Ronald Eugene Cooley v. Crispus Nix, Warden, Iowa State Penitentiary

Ronald Eugene Cooley appeals from the final judgment of the District Court 1 for the Southern District of Iowa denying his petition for habeas corpus relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. For reversal Cooley argues that the district court erred in finding that his defense counsel’s failure to interview potential alibi witnesses did not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm the judgment of the district court.

Cooley was charged by information with the robbery of Clinton Carter at Carter’s apartment in Des Moines, Iowa. An experienced public defender was appointed to represent Cooley.…