Edward Anthony Ellis v. James A. Lynaugh, Director, Texas Department of Corrections

*832REAYLEY, Circuit Judge:

Edward Anthony Ellis appeals from the federal district court’s denial of habeas corpus relief from the death sentence imposed by a Texas court. We affirm.

I. Background

In March 1983, a grand jury in Harris County returned an indictment charging Edward Ellis with the murder by asphyxiation of Bertie Elizabeth Eakins while he was in the course of committing burglary. A jury found Ellis guilty as charged and returned affirmative answers to the special punishment issues submitted pursuant to Tex.Code Crim.Proc. art. 37.071 (Vernon Supp.1989). The trial court, as required by…