William Ernest Kuenzel v. Commissioner, Alabama Department of Corrections

Petitioner William Ernest Kuenzel, a state prisoner, appeals the district court’s dismissal of his habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. section 2254. Because Peti tioner’s claims are proeedurally barred under state law and he has made no attempt to demonstrate cause for — or prejudice from — his default, Petitioner cannot obtain relief without properly supporting a claim of actual innocence. Petitioner is unable to carry this heavy burden; so we affirm the dismissal of his petition.

BACKGROUND

Petitioner was tried and convicted in Alabama for the capital murder of Linda Offord, a convenience…