) orders entered by the convicting court; (B) proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and (C) findings of fact and conclusions of law entered by the court. (g) The clerk of the convicting court shall forward an exhibit that is not documentary to the court of criminal appeals on request of the court. Sec. 10. Rules of Evidence. --The Texas Rules of Criminal Evidence apply to a hearing held under this article. Sec. 11. Review by Court of Criminal Appeals. --The court of criminal appeals shall expeditiously review all applications for a writ of habeas corpus submitted under this article. The court may set the cause for oral argument and may request further briefing of the issues by the applicant or the state. After reviewing the record, the court shall enter its judgment remanding the applicant to custody or ordering the applicant's release, as the law and facts may justify.
HISTORY: Enacted by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 319 (S.B. 440), § 1, effective September 1, 1995; am. Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1336 (S.B. 1728), §§ 1--5, effective September 1, 1997; am. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 803 (H.B. 1516), §§ 1--10, effective September 1, 1999; am. Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 315 (H.B. 3306), §§ 1--3, effective September 1, 2003; am. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 787 (S.B. 60), § 13, effective September 1, 2005; am. Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 965 (H.B. 1701), § 5, effective September 1, 2005; am. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., ch. 593 (H.B. 8), § 3.06, effective September 1, 2007; am. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 781 (S.B. 1091), §§ 2--5, effective September 1, 2009; am. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 781 (S.B. 1091), § 11, effective January 1, 2010; am. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 1139 (H.B. 1646), § 1, effective September 1, 2011; am. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 78 (S.B. 354), § 2, effective May 18, 2013.
Applicability. -- Acts 2007, 80th Leg., ch. 593 (H.B. 8), § 4.01(a) provides: "Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after September 1, 2007. An offense committed before September 1, 2007, is covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For the purposes of this section, an offense was committed before September 1, 2007, if any element of the offense occurred before that date." Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 1139 (H.B. 1646), § 2 provides: "The change in law made by this Act applies to a subsequent application for a writ of habeas corpus filed on or after January 1, 2012. A subsequent application filed before January 1, 2012, is covered by the law in effect when the application was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose." Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 78 (S.B. 354), § 6 provides: "The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a legal document delivered, filed, or served on or after the effective date of this Act [May 18, 2013]. A legal document delivered, filed, or served before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose." 2007 amendment, added "or 37.072" in Section 5(a)(3); and made related changes. 2009 amendment, in Section 2, added the second sentence in (b), in the first sentence of (c), added "the office of capital writs or, if the office of capital writs does not accept or is prohibited from accepting an appointment under Section 78.054, Government Code, other" and "under Subsection (f)", repealed (d), which read: "The court of criminal appeals shall adopt rules for the appointment of attorneys as counsel under this section and the convicting court may appoint an attorney as counsel under this section only if the appointment is approved by the court of criminal appeals in any manner provided by those rules. The rules must require that an attorney appointed as lead counsel under this section not have been found by a federal or state court to have rendered ineffective assistance of counsel during the trial or appeal of any capital case.", substituted "18 U.S.C. Section 3599" for "21 U.S.C. Section 848(q) or equivalent provision or, if necessary, move for the appointment of other counsel under 21 U.S.C. Section 848(q) or equivalent provision" in the first sentence of (e), and rewrote (f), which read: "The convicting court shall reasonably compensate as provided by Section 2A an attorney appointed under this section, regardless of whether the attorney is appointed by the convicting court or was appointed by the court of criminal appeals under prior law."; in the first sentence of Section 2A(a), added "other than for compensation of counsel employed by the office of capital writs" and "regardless of whether counsel is employed by the office of capital writs"; added Section 3(f); added "unless the attorney is employed by the office of capital writs, in which case the compensation of that attorney is governed by Subchapter B, Chapter 78, Government Code" in Sections 4A(e) and 4A(f); and made stylistic changes. 2011 amendment, added Sections 6(b-1) and Section 6(b-2). 2013 amendment, added "or by secure electronic mail" in Section 6(c)(3). Exhibit E Applicant’s Brief in Support of Applicant’s Motion for Court to be Recused IN THE DISTRICf COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY,._T~ t39tb JUDICIAL DISTRicr FILE.U AT O'CLOCK_M § JUN 2 5 2014 Ex parte HUMBEJlTO GARZA III, § lAURA HINOJOSA, CLERK § N&i~.Jb.llrl~U)County Applicant. § BY. Depu~44 §
BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF APPLICANTS MOTION FOR COURT TO BE RECUSED
COMES NOW, Humberto Garza, III, the Applicant, by and through
undersigned counsel, and files this, his brief in support of his motion for the Hon.
Noe Gonzalez, Judge of the 370m District Court, to be recused from this case.
Mr. Garza is proceeding on two grounds under TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b, namely
that:
• ''[11hejudge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned," TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b {b)(l); and
• "[T]he judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding", TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(3 ).
No allegation of ''personal bias or prejudice" under TEX. R. CJV. P. 18b
(b)(2) is made.
I. THE FACTS SUPPORTING THIS MOTION.
The Writ Application in this case, tiled on July 19, 2007, contains
-J- allegations, in Claims 4-6, that Mr. Garza was denied his right to a fair trial before
an impartial jury because of the hostile atmosphere in the courtroom, and that his
death sentence resulted from jury misconduct, including the exposure of the jury to
outside influences, namely a comment to the jury by the trial judge that gangs
would sometimes come after jurors, and a remark to the jury by the bailiff, to
whom jurors had expressed concern about their security, that the judge carried a
gun.
Some additional interviewing ofjurors was conducted recently.' Further
infonnation about the communications between the jury, Judge Gonzalez and his
bailiff having thereby come to light, a motion asking Judge Gonzalez to recuse
himself was tiled on May 27,2014. Judge Gonzalez declined to recuse himself,
and referred this matter to the Regional Presiding Judge, who assigned the case to
this Court. A hearing was conducted on June 16,2014. Three witnesses testified:
fonner jurors Rose Marie Palacios and Melissa Guenero were called on behalf of
Mr. Garza; Alicia "Licha" Salinas was called by the State.
1 As stated at the hearing of June 16, 2014, it has thus far only been possible to interview some, but not all, of the trial jurors in this case because of the difftculty that undersigned and fonner counsel experienced in obtaining necessary investigative fi.mding. -2- Rose Marie Pala~ios (formerly Vera) testified at the hearing as follows:
• She was a juror at Mr. Garza's 2005 trial, p. 4.2
• She had concerns for her personal safety during the trial, p. 4.
• Those concerns were caused by the other jurors, and by the judge saying that jurors could be in danger, as well as by the evidence, p. 4-5.
• She thought she might be followed or threatened, p. 4.
• Her concerns were increased by an incident where someone took photographs of the jury in court during the trial, p. 5.
• The bailiff told the jury members that they would be safe because the judge carried a gun, but that made Mrs. Palacios more nervous, p. 5.
• The bailifrs comment were made in the jury room, not the courtroom, and with all the jurors present, p. 5, 7.
• Other jurors had told the bailiff they hoped she was canying a gun: "And she said no, she didn't, but not to worry because the judge did," p. 6.
• She did not remember Mr. Garza or any of the attorneys ever being present in the jury room, p. 7-8.
• The jurors had been asking "if we were safe because of the gang activity.,' Jurors were concerned about gang members' family being in the courtroom, and about the taking of the photograph, p. 8.
• The conversation with the bailiff occurred during the trial, and before the jury arrived at a guilty verdict, p. 8.
• The bailiff was a woman called "Licha," p. 9.
2 Page references are to a transcript of the testimony prepared and provided to the parties on June 17.2014.
-3- • The bailiff also said "that she would be surprised if[thejudge] bought us lunch because he was a cheapskate, and stuff like that," p. 9.
• The judge came into the jury room to talk to the jurors about their safety concerns, p. 10.
• Ms. Palacios believed that the judge came into the jury room that time in response to a note from another member of the jury, p. 10.
• When the judge came in, he was still wearing his robe, p. 10.
• The judge's visit to the jury room was while the trial was still going on, and before the guilty verdict, p. 10.
• All twelve members of the jury were there, but she could not remember if the bailiff was there also, p. 11.
• The court reporter may also have been present, but not the defendant or his attorneys, p. 11.3
• The judge said ''That he understood our fears, but .•• he was going to provide us security and that we would be fine •.• That the gangs, sometimes they threaten the jurors and sometimes they - they may follow you," p. 11.
• The judge said that the person who took the photograph in court was "legitimate," p. 11.
• Mrs. Palacios thought that the judge may also have come into the jury room another time, in response to a note, p. 12.
• The judge said that it was a policy in the courthouse not to pennit pictures ofjurors to be taken, p. 13-14.
• Later in the trial the jury had been pennitted to park on the west side of the
1-fhe reporter's record tiled by the court reporter at trial, the late Francisco B. Moreno, does not include any transcript of proceedings conducted in the jury room. courthouse, closer to the courtroom, and the deputies had escorted the jurors, p. 14-15.
• The judge had mentioned scheduling when he talked to the jurors, p. IS.
• Mrs. Palacios has signed two affidavits concerning the case, p. 15.
• Mrs. Palacios had been interviewed seven years ago by people who said they were students from Austin, and she gave them an affidavit, p. 15-16.
• In her earlier affidavit, Mrs. Palacios said she thought she saw Mr. Garza's mother sitting in a car out in the parking lot, and the jury had been told by court staff that "they'd take care of the situation," p. 16.
• The judge did not give any specific examples of gangs disrupting trials or threatening people, p. 16-17.
• The bailiff said that she never carried a gun, p. 17. ·
• The family members in the courtroom could have been family members of the victims in the case, which involved gangs on both sides, p. 18.
• Mrs. Palacios was asked additional questions when she was interviewed a second time, p. 19.
• She did not name the bailiff in her first affidavit, but she may not have been asked about the bailiff's name at that time, p. 20-21.
Melissa Guerrero testified at the hearing as follows:
• She was a juror at Mr. Garza's 2005 trial, p. 22-23.
• She had concerns for her personal safety because of the crime in question, which concerned gang violence, p. 23.
• She was concerned about being followed, p. 23. • There was an incident when a reporter took a picture, which she herself did not see, but which wonied other jurors, p. 23.
• She believed that jurors expressed concern to court staff about the security situation, p. 24.
• The judge had approached the jury in the jury room behind the courtroom on the fifth or sixth day of trial, p. 24.
• The judge said that he had come to calm the jury down, and that they would be parking in a different area ftom that point, p. 25.
• She assumed that the change in parking arrangements was because of security concerns, p. 25.
• When the judge spoke to the twelve jurors, there was nobody else in the room, p. 25.
• The jurors were told that they would be allowed to leave for their parking area before others were released from court, p. 25-26.
• She could not remember any other remarks made by the judge, but the conversation that did occur concerned security matters, p. 26.
• She remembered the bailiff in the case as being a woman, but did not recall any conversation with her about security anangements, p. 26-27.
• Mrs Guerrero had signed an affidavit in 2007 in which she said nothing about the judge going to the jury room. However, she had not been questioned about that, p. 27-28.
• She had been visited in the past few days by defense counsel, p. 28.
• She did not know if it was a regular policy to let people park close by the courthouse after hours so that they did not have to walk across the street, p. 29.
-6- • She assumed the change in parking ammgements was because of the security situation, p. 30.
• When the judge came to the jury room to talk to the jury, it was not about scheduling, p. 30.
• The judge also came to the jury room after the trial to thank the jury and to provide infomtation about counseling, p. 31.
• When defense counsel visited Mrs. Guerrero she was accompanied by another individual, named Vanessa, p. 31.
• Defense counsel had not suggested what Ms. Guerrero should say, other than telling her to be honest, p. 31.
• One of the two people who interviewed Ms. Guerrero in 2007 may have been a lawyer, or they may have been law students, p. 32.
• The questions asked more recently were in greater depth than on the previous occasion in 2007, p. 32.
• She may not have given further infomtation in 2007 about her security concerns because she was not asked at the time, p. 32.
• Time constraints may have prevented having a fuller conversation, p. 33.
• Sentencing someone to death had been a tough decision, p. 33-34.
Alicia "Lieba" Salinas testified at the hearing as follows:
• Ms. Salinas' nickname is "Licha," p. 35.
• She works in the 37()'h District Court of Hidalgo County, p. 35.
• She is now court coordinator, but was working as bailiff back in 2005, p. 35.
-7- • She has worked in the 370th District Court for 12 years, p. 35.
• Noe Gonzalez has been judge of that court throughout that time, p. 35.
• Ms. Salinas "sort of' remembered Mr. Garza's trial, p. 36.
• One does not have to be a certified peace officer to be a bailiff, p. 36.
• She did not carry a gun when she was acting as a bailiff in 2005, p. 36.
• She did not remember telling anybody on the jury that Judge Gonzalez carried a gun, and does not think she would have said that, p. 36.
• To her knowledge, Judge Gonzalez did not carry a gun back then, p. 36.
• She works with Judge Gonzalez daily, p. 36-37.
• As bailiff she would escort the jury and give them notice that they were needed in the courtroom, p. 37.
• She might escort jurors to a restaurant if lunch was not being brought in for the jury, p. 37.
• Jurors in the 370th district court would park in the big parking lot or, if they came in late, certain parking areas would be blocked off for them where there is an entrance that goes right into the courtroom, p. 37-38.
• She did not specifically remember any jurors expressing security concerns during Mr. Garza's trial, p. 38.
• If the jury had a note they would hand it to her to give to the judge so that the judge and lawyers could discuss the response, p. 38-39.
• Usually the judge would have a note handed back to the jury, rather than bringing them back into the courtroom, p. 39.
• Ms. Salinas has perfonned the fUnctions of bailiff, interpreter and court coordinator at the 370* District Court, p. 39.
• She had been approved for promotion to court coordinator, and has been in that position since about February 2011, p. 39-40.
• The judge is her boss and would write her performance reviews, p. 40.
• The judge would have some influence over whether she would get an increase in salary, p. 40.
• A county job comes with benefits and a retirement plan, and is a valuable thing to have, p. 40.
• She has worked for the judge for twelve years, p. 40.
• Her room is right next to the judge's chamber, so she is physically very close to him .. he can just call out and she is at his side in a minute, p. 41.
• She is a valued member of his staff and likes working where she does, p. 41.
• Her name appears on court transcripts, together with that of the judge and the attorneys, p. 41.
• She is aware that there is a Code of Ethics governing judicial behavior, including rules about behaving with dignity and being impartial, p. 41.
• She is aware that the judge's staff should follow those same rules, p. 42.
• It would be undignified to gossip about cases, p. 42.
• She has had training at officially-run court bailiff workshops, p. 42.
• She has been taught what she should and should not do, with regard to not exposing the jury to anything that might cause them to be prejudiced for one side or the other, other than by the evidence, p. 42--43.
• She understands that she should not talk about a case with the jury except in
-9- the presence of the judge and with his permission, p. 43.
• She is aware that there are rules about the judge not communicating with the juay except in writing, p. 43.
• She understands that breaking some of these rules can result in a fine or confinement in jail, p. 43.
• She knows that breaking those rules can also result in a case reversal or a mistrial, p. 43.
• She knows that if she broke those rules she could lose her job or be demoted, p. 44.
• She knows that the judge might lose his reputation if he allowed such breaches of the rules, and that such breaches could cause negative comment in the media, or reversal of a case which would also cause the judge a loss of reputation, p. 44.
II. A REASONABLE PERSON, KNOWING THE FACTS OF THIS CASE, WOULD REASONABLY DOUBT THE JUDGE'S ABILITY TO ADJUDICATE THE RELEVANT CLAIMS IMPARTIALLY.
A. The Legal Standard for Decidin& Whetber the Judae'l Impartiality Might Reasonably Be Questioned.
Judges normally e[\joy a presumption that they will perform their roles
impartially. Abdygapparova v. State~ 243 S.W.3d 191, 198 (Tex. App... San
Antonio 2007). While, during argument at the hearing on this Motion, reference
was made to Ex parte Ellis, 215 S.W.3d 109, 112 (Tex. App... Austin 2008, no
pet.), which states that a "high threshold" has to be passed in order to displace the
-10- presumption of impartiality, the actual height of such a threshold is nowhere
discussed in either Texas or federal law.
The "high threshold" reference in Ellis was to the concurrence of Justice
Kennedy, joined by three other justices, in Liteky v. United States, S 10 U.S. 540,
551-58 (1994), which explained that a judge should only be disqualified, under the
relevant federal statute, if it "appears that he or she harbors an aversion, hostility
or disposition of a kind that a fair-minded person could not set aside when judging
the dispute" and that "[o]ne of the objects of law is the impartiality of its judges in
fact and appearance." (emphasis added). The Court of Criminal Appeals' most
recent substantive decision concerning recusallaw in Texas, Gaal v. State, 332
S.W.3d 448,453 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011), also referred to the appearance of "an
aversion, hostility or disposition" being sufficient for a judge to be recused for
lack of impartiality, and confinned that there is no need for a party moving for
recusal to demonstrate what is going through a trial judge's mind, or to prove
actual bias: "Under Rule 18b (2)(a), showing that the trial judge's impartiality
'might reasonably be questioned' suffices." Jd at 459.
In its opinion in Gaal, the Court of Criminal Appeals did not adopt, or even
refer to, the idea of a "high threshold." However, it did refer to the standard
applied by a recusal judge in Kniatt v. State, 239 S.W.3d 91 0 (Tex. Crim. App.
-11- 2007), finding that recusal was required because:
A reasonable member of the public at large, witnessing [the trial judge's] words and acts •.• and knowing all the facts in the public domain concerning the judge and the case, would have reasonably believed he [acted adversely to the defendant}, and [those facts] would have caused such person to reasonably question, and to have a reasonable doubt about, [the trial judge's] impartiality and objectivity ... in a subsequent hearing ....
Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 455 n. 26; See also 488 Robert P. Schuwerk & Lillian
B. Hardwick, Texas Practice Series: Handbook of Texas Lawyer and Judicial
Ethics 40:26 at 770 (2010) (quoting Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,
State v. Kniatt, No. 25704-CR (40"' Dist Ct, Ellis County, Tex. Jan. 20, 2008).
Thus, the correct standard to be applied is simply that of TEX. R. Crv. P.
18b (b)(l): Recusal is required if"[T]hejudge's impartiality might reasonably be
questioned," because of a factor such as "an aversion, hostili~ or disposition of a
kind that a fair-minded person could not set aside when judging the dispute" and it
is not necessary to come to a conclusion that the judge in question is, in fact,
lacking in impartiality.
B. The Reasons Why the Judge's Impartiality Might ReasonablY B~ Questioned in this ease. This Court is called on to decide whether a reasonable member of the public
would reasonably doubt Judge Gonzalez' ability to be impartial in adjudicating
-12- claims concerning jury misconduct or, perhaps more accurately here, the impact of
outside influences improperly brought to bear on the jury. On June 16, 2014, this
Court heard testimony establishing that Judge Gonzalez had private discussions
with sitting jurors, outside the presence of the defendant, the court reporter or
counsel for either party. The discussions concerned the question of the jwy's
personal safety, in the context of a case whose subject matter concerned a six-
victim homicide resulting from the activities of members of a local street gang, of
which Mr. Garza was alleged to be a Captain. Moreover, this was a death penalty
case in which the question whether Mr. Garza "would commit criminal acts of
violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society," was one the jury
would have to answer at sentencing. See TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 37.071 § 2
(b){2).
In addition to now having to make findings of fact concerning his own
conduct, if he continues to preside over this case, Judge Gonzalez would be
required to make findings of fact concerning the conduct of his long-time
employee, Ms. Salinas, who was acting as his bailiff. Ms. Salinas had conversed
with jury members who had expressed concern for their safety telling them, among
other matters, that the judge carried a gun. The conduct of both judge and bailiff
breached court rules and constitutional safeguards and was improper, creating the
-13- perception in a reasonable person that Judge Gonzalez could not now be expected
to adjudicate that behavior impartially.
C. An;y private communication or contac.t b.x a trial Jud&e with a juror during a trial is impro,per. "Any ex parte meeting or communication between the judge and .•• jury is
pregnant with possibilities for eJTOr;' United States v. United States Gypsum Co.
eta/., 438 U.S. 422, 460 ( 1978), and may alone warrant reversal of a conviction.
Jd. at 462; see also Remmer v. United States, 341 U.S. 227 (1954): In a criminal case, any private communication, contact, or tampering, directly or indirectly, with a juror during a trial about the matter pending before the jury is, for obvious reasons, deemed presumptively prejudicial, if not made in pursuance of known rules of the court and the instructions and directions of the court made during the trial, with full knowledge of the parties.
Remmer was recently cited by the Court of Criminal Appeals in McQuarrie
v. State, 380 S.W.3d 145, 166 n.24 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012)(reversing and
remanding for further proceedings where outside influence had potentially had
impact on jury's verdict); see also TEX. CODE Juo. CONDUCT, Canon 3(8)(8) ("A
judge shall not initiate, pennit or consider ex parte communications outside the
presence of the parties between the judge and {court appointee] ... concerning the
merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding.").
Texas statutory law prescribes how communication between a trial court
-14- and a jury should be conducted: TEX. COD£ CRIM. PROC. Art. 36.27 sets out a
regime whereby all communications from the jury to the court must be "written,
prepared by the foreman, and shall be submitted to the court through the bailiff'
with answers also being in writing and made, if possible, only after notice to the
defendant and counsel, giving the defense an opportunity to object. Any
instructions or answers to jury notes must be read out in open court, unless that is
expressly waived, and all such proceedings should be made part of the record. Id
Ex parte contacts between a trial judge and a jury may infringe on
constitutional safeguards. In addition to the constitutional right to a fair trial
before an impartial jury, Skilling v. United States, 561 U.S. 358, 377 (20 10), a
defendant has the right to be present in person, Rushen v. Spain, 464 U.S. 114, 118
( 1983); Hopt v. Utah, ll 0 U.S. 574, 519-80 (1884), and to have the assistance of
counsel, Rothgery v. Gillespie County, 554 U.S. 191, 198 (2008), as well as
having the right to a public trial. Presley v. Georgia, 130 S.Ct 721, 723 (2010).
All of these rights are jeopardized by ex parte and in camera communications by
court officers with jurors outside the presence of the defendant and his counsel.
-15- D. Communication or contact by the tJjal bailiff witb jurors durins a trial max be impmper if it goes beyond what is necessaty fOI, the purpose of shepherding the jwy.
While the services of a bailiff are necessary to "attend the wants of the
jury," TEx. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.24, communication with jurors about the
case on trial is impennissible, "except in the presence and by the pennission of the
court." TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.22. Such communication may result in
confinement in jail or a fine. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art 36.23.
Comments made privately by a bailiff to jurors may infringe on the right to
be fairly tried only on the basis of evidence developed from the witness stand in a
public courtroom where there is full judicial protection of the defendant's right of
confrontation, of cross-examination, and of counsel. Parker v. Gladden, 385 U.S.
363, 365 ( 1966) (bailiff's improper comment to jurors that petitioner was a
'wicked fellow" required reversal); see also Mattox v. United States, 146 U.S. 140 4
(1892)(conviction reversed because bailiff remarked to jury that this was third
person defendant had killed); Wardv. Hall, 592 F.3d 1144, 1173-81 (lllh Cir.
20 IO)(petitioner's constitutional rights to fair trial and reliable sentence were
violated when bailiff responded improperly to juror question).
The fact that a Judge has a personal or business relationship with a
particular individual is not necessarily enough, in itself, to require recusal on the
-16- ground of a lack of impartiality. See, e.g., Woodruff v. Wright, SI S. W.3d 727,
737-38 {Tex. App. -Texarkana 2001, pet. denied)(doctor who was a party to case
had operated on judge's mother and colleague, and judge had conducted doctor's
wedding ceremony insufficient to require recusal); Lueg v. Lueg, 916 S.W.2d 308,
309, 311 (Tex. App. - Corpus Christi 1998, pet. denied)(recusal not mandated
although attorney for party was representing judge in separate lawsuit and was his
former campaign manager).
However, in Keene Corp. v. Rogers, 863 S.W.2d 168 (fex. App. -
Texarkana 1993, no writ) where the judge's son-in-law had become an associate at
one of the law finns involved in the case, but had no direct involvement in it, the
Texas Supreme Court held that each situation where an individual to whom a
judge has a personal connection is associated with a case "has to be detennined on
an ad hoc basis, considering such factors as whether and to what extent [that
person] is participating in the case and whether [they] will be substantially
Here, the bailiff indicated that she has a long-standing work relationship
with the judge in question and is a valued employee who he has promoted. She
also acknowledged that both he and she could experience adverse consequences as
a result of a finding that her conduct had jeopardized the outcome of a case.
-17- Thus, in this situation, the relationship between judge and bailiff goes beyond the
mere fact of employment. The court that ultimately adjudicates the relevant claim
will need to detennine and evaluate the actions of Ms. Salinas, a bailiff who has
committed potentially punishable misconduct, and who, given the close quarters in
which the judge works with her, may have knowledge of the judge's own conduct
in this case.
A reasonable observer would conclude that in these circumstances, Judge
Gonzalez' ability to impartially adjudicate the allegations in the writ application
might reasonably be questioned, given that his own, and his bailiffs, conduct
appears to have departed from the nonnal standards of conduct with regard to
sitting jurors.
The case of 0 'Quinn v. Hall, 11 S.W.3d 438, 447-48 (Tex. App... Corpus
Christi 2002, no pet.) arose from the same court and was presided over by the
same trial judge, the Hon. Noe Gonalez, as Mr. Garza's case, see 0 'Quinn v.
Hall, 11 S. W.3d 452, 454 (Tex. App. - Corpus Christi 2002). The Thirteenth
Court of Appeals decision in 0 'Quinn clearly demonstrates what the correct
outcome here should be: In 0 'Quinn, there was a factual dispute concerning the
time when counsel received notice of an Order entered by Judge Gonzalez and
supposedly conveyed to counsel by the court staff. The Thirteenth Court of
-18- Appeals rejected the idea that the judge could take judicial notice of what had
occurred, and held that the judge's reliance on evidence about a contested fact,
conveyed to him by his own staff, created an appearance of bias and lack of
impartiality. 77 S.W.3d at 448. The same concerns militate here in favor of
III. THE JUDGE HAS PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF DISPUTED EVIDENTIARY FACTS WHICH REQUIRE ms RECUSAL.
The State ofTexas has, in its Answer to the Writ Application, disputed Mr.
Garza's claims of outside influences on the jury contending that they "are based on
factual premises of doubtful validity," Id at 387. Thus, there are disputed factual
issues here that require that the case be adjudicated by a judge who is a "neutral
arbiter in the courtroom," Hensarlingv. State, 829 S.W.2d 168, 171 (Tex. Crim.
On the evidence developed thus far, Judge Gonzalez has knowledge of the
existence - or non-existence - of facts concerning at least his own conduct and
possibly that of a valued employee- his bailiff- also. If the State has discovered
what Judge Gonzalez' position is as to the facts, and that account is favorable to
the State's position, it would likely have to call the Judge as a witness, which
cannot be done while he is still presiding over the case. See TEX. R. EVID. 60S:
-19- "The Judge presiding at the trial may not testify in that trial as a witness."
Whether or not he testifies, for Judge Gonzalez to continue to preside over
this case, at minimum, "give[s] the appearance of the court becoming a witness in
this mattef' and risks creating "the appearance of bias which rule 605 seeks to
prevent." 0 'Quinn, 77 S. W.3d at 447-48. See also Brown v. Lynaugh, 843 F.2d
849, 850 (Sm Cir. 1988)("1t is difficult to see how the neutral role of the court
could be more compromised, or more blurred with the prosecutor's role, than
when the judge serves as a witness for the state.'').
In the analogous case of Gentry v. State, 2006 Tex. App. LEXIS 2923 (Tex.
App.- Texarkana 2006, no pet.) the court held that a judge could not decide the
outcome of a suppression hearing where he may himself have observed the
conduct leading to initial detention, and explicitly ruled on his personal
knowledge of the sequence of events. The court noted that a lack of impartiality
on the part of a trial judge deprives a defendant of due process, citing Kemp v.
State, 846 S. W.2d 289, 305-06 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). The facts of Gentry were
described as a "clear instance" of"personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary
facts," in Gaal, 332 8. W.3d at 454. Similarly, the facts here, concerning both
Judge Gonzalez' own conduct and possibly that of his bailiff also, provide another
"clear instance" of critical facts of a case being personally known to a judge, who
·20- therefore cannot continue to preside.
Hensar/ingv. State, 829 S.W.2d 168,171 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992),acase
where the judge who had presided at trial testified at a retrospective competency
hearing, noted the practical difficulties that would occur should a presiding judge
attempt to testify as a witness in the same proceeding, and which underline why
such an endeavor is infeasible, quoting Goode, Wellborn and Sharlot, Texas Rules
ofEvidence: Civil and Criminal, 33 Texas Practice 605.1, p. 384:
A judge who testifies, for example, might be required to evaluate his own testimony in the course of deciding a motion for a directed verdict. Furthennore, the aura of impartiality surrounding the judge will likely cause the jury to give undue credence to his testimony. Opposing counsel might well be hesitant to attack the judge on cross- examination for fear of alienating either the judge or jury. Finally, practical problems inhere in such judicial testimony. Who, for example, will rule on objections?
The conclusion in Hensarling was that for the State to introduce the
testimony of the judge who had presided at a previous stage of the proceedings did
not violate Rule 605, but on the facts of that case, a new judge was now presiding,
and the judge's own conduct was not in question, as it is here.
-21- IV. THE JUDGE'S USE OF PERSONAL RECOLLECTION IN DETERMINING THESE CONTROVERTED, PREVIOUSLY . UNRESOLVED FACTUAL ISSUES WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATE TO REACH A REASONABLY CORRECT RESULT IN THIS CASE. Both the capital and noncapital habeas corpus statutes provide that the
convicting court "may use personal recollection" in detennining "controverted,
previously unresolved factual issues" in a writ application. See TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 11.071 § 9(a); TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 11.07 § 3(d).
There is a dearth of authority concerning the scope of a trial court's proper
discretion to use personal recollection in detennining controverted issues.
However, Ex parte Davila. 530 S.W.2d 543 (Tex. Crim. App. 1975) concerned a
rape case, in which no hearing was conducted prior to habeas relief being granted.
In that case the ruling was based on "the files and records in this case and upon the
pleadings," and the critical tact at issue was not disputed by the State.
The Court granted relief, concluding that the ''proper standard in such cases
as the one before us is whether 'the fact-fmding procedure there employed was ..•
adequate for reaching reasonable correct results,"' quoting Townsend v. Sain, 312
U.S. 293 (J 963)(hearing required in federal district court where state procedures
had been inadequate to ensure a full and fair hearing); See also Vuong v. Scott, 62
F.3d 673 (Sdl Cir. 199S)(federal courts accord state findings of fact a presumption
-22- of correctness, provided the factfinding procedures employed are ''adequate"
under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2)); Wellons v. Hall, 558 U.S. 220, 223 n. 3 (2010)
(remanding case concerning alleged ex parte contacts between the trial court and
jurors, on which the petitioner had been prevented from creating a record, noting
that it would be "bizarre if a federal court had to defer to state-court factual
findings, made without any evidentiary record.")
It might be appropriate to use personal recollection to determine facts that
are unlikely to be disputed or that might be verified by the creation of a record to
review. Here, however, the facts remain controverted. and the State has not
declared itselfwilling to stipulate that the actions of the judge and bailiff testified
to by fonner jurors Palacios and Guerrero did in fact take place.
The fact-finding procedure must be fair to both parties. In Ex parte Byars,
176 S. W.3d 841 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005), where a recommendation for the grant of
habeas relief was upheld, a recanting witness had been interviewed by the trial
court in camera with only a court reporter present, albeit with the acquiescence of
the parties. Members of the Court of Criminal Appeals concurred in the decision
but expressed concern as to whether the procedure employed was adequate, given
that "adversarial testing is the constitutionally prescribed method of assessing
reliability," and the State had not cross-examined the witness. ld at 84 J (Keller,
·23- P.J. and Hervey & Cochran, JJ., concurring). Similar concerns pertain here, where
there is a risk that the trial court will make findings on the basis of facts that
cannot be properly tested or chaiJenged. Rose v. Mitchell, 443 U.S. 545, 563
( 1979)(earlier state court determination of facts was not dispositive because
'~udge whose conduct [the petitioner] challenged decided the validity of that
challenge.").
Moreover, weipt should be given to the circumstances in which the
convicting court acquires its knowledge of the facts: In Sommers v. Concepcion,
20 S.W.3d 27,43-44 (Tex. Crim. App.- Houston [141h Dist.]) 2000, pet. denied) a
trustee in bankruptcy tried to recuse a judge who had testified in another
proceeding concerning the same parties. It was held that it was no ground for
recusal if a judge has learned facts in the course of prior proceedings, but that
"where a party alleges the judge possesses personal knowledge of disputed facts,
the party must show that this knowledge either was wrong:fUUy obtained or led to a
wrongful disposition of the case.'' Here, where the trial court's knowledge of the
occurrences in the jury room were obtained - indeed, created - in violation of the
relevant statutes, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 36.22 and 36.27 concerning
contacts and communications with a jury during trial, it may be fairly said that the
judge's personal knowledge was wrongfully obtained. Thus, to have that same
-24- judge rely on his personal recollection of those events would not be an adequate
method "for reaching reasonably correct results." Davila, 530 S.W.2d at 545. A
finding favorable to Mr. Garza's position here would require Judge Gonzalez-
explicitly or implicitly - to admit negative facts about his own conduct and
possibly that of his longtime bailiff also. A finding adverse to Mr. Garza could
also result in factual determinations which cannot adequately be reviewed later,
since the court's contacts with the jury were in camera, ex parte and unrecorded.
V. CONCLUSION.
Recusal should be ordered on both of the grounds pleaded, TEX. R. CIV. P.
18b (b)(I) and (b)(3). A reasonable person would reasonably question the ability
of Judge Gonzalez to rule impartially, with untainted decision-making, when his
own reputational interest is at stake, and he has been shown to have personal
knowledge of disputed facts.
Court grant his motion to recuse the judge hitherto presiding in this case, pursuant
to TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(l) and (3). A proposed order is attached.
-25- Respectfully submitted,
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar# 50511187 7301 Burnet Road, # 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 524 1371 Fax: (512) 646 7067 Hilm:ySheard@Hotmail.QQm
Counsel for Humberto Gana Ill, Applicant.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on June 19, 2014, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served via e.. mail on:
Theodore C. Hake, Esq• . Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner, Room 303 Edinburg, Texas 78539. Ied.HAJc,e@da.co.hidalgo.tx.U§
Hilmy Sheard.
-26- IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS 139th JUDICIAL DISTRICI'
Ex parte § § HUMBERTO GARZA Ill, § § No. CR-3175-04-G(l) Applieant. §
ORDER ON APPLICANT'S MOTION TO RECUSE
On June 16, 2014, the Court conducted a hearing on Applicant's motion to
recuse, filed pursuant to TEx. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(1) and (3) in the above cause. The
Court has considered the motion, all attachments thereto, all evidence presented,
all citations of authority and the arguments and submissions of counsel. The
Court finds the motion should be, and is, hereby GRANTED.
It is further ordered that the Clerk of Court shall forward a certified copy of
this order to the Regional Presiding Judge:
Hon. J. Rolando Olvera, Presiding Judge Fifth Administrative Judicial Region ofTexas 200 N. Almond Street Alice, Texas 78332.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
SIGNED AND ENTERED nns __ day of _ _ _, 2014.
JUDGE PRESIDING Exhibit F State’s Memorandum in Response to Applicant’s Motion to Recuse 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez FILED AT_ _ _O'CLOCK_M CAUSE NO. CR-3175-04-G ( 1) JUN 19 2014
EX PARTE §
HUMBERTO GARZA, §
APPLICANT § HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
STATE'S MEMORANDUM RESPONSE TO APPLICANT'S MOTION TO RECUSE 370TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE NOE GONZALEZ
I. Background.
Applicant HUMBERTO GARZA was charged in Count One of the indictment
in cause number CR-3175-04-G with the offense of Capital Murder, based on an
allegation that he had caused the deaths of six individuals "during the same criminal
transaction" and charged in Count Two of the indictment in said case based on an
allegation that he had caused the deaths of six individuals "in the course of commit-
ting or attempting to commit the offense of robbery of(said individuals)".
At the end of the guilt phase of a trial on these charges before 370th District
Court Judge Noe Gonzalez, the jury found Applicant guilty of the lesser-included
offense of Murder as to Count One and the indicted Capital Murder as to Count Two.
1 The jury then answered "Yes" to the future dangerousness and anti-parties
special issues and "No" to the mitigating circumstances issue as to Count Two and,
accordingly, Judge Gonzalez sentenced Applicant to death.
The jury also assessed a life sentence as to Count One.
Judge Gonzalez later allowed trial counsel for Applicant to withdraw;
appointed Alan Futrell to represent Applicant in his direct appeal; and appo~nted Jolm
E. Wright as habeas counsel for Applicant.
Since TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. Art. 37.071, Sec. 2 (h) (Supp. 2013)
provides that a capital murder conviction and death sentence is subject to automatic
review by the Court of Criminal Appeals, Applicant's appeal of his conviction and
death sentence based on Count Two of the indictment was submitted to said Court.
In addition, Applicant's murder conviction and life sentence as to Count One
was submitted to the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.
On April 30, 2008, the Court of Criminal Appeals handed down a unanimous
opinion affinning the judgment and death sentence as to Count Two. See Garza v.
State, No. AP-75,217, 2008 Tex.Crim.App. Unpub. LEXIS 340 (April 30, 2008).
On August 28, 2008, the Thirteenth Court of Appeals issued an unpublished
per curiam opinion in which it mentioned the Court of Criminal Appeals' opinion in
the death penalty case appeal; stated that the remedy for a violation of a defendant's
double jeopardy rights was to vacate one of the convictions; noted that the Court of
2 Criminal Appeals had retained the "most serious offense" and affirmed the judgment
and sentence of death in Count Two; and reversed and rendered the conviction and
sentence in Count One for entry of an acquittal as to said count. See Garza v. State,
No. 13-05-00397-CR, 2008 Tex.App. LEXIS 6859 (Tex.App. - Corpus Christi 2008,
no pet.) (not designated for publication).
On July 19 2007, Mr. Wright filed an application for writ of habeas corpus on
behalf of Applicant.
The State accepted service of a copy of said application, in lieu of formal
service thereof via certified mail, return receipt requested, on September 18, 2012.
On October 24, 2012, Mr. Wright filed an motion to withdraw and substitute
attorney Hilary Sheard in which he says that he is unable to continue to represent
Applicant because he has recently undergone open heart surgeries and because Texas
law prohibits him, as an attorney who is now employed by a public defender's office,
from engaging in the private practice of criminal law.
On November 9, 2012, this court granted Mr. Wright's motion to withdraw
and substitute Ms. Sheard as habeas counsel for Applicant.
On November 13, 2012, the State filed Respondent's Original Answer to
Applicant's application far writ, along with a proposed order designating issues.
On November 15, 2012, Judge Gonzalez entered an Order Designating Issues
in which in which he indicated that there were unresolved fact issues; listed said
3 issues; pointed out that said issues may be resolved by having Applicant's trial attor-
neys, Ralph R. Martinez and Librado "Keno" Vasquez, each submit an affidavit re-
sponding to the allegations concerning their perfonnance; and ordered each of those
attorneys to file an affidavit within twenty days of the date of said Order. Said Order
also stated that Applicant and Respondent were to then submit any proposed findings
of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation within twenty days after the filing
of whichever affidavit was filed last.
Ralph R. Martinez submitted his affidavit on February 8, 2013 and Librado
"Keno" Vasquez filed his affidavit on March 20, 2013.
Since Ms. Sheard took over this case from Mr. Wright, she has filed several
extension requests asserting the need for additional time to be able to investigate the
issues involved in this case.
Moreover, in an order dated April 7, 2014 addressing Ms. Sheard's latest
extension request, the Court of Criminal Appeals indicated that it understands the
intricacies involved in capital litigation, but that it also recognizes Ms. Sheard was, at
this point, limited to the claims raised in the application which Mr. Wright had filed
in 2007. The Court of Criminal Appeals further ordered the trial court to rule on any
outstanding motions in this case within thirty days of the date of said order and to
resolve any outstanding issues in the case within ninety days of the date of said order
and indicated that an order to show cause and notice to appear would issue against
4 the trial judge, the prosecutor, and defense counsel if the completed case was not
forwarded to it on or before July 31, 2014.
On May 12, 2014, Ms. Sheard filed a Motion for an Evidentiary Hearing in
which she stated that the affidavits submitted by trial counsel lacked sufficient detail
to be able to adequately resolve the issues concerning adequacy of their performance;
that a live evidentiary hearing was thus necessary; and that the State had indicated
that it did not oppose a hearing, although it was concerned about ensuring com-
pliance with the deadlines set by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Judge Gonzalez then held a scheduling conference with the attorneys in this
case and indicated that he would hold a live evidentiary hearing on June 9, 2014.
On May 27, 2014, Ms. Sheard filed "Applicant's Motion to Court to Recuse
Itself" in this case.
In said motion, Ms. Sheard stated that the application for writ filed in 2007 had
included a claim that Applicant had been denied his right to a fair trial before an im-
partial jury because of the hostile atmosphere in the courtroom and that Applicant's
death sentence had resulted from alleged jury misconduct, namely a judicial com-
ment that gangs would sometimes come after jurors, a comment by the bailiff that the
judge was carrying a gun; and the conduct of the trial in an atmosphere of gang vio-
lence. She also indicated that she and an investigator had interviewed former juror
Rose Marie Palacios, who had been known as Rose Marie Vera when she served as a
5 juror; that Ms. Palacios had provided additional details not mentioned in the affidavit
she had given in 2007; that this information had made it apparent to her that Judge
Gonzalez had to be asked to recuse himself; and that it led to a conclusion that Judge
Gonzalez' knowledge of evidentiary facts that are in dispute and the possible appear-
ance of impropriety and lack of impartiality if Judge Gonzalez continued to deter-
mine the relevant issues compelled filing of the motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez.
After discussing the law governing recusal of judges, Ms. Sheard prayed that
Judge Gonzalez either recuse himself or request that the Presiding Judge of this
administrative district hear the motion himself or assign another judge to do so.
Judge Gonzalez utilized the latter option and I 39th District Court Judge J.R.
"Bobby" Flores was assigned to hear the motion to recuse.
Accordingly, a hearing was held in the l39th District Court, before Judge
During said hearing, testimony was presented by former juror Rose Marie
Palacios, formerly known as Rose Marie Vera; former juror Melissa Guerrero; and
Alicia uLicha" Salinas, who had been the bailiff for the 370th District Court at the
After hearing testimony from those witnesses and the argument of counsel,
Judge Flores requested that the parties submit a memorandum and copies of the cases
they were relying on. Accordingly, the State is now submitting this memorandum.
6 II. Fonnat of This Response.
In this document, the State will first describe the legal principles applicable to
evaluation of the motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez. In next applying those principles to the evidence presented at the hearing on said motion, the State will demonstrate
that Applicant has not presented sufficient evidence to support his request that Judge
Gonzalez be recused from further involvement in this habeas proceeding.
III. Applicable Legal Principles.
First of all, a Texas judge may be removed from presiding over a case if (1) he
is constitutionally disqualified, (2) he is subject to a statutory strike, or (3) he is sub~
ject to statutory disqualification or recusal under Texas Supreme Court rules. See,
e.g., Gaal v. State, 332 S.W.3d 448, 452 (Tex. Crim.App. 2011); Rhodes v. State,
357 S.W.3d 796,799 (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, pet. ref d).
Secondly, generally a motion to recuse seeks to prevent a judge from hearing a
case because of a non-constitutional reason, while ground for disqualification are
limited to those identified in the constitution. See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 452.
Third, the Court of Criminal Appeals has pointed out that Rule 18b (2) of the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure sets out the law concerning recusal and includes in-
stances in which a judge must step down from hearing a case for reasons other than
the disqualifying grounds listed in the constitution. See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 452-53.
7 Fourth, Texas Courts have also noted that Rule 18b (2) states, in pertinent part,
that, "a judge shall recuse himself in any proceeding in which (a) his impartiality
might reasonably be questioned or (b) he has a personal bias or prejudice concerning
the subject matter or a party, or personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts
concerning the proceeding. See,~ Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 43; Youkers v. State, 400
S.W.3d 200,206 (Tex.App.- Dallas 2013, pet. rerd); Rhodes, 357 S.W.3d at 799.
Fifth, the Court of Criminal Appeals has also stated that there is a lot of over-
lap between the two subsections, but that the first basis for recusal mentioned in Rule
18b (2)--that the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned-appears to be
one that the parties may use when in doubt as to any more concrete reason why the
judge should not preside and noted that Justice Kennedy had stated, in his concurring
opinion in Liteky v. United States, 510 U.S. 540, 558, 114 S.Ct. 1147, 1258, 127
L.Ed. 2d 474 (1994) that a judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned "only
if it appears that he or she harbors an aversion, hostility or disposition of a kind that a
fair-minded person could not set aside when judging the dispute". See Gaal, 332
S.W.3d at 453. 1
Sixth, the Court of Criminal Appeals has also pointed out that Rule 18b (2)(b)
is more specific and covers how the judge feels and what the judge knows; that the
Fourth Court of Appeals had, for example, held in Abdygapparova v. State, 243
1 Lower court cases have mentioned this reference to Justice Kennedy's remarks. See Diaz v. State, 380 S.W.3d 309,312 (Tex.App.- Fort Worth 2012, pet. rerd); Rhodes, 357 S.W.3d at 799-800.
8 S.W.3d 191, 208~10 (Tex.App.- San Antonio 2007, pet. rerd) that the trial judge's
feeling of personal bias was evidenced by ex parte communications with the prosecu-
tor in which the judge provided guidance to the prosecutor on how to present his case
and discussed the judge's initial ruling regarding the defendant's ongoing request for
an interpreter; and that the situation where the trial judge interrupted a suppression
hearing and announced that he had himself observed the conduct that had led to the
defendant's initial detention which was involved in Gentry v. State, No. 06-05~
00237-CR, 2006 Tex.App. LEXIS 2923 (Tex.App.- Texarkana 2006, no pet.) (not
designated for publication) was an illustration of a clear instance of "personal know-
ledge of disputed evidentiary facts" requiring recusal. See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 453.
Seventh, said Court has also indicated that recusal is, however, generally not
required when based solely on judicial rulings, remarks, or actions; that those acts
almost never constitute a valid basis for a bias or partiality motion; that they may be
proper grounds for appeal, but not for recusal; and that opinions formed by the judge
on the basis of facts introduced, or events occurring, during the current or prior pro-
ceedings do not constitute a basis for a bias or partiality motion unless they display a
deep-seated favoritism or antagonism that would make fair judgment impossible.
See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 454, quoting Liteky, 510 U.S. at 555, 114 S.Ct. at 1157.
Eighth, Texas courts have further stated that a judge's remarks that are critical,
disapproving, or hostile to counsel, the parties, or their cases will thus usually not
9 support a bias or partiality challenge, although they may do so if they reveal an opin·
ion based on extrajudicial information and will require recusal if they reveal ''such a
high degree of favoritism or antagonism that would make fair judgment impossible";
that expressions of impatience, dissatisfaction, annoyance, and anger that are within
the bounds of what imperfect people display do not establish bias or partiality; and
that a judge's ordinary efforts at courtroom administration thus do not make him sub-
ject to recusal. See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 454; Rhodes, 357 S.W.3d at 800.
Ninth, said Court has also stated that, although intemperate remarks or un-
ethical conduct may well violate a rule of judicial conduct, such a violation does not
necessarily mean that the judge should be recused. See Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 455;
Wesbrook v. State, 29 S.W.3d 103, 121 (Tex.Crim.App. 2000); Kemp v. State, 846
S.W.2d 289, 305 (Tex.Crim.App. 1992), cert. denied, 508 U.S. 918, 113 S.Ct. 2361,
124 L.Ed.2d 268 ( 1993 ).
Tenth, the courts have stated that judicial bias can result in disqualification, but
only does so when it is shown to be of such a nature and to such an extent as to deny
the defendant due process of law. See, ~' Wesbrook, 29 S. W .3d at 121 ; McCienan
v. State, 661 S.W.2d 108, 109 (Tex.Crim.App. 1983), overruled on other grounds by
DeLeon v. Aguilar, 127 S.W.3d 1 {Tex.Crim.App. 2004); Abdygapparovg, 243 S.W.
3d at 198; Rosas v. State, 76 S.W.3d 771, 775 (Tex.App.- Houston [1st Dist.] 2002,
no pet.).
10 Eleventh, there is a presumption ofjudicial impartiality. See,~ Durrough v.
State, 620 S.W.2d 134, 143 (Tex.Crim.App. 1981); Ex parte Ellis, 275 S.W.3d 109,
117 {Tex.App.- Austin 2008, no pet.); Abdygapparov§, 243 S.W.3d at 198.
Twelfth, an appellate court must utilize an abuse of discretion standard in
reviewing an order denying a motion to recuse and should not reverse a judge hearing
the motion whose ruling on the motion is within the zone of reasonable disagreement.
See,~' Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 456; Wesbrook, 29 S.W.3d at 120-21; Kemp, 846
S.W.2d at 306; Rhodes, 357 S.W.3d at 800; Abdygapparova, 243 S.W.3d at 197-98.
Thirteenth, in applying said standard, the appellate court must consider the
totality of the evidence and information elicited at the recusal hearing to see if the
record reveals sufficient evidence to support the recusal judge's ruling that the trial
judge was unbiased. See,~' Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 456; Kemp, 846 S.W.2d at 306;
Rhodes, 357 S.W.3d at 800.
Fourteenth, a high threshold must be met in order to recuse a judge and the
proper inquiry to be made in evaluating a request to do so is whether a reasonable
member of the public at large, knowing all of the facts in the public domain concern-
ing the judge and the case, would have a reasonable doubt that the judge is actually
impartial. See,~, Kemp, 846 S.W.2d at 305; McClenan, 661 S.W.2d at 109; Ellis,
275 S.W.3d at 116; Abdygapparova, 243 S.W.3d at 198; Burkett v. State, 196
S.W.3d 892, 896 (Tex.App.-Texarkana 2006, no pet.); Rosas, 76 S.W.3d at 774.
11 IV. Application ofThese Principles to the Facts Presented at the Recusal Hearing.
Application of these legal principles to the facts adduced at the hearing on Ap-
plicant's motion to recuse Judge Gomalez demonstrates that Applicant has not met his burden to establish a sufficient factual basis to warrant granting of his request.
First of all, former juror Rose Marie Palacios merely referred in general terms
to having had concerns for her personal safety; said that other jurors and "the judge
and stuff like that" had told the jurors that sometimes some of the jurors could be in
danger; indicated that she had been afraid of being followed, or talked to, or maybe
being threatened; indicated that her concerns had mostly been the result of other
jurors talking about their fears; and stated that she had not really thought about "if'.
However, Ms. Palacios never provided any specifics about any remarks made
by any particular individual, including what exactly had been said, who had made
said comments, or when said remarks had been made.
Secondly, Ms. Palacios also stated that the evidence of gang activity in the
case had increased her concerns, but also admitted that the facts of the case involved
gangs on both sides and that people she had seen in the parking lot or the courtroom
that had concerned her could be family members of either the victims or Applicant.
Third, Ms. Palacios further stated that her concerns had been increased_ when
someone in the audience took a photograph toward the jury, but further acknow-
ledged that Judge Gonzalez had reassured the jury that that person was a legitimate
12 member of the media and that he would make sure that said individual was reminded
of the policy not to take photographs which identified jurors when the jurors' concern
about the photograph was somehow conveyed to him.
Fourth, Ms. Palacios also said that male members of the jury had been talking
to the bailiff about gang activity, seeing gang members' families in the courtroom,
and someone carrying the photograph while the jury was in the jury room at some
unspecified point during the guilt phase of trial; that someone had told the bailiff that
they hoped that she was carrying a gun; and that the bailiff had responded that she
did not do so, but that the jurors did not have to worry because the judge had a gun.
However, Alicia "Licha" Salinas, who had been the bailiff during Applicant's
trial, testified that she had not carried a gun while serving in that capacity; that she
did not remember ever telling anyone that Judge Gonzalez carried a gun; that she
does not think that she would have told anybody that Judge Gonzalez carried a gun;
and that Judge Gonzalez did not, to her knowledge, carry a gun "back then".
Accordingly, there is a clear-cut factual dispute concerning whether Ms. Sali-
nas had made a remark about Judge Gonzalez carrying a gun for this court, as the
fact-finder in regard to the motion to recuse to resolve.
Moreover, the State would submit that Ms. Salinas' testimony on this subject
is more credible than that of Ms. Palacios, particularly in light of the lack of any cred-
ible explanation why a court bailiff would volunteer such prejudicial information.
13 Fifth, even under Ms. Palacios' version of events, the remark Ms. Salinas
allegedly made was that Judge Gonzalez had a gun, which literally merely means that
he possessed some type of gun, such as a hunting rifle, at some undisclosed location,
such as his residence.
Sixth, Ms. Palacios further indicated that the bailiff had further assured the
jurors that the court would make sure that the jurors were allowed to park closer to
the courtroom when they worked into the evening.
Seventh, Ms. Palacios said that Judge Gonzalez had, at one point during the
guilt phase of trial, come into the jury room to re-assure the jurors that h~ understood
their concerns about their safety, reassure them that he was going to provide security
for them, and let the jury know that the person who had taken the photograph which
had concerned them was legitimate and that he would make sure that the photograph
would not become public.
However, Ms. Palacios also admitted that, when Judge Gonzalez came to talk
to the jurors, it would concern issues concerning scheduling and whether the jurors
would be available to finish the trial or work late.
Eighth, although Ms. Palacios mentioned Judge Gonzalez speaking to the jury
in response to a note from some jurors, she did not give any specific information
about the content of any such note, at what point the note had been sent, which juror
or jurors had sent the note, or the content of the judge's response to the note.
14 Moreover, while it was suggested that an oral communication outside of the
presence of Applicant and the attorneys involved in the case would be improper, any
such improper conduct would merely involve an arguable violation of the rules of
judicial conduct and would not constitute evidence of judicial bias or lack of impar-
tiality sufficient to show that Judge Gonzalez should be recused from this case.
Ninth, Ms. Palacios acknowledged that her first affidavit, which she executed
in 2007, mentioned a time when she thought that Applicant's mother was sitting
alone in the parking lot when she went to her car; that someone had told a member of
the court staff; and that she had been reassured that the court would take care of the
situation.
Tenth, former juror Melissa Guerrero merely testified that she had had con-
cerns about her personal safety during the first few days of the trial, because of the
extent of the crime involved and the fact that the case had to do with gang violence.
Ms. Guerrero further indicated that "nothing really was mentioned" by the
other jurors about the security situation; that they had been concerned about being
followed while walking to their cars; and that the jurors had also been concerned
about the incident where a reporter had taken a photograph of the jury.
Eleventh, Ms. Guerrero also said that Judge Gonzalez had come into the jury
room on about the fifth or sixth day of the trial to calm down those jurors who had
had questions or concerns about their safety; that the jurors had been allowed to park
15 in a different area at some point and to be released from court first; and that she
assumed that the change had occurred because of the concerns about security.
Twelfth, Ms. Guerrero indicated that the only other time Judge Gonzalez had
come to talk to the jury was when he came to thank them for their service and pro-
vide information if anyone wanted counseling after serving in this death penalty case.
Finally, although Ms. Palacios and Ms. Guerrero were not asked any questions
about the effect of the events they were describing on their deliberations during their
testimony at the hearing on the motion to recuse, Judge Flores took judicial notice of
the contents of the court file pertaining to this case, which included the affidavits by
Ms. Palacios which are attached to Applicant's motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez.
Furthermore, Ms. Guerrero says that she would have voted differently if she
had known that a co-defendant had received a lesser sentence in her 2007 affidavit;
states that certain defense witnesses at the punishment phase had not had any impact
on her in her 20 14 affidavit, and also says, in the latter affidavit, that the issue of
security had played a big role in her decision on the future dangerousness special
ISSUe.
Because this material is thus arguably part of Applicant's effort to show that
the jury had had concerns about their safety, the State must, out of an abundance of
caution, note that TEX. R. EVID. ANN. 606 (b) does not allow a juror to testify or
provide an affidavit "as to any matter or statement occurring during the jury's delib-
16 erations, or to the effect of anything on any juror's mind or emotions or mental pro-
cesses, as influencing any juror's assert to or dissent from the verdict or indictment".
The State would also note that the Court of Criminal Appeals recently
discussed this principle in Colyer v. State, 428 S.W.3d 117 (Tex.Crim.App. 2014)?
In particular, in Colyer, said Court noted that the purpose of Rule 606 (b) is to
limit "the role jurors may play in attacking the validity of a verdict"; that this limita-
tion serves the important policy interests of (I) encouraging jurors to candidly dis-
cuss the case; (2) protecting jurors from post-trial harassment, (3) promoting finality,
and (4) preventing tampering and fraud; that courts try to maintain the balance be-
tween the goal of a trial by a jury free from bias or misconduct and the need to pre-
vent losing parties from trying the jury; and that Rule 606 (b) and the case law have
generally struck the balance in favor of the privacy of deliberations. Id. at 15-16.
The Court of Criminal Appeals next stated that the most common, but dis-
allowed, means to impeach the jury's verdict is the "disgruntled juror''; that a juror
who reluctantly joined a verdict is likely to be sympathetic to overtures by the loser
and persuadable to the view that his own consent rested on false or impermissible
considerations; that allowing such jurors to impeach their former verdict would give
the losing party much to gain and little to lose in harassing all of the former jurors in
2 Although LexisNexus indicates that Colyer has now been published at 428 S.W.3d 117, it does not include mention of page numbers within said publication of said case. For this reason, in describing passages in said caset the State has utilized the references found in the Lexis citation to Colyer v. State, No. PD·0305~13, 2014 Tex.Crim.App. LEXIS 636 (April30, 2014).
17 a search for a "disgruntled" one; and that "Rule 606 (b) flatly prohibits 'disgruntled
juror' evidence either by affidavit or testimony". Id. at* 17.
Said Court next indicated that the purpose of the exception to Rule 606 (b)
which allows testimony about outside influences is to allow proof of external pres-
sures that are likely to influence the verdict; that, in McQuarrie v. State, 380 S.W.3d
145, 154 (Tex.Crim.App. 2012), it had explained that an "outside influence" is
"something originating from a source outside of the jury room and other than from
the jurors themselves"; that a Rule 606 (b) inquiry is, therefore, limited to that which
occurs both outside of the jury room and outside of the jurors' personal knowledge
and experience; that external events or information, unrelated to the trial, which hap-
pen to cause jurors to feel personal pressure to hasten or end deliberations are not
''outside influences" because they are caused by a juror's personal and emotional re-
action to information that is irrelevant to the trial issues; that those kinds of internal
personal pressures are normal and may be expected in any trial; and that they are,
furthermore, not "improperly brought to bear" upon the juror in a manner designed or
likely to influence deliberations. Id. at *17-19.
The Court of Criminal Appeals also stated that Texas cases have concluded
that allowing normal personal pressures to qualify as 'outside influences" would jeo-
pardize the finality of virtually every verdict; that, under Colyer's interpretation, any
juror who had had second thoughts about his vote could retroactively claim that a
18 personal pressure made him apprehensive and eager to conclude the deliberations;
that Rule 606 (b) explicitly prohibits post-verdict testimony about a juror's mental
processes to impeach the verdict; and that most jurors feel some type of normal
internal, individual pressures throughout the entire trial. Id. at *26-30.
The State would submit that the remarks about jurors who have second-
thoughts about their decisions which the Court of Criminal Appeals made in Colyer
are clearly relevant to evaluation of the credibility of the testimony and affidavits
provided by former jurors Rose Marie Palacios and Melissa Guerrero.
V. The Unique Aspect of This Recusal Motion: It Seeks Recusal In Regard to a Proceeding In Which the Judge Is Allowed to Utilize Personal Recollection.
The State is compelled to mention one more other point before concluding this
response to Applicant's motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez.
Applicant's motion seeks to recuse Judge Gonzalez from further involvement
in this post-conviction habeas proceeding in a death penalty case under TEX. CODE
CRIM. PROC. ANN. Art. 11.071 (Supp. 201.3).
The present status of this case is that an application for writ and an answer
have been filed, an Order Designating Issues has been entered, trial counsel have sub-
mitted affidavits, Applicant has filed a motion for a live courtroom hearing, said
motion has been granted, and the hearing which Judge Gonzalez had scheduled has
been put on hold pending disposition of the motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez.
19 Accordingly, the next step to be taken once the recusal issue is resolved would
be to hold the live courtroom hearing; have both sides submit proposed fmdings of
fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation; and have whatever judge ends up
presiding over this case enter findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Moreover, the Court of Criminal Appeals April 7, 2014 order imposes some
time pressure for those matters to occur.
Typically, a trial judge is expected to be unfamiliar with the facts of the case
and the parties involved, although the case law mentioned earlier indicates that some
knowledge of the case, such as information derived from having tried the case
involving a co-defendant, is not necessarily grounds for recusal.
However, this case, a post-conviction habeas proceeding, involves a somewhat
different situation.
After all, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. ANN. Art. 11.071, Sec. 9 (a) (Supp.
2013) states that, in order to resolve any designated controverted, previously un-
resolved fact issues material to the legality of the applicant's confinement, "the court
may require affidavits, depositions, interrogatories, and evidentiary hearings and may
use personal recollection".
The clear implication of this last phrase is thus that the court may have some
level of personal knowledge of the relevant disputed fact issues and is not required to
be totally without any knowledge concerning them.
20 Admittedly, the statute and case law do not specify the extent of personal
recollection which the trial judge is allowed to utilize and what level of knowledge
would be too much to allow him to remain impartial and would thus require recusal.
The State would, nonetheless, submit that, wherever the line should be drawn,
the evidence which Applicant has produced in support of his motion to recuse does
not support a conclusion that Judge Gonzalez' impartiality might reasonably be
questioned and that he should be recused from further involvement in this case.
VI. Conclusion and Prayer.
This Court should deny Applicant's motion to recuse Judge Gonzalez based
upon the lack of sufficient factual support for Applicant's contention that Judge Gon-
zalez' impartiality might reasonably be questioned.
Accordingly, the State prays that this Court deny Applicant's motion to recuse
RENE GUERRA, CRIIvfiNAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS c .....? #
L/~c:'~ THEODORE C. HAKE, ASSISTANT CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY 1-llDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
21 State Bar No. 08716800
Hidalgo County Courthouse Edinburg, Texas 78539
Telephone No. (956) 318-2300 Telecopier No. (956) 318-0407
ATTORNEYS FOR RESPONDENT
I, THEODORE C. HAKE, certify that I have E-mailed a copy of the foregoing
State's Memorandum Response to Applicant's "Motion to Recuse 370th District
Court Judge Noe Gonzalez to Applicant's habeas counsel Hilary Sheard at Ms.
Sheard's E-mail address ofHilarySheard@Hotmail.com and have also sent a copy of
said item via the United States mail to Hilary Sheard, Attorney at Law, 7301 Burnet
Road# 102-328, Austin, Texas 78757.
Dated this, the 19th day of June, 2014.
~c~ THEODORE C. HAKE, ASSISTANT CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
22 Exhibit G Applicant’s Motion for Court to Recuse Itself IN THE DISTRICf COURT OF HIDALGO COupf_[JEt) 370th JUDICIAL DIST~ O'CLOCK / M § MAY 2 7 201 Ex parte HUMBERTO GARZA III, § LAURA HINOJO § No.~IW~~~~·111.1 Applicant. § BY.----+-+-~ §
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT AND TH PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE FIFfH ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIAL REGION:
COMES NOW, Humberto Garza, Ill, the Applicant, by and through
undersigned counsel, and files this, his motion for the Hon. Noe Gonzalez, Judge
of the 3701h District Court, to recuse himself from all further proceedings in this
case, pursuant to TEX. R. CJV. P. 18b(b)(l) and (3).
A. Background Facts.
I. Judge Noe Gonzalez is the district judge of the 370111 Judicial District Court
of Hidalgo County, Texas.
2. Humberto Garza III is the Applicant in this capital habeas corpus
proceeding, filed pursuant to Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 11 0.071.
3. The habeas Application in this case was filed on July 19,2007, by former
counsel John E. Wright, Esq. The Application contained allegations that:
• Mr. Garza was denied his right to a fair trial before an impartial jury under the Sixth Amendment, the Eighth Amendment and the Due
Page 1 ofl4 Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, because of the hostile atmosphere in the courtroom (Claim 4);
• Mr. Garza's death sentence resulted from jury misconduct, including the exposure of the jury to outside influences, namely a comment to the jury by the trial judge that gangs would sometimes come after jurors, a comment by the bailiff that the judge was carrying a gun, and the conduct of the trial in an atmosphere of gang violence, as well as premature deliberations, and the conveying of extra-record infonnation by two jurors to the other jury members (Claims 5 & 6).
4. These allegations were supported by:
• Exhibit 2: A listing of coverage of the trial from the local newspaper "The Monitor;"
• Exhibit 23 and 24: Affidavit and Declaration ofjuror Miguel Martinez;
• Exhibit 25: Declaration ofjuror Felipe Hernandez;
• Exhibit 26: Affidavit ofjuror Rose Marie Vera;
• Exhibit 27: Affidavit ofjuror Melissa Guerrero
5. The affidavit ofjuror Rose Marie Vera, Exhibit 27, indicated that the trial
judge had "warned us that sometimes gang members come after the jury,"
that the judge had given reassurance to the jurors about a journalist who had
taken a photograph in the courtroom, and that a bailiff had told the jury that 1 the judge carried a gun.
1 Applicant was alleged to be a leader of the "Tri-City Bombers" gang, and was charged with carrying out a six-victim robbery-homicide along with other gang members. Page2ofl4 6. Jurors Miguel Martinez and Melissa Guerrero, as well as Rose Marie Vera,
indicated that they had been concerned for their safety during the trial. See
Exhibits 24, 26, 27.
1. The Answer filed by the State of Texas on November 13,2012, contended,
at 387, that these claims "are based on factual premises of doubtful validity!'
8. The Answer continued: ''the fact that Applicant merely argues that exposure
of the jury to the information to which he refers had been likely to have
denied him the impartial system to which he was entitled demonstrated the
lack of validity of his arguments.•.. Habeas relief must be based on a
showing that a constitutional right was violated, and not merely a claim that
it is likely that it was violated." Jd
9. The 2007 affidavit of Rose Marie Vera, which was obtained by volunteer
law students, did not specify whether the comment made by the judge about
gangs was made in open court (it does not appear on the record), what were
the circumstances in which the bailiff was talking to the jury about the
judge, and what the influence of the judge and bailiff's comments had been
on Ms. Vera's sentencing decision.
10. Undersigned counsel filed a series of funding applications for investigative
expenses in this matter. Unfortunately, the requested funding was not
granted in full, and investigative work on the case has therefore been
Pagel of14 sporadic. Counsel experienced great difficulty in scheduling her
investigator's work as a result: neither she nor the investigator are local to
the area, and the investigator has had other substantial commitments to
capital trial cases. Thus, additional jury interviewing was only recently
conducted, with undersigned counsel accompanying the investigator, Kristi
Bishop.
B. Newly-Discovered Facts Indicating the Need for the Court's Rec:usal.
I 1. On Sunday May 18, 2014, undersigned counsel, together with Ms. Bishop,
interviewed Rose Marie Vera, now known as Rose Marie Palacios, at her
home.
12. On Monday May 19,2014, Ms. Palacios signed an affidavit repeating
matters she had discussed in the interview of May 18, 2012, which included
more detailed infonnation than was previously known to counse1:2
13. In her affidavit, Ms. Palacios explained that the judge, the Hon. Noe
Gonzalez, had spoken to the jury in the jwy room behind the courtroom on
more than one occasion. In addition to talking to the jury about the security
risk that gang members represented to jurors, the judge also spoke to them in
response to notes they had sent out.
2 Copies of both Ms. Vera/Palacios' affidavits are attached. The affidavit of May 19, 2014, will be submitted as part of a volume of supplemental exhibits to the habeas application being filed with the court. Page4of14 14. Ms. Palacios stated that, so far as she could recall, the attorneys representing
the State and the defense were not present at the time the judge warned the
jury about gangs, or at any time when he was with them in the jury room.
15. Ms. Palacios identified the bailiff who had told the jury members that the
judge carried a gun as being a woman named "Licha." Some members of
the jury had told Licha that they were concerned about their personal safety,
and Licha had told them that Judge Gonzalez always carried a gun. Ms.
Palacios believed that Judge Gonzalez was in the habit of carrying a gun
because he had been threatened in the past.
16. Ms. Palacios concluded that: "It is my belief that the issue of security during
the trial played a big role in my decision on the issue of deciding whether
Mr. Garza was a future danger to society. I had my own security concerns
very much in mind, and they were increased by Licha' s comment about the
judge carrying a gun, and by what the judge said about the gang following
jurors."
17. Now that Ms. Palacios has explained the circumstances of both the court and
its bailiff's conduct, for example, by ascertaining that her reference to the
trial court talking about gangs following jurors was not a mishearing of
something said on the open record, it has become apparent to undersigned
counsel that the court must be asked to recuse itself.
PageSofl4 18. This motion is not predicated on any allegation that Judge Gonzalez harbors
any personal bias against applicant However, and unfortunately, the newly
discovered facts lead to the inevitable conclusion that the court's personal
knowledge of evidentiary facts that are in dispute, and the possible
appearance of impropriety and lack of impartiality if he continues to
detennine the relevant issues, compel the filing of this motion on Mr.
Garza's behalf. 3
Law and Argument
The court can got preside over this proceeding because it has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiaa facts concerning Applicant's trial.
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18b(b) provides various grounds for recusal,
such as where the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, where the
judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning the subject matter or party, or has
personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding. TEX.
R. CIV. P. 18b(b); Gaalv. State, 332 S.W.3d 448,453 (Tex. Crim. App.
20 II)( discussing statutory bases for recusal).
3 Undersigned counsel has discussed this situation with Assistant District Attorney Theodore C. Hake who, like undersigned counsel, is concerned that this motion for the court to recuse itself may jeopardize the deadline for completion of the case of July 31, 2014, imposed by the Court of Criminal Appeals in an order of April7, 2014. Notwithstanding the scheduling difficulties that this motion for recusal might entail, undersigned counsel has no alternative but to file it, in order to ensure that Mr. Garza's receive an appropriate adjudication of these habeas corpus proceedings. Page6of14 Although there is no comparable criminal rule or statute to TEX. R. Ctv. P.
18b, the Court of Criminal Appeals has held that the civil rules on disqualification
apply unless there is legislative intent indicating otherwise. See McC/enan v. State,
661 S.W.2d 108, 110 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983). Because there is no legislative
intent otherwise, TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b applies in this case.
TEX. R. Ctv. P. 18b(b)(3) plainly states that a '~udge must recuse in any
proceeding in which ... the judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary
facts concerning the proceeding." TEx. R. Crv. P. 18b(b)(3). When a judge has
personally witnessed the events whose existence and legal significance he would
have to decide, he must recuse himself. See, e.g., Gentry v. State, No. 06-05-
00237-CR, 2006 Tex. App. LEXIS 2923 (Tex. App.- Texarkana April 12, 2006,
no. pet.)Gudge could not conduct suppression hearing where he had himself
observed conduct leading to initial detention}.
It appears that the court here was communicating with the jury privately,
whereas TEX. CoDE CRJM. PROC. Art. 36.27 mandates that all communications
between jurors and the trial court must be written, with the court's responses to
juror questions also being in writing, where possible after securing the presence of
the defendant and counsel, and being read out in open court unless expressly
waived by the defendant.4 The court will have personal knowledge of whether or
4 There are jury notes in the record, 2 CR 925-942. many dealing with "housekeeping" matters such as bathroom breaks or requests for food, to which no written response appears. Page7 ofl4 not there were such communications conducted without following the strictures of
TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. Art. 36.27.5
Moreover, the court would have personal knowledge both of whether or not
he carries a gun, and whether the bailiff would know that fact. The court may also
have personal knowledge of what the bailiff said to the jury members about his
owning a gun.
The State has already questioned the "validity'' of the factual premises of
Applicant's claims concerning outside influences upon the jury; Applicant
contends that those outside influences did exist, and did have a deleterious impact
on the fairness of the proceedings against him. Thus, there exist here
"controverted, previously unresolved factual issues," under TEX. CODE CRIM.
PROC. Art. 11.071 § 9 (a).6
Two notes, requesting guidance as to the charge, do include the court's written response, 2 CR 931 and 935, but there is nothing in the record to indicate that there was any consultation with counsel, nor were the responses read in open court. While there is one note indicating juror concem that people were able to overhear their deliberations at a point when they had gone into dte courtroom in order to deliberate there, 2 CR 929, there is no written response to that note. Thus, it appears that TEx. CODE CRJM. Paoc. Art. 36.27 was not being scrupulously followed. ''"(A]ny private communication, contac~ or tamperin& directly or indirectly, with a juror during a trial about a matter pending before the jury is ... deemed presumptively prejudicial, if not made in pursuance of known rules of the court ••. with full knowledge of the parties." Remmer v. United States, 347 U.S. 227,229 (1954); Mallox v. United States, 146 U.S. 140 ( 1892).
'The existing Order Designating Issues ofNovember IS, 2012, drafted by the State, does not include these claims among those to be resolved by way of a hearing. Applicant's Motion for Evidentiary Hearing of May 9, 2014, indicated that it might be necessmy to ask for additional issues to be designated. Now that Applicant has clarification from Ms. Palacios as to what occurred at Mr. Garza's trial, a proposed order designating additional issues to be heard by the Page 8 ofl4 The eourt eannot preside oyer this proeeeding because its impartialiu might reasonably be questioned..
A trial judge must recuse himself in any proceeding in which ''the judge's
impartiality might reasonably be questioned." TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b(b)(I).
The impartiality of the judiciary is indeed one of the most fundamental and
indispensable aspects of the American system ofjustice and of due process. See,
e.g., Tumey v. Ohio, 213 U.S. 510, 532 (1927). 7 In order "to promote public
confidence in the integrity of the judicial process," judges must not only be
impartial, but reasonably be perceived to be impartial. Liljeberg v. Health Services
Acquisition Corp., 486 U.S. 847,859-860 (1988). Due process requires recusal not
only when a judge is biased, but when there is merely an appearance of bias in the
eyes of a reasonable, non-judicial observer. The Supreme Court explained:
Such a strinJtent rule may sometimes bar trial by jud.ttes who have no actual bias and who would do their very best to wei.tth the scales of justice equally between the contendina parties. but to perform its hi.tth function in the best wav. "justice must satisfy the appearance of justice." Offutt v. United States, 348 U.S. 11, 14 (1954).
In re Murchison, 349 U.S. 133, 136 (1955).
The court's recusal is mandated not only by caselaw and the Rules of Civil
Procedure, but also by the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Code of Judicial
Court is being filed separately. 7 See also Panetti v. Quarterman, SS I U.S. 930, 949-50 (2007)(even after conviction and sentence. state court proceedings must still provide sufficient procedural due process to accord with fundamental fairness). Page9ofl4 Conduct requires a judge to avoid involvement in any case where he or she would
not be impartial, or where the appearance ofimpartiality would not exist. See Tex.
CODEJUD. CON., Canons 2(A) & (B), 3(B)(5). The appearance ofjustice is an
essential part of the right to a fair tribunal. Bradshaw v. McCotter, 185 F.2d 1327,
1329 (5th Cir. 1986). Bias may be used as a basis for disqualifying a judge when it
is shown to be of such a nature and to such an extent as to deny the defendant due
process of law. Gaal, 332 S.W.3d at 454-5; McClenan v. State, 661 S.W.2d 108,
II 0 (Tex. Crim. App 1983); Norton v. State, 155 S. W.2d 522, 524 (Tex. App. -
Houston (1st Dist.]1988),pet. ref. 111 S.W.2d 560 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989).
In order to adjudicate Claims 5 and 6 - with or without a hearing - the court
would be compelled to decide the extra-record factual issue of whether his own
bailiff had told the jury that it always carried a gun, and to decide the issues of
whether the court itself had communicated with the jury off the record, what had
been said, and whether what was said would have prejudiced the outcome of
Applicant's trial and sentencing.8
However the court might strive to reach fair and impartial factual findings
and to make correct conclusions of law as to those issues, it is axiomatic that "(n]o
man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause," see Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal
snte impact of such off-the-record communia.tions to a jury can be sufficient to deprive a defendant of his right to trial by an impartial jury. Parlcer v. Gladden, 385 U.S. 363, 365 ( 1966) (bailitrs improper comment to jurors that petitioner was a "wicked fellow" required reversal). Page 10ofl4 Co., 556 U.S. 868, 876 (2009){recusal required when probability of actual bias is
too high to be tolerable). Moreover, a judge's impartiality might reasonably be
questioned when deciding issues concerning not only his own conduct but that of a
member of his own court staff. Where a judge's impartiality might reasonably be
questioned, it is unnecessary for the movant to prove actual bias, or the thought
processes of the judge. Gaa/, 332 S. W.3d at 459.
"In detennining whether a judge's impartiality might be reasonably
questioned so as to require recusal, the proper inquiry is whether a reasonable
member of the public at large, knowing all the facts in the public domain
concerning the judge and the case, would have a reasonable doubt that the judge is
actually impartial." Burkett v. State, 196 S.W.3d 892, 896 (Tex. App.- Texarkana
2006, no pet.); Kemp v. State, 846 S.W.2d 289,305 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992); Rosas
v. State, 16 S. W.3d 771, 774 (Tex. App. - Houston [1st Dist.] 2002). Applicant
submits that in the circumstances of Mr. Garza's case, regardless of the court's
actual conduct or approach to this case, a rational observer would reasonably doubt
whether the court can be impartial.
Page 11 ofl4 Prior to qnv further proceedigs in the sase or catering any oniers in this ease. the eourt is required either to reeuse itself or to request the presiding judge oftbe admjoistndve judiclal district to assign a judge to hear this motion.
Prior to conducting any further proceedings or entering any further orders in
this case, a judge against whom a motion to recuse is filed is required either to
recuse himself or request that the presiding judge of the administrative judicial
district assign a judge to hear the motion. TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a(c); TEX. GoVT.
CODE§ 74.059(c)(3) ("A district•.• judge shall request the presiding judge to
assign another judge to hear a motion relating to the recusal of the judge from a
case pending in his court... "); See McC/enan v. State, 661 S.W.2d 108, 110 (Tex.
Crim. App. 1983); In re Chavez, 130 S.W.3d 107, 112 (Tex. App.- El Paso 2003).
The filing of the motion does not, in itself, disqualify the judge, but merely
requires that another judge be assigned to detennine the merits of the motion.
Chastain v. State, 661 S.W.2d 791,795 {Tex. App.- Houston [14th Dist.] 1983,
pet. rej. ). This requirement is mandatory. /d.
The judge must take no further action on the case until a motion for recusal
has been decided. TEX. R. crv. P. 18a (t)(2)(A). In fact, any order entered by the
challenged judge after a proper recusal motion is filed, other than an order of
recusal or referra~ is void. Crawfordv. State, 807 S.W.2d 597,598 (Tex. App.-
Dallas 1991, no pet.). The only exception to this rule is the "ministerial task
exception": a disqualified judge or one who is subject to a motion to recuse may Page 12ofl4 perfonn purely ministerial tasks, which is defined as one where the law requires
. that a duty be performed and leaves nothing to the exercise of discretion or
judgment. See Bur/celt v. State, 196 S.W.3d 892, 895 (Tex. App.- Texarkana 2006)
{Judge,s act granting excuse from jury service to potential juror not ministerial
because it involved exercise of discretion).
Conclusion
Applicant prays that the court immediately either:
(a) recuse itself, pursuant to TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a (f)(l)(A); or
(b) request the Presiding Judge of this administrative district to hear this
motion, or assign another judge to hear this motion, pursuant to TEX. R. CIV. P. I 8a
(t)(l )(B),
Applicant further prays that, upon resolution of this motion, the court should
take no further action in any proceeding concerning this case.
HILARY SHEARD Texas Bar# 505 11187 730 I Burnet Road, # 102-328 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: {512) 524 1371 Fax: {512) 646 7067 HiliuySheard@Hobnail.com Counsel for Humberto Garza Ill, Applicant.
Page 13 ofl4 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on May 24, 2014, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served via Federal Express on: Theodore C. Hake, Esq. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 N. Closner, Room 303 Edinburg, Texas 78539.
HILARY SHEARD Counsel for Applicant.
Page 14ofl4 THESTATEOFTEXAS § § COUNTY OF TRAVIS §
AFFIDAVIT
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Hilary Sheard, who being by me duly sworn, upon oath deposes and says:
"I am Hilary Sheard, Attorney for Applicant Humberto Garza III in this cause; I hereby state that all allegations set out within the above motion to recuse the Hon. Noe Gonzalez, Judge of the 3701h District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, are true and correct to the best of my knowledge."
~~ Hilary~. Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME on mAy Z'{ 20' y , to certify which witness my hand and seal of office:
Notary Public, State of Texas IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS 370th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Ex parte § § HUMBERTO GARZA III, § § No. CR-3175-04-G(l) Applicant. § §
ORDER CONCERNING APPLICANT'S MOTION FOR THE COURT TO RECUSE ITSELF
Counsel for the Applicant, Humberto Garza, has filed a Motion For The Court to Recuse Itself, pursuant to TEX. R. CIV. P. 18b (b)(l) and (3).
• The Court having duly considered Applicant's Motion, it is hereby GRANTED, and the Court hereby signs and files with the clerk this Order of Recusal in compliance with TEX. R. CIV. P. 18a (f)(l)(A), and will take no further action in this case.
Alternatively:
• The Court having considered Applicant's Motion, it is hereby DENIED, and the Court hereby signs and files with the clerk this Order referring Applicant's motion to the Regional Presiding Judge in compliance with TEX. R. Clv. P. 18a (f)(l)(B).
SIGNED AND ENTERED THIS _ _ day of _ _ _:, 2014.
JUDGE PRESIDING FILED AT O'CLOCK_M MAY 2 7 2014 LAURA HINOJOSA, CLERK District Courts, Hidalgo County By, Deputy#44 Exhibit H Transcript: Excerpt of Proceedings from Hearing on Applicant’s Motion for Court to Recuse Itself, June 16, 2014 1
1 REPORTER'S RECORD VOLUME 001 OF 001 VOLUME 2 TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. CR-3175-04-G(1) 3 EX PARTE | IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF 4 | HUMBERTO GARZA, III | HIDALGO COUNTY, T E X A S 5 | APPLICANT | 370TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 6 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 7 APPLICANT'S MOTION FOR COURT TO RECUSE ITSELF 8 (Excerpt of proceedings)
9 June 16, A.D., 2014
10 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
12 On the 16th day of June, A.D., 2014, the foregoing
13 Proceedings came on to be heard outside the presence of a Jury,
14 in the above-entitled and -enumerated cause; and the following
15 proceedings were had before the Honorable Roberto "Bobby"
16 Flores, Judge Presiding, held in Edinburg, Hidalgo County,
17 Texas, USA:
19 Proceedings reported by COMPUTERIZED INTEGRATED
20 COURTROOM REALTIME, STENOTYPE MACHINE; Reporter's Record
21 produced BY COMPUTER-ASSISTED TRANSCRIPTION.
23 JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 Official Court Reporter - 139th Judicial District Court 24 Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 North Closner, Second Floor 25 Edinburg, Texas 78539 USA 956.318.2260
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 2
1 A P P E A R A N C E S:
2 HON. THEODORE C. HAKE SBOT NO. 08716800 3 HON. MICHAEL WESTON MORRIS SBOT NO. 24076880 4 HIDALGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HIDALGO COUNTY COURTHOUSE 5 100 North Closner Edinburg, Texas 78539 6 Telephone: 956.318.2300 Facsimile: 956.318.2301 7 ATTORNEYS FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS 8
9 HON. HILARY SHEARD SBOT NO. 50511187 10 LAW OFFICES 7301 Burnet Road, #102-328 11 Austin, Texas 78757 Telephone: 512.524.1371 12 Facsimile: 512.646.7067
13 ATTORNEY FOR HUMBERTO GARZA III, APPLICANT
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 3
1 JUNE 16, 2014
2 AFTERNOON SESSION
3 ...(proceedings in progress)
4 THE COURT: Ms. Palacios, you have been sworn in,
5 okay? Take the chair on the outside.
6 THE WITNESS: Okay.
7 THE COURT: Yes, ma'am.
8 Ms. Palacios, you are going to be asked some
9 questions, ma'am.
10 THE WITNESS: Okay.
11 THE COURT: Answer loud enough so everybody can
12 hear you, and the court reporter can hear you, okay?
13 THE WITNESS: Yes. Yes, Your Honor.
14 MS. SHEARD: Yes.
15 THE COURT: Thank you.
16 ROSE MARIE PALACIOS,
17 having been duly sworn, testified as follows, to-wit:
18 DIRECT EXAMINATION
19 BY MS. SHEARD:
20 Q. Please, will you state your name for the record.
21 A. Rose Marie Palacios.
22 Q. And have you ever been known by a different name?
23 A. Rose Marie Vera.
24 Q. What caused your name to be changed?
25 A. Divorce. I went back to my maiden name.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 4
1 Q. Were you a juror at the time of the trial of Humberto
2 Garza in 2005?
3 A. Yes.
4 Q. Okay. What was your name at that time?
5 A. Rose Marie Vera.
6 Q. Was that the first time you have done jury service?
7 A. Yes.
8 Q. During the trial of Mr. Garza, did you have any
9 concerns for your personal safety?
10 A. Yes.
11 Q. And what caused those concerns?
12 A. The other jurors and, well, the judge and stuff like
13 that, telling us that sometimes some of the jurors could be in
14 danger.
15 Q. Okay. Well, let's back up a moment. When we talk
16 about concerns for your personal safety, what were you concerned
17 might happen?
18 A. I -- I just -- I just was afraid to be followed, or to
19 be talked to, maybe to be threatened.
20 Q. Okay. Did you have any concerns about the security
21 arrangements in the courtroom?
22 A. No. At first, but we --
23 Q. What caused those concerns?
24 A. Well, mostly that the jurors were, well, they talked
25 about being their fears. I really didn't think about it.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 5
1 Q. And what impact of the evidence of gang activity in
2 this case have on you? Did that increase your concerns?
3 A. Yes. Yes.
4 Q. Were there specific incidents during the trial that
5 caused your concerns to increase?
6 A. Well, there was a time that there was somebody in the
7 audience that took pictures and then they took it towards the
8 jury.
9 Q. Was there anything else?
10 A. Let me think.
11 Q. Was there any person who caused you to have a concern
12 for your safety?
13 A. Like another juror maybe. They did. That -- well,
14 the -- the bailiff, I guess she -- she did try to tell us that
15 we would be safe because the judge had a gun on him, but that
16 made me more nervous.
17 Q. Okay. Well, let's talk about that. When -- when,
18 during the trial, did the bailiff talk to you about the comment
19 you just made?
20 A. We were in the jury -- we were not in the jury room,
21 we were in the room next to the -- where the jury meets. I
22 don't know what you call it.
23 Q. Let's first clarify. There's a courtroom which is the
24 room of the trial itself --
25 A. That's not where we were.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 6
1 Q. -- where the trial is conducted, where the jury sits
2 in the box, like the box to your right now, and there's a room
3 which is separate, which is where the jury stays when the court
4 is not in session.
5 A. That's the room.
6 Q. And was it the latter room?
8 Q. So that is the room that is private and away from the
9 public eyes?
10 A. Yes, correct.
11 Q. Okay. And how was it that you came to have the
12 conversation with the bailiff?
13 A. I think that I remember the other jurors were asking
14 questions about that, and that they hoped that she was carrying
15 a gun. And she said no, she didn't, but not to worry because
16 the judge did.
17 Q. Okay.
18 THE COURT: I missed the last part.
19 THE WITNESS: The judge did.
20 THE COURT: That --
21 THE WITNESS: She said --
22 THE COURT: She said she didn't carry a gun, but
23 what now?
24 THE WITNESS: But not to worry. We didn't have
25 to worry because the judge had a gun.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 7
1 THE COURT: Okay.
2 Q. (BY MS. SHEARD) That the judge had a gun?
3 A. Right.
4 Q. Okay.
5 A. And he -- he even came in once and told us.
6 Q. Okay. Let's --
7 A. Okay.
8 Q. -- back it up.
9 A. Sorry.
10 Q. Let's take it bit by bit.
11 A. Okay.
12 Q. When that conversation with the bailiff happened,
13 exactly who else was in the room?
14 A. That I remember, all of the jurors.
15 Q. Was there anybody else in the room at that time apart
16 from the 12 jurors and the bailiff?
17 A. I don't remember. It -- no, I don't remember.
18 Q. Do you remember, for example, Mr. Garza himself ever
19 being brought back to that jury room?
20 A. No.
21 Q. So the Defendant was not present?
22 A. No.
23 Q. And what about defense counsel, the lawyers for the
24 Defendant?
25 A. I don't remember them ever going back in there.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 8
1 Q. Or the prosecution?
2 A. No.
3 Q. Okay. So it was just 12 jurors and the bailiff?
4 A. Uh-huh. Yes.
5 Q. And why was it that she started talking to you about
6 the judge carrying a gun? What started that conversation?
7 A. Jurors that were asking her about if -- if we were
8 safe because of the gang activity. They thought they saw the
9 gang member's family in the courtroom and then whoever took the
10 picture, which -- that they were very concerned about that.
11 Q. Do you remember which of the jurors raised those
12 issues?
13 A. No. I know it was a male because the men were more --
14 Q. More nervous?
15 A. It seemed like it, yes.
16 Q. Okay. When this conversation occurred was it during
17 the trial itself?
18 A. Like on a break.
19 Q. Was the trial still continuing at the time that you
20 had this conversation?
21 A. Yes.
22 Q. So was it before you arrived at a guilty verdict
23 against Mr. Garza?
24 A. Yes.
25 Q. Did the bailiff say anything else that you recall?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 9
1 A. Just assured us that they would have somebody get us
2 to our cars, make sure that when it was already evening and
3 there were just like a few cars in the parking lot, and that we
4 would start parking in the back, and that's about it.
5 Q. Do you remember anything else that the bailiff said?
6 A. Not right now. I can't. Sorry.
7 Q. Was the bailiff in question a man or a woman?
8 A. A woman.
9 Q. Okay. Do you remember her name?
10 A. Licha.
11 Q. Okay. Do you know what her full name is?
12 A. (Nods head.) I don't remember.
13 Q. Okay. Were there any other occasions you recall where
14 she had any type of conversation with the jury about security
15 matters?
16 A. That's the only -- that's the only thing I remember.
17 Q. Did she say anything else about the judge?
18 A. She kidded sometimes about him, but it was not -- I
19 think she was just trying to relieve our concerns, you know.
20 Nothing about the --
21 Q. What kind of things was she saying?
22 A. That she would be surprised if he bought us lunch
23 because he was a cheapskate, and stuff like that. And then --
24 Q. Okay.
25 A. Well, that's the kind of stuff she said. I'm sorry.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 10
1 I think she was just trying to make us laugh.
2 Q. Was there anyone else that you and your fellow jurors
3 talked to about your safety concerns?
4 A. I -- the judge came in.
5 Q. Okay. Why was it the judge came in when you said
6 this?
7 A. Into the juror's room.
8 Q. Do you know why he came into the jury room?
9 A. I believe someone sent him a note because they asked
10 the bailiff to give him a note. I didn't see the note. I don't
11 know what it --
12 Q. You don't know the contents of the note; is that
13 correct?
14 A. (Nods head.)
15 Q. When the judge came into the jury room, do you
16 remember if he was wearing his robe?
17 A. Yes.
18 Q. Was this while the trial was still going on?
19 A. Yes.
20 Q. Do you recall at what stage it happened? Whether it
21 was before the guilty verdict or afterwards?
22 A. Oh before.
23 Q. When the judge came to the jury room, how many other
24 people were there?
25 A. As far as I can remember the jurors. I can't remember
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 11
1 if the bailiff came with him or not.
2 Q. Okay. So that would be all 12 jurors?
3 A. Uh-huh.
4 Q. Was anybody else there apart from the 12 jurors, the
5 judge, perhaps, the bailiff?
6 A. Maybe the court reporter, but I don't remember.
7 Q. And Mr. Garza was not brought to hear what was said?
8 A. No, I don't remember seeing him there.
9 Q. Nor defense counsel?
10 A. No.
11 Q. What did the judge say to you?
12 A. That he understood our fears, but that we were -- we
13 were -- he was going to provide us security and that we would be
14 fine. That this happens. That the gangs, sometimes they
15 threaten the jurors and sometimes they -- they may follow you.
16 Stuff like that.
17 Q. Did he say anything else about the gangs, or about Mr.
18 Garza?
19 A. Not that I recall.
20 Q. And did he say anything about the photographer, the
21 person who took the photographs in the court?
22 A. He said that he was legitimate. I guess that he was
23 from a newspaper, or from a news station, but that he would talk
24 to him and that make sure that that wouldn't get out, that
25 picture, that photograph wouldn't get out in public.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 12
1 Q. On how many occasions did the judge come back to the
2 jury room?
3 A. Wow. I only remember that time.
4 Q. Were there other times when the judge may have come in
5 in response to a note?
6 A. I think, yes. I do believe that he did. I don't
7 remember why though. I know he came in after the verdict, but
8 before the verdict, I don't -- I'm not positive.
9 Q. So you only clearly remember one occasion --
10 A. Once. Uh-huh.
11 Q. -- before the guilty verdict?
12 A. Yes.
13 Q. Do you remember any other aspect of the conversation
14 between the judge and the jury about security?
15 A. Do I remember anymore?
16 Q. Yes.
17 A. No.
18 MS. SHEARD: At this time, I will pass the
19 witness.
20 CROSS EXAMINATION
21 BY MR. HAKE:
22 Q. Your name at the time of the trial was Rose Marie
23 Vera?
24 A. Correct.
25 Q. And you're now Rose Marie Vera Palacios?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 13
1 A. No Vera.
2 Q. Okay. Your maiden -- you took back your maiden name
3 Palacios?
4 A. Yes. Yes.
5 Q. Where are you from?
6 A. Corpus Christi, Texas.
7 Q. Where in the Valley? Obviously --
8 A. Where do I live in the Valley? I live in McAllen,
9 Texas.
10 Q. What Palacios are you related to?
11 A. None in the Valley that I know of because I wasn't
12 born and raised here.
13 Q. Not the county commissioner or Palacios from Edinburg?
14 A. No, sir.
15 Q. You said that at one point you were concerned because
16 somebody took a photograph?
17 A. Yes. Well --
18 Q. And the judge told you that he was a legitimate member
19 of the media?
20 A. Correct.
21 Q. And he talked to him about making sure that they
22 follow the policy that they didn't film jurors?
23 A. Correct.
24 Q. Is that the policy in this courthouse that nobody can
25 see pictures of jurors or identify them? He told you that,
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 14
1 right?
2 A. Correct. Yes.
3 Q. How did you get to the courthouse today?
4 A. I drove here.
5 Q. From what direction? From McAllen?
6 A. Yes.
7 Q. Did you come down 107?
8 A. Yes.
9 Q. Is the west side of the courthouse, where the parking
10 is, the same as was it was back when you were a juror? It's
11 been remodeled, right? They put in those portable buildings?
12 A. I don't remember. On the --
13 Q. When you drove in today, you saw one of the buildings
14 there on the southwest side, right? Those portable buildings?
15 A. I don't remember. I was in a hurry.
16 Q. Okay.
17 A. Southwest?
18 Q. Well, back -- back when the trial was going on, you
19 were allowed to park on the right side of the 370th courtroom,
20 right? In the parking lot on the west side that used to be
21 there?
22 A. In the evening.
23 Q. That's what I meant.
24 A. The would judge come in and out, right.
25 Q. The judge and the bailiff told you that if you worked
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 15
1 late, you could park close and --
2 A. After dinner.
3 Q. -- it's for you all and the deputies escorted you,
4 right?
5 A. If after dinner we could park there. After we had --
6 Q. So you didn't have to walk all the way from the bank
7 parking lot?
8 A. That was later in the -- yes.
9 Q. When the judge came to talk to you, he came in there
10 to talk to you about scheduling, whether you'd be available to
11 finish the trial, right, or work late?
12 A. Correct.
13 Q. That's where he came in to talk to you about, right?
14 A. I believe so. He did mention that, yes.
15 Q. And he -- and I believe you said a minute ago that he
16 said that if you had concerns about security, he'd make sure
17 that you were taken care of?
18 A. Correct.
19 Q. You gave two affidavits, right?
20 A. Yes.
21 Q. One seven years ago and one recently?
22 A. Correct.
23 Q. In the first one, tell me the circumstances. Who came
24 and talked to you about this case?
25 A. They said they were students from Austin.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 16
1 Q. And what did they tell you?
2 A. That they were -- they were just following up on the
3 case.
4 Q. And what did they ask you?
5 A. Basically, the same questions. How did it go? Did --
6 what did I think about the outcome? How did I feel about it?
7 Things like that.
8 Q. And in your first affidavit, at one point you said
9 that you thought maybe Humberto Garza's brother was sitting
10 alone in the car out in the parking lot when you went out to
11 your car?
13 Q. You told somebody of the court staff about that,
14 didn't you?
15 A. I don't remember if I told them, but some -- one of us
16 did. One of the jurors.
17 Q. You told the court reporter, who's now deceased,
18 right? Frank Moreno, Francisco Moreno, didn't you?
19 A. I don't remember if it was me.
20 Q. He said they'd take care of the situation, right?
22 Q. Did anybody ever mention to you if there had ever been
23 any incidents involving gangs disrupting court proceedings or
24 threatening people here in this courthouse?
25 A. No. The judge said it happens, but he didn't give us
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 17
1 any specific time or example.
2 Q. Now, when the bailiff met with you, it's her job to
3 bring you in and out of the courtroom, right?
4 A. Correct.
5 Q. And if the judge took you to lunch, to keep you
6 together and to walk you to wherever you are going to eat,
7 right?
8 A. Right. Correct.
9 Q. Now, how did the subject about a gun come up
10 allegedly?
11 A. The guys -- somebody asked her if she had a gun on her
12 and she said no, she never carried a gun.
13 Q. You've seen movies about courtroom proceedings, right?
14 A. Some. I don't really care for that kind of TV, but,
15 or movies, but I have.
16 Q. The bailiff almost always carries a gun, or there are
17 deputies in the courtroom any time either in the movies or on TV
18 or real life, right?
19 A. I don't know. I have seen the deputies, yes.
20 Q. They have a gun usually, right?
21 A. Correct. As far as I -- yes.
22 Q. You had mentioned that other jurors had said they're
23 concerned about their safety, but you're very general. Can you
24 give any specific remarks you might have heard?
25 A. That they saw -- they saw people parked in the parking
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 18
1 lot that could be family members, that there was people --
2 family members in the audience while -- while the courtroom is
3 going on and they -- that they were staring at us. I don't --
4 Q. That could be family members of the victim or the
5 Defendant, right?
6 A. Correct.
7 Q. Because the case involved gangs on both sides?
8 A. Correct. Correct.
9 MR. HAKE: Pass the witness.
10 REDIRECT EXAMINATION
11 BY MS. SHEARD:
12 Q. Mrs. Palacios, the students who came to talk to you
13 back in 2007.
14 A. Uh-huh.
15 Q. Did they ask you precisely the same questions that you
16 were asked recently when you met with me and my investigator?
17 A. Very near, yes.
18 Q. Were there some questions that were different and that
19 you had not been asked before?
20 A. I don't remember.
21 Q. Okay. If you made written statements when you were
22 under less stress than today, you clarified that those would
23 refresh your memory, wouldn't it?
24 A. It may. It's been a long time.
25 MS. SHEARD: If I may, Your Honor? I'm going to
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 19
1 approach Mrs. Palacios with her affidavit --
2 THE COURT: You may.
3 MS. SHEARD: -- of May 19.
4 THE COURT: You may.
5 Q. (BY MS. SHEARD) Mrs. Palacios, may I ask you to take
6 a look at your affidavit. And in particular, at paragraph 3.
7 Does that refresh your memory as to whether the
8 questions that you were asked on the latter occasion were of the
9 same identical to the former occasion?
10 A. Seems to be, yes.
11 Q. Okay. So you were, in fact, asked additional
12 questions at the second interview, isn't that true?
13 A. Yes.
14 Q. Okay. So the questions were not precisely the same.
15 There were some subject matter that was --
16 A. Yes.
17 Q. -- somewhat different?
19 Q. And the students that you saw, did they say whether
20 they were law students?
22 Q. Okay. They were younger people?
23 A. Yes.
24 Q. Did they make it clear that they were working for Mr.
25 Garza?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 20
1 A. They said they were working for an organization that
2 -- some kind of an -- I don't remember. I'm sorry. It was an
3 organization to help people to get a fair trial.
4 Q. All right. Okay.
5 MS. SHEARD: Your Honor, I don't think I have any
6 further questions for Mrs. Palacios.
7 MR. HAKE: I just have one or two, Judge.
8 RECROSS EXAMINATION
9 BY MR. HAKE:
10 Q. That paragraph you were just asked to look at, the
11 only thing new in there is the name. You certainly remember the
12 name of the person, right, the bailiff?
13 A. Correct.
14 Q. The first one has the same part about the gun, it's
15 just the name --
16 MS. SHEARD: Your Honor, I don't think that Ms.
17 Palacios could be properly cross-examined about her affidavit.
18 It's not in front of her. She wouldn't know what's in each
19 paragraph specifically.
20 THE COURT: You can ask questions. If she
21 remembers, she is going to answer them.
22 Q. (BY MR. HAKE) How come you didn't remember her name,
23 when all of a sudden seven years later you did if somebody
24 didn't suggest it to you?
25 A. I don't know. I just -- I remembered her name.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 21
1 MR. HAKE: Pass the witness.
2 FURTHER REDIRECT EXAMINATION
3 BY MS. SHEARD:
4 Q. Mrs. Palacios, do you know whether seven years ago you
5 were asked the name of the bailiff?
6 A. I don't remember. Maybe not.
7 Q. Is it possible that she was just referred to as the
8 bailiff?
9 A. As the bailiff. Very possible.
10 Q. Okay.
11 MS. SHEARD: I have no further questions.
12 MR. HAKE: No further questions, Judge.
13 THE COURT: May Ms. Palacios be excused?
14 MR. HAKE: Yes, sir.
15 MS. SHEARD: Yes, she may.
16 THE COURT: You need her anymore? You need her
17 anymore?
18 MS. SHEARD: I think she -- out of an abundance
19 of caution, I'd ask that she wait in the hallway.
20 THE COURT: Can you wait outside, ma'am?
21 THE WITNESS: Sure.
22 THE COURT: Don't leave yet.
23 THE WITNESS: Yes, Your Honor.
24 THE COURT: Call your next witness, please.
25 MS. SHEARD: The next witness is Melissa
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 22
1 Guerrero.
2 THE COURT: Okay. Ms. Guerrero, can you approach
3 up -- can you come up here, ma'am? Come up here to this chair
4 over here.
5 You can bring it with you.
6 THE WITNESS: No, I can leave it there.
7 THE COURT: Okay. Too heavy or what?
8 THE WITNESS: Yeah.
9 THE COURT: Take that chair on the outside,
10 ma'am.
11 You are going to be asked questions. Answer out
12 loud so that the court reporter and everybody else can hear you,
13 okay?
14 THE WITNESS: Okay.
15 THE COURT: Thank you. Go ahead.
16 MELISSA GUERRERO,
20 Q. Please state your name for the record.
21 A. Melissa Guerrero.
22 Q. Is it Mrs. Guerrero?
24 Q. Okay. Mrs. Guerrero, were you a juror in the 2005
25 trial of Humberto Garza?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 23
1 A. Yes, I was.
2 Q. Was that the first time you had done jury service?
4 Q. During your jury service, did you have any concerns
5 for your personal safety?
6 A. The first couple of days only because of the extent of
7 the crime, and that it had to do with gang violence. So just
8 that in itself, you know, had me worried.
9 Q. What was the -- what were the other jurors saying
10 about the security situation?
11 A. Nothing really was mentioned. Pretty much the same at
12 the beginning. The getting to our cars and looking over your
13 shoulder. You just kind of had that doubt.
14 Q. What were you concerned might happen?
15 A. Just being followed. I really didn't know. You just
16 you don't know.
17 Q. Were there any specific incidents during the trial
18 that caused people to have a concern about their safety?
19 A. There was one incident that there was a reporter in
20 the room. I didn't see anything.
21 Q. What was supposed to have happened?
22 A. A picture was taken, or pictures were taken of the
23 jury.
24 Q. And what was the reaction of the other jurors to that?
25 A. Well, they were concerned or worried.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 24
1 Q. Was there anything else that caused you concern about
2 your personal safety?
3 A. No.
4 Q. What -- at some point, did members of the jury express
5 some kind of concern to the court staff about the security
6 situation?
7 A. I believe so.
8 Q. Did anything happen as a result of that?
9 A. We were approached. I want to say it was the middle,
10 maybe the fifth, sixth day.
11 Q. The fifth or sixth day of trial?
12 A. Yes. Uh-huh.
13 Q. And who was it that approached you?
14 A. The judge.
15 Q. Okay. Where did the judge approach you?
16 A. In our holding room, or whatever it is called.
17 Q. Is that the jury room --
18 A. The jury room.
19 Q. -- that's behind the courtroom?
21 Q. Which is normally a private room, it's not a public
22 area?
23 A. Right.
24 Q. And did the judge explain why he had come to talk to
25 you?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 25
1 A. Pretty much just to calm us down, or those who had
2 questions or concerns that safety, you know, we would be parking
3 in a different area. By that point, I think they moved us
4 towards the back.
5 Q. Let's talk for a moment about the parking. Was there
6 a change in parking arrangements during the trial?
7 A. Yes, I want to say it was around that same time
8 because of this certain concern.
9 Q. And was it explained to you that it was concern about
10 security that caused a change in the parking arrangements?
11 A. Not direct. I mean, since that issue was the one
12 being addressed, I assumed it was because of that.
13 Q. And when the judge came to talk to you was anybody
14 else in the room with you?
15 A. Not that I can recall. With me?
16 Q. With -- with the other jurors?
17 A. Well, the other jury just us.
18 Q. It was 12 jurors and the judge?
19 A. Right.
20 Q. And nobody else in the room?
21 A. No.
22 Q. And what else did the judge say to you?
23 A. Just that we would be the ones let out first to this
24 new -- towards the back of the parking.
25 Q. Uh-huh.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 26
1 A. And they would wait until we were all gone and then
2 they would release the rest of them.
3 Q. Did he say anything else? Anything specific that you
4 remember?
5 A. No.
6 Q. Were there other remarks that he made you can't
7 remember?
8 A. No.
9 Q. Are you sure that there was nothing, no additional
10 conversation?
11 A. At that point, no. Not that I can remember.
12 Q. Do you recall him coming back to the jury room on any
13 other occasion?
14 A. At the end of the trial.
15 Q. Okay. Let me just back up. So the conversation with
16 the judge did happen with you during the trial was to do with
17 security concerns?
19 Q. And with nobody else present?
21 Q. Okay. Do you recall the bailiff in this case?
22 A. Yes.
23 Q. Do you remember her name?
24 A. No.
25 Q. Did she ever have a conversation with you that you
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 27
1 recall about security arrangements in court?
2 A. No, not with me.
3 MS. SHEARD: I don't think I have any further
4 questions at this time.
5 THE COURT: Mr. Hake.
6 CROSS EXAMINATION
7 BY MR. HAKE:
8 Q. Ms. Guerrero, you gave an affidavit in this case
9 before, right?
11 Q. Where you talked about being the last juror to decide
12 the answer to the questions at the punishment phase?
13 A. I believe.
14 Q. You and the other ones?
15 A. I believe so.
16 Q. That was back in 2007?
17 A. I think so.
18 Q. And nothing you're saying today about these concerns
19 about safety, or these conversations, or the judge going to the
20 jury room, none of that is in that affidavit, is it?
21 A. I don't think they were ever -- those questions were
22 ever an issue, or they never were brought to my -- I was never
23 asked those questions.
24 Q. Did you volunteer that information now, or did
25 somebody go find you in the last couple of days and ask you
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 28
1 about those things?
2 A. Well, I -- I'm sorry I forgot your name.
3 MS. SHEARD: It's Mrs. Sheard.
4 A. Okay.
5 Q. (BY MR. HAKE) You didn't mention it in 2007, all of a
6 sudden now you are. Did you suddenly remember, or did somebody
7 come and suggest it and bring up those subjects?
8 A. Right. Well, when I was being questioned different
9 things came up.
10 Q. Who came and talked to you? You're pointing to Ms.
11 Sheard?
12 A. I went blank again.
13 MS. SHEARD: It's quite -- it's Ms. Sheard.
14 THE WITNESS: Ms. Sheard.
15 MS. SHEARD: I'm defense counsel for Mr. Garza.
16 THE WITNESS: Yes, Mrs. Sheard.
17 MS. SHEARD: And you recognize me as the person
18 who spoke to you, right?
19 THE WITNESS: Yes.
20 Q. (BY MR. HAKE) And they're the ones that asked you
21 about the same kind of questions that you're answering now about
22 safety that you didn't bring up before?
24 Q. Back when this case was tried -- well, even currently,
25 the 370th District Court is on the first floor of this
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 29
1 courthouse, right?
2 A. Uh-huh. Yes.
3 Q. And back then there was a parking lot right outside
4 the door?
5 A. Yes. Towards the back?
6 Q. No, on the west side. The right.
7 A. Okay. Yes.
8 Q. You go through like where the jury room is, then the
9 judge's chambers and there's --
10 A. Yes. Yes.
11 Q. There was a parking lot there?
13 Q. In the last couple of years they closed it off, put
14 that iron fence, and changed it, but back then it was right on
15 there by the courtroom, right?
16 A. Right.
17 Q. And you said that in the middle of trial, they said
18 you could start parking there?
20 Q. Particularly when you worked late at night?
21 A. Uh-huh. Yes.
22 Q. After hours?
23 A. Uh-huh.
24 Q. And you also said you assumed it was because some
25 people were concerned about safety?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 30
1 A. Correct.
2 Q. How many times did you have jury duty?
3 A. During that time?
4 Q. Just this once? The one time for Mr. Garza's case?
5 A. No, I was called a couple of times before. I never
6 served on a case.
7 Q. How about in the 370th District Court? You never have
8 been on another jury in that court, right?
9 A. No.
10 Q. So you don't know if it was a regular policy to let
11 people park close by, particularly after hours so they wouldn't
12 have to walk all the way across the street?
13 A. Right. I'm not sure about that.
14 Q. In fact, you said a minute ago you assumed it was
15 because of the security, but you didn't know why.
16 A. Why didn't I know?
17 Q. No. But you didn't know why the judge had decided to
18 let you park there, you are just guessing.
19 A. I just assumed because that's what was brought up,
20 yes.
21 Q. Right. Okay. When the judge came to talk to you all
22 in the jury room was it about scheduling of the case, working --
23 whether or not you all could work late, or how long the trial
24 would last and things like that?
25 A. No.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 31
1 Q. You said the judge also came to talk to you after the
2 trial was over?
4 Q. That was probably just to thank you for your service,
5 especially since it was a death penalty case and it took a long
6 time?
7 A. That and to provide information if anyone needed
8 further counseling, or stuff like that.
9 Q. Counseling because of the fact that it was a death
10 case and it was traumatic for you all?
11 A. That and -- exactly.
12 MR. HAKE: Pass the witness.
13 REDIRECT EXAMINATION
14 BY MS. SHEARD:
15 Q. Ms. Guerrero, when I saw you yesterday was there
16 anybody else with me?
18 Q. Okay. Do you remember the name of that person?
19 A. I believe her name is Vanessa.
20 Q. Okay. And when we were with you, did we, either of
21 us, suggest that you ought to say a specific thing today?
22 A. No. You just told me to be honest.
23 Q. And when you were interviewed back in 2007, or in the
24 past by other people, you gave a statement, didn't you?
25 A. Yes.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 32
1 Q. Okay. Do you remember who the people were that came
2 to see you at that time?
3 A. I don't.
4 Q. Okay. Did they appear to be lawyers?
5 A. One was. I think it was two young men.
6 Q. Okay. Well, could they have been law students?
7 A. Perhaps, yes.
8 Q. Okay. And the questions that you were asked on that
9 occasion, were they different from the questions you were asked
10 yesterday?
11 A. No, I just think --
12 Q. Were the details different?
13 A. Right, details.
14 Q. It was the same subject matter, but you had --
15 A. Same subject matter, but I think your questions were a
16 little more in depth.
17 Q. Okay. And do you recall telling those young men that
18 you did fear for your safety while you were doing jury service?
20 Q. Okay. So is it, perhaps, just they didn't ask you the
21 questions about what happened as a result of that?
23 Q. And that might result in you not having given further
24 details?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 33
1 Q. You wouldn't necessarily know what needed to be
2 relevant, would you?
4 Q. Okay. And when somebody comes to interview you at
5 your home, that person is eating into your free time, aren't
6 they?
8 Q. So there may be some time constraints, things like
9 that, to prevent having an absolute full conversation about
10 every detail?
11 A. Right.
12 Q. Okay.
13 MS. SHEARD: I don't think I have any further
14 questions. May I --
15 THE COURT: Mr. Hake.
16 MR. HAKE: Just one question.
17 RECROSS EXAMINATION
18 BY MR. HAKE:
19 Q. You said a minute ago that the judge offered you all
20 counseling to be on a death penalty case is traumatic?
22 Q. Particularly when there's gangs involved on both
23 sides?
24 A. Right.
25 Q. I mean, it's a tough decision?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 34
1 A. Uh-huh. Yes.
2 Q. Something you'd rather not have to do, but you were
3 picked to sit as a juror?
4 A. Right.
5 MR. HAKE: No further questions.
6 MS. SHEARD: Your Honor, I have no further
7 questions.
8 May I ask if Mrs. Guerrero could -- could she be
9 excused for now, but remain just out of an abundance of caution.
10 THE COURT: You can remain outside, ma'am, just
11 in case we need you.
12 THE WITNESS: Okay.
13 MS. SHEARD: I have no further witnesses.
14 THE COURT: Mr. Hake.
15 MR. HAKE: It's my understanding, Judge, that --
16 that Liche Salinas is waiting in your jury room. Liche Salinas.
17 THE BAILIFF: Over here?
18 MR. HAKE: Yes. She's the one sitting in your
19 office. Mr. Devino went to go get her.
20 THE BAILIFF: Okay.
21 THE COURT: Ms. Salinas, step forward. How are
22 you doing?
23 THE WITNESS: Good. How are you Judge? Hello.
24 (Witness sworn.)
25 THE COURT: Ms. Salinas, answer the questions as
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 35
1 they're asked of you, okay, and loud enough so everybody can
2 hear you.
3 THE WITNESS: Yes, sir.
4 THE COURT: Go ahead, Mr. Hake.
5 ALICIA SALINAS,
6 having been duly sworn, testified as follows, to-wit:
7 DIRECT EXAMINATION
8 BY MR. HAKE:
9 Q. Would you state your name for the record.
10 A. Alicia Salinas.
11 Q. And your nickname?
12 A. Liche.
13 Q. And how are you employed?
14 A. I work for the County of Hidalgo for the 370th
15 District Court.
16 Q. You're currently the court coordinator?
17 A. Yes, sir.
18 Q. Back at the time of the trial of Humberto Garza in
19 2005 you were the bailiff?
20 A. Yes, sir.
21 Q. How long have you worked for the 370th District Court?
22 A. I'm going on 12 years.
23 Q. And Judge Noe Gonzalez has been the judge of that
24 court that entire time?
25 A. Yes, sir.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 36
1 Q. Do you remember the Humberto Garza case?
2 A. Sort of, yes.
3 Q. One of three death penalty cases from Edinburg.
4 A. Yes, sir.
5 Q. One of two that were tried in your court.
6 A. Yes, sir.
7 Q. In order to be a bailiff you have to be certified,
8 right?
9 A. As?
10 Q. As far as like you have to be a peace officer?
11 A. No, sir.
12 Q. You don't?
13 A. No.
14 Q. Okay. Back in 2005 when you were the bailiff during
15 the Humberto Garza trial, did you carry a gun?
16 A. No, sir.
17 Q. Do you remember ever telling anybody in the jury in
18 that case that Judge Gonzalez carried a gun?
19 A. No, sir.
20 Q. You don't remember, or you did not?
21 A. I don't remember. I don't recall, and I don't think I
22 would have told somebody.
23 Q. Did he carry a gun back then?
24 A. Not to my knowledge, no.
25 Q. And you work with him daily?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 37
1 A. Yes, sir.
2 Q. Except weekends obviously.
4 Q. What was the policy -- as a bailiff, you would escort
5 the jury in and out of the jury room, right, when they would go
6 into court?
7 A. Yes, sir.
8 Q. You'd go in the jury room and tell them, you know,
9 finish your coffee, it's time. The judge has finished with his
10 docket and we are going to take you into the courtroom in a
11 minute?
12 A. Yes, we'd kind of give them a heads-up if they need to
13 go to the restroom, or finish up your coffee or donut, whatever
14 they're snacking on just to prepare them to get them ready to go
15 in.
16 Q. And if --
17 A. We would give them a little bit of notice. We
18 normally do.
19 Q. If the judge provided them lunch and he didn't have it
20 brought in, would you escort them to the restaurant or whenever
21 they were currently at as the bailiff?
23 Q. Where would jurors park when they were serving in the
24 370th?
25 A. In the big parking lot unless we were going to work
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 38
1 late, or there was some inconvenience, or we had jurors coming
2 in late then we would make accommodations and block off certain
3 parking area for them.
4 Q. And you're talking --
5 A. Just to make it --
6 Q. -- on the west side where the security area use to be?
8 Q. Where the portables were put in?
9 A. Yes.
10 Q. I mean, that's -- there's an entrance right into your
11 courtroom, right?
12 A. That's correct.
13 Q. In your chambers and offices?
14 A. Yes.
15 Q. Do you remember any of the jurors ever expressing any
16 concerns to you about the security at the courthouse during this
17 trial of Humberto Garza?
18 A. I don't recall specifically, you know, it's --
19 Q. As the bailiff, you sit outside the juror room while
20 the jury is deliberating, right?
21 A. Yes, sir.
22 Q. If they had a note, they'd hand it to you and you
23 would give it to the judge?
24 A. They would knock on the door and we'd proceed to go
25 and open the door and they would hand over the note.
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 39
1 Q. And then the judge and the lawyers can discuss how
2 they're going to respond?
3 A. Exactly, yes.
4 Q. And then usually the judge would ask and say, well,
5 instead of bringing the jury back into the courtroom, is it okay
6 if the bailiff hands them back this note where I wrote on the
7 bottom of it what my response was, right?
10 CROSS EXAMINATION
12 Q. Ms. Salinas, you have performed various functions in
13 the 370th court, haven't you?
15 Q. You have been bailiff some of the time; is that
16 correct?
17 A. Yes. Yes, ma'am.
18 Q. Sometimes you acted as interpreter?
19 A. Yes, ma'am.
20 Q. You're currently the court coordinator?
21 A. Yes, ma'am.
22 Q. And you were approved of that promotion to be court
23 coordinator?
24 A. If you want to put it that way, yes.
25 Q. A little step up. And you have been in that position
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 40
1 since about February 2011, haven't you?
2 A. Yes, ma'am.
3 Q. And at the moment, the -- your boss is the judge?
4 A. Yes, ma'am.
5 Q. Okay. So he would do things like write performance
6 reviews for you, wouldn't he?
7 A. Excuse me?
8 Q. If you have performance reviewed for the human
9 resources department, he would write comments about you,
10 wouldn't he?
11 A. Yes.
12 Q. He might have some say in whether you get an increase
13 in salary or not?
15 Q. And being a county employee is a position, isn't it,
16 that comes with things like benefits?
17 A. Yes, ma'am.
18 Q. And a retirement plan?
20 Q. So it's quite a valuable thing to have?
21 A. Absolutely.
22 Q. You have been consistently working with the judge for
23 about 12 years?
24 A. Yes, ma'am.
25 Q. Isn't it right that the room that you work in is right
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 41
1 outside the judges's chambers itself?
2 A. Yes.
3 Q. So you're physically very close to him?
4 A. Yes.
5 Q. He can just call out and you are at his side in a
6 minute?
7 A. Yes, ma'am.
8 Q. Okay. And it would be fair, wouldn't it, to describe
9 you as a valued member of his staff?
11 Q. You like certainly working here?
12 A. Yes, absolutely.
13 Q. And in fact, it's been a practice, or it was the
14 practice with the court reporter, Mr. Moreno, who's now
15 deceased, that they would put your name on the trial transcript
16 along with the judge and the lawyers?
18 Q. Right. Are you aware that there's a Code of Ethics
19 that governs what judges can in fact do?
21 Q. There are rules about what judges should and shouldn't
22 do --
24 Q. -- in their role as judges. And that includes things
25 like behaving with dignity and being impartial in cases?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 42
1 A. Yes.
2 Q. And that he is supposed to make sure that his staff
3 follows some of those same rules?
4 A. Yes, absolutely.
5 Q. And also don't discriminate?
6 A. Right.
7 Q. And behave with dignity?
9 Q. And for example, that they shouldn't -- it might be
10 undignified to gossip with people about cases?
12 Q. Right. Do you have training in a way that you
13 supervise jurors when you acted as bailiff?
14 A. I've gone to some trainings, yes. The court bailiff
15 workshops.
16 Q. Who run those workshops?
17 A. I believe it's the State.
18 Q. Okay. So that's an official training?
20 Q. And they teach you the rules, don't they, about what
21 you should and shouldn't do to keep the jury room a private
22 place?
24 Q. And do you understand, don't you, that the jury is not
25 supposed to be exposed to anything that might cause them to be
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 43
1 prejudiced one side or the other?
2 A. Absolutely.
3 Q. Apart from the evidence they hear in the courtroom
4 from the witness stand where you are sitting now?
5 A. Yes.
6 Q. You understand, don't you, that you are not supposed
7 to talk about the case with the jury except in the presence of
8 the judge and with his permission?
9 A. Absolutely.
10 Q. There's actually rules about the judge not
11 communicating with the jury except in writing?
12 A. Right.
13 Q. Okay. And that if you breach some of those rules, do
14 you understand that that can result in confinement in jail or a
15 fine?
17 Q. Yeah. It's a serious matter, isn't it?
18 A. Yes, ma'am.
19 Q. Okay. And if you were to break those rules, it could
20 result in a mistrial of the case, couldn't it?
22 Q. Or the case being reversed later on appeal?
24 Q. And if you as a court member, staff member caused
25 problems like that, it would have repercussions for you,
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 44
1 wouldn't it?
3 Q. You might be demoted?
5 Q. You could lose your job?
7 Q. There might also be severe consequences for the judge
8 mighten there?
10 Q. He would lose his reputation if he'd allow something
11 like that to go on?
13 Q. It could cause negative comments in the media?
14 A. Right.
15 Q. And the reversal of the case would also result in some
16 loss of reputation for him?
18 MS. SHEARD: I don't have any -- I don't have any
19 further questions.
20 THE COURT: Mr. Hake.
21 MR. HAKE: Just one question.
22 REDIRECT EXAMINATION
23 BY MR. HAKE:
24 Q. That long discussion about possible affects on your
25 reputation or judge's, that's all based on speculation, right?
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 45
2 Q. That something had happened, or something improperly
3 happened with no evidence, or discussion if there had been?
4 She's just talking about possibilities, she never said anything
5 actually happened and that --
6 A. Right. Right.
7 Q. -- you or the judge actually did anything?
8 A. Right. No.
10 MS. SHEARD: I have no further questions.
11 THE COURT: You may be excused.
12 THE WITNESS: Thank you.
13 THE COURT: State.
14 MR. HAKE: I don't have anymore. The State
15 rests, Your Honor.
16 (End of requested excerpt.)
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S 46
1 THE STATE OF TEXAS §
2 COUNTY OF HIDALGO §
3 I, JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Official Court Reporter in
4 and for the 139th Judicial District Court, Hidalgo County, State
5 of Texas, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing
6 contains a true and correct transcription of all portions of
7 evidence and other proceedings requested in writing by counsel
8 for the parties to be included in this volume of the Reporter's
9 Record, in the above-styled and numbered cause, all of which
10 occurred in open court or in chambers and were reported by me.
11 I further certify that this Reporter's Record of
12 the proceedings truly and correctly reflects the exhibits, if
13 any, offered by the respective parties.
14 I further certify that the total copy rate for
15 preparation of this Reporter's Record is $90.00 and was paid by
16 the DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
17 WITNESS MY OFFICIAL HAND this 17th day
18 of June, A.D., 2014.
21 JESSIE C. SALAZAR, C.S.R. 22 Texas C.S.R. #4286 Official Court Reporter, 139th J.D.C. 23 Hidalgo County Courthouse Edinburg, Texas, U.S.A. 78539 24 Telephone: 956.318.2260 C.S.R. Certification No. 4286 25 Expires: December 31, A.D., 2015
JESSIE C. SALAZAR, Texas CSR #4286 139th Judicial District Court § Hidalgo County, T E X A S Exhibit I Affidavit of Rose Marie Palacios, May 19, 2014 STATE OF TEXAS ) ) Ex parte Humberto Garza III County of Hidalgo )
Affidavit of Rose Marie Palacios (formerly Rose Marie Vera)
BEFORE ME, the undersigned notary public, on this day personally appeared Rose Marie Palacios, formerly Rose Marie Vera, who, upon being duly sworn by me, states as follows:
1. I am Rose Marie Palacios, formerly known as Rose Marie Vera. The change in my name is because Vera was my married name. I am now divorced.
2. I was a juror at the 2005 death penalty trial of Humberto Garza. I gave an affidavit concerning that trial in 2007, which I have reviewed, and I confirm that the facts stated in that affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
3. I have now been asked additional questions concerning Mr. Garza's trial. In my previous affidavit, I explained that the bailiff at the trial had told the jury members that the judge always carried a gun. That bailiff was a little woman whose name was "Licha." She took us to and from the jury room and generally escorted us. For example, when the judge bought us all lunch, which happened on a couple of occasions, Licha took us to the restaurant.
4. So far as I recall, Licha's comment about the judge always carrying a gun was made when all of the jury was together in the jury room behind the courtroom.
5. Some members of the jury were concerned about whether they were safe, given that we were sitting on a case involving a gang. There were jurors who were alarmed that there was a reporter who took a photograph in the courtroom, and who were concerned about people in the courtroom who might be gang members.
1 6. Some jurors were worried about whether they were safe parking in the public lot at the front of the courthouse. For example, some, including me, were concerned that a relative or supporter of Mr. Garza might write down our license plate numbers out in that lot, and then follow us.
7. I was concerned about my personal safety. When we heard from Licha that the judge carried a gun, I believed that to mean that he must have past experiences of being threatened. Licha's comment about the gun added to my fear.
8. Some members of the jury told Licha we were concerned about the security situation, although I did not personally complain about it.
9. There was a young man on the jury who sat next to me who seemed so scared that after the sentencing he literally ran from the room and let the door almost swing into my face.
10. In my previous affidavit, I mentioned that the judge had warned us that sometimes gang members come after members of the jury in a case. I was not previously asked to explain when that warning was given. It was when the jury was in the jury room. It was not in open court. So far as I recall, the attorneys representing the State and the defense were not present at that time, or at any time when the judge was with us in the jury room.
11. A couple of times at least the judge spoke to us in the jury room in response to a note we sent out. I can't remember precisely, but I think we sent out at least a couple of notes. At times Licha would respond if we had a question.
12. As stated in my previous affidavit, the judge reassured us that the reporter who took a photograph in court was legitimate. My recollection is that we were all back in that jury room when the judge gave that reassurance.
2 13. I think that the court reporter, who was a young man, came into the jury room a couple of times also, but I can't remember why he was there.
14. When I signed my previous affidavit, I had forgotten that part way through the trial we were allowed to start parking in the lot behind the courthouse, which was used by the judges and court staff. We were told by the deputies that the change was made because jurors had expressed fear about the gang members. I think that the change in parking arrangements only made me more scared that something might happen to me.
15. The Judge made it very clear that the case would definitely conclude by Easter. While I thought it was possible that we might continue longer than that if it was necessary, I thought that it was inappropriate to fix a finishing time in a case where a man's life was at stake.
16. In the end, the trial was not that long - just a couple of weeks at most - and the sentencing phase seemed very short.
17. The lead defense attorney looked professional, but he showed no passion: it was as though his heart was not in it.
18. This was not an attorney who even seemed to be trying very hard. He did not present much evidence. It made me sorry for the young man on trial, to be represented by an attorney like that.
19. When the lead defense counsel presented the character witnesses at sentencing, he did not draw much out of them. I could not even understand the point of his aunt's testimony. The religious witnesses did not really have any impact on me at all.
20. The lead defense attorney argued that Mr. Garza did not intend or expect the people who died in that house to be shot, but that was just not credible - it was going too far to expect us to believe that.
3 21. The lead defense attorney seemed to be thrown off course by the prosecution objections when defense evidence was being presented.
22. The junior defense attorney hardly spoke at all, and I was not sure what he was doing there. He seemed almost like an assistant or secretary.
23. The end of the sentencing was very emotional. I was actually worried that people might pass out. There were people in the jury room crying openly, even a younger man was just sobbing like a baby. For some reason we had to wait there until the judge came to talk to us. I can't even remember what he said then, but he did not try to console the people who were so upset.
24. It is my belief that the issue of security during the trial played a big role in my decision on the issue of deciding whether Mr. Garza was a future danger to society. I had my own security concerns very much in mind, and they were increased by Licha's comment about the judge carrying a gun, and by what the judge said about the gang following jurors.
I have read this affidavit and swear upon pain and penalty of perjury that it is true and correct.
k~~) Signed
SIGNED AND SWORN before me this \ Oi~ay of~ 1 2014:
4 - Exhibit J Affidavit of Rose Marie Vera, July 14, 2007 STATE OF TEXAS } } COUNTY OF HIDALGO }
AFFIDAVIT OF ROSE MARIE VERA
My name is Rose Marie Vera. I am a resident of Hidalgo County, Texas. I am over the age of eighteen and am competent to make this affidavit. All the facts stated here are within my personal knowledge.
1. I was a juror in the 2005 capital murder trial of Humberto Garza.
2. The death penalty was presented to us as if it was not our decision to make. We just answered the questions given to us and then it was the judge who gave death penalty. It is the judge's authority to give the death penalty.
3. The way it was explained to the jury, and the way I understood it, is that it was capital murder if you were involved in the crime any way.
4. The security guards and deputies would occasionally make sure we got to our car in the parking lot safely. Another night, when we went to the parking lot, only one car remained. Mr. Garza's mother was sitting in her car, alone, staring at us. I was worried she was writing down our license plate numbers. Another night during the trial, I thought a truck was following me home from the courthouse. I moved aside so it could pass me, but it didn't pass me. I drove past my driveway and circled the block and the car stopped following me.
5. During the trial, the male jurors noticed that a couple of Garza's friends in the audience were staring at us. There was a reporter in the audience who took a picture of us. We were scared and we took our fears to the judge. The judge assured us that the reporter was legitimate and trustworthy.
6. The judge warned us that sometimes gang members come after the jury. What made it scary for us is that you never know who is or is not a gang member in the Valley. I thought Garza's gang could work anywhere, even inside the courtroom.
7. The judge carried a gun. He always had one. We knew this because the bailiff told us that the judge carried one. Even the bailiff didn't carry a gun.
8. After the death verdict was read, there was one man who was so scared that he ran through the door to get out of the courtroom before everyone else. I remember he hit let the door hit me on his way out, he was so scared.
9. I was worried that Garza's lawyers would feel rushed because the judge said, "we are going to finish. There is no way we are going to come back after Easter." I think he mentioned something about traveling or fishing with his son. We finished on Holy Thursday.
10. Garza's lawyer was professional, but not passionate. The lawyer just did not have a lot to work with.
11. I feel all of the defendants should be punished equally for their involvement in the crime. If I had known Marcial Bocanegra, one of the shooters in the murders, would receive a 35-year sentence for the actual shooting, I would have voted for a life sentence for Humberto Garza instead of a death sentence.
12. On June 29, 2007, Felicia Espinosa and Peter Walker, two student interns, showed me affidavits from Garza's mother and aunt. This evidence was not presented at trial. I did not know about Garza's sexual molestation. The affidavits show a very dysfunctional family. I did not see that at trial.
13. I do remember from trial that Garza's father was in prison and Garza had seen a neighbor killed as a kid. Garza's mother testified that Garza was working at the time. She thought he was doing well. She should have known he was meeting with his old friends. The testimony of Ms. Garza's mother was just not compelling.
I have read all 13 paragraphs of the above statement and swear, under the pain and penalty of perjury, that it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I give this statement of my own free will.
Rose Marie Vera
61-Jtf -(J? Date
Subscribed to and sworn before me by Rose Marie Vera on thisJ.¥- day of July, 2007.
~~ Notary Public
My Commission expires: _)-_---~-~--(;~7t:....__ MARIO CAVAZOS MY COMMISSION EXPIRES May30, 2009 Exhibit K Affidavit of Melissa Guerrero, July 14, 2007 STATE OF TEXAS } } COUNTY OF HIDALGO }
AFFIDAVIT OF MELISSA GUERRERO
My name is Melissa Guerrero. I am a resident of Hidalgo County, Texas. I am over the age of eighteen and am competent to make this affidavit. All the facts stated here are within my personal knowledge.
1. I was a juror in the in Humberto Garza's 2005 Capital Murder trial.
2. As it was explained to us, the jurors were supposed to only answer the special issue questions during the sentencing phase of the trial. It was the judge who would ultimately decide Humberto Garza's sentence.
3. Even after the special issue questions had been answered, I still did not know what Humberto Garza's sentence would be. When the judge announced the death sentence I took it really hard.
4. If I had known Mr. Cantu, the other person accused of planning the robbery, would be acquitted of charges relating to the murders, it would have influenced me to vote for a life sentence rather than a death sentence.
5. If I had known that Mr. Bocanegra, one of the shooters in the murders, would receive a 35-year sentence for the murders, I would have voted for a life sentence instead of a death sentence.
6. Both Cantu's acquittal and Bocanegra's sentence would have influenced me sufficiently to vote for a life sentence.
7. During the sentencing phase, I remember looking at a list of Humberto Garza's prior convictions. One conviction for breaking into a house had the prefix "aggravated" before it. Arlett Lomeli, another juror, who had worked as a probation officer, explained to me and the other jurors that "aggravated" meant that someone had been at home in the house at the time of the break-in.
8. I relied upon and considered Arlett's explanation in determining that Humberto Garza would be a danger in the future. It definitely influenced me in determining Humberto Garza's future dangerousness.
9. During the trial, I feared for my safety as a juror. I was worried that I would be the victim of retaliation by a gang for my involvement with the trial.
10. I was the "holdout juror" during the sentencing phase. Eventually, I was the only one who did not want to give a death sentence. I argued that Humberto could change, that he could be rehabilitated. Eventually I gave in and agreed with eve~yone.lf I h(At\ ~Y\t>'Nn 4-\'\pt- .fh~ .'f\JY~~s d.ec.\sion rv>p.rc\ln~ .m 0Uli
Date
/']et:5so. &VI errer 0 Subscribed to and sworn before me by.llign 1 "lftiaaa H- on this _ _ day of July, 2007.
My Commission expires: .::;-;_ If~ 2.-o I I
DENNIS A. FIUPPI SR. Notasy Public, State of Texas Mv CommisaiOn Expires Mavll. 2011 Exhibit L July 7, 2014 Letter of Assistant District Attorney Theodore C. Hake to the Hon. Noe Gonzalez July 7, 2014
Judge Noe Gonzalez 370th District Court Hidalgo County, Texas Hidalgo County Courthouse 100 North Closner Edinburg, Texas 78539
RE: Cause No. CR-3175-04-G (1), styled Ex parte Humberto Garza
Dear Judge Gonzalez:
A courtroom hearing was set for June 9, 2014 in this habeas proceeding. However, said hearing had to be postponed because habeas counsel for Applicant filed a motion to recuse you from further involvement in this case; 139th District Court Judge J.R. “Bobby” Flores, who was assigned to hear said motion, held a hear- ing on June 16, 2014; and Judge Flores then took the matter under advisement and asked each side to submit a memorandum of law.
On July 3, 2014, Judge Flores signed an order denying Appli- cant’s motion to recuse you from further involvement in this case.
Earlier today, I received an E-mail copy of a letter to you in which Ms. Sheard indicated that she will be filing a petition for writ of mandamus and a motion for a stay of proceedings in the trial court later today or tomorrow at the latest.
Despite this indication of Ms. Sheard’s intentions, the State believes that you should still re-schedule the evidentiary hearing for the soonest available date, for several reasons. First of all, the Court of Criminal Appeals may or may not grant Applicant’s request for a stay of proceedings, should he seek such a stay.
Secondly, given the fact that the hearing was previously set for June 9, 2014, and only delayed because of the intervening recusal proceedings, neither side should have any difficulty being ready to go forward with said hearing.
Third, setting this matter for a hearing as soon as possible will demonstrate that the you, as the trial judge, and the parties are attempting to move this case along toward ultimate disposition as expeditiously as possible, despite the delay caused by the in- ability to take any action while the recusal issue was pending. Clearly, demonstrating this point is a major concern given the deadline to resolve any outstanding issues in this case imposed by the Court of Criminal Appeals’ April 7, 2014 order in this case.
In order to ensure her awareness of this communication, I have E-mailed a copy of this letter to Applicant’s habeas coun- sel Hilary Sheard at Ms. Sheard’s E-mail address of HilarySheard @Hotmail.com. I have also mailed a follow-up copy of said item to Ms. Sheard addressed to Hilary Sheard, Attorney at Law, 7301 Burnet Road # 102-328, Austin, Texas 78757.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
THEODORE C. HAKE, Assistant Criminal District Attorney Hidalgo County, Texas
xc: Hilary Sheard Attorney at Law 7301 Burnet Road, #102-328 Austin, Texas 78757
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