1 WO 2 3 4 5 6 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 7 FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 8 9 Gregory David Tamplin, No. CV-20-0548-TUC-CKJ (EJM)
10 Petitioner, REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION 11 v.
12 David Shinn, et al., 13 Respondents. 14 Currently pending before the Court is Petitioner Gregory David Tamplin’s Petition 15 Under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 for a Writ of Habeas Corpus by a Person in State Custody 16 (“Petition”) (Doc. 1). Respondents have filed a Limited Answer to Petition for Writ of 17 Habeas Corpus (“Answer”) (Doc. 13) and Petitioner replied (Doc. 14). The Petition is ripe 18 for adjudication. 19 Pursuant to Rules 72.1 and 72.2 of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure,1 this matter 20 was referred to Magistrate Judge Markovich for Report and Recommendation. The 21 Magistrate Judge recommends that the District Court deny the Petition (Doc. 1) as 22 untimely. 23 . . . 24 . . . 25 . . . 26 . . . 27 . . . 28 1 Rules of Practice of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. 1 I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND 2 A. Initial Charge, Trial, and Sentencing 3 The Arizona Court of Appeals stated the facts2 as follows: 4 Sometime after midnight on November 13, 1990, A. woke to the sound of banging on her front door. Thinking it was her fiancé, R., returning 5 from work without his key, she answered the door. A. was unaware that R. 6 had already returned from work and was lying in the bed next to her. When she opened the door, Tamplin forced his way in, held a gun to her face, 7 grabbed her arm, and walked her toward the bedroom, where R. was 8 standing. Tamplin then ordered R. to lie down on the bed and said, “you owe me big.” R. repeatedly begged Tamplin not to shoot, but Tamplin shot him 9 multiple times, killing him. Tamplin then sexually assaulted A. twice in the 10 living room before leaving the apartment, taking with him a bike, $5.00 in quarters, and a gold watch. A. called 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s apartment, and 11 during her police interview later that morning, she gave a description of the 12 assailant. At a follow-up interview on November 15, she met with a police sketch artist who used A.’s description to create a composite sketch. No 13 suspect was identified during the initial investigation and the case remained unresolved for a number of years. 14 15 In 2003, Tucson Police Department (TPD) detectives conducted a “cold case” review and requested the TPD crime laboratory analyze DNA 16 samples from evidence collected during the initial investigation.[2] The 17 samples ultimately were tested in 2007, and a comparison against known DNA profiles revealed a match with a DNA profile for Tamplin. To verify 18 the match, detectives obtained a buccal swab from Tamplin and a new profile 19 prepared from that sample matched the DNA profile from the samples that had been collected during the initial investigation. In August 2007, 20 detectives interviewed A. and told her that a DNA match had been made. A. was shown a photographic lineup consisting of six pictures and asked if she 21 recognized anyone. Although A. was unable to state conclusively that she 22 recognized any of the persons as her assailant, she told the detectives she had a ”deep feeling” about Tamplin’s photograph. 23
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26 2 As these state court findings are entitled to a presumption of correctness and Petitioner 27 has failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that the findings are erroneous, the Court hereby adopts these factual findings. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1); Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465, 28 473–74 (2007); Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. 412, 426 (1985); Cf. Rose v. Lundy, 455 U.S. 509, 519 (1982). 1 [2] At the time the offense was committed, DNA testing was not yet being conducted in the Tucson Police Department crime laboratory. 2 3 Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, Mem. Decision at 4–63 4 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). “Tamplin was indicted in 5 December 2007.” Id., Exh. “A” at 6. On July 14, 2009, following a jury trial, Petitioner 6 was found guilty of one (1) count of first degree murder, two (2) counts of armed robbery, 7 two (2) counts of sexual assault, one (1) count of aggravated assault with a deadly 8 weapon/dangerous instrument, one (1) count of kidnapping, and one (1) count of first 9 degree burglary. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Minute Entry at 10 25–27 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. July 14, 2009) (Exh. “B”) (Doc. 13-1). On August 28, 2009, 11 Petitioner was sentenced to a terms of imprisonment including life with the possibility of 12 parole after 25 calendar years on the first degree murder count; presumptive terms of 10.5 13 years for each of the armed robbery counts to be served concurrently with one another, as 14 well as the first degree murder count, and followed by terms of community supervision; 15 presumptive terms of 7 years for each sexual assault count to be served to consecutively to 16 one another, as well as all other previously imposed terms, and followed by terms of 17 community supervision; a presumptive term of 7.5 years for the aggravated assault with a 18 deadly weapon/dangerous instrument count to be served concurrently with the other terms, 19 and followed by a term of community supervision; a presumptive term of 10.5 years for 20 the kidnapping count to be served concurrently with the other terms, and followed by a 21 term of community supervision; and a presumptive term of 10.5 years to be served 22 concurrently with the other counts, and followed by a term of community supervision. 23 Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Sentence of Imprisonment at 31– 24 35 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Aug. 28, 2009) (Exh. “C”) (Doc. 13-1). 25 B. Direct Appeal 26 On September 3, 2009, counsel for Petitioner filed a Notice of Appeal. See Answer 27 (Doc. 13), Def.’s Not. of Appeal, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. 28 3 Page citations refer to the CM/ECF page numbers, unless otherwise noted. 1 Ct. Sept. 3, 2009) (Exh. “D”) (Doc. 13-1). On May 4, 2010, counsel for Petitioner filed an 2 Opening Brief asserting six (6) issues for review. See Answer (Doc. 13), Appellant’s 3 Opening Br., State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297 (Ariz. Ct. App. May 4, 2010) 4 (Exh. “E”) (Doc. 13-1). First, Petitioner asserted that “the trial court erred in denying Mr. 5 Tamplin’s motion to suppress [A.’s] identification of him as the perpetrator.” Id., Exh. “E” 6 at 42, 53, 64–72. Petitioner alleged that the photo array was unduly suggestive, and 7 therefore, did not comply with due process. Id., Exh. “E” at 64–66. Petitioner argued that 8 A.’s pretrial identification violated his due process rights, and he was prejudiced by the 9 trial court’s refusal to suppress it. Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “E” at 66–72. Next, Petitioner 10 asserted that the prosecutor made improper comments during closing arguments requiring 11 reversal. Id., Exh. “E” at 42, 53, 73–85. Petitioner urged that the prosecutor commented 12 on his failure to testify and vouched for the strength of the DNA evidence. Answer (Doc. 13 13), Appellant’s Opening Br. at 73–85, State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297 (Ariz. 14 Ct. App. May 4, 2010) (Exh. “E”) (Doc. 13-1). Petitioner argued that “the cumulative 15 impact of those comments prejudiced Mr. Tamplin, violated state and federal due process, 16 and require a new trial.” Id., Exh. “E” at 85. Third, Petitioner asserted that “the trial court’s 17 instructions on mental states for first and second degree murder informed the jurors that 18 intent and premeditation can be inferred from circumstantial evidence but did not instruct 19 them that knowledge or recklessness could likewise be inferred from the circumstances.” 20 Id., Exh. “E” at 88 (citations omitted). Petitioner argued that “[t]he jury was misled into 21 applying the circumstantial evidence instruction only to premeditation and the culpable 22 mental state of intent, which applied to all of the charged offense[s].” Id., Exh. “E” at 88 23 (citations omitted). Petitioner urged that this instruction violated his “rights to due process 24 and trial by an impartial jury.” Id., Exh. “E” at 86, 89 (citing U.S. Const. amends. V, VI, 25 XIV; then citing Ariz. Const. art. II, §§ 4, 23, 24). Fourth, Petitioner asserted that all counts 26 other than first degree murder were barred by the statute of limitations. Answer (Doc. 13), 27 Appellant’s Opening Br. at 42, 53, 91–104, State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297 28 (Ariz. Ct. App. May 4, 2010) (Exh. “E”) (Doc. 13-1). Petitioner argued that “the holdings 1 in Aguilar4 and Gum5 violate Arizona’s retroactivity law and require an ex post facto 2 application of the law in violation of the United States and Arizona Constitutions.” Id., 3 Exh. “E” at 92 (citing U.S. Const. art. I, § 9; then citing Ariz. Const. art. II, § 25). Fifth, 4 Petitioner asserted that “[t]he trial court’s imposition of community supervision constituted 5 an illegal sentence.” Id., Exh. “E” at 42, 53, 104–105. Petitioner argued that the imposition 6 of consecutive terms of community supervision would improperly require a period of 7 supervision beyond the period of imprisonment required by statute. Id., Exh. “E” at 105. 8 Sixth, Petitioner asserted that the trial court improperly instructed the jury on reasonable 9 doubt, because the instruction relied on Portillo6 and “defines a ‘clear and convincing’ 10 standard, which is lower than the standard constitutionally required in criminal cases[] and 11 . . . impermissibly shifts the burden of proof.” Id., Exh. “E” at 106 (citations omitted). 12 On November 29, 2010, the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed Petitioner’s 13 convictions and sentences, with the exception of the trial court’s imposition of community 14 supervision, which it vacated. See Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009- 15 0297, Mem. Decision (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). The court 16 of appeals addressed each of Petitioner’s allegations. See id. First, the appellate court 17 considered the trial court’s denial of Petitioner’s motion to suppress. Answer (Doc. 13), 18 Exh. “A” at 6–10. Regarding the Petitioner’s claim that the pre-trial identification 19 procedure violated his due process rights, the appellate court recognized that “[t]rial courts 20 apply a two-part test to determine if a procedure has complied with due process—whether 21 the procedure [wa]s unduly suggestive and, if so, whether the unduly suggestive procedure 22 [wa]s cured by the reliability of the identification made pursuant to that procedure.” Id., 23 Exh. “A” at 7 (citing Manson v. Brathwaite, 432 U.S. 98, 107–14 (1977)). The appellate 24 court observed that “[a] photographic array is not unduly suggestive so long as it ‘depict[s] 25 individuals who basically resemble one another such that the suspect’s photograph does 26 27 4 State v. Aguilar, 178 P.3d 497 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2008). 28 5 State v. Gum, 153 P.3d 418 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2007). 6 State v. Portillo, 898 P.2d 970 (Ariz. 1995). 1 not stand out.’” Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “E” at 8 (citing State v. Phillips, 46 P.3d 1048, 2 1054 (Ariz. 2002)) (second alteration in original). The appellate court did not find anything 3 “in the record to suggest that the photographic array was unduly suggestive . . . nor . . . [did 4 it find] any authority to support [Petitioner’s] contention that the failure to administer a 5 warning that the suspect may not be depicted in the array renders the procedure unduly 6 suggestive.” Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, Mem. 7 Decision at 8 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). Next, the appellate 8 court considered whether A.’s internet research the week before trial, which resulted in her 9 discovery of the same photograph that had been sued in the photographic lineup, rendered 10 A.’s in-court identification unreliable. Id., Exh. “A” at 9. The appellate court observed 11 that “[g]enerally, for an in-court identification to be impermissibly tainted and thus 12 inadmissible, the defendant must establish that the taint had been caused by state action.” 13 Id., Exh. “A” at 9 (citing State v. Garcia, 226 P.3d 370, 377 (Ariz. 2010); then citing State 14 v. Williams, 800 P.2d 1240, 1245 (Ariz. 1987)). The appellate court found the requisite 15 state action lacking and concluded that the trial court’s admission of A.’s in-court 16 identification was proper. Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “E” at 9–10. 17 Next, the appellate court considered Petitioner’s contention that “the trial court 18 abused its discretion in denying his motion to dismiss the charges of aggravated assault, 19 kidnapping, first-degree burglary, armed robbery, and sexual assault, on the ground that 20 they were barred by the statute of limitations.” Id., Exh. “A” at 10. The appellate court 21 “declined [Petitioner’s] invitation to overrule [State v. Aguilar, 178 P.3d 497 (Ariz. Ct. 22 App. 2008), and determined that] [a]t the time [A.R.S.] § 13-107(E) became effective, the 23 statute of limitations for Tamplin’s offenses had not expired.” Answer (Doc. 13), State v. 24 Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, Mem. Decision at 13 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) 25 (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). Therefore, the appellate court concluded that A.R.S. § 13-107(E) 26 applied to his offenses. Id., Exh. “A” at 13. 27 Third, the appellate court considered Petitioner argument that “the prosecutor made 28 improper comments during closing arguments that violated his Fifth Amendment right 1 against self-incrimination and his right to a fair trial under the United States and Arizona 2 Constitutions.” Id., Exh. “A” at 14 (citing U.S. Const. amends. V & XIV § 1; then citing 3 Ariz. Const. art. II, 4, 10). The appellate court noted that “[r]eversal on the basis of 4 prosecutorial misconduct requires that the conduct be so pronounced and persistent that it 5 permeates the entire atmosphere of the trial.” Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “A” at 14 (quotations 6 and citations omitted). The appellate court found “the prosecutor’s comment was error, 7 [but] conclude[d] it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Id., Exh. “A” at 17 (citing 8 State v. Bible, 858 P.2d 1152, 1191 (Ariz. 1993)). The appellate court went on to consider 9 whether the prosecutor’s comment in closing regarding the strength of the DNA evidence. 10 Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, Mem. Decision at 17–18 11 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). The court concluded that “even if 12 it assume[d], without deciding, that the prosecutor’s comment constituted fundamental 13 error, [it] would not reverse because Tamplin ha[d] not established he suffered any 14 prejudice.” Id., Exh. “A” at 18. The appellate court further held that “[c]umulatively, the 15 prosecutor’s comments did not constitute reversible error.” Id., Exh. “A” at 19. 16 Fourth, the appellate court considered whether the trial court erred in its 17 premeditation instruction. Id., Exh. “A” at 19–20. The appellate court observed that “[i]n 18 addition to the circumstantial evidence instruction Tamplin complain[ed] of, the trial court 19 also gave a general instruction on circumstantial evidence that applied to all the evidence 20 presented in the case.” Id., Exh. “A” at 20. The court “thus presume[d] the jury was aware 21 that it could rely on circumstantial evidence to find any element of the offenses with which 22 Tamplin was charged.” Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, 23 Mem. Decision at 20 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1) (citing State 24 v. Newell, 132 P.3d 833, 847 (Ariz. 2006)). The appellate court also noted that “during the 25 settling of the jury instructions, defense counsel asked that the circumstantial evidence 26 language in the premeditation instruction be stricken because there was no similar 27 instruction for knowledge and recklessness[,]” but counsel went on to indicate that she was 28 not asking for such an instruction for knowledge and recklessness. Id., Exh. “A” at 20. 1 The appellate court held that the instruction was proper and also rejected Petitioner’s claim 2 that the instruction was an improper comment on the evidence. Id. Regarding Petitioner’s 3 objection to the Portillo instruction, the appellate court noted that it was “not at liberty to 4 overrule or disregard [the Arizona Supreme] [C]ourt’s rulings” and declined to consider 5 the argument. Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “A” at 21–22. 6 Finally, the appellate court considered Petitioner’s argument that “the imposition of 7 community supervision constituted an illegal sentence.” Id., Exh. “A” at 22. The appellate 8 court held that “the [trial] court erred in imposing community supervision, and [it] 9 vacate[d] that part of Tamplin’s sentence. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA- 10 CR 2009-0297, Mem. Decision at 22 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13- 11 1). Accordingly, the appellate court affirmed Petitioner’s convictions and sentences, with 12 the exception of the imposition of community supervision, which it vacated. Id., Exh. “A” 13 at 23. 14 On January 28, 2011, Petitioner sought review with the Arizona Supreme Court. 15 See Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for Review, State v. Tamplin, No. CR-11-0025-PR 16 (Ariz. Jan. 28, 2011) (Exh. “H”) (Doc. 13-1). Petitioner raised three (3) issues for review, 17 including whether: 1) “the identification of Gregory unreliable and result from a suggestive 18 lineup”; 2) “the prosecutor’s improper comments [were] harmless error”; and 3) “the non- 19 murder charges [were] barred by the statute of limitations[.]” See id. On September 1, 20 2011, the Arizona Supreme Court denied Petitioner’s Petition for Review. Answer (Doc. 21 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR-11-0025-PR, Memorandum (Ariz. Sept. 1, 2011) (Exh. “I”) 22 (Doc. 13-1). 23 C. Post-Conviction Relief (“PCR”) Proceedings 24 1. Initial PCR Petition 25 On November 10, 2011, Petitioner filed his Notice of PCR. Answer (Doc. 13), 26 Petr.’s Not. of PCR, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Nov. 10, 27 2011) (Exh. “J”) (Doc. 13-1). On November 16, 2011, the court acknowledged receipt of 28 Petitioner’s Notice and appointed counsel to represent Petitioner for the Rule 32 1 proceeding. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Notice—Re: Not. of 2 PCR (Exh. “K”) (Doc. 13-1). On February 21, 2012, Petitioner’s PCR counsel filed a 3 notice pursuant to Montgomery v. Sheldon (I),7 in which counsel stated that he was “unable 4 to find any claims for relief to raise in Rule 32 post-conviction proceedings that Petitioner 5 wished to pursue.”8 Answer (Doc. 13), Not. of Review; Mot. to Extend Time for pro se 6 Rule 32 at 192–93, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Feb. 21, 7 2012) (Exh. “L”) (Doc. 13-1). On April 16, 2012, the Rule 32 court acknowledged receipt 8 of appointed counsel’s Notice of Review; Motion to Extend Time for Pro Se Rule 32, and 9 noted that it had granted Petitioner an extension of time until April 6, 2012, to file his pro 10 se PCR petition. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Ruling—Re: Pet. 11 for PCR (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Apr. 16, 2012) (Exh. “M”) (Doc. 13-1). The Rule 32 court 12 observed that “Petitioner ha[d] failed to file a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief or move 13 for an extension.” Id. As such, the Rule 32 court summarily dismissed Petitioner’s PCR 14 petition. Id. 15 2. Clarification of Sentence 16 On December 21, 2015, Petitioner submitted to prison officials a motion seeking a 17 clarification of his sentence. 9 Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Mot. for Clarification of Sentence,
18 7 Montgomery v. Sheldon (I), 181 Ariz. 256, 889 P.2d 614 (1995). 19 8 The Arizona Supreme Court has held that in Rule 32 proceedings, where counsel 20 concludes that the proceeding has no merit, “a pleading defendant has a right under Ariz. Const. art. 2 § 24 to file a pro se PCR petition.” Montgomery (I), 181 Ariz. at 260, 889 P.2d at 618. 21 Subsequently, the Arizona Supreme Court affirmed this rule and reiterated: 22 If, after conscientiously searching the record for error, appointed counsel in a PCR proceeding finds no tenable issue and cannot proceed, the defendant is entitled to 23 file a pro se PCR. 24 State v. Smith, 184 Ariz. 456, 459, 910 P.2d 1, 4 (1996). 25 9 The prison mailbox rule directs that a pro se prisoner’s federal habeas petition is deemed filed when “he hands it over to prison authorities” for mailing. See Houston v. Lack, 487 U.S. 266, 26 275–76 (1988). Arizona also applies the prison mailbox rule to pro se filings. See State v. Rosario, 27 987 P.2d 226, 228 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1999) (applying the prison mailbox rule to notice of post- conviction relief). For Petitioner’s trial and appellate filings, the Court has relied on the date the 28 accepting court file stamped for ease of reference; however, for his pro se post-conviction filings and calculating timeliness, the Court relies on the date on which Petitioner handed his documents 1 State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Dec. 21, 2015) (Exh. “N”) (Doc. 2 13-2). Petitioner requested that “the Court clarify to A[rizona] D[epartment] [of] 3 C[orrections] that he does in fact have a parole eligible sentence on Count I and that 4 sentence began at the same time he began to serve the sentences imposed on Counts 2, 3, 5 6, 7, 8.” Id., Exh. “N” at 4. On February 3, 2016, the trial court reaffirmed the Sentencing 6 Order and also explained the calculation for parole eligibility in light of Petitioner’s 7 concurrent and consecutive sentences. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 8 CR20074736, Order—In Chambers Order Re Mot. for Clarification (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. 9 Feb. 3, 2016) (Exh. “O”) (Doc. 13-2). 10 3. Second PCR Petition 11 On February 14, 2018, Petitioner delivered his second Notice of Post-Conviction 12 Relief to prison officials. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Not. of PCR, State v. Tamplin, No. 13 CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Feb. 14, 2018) (Exh. “P”) (Doc. 13-2). On March 1, 14 2018, the Rule 32 court acknowledged receipt and appointed counsel to represent 15 Petitioner. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736-001, Notice—Not. of 16 PCR (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Mar. 1, 2018) (Exh. “Q”) (Doc. 13-2). On April 24, 2018, 17 Petitioner’s PCR counsel filed a notice pursuant to Montgomery v. Sheldon (I), in which 18 counsel stated that he “could not find any legitimate basis for relief under Rule 32.” 19 Answer (Doc. 13), Not. of Completion of Rule 32 Review at 32, State v. Tamplin, No. 20 CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Apr. 24, 2018) (Exh. “R”) (Doc. 13-2). On April 26, 21 2018, pursuant to counsel’s request, the Rule 32 court extended the deadline for Petitioner 22 to file his Rule 32 petition. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Order 23 Re: Ext. of Rule 32 Deadline (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Apr. 26, 2018) (Exh. “S”) (Doc. 13- 24 2). 25 On June 5, 2018, Petitioner delivered his pro se Petition for Post-Conviction Relief 26 to prison officials for filing. See Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for PCR, State v. Tamplin, 27 No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. June 5, 2018) (Exh. “T”) (Doc. 13-2). Petitioner 28 over to prison authorities. 1 alleged that 1) “numerous oddities and inconsistencies” raised doubts about A.’s trial 2 testimony; 2) new DNA testing of various items from the crime scene might exonerate him; 3 3) a significant change in the law entitled him to reconsideration; 4) drug testing of 4 biological material from the scene could be used to discredit the victim; 5) the trial court’s 5 ruling regarding Petitioner’s prior conviction prevented him from presenting a consent 6 defense in violation of his confrontation and due process rights; and 6) ineffective 7 assistance of both trial and Rule 32 counsel.10 See id. On July 28, 2018, the State filed its 8 response. Answer (Doc. 13), State’s Response to Def.’s Pet. for PCR, State v. Tamplin, 9 No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. July 28, 2018) (Exh. “U”) (Doc. 13-2). 10 On September 25, 2018, the Rule 32 court summarily dismissed the petition and 11 denied Petitioner’s request for an evidentiary hearing. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, 12 No. CR20074736, Order—In Chambers Re: Pet. for PCR (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Sept. 25, 13 2018) (Exh. “V”) (Doc. 13-2). The Rule 32 court found that “Petitioner’s argument that 14 the victim provided inconsistent statements [wa]s not a ground included within Rule 32.1, 15 and . . . not an argument upon which th[e] [c]ourt [could] grant relief.” Id., Exh. “V” at 77. 16 Regarding Petitioner’s request for additional DNA testing, “the [c]ourt note[d] that while 17 the evidence was not previously subjected to DNA testing, Petitioner knew of the existence 18 of these items and could have requested to them[,] . . . [and] after review of Rule 32.12(d), 19 the [c]ourt f[ound] that Petitioner is not entitled to DNA testing of the . . . items he 20 request[ed] to have tested.” Id., Exh. “V” at 78. Next, the Rule 32 court observed that “it 21 [wa]s unclear from Petitioner’s statement what he believe[d] the significant change in the 22
23 10 Additionally, Petitioner alleged six (6) check-the-box claims on the PCR Petition form, 24 including 1) “[t]he denial of the constitutional right to representation by a competent lawyer at every critical stage of the proceeding”; 2) “[t]he unconstitutional suppression of evidence by the 25 state”; 3) “[t]he unconstitutional use by the state of perjured testimony”; 4) “[t]he abridgement of any other right guaranteed by the constitution or the laws of this state, or the constitution of the 26 United States, including a right that was not recognized as existing at the time of the trial if 27 retrospective application of that right is required”; 5) “[t]he existence of newly-discovered material which require the court to vacate the conviction or sentence”; and 6) actual of factual innocence 28 and a significant change in the law. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for PCR at 38, State v. Tamplin, No. CR-20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. June 5, 2018) (Exh. “T”) (Doc. 13-2). 1 law to be, how the alleged change differs from the law before it, or how he believe[d] it 2 applies to his case.” Id., Exh. “V” at 79. The Rule 32 court found that Petitioner had not 3 met his burden to demonstrate that a significant change in the law existed. Id. The Rule 4 32 court further found that Petitioner had waived any argument regarding his 1996 prior 5 conviction and a consent defense, and was thereby precluded from relief. Answer (Doc. 6 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Order—In Chambers Re: Pet. for PCR at 79 (Pima 7 Cnty. Super. Ct. Sept. 25, 2018) (Exh. “V”) (Doc. 13-2) (citing Ariz. R. Crim. P. 8 32.2(a)(3)). Regarding Petitioner’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim, the Rule 32 9 court reviewed the relevant test to succeed on such a claim. Id., Exh. “V” at 79–80 (citing 10 Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984); then citing State v. Nash, 694 P.2d 11 222, 227 (Ariz. 1985)). The Rule 32 court held “that Petitioner ha[d] not demonstrated 12 proof of ineffectiveness above mere speculation.” Id., Exh. “V” at 80. The Rule 32 court 13 concluded that “because Petitioner ha[d] not stated a colorable claim upon which may be 14 granted,” he was not entitled to an evidentiary hearing. Id., Exh. “V” at 81. 15 4. Reconsideration of Second PCR Petition 16 On October 15, 2018, Petitioner delivered his motion to compel, motion for 17 reconsideration, and motion to extend time to prison officials for mailing. Answer (Doc. 18 13), Petr.’s Mot. to Compel Production; Mot. for Recon.; Mot. to Extend Time, State v. 19 Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Nov. 7, 2018) (Exh. “W”) (Doc. 13-2). 20 Petitioner indicated that he had not received a copy of the State’s response and opined that 21 the Rule 32 court erred in basing its ruling on the same. See id., Exh. “W.” As such, 22 Petitioner sought reconsideration of the Rule 32 court’s ruling. Id., Exh. “W” at 85. 23 On November 6, 2018, the Rule 32 court acknowledged receipt of Petitioner’s 24 motion, granted Petitioner leave to reply, provided a copy of the State’s response to him, 25 and vacated its prior ruling. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, 26 Order—Criminal Order (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Nov. 6, 2018) (Exh. “X”) (Doc. 13-2). 27 On December 20, 2018, Petitioner delivered his reply to prison officials for mailing. 28 Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Reply to State’s Response to Def.’s pro per Pet. for PCR, State 1 v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Dec. 20, 2018) (Exh. “Y”) (Doc. 13- 2 2). On January 11, 2019, the Rule 32 court summarily dismissed Petitioner’s second PCR 3 Petition and denied his request for an evidentiary hearing. See Answer (Doc. 13), State v. 4 Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Order—In Chambers Re: Pet. for PCR (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. 5 Jan. 11, 2019) (Exh. “Z”) (Doc. 13-2). The Rule 32 court’s new order reiterated its 6 previous findings and conclusions. See id. 7 5. Second Reconsideration of Second PCR Petition 8 On January 23, 2019, Petitioner delivered his motion for rehearing to prison officials 9 for filing. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Mot. for Rehr’g, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 10 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Jan. 23, 2019) (Exh. “AA”) (Doc. 13-3). On February 7, 2019, the 11 Rule 32 court acknowledged receipt of Petitioner’s motion and construed it as one for 12 reconsideration. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Order—Criminal 13 Order (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Jan. 7, 2019) (Exh. “BB”) (Doc. 13-3). The Rule 32 court 14 found “that the Defendant either raise[d] issues previously ruled upon or [that were] 15 precluded.” Id., Exh. “BB” at 19. As such, the Rule 32 court denied Petitioner’s motion. 16 Id. 17 6. Second PCR Petition Appeal 18 On March 21, 2019, Petitioner delivered his petition for review seeking appellate 19 review of the denial of his second PCR petition to prison authorities for mailing. Answer 20 (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for Review, State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 19-0054-PR (Pima Cnty. 21 Super. Ct. Mar. 21, 2019) (Exh. “CC”) (Doc. 13-3). Petitioner raised five (5) grounds for 22 relief. See id. First, Petitioner asserted that the State presented improper or inaccurate 23 information to contrive a conviction in violation of his due process rights. Answer (Doc. 24 13), Exh. “CC” at 24, 28–36. Next, Petitioner alleged that additional DNA testing might 25 lead to evidence supporting a claim of actual innocence. Id., Exh. “CC” at 24, 36–39. 26 Third, Petitioner urged that a significant change in the law supported his argument that the 27 State impermissibly shifted the burden of proof to him when it commented on the evidence 28 in closings. Id., Exh. “CC” at 24, 39–41 (citing May v. Ryan, 245 F. Supp. 3d 1145 (D. 1 Ariz. 2017)). Fourth, Petitioner asserted that the trial court prejudiced him by admitting 2 evidence of his prior conviction, thereby removing his consent defense. Id., Exh. “CC” at 3 24, 41. Fifth, Petitioner asserted his Rule 32 counsel was ineffective. Answer (Doc. 13), 4 Petr.’s Pet. for Review at 24, 41–42, State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 19-0054-PR (Pima 5 Cnty. Super. Ct. Mar. 21, 2019) (Exh. “CC”) (Doc. 13-3). 6 On June 6, 2019, the Arizona Court of Appeals granted review, but denied relief. 7 Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2019-0054-PR, Mem. Decision (Ariz. 8 Ct. App. June 6, 2019) (Exh. “DD”) (Doc. 13-3). The appellate court declined to address 9 Petitioner’s claim that the State used “improper or inaccurate information,” because “[t]o 10 the extent he raised this claim below, it cannot be raised in an untimely proceeding like this 11 one.” Id., Exh. “DD” at 46 (citing Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.1(a)(2)(A), (D)). Regarding 12 Petitioner’s claim for further DNA testing, the appellate court observed that it would “limit 13 [its] review to the specific arguments raised in Tamplin’s petition for review. Id., Exh. 14 “DD” at 46 (citing Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.9(c)(5)(A)) (incorporation by reference not 15 permitted in petition for review). The appellate court found that Petitioner waived any 16 claim for newly discovered evidence, and otherwise failed to meet his burden to 17 “demonstrat[e] that re-testing of those samples probably would produce exculpatory 18 results.” Id., Exh. “DD” at 46–47 (citing Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.12(d)(1)(A); then citing State 19 v. Stefanovich, 302 P.3d 679, 683 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2013)). Next, the appellate court held 20 that the federal district court’s decision in May could not constitute a significant change in 21 the law, because it “is flatly contradicted by Arizona law.” Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “DD” 22 at 47 (citations omitted). Finally, the appellate court found Petitioner’s claim for 23 ineffective assistance of Rule 32 counsel precluded, because “[a]s a non-pleading 24 defendant, Tamplin has ‘no constitutional right to counsel in post-conviction 25 proceedings[.]’” Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2019-0054-PR, Mem. 26 Decision at 47 (Ariz. Ct. App. June 6, 2019) (Exh. “DD”) (Doc. 13-3) (quoting State v. 27 Escareno-Meraz, 307 P.3d 1013, 1014 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2013)). 28 On June 11, 2019, Petitioner delivered his petition for review seeking appellate 1 review of the denial of his second PCR petition to prison authorities for mailing. Answer 2 (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Mot. for Recon. and Request for Oral Argument, State v. Tamplin, No. 2 3 CA-CR 19-0054-PR (Ariz. Ct. App. June 11, 2019) (Exh. “EE”) (Doc. 13-3). On June 27, 4 2019, the Arizona Court of Appeals denied reconsideration. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. 5 Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2019-0054-PR, Order (Ariz. Ct. App. June 27, 2019) (Exh. “FF”) 6 (Doc. 13-3). On September 11, 2019, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued its Mandate. 7 Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2019-0054-PR, Mandate (Ariz. Ct. App. 8 Sept. 11, 2019) (Exh. “GG”) (Doc. 13-3). 9 7. State Habeas 10 On March 13, 2019, Petitioner delivered his Petition for State Writ of Habeas 11 Corpus Under Arizona Constitution Art. 2, § 14, and Pursuant to A.R.S. § 4121 to prison 12 officials. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for State Writ of Habeas Corpus Under Ariz. 13 Const. Art. 2, § 14, and Pursuant to A.R.S. § 4121, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 14 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Mar. 13, 2019) (Exh. “HH”) (Doc. 13-3). First, Petitioner alleged 15 that he was convicted under an invalid law. Id., Exh. “HH” at 74–75. Second, Petitioner 16 alleged fraud because the indictment was “fatally defective.” Id., Exh. “HH” at 75. Third, 17 Petitioner asserted that his conviction was obtained in a court that lacked subject matter 18 jurisdiction. Id., Exh. “HH” at 76. 19 On March 26, 2019, the Rule 32 court acknowledged receipt of Petitioner’s Writ of 20 Habeas Corpus and construed it as another PCR petition. Answer (Doc. 13), State v. 21 Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Order—In Chambers Re: Successive Pet. for PCR (Pima Cnty. 22 Super. Ct. Mar. 26, 2019) (Exh. “II”) (Doc. 13-4). The court found that “the Defendant 23 d[id] not make any allowable cognizable claims under a successive Notice of Post- 24 Conviction Relief.” Id., Exh. “II” at 3. The Rule 32 court further found that “the Defendant 25 fail[ed] to show how he is being held in custody beyond his sentence and fail[ed] to provide 26 a legal basis upon which to rely.” Id. Accordingly, the Rule 32 court summarily dismissed 27 Petitioner’s petition. Answer (Doc. 13), Exh. “II” at 4. 28 On April 23, 2019, Petitioner delivered his Petition for Review by the Arizona Court 1 of Appeals to prison officials for filing. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for Review, State 2 v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-HC 19-0003 (Ariz. Ct. App. Apr. 23, 2019) (Exh. “JJ”) (Doc. 13-4). 3 Petitioner raised a single issue for review, asserting that the trial court erred in denying 4 relief of his successive PCR petition which alleged that his sentence was not authorized by 5 a valid law and the trial court lacked jurisdiction. See id., Exh. “JJ.” On August 2, 2019, 6 Petitioner filed his Opening Brief asserting four (4) issues for review including 1) the trial 7 court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over his case; 2) his sentences were rendered in 8 violation of Apprendi11 and Blakely12; 3) the legal process was fraudulent of fatally 9 defective; and 4) his conviction was invalid because the law was unconstitutional. See 10 Answer (Doc. 13), Appellant’s Opening Br., State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-HC 2019-0003 11 (Ariz. Ct. App. Aug. 2, 2019) (Exh. “KK”) (Doc. 13-4). 12 On November 25, 2019, the Arizona Court of Appeals granted review, but denied 13 relief. Answer (Doc. 13), Tamplin v. Morris, No. 2 CA-HC 2019-0003, Mem. Decision 14 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 25, 2019) (Exh. “NN”) (Doc. 13-4). The appellate court observed 15 that “[i]n his opening brief, Tamplin d[id] not address the trial court’s decision to treat his 16 petition as a successive notice of post-conviction relief.” Id., Exh. “NN” at 69. Upon 17 review of Arizona law, the appellate court held that the Rule 32 court “did not err by 18 treating Tamplin’s filing as a notice under Rule 32[,] [n]or did [it] err in summarily 19 dismissing the proceeding.” Id. 20 On December 23, 2019, Petitioner delivered his Petition for Review by the Arizona 21 Supreme Court to prison officials for mailing. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Pet. for Review, 22 Tamplin v. State, No. CV-19-0335 (Ariz. Dec. 23, 2019) (Exh. “OO”) (Doc. 13-4). On 23 March 27, 2020, the Arizona Supreme Court denied the petition for review. Answer (Doc. 24 13), Tamplin v. Morris, No. CV-19-0335-PR, Memorandum (Ariz. Mar. 27, 2020) (Exh. 25 “PP”). 26 . . . 27 28 11 Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 (2000). 12 Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 (2004). 1 D. The Instant Habeas Proceeding 2 On December 17, 2020, Petitioner filed his Petition Under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 for a 3 Writ of Habeas Corpus by a Person in State Custody (Doc. 1). Petitioner asserts five (5) 4 grounds for relief. First, Petitioner alleges a violation of his due process rights alleging 5 that the State “knowing[ly] use[d] or present[ed] . . . improper and inaccurate information 6 [and] contrived a conviction[.]” Petition (Doc. 1) at 6. Second, Petitioner alleges that the 7 trial court “abused its discretion or exceeded its jurisdiction when it denied Defendant’s 8 petition requesting DNA testing of previously untested items of evidence in the State’s 9 possession or under its control where request for DNA testing has potential to provide 10 exculpatory and exonerating evidence based on the advancement of technology and such 11 denial denied Defendant due process of law and access to the court in violation of the 12 Fifth/Sixth or Fourteenth Amendment of the United States and Arizona Constitution.” Id. 13 at 15. Third, Petitioner urges ineffective assistance of his post-conviction relief counsel 14 because he allegedly failed to raise ineffective assistance of trial counsel. Id. at 21. Fourth, 15 Petitioner asserts that the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the charges in 16 his indictment. Id. at 27. Finally, Petitioner claimed that his sentences are illegal or 17 imposed illegally in violation of his Sixth or Fourteenth Amendment rights. Id. at 28. 18 On April 19, 2021, Respondents filed their Limited Answer (Doc. 13), and 19 Petitioner replied (Doc. 14). 20 21 II. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS 22 A. Timeliness 23 As a threshold matter, the Court must consider whether Petitioner’s petition is 24 barred by the statute of limitation. See White v. Klizkie, 281 F.3d 920, 921–22 (9th Cir. 25 2002). The AEDPA mandates that a one-year statute of limitations applies to applications 26 for a writ of habeas corpus by a person in state custody. 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1). Section 27 2244(d)(1) provides that the limitations period shall run from the latest of: 28 1 (A) the date on which the judgment became final by the conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review; 2 (B) the date on which the impediment to filing an application created by 3 the State action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States 4 is removed, if the applicant was prevented from filing by such State action; 5 (C) the date on which the constitutional right asserted was initially recognized by the Supreme Court, if the right has been newly recognized by 6 the Supreme Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral 7 review; or 8 (D) the date on which the factual predicate of the claim or claims presented could have been discovered through the exercise of due diligence. 9 10 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1); Shannon v. Newland, 410 F.3d 1083 (9th Cir. 2005). “The time 11 during which a properly filed application for State post-conviction or other collateral 12 review with respect to the pertinent judgment or claim is pending shall not be counted 13 toward any period of limitation under this subsection.” 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(2). 14 The other subsections being inapplicable, Petitioner must have filed his habeas 15 petition within one year from “the date on which the judgment became final by the 16 conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review.” 28 17 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1)(A); see also McQuiggin v. Perkins, 569 U.S. 383 (2013). On 18 September 1, 2011, the Arizona Supreme Court denied review, thereby affirming the 19 Arizona Appeals Court decision upholding Petitioner’s convictions and sentences, with the 20 exception of the imposition of community supervision, which it vacated. See Answer (Doc. 21 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR-11-0025-PR, Memorandum (Ariz. Sept 1, 2011) (Exh. “I”) 22 (Doc. 13-1); Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. 2 CA-CR 2009-0297, Mem. Decision 23 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 29, 2010) (Exh. “A”) (Doc. 13-1). As such, Petitioner’s judgment 24 became final on February 18, 2012, after the expiration of the ninety (90) day period to file 25 a petition for certiorari from the Supreme Court of the United States. Bowen v. Roe, 188 26 F.3d 1157, 1158–59 (9th Cir. 1999) (“[T]he period of ‘direct review’ in 28 U.S.C. § 27 2244(d)(1)(A) includes the [90-day] period within which a petitioner can file a petition for 28 a writ of certiorari from the United States Supreme Court, whether or not the petitioner 1 actually files such a petition.”). 2 Pursuant to the AEDPA, Petitioner’s one-year limitation period expired, absent 3 tolling, on February 18, 2013. See White, 281 F.3d at 924 (“[T]he question of when a 4 conviction becomes final, so as to start the running of the statute of limitations under § 5 2244(d)(1)(A), is fundamentally different from the question of how long the statute of 6 limitations is tolled under § 2244(d)(2).”). Petitioner filed his Petition (Doc. 1) on 7 December 17, 2020. Therefore, absent tolling, the Petition (Doc. 1) is untimely. 8 B. Statutory Tolling of the Limitations Period 9 The limitations period is tolled during the time in “which a properly filed application 10 for State post-conviction or other collateral review with respect to the pertinent judgment 11 or claim is pending[.]” 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(2); Allen v. Siebert, 552 U.S. 3, 4 (2007). An 12 application for State post-conviction relief is “‘properly filed’ when its delivery and 13 acceptance are in compliance with the applicable laws and rules governing filings.” Artuz 14 v. Bennett, 531 U.S. 4, 8 (2000). Statutory tolling of the limitations period ends “[a]fter 15 the State’s highest court has issued its mandate or denied review, [because] no other state 16 avenues for relief remain open.” Lawrence v. Florida, 549 U.S. 327, 332 (2007); see also 17 Hemmerle v. Schriro, 495 F.3d 1069, 1077 (9th Cir. 2007) (collateral proceeding 18 “determined” when the Arizona Supreme Court denied petition for review). 19 “[I]n Arizona, post-conviction ‘proceedings begin with the filing of the Notice.’” 20 Hemmerle, 495 F.3d at 1074 (quoting Isley v. Arizona Dept. of Corrections, 383 F.3d 1054 21 (9th Cir. 2004)). Petitioner filed his Notice of Post-Conviction Relief on November 10, 22 2011. Answer (Doc. 13), Petr.’s Not. of PCR, State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736 (Pima 23 Cnty. Super. Ct. Nov. 10, 2011) (Exh. “J”) (Doc. 13-1). Here, the statute of limitations had 24 not begun running when Petitioner initiated his PCR petition by filing his PCR notice. On 25 April 16, 2012, the Rule 32 court summarily dismissed Petitioner’s PCR petition, because 26 he had “failed to file a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief or move for an extension [of 27 time].” Answer (Doc. 13), State v. Tamplin, No. CR20074736, Ruling—Re: Pet for PCR 28 (Pima Cnty. Super. Ct. Apr. 16, 2012) (Exh. “M”) (Doc. 13-1). Petitioner did not appeal 1 this decision to the Arizona Court of Appeals. As such, the Rule 32 court’s order became 2 final thirty-five (35) days later, on May 21, 2012. See Ariz. R. Crim. P. 32.16(a)(1), 1.3(a). 3 Petitioner’s time to seek habeas relief expired one (1) year later on May 21, 2013; however, 4 Petitioner did not file his Petition (Doc. 1) until December 17, 2020. Accordingly, the 5 Court finds, absent equitable tolling, Petitioner’s Petition (Doc. 1) is untimely. 6 C. Equitable Tolling of the Limitations Period 7 The Supreme Court of the United States has held “that § 2244(d) is subject to 8 equitable tolling in appropriate cases.” Holland v. Florida, 560 U.S. 631, 645 (2010). The 9 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals “will permit equitable tolling of AEDPA’s limitations 10 period only if extraordinary circumstances beyond a prisoner’s control make it impossible 11 to file a petition on time.” Miles v. Prunty, 187 F.3d 1104, 1107 (9th Cir. 1999) (quotations 12 and citations omitted). Moreover, Petitioner “bears the burden of establishing two 13 elements: (1) that he has been pursuing his rights diligently, and (2) that some extraordinary 14 circumstance stood in his way.” Pace v. DiGuglielmo, 544 U.S. 408, 418 (2005); see also 15 Holland, 260 U.S. at 649 (quoting Pace). 16 Petitioner references the filing of his second PCR petition and subsequent petition 17 for a State writ of habeas corpus, as well as the avoidance of “piecemeal litigation” as 18 grounds for equitable tolling. Petition (Doc. 1) at 31. Petitioner fails to recognize that the 19 statute of limitations had already run by the time those pleadings were filed in the state 20 court. Petitioner further references the difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic as a 21 reason for this Court to equitably toll the statute of limitations. Id. He fails to explain how 22 an event that began in 2019 affected his ability to file a petition in this Court in 2013. 23 Petitioner’s Petition (Doc. 1) and Reply (Doc. 14) are devoid of any facts to support that 24 he had been pursuing his rights diligently. Furthermore, Petitioner has failed to meet the 25 “very high threshold” of establishing that extraordinary circumstances beyond his control 26 made it impossible for him to timely file a habeas petition and that those extraordinary 27 circumstances were the cause of his untimeliness. United States v. Battles, 362 F.3d 1195, 28 1197 (9th Cir. 2004). As such, Petitioner is not entitled to equitable tolling and his habeas || petition is untimely. The Court recommends that Petitioner’s Petition (Doc. 1) be denied || because it is untimely. 3 4) Ir. CONCLUSION 5 Based upon the foregoing, the Court finds that Petitioner’s Petition (Doc. 1) is 6 || untimely and should be denied. 7 IV. RECOMMENDATION 9 For the reasons delineated above, the Magistrate Judge recommends that the District || Judge enter an order DENYING Petitioner’s Petition Under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 for a Writ 11 || of Habeas Corpus by a Person in State Custody (Doc. 1). 12 Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) and Rule 72(b)(2), Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 13} any party may serve and file written objections within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy of this Report and Recommendation. A party may respond to another party’s 15 || objections within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy. Fed. R. Civ. P. || 72(b)(2). No replies shall be filed unless leave is granted from the District Court. If 17 || objections are filed, the parties should use the following case number: CV-20-0548-TUC- CKJ. 19 Failure to file timely objections to any factual or legal determination of the || Magistrate Judge may result in waiver of the right of review. 21 Dated this 3rd day of May, 2023. 22 Soa [) C_ 24 Eric J. M&fkovich United States Magistrate Judge 25 26 27 28
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