Steven Catlin v. Ronald Broomfield

discussion with a juror; (2) the CSC acted reasonably in concluding that there was no ineffective assistance of counsel at the guilt phase of Catlin’s trial; and (3) the CSC acted reasonably in concluding that there was no ineffective assistance of counsel at the penalty phase of Catlin’s trial. We also decline to issue a certificate of appealability as to Catlin’s uncertified claim that the State violated his due process rights under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), and Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264 (1959), by withholding exculpatory evidence and presenting false evidence.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Factual History of Catlin’s Crimes

Steven Catlin has been convicted of three murders: the 1976 murder of his fourth wife, Joyce Catlin; the 1984 murder of his adoptive mother, Martha Catlin; and the 1984 murder of his fifth wife, Glenna Kaye Catlin. The habeas petition in this case relates to Catlin’s convictions for the murders of Joyce and Martha, 2 and the death sentence handed down for the murder of Martha. Catlin was separately tried, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment for the death of Glenna, and neither his conviction nor his sentence for that…