Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Aug 8, 2023
Ray Johnson vs. State of Missouri
Ray Johnson appealed the denial of his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief, which alleged ineffective assistance of trial counsel. Johnson claimed his counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the State's closing argument and for failing to call a specific fact witness. The motion court denied relief after an evidentiary hearing, finding counsel's actions were reasonable trial strategy. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's judgment, concluding that counsel's conduct did not constitute ineffective assistance.