People v. McGauley ( 2023 )

2023 IL App (5th) 190372-UNOTICE
NOTICE
Decision filed 03/06/23. The
This order was filed under
text of this decision may be NO. 5-19-0372 Supreme Court Rule 23 and is
changed or corrected prior to
not precedent except in the
the filing of a Peti ion for
IN THE limited circumstances allowed
Rehearing or the disposition of
under Rule 23(e)(1).
the same.
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
FIFTH DISTRICT
______________________________________________________________________________
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Appeal from the
) Circuit Court of
Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Madison County.
)
v. ) No. 17-CF-2618
)
STEVEN McGAULEY, ) Honorable
) Richard L. Tognarelli,
Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge, presiding.
________________________________________________________________________
JUSTICE MOORE delivered the judgment of the court.
Justices Welch and Vaughan concurred in the judgment.
ORDER
¶1 Held: We affirm the defendant’s convictions and sentences for first degree murder and
domestic battery because the charges were properly joined, there was no plain error
regarding jury instructions, the defendant received effective assistance of counsel,
and the trial court did not err in denying the motion for mistrial.
¶2 The defendant, Steven McGauley, appeals his convictions and sentences, following a trial
by jury in the circuit court of Madison County, for one count of first degree murder and one count
of domestic battery. For the following reasons, we affirm the defendant’s convictions and
sentences.
¶3 I. BACKGROUND
¶4 We have thoroughly reviewed the record on appeal; however, for purposes of brevity and
judicial economy, we discuss only the facts necessary to our disposition of this appeal. On
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September 5, 2017, the defendant was charged, by information, with two counts of first degree
murder and one count of domestic battery. Thereafter, the defendant was indicted by a grand jury
for the same offenses on September 28, 2017.
¶5 On August 10, 2018, the State filed a notice of its intent to introduce evidence of prior
domestic violence incidents pursuant to section 115-7.4(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure of
1963 (Code) (725 ILCS 5/115-7.4(a) (West 2018)). In response, on December 17, 2018, the
defendant filed a motion to sever which sought separate trials for the offenses of first degree
murder and domestic battery. The State filed its response to the motion to sever on December 31,
2018.
¶6 A pretrial hearing was conducted on January 31, 2019. The trial court heard arguments on
various motions, including the State’s notice of intent to introduce evidence of prior domestic
violence incidents and the defendant’s motion to sever.
¶7 With regard to the notice of intent to introduce evidence of prior domestic violence, the
State argued that the specific incidents sought to be introduced occurred on April 7, 2017, and May
13, 2017, and both involved the defendant and Mary McGauley (Mary). Regarding the April 7,
2017, incident, law enforcement officers were called to the defendant’s home, and Mary reported
to them the defendant pushed her into a closet causing her to hit her left shoulder. Mary sought
treatment for her left shoulder the same day. Regarding the May 13, 2017, incident, officers were
again called to the defendant’s home after Mary called 911 and reported that she had been struck
in the face by the defendant. The State argued that its burden under section 115-7.4(a) of the Code
was met because both incidents fell within the realm of domestic violence, they were close in
proximity, within five months, to the domestic battery incident at issue, and they involved the same
individuals.
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¶8 Defense counsel argued that the domestic battery that allegedly occurred on September 3,
2017, was separate and distinct from the alleged first degree murder on the same day. Further,
defense counsel argued that the probative value of the evidence of prior incidents of domestic
violence would be unduly prejudicial. Defense counsel stated, “It is clear the State is attempting
to prove to the jury or any other trier of fact that you must find the defendant guilty of first degree
murder based upon the fact that he is a bad man.”
¶9 With regard to the motion to sever, defense counsel argued, inter alia, that if evidence
regarding prior uncharged allegations of domestic violence was allowed, the domestic violence
charge should be severed from the first degree murder charge. Defense counsel argued that if it
appears the defendant would be prejudiced by the joinder of separate charges, the trial court may
grant a severance and order separate trials. In this matter, defense counsel alleged that the charges
bore no relationship to one another and would result in extreme prejudice to the defendant. Further,
he alleged that the first degree murder charges involve the defendant and Steven Flack (Steven),
whereas the domestic battery charge involves the defendant and Mary. He also alleged that the
alleged offenses were separated by hours and were claimed to have occurred in different areas of
the defendant’s property. Defense counsel contended that to try these separate offenses together
would confuse the jury.
¶ 10 Counsel for the State agreed that the elements the trial court was to consider when deciding
whether the charges and trials should be severed were the proximity in time, the location, and the
identity of the evidence that would be submitted to prove each charge. The State argued that the
evidence would show that the proximity in time between the alleged incidents was less than 30
minutes, that they occurred at the same exact location—the defendant’s property, and that it would
not be possible to present evidence on the alleged murder alone because the alleged domestic
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battery incident would have to be presented to the jury to explain what occurred. The State
contended that to sever the charges and try them separately would confuse the jury.
¶ 11 Following arguments of counsel, by oral pronouncement, the trial court denied the motion
to sever. The trial court stated as follows:
“I don’t see how we can separate these cases. I think the evidence is gonna [sic] have to
come in one way or the other. I mean, you know, it is the same location. It is the same time.
It’s the same investigation. Two different offenses, but occurring at the same time. Again,
I think it would be more confusing to the jury if we did sever these cases. And I do think
the jurors are more sophisticated and [will] be able to separate those charges out and
determine your client’s guilt or innocence on all those charges.”
¶ 12 The defendant’s jury trial began on February 11, 2019. Voir dire took place over two days
on February 11, 2019, and February 12, 2019. Opening statements were presented on February 12,
2019. Also on February 12, 2019, the State called the following witnesses to testify: Andrew
Buettner, a 911 dispatcher; Zachary Napoli, a Glen Carbon Fire District paramedic; and Leah
Flack, the victim’s wife. On the third day of trial, February 13, 2019, the State called Dr. Kamal
Sabharwal, a forensic pathologist; Thomas Gamboe Jr., a forensic scientist who specialized in
firearms; and John Paul Kibbons.
¶ 13 Of relevance to this appeal is the testimony of John Paul Kibbons. Kibbons was called as
a witness by the State and began his testimony on the afternoon of February 13, 2019. Kibbons
testified, inter alia, that he was disabled as a result of an accident. He testified that he had known
Mary and Steven since they were children.
¶ 14 Kibbons testified that he recalled Labor Day weekend of 2017, and that he was spending
that weekend at the defendant’s house. He testified that when he first got to the defendant’s house
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that weekend that everyone was getting along, and they had been drinking beers, whiskey, and just
partying.
¶ 15 Next, Kibbons testified regarding the events of September 3, 2017. He stated it was a
Sunday and he woke up around 4 a.m. He had been sleeping in a bedroom located in the basement
of the defendant’s house. Upon waking, Kibbons walked outside and began drinking beers and
whiskey at 4 a.m. He was alone outside on the deck, which was attached to the garage and separated
from the defendant’s house by a walkway, for a few hours.
¶ 16 Kibbons testified that the defendant was the next person to wake up that morning at
approximately 7 a.m. The defendant joined Kibbons on the deck and he began drinking beers and
whiskey. Steven was the next person to wake up. By the time Steven awoke, there was no more
beer or whiskey at the defendant’s house. Kibbons and Steven left the defendant’s house and drove
to a gas station where they bought beers, whiskey, and two big sandwiches. Upon returning to the
defendant’s home, Steven and Kibbons returned to the deck and joined the defendant and Mary.
Leah was also at the house, but she was inside working.
¶ 17 Kibbons testified that at approximately 4 p.m., the defendant, Mary, and Steven left the
house, but Kibbons did not know where they went. He stated that he went downstairs to go to bed
and he fell asleep. Later, he was awoken by Steven after his return to the defendant’s house.
¶ 18 Kibbons testified that Steven headed upstairs a little bit ahead of him, but that he followed
closely after. He testified that as he headed up the stairs that he heard a “real hard thud.” Kibbons
was then given permission by the trial judge to demonstrate how, upon reaching the top of the
stairs, he saw Mary on the floor with the defendant’s hand in her hair. Kibbons then testified that
Steven told him, “he put his hands on her.” After this statement was made, the defendant and Mary
physically separated, and Kibbons considered the situation defused.
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¶ 19 Kibbons testified that he and Steven proceeded outside to sit at the patio table. Kibbons
stated that the defendant then proceeded to exit his house through the back door. Kibbons described
the defendant at this time as having a “horrible demeanor. It was frightening, threatening.” Kibbons
testified that the defendant stated, “Come on, come on, both of ya, let’s do this, come on out here.”
Kibbons testified that he took the defendant’s statements to mean that he was inviting Steven and
Kibbons out into the yard to fight him. While this was transpiring, Mary was standing on the deck.
¶ 20 Kibbons testified that Steven joined the defendant in the yard and that the defendant was
continuing to say, “Let’s go, let’s fight, both of ya.” Kibbons stated that the defendant was
approaching Steven in a threatening manner, and Steven defended himself by attempting to punch
the defendant, but he did not land a punch. Steven was able to push the defendant into a post on a
privacy fence. The fight then ended and Steven proceeded back to the deck.
¶ 21 Kibbons testified that the defendant then walked back to the deck and said to Mary, “Did I
do what you thought I was going to do?” Kibbons stated the defendant seemed angry and he said
this to Mary more than once. Kibbons observed that the defendant’s “eye was fat,” but he was not
bleeding. Then, the defendant went into his house.
¶ 22 After the defendant went inside, there was a short period of time where Kibbons was the
only person remaining on the deck. He testified that Steven had started gathering his belongings
to leave and returned to tell Kibbons bye. As Kibbons and Steven were on the deck, the defendant
came back outside. Kibbons described him as looking like “a monster.” He testified that the
defendant proceeded down the stairs and then Kibbons saw the defendant had a gun. Kibbons
testified that before he could say anything that the defendant raised the gun and shot Steven.
Kibbons recalled four gunshots. Kibbons testified that neither the defendant nor Steven had said
anything to one another.
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¶ 23 After Steven was shot, Kibbons testified that he pulled a knife on the defendant to threaten
him. He then stated that the defendant emptied the shells from the revolver, showing he was no
longer a threat, so Kibbons put away his knife.
¶ 24 Next, Kibbons called 911. The police arrived and Kibbons stated he cooperated with the
officers. Kibbons testified that approximately five minutes elapsed between the incident inside the
house between the defendant with Mary on the floor with his hand in her hair and the defendant
shooting Steven. Kibbons testified that he had been drinking that day. He stated after awaking
from his three-hour nap he had one shot of whiskey prior to Steven being shot.
¶ 25 On cross-examination, Kibbons agreed that his testimony at trial was the fourth time, of
record, that he had recounted the events of September 3, 2017. He gave a statement at the scene, a
statement shortly thereafter at the police station, a statement a few days later, and his statement at
trial. Kibbons acknowledged that he initially told officers that he thought everyone was joking
inside the house and he did not see any violence inside the house.
¶ 26 Kibbons further stated on cross-examination that when he approached the defendant and
Mary inside the house, the defendant “looked at me with the meanest, most monstrous face and
said ‘if a woman—if a woman puts herself in a man’s place, a man can take that woman down.’ ”
He agreed that on his direct examination he had testified that the defendant had not said anything
at the time.
¶ 27 Kibbons was then allowed to refresh his recollection by watching and listening to the
videotaped interview he gave at the police station on September 3, 2017. After viewing the
interview, Kibbons agreed that he told police that he thought the incident between the defendant
and Mary was a joke. He also stated that Steven was calm, and that Kibbons did not report Steven
saying anything to him inside the house.
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¶ 28 Kibbons testified that he and Steven were alone outside for approximately five minutes.
During this time, Kibbons took a shot of whiskey directly from the bottle. Kibbons testified that
was how he had been drinking the whiskey on September 3, 2017.
¶ 29 While being questioned about how much alcohol he had consumed that day, Kibbons
stated, “Sorry, my recollection is hard. I mean I got about—my memory is really bad. Real bad. I
have brain damage, and so it’s hard for me to recall lots of things.” He stated he was in a car
accident in 2002, which caused him to “die twice,” so there was a lack of oxygen to his brain,
which resulted in the damage.
¶ 30 Cross-examination regarding Kibbons’ memory problems and inconsistencies in his
statements continued. He was shown various portions of his prior videotaped interview. During
one of the times he was being shown a DVD, Kibbons suffered a seizure and the courtroom was
cleared.
¶ 31 Following Kibbons’ medical incident, the trial court and counsel had the following
discussion:
“THE COURT: Let’s go back on the record. We’re outside the presence of the jury.
During cross-examination of John Paul Kibbons, Mr. Kibbons suffered a seizure. The
courtroom and the jurors were discharged at that point.
Folks, my thought at this point is that we end for today. We come back tomorrow.
Maybe Mr. Kibbons will be able to rejoin us.
MR. SCROGGINS [(Defense Counsel)]: If he is not, what happens?
THE COURT: Well, I’ll let you make your record. I do think you have had
sufficient time for cross-examination, but you can make your record whatever you want.
But I would hope that he’ll be able to come back. He seemed okay when he left here. I’m
not a doctor, but hopefully he’ll be back.
8
MR. SCROGGINS: Did he walk away?
THE COURT: He was on the stretcher, but he got on the stretcher.
MR. SCROGGINS: Oh, okay.
THE COURT: So at least for today I’m going to discharge the jurors, have them
come back in the morning. Any objection to that, Miss Davis [(Assistant State’s Attorney)]
or Miss Hudson [(Assistant State’s Attorney)]?
MS. HUDSON: No, Your Honor.
MR. SCROGGINS: No objection to that.
THE COURT: All right. And then we’ll take up the other issue about completing
your cross-examination.”
¶ 32 On the fourth day of trial, February 14, 2019, the defendant moved for a mistrial due to
Mr. Kibbons’ seizure while testifying. The written motion contained, inter alia, the following
allegations:
“2. Defendant’s attorney had just begun his cross examination when the witness
collapsed during testimony, falling from his chair and striking his head on the desk and
concrete floor.
3. The State’s witness proceeded to suffer from a violent seizure as he gasped for
air, twitched, gurgled, and spasmed for approximately the next twenty minutes.
4. The jury witnessed the violent collapse of the witness.
5. After several minutes of emergency medical care, the judge cleared the
courtroom.
6. Jurors, witnesses, and bystanders milled around together in the courtrooms or the
chamber.”
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¶ 33 When defense counsel presented oral argument to the trial court on the motion for a
mistrial, he acknowledged the seizure may have lasted less than 20 minutes. They presented three
reasons to support the defendant’s motion for a mistrial. First, counsel stated it was a concern that
the jurors might have discussed the event with their family or amongst themselves or have looked
to outside sources of information to discover what had taken place. Second, they stated it was a
concern that sympathy for Kibbons might bolster his testimony. The final concern was that
Kibbons was not subjected to a complete cross-examination.
¶ 34 The State asserted that it believed that Kibbons would be able to return to complete his
cross-examination. The State also noted that Kibbons’ direct examination had lasted
approximately 45 minutes, while the seizure occurred approximately an hour or more into the
cross-examination of Kibbons. The Stated contended that
“what actually happened with the jury is the witness had a seizure and it was seconds after
the seizure started that the bailiff very effectively got [the jury] out of the courtroom. So
what they saw about that was a snapshot, it wasn’t the emergency personnel coming in, it
wasn’t him being put on a stretcher. They were not privy to any of that.”
The State, inter alia, argued that the movant for a mistrial must show actual prejudice, and in this
matter the defendant only offered speculation as to what the jury might have been thinking or how
it affected them. Following the conclusion of the State’s argument, defense counsel stated, “Can I
disagree—” And the trial court responded as follows:
“No. We’ve spent too much time already; all right? You’ve made your record on this issue.
I would agree that the cross examination here was longer than the direct, at least I have
more notes. You took almost a half an hour with the witness looking at things on the
computer. I think the cross examination was very effective. What happened here was a
medical episode, and in less than two minutes the jury was taken out of this courtroom. I
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don’t think they were affected by this at all. And we let them go, excused them for the day.
Your motion for mistrial and your record is noted, but the motion for mistrial, at least at
this point in time, is denied.”
¶ 35 The State proceeded with its next witness, Mary. Mary initially invoked her fifth
amendment right not to testify or to incriminate herself. After she was granted immunity, the State
proceeded and Mary was eventually declared a hostile witness. We will limit our recitation of
Mary’s testimony to those issues before us on appeal.
¶ 36 Outside the presence of the jury, when defense counsel anticipated the State would begin
questioning Mary about prior domestic issues, he requested that the jury be instructed that the
evidence of prior domestic issues is only to be considered as to the charge of domestic battery and
not the charge of first degree murder. The State objected to the proposed language as it was not an
Illinois pattern instruction and had not been used in any prior cases. The trial court stated, “I will
admonish the jury with your statement over objection of the People. You need to let me know
before we get into that specific area. Write down specifically, Mr. Scroggins, what you would like
me to admonish, make sure Ms. Davis gets to review that.” Mary’s testimony resumed.
¶ 37 After the State indicated to the trial court it would be inquiring as to the prior abuse, the
following admonishment was given to the jury:
“THE COURT: All right. Ladies and Gentlemen, the evidence that you are going
to hear at this point is only to be considered by you as to the domestic battery charge.”
The State proceeded to inquire about the prior incidents of domestic violence between the
defendant and Mary.
¶ 38 Following cross-examination of Mary, the State called its next witness, Sergeant
Christopher Brindley of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Following Sergeant Brindley’s
testimony, the trial was adjourned for the day.
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¶ 39 On February 15, 2019, the State called Captain Mike Dixon of the Madison County
Sheriff’s Office; Michael Coles, a sergeant with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Jamie
Souder, a neighbor who was walking her dog near the defendant’s house at the time of the incident;
Patrick Barnes, a patrolman with the Glen Carbon Police Department; and Sharon Heuiser, a
paramedic with the Glen Carbon Fire District.
¶ 40 The trial resumed on February 19, 2019, following a court holiday on February 18, 2019.
Kibbons was recalled to continue his cross-examination. Defense counsel first inquired about
Kibbons’ current medical condition. Kibbons indicated he was fully up to testifying, and defense
counsel continued to cross-examine him. He again was presented with a recorded interview that
only he could see and hear and was questioned regarding the inconsistent statements he made in
the interview compared to his earlier trial testimony. Following the completion of Kibbons’
testimony, the State called Detective Cade Koelker of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office;
Lieutenant Kristopher Tharp of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; and Detective Timothy
Lawrence of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The State then rested its case.
¶ 41 Following the close of the State’s case, the defendant moved for a directed verdict on each
count. The trial court denied the motion for each count. The defense began presenting its evidence
and called Officer Norton Miller of the Glen Carbon Police Department to testify. Following his
testimony, the trial was adjourned for the day.
¶ 42 The following day, February 20, 2019, the defense continued its case and called the
following witnesses: Officer Nicholas Bardelmeier of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Nurse
Valerie Bassett of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; the defendant; and defendant’s expert
witness, Sergeant Allen O’Guin. The defense then rested its case, and the trial was adjourned for
the day.
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¶ 43 The following morning, a jury instruction conference was conducted outside the presence
of the jury. The earlier tailored instruction, “the evidence that you are going to hear at this point is
only to be considered by you as to the domestic battery charge,” that was given immediately prior
to Mary’s testimony was not requested to be given as part of the final jury instructions.
¶ 44 Then, closing arguments were given. The jury was read the jury instructions and they were
discharged for deliberations.
¶ 45 At approximately 12:54 p.m., the clerk received a note from the jury that stated:
“Is the charge of domestic [b]attery only relatable to the [i]ncident on Sunday Sept[ember]
3rd, or are we combining previous incidents eluded [sic] to as part of the charge, or were
the previous incidents just used [sic] as an example of previous behavior and not part of
the current domestic [b]attery charge.”
By agreement, the following portion was circled, “or were the previous incidents just jused [sic]
as an example of previous behavior and not part of the current domestic [b]attery charge,” and the
note was returned to the jury with a clean copy of Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, Criminal
(IPIC), 3.14, modified, which stated:
“Evidence has been received that the Defendant has been involved in an offense
other than those charged in the indictment. This evidence has been received on the issue of
the Defendant’s propensity and may be considered by you only for that limited purpose. It
is for you to determine what weight should be given to this evidence on the issue of
propensity.”
Later that day, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the jury returned its verdict. The jury found the
defendant guilty as to count I, the offense of first degree murder, and as to count III, the offense
of domestic battery. Additional facts will be presented as necessary to analyze the claimed errors.
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¶ 46 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 47 A. Severance of Charges
¶ 48 On appeal, the defendant contends, inter alia, that he was denied a fair trial because the
trial court denied his motion to sever and his trial proceeded on both the charge of first degree
murder and the misdemeanor domestic battery charge. The defendant asserts that joinder of the
charges was improper because the charges were not part of the same comprehensive transaction.
Additionally, the defendant maintains that joinder resulted in substantial prejudice.
¶ 49 Section 111-4(a) of the Code provides that “[t]wo or more offenses may be charged in the
same indictment, information or complaint in a separate count for each offense if the offenses
charged, whether felonies or misdemeanors or both, are based on the same act or on 2 or more acts
which are part of the same comprehensive transaction.” 725 ILCS 5/111-4(a) (West 2018). Further,
“[t]he court may order 2 or more charges to be tried together if the offenses and the defendants
could have been joined in a single charge. The procedure shall be the same as if the prosecution
were under a single charge.” Id. § 114-7. However, if it appears that a defendant is prejudiced by
the joinder of separate charges, the trial court “may order separate trials.” Id. § 114-8(a).
¶ 50 “The consolidation of separately charged offenses for a single jury trial rests within the
sound discretion of the trial court [citation], as does the decision whether to sever charges for trial.”
People v. White, 129 Ill. App. 3d 308, 315 (1984). The decision to grant or deny a motion to sever
will not be reversed unless the trial court abused that discretion. People v. Paik, 257 Ill. App. 3d
620, 685 (1993). “An abuse of discretion will be found only where the trial court’s ruling is
arbitrary, fanciful, unreasonable, or where no reasonable person would take the view adopted by
the trial court.” People v. Caffey, 205 Ill. 2d 52, 89 (2001).
¶ 51 The analysis of whether two offenses are part of the same comprehensive transaction is a
preliminary requirement for statutory joinder. People v. Walston, 386 Ill. App. 3d 598, 603 (2008).
14
When making this determination, the trial court considers the following factors: “[(1)] the
proximity in time and location of the offenses, [(2)] the identity of evidence needed to demonstrate
a link between the offenses, [(3)] whether there was a common method in the offenses, and
[(4)] whether the same or similar evidence would establish the elements of the offenses.” People
v. Gapski, 283 Ill. App. 3d 937, 942 (1996). The first and second factors are the most important
when determining whether the offenses were part of the same comprehensive transaction. People
v. Quiroz, 257 Ill. App. 3d 576, 586 (1993). “There is no requirement that the victims be the same,
provided the other criteria for joinder have been satisfied.” People v. Harmon, 194 Ill. App. 3d
135, 141 (1990).
¶ 52 Once a determination has been made that the charged offenses were part of the same
comprehensive transaction, then an assessment of potential prejudice can be made. Walston, 386
Ill. App. 3d at 603. “A defendant’s pretrial motion for severance must demonstrate specifically the
prejudice complained of; mere apprehensions of prejudice are insufficient.” Paik, 257 Ill. App. 3d
at 632. When “ruling on a motion for severance, the trial judge must make a prediction about the
likelihood of prejudice at trial, taking into account the papers presented, the arguments of counsel,
and any other knowledge of the case developed from the proceedings.” Id.
¶ 53 The defendant filed his motion to sever on December 17, 2018. The motion, inter alia,
alleged:
“4. As it is apparently the State’s intention to convince a jury that Defendant is
guilty of First Degree Murder by prejudicing them with past allegations of domestic strife,
Defendant moves this Court to sever the two charges of First Degree Murder (Class M)
and Domestic Battery (a Class A Misdemeanor) pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/114-8.
***
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6. The Defendant asserts that the charges bear no relationship to one another and
would result in prejudice to the Defendant.
***
14. In conclusion, the Defendant is on trial for First Degree Murder and faces a
possible sentence which would undoubtably guarantee the rest of his life would be served
in an Illinois prison. His right to a fair trial should not be infringed upon by allowing the
State to try these offenses together, subsequently introducing evidence that would
otherwise be inadmissible in a trial of this magnitude.”
¶ 54 The defendant’s motion to sever mentions his apprehensions about prejudice, but did not
specially allege how he would be prejudiced. At the pretrial hearing, the trial court first heard
arguments on the State’s notice of intent to introduce evidence of prior domestic violence. The
State withdrew some prior incidents mentioned in its original notice and instead sought that the
specific incidents to be introduced occurred on April 7, 2017, and May 13, 2017, and both involved
the defendant and Mary. As explained above, regarding the April 7, 2017 incident, law
enforcement officers were called to the defendant’s home, and Mary reported to them the
defendant pushed her into a closet causing her to hit her left shoulder. Mary sought treatment for
her left shoulder the same day. Regarding the May 13, 2017, incident, officers were again called
to the defendant’s home after Mary called 911 and reported that she had been struck in the face by
the defendant. The State argued that its burden under section 115-7.4(a) of the Code was met
because both incidents fell within the realm of domestic violence, they were close in proximity,
within five months, to the domestic battery incident at issue, and they involved the same
individuals.
¶ 55 Defense counsel argued that the domestic battery that allegedly occurred on September 3,
2017, was separate and distinct from the alleged first degree murder on the same day. Further,
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defense counsel argued that the probative value of the evidence of prior incidents of domestic
violence would be unduly prejudicial. Defense counsel stated, “It is clear the State is attempting
to prove to the jury or any other trier of fact that you must find the defendant guilty of first degree
murder based upon the fact that he is a bad man.”
¶ 56 Next, the trial court heard arguments on the motion to sever, which were related to and
included some of the earlier arguments regarding the notice of intent. Defense counsel continued
to argue that the defendant would be prejudiced because the jury would think he was a “bad man.”
The State argued that in addition to the proximity of time and location, the offenses were part of
one continuing narrative. The State argued that even assuming arguendo that the trials were
severed, the jury hearing the evidence regarding the offense of first degree murder would hear the
evidence regarding the incident inside the home when Mary was on the floor with the defendant
above her.
¶ 57 After considering the aforementioned legal principles as applied to the instant case, we
cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion when it determined that the two separate charged
offenses were part of the same comprehensive transaction and that the defendant would not be
prejudiced by a single jury hearing both offenses. When the trial court denied the motion to sever,
it stated:
“I don’t see how we can separate these cases. I think the evidence is gonna [sic] have to
come in one way or the other. I mean, you know, it is the same location. It is the same time.
It’s the same investigation. Two different offenses, but occurring at the same time. Again,
I think it would be more confusing to the jury if we did sever these cases. And I do think
the jurors are more sophisticated and [will] be able to separate those charges out and
determine your client’s guilt or innocence on all those charges.”
17
The trial court determined the first and second factors weighed in favor of joinder. Additionally,
the trial court stated the jury would be able to separate the offenses and determine the defendant’s
guilt or innocence on those charges. We reiterate that “[a]n abuse of discretion will be found only
where the trial court’s ruling is arbitrary, fanciful, unreasonable, or where no reasonable person
would take the view adopted by the trial court.” Caffey, 205 Ill. 2d at 89. Here, there is no evidence
that the ruling was arbitrary, fanciful or unreasonable; to the contrary, it was based on a thorough
analysis of the issues before the court. Moreover, we believe a reasonable person could take the
view adopted by the trial court, for the reasons stated by the trial court. Accordingly, we conclude
there was no error.
¶ 58 B. Jury Instructions
¶ 59 The defendant next contends that the verdict was unreliable because at the close of
evidence, the jury was not given a tailored limiting instruction that the propensity evidence was
only to be used regarding the misdemeanor domestic battery charge and not the first degree murder
charge. On appeal, the defendant asserts that it was plain error to give IPIC 3.14, modified, which
stated:
“Evidence has been received that the Defendant has been involved in an offense
other than those charged in the indictment. This evidence has been received on the issue of
the Defendant’s propensity and may be considered by you only for that limited purpose. It
is for you to determine what weight should be given to this evidence on the issue of
propensity.”
Earlier in the trial, at defendant’s request, the trial judge gave the following limiting instruction to
the jury immediately before questioning began regarding prior incidents of domestic battery:
“THE COURT: All right. Ladies and Gentlemen, the evidence that you are going
to hear at this point is only to be considered by you as to the domestic battery charge.”
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At trial, the defendant did not offer an alternative IPIC 3.14 modified instruction nor object to the
instruction that was given at the close of evidence.
¶ 60 “Generally, a defendant forfeits review of any putative jury instruction error if the
defendant does not object to the instruction or offer an alternative instruction at trial and does not
raise the instruction in a posttrial motion.” People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 175 (2005). However,
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 451(c) provides that “substantial defects [in jury instructions in
criminal cases] are not waived by failure to make timely objections thereto if the interests of justice
require.” Ill. S. Ct. R. 451(c) (eff. Apr. 8, 2013). “Rule 451(c)’s exception to the waiver rule for
substantial defects applies when there is a grave error or when the case is so factually close that
fundamental fairness requires that the jury be properly instructed.” People v. Hopp, 209 Ill. 2d 1,
7 (2004).
¶ 61 Jury instructions are used to give the jurors the applicable law so they can apply it to the
facts and reach a correct conclusion. Id. “Thus, the erroneous omission of a jury instruction rises
to the level of plain error only when the omission creates a serious risk that the jurors incorrectly
convicted the defendant because they did not understand the applicable law, so as to severely
threaten the fairness of the trial.” Id. at 8. “Jury instructions should not be misleading or confusing
[citation], but their correctness depends upon not whether defense counsel can imagine a
problematic meaning, but whether ordinary persons acting as jurors would fail to understand
them.” Herron, 215 Ill. 2d at 187-88. “The task of a reviewing court is to determine whether the
instructions, considered together, fully and fairly announce the law applicable to the theories of
the State and the defense.” People v. Mohr, 228 Ill. 2d 53, 65 (2008). “Jury instructions should be
construed as a whole, rather than read in isolation.” People v. Parker, 223 Ill. 2d 494, 501 (2006).
¶ 62 In this case, the jury did not receive a complete version of IPIC 3.14 that included the
earlier tailored limiting instruction. However, like the court in People v. Clark, 2015 IL App (1st)
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131678, ¶ 80, after considering the complete instructions given to this jury, we find that the error
in giving an incomplete instruction did not create a serious risk that the jury misapplied the law
and thus did not rise to the level of plain error. The jury was told that “[e]vidence has been received
that the Defendant has been involved in an offense other than those charged in the indictment. This
evidence has been received on the issue of the Defendant’s propensity and may be considered by
you only for that limited purpose. It is for you to determine what weight should be given to this
evidence on the issue of propensity.” (Emphasis added.) Additionally, as part of IPIC 1.01, the
jury was instructed that “[a]ny evidence that was received for a limited purpose should not be
considered by you for any other purpose.” Further, the jury was given a tailored limited instruction
immediately prior to the evidence being presented regarding prior domestic violence incidents.
¶ 63 Additionally, in this case, the note sent by the jury demonstrates that it did understand that
the evidence regarding prior incidents of domestic violence was not for the first degree murder
charge but for domestic battery. The note sent by the jury only inquired about domestic battery
and did not mention the first degree murder charge.
¶ 64 C. Ineffective Assistance
¶ 65 As an alternative theory, the defendant contends that if the jury instruction error was not
plain error, we should find that the defendant’s trial counsel was ineffective for failing to correct
the instructional error. We disagree and find that the defendant has not shown that his right to a
fair trial was prejudiced.
¶ 66 Allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel are reviewed pursuant to the standards set
forth in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). People v. Cathey, 2012 IL 111746, ¶ 23.
For a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, “[t]he defendant must show that there is a
reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding
would have been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
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confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. To prevail on an ineffective-assistance-
of-counsel claim, a defendant must demonstrate both that counsel’s performance fell below an
objective standard of reasonableness and that counsel’s deficient performance resulted in
prejudice. Id. at 687-88.
¶ 67 “Surmounting Strickland’s high bar is never an easy task.” Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S.
356, 371 (2010). The defendant’s failure to satisfy either the deficiency prong or the prejudice
prong of the Strickland test precludes a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. Strickland,
466 U.S. at 697. Accordingly, it is not necessary to first evaluate whether counsel’s performance
was deficient if a defendant is unable to show sufficient prejudice. Id.¶ 68 With respect to the prejudice prong, “[a]n error by counsel, even if professionally
unreasonable, does not warrant setting aside the judgment of a criminal proceeding if the error had
no effect on the judgment.” Id. at 691. Errors by counsel “come in an infinite variety and are as
likely to be utterly harmless in a particular case as they are to be prejudicial.” Id. at 693. “In
assessing prejudice under Strickland, the question is not whether a court can be certain counsel’s
performance had no effect on the outcome or whether it is possible a reasonable doubt might have
been established if counsel acted differently.” Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 111 (2011).
Rather, “Strickland asks whether it is ‘reasonably likely’ the result would have been different.” Id.Like the matter before us, when “a defendant challenges a conviction, the question is whether there
is a reasonable probability that, absent the errors, the factfinder would have had a reasonable doubt
respecting guilt.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 695.
¶ 69 Additionally, Strickland requires the defendant to “affirmatively prove” that prejudice
resulted from counsel’s errors. Id. at 693. “Satisfying the prejudice prong necessitates a showing
of factual prejudice, not simply speculation that defendant may have been prejudiced.” People v.
Patterson, 2014 IL 115102, ¶ 81.
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¶ 70 We review a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel de novo. People v. Hale, 2013 IL
113140, ¶ 15. On appeal, the defendant speculates that he was improperly convicted of first degree
murder because the jury was presented evidence of prior incidents of domestic violence and they
did not understand how to properly apply that evidence to the separate charges. When the evidence
regarding prior instances of domestic violence was presented, the jury was contemporaneously
given a limiting instruction that such evidence was “only to be considered by [them] as to the
domestic battery charge.” The jury was also instructed at the close of evidence that “[a]ny evidence
that was received for a limited purpose should not be considered by you for any other purpose.”
Further, they were instructed that the propensity evidence “may be considered by you only for that
limited purpose.” The question from the jury did not co-mingle the domestic battery charge and
the first degree murder charge; the question was limited only to domestic battery.
¶ 71 Following a review of the record as a whole, we conclude that the defendant has not
affirmatively proven that his convictions of first degree murder and domestic battery would have
been different but for the claimed error. Accordingly, we find the defendant received effective
assistance of counsel.
¶ 72 D. Mistrial
¶ 73 The defendant alleges that the trial court’s denial of his motion for mistrial after Kibbons
suffered a seizure while testifying as a witness, or failure to take some other remedial action, was
an abuse of discretion. “It is within the discretion of the circuit court to determine the propriety of
declaring a mistrial.” People v. Redd, 135 Ill. 2d 252, 323 (1990). A denial of a motion for a
mistrial will not be reversed unless the denial was a clear abuse of discretion. People v. Sims, 167
Ill. 2d 483, 505 (1995). As explained above, “[a]n abuse of discretion will be found only where
the trial court’s ruling is arbitrary, fanciful, unreasonable, or where no reasonable person would
take the view adopted by the trial court.” Caffey, 205 Ill. 2d at 89. “Generally, a mistrial should be
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granted where an error of such gravity has occurred that it has infected the fundamental fairness
of the trial, such that continuation of the proceeding would defeat the ends of justice.” People v.
Bishop, 218 Ill. 2d 232, 251 (2006).
¶ 74 In this case, the defendant speculates that the jury could have been sympathetic to Kibbons
as a result of his seizure such that they would give his testimony more weight. There is nothing in
the record to support this contention. Additionally, the opposite result is just as likely. If a jury
observes a witness have a seizure, after he has previously testified to a prior traumatic brain injury
and his alcohol consumption, we could speculate that this event would have the opposite effect
and the jury would find the witness less credible. Either conclusion is pure speculation.
¶ 75 What we do know is the trial court observed the medical incident and the jurors as the
events unfolded. The trial judge “will always be in a better position than a court of review to assess
the probable reactions of jurors in a case over which he or she has presided.” People v. Runge, 234
Ill. 2d 68, 104 (2009) (citing United States v. Hernandez, 330 F.3d 964, 990 (7th Cir. 2003)). The
trial court’s discretion extends to the determination of whether jurors should be questioned about
an event. Id. at 105.
¶ 76 We cannot say that the trial court’s denial of the motion for a mistrial following a witness’s
medical event was arbitrary, fanciful, or unreasonable. Further, the decision not to make further
inquiry regarding the incident was also not an abuse of discretion, as doing so might have caused
the jury to consider the incident problematic when they might otherwise not have done so. The
trial court made clear factual findings—including that “in less than two minutes the jury was taken
out of this courtroom,” and that the trial court did not think the jurors “were affected by this at
all”—in support of its decision to deny the motion for a mistrial. In light of those factual findings,
and our thorough review of the record on appeal, we cannot conclude that no reasonable person
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would take the view adopted by the trial court. Accordingly, we find no abuse of discretion in the
trial court’s ruling.
¶ 77 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 78 For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the defendant’s convictions and sentences.
¶ 79 Affirmed.
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