Joseph Sanchell v. William Parratt, Warden, Nebraska Penal and Correctional Complex

Joseph Sanchell was convicted after trial by jury in Nebraska state court of one count of forcible rape and three counts of robbery. On direct appeal, the Nebraska Supreme Court first reversed the convictions, holding that one witness’ in-court identification should have been excluded. State v. Sanchell, 191 Neb. 505, 216 N.W.2d 504 (1974) (Boslaugh and Spencer, JJ., dissenting). On rehearing, however, the conviction was reinstated, 192 Neb. 380, 220 N.W.2d 562 (1974) (Clinton and McCown, JJ., dissenting). Sanchell’s habeas petition was denied after an evidentiary hearing in an unreported…