Williams v. Warden

Filing 13

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Peter J. Messitte on 11/14/2023. (kb3s, Deputy Clerk)(c/m 11.15.23)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND

TROY HOWARD WILLIAMS,
Petitioner,
Civil Action No.: PJM-21-748

V.

WARDEN,

Respondent.

MEMORANDUM OPINION

Self-represented Petitioner, Troy Howard Williams, has filed a Petition for a Writ of

Habeas Corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 in which he challenges the validity of his conviction
and sentence in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland for second degree murder and
related handgun charges. ECFNo. 1. The Petition is fully briefed. ECFNos. 1,8,9. Upon review
of the submitted materials, the Court finds that no hearing is necessary. D. Md. Local R. 105.6
(2023); Rules 1(b) and 8(a), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District
Courts. For the reasons set forth below,the Petition will be DENIED.
BACKGROUND

Williams was indicted in the Circuit Court for the City of Baltimore on March 16, 1998,
for first degree murder and related handgun charges. ECF No. 8-1 at 3-4. Williams was tried by
jury three times. Id. at 3-4, 6-7, 20, 34-36. All three jury verdicts were reversed on direct appeal
or post-conviction review. Id. at 14, 25, 39-40. His fourth trial, held in May of 2015, forms the
basis of this federal habeas petition. Id. at 46-47. After a bench trial during which Williams
represented himself, Williams was found guilty of second degree murder, use of a handgun in the