Behl v. State ( 2023 )

NOTICE: This opinion is subject to modification resulting from motions for reconsideration under Supreme Court
Rule 27, the Court’s reconsideration, and editorial revisions by the Reporter of Decisions. The version of the
opinion published in the Advance Sheets for the Georgia Reports, designated as the “Final Copy,” will replace any
prior version on the Court’s website and docket. A bound volume of the Georgia Reports will contain the final and
official text of the opinion.
In the Supreme Court of Georgia
Decided: March 7, 2023
S23A0377. BEHL v. THE STATE.
PETERSON, Presiding Justice.
Edward Behl appeals convictions for felony murder and a
weapons charge stemming from the death of Joseph Billings, a
fellow resident of a homeless encampment. 1 Behl argues for a new
trial on the grounds that (1) the trial court plainly erred in not
charging the jury on voluntary manslaughter, and (2) Behl was
1The crimes took place on January 10, 2017. A Chatham County grand
jury returned an indictment against Behl on March 29, 2017, charging Behl
with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and two counts of
possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. At an October 2019
trial, a jury found Behl not guilty of malice murder but guilty of all other
counts. The trial court on October 16, 2019, sentenced Behl to life in prison for
felony murder and a five year consecutive, probated sentence for one of the
weapon counts; the other counts merged. Behl filed a motion for new trial on
October 24, 2019, that was amended by appellate counsel on October 29, 2021.
Following a hearing, the trial court denied the motion in an order entered on
October 21, 2022. Behl filed a timely notice of appeal. The case was docketed
to this Court’s term beginning in December 2022 and submitted for
consideration on the briefs.
unable to view digital discovery while incarcerated and while
exercising the right to self-representation. We conclude that the trial
court did not plainly err in failing to charge the jury on voluntary
manslaughter, and that Behl did not preserve the issue of access to
discovery. Accordingly, we affirm.
The evidence at trial showed that Behl moved into a homeless
encampment in Chatham County in January 2017. On the evening
of January 9, 2017, Behl, Billings, and other residents of the camp
were drinking beer by a campfire. Later that night, Behl was
observed touching Billings’s penis and kissing him, while Billings
was passed out.
The next morning, another encampment resident informed
Billings about what had happened the previous night. Billings and
Behl engaged in a physical altercation as a result, but other
residents were able to separate the two. Behl moved to another
location nearby.
Billings and another resident twice left the camp and went to
the store that day. When Billings and the other resident returned to
2
the camp the second time, they encountered Behl. Billings and Behl
began to argue again about the previous evening, swearing and
calling each other names. Behl convinced Billings to come to Behl’s
tent, then fatally stabbed Billings in the neck.
1. Behl argues that the trial court plainly erred in failing to
instruct the jury on voluntary manslaughter. We disagree.
Behl requested a jury charge on voluntary manslaughter. At
the charge conference, the trial court indicated it was disinclined to
give such an instruction, citing “a substantial cooling-off period.”
The trial court ultimately did not give the voluntary manslaughter
charge, although it did give instructions on justification and self-
defense. Behl’s only objection to the jury charge at the time that it
was given was “the failure to charge my involuntary.” (Emphasis
supplied.)2
Behl concedes on appeal that failure to object to the omission
of an instruction on voluntary manslaughter from the charge as
given means that we review that omission from the instruction only
2 Behl also had requested an instruction on involuntary manslaughter.
3
for plain error. See White v. State, 291 Ga. 7, 8 (2) (727 SE2d 109)
(2012) (“[T]he failure to object to the charge as given precludes
appellate review ‘unless such portion of the jury charge constitutes
plain error which affects substantial rights of the parties.’” (quoting
OCGA § 17-8-58 (b))). Under plain error review, we can reverse only
if the trial court made a clear or obvious error that was not
affirmatively waived, likely affected the outcome of the proceedings,
and seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of
judicial proceedings. See Morris v. State, 303 Ga. 192, 197 (V) (811
SE2d 321) (2018). Behl’s claim fails because there was no obvious
error in failing to charge on voluntary manslaughter.
“Even slight evidence showing that the victim seriously
provoked the defendant requires the trial court to give a requested
charge on voluntary manslaughter.” Dugger v. State, 297 Ga. 120,
124 (7) (772 SE2d 695) (2015) (citation and punctuation omitted).
Behl argues that a voluntary manslaughter instruction was justified
by the “heated arguments and physical beatings” that preceded the
stabbing, such that Behl “had a reasonable fear of some danger
4
from” Billings. But “neither fear that someone is going to pull a
[weapon] nor fighting are the types of provocation [that] demand a
voluntary manslaughter charge.” Smith v. State, 296 Ga. 731, 737
(3) (770 SE2d 610) (2015). And “it is well established that words
alone, regardless of the degree of their insulting nature, will not in
any case justify the excitement of passion so as to reduce the crime
from murder to manslaughter [when] the killing is done solely on
account of the indignation aroused by use of opprobrious words.”
Hudson v. State, 308 Ga. 443, 446 (2) (a) (841 SE2d 696) (2020)
(citation, punctuation, and emphasis omitted). Moreover, “[t]o
warrant a jury charge on voluntary manslaughter, there must be at
least slight evidence that the accused was so influenced and excited
that he reacted passionately rather than simply in an attempt to
defend himself.” Collins v. State, 312 Ga. 727, 739 (6) (864 SE2d 85)
(2021) (citation and punctuation omitted). Here, Behl offers no
evidence that Behl “was angry or mad or . . . had any other response
showing [Behl] might have reacted passionately” as opposed to
acting based on fear or in self-defense. See id. at 740 (6).
5
Behl argues that a voluntary manslaughter instruction was
required because the jury “could have inferred that the name calling,
heated arguments, and physical beatings[] were a result of a
fundamental element of . . . Behl’s identity — homosexuality.” But
Behl points to no evidence that Billings made any particular
remarks or slurs targeting Behl’s sexual orientation.3 Moreover, “an
error is plain only if it is clear or obvious under current law. An error
cannot be plain where there is no controlling authority on point.”
Davis v. State, 312 Ga. 870, 874 (2) (866 SE2d 390) (2021) (citation
and punctuation omitted). Behl “cites no precedent requiring a
voluntary manslaughter instruction under circumstances similar to
those presented here. And we have found none.” Id. at 874 (2)
(citation and punctuation omitted); cf. Collins, 312 Ga. at 740 (6) (no
error in denying request for voluntary manslaughter instruction
where defendant testified that victim called him a “mother f***er”
to his face, threatened to kill him, and pulled a handgun on him, but
3 We note that although Behl was identified in the trial transcript as
“Ms. Behl” and uses female pronouns in briefing before this Court, Behl frames
this argument in terms of sexual orientation, not gender identity.
6
“never testified that he was angry or mad or that he had any other
response showing he might have reacted passionately — only that
was he was scared and was defending himself (as well as [a co-
defendant])”); Hudson, 308 Ga. at 446 (2) (a) (no error in denying
request for voluntary manslaughter instruction based on evidence
that the victim called the defendant a “mother f***er” shortly after
the death of the defendant’s mother). 4 It was not at all obvious that
a voluntary manslaughter instruction was required on this record.
Therefore, the trial court did not plainly err in failing to give one.
2. Behl also argues that the Georgia constitutional right to
due process was violated when, while acting pro se, Behl was
prevented from viewing discovery due to being incarcerated. 5 We
4 The cases Behl cites in which a Georgia appellate court found error in
a refusal to give a voluntary manslaughter charge involved facts unlike this
case. See Woody v. State, 262 Ga. 327, 328 (2) (418 SE2d 35) (1992) (shooting
occurred “within seconds” of fight in which victim had beaten defendant to the
point where defendant “twice begged for his life”); Washington v. State, 249 Ga.
728, 730-731 (3) (292 SE2d 836) (1982) (victim had cut defendant’s son, leaving
son hospitalized, and victim in the presence of defendant was making taunts
and threatening the life of defendant’s son).
5 To the extent Behl claims a denial of the right to self-represent
“effectively,” there is no such right. See Williams v. State, 298 Ga. 538, 540 (3)
(783 SE2d 594) (2016) (“[W]hen a criminal defendant elects to represent
7
conclude that this claim of error was not preserved.
Charged with malice murder and other offenses, Behl was
represented by the public defender’s office until about two months
before trial, when counsel successfully moved to withdraw and Behl
was given permission by the court to self-represent. The record
indicates that, prior to counsel withdrawing, the State provided to
Behl’s counsel a number of discs containing digital evidence,
including photographs, police body-worn camera footage, and audio-
and/or video-recorded statements, filing those items with the trial
court. At the August 6, 2019, hearing pursuant to Faretta v.
California, 422 U.S. 806 (95 SCt 2525, 45 LE2d 562) (1975), the trial
court warned Behl that Behl was “not going to get any extra time to
prepare” and would “have less of a chance to investigate things and
research [Behl’s] case in advance” by proceeding pro se. During a
discussion about a prior case of Behl’s that the State planned to
introduce for sentencing purposes, the public defender represented
himself[,] he will not thereafter be heard to assert a claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel with respect to any stage of the proceedings wherein he
was counsel.” (citation and punctuation omitted)).
8
that “[i]f it’s a question as to prior representation, I believe I have
that information and I can provide that to [Behl] through
discovery[.]” The public defender then represented that he would
give Behl “all of the discovery,” upon which the trial court asked
Behl whether Behl was “comfortable knowing you’re going to get all
of that information and have access to it through all of the discovery
materials,” and Behl responded, “Yeah, once I get the replacement
copy.” When Behl asked about what options might be available in
the event that Behl were not provided necessary resources, the trial
court responded, “If you feel like you’re being denied resources that
you’re constitutionally entitled to, then you can file a motion in that
respect.” In an order entered on September 20, 2019, the trial court
directed the sheriff, his deputies, and the staff at the Chatham
County Detention Center to give Behl “priority access to the law
library and legal research materials at the jail” so that Behl could
prepare for trial.
A brief in support of the amended motion for new trial filed by
appellate counsel claimed that, after electing self-representation,
9
Behl was unable to review any of the discs provided in discovery.
The brief also represented that “[t]he Chatham County Detention
Center does not permit pro se inmates to review discovery contained
on DVDs and CDs.” For this proposition, the brief cited an attached
document purportedly approved by the Chatham County sheriff that
does not appear to address whether pro se defendants may examine
such materials. 6 A hearing on the motion was held, but Behl
introduced no evidence.
The trial court denied the motion for new trial, finding that
“the bulk of” the State’s discovery was disclosed to Behl on August
16, 2017, nearly two years before Behl elected self-representation,
such that Behl was able to review the materials with prior counsel.
The trial court noted that Behl acknowledged awareness of the
discovery at the Faretta hearing. The trial court stated that the
Chatham County jail “does not allow inmates to review discovery
6 Part of the document appears to have been cut off in the copy in the
Court’s record, possibly due to a poor photocopying job. But as explained below,
our resolution of this enumeration does not depend on the contents of the
policy.
10
contained on DVDs or CDs” but noted that in other cases the court
had permitted pro se defendants to view video recordings provided
in discovery in open court as part of their trial preparation. The
court also wrote that the paper discovery materials in Behl’s
possession referenced the digital materials, yet Behl did not ask the
court for assistance in reviewing them.
Behl claims that the inability to review all of the discovery
materials while self-represented and incarcerated amounted to a
due process violation. The State argues that this claim fails for
various reasons, including that the claim is untimely, that Behl has
not shown that any state action caused any inability to review
discovery materials, and that Behl has not demonstrated prejudice
from any such inability. Without reaching the merits of Behl’s claim,
we agree that this claim was waived.7
7Although we do not reach the merits of whether any denial of access to
discovery violated Behl’s constitutional rights, we note that some of us are
concerned about the possibility — apparently accepted as true by the trial court
— that a jail would as a matter of policy categorically deny a self-represented
inmate access to all digital discovery materials, including materials the
possession of which is not generally proscribed by law.
11
The Georgia Constitution provides that “[n]o person shall be
deprived of life, liberty, or property except by due process of law.”
Ga. Const. of 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. I. But a due process claim
such as this must be asserted in a timely fashion. See Benton v.
State, 300 Ga. 202, 205 (2) (794 SE2d 97) (2016) (“Of course, a
criminal defendant may forfeit a constitutional right by failing to
timely assert it.”); Scudder v. State, 298 Ga. 438, 440 (2) (782 SE2d
638) (2016) (defendant waived due process claim based on judge
meeting privately with a witness, where defense raised no objection
when judge announced that he was leaving courtroom to speak with
witness in chambers, and defense failed to ask court reporter to
reveal what had been said in private). Here, Behl points to no
instance prior to or during trial in which Behl raised with the State
or the trial court any issue with the ability to access the materials
in question, and we have found none in the record. Behl filed no
motion seeking access to the materials — despite the trial court
having explained to Behl that filing a motion was an option if Behl
were denied necessary resources. Behl did not seek a continuance to
12
review the materials in the courtroom. Behl did not object to the
admission of any testimony or other evidence — including
photographs and the one digital recording, body-worn camera
footage, that was admitted at trial — on the basis that Behl had not
been able to review any digital materials. And Behl does not contest
the trial court’s finding that Behl was aware that the materials had
been provided in discovery. Indeed, the record shows that the State
filed a list of “all discoverable material,” including references to
audio and video recordings, with the trial court on August 16, 2017,
nearly two years before Behl was granted the ability to proceed pro
se.
Under these circumstances, we conclude that Behl waived any
claim of a violation of due process based on any inability to access
the materials in question. Cf. Williams v. State, 298 Ga. 538, 542 (7)
(783 SE2d 594) (2016) (“We find no support in the record to support
appellant’s assertion that the trial court refused to allow him to
subpoena witnesses for the motion for new trial hearing. In fact, the
record shows that appellant was given the opportunity to subpoena
13
witnesses for that hearing but that having elected to proceed pro se,
he simply failed to take the steps to ensure the presence of his
witnesses.”); State v. Dickerson, 273 Ga. 408, 411 (2) (542 SE2d 487)
(2001) (finding waiver of right to assert error under criminal
discovery statute given defendant’s failure to seek a continuance;
“Generally a defendant has a duty to request a continuance to cure
any prejudice which may have resulted from the State’s failure to
comply with the requirements of OCGA § 17-16-1 et seq.”); Sheppard
v. State, 297 Ga. App. 806, 812 (3) (678 SE2d 509) (2009) (rejecting
argument that pro se defendant was deprived of constitutional right
to compel attendance of witnesses; “The record does not disclose that
Sheppard ever requested issuance of subpoenas or the trial court’s
assistance in enforcing them, and, as such, his right to compulsory
process was not violated. To the extent Sheppard is arguing that the
trial court should have continued his trial to allow him to subpoena
witnesses, his claim is barred because he never moved for a
continuance.”).
Judgment affirmed. All the Justices concur.
14
MCMILLIAN, Justice, concurring.
I am writing to make clear that I do not share the same concern
expressed in footnote 7 of the opinion, which provides:
Although we do not reach the merits of whether any
denial of access to discovery violated Behl’s constitutional
rights, we note that some of us are concerned about the
possibility – apparently accepted as true by the trial court
– that a jail would as a matter of policy categorically deny
a self-represented inmate access to all digital discovery
materials, including materials the possession of which is
not generally proscribed by law.
As an initial matter, I do not construe the record as a
categorical denial of access to digital materials. As stated by the trial
court, upon request, pro se defendants were allowed to view video
recordings provided in discovery in open court as part of their trial
preparation.
To the extent that members of the Court are expressing
concern that the jail did not provide a DVD player, CD player, or
computer to review the digital materials in the jail, I am not aware
of any authority for this Court to require a jail or prison to fund and
provide certain equipment for use by pro se defendants. “Meaningful
15
access [to the courts] means that state authorities must ensure that
inmates have a reasonably adequate opportunity to present claimed
violations of fundamental constitutional rights to the courts. . . .”
Gibson v. Turpin, 270 Ga. 855, 858 (1) (513 SE2d 186) (1999) (such
access “does not mean that a state must help inmates discover
grievances, or litigate effectively when in court”) (punctuation
omitted), citing Lewis v. Casey, 518 U.S. 343, 356 (II) (B) (116 SCt
2174, 135 LE2d 606) (1996). See also Blaine v. State, 305 Ga. 513,
520 (3) (826 SE2d 82) (2019) (citing Lewis). However, meaningful
access does not guarantee any “particular methodology but rather
the conferral of a capability—the capability of bringing
contemplated challenges to sentences or conditions of confinement
before the courts.” Lewis, 518 U.S. at 356 (II) (B). Again, if the jail
policy was to allow pro se defendants to use the trial court’s
equipment to review digital materials upon request, I do not see a
concern with that policy.
Otherwise, I concur fully in the Court’s opinion. I am
authorized to state that Justice LaGrua joins in this concurrence.
16