Polk County

Mr. Poole was convicted of the first-degree murder of Noah Scott, who was fatally beaten in 2001. The jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence and he was condemned. This Court affirmed the convictions but vacated his death sentence. Following a new penalty phase, Mr. Poole was again sentenced to death and this Court affirmed on direct appeal. Mr. Poole filed a post-conviction challenge in the trial court. The court denied his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel but vacated the death sentence and remanded for a new penalty hearing pursuant to Hurst v. State. The State of Florida filed an appeal with this Court challenging the Hurst issue. Mr. Poole filed this cross-appeal and asks for review of the ineffective assistance of counsel claim.

Appearance for Appellant/Cross-Appellee: Scott A. Browne, Asst. Attorney General, Tampa, 813-287-7910
Appearance for Appellee/Cross-Appellant: Julius Chen of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Washington D.C., 202-887-4000