Michael Wayne Reynolds, convicted for a triple murder in 2007, is currently petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case, arguing that his prosecution withheld potentially exculpatory evidence during the trial. This case brings to focus the crucial issue of prisoners’ ability to initiate habeas corpus challenges based on constitutional grounds.
Reynolds’ conviction was largely based on the testimony of his ex-girlfriend, Adrian Marcella “Marcie” West, who denied any deal with the prosecution in exchange for her testimony. Reynolds and his defense team contend that there was, in fact, an agreement, which was not disclosed—a matter they believe violates his right to due process. The full details are unfolding as his legal team, including attorneys from BakerHostetler working pro bono, take the matter to the highest court, contending that federal habeas review should include a more thorough examination of state court fact-finding processes when due process is at stake.