Oliver v. Quarterman

PRADO, Circuit Judge:

Khristian Oliver (“Oliver”) seeks habeas corpus relief from his sentence of death for the murder of Joe Collins (“Collins”). Oliver argues that the jury violated his rights under the Sixth and Eighth Amendments by considering passages from the Bible during the sentencing phase of its deliberations. Although the jury improperly consulted the Bible, the state court found that the Bible did not influence the jury’s decision. As Oliver has not presented clear and convincing evidence to rebut this factual finding, we AFFIRM the district court’s decision to deny the writ.

I.…