Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Sep 20, 2023
WILLIAM H. COOK, Appellant v. STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent
William H. Cook appealed the denial of his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief, arguing ineffective assistance of trial counsel. Cook claimed counsel failed to investigate an alibi witness, present evidence of a suggestive show-up identification, and request a specific jury instruction on show-up identifications. The motion court denied his claims, finding counsel had reasonable trial strategies. The appellate court affirmed the motion court's judgment, concluding that counsel's actions were based on reasonable trial strategy and did not constitute ineffective assistance.