Commonwealth v. Keaton

*690 OPINION

Justice EAKIN.

Alexander Keaton appeals from the denial of guilt phase relief under the Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA), 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9541-9546; the Commonwealth cross-appeals from the grant of a new penalty phase based on trial counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to present mitigating mental health evidence.1 We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings.

In December, 1992, Keaton was charged with rape and related offenses stemming from the November, 1992 sexual assault of Nadine S. One month later, the body of Keaton’s ex-girlfriend, Sherrill Ann Hall,…