J. Blair-Bey, Suing as James L. Blair v. Crispus C. Nix

BEAM, Circuit Judge.

Blair-Bey was convicted of first-degree murder and theft. In this habeas corpus action he alleges insufficient evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel. The district court found that the evidence was sufficient and that Blair-Béy’s trial counsel made reasonable .efforts to locate two missing witnesses. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

Blair was convicted of first-degree murder and theft in Iowa state court. His conviction was affirmed on appeal and he was later denied post-conviction relief. See State v. Blair, 347 N.W.2d 416 (Iowa 1984) (appeal); Blair v. State, 492 N.W.2d…