Graf, Edward E. Jr.

Court: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Date filed: 2012-11-07
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IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

OF TEXAS




NO. WR-78,423-01


EX PARTE EDWARD E. GRAF JR., Applicant



ON APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

CAUSE NO. 87-1041-C IN THE 54TH DISTRICT COURT

FROM MCLENNAN COUNTY


Per curiam.

O R D E R



Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the clerk of the trial court transmitted to this Court this application for a writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Young, 418 S.W.2d 824, 826 (Tex. Crim. App. 1967). Applicant was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Tenth Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction. Graf v. State, 807 S.W.2d 762 (Tex. App.--Waco 1990).

Applicant contends that his conviction was based on false expert testimony, and that advances in the application of toxicology to fire investigations and advances in fire science investigation have led to new evidence establishing that he is actually innocent.

Applicant has alleged facts that, if true, might entitle him to relief. Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264, 269 (1959); Ex parte Elizondo, 947 S.W.2d 202 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). In these circumstances, additional facts are needed. As we held in Ex parte Rodriguez, 334 S.W.2d 294, 294 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), the trial court is the appropriate forum for findings of fact. The trial court may use any means set out in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 11.07, § 3(d).

It appears that Applicant is represented by counsel. If the trial court determines he is not represented by counsel and elects to hold a hearing, it shall then determine whether Applicant is indigent. If Applicant is indigent and wishes to be represented by counsel, the trial court shall appoint an attorney to represent Applicant at the hearing. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 26.04.

The trial court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law addressing Applicant's allegations that false testimony violated due process and that scientific advancements have led to new evidence proving he is actually innocent. The trial court shall also make any other findings of fact and conclusions of law that it deems relevant and appropriate to the disposition of Applicant's claims for habeas corpus relief.

This application will be held in abeyance until the trial court has resolved the fact issues. The issues shall be resolved within 90 days of this order. A supplemental transcript containing all affidavits and interrogatories or the transcription of the court reporter's notes from any hearing or deposition, along with the trial court's supplemental findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be forwarded to this Court within 120 days of the date of this order. Any extensions of time shall be obtained from this Court.



Filed: November 7, 2012

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Graf, Edward E. Jr. - Case Law