388 S.W.3d 603
Mo. Ct. App.2012Background
- Original certiorari proceeding challenging habeas corpus relief in Allen v. Dormire (Cole County).
- Writ vacated Allen’s conviction for capital murder, rape, sodomy, burglary; pending retrial.
- Allen argued Brady and Kyles failures and newly discovered evidence show miscarriage of justice.
- Habeas court granted relief on Brady claim (Claim No. 1) and found material undisclosed evidence.
- State sought certiorari; Court reviewed for abuse of discretion and limited factual review.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether undisclosed evidence established Brady prejudice | Allen shows evidence could undermine verdict | State contends no prejudice; confession remains strong | Yes; prejudice shown, gateway established |
| Whether the undisclosed evidence was material under Brady/Kyles standard | Undisclosed serology, prints, hypnosis undermined trial | Evidence not material; confession central | Yes; cumulative undisclosed evidence undermines confidence in verdict |
| Appropriate remedy and retrial restrictions after vacating verdict | Vacatur and retrial allowed within constraints | Discharge if retrial not pursued within set timelines | State must retry within 6 months or discharge Allen; or release if no retry |
Key Cases Cited
- State ex rel. Nixon v. Kelly, 58 S.W.3d 513 (Mo. banc 2001) (certiorari and record-review standards)
- State ex rel. Taylor v. Blair, 210 S.W.2d 1 (Mo. 1948) (original jurisdiction and certiorari scope)
- Kyles v. Whitley, 514 U.S. 419 (1995) (materiality; reasonable probability of different outcome)
- Smith v. Cain, 132 S. Ct. 627 (2012) (reasonable probability standard for prejudice)
- Engel v. Dormire, 304 S.W.3d 120 (Mo. banc 2010) (Brady framework and procedural bars in habeas)