Williams v. Lazaroff

OPINION

McKEAGUE, Circuit Judge,

Joseph Williams was convicted of raping his seven-year-old nephew K.W. sixteen years after the incident occurred. He seeks habeas relief on the basis of two claims: (1). his trial counsel was unconstitutionally ineffective for failing to investigate potential alibi witnesses, and (2) his trial counsel was unconstitutionally ineffective for failing to seek a psychiatric expert. Williams failed to raise these claims in state habeas proceedings and so they are procedurally defaulted. He has not demonstrated cause and prejudice to excuse these defaults. Accordingly,…