Barton (Ross) v. State ( 2014 )


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  •                    NRS 34.726(1); NRS 34.810(1)(b); NRS 34.810(3). Moreover, because the
    State specifically pleaded laches, appellant was required to overcome the
    rebuttable presumption of prejudice. NRS 34.800(2).
    Appellant first argues that Rose v. State, 127 Nev.        , 
    255 P.3d 291
     (2011), which discussed the second-degree-felony-murder
    doctrine, provides good cause for his claim that the trial court improperly
    instructed the jury regarding second-degree felony murder. Appellant also
    argues that Rose has retroactive effect and that the district court erred by
    failing to conclude that appellant should receive a new trial based upon
    retroactive application of Rose.     Appellant's claim is without merit.
    Appellant's reliance upon Rose is misplaced as the State did not rely upon
    the second-degree-felony-murder rule. Rather, the State presented
    evidence of appellant's mental state, arguing that he acted with the intent
    to kill. This court determined on appellant's direct appeal that there was
    substantial evidence that appellant intended to kill the victim.   Barton v.
    State, Docket No. 27076 (Order Dismissing Appeal, December 20, 1996).
    As there was substantial evidence that appellant intended to kill the
    victim, a later case discussing the second-degree-felony-murder rule, such
    as Rose, has no bearing upon appellant's case. Accordingly, appellant fails
    to demonstrate that Rose provides goodS cause and actual prejudice to
    overcome the procedural bars. 2
    2 Appellant also argues that error regarding the second-degree-
    felony-murder instruction is structural error and therefore, he is entitled
    to a new trial without a consideration of prejudice related to this claim.
    Appellant's claim is without merit. As discussed in Rose, this court
    reviews claims regarding erroneous instructions for second-degree felony
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    Second, appellant argues that Martinez v. Ryan, 
    566 U.S. 132
     S. Ct. 1309, 1315, 1319-20 (2012), provides good cause to
    overcome the procedural bars. However, appellant merely cites to
    Martinez and does not discuss how that case would provide good cause or
    how his case was affected by the holding of Martinez.           Accordingly,
    appellant fails to provide any cogent argument as to how Martinez applies
    to his case. "It is appellant's responsibility to present relevant authority
    and cogent argument; issues not so presented need not be addressed by
    this court." Maresca v. State, 
    103 Nev. 669
    , 673, 
    748 P.2d 3
    , 6 (1987).
    Thus, we need not address this claim.
    In addition, appellant fails to overcome the presumption of
    prejudice to the State. Therefore, the district court did not err in denying
    the petition as procedurally barred and barred by ladies. Accordingly, we
    ORDER the judgment of the district court AFFIRMED.
    J.
    Hardesty
    J.
    Douglas                                     Cherry
    . . continued
    murder under a harmless error standard. 127 Nev. at             255 P.3d at
    295, 298.
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    cc:   Hon. Elissa F. Cadish, District Judge
    Nguyen & Lay
    Attorney General/Carson City
    Clark County District Attorney
    Eighth District Court Clerk
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Document Info

Docket Number: 63402

Filed Date: 5/13/2014

Precedential Status: Non-Precedential

Modified Date: 4/18/2021