THOMAS SPRINGS

Current Proceedings: State habeas proceedings pending in E.D. Ark.

Case Number: 5:13-cv-00005-BSM

Judge: Hon. Brian Miller

Demographic Information: Black Male

Current Counsel: Julie Pitt Vandiver, April Renee Golden, Jason Kearney (07/19/2019)

Legal Status: Motion for extention of time to file response to motion to amend/correct judgment dismissing habeas petition was granted 9/20/21. Response due by 10/30/21.

Significant Legal Issues:

  • IAC, competency to stand trial

  • IAC- both trial and postconviction, for failure to conduct a thorough investigation and reasonable inquiry into mental state and life history (mitigation and mental health)

  • Excusing procedural default of IAC of trial counsel claims due to default being caused by IAC of state postconviction counsel.

Last Judicial Decision Related to Conviction or Sentence: Springs v. Kelley, 2021 WL 3698388 (Aug. 19, 2021) (denying habeas relief, granting COA on IAC claim for failure to call Matthew Mooring as a mitigation witness)

Reported Opinions:

  • Springs v. State, 2012 Ark. 87, 387 S.W.3d 143 (2012).

  • Springs v. Arkansas, 568 U.S. 981 (2012) (denying cert.).

  • Springs v. State, 244 S.W.3d 683 (2006).

Prior Counsel:

  • Debrorah Czuba

  • Julie Pitt Vandiver

  • K. Nicole Williams

  • Kelly A. Del Dotto

  • Sabrina D. Wilson

Conviction County: Sebastian

Counts: 1 count capital murder, 2 counts aggravated assault

Victim Demographic:

Crime Date: 01/21/2005

Sentencing Date: 11/24/2005

Trial Counsel:

  • John Joplin

  • Cash Haaser

Trial Judge: J. Michael Fitzhugh

Trial Prosecutor: