O'Donnell v. Smith
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The Warden sought review of the grant of habeas relief to appellee Ryan Smith. Appellee was convicted of malice murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2002. Appellee subsequently filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging his trial/appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to challenge the State's proof of venue, allowing an un-redacted indictment to go out with the jury, and for failing to challenge the seating of an alternate juror. The habeas court granted appellee relief on all of his claims, set aside appellant's conviction and sentence, and remanded the case to the trial court. After its review, the Supreme Court disagreed with the habeas court's decision and reversed that decision in its entirety.
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