The court of appeals reversed a judgment and remanded the action with directions. The court held that a defense attorney rendered ineffective assistance by failing to consult any forensic expert regarding critical blood evidence when preparing for, or during the course of, a murder defendant’s trial.
Joshua Richter was charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery, and burglary. According to the prosecution, Richter and Christian Branscombe were caught by homeowner Joshua Johnson in the act of attempting to steal a gun safe. Branscombe then shot Johnson, who survived. After Richter and Branscombe fled, Johnson found the body Patrick Klein, a friend who had been sleeping in the living room. Klein had been shot to death.
