State of West Virginia, Plaintiff Below, Appellee v. Michael Vance, Defendant Below, Appellant

Summary

The court affirmed the denial of Michael Vance’s motion for a new trial. It held that the grand juror’s acquaintance with the victim did not invalidate the indictment because the juror affirmed impartiality, the trial court found no bias, and at least twelve qualified jurors concurred. It also held that the distant adoptive relationship between trial counsel and the victim did not establish a disqualifying conflict or ineffective assistance, particularly where the relationship was disclosed before trial and no deficient performance or prejudice was shown.