Kelvin Leon Reed v. Secretary, Florida Department of Corrections

MARCUS, Circuit Judge:

Almost a decade ago, Kelvin Leon Reed was convicted of the vehicular homicide of two pedestrians and sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment. Following a postconviction evidentiary hearing, the Florida circuit court rejected Reed’s claim that defense counsel had rendered ineffective assistance by failing to investigate and call a witness at trial. The state appellate court summarily affirmed. The federal district court, however, granted habeas relief on this claim. After thorough review, we are constrained to reverse because Reed has not shown that the state court’s ruling…