Edwards v. United States

Argued September 8, 1999

Appellant, Johnny L. Edwards, was convicted of second-degree murder of his infant daughter, Beyound JX. Edwards (“Tweety Bird” or “Bird”) (D.C. Code � 22-2403) (1996 Repl.); assault with a dangerous weapon (hot liquid) of the infant’s twin sister, Beyound SY. Edwards, (“Sparky”) (D.C. Code � 22-502) (1996 Repl.); and two counts of cruelty to children involving each child (D.C. Code � 22- 901) (1996 Repl.). Appellant argues for reversal on the following grounds: (1) ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to produce evidence supportive of the representations he made in opening statement and failing to investigate adequately the mental illness of the children’s mother, Stacy Edwards; (2) instructional error; (3) admission into evidence of prejudicial photographs; (4) improper argument by the prosecutor; and (5) sentencing error. We conclude that appellant failed to establish prejudice on his ineffectiveness claim that would justify relief under D.C. Code � 23-110 (1996 Repl.). We find no reversible error on appellant’s remaining claims, and, therefore affirm.