HOWELL v. BROOKS

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA GERALD HOWELL : CIVIL ACTION : v. : No. 05-2843 : MARILYN S. BROOKS, et al. : MEMORANDUM Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez April 20, 2023 Gerald Howell brings this petition for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. He asserts five claims, including a claim for violation of his Sixth Amendment right to counsel of choice.1 After Howell’s retained counsel, Hugh Clark, entered his appearance, the trial court denied Clark’s requests for a continuance without explanation. Clark was forced to proceed with a death…