The Fourth Appellate District granted a petition for writ of habeas corpus. The court held that defense counsel’s failure properly to investigate or produce expert testimony regarding the prosecution’s medical findings for a 14-year old alleged rape victim significantly and prejudicially undermined the accused’s defense.
In September 2008, a close friend of 14-year old C.W. disclosed to her mother C.W’s allegation that her stepfather, Philip Hill, had repeatedly raped and molested her. The allegation was reported to Child Protective Services, which undertook an investigation.
