State of Louisiana Versus John Spears ( 2019 )

STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 18-KA-663
VERSUS FIFTH CIRCUIT
JOHN SPEARS COURT OF APPEAL
STATE OF LOUISIANA
ON APPEAL FROM THE TWENTY-FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF LOUISIANA
NO. 16-119, DIVISION "C"
HONORABLE JUNE B. DARENSBURG, JUDGE PRESIDING
December 11, 2019
MARC E. JOHNSON
JUDGE
Panel composed of Judges Fredericka Homberg Wicker,
Marc E. Johnson, and Robert A. Chaisson
AFFIRMED
MEJ
FHW
RAC
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/APPELLEE,
STATE OF LOUISIANA
Paul D. Connick, Jr.
Terry M. Boudreaux
Juliet L. Clark
COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT,
JOHN SPEARS
Cynthia K. Meyer
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/APPELLEE,
STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Jeffrey M. Landry
J. Taylor Gray
JOHNSON, J.
Defendant/Appellant, John Spears, appeals his conviction and life sentence
for second-degree murder from the 24th Judicial District Court, Division “C”. For
the following reasons, Defendant’s conviction and sentence are affirmed.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On February 18, 2016, a Jefferson Parish Grand Jury returned an indictment
charging Defendant with the second degree murder of Anthony Tardo, in violation
of La. R.S. 14:30.1. Defendant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on February
19, 2016. On May 17, 2016, Defendant withdrew his not guilty plea and entered a
plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. Trial commenced on June
13, 2017, before a 12-person jury.
At trial, Officer Mark Stein of the Kenner Police Department testified that he
responded to a shooting inside of Houston Marine, in Kenner, Louisiana, on
December 4, 2015. Defendant was standing outside of the business next to his car
with his hands above his head and an unloaded gun on top of the car. Officer Stein
described Defendant as calm and cooperative. With the aid of Officer Gregory
Alphonso, Defendant was detained and while being handcuffed, stated, “he’s in the
building . . . the man was messing with me.”
Officer Joshua Wilkerson, also of the Kenner Police Department, arrived at
the scene shortly after Officer Stein and discovered that the victim, Anthony
Tardo, had been shot and killed in his office.1 Officer Wilkerson noted that a
cartridge casing was in the hallway leading to the victim’s office.
Sergeant Herbert Hille was the lead detective on the case for the Kenner
Police Department. He testified that after the shooting, Defendant exited the
building and waited next to his vehicle for the police to arrive. He explained that
1
The victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest.
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Defendant had ejected the magazine and the round of ammunition from the gun
and placed them on top of his vehicle. Sergeant Hille testified that a spent casing
and a projectile were recovered inside the building where the victim was shot.
After ballistics testing was performed, it was concluded that the cartridge casing
found in the hallway outside the victim’s office was fired by the gun located on top
of Defendant’s vehicle.
Leonard Sampson, an employee and instructor at Houston Marine, testified
that on the afternoon of the shooting, he passed Defendant in the parking lot and
recalled telling Defendant that he was leaving early to pick up his son, to which
Defendant replied, “I’m just going to go into the building and shoot everybody.”
Mr. Sampson described Defendant as a quiet employee but believed that there was
“something going on.” Mr. Sampson also described the victim as a superior
supervisor, noting that he never personally knew of any disputes between
Defendant and the victim.
Andrew Plack, also an employee at Houston Marine, testified that he was in
the file room near the front of the building when he heard the victim say, “what the
f—k,” and then heard a loud bang. When Mr. Plack went into the hallway to
investigate, he observed Defendant standing outside the doorway to the victim’s
office. Mr. Plack testified that initially his attention was focused on the ground
where he observed an object spinning in the middle of the hallway. Believing the
noise he heard was a CO2 powered car they played with in the office, he asked
Defendant if the noise was “the toy car,” to which Defendant responded, it “wasn’t
the stupid car.” Eventually Mr. Plack realized that the spinning object was a
cartridge casing and that Defendant had a gun in his hand. Defendant, who was
expressionless, then stated to Mr. Plack that the victim was “going to need some
first aid,” before leaving the building. When Mr. Plack entered the victim’s office,
he noted that the victim was lying face down. In his statement to the police, Mr.
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Plack indicated that Defendant “had something weird going on,” testifying that
Defendant had “some strange ways of doing things and he used to yawn a lot at
inappropriate times.”2 Mr. Plack was also unaware of any work-related issues that
might have been going on between the victim and Defendant.
Patrick O’Carroll Jr. was also an employee at Houston Marine and had seen
Defendant that morning. Mr. O’Carroll noted that it was out of the ordinary that
Defendant had not shaved in a day or two. At the time of the shooting Mr.
O’Carroll was not in the building but recalled receiving a phone call concerning
the shooting later that afternoon. Mr. O’Carroll testified that he had a conversation
with Defendant about “how crazy the world was getting,” in reference to their
discussion regarding a shooting that had just occurred in San Bernardino,
California the day before the shooting.
Houston Marine instructor, William Klein, was in the building at the time of
the shooting. He testified that he was sitting in the office next to the victim’s
office with his back to the door. While talking to another co-worker, Mr. Klein
heard a loud pop. When Mr. Klein went into the hallway, he observed Defendant
standing there with a gun in his hand. He recalled that Defendant calmly told him
someone was hurt and to call 9-1-1. Upon entering the victim’s office, Mr. Klein
observed the victim lying on the floor under the desk. Mr. Klein testified that
Defendant did not appear shocked but was calm and seemed almost dazed.
Gretchen Vallon, another co-worker, testified Defendant was acting “a little
different than usual” and noted that he did not look like himself on the day of the
shooting. She testified that Defendant was unshaven and not dressed in his usual
work attire.3 When she heard the gunshot, Ms. Vallon testified that she ran to the
victim’s office where Defendant was standing in the doorway holding a gun.
2
He explained that while in the middle of a conversation or when walking down the hallway,
Defendant would loudly yawn to show he was uninterested or held the conversation in disdain.
3
Ms. Vallon did not recall telling the police that Defendant appeared “fine, same old John.”
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When she asked Defendant what was going on, he told her that the victim needed
an ambulance.4 Her co-worker, Vickie Twilbeck, corroborated Ms. Vallon’s
testimony and further noted that, after the shooting, it appeared that Defendant had
no remorse. However, on cross-examination, Ms. Twilbeck testified that she told
the police that it did not appear that Defendant wanted anything permanent to
happen to the victim and that he appeared to be in “disbelief.” Co-worker James
Gilless also added that after the shooting, Defendant’s face was stoic and
expressionless.
Shirley Andrews testified that she worked with Defendant, and that, on the
morning of the shooting, she asked Defendant about his upcoming birthday. She
recalled that Defendant did not respond at first but then told her, “it doesn’t
matter.” Ms. Andrews testified that Defendant had a “blank stare” when talking to
her; however, she did not find this strange as “that’s the way he was all the time.”
She stated that Defendant was not a man of many words, but on that particular day,
he appeared as though he was “confused almost.” Ms. Andrews also testified
Defendant was not a very social person and did not have a lot of motivation. Ms.
Andrews further recalled a time when Defendant told her that the victim did not
like him and that is why Defendant “just comes into the office, does his job, and
then goes home.”
Mary Wooten confirmed that Defendant was always well-groomed but
appeared “real rough” and “scruffy” on the day of the shooting. Ms. Wooten
testified that on the day of the shooting, Defendant neglected to sign in as required
for all instructors; thus, Ms. Wooten reported Defendant to her boss—the victim.
Ms. Wooten also spoke to Defendant regarding the unsigned form and was told by
Defendant he would get to it later. Later that day, Defendant went into Ms.
4
Gina Brewer, an employee of Houston Marine, was also at the office on the day of the shooting.
She confirmed that, after the shooting, Defendant told them to call 9-1-1. She did not recall Defendant
acting or appearing any different from his normal behavior.
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Wooten’s office and signed the form. Ms. Wooten confirmed that the victim often
encouraged Defendant, as he did all of the employees at Houston Marine, to better
themselves and to learn as much as possible. She testified that she assisted the
victim with the scheduling of classes, and she occasionally requested that certain
instructors “shadow” a class being taught by another instructor. Ms. Wooten
recalled that, on a couple of occasions, Defendant would refuse to shadow the class
to which he was assigned; so, she had to report Defendant to the victim.
After the shooting, Defendant was transported to the Kenner Police
Department, where a health and property screening was conducted. Pursuant to the
health screening, Defendant was asked about any medical conditions he may have
had, and Defendant indicated that he had diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney issues,
and depression. He further indicated that he was on medication for his diabetes,
cholesterol, and kidneys. It did not appear to the booking officer, Caitlin
Wadsworth, that Defendant was down or depressed, hearing voices, reacting
strangely, disoriented, or suicidal. Officer Wadsworth testified that Defendant was
calm and polite during their interaction. Defendant had in his possession several
different medications for his diabetes and high blood pressure, including
Metformin, Pioglitazone, Lisinopril, Glipizide, Lantus, and NovoLog.
While in jail, Defendant placed a phone call to his wife. During the phone
call, he told his wife that he “f--ked up. Mother f--ker just kept aggravatin’ me and
aggravatin’ me, and aggravatin’ me.” When his wife questioned him as to why he
did not “just walk away,” Defendant responded, “[w]ell that’s what I say now,
that’s what I say. I say, I say that every day. I say f--k, I say I bring my coun . . .
my son to counselin’ to handle, to . . . to be able to deal with his anger and yet I go
off and do sumpin it . . . an . . . and this happens.” He further told his wife that the
victim kept “f--kin” with him. During the phone call, Defendant also spoke to his
children, informing them that he had “made a terrible mistake” and should have
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“just walked away.” He cautioned his children about letting their anger get the
best of them and warned them not to let “somebody aggravate you, push you to
that point.” Defendant further acknowledged that he should have quit or just
“walked away from this motha f--ka.” Before ending the phone call, Defendant
informed his wife of his upcoming bail hearing, stating, “only thing that can help
me maybe, maybe is uh is my VA medical records where I got an . . . and stress
with depression and uh you know stuff like that.” At the end of the call, his wife
stated that she would do all she could to help him.
After the State rested, the defense called Emmett Spears, Defendant’s
brother. Emmett, a registered nurse, testified to the history of mental illness in
their family. He explained that his mother suffered from depression, and his three
uncles and one aunt have paranoid schizophrenia. He stated that because of his
family’s history, he choose to work as a psychiatric mental health nurse. Emmett
testified regarding changes he saw in his brother that were of concern to him. He
explained that in 2012, Defendant disclosed to him that he believed a Caucasian
male was following him. Emmett found this odd, as he did not observe any such
activity. He also testified about Defendant’s paranoia regarding his wife’s alleged
infidelity. Emmett further stated that he had knowledge of Defendant hearing
voices and testified that Defendant was prescribed psychotropic medication, which
he was unable to take because they were prohibited at Houston Marine due to
Coast Guard regulations.
Defendant’s wife, Sabrina Spears, also a registered nurse, testified that
sometime around 2010-2012, Defendant was diagnosed with schizophrenia and
depression. As a result, Defendant was prescribed medications for these
conditions, which she stated helped him initially but that he stopped taking his
medication because they interfered with his ability to work. She explained that
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when Defendant did not take his medications, he became paranoid, irritable, and
irrational.
Mrs. Spears described an instance when Defendant purchased a device to
search their house for any recording devices that might have been hidden in their
home. She also recalled that Defendant removed some mirrors from their home
and kept the curtains drawn because he felt someone was watching them. Another
time, she stated she awoke in the middle of the night to find Defendant standing in
the street looking around. Mrs. Spears further discussed Defendant’s suspicion
regarding her own activities. On one occasion, Mrs. Spears stated that she
received a phone call from Defendant warning her not to go home because
someone was at the house. There was another instance when the FBI called her
because her husband reported that her life was in danger. With respect to his job,
Mrs. Spears testified that Defendant would complain that “they [were] sabotaging
his computer,” and that they had cameras watching him at work.
On the morning of the shooting, Mrs. Spears recalled that Defendant was
fidgety, irritated, unshaven, and was wearing wrinkled clothing. Mrs. Spears
testified that she only learned of the shooting the evening after it happened, when
she received a phone call from her sister informing her about it. She further
testified that Defendant only carried a gun with him when he would check on their
rental properties. Mrs. Spears admitted that she spoke to Defendant after the
shooting, and he explained to her the bills that needed to be paid, doctors’
appointments for their children that needed to be taken care of, and medical
records from the VA medical facility that he needed her to obtain.
Defendant testified on his own behalf that he received his GED when he was
16 years old and that he went to college but never graduated. He testified that he
served in the army for two years but was honorably discharged for being “unable
to adapt to military life.” He then worked offshore for a number of years before he
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started working at Houston Marine as a maritime instructor. According to
Defendant, he has suffered from depression and schizophrenia while working at
Houston Marine, for which he was receiving treatment at the VA medical center.
Defendant identified notations in his medical records, which referenced diagnoses
made in 2012 regarding his “delusional disorder” and “depressive disorder.” He
also identified a progress note from an office visit with endocrinology regarding
his diabetes in December of 2014, which identified his past medical history,
depression and paranoid schizophrenia. Defendant explained that the medications
he was prescribed for those conditions made him drowsy and incapable of
performing normal functions; thus, he admitted he was not always compliant in
taking them. He further testified that, during his work as a merchant marine, he
was required to obtain a waiver from the Coast Guard to take certain medications,
which he was not able to obtain with respect to his psychotropic medications.
Defendant testified that when he began working at Houston Marine as an
instructor, he felt as though he was being undermined at work. He stated that he
felt as if his work was being sabotaged. He also testified that, on a few occasions,
he left work to find his car with flat tires from holes that had been punctured in
their sides. Defendant believed he was being ridiculed at his workplace, stating
that on one occasion, he overheard the victim and another employee call him a
“stupid ass ni--er.” From that point forward, he testified that he tried to keep his
distance from the victim as much as possible. He admitted that, while he reported
his delusions to his family members, he did not report them to his physicians
because he did not “think about it at the time of the appointment.”
Defendant explained that on the date of the shooting, he planned on going to
his rental property after work, so he brought his gun with him. He testified that
when he arrived at his office, it was another normal day at work. But later in the
day, he overheard the victim say something to another co-worker in the hallway,
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and noticed the two of them look at him and laugh. The next thing Defendant
remembered, he was outside in the parking lot, unloading the gun, and placing it on
top of his car. It was at that time that he saw the police come towards him. He did
not recall firing the gun or speaking to any co-workers while in the building.
On cross-examination, Defendant was questioned extensively regarding his
medical history. Defendant confirmed that on May 11, 2015, as part of his
employment requirements, he filled out an application for renewal of license and
medical waiver on which he indicated he was taking a low dose of the medication
Seroquel (a.k.a. Quetiapine) “as needed.” According to a letter dated May 28,
2015, his physician, a staff psychiatrist at the VA medical center, explained that
Defendant was prescribed the Seroquel for sleep and that the medication had not
been refilled since May of 2014. In the letter from his physician, she also indicated
that Defendant was last seen at the VA medical center on April 20, 2015, and was
not currently prescribed any psychotropic medication. It was also noted on his
license renewal application that Defendant answered “no” regarding any history of
schizophrenia. Defendant explained that while he signed the application, a medical
professional filled out the answers for him.
Defendant was then questioned regarding various medical records obtained
from his visits to the VA medical center. Specifically, on June 27, 2013,
Defendant’s medical records indicated that his mood was within normal limits, that
he had been looking for a steady job, “and that he has reactive mood changes,
which he considers normal.” He further reported to his physician on that date that
he was taking 50 milligrams of Quetiapine to help with irritability and sleep.
Defendant denied any suicidal or homicidal thoughts and denied any auditory
hallucinations, visual hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. On January 30, 2013,
while Defendant reported his anxiety, there remained no mention of any delusions
or schizophrenia. Also, on February 25, 2013, Defendant reported to his physician
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that he was taking Quetiapine at bedtime but denied any side effects from his
medication, and stated that his mood was variable. His physician noted that he
continued to have difficulty trusting his wife and that they were going to start
going to couples therapy. On the same visit, Defendant again denied auditory
hallucinations, visual hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia. Defendant’s progress
note from December 15, 2014, indicated Defendant presented with no evidence of
anxiety or depressed mood.
Defendant also admitted at trial that in a progress note dated May 19, 2015,
his physician indicated there was “no evidence of anxiety or depressed mood.” He
also did not report to his physician on May 19, 2015, that he had a family history
of mental illness. Also, in another progress note dated April 20, 2015, the note
read “he is no longer requiring the use of psychotropic. He is not interested in
therapy or scheduled MH f/u5 at this time.” The note also indicated that
Defendant denied any auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, delusions, or
paranoia. Then on January 26, 2015, his physician noted there to be no evidence
of anxiety or depressed mood. In sum, between 2012 and the date of the shooting
on December 4, 2015, Defendant was not prescribed any other psychotropic
medications other than Quetiapine, which his physician indicated was for sleep.
In rebuttal, the State called Dr. Richard Richoux, expert in forensic
psychiatry, who testified that he was ordered by the court, along with Dr. Rafael
Salcedo, a forensic psychologist, to conduct a competency evaluation of Defendant
to determine his sanity at the time of the offense.6 Dr. Richoux testified that in
conducting his examination, the first step was to determine whether Defendant
suffers, or may have previously suffered, from an identifiable mental disease or
defect. Next, if a mental disease or defect is identified, it must then be determined
5
The document does not explain what “MH f/u” means.
6
Drs. Richoux and Salcedo examined Defendant on June 15, 2016, for approximately 45 minutes,
and on September 28, 2016, for 30 minutes.
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whether that mental disease or defect prevented Defendant from being able to
appreciate the wrongfulness of the criminal actions he engaged in at the time of the
offense. In order to make this determination, Dr. Richoux stated that he
interviewed Defendant, reviewed the police reports and the statements given to the
police, and read Defendant’s medical records.
Dr. Richoux testified that he, along with psychologist Dr. Rafael Salcedo,
co-authored a report dated September 28, 2016, summarizing the findings of their
evaluation of Defendant regarding his state of mind at the time of the December 4,
2015 offense. After review of Defendant’s medical records, Drs. Richoux and
Salcedo noted that Defendant was receiving treatment for depression and sleep
difficulties at the Veterans Administration Hospital and being treated with low
doses of Seroquel (a.k.a. Quetiapine), often prescribed for individuals with sleep
difficulties. They noted that, while the records did make mention of a distant
diagnosis of delusional disorder dating back to 2012, subsequent progress notes in
the record made no mention of delusional disorder,7 but rather, the ongoing
diagnoses listed included depression, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and
problems associated with his diabetes, including chronic pain.
Dr. Richoux testified that it is only when Quetiapine is prescribed in doses
of 1000 milligrams or more a day is it being used for anti-psychotic purposes.
Defendant testified that his dosing was between 50 and 100 milligrams, which Dr.
Richoux stated is often used to combat sleep difficulties. Dr. Richoux explained
that Quetiapine is not a “first-line anti-psychotic,” meaning that it is not the first
drug that is prescribed to treat paranoid schizophrenia but rather is only typically
7
Dr. Richoux defined a delusional disorder as a false belief that defies rational proof to the
contrary. He testified that schizophrenia in some ways resembles a delusional disorder in that those
suffering from schizophrenia often experience auditory or visual hallucinations and have a fundamental
disorder in their thought process making their thoughts difficult to understand.
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prescribed as a “second-line” drug when the first-line drug has failed to produce
the desired effect or because of adverse side effects from the first-line drug.
Dr. Richoux also testified that when interviewing Defendant about his
recollection of his thoughts and actions at the time of the offense, he indicated that
his memory was hazy. However, Dr. Richoux believed Defendant demonstrated
an adequate understanding as to why the police were on the way to the scene of the
crime, seeming to suggest that he was capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of
his actions and the illegality of them. Specifically, Dr. Richoux recalled that
Defendant told him “[o]f course I was expecting the police to come. When you’re
sitting on the car and realizing what you just did, you figure, of course, they’re
coming.” He also agreed that when someone tells another person to call 9-1-1 for
help, it means they are aware that something bad has happened. Dr. Richoux then
testified that “blackouts,” as testified to by Defendant at trial regarding his
recollection of the shooting, are not usually a symptom of paranoid schizophrenia
or delusional disorder. However, Dr. Richoux admitted that there is no medical
testing that can be performed to determine whether someone is telling the truth as
to whether they remember the events that occurred during a certain period of time.
Nevertheless, Dr. Richoux went on to testify that there is no direct relationship
between blacking out and being unable to distinguish right from wrong while one
is in a blackout state.
Based on their assessment, Drs. Richoux and Salcedo failed to find evidence
that Defendant
has ever suffered from a major psychiatric disorder, i.e., depression is
a fairly common psychiatric disorder, which even in severe forms
does not typically lead to such a level of behavioral and psychological
disorganization as to so grossly impair an individual that they are
incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, as opposed to more
serious diagnoses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Otherwise, there was no indication of any other psychiatric problems
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or treatment for any other psychiatric issues.8
Dr. Richoux testified that they determined, based on Defendant’s description of his
behavior at the time of the offense, Defendant “did not appear to have been
manifesting symptoms of a psychiatric disorder, per se, and certainly not one
which would have so gravely impaired him as to limit his capacity to distinguish
right from wrong.” Thus, Drs. Richoux and Salcedo concluded that Defendant was
able to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense and recommended
he be found to have been legally sane at that time.9
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury returned a verdict of guilty as charged
on June 15, 2017. On July 24, 2017, the trial court denied Defendant’s oral
motions for new trial and post-verdict judgment of acquittal and then sentenced
Defendant to life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation,
or suspension of sentence.10 On May 22, 2018, Defendant filed a pro se letter
inquiring into the status of an appeal, which the trial court construed as a request
for an out-of-time appeal; thus, on June 1, 2018, the trial court granted Defendant
an out-of-time appeal.11 The instant appeal followed.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
On appeal, Defendant alleges six assignments of error, namely: 1) a verdict
of not guilty by reason of insanity was required in this case; 2) the evidence was
8
On cross-examination, Dr. Richoux admitted that it was brought to his attention during the trial
that in one of Defendant’s medical records, the words “paranoid schizophrenia” were mentioned.
However, Dr. Richoux testified that there was no elaboration as to why it was listed, and it did not change
his opinion that Defendant was legally sane at the time of the shooting.
9
Dr. Rafael Salcedo, expert in forensic psychology, also testified for the State during rebuttal.
Dr. Salcedo testified that he and Dr. Richoux co-authored the report after performing an evaluation of
Defendant and that he agreed with Dr. Richoux on the findings that Defendant was legally sane at the
time of the offense. He further testified that delusional disorder is a fixed false belief that defies proof to
the contrary, explaining that the delusion a person may be suffering from does not come and go but rather
intensifies over time and then may, if successfully treated, gradually decrease in intensity over a period of
time.
10
After sentencing, on July 25, 2017, Defendant filed his written motion for post-verdict
judgment of acquittal or in the alternative motion for new trial, which the trial court denied on the same
date. Motions for post-verdict judgments of acquittal and motions for new trial must be disposed of prior
to sentencing. See La. C.Cr.P. arts. 821 and 853.
11
On June 12, 2018, Defendant filed a pro se application for post-conviction relief, which the
trial court denied on June 26, 2018.
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insufficient to support the verdict of second degree murder; 3) he was denied his
right to a fair trial and an impartial, attentive, and alert jury; 4) the jury verdict
should be declared invalid because it was not unanimous; 5) his life sentence is
unconstitutionally excessive; and 6) the record on appeal is incomplete and
inaccurate.
LAW AND ANALYSIS
Sufficiency of Evidence and Verdict of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
In these interrelated assignments, Defendant argues he carried his burden of
proving his insanity by a preponderance of the evidence through the testimony of
his co-workers, his family, and his medical records. He contends the evidence
presented showed he suffered from schizophrenia and delusional paranoia.
Defendant avers that his mental illness deluded him into believing the victim was
sabotaging his work, and that while under this delusion, he was unable to
distinguish right from wrong at the time of the shooting. He maintains that the
expert testimony presented by the State failed to rebut the evidence of insanity he
presented. Defendant also argues the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict
of second degree murder because he “blacked out” at the time of the shooting and
thus was unable to form the requisite specific intent. Alternatively, he contends
that due to his belief that the victim was sabotaging his work and directing racial
slurs and ridicule toward him, at most, the evidence supports a verdict of
manslaughter.
The State responds that the jury heard from all witnesses and reviewed all
the evidence and ultimately arrived at the conclusion that, despite Defendant’s
allegations of mental illness, Defendant was able to distinguish right from wrong at
the time of the offense. Thus, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to
the prosecution, the State avers that any rational trier of fact could have concluded
Defendant failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Defendant
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suffered from a mental disease or defect which prevented him from distinguishing
right from wrong at the time of the offense. It also maintains that Defendant’s
actions of pointing a loaded gun at the victim and shooting him in the chest support
a finding by the trier of fact that Defendant acted with the specific intent to kill.
The State further maintains that Defendant possessed the mental capacity to form
specific intent and that he acted with such intent when he shot and killed the
victim. Finally, the State contends the evidence does not support the lesser offense
of manslaughter, and the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s second
degree murder finding.
Defendant was charged with second degree murder in violation of La. R.S.
14:30.1, which is defined as the killing of a human being when the offender has
specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm. Defendant changed his initial
plea of “not guilty” to the plea of “not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.”
The jury rejected Defendant’s insanity defense, finding him guilty as charged.
Defendant argues that he met his burden of proving by a preponderance of the
evidence that he did not know right from wrong at the time of the offense and,
therefore, should be exempt from criminal responsibility. Defendant further argues
that the State failed to carry its burden of proving he had specific intent to kill the
victim, and alternatively, that the evidence presented by the State only supports a
verdict of manslaughter.
Defendant’s argument regarding the sufficiency of the evidence will be
addressed first. In considering an accused’s plea of not guilty and not guilty by
reason of insanity, the trier of fact must first determine whether the State has
proven the essential elements of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
State v. Abbott, 11-1162 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/31/12); 97 So.3d 1066, 1068-69. The
trier of fact may then proceed to the determination of whether the defendant was
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incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong at the time of the offense. Id.,97 So.3d at 1069.
The appropriate standard of review for determining the sufficiency of the
evidence was established in Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61
L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). According to Jackson, the standard is whether, after viewing
the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact
could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Id. Under the Jackson standard, a review of a criminal conviction record for
sufficiency of evidence does not require the court to ask whether it believes that
the evidence at trial established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Flores,
10-651 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/24/11); 66 So.3d 1118, 1122.
Rather, the reviewing court must decide, after viewing the evidence in the
light most favorable to the prosecution, whether any rational trier of fact could
have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Id.; Jackson, 443 U.S.
at 319; see also State v. Ortiz, 96-1609 (La. 10/21/97); 701 So.2d 922, 930, cert.
denied, 524 U.S. 943, 118 S.Ct. 2352, 141 L.Ed.2d 722 (1998); State v. Holmes,
98-490 (La. App. 5 Cir. 3/10/99); 735 So.2d 687, 690. It is not the function of the
appellate court to assess credibility or re-weigh the evidence. State v. Smith, 94-
3116 (La. 10/16/95); 661 So.2d 442, 443. The trier of fact shall evaluate
credibility, and when faced with a conflict in testimony, is free to accept or reject,
in whole or in part, the testimony of any witness. State v. Bradley, 03-384 (La.
App. 5 Cir. 9/16/03); 858 So.2d 80, 84, writs denied, 03-2745 (La. 2/13/04); 867
So.2d 688 and 08-1951 (La. 1/30/09); 999 So.2d 750.
Defendant argues the State failed to prove he possessed the requisite specific
intent to kill the victim, as nearly every witness who was present during the
shooting testified that he requested help be called for the victim after he shot him.
He also argues that the testimony at trial established he was not acting like himself
18-KA-663 16
on the day of the shooting and that he had no recollection of the shooting, which he
maintains the State failed to refute as a reasonable hypothesis that he did not have
the capacity to form specific intent. Alternatively, he argues, the State’s evidence
only supports a verdict of manslaughter.12
Specific intent is defined as “that state of mind which exists when the
circumstances indicate that the offender actively desired the prescribed criminal
consequences to follow his act or failure to act.” La. R.S. 14:10(1). Whether a
defendant possessed the requisite intent in a criminal case is a question for the trier
of fact, and a review of the correctness of this determination is guided by the
Jackson standard. State v. Spears, 05-0964 (La. 4/4/06); 929 So.2d 1219, 1224;
State v. Gant, 06-232 (La. App. 5 Cir. 9/26/06); 942 So.2d 1099, 1111, writ denied,
06-2529 (La. 5/4/07); 956 So.2d 599. Specific intent may be inferred from the
circumstances and from the defendant’s actions, and the intent to kill or to inflict
great bodily harm may be inferred from the extent and severity of the victim’s
injuries. Id.While Defendant is correct in his assertion that nearly all of his co-workers
who were present at the time of the shooting testified that he stated to them that
they should call 9-1-1, they also testified that Defendant was expressionless, calm,
and appeared to have no remorse. Also, after the shooting, when asked by his wife
what had happened, Defendant informed her that the victim just kept “aggravating”
him. Moreover, the evidence presented at trial concerning Defendant’s actions
prior to the shooting established that he armed himself with a gun, entered his
office building, walked down the hallway into the victim’s office, shot the victim
12
Under La. R.S. 14:31(A)(1), manslaughter is a homicide which would either be first or second
degree murder but the offense is committed in sudden passion or heat of blood immediately caused by
provocation sufficient to deprive an average person of his cool reflection and self-control. The elements
of “sudden passion” and “heat of blood” are mitigating factors in the nature of a defense, and when such
factors are established by a preponderance of the evidence, a verdict for murder is inappropriate. La. R.S.
14:31(A)(1); State v. Reed, 14-1980 (La. 9/7/16); 200 So.3d 291, 311; State v. Lombard, 486 So.2d 106,
110-11 (La. 1986); State v. Tompkins, 403 So.2d 644, 648 (La. 1981).
18-KA-663 17
in the chest, and then walked back to the parking lot where he waited for the
police. A defendant’s act of aiming a lethal weapon and discharging it in the
direction of his victim supports a finding by the trier of fact that the defendant
acted with specific intent to kill. See State v. Hidalgo, 95-319 (La. App. 5 Cir.
1/17/96); 668 So.2d 1188, 1197. Mr. Sampson, an employee and instructor at
Houston Marine, also testified that he passed Defendant in the parking lot and
recalled telling Defendant that he was leaving early to pick up his son, to which
Defendant replied, “I’m just going to go into the building and shoot everybody.”
Finally, although Defendant argues he had no recollection of the shooting,
thereby lacking the capacity to form specific intent, the jury chose to reject
Defendant’s theory as to his specific intent in this regard and accept the evidence
presented by the State that established Defendant’s actions after the shooting
contradicted his assertion that he “blacked out” and could not remember what
happened. Specifically, Defendant told the arresting officer on the scene that the
victim was in the building and that he “was messing with” him. Defendant also
placed a recorded phone call to his wife while in jail where he told her that the
victim “just kept aggravating” him and that in hindsight he should have just walked
away. As previously noted, specific criminal intent may be inferred from the
circumstances present in the case and the actions of the defendant. See Gant,
supra. Further, there was no testimony presented that, even if the event could not
be remembered, specific intent could not have been formed.13 (See generally State
v. Leroux, 641 So.2d 656 (La. App. 5th Cir. 1994), where evidence of the
defendant’s alcoholic blackout did not preclude a murder conviction).
For these reasons, we find the evidence, when viewed in the light most
favorable to the State, was sufficient to convince a rational trier of fact, beyond a
13
Dr. Richoux testified that there is no direct relationship between blacking out and being unable
to distinguish right from wrong while one is in a blackout state.
18-KA-663 18
reasonable doubt, that Defendant had the specific intent to kill the victim, thus,
supporting the verdict of second degree murder.
Defendant also argues he bore his burden of proving by a preponderance of
the evidence that he was insane at the time of the offense through the testimony of
his co-workers, his family members, and his medical records and, therefore, should
be exempt from criminal responsibility.
In Louisiana, the law presumes a criminal defendant is sane. Abbott, 97
So.3d at 1068 (citing La. R.S. 15:432). To rebut this presumption of sanity and
avoid criminal responsibility, the defendant has the burden of proving the
affirmative defense of insanity by a preponderance of the evidence. Id. (citing La.
C.Cr.P. art. 652). This burden is not borne by proving the mere existence of a
mental disease or defect. Rather, to be exempted from criminal responsibility, the
defendant must show he suffered a mental disease or defect which prevented him
from distinguishing between right and wrong at the time he committed the conduct
in question. Id. (citing La. R.S. 14:14). The determination of sanity is a factual
matter. Abbott, 97 So.3d at 1068.
All evidence, including both expert and lay testimony, along with the
defendant’s conduct and actions before and after the crime, may be considered in
determining whether the defendant has met his burden of proof. Abbott, 97 So.3d
at 1069. A determination of the weight of the evidence is a question of fact that
rests solely with the trier of fact, who may accept or reject, in whole or in part, the
testimony of any witness, and if rational triers of fact could disagree as to the
interpretation of the evidence, the rational trier’s view of all of the evidence most
favorable to the prosecution must be adopted. State v. Williams, 07-1407 (La.
10/20/09); 22 So.3d 867, 875-76, cert. denied, 560 U.S. 905, 130 S.Ct. 3278, 176
L.Ed.2d 1184 (2010).
On review of a claim for sufficiency of evidence in an action where an
18-KA-663 19
insanity defense has been raised, the appellate court, applying the standard outlined
in Jackson v. Virginia, supra, must determine whether under the facts and
circumstances of the case, any rational fact-finder, viewing the evidence in a light
most favorable to the prosecution, could conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that
the defendant failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he was
insane at the time of the offense. Id.When determining whether the defendant proved by a preponderance of the
evidence that he was insane at the time of the offense, the reviewing court properly
looks to the expert and lay testimony and to the defendant’s actions. State v.
Jackson, 548 So.2d 29, 31 (La. App. 5th Cir. 1989). The factors pertinent to a
review of expert testimony are wide-ranging. They include whether lay testimony
controverting the expert opinion was offered (See, State v. Claibon, 395 So.2d 770,
774 (La. 1981)); whether the experts specifically concluded that the defendant
could not discern between right and wrong at the time of the crime (See, State v.
Noble, 425 So.2d 734, 737 (La. 1983); Claibon, supra); to what extent the expert
testimony was premised on the self-serving revelations of the defendant (See, State
v. Parker, 416 So.2d 545, 551 (La. 1982)); to what extent the expert analysis is
controverted by other expert analysis (See, State v. Heath, 447 So.2d 570, 576, (La.
App. 1st Cir. 1984), writ denied, 448 So.2d 1302 (La. 1984)); the duration of the
expert’s contact with the defendant and whether he had interviewed the defendant
previous to the offense (See, State v. Guidry, 450 So.2d 50, 52 (La. App. 3d Cir.
1984), writ denied, 476 So.2d 344 (La. 1985)); the chronological proximity of the
expert examination to the offense; and, whether the experts were treating
physicians. State v. Nealy, 450 So.2d 634, 639 (La. 1984). Insofar as the
defendant’s actions, such factors as whether the defendant fled, disposed of
evidence, and deliberately planned and executed the offense are pertinent. State v.
Pravata, 522 So.2d 606, 613-14 (La. App. 1st Cir. 1988), writ denied, 531 So.2d
18-KA-663 20
261 (La. 1988).
At trial, in support of his insanity defense, Defendant offered his own self-
serving testimony, as well as the lay testimony of his brother and wife. First, he
presented the testimony of his brother, Emmett Spears, who referenced their family
history of paranoid schizophrenia and discussed a time when Defendant was
convinced someone was following him. His brother further testified that
Defendant spent a large amount of money to hire a personal investigator to follow
his wife because of his paranoid belief that she was being unfaithful. Emmett also
recalled that at one time defendant was hearing voices. Emmett indicated that
Defendant was prescribed psychotropic medications to treat these symptoms but
explained that Defendant had to discontinue taking his medication because they
were prohibited at his place of employment.
Defendant then presented the testimony of his wife, Sabrina Spears, who
testified that he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and explained that he
initially took medication for his mental illness but that he stopped taking it because
it interfered with his ability to work and with his diabetes medication. She stated
that when Defendant was not taking his medication, he became irritated, irrational,
and suspicious of “someone doing something to him or to me or to the children.”
During his wife’s testimony she also discussed several instances of Defendant’s
alleged paranoia, among which was an instance where Defendant purchased a
device to search their home for recording devices; a time when Defendant removed
all the mirrors from their home because he believed someone was watching them; a
night when Defendant was standing in the street because he believed someone was
outside their home; an occasion when she received a phone call from Defendant
warning her not to go home because someone was at their house; and an instance
when the FBI called her because Defendant reported her life was in danger. Mrs.
Spears also recalled that, during Defendant’s employment with Houston Marine,
18-KA-663 21
he would complain that “they [were] sabotaging his computer” and had cameras
watching him.
Defendant’s co-workers, as well as his wife, who saw him on the day of the
shooting, testified that Defendant was acting “a little different than usual” and
noted that he did not look like himself. His appearance was ragged, which was not
typical of his neat presentation. While the majority of Defendant’s co-workers
testified that they were not aware of anything going on between the victim and
Defendant, one co-worker, Mrs. Andrews, testified that Defendant told her the
victim did not like him. And another co-worker, Mrs. Wooten, testified that she
had to report Defendant to the victim a few times for failing to do what was
required of him at work.
Finally, Defendant testified that while working at Houston Marine, he was
called a racial epithet by the victim, he felt he was being undermined, and that his
work was being sabotaged. He also believed he was being ridiculed at his
workplace and thus tried to keep his distance from the victim. Defendant further
explained that on the day of the shooting, he had his gun with him because he was
going to check on his rental property after work. When he arrived at work on
December 4, 2015, he testified that he overheard the victim and another co-worker
talking and then observed them look at him and laugh. According to Defendant,
the next thing he remembered was that he was unloading his gun and placing it on
the top of his car.
According to Defendant’s testimony, he has suffered with depression and
schizophrenia for which he was receiving treatment at the VA medical center
during his employment at Houston Marine. Defendant identified notations in his
medical records which referenced his diagnoses in 2012 of “delusional disorder”
“depressive disorder.” He also pointed out a reference made in a 2014 office visit
for his diabetes regarding a past medical history of depression and paranoid
18-KA-663 22
schizophrenia. Defendant explained that the “medications” he was prescribed for
those conditions made him drowsy and incapable of performing normal activities,
thus admitting that he was not always compliant in taking them. He further
testified that, as part of his employment, he was required to obtain a waiver from
the Coast Guard to take certain medications, which he was not able to obtain with
respect to his alleged psychotropic medications.
However, on cross-examination, Defendant admitted that he answered “no”
on his application for renewal of his license as a merchant marine regarding any
history of schizophrenia. On the application he also noted that he had been
prescribed Seroquel (Quetiapine) “as needed.” A letter from his treating physician,
a psychiatrist at the VA medical center, dated May 28, 2015, was introduced into
evidence and provided that the Quetiapine Defendant was prescribed was for sleep
and that it had not been refilled since May of 2014. The letter also indicated that
Defendant was not on any psychotropic medication.
Various progress notes from Defendant’s medical records were also
introduced by the State during Defendant’s testimony. Defendant’s medical
records from the VA medical center begin in 2013. These records establish that
Defendant denied any auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, delusions, or
paranoia. He admitted during his testimony that he reported his delusions to his
family members but did not report them to his physicians because he did not “think
about it at the time of the appointment.” The records from 2013 also indicate
Defendant was taking 50 milligrams of Quetiapine to help with irritability and
sleep. Defendant’s 2014 and 2015 medical records also indicate that there was no
evidence of anxiety or depressed mood. Also, in his 2015 medical records,
Defendant did not report to his physician his alleged family history of mental
illnesses and denied any auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, delusions,
or paranoia. Further, in a progress note transcribed from a visit with Defendant in
18-KA-663 23
April of 2015, the date of his last visit at the VA medical center, the note reflects
Defendant was “no longer requiring the use of psychotropic.” Between 2012 and
December of 2015, Defendant was not prescribed any other psychotropic
medications other than Quetiapine for sleep.
Moreover, the evidence at trial also established that when booked at the
Kenner Police Department, Defendant indicated he had the following medical
conditions: diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney issues, and depression. The booking
officer testified that Defendant did not appear to be down or depressed, hearing
voices, reacting strangely, disoriented or suicidal. He also asked his wife in a
recorded jail phone conversation to bring his VA medical records to his bail
hearing because “maybe his history of stress and depression would help.”
In rebuttal to the lay witness testimony offered by Defendant, the State
called Dr. Richoux, an expert forensic psychiatrist, and Dr. Salcedo, an expert
forensic psychologist, who examined Defendant on June 15, 2016 for
approximately 45 minutes, and on September 28, 2016, for approximately 30
minutes, to determine his sanity at the time of the offense. Based on their
assessment, Drs. Richoux and Salcedo failed to find evidence that Defendant ever
suffered from a major psychiatric disorder. Drs. Richoux and Salcedo further
concluded that Defendant was able to distinguish right from wrong at the time of
shooting, and it was their recommendation that he be found to have been legally
sane at the time of the offense.
Dr. Richoux testified that Defendant was being treated at the VA medical
center for depression and sleep difficulties and was prescribed a low dose of
Quetiapine for sleep. Dr. Richoux explained that Defendant was prescribed doses
between 50 and 100 milligrams of Quetiapine and that such low dosing is often
prescribed for sleep difficulties. He testified that only when the doses exceed
1,000 milligrams is Quetiapine used for anti-psychotic treatment purposes. Dr.
18-KA-663 24
Richoux also noted that while the records did make mention of a distant diagnosis
of delusional disorder dating back to 2012, subsequent progress notes in the record
made no mention of delusional disorder, but rather the ongoing diagnoses listed in
Defendant’s records included depression, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and
chronic pain as a result of his diabetes. Dr. Richoux admitted that he originally did
not see that paranoid schizophrenia was listed under Defendant’s “past medical
history” section in a progress note from December of 2014 but indicated there was
no elaboration as to why it was listed; thus, that notation did not change his
opinion that Defendant was not suffering from a major psychiatric disorder at the
time of the shooting. Dr. Salcedo further explained that delusional disorder is a
fixed false belief that defies proof to the contrary, stating that a delusion does not
come and go but rather intensifies over time. It is only if successfully treated that a
delusion may gradually decrease in intensity over a period of time. Based on the
lay witness testimony presented, Defendant’s alleged delusions did not meet the
definition of a delusional disorder.
Drs. Richoux and Salcedo also believed Defendant possessed the ability to
distinguish right from wrong at the time of the shooting. Dr. Richoux testified that
while defendant indicated his memory of the event was “hazy,” he demonstrated an
adequate understanding of why the police were on their way to the scene,
suggesting he was capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his actions. Also
aiding this determination was the fact that Defendant informed his co-workers after
the shooting that the victim was in need of medical attention. Dr. Richoux also
explained that even if Defendant had in fact “blacked out” at the time of the
shooting, he testified that there is no direct relationship between blacking out and
being unable to distinguish right from wrong while one is in a blackout state.
Furthermore, the lay testimony of those co-workers who had contact with
Defendant prior to the offense does not strongly support or contradict the
18-KA-663 25
conclusion that Defendant was unable to distinguish between right and wrong.
And as touched on by Dr. Richoux, Defendant’s actions prior to, at the time of, and
after the shooting lend further credence to the jury’s determination that Defendant
was not insane at the time of the offense. Testimony at trial established that
Defendant armed himself with his gun, entered his office building, and shot the
victim in the chest. He then walked out of the building and informed his co-
workers that they should call 9-1-1. Next, Defendant proceeded to the parking lot
where he unloaded his gun, placed it on top of his car, and waited for the police to
arrive with his hands above his head. Upon their arrival, he stated to the police
that the victim was in the building and was “messing with him.” Such actions lead
to the conclusion that Defendant knew there were legal consequences stemming
from his actions.
Further, during the recorded jail phone call made by Defendant to his wife,
Defendant told her that the victim was aggravating him and that in hindsight he
should have “just walked away,” stating that he made a “terrible mistake.” Thus,
we find that the jury could have reasonably found through his actions, Defendant
displayed a functioning ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Additionally, while the jury was presented with lay witness testimony from
Defendant’s brother and wife, as well as his own self-serving testimony, regarding
a family history of mental illness and those delusions suffered by Defendant,
Defendant’s medical records and the expert witnesses’ testimony contradicted the
lay testimony as to any psychiatric disorder Defendant may have had at the time of
the shooting. The jury, faced with the conflicting evidence presented by the State
and the defense, obviously rejected the lay witnesses’ testimony presented by
Defendant and believed Drs. Richoux and Salcedo that Defendant was not
suffering from a major psychiatric disorder and was capable of distinguishing
between right and wrong at the time of the offense. If there is conflicting evidence
18-KA-663 26
on the issue of insanity, the reviewing court should accord great weight to the
jury’s resolution of the conflicting evidence, provided the jury was properly
instructed, and no evidence was prejudicially admitted or excluded. State v.
Pettaway, 450 So.2d 1345, 1354 (La. App. 2d Cir. 1984), writ denied, 456 So.2d
171 (La. 1984). The jury’s decision should not be overturned unless no rational
juror could have found the defendant failed to prove his insanity at the time of the
offense. State v. Sharp, 418 So.2d 1344 (La. 1982); State v. Moore, 568 So.2d
612, 618 (La. App. 4th Cir. 1990).
After reviewing the testimony presented and considering the totality of the
evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we determine that a
rational trier of fact could have found Defendant did not prove his insanity by a
preponderance of the evidence.
Right to Fair Trial and Jury
In his third assignment of error, Defendant contends that his right to a
constitutionally guaranteed fair and impartial jury and a fair trial was infringed in
three respects. First, he claims his ability to present his insanity defense was
hampered by his counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to request funds from the
court to procure an expert to assist in preparation of his insanity defense. Second,
Defendant submits that his ability to present his defense was impeded by the trial
court’s limiting of his brother, Emmett Spears’, and his wife, Sabrina Spears’,
testimony. He contends his brother was unable to discuss the manifestations of
Defendant’s mental illness and was precluded from introducing into evidence,
through his brother, certain medical records documenting Defendant’s history of
mental illness. He claims that the testimony of his brother and his wife were
presented to establish his insanity at the time of the offense, and therefore, he
should have been afforded wider latitude in presenting their testimony. Third,
Defendant maintains his right to a fair and impartial jury was hindered when, on
18-KA-663 27
the last day of trial, the jury was instructed by the trial court to “stand up and
stretch” and cautioned to pay attention. He argues that the trial court should have
recessed the trial for the day at the end of the State’s rebuttal but instead forced the
jury to conclude the trial that night. Defendant submits that the jury’s exhaustion
and inability to pay attention is reflected in the trial transcript, and as such,
defendant was deprived of his right to a fair and attentive jury. Based on these
three allegations, Defendant argues his conviction should be vacated and this
matter remanded for a new trial.
The State responds that the record does not contain sufficient evidence to
fully explore Defendant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim that his attorney
was ineffective for failing to seek funds to procure an expert to assist in
preparation of the insanity defense. Thus, it asserts that his claim should be
relegated to post-conviction proceedings. It further maintains that although
Defendant alleges the trial court erred in overruling objections during the
testimony of Defendant’s brother and wife, he provides no legal argument in this
respect. Finally, the State argues that because Defendant failed to object,
Defendant has not preserved for appellate review his claim that he was prejudiced
by the trial court’s decision to conclude the trial on the night of June 15, 2017,
instead of recessing until the following morning.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Defendant first claims his ability to present his insanity defense was
hampered by his counsel’s ineffectiveness in failing to request funds from the trial
court to procure an expert to assist in preparation of his insanity defense.
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, § 13
of the Louisiana Constitution safeguard a defendant’s right to effective assistance
of trial counsel. According to the United States Supreme Court’s opinion in
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 67418-KA-663 28
(1984), a defendant asserting an ineffective assistance claim must show: 1) that
defense counsel’s performance was deficient; and 2) that the deficiency prejudiced
the defendant. The defendant has the burden of showing that “there is a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the results of the
proceeding would have been different. A reasonable probability is a probability
sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id. at 694.
Generally, an ineffective assistance of counsel claim is most appropriately
addressed through an application for post-conviction relief filed in the district
court, where a full evidentiary hearing can be conducted, if necessary, rather than
by direct appeal. State v. Taylor, 04-346 (La. App. 5 Cir. 10/26/04); 887 So.2d
589, 595. When the record contains sufficient evidence to rule on the merits of the
claim and the issue is properly raised in an assignment of error on appeal, it may be
addressed in the interest of judicial economy. Id. Where the record does not
contain sufficient evidence to fully explore a claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel, the claim should be relegated to post-conviction proceedings under La.
C.Cr.P. arts. 924-930.8. Id.Here, the record contains sufficient evidence to rule on the merits of
Defendant’s claim, which will be addressed in the interest of judicial economy.
Defendant relies on Ake v. Oklahoma, 470 U.S. 68, 105 S.Ct. 1087, 84 L.Ed.2d 53(1985), as authority for the proposition that he is entitled to an independent
psychiatric evaluation and his contention that his counsel should have filed a
motion requesting funding to obtain such an evaluation.
In Ake, the trial court, sua sponte, ordered the defendant to be examined by a
psychiatrist to determine whether he was competent to stand trial. After being
found incompetent to stand trial, the defendant was committed to the state mental
hospital where he was treated with an antipsychotic drug. Eventually, the
psychiatrist determined that if the defendant continued to receive his treatment, his
18-KA-663 29
condition would remain stable, and he could be found competent to proceed; thus,
the State resumed proceedings against him. At a pretrial conference, the
defendant’s attorney informed the court his client would raise an insanity defense
and indicated that, in order to present such a defense adequately, a psychiatrist
would have to examine the defendant with respect to his mental condition at the
time of the offense. The defense asked the court to either arrange to have a
psychiatrist perform the examination or to provide funds to allow the defense to
arrange one. The trial court rejected the defense counsel’s argument that the
Federal Constitution required that an indigent defendant receive the assistance of a
psychiatrist when that assistance is necessary to the defense and thus denied the
motion for a psychiatric evaluation at state expense.
The defendant in Ake was ultimately tried on two counts of first degree
murder—a crime punishable by death. At the guilt phase of the trial, his sole
defense was insanity. And while the defendant called the psychiatrists who
examined him at the state mental hospital regarding his capacity to proceed to trial,
none testified regarding his mental state at the time of the offense because none
had examined him on that issue. As a result, there was no expert testimony for
either side on the defendant’s sanity at the time of the offense. The jurors were
then instructed that the defendant could be found not guilty by reason of insanity if
he did not have the ability to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the
offense. They were further instructed on the burden the defendant had to meet to
raise reasonable doubt about his sanity at that time. The jury rejected the
defendant’s insanity defense and returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.
At the sentencing phase in Ake, the State asked for the death penalty, relying
on the state psychiatrists who testified at the guilt phase that the defendant was
dangerous to society. Meanwhile, the defendant had no expert witness to rebut this
testimony or evidence to introduce on his behalf in mitigation of his punishment.
18-KA-663 30
The jury sentenced the defendant to death.
On appeal to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the defendant in Ake
argued that as an indigent defendant, he should have been provided with services
of a court-appointed psychiatrist. The appellate court rejected the defendant’s
argument and affirmed his convictions and sentences. The United States Supreme
Court granted certiorari and held when a defendant demonstrates to the trial judge
that his sanity at the time of the offense is to be a significant factor at trial, the
State must, at a minimum, assure the defendant access to a competent psychiatrist
who will conduct an appropriate examination and assist in evaluation, preparation,
and presentation of the defense. The Supreme Court went on to note that such
access did not mean the indigent defendant has a constitutional right to choose a
psychiatrist of his personal liking or to receive funds to hire his own. 14
In State v. Haley, 353 So.2d 1011 (La. 1977), the Louisiana Supreme Court
held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the defendant’s
motion that a qualified psychiatrist be appointed at the State’s expense to assist the
defendant in sanity proceedings. In Haley, the defendant pleaded not guilty and
not guilty by reason of insanity and was found guilty at trial. Prior to trial, the
defendant moved for the appointment of a sanity commission to examine him and
report on his present sanity and his sanity at the time of the commission of the
alleged offense. The court appointed two psychiatrists. One of them found the
defendant was “probably sane at the time of the commission of the alleged
offense,” and the other found the defendant “apparently had an acute brain
14
Justice Rehnquist authored a dissent in Ake, believing “the constitutional rule announced by the
Court is far too broad. I would limit the rule to capital cases, and make clear that the entitlement is to an
independent psychiatric evaluation, not to a defense consultant.”
This Court interpreted Ake in State v. Castro, 09-887 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/25/10); 40 So.3d 1036, writ
denied, 10-1323 (La. 1/7/11); 52 So.3d 884, finding that the trial court did not err in denying funds to the
defendant to obtain an independent psychiatric evaluation. In Castro, the defendant relied on Ake for the
proposition that he was entitled to an independent psychiatric evaluation; however, this Court found the
Ake holding inapplicable, reasoning that Ake held that an indigent defendant has a due process-based right
to appointment of a psychiatric expert to present rebuttal evidence at sentencing “when the State presents
psychiatric evidence of the defendant’s future dangerousness.” Id., 40 So.3d at 1045.
18-KA-663 31
syndrome secondary to drugs at the time of the commission of the offense.”
During the hearing on the defendant’s motion, the defense counsel stated that
because of the defendant’s indigence, there were no funds available to him to
retain the services of a psychiatrist and requested the court appoint one to assist in
his defense during the trial at the State’s expense. The defendant’s motion was
denied.
On appeal in Haley, the defendant challenged the trial court’s ruling on his
motion. The defendant acknowledged several Louisiana cases15 where the trial
court rejected the proposition presented by the ruling of the trial court but argued
that in those cases, the sanity commission did not find the defendant was insane at
the time of the offense and was unanimous in finding the defendant capable of
understanding right from wrong at the time the offense was committed. Whereas
in his case, the defendant argued that at least one member of the sanity commission
doubted his sanity at the time of the offense and the defense was without funds to
retain the services of experts to perform the necessary examinations and give the
required testimony. The Louisiana Supreme Court disagreed, finding that our
statutory procedure is not constitutionally infirm because it does not afford the
defendant the right to have the State pay for an independent psychiatric
examination. It went on to note that the issue of a defendant’s sanity is a question
for the jury, and the defendant was able to interrogate the physicians who
evaluated him on that issue at trial.
Defendant’s reliance on Ake is misplaced. Unlike Ake, the record indicates
Defendant was in fact provided with access to a competent psychiatrist, and a
psychologist, who conducted an appropriate examination of Defendant’s mental
capacity at the time of the offense. Both Drs. Salcedo and Richoux unanimously
15
State v. Stuart, 344 So.2d 1006 (La. 1977); State v. Gray, 248 So.2d 313 (La. 1971); and State
v. Square, 244 So.2d 200 (La. 1971).
18-KA-663 32
agreed that Defendant was sane at the time of the commission of the offense and
was able to distinguish right from wrong.
Here, Defendant filed a motion to withdraw his former not guilty plea and
tender a not guilty by reason of insanity plea. The trial court granted Defendant’s
motion and on May 17, 2016, Defendant withdrew his not guilty plea and entered a
plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. La. C.Cr.P. art. 650
provides that when a defendant enters a combined plea of “not guilty and not guilty
by reason of insanity,” the court may appoint a sanity commission as provided in
Article 64416 to make an examination as to the defendant’s mental condition at the
time of the offense. Thus, on May 25, 2016, defense counsel filed a motion for
appointment of a sanity commission to evaluate Defendant’s sanity at the time of
the offense, claiming that Defendant had a documented history of mental illness.
The trial court granted Defendant’s request and Dr. Rafael Salcedo, a forensic
psychologist, and Dr. Richard Richoux, a forensic psychiatrist, were appointed.
After their evaluation of Defendant’s sanity at the time of the offense, their
report regarding their mental examination of Defendant was filed with the court in
conformity with La. C.Cr.P. arts. 644-646. Moreover, while Defendant obtained a
psychiatric evaluation, it is well-settled that Louisiana’s statutory procedure “is not
constitutionally infirm because it does not afford a criminal defendant the right to
have the state pay for an independent psychiatric evaluation.” See Haley, supra;
16
La. C.Cr.P. art. 644 provides, in pertinent part:
Within seven days after a mental examination is ordered, the court shall appoint a sanity
commission to examine and report upon the mental condition of the defendant. The sanity
commission shall consist of at least two and not more than three members who are
licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, who have been in the actual practice of
medicine for not less than three consecutive years immediately preceding the
appointment, and who are qualified by training or experience in forensic evaluations. The
court may appoint, in lieu of one physician, a clinical psychologist or medical
psychologist who is licensed to practice psychology in Louisiana, who has been engaged
in the practice of clinical or counseling psychology for not less than three consecutive
years immediately preceding the appointment, and who is qualified by training or
experience in forensic evaluations. Every sanity commission shall have at least one
psychiatrist as a member of the commission, unless one is not reasonably available, in
which case, the commission shall have at least one clinical psychologist as a member of
the commission. No more than one member of the sanity commission shall be the coroner
or any of his deputies.
18-KA-663 33
Castro, supra. Accordingly, Defendant has failed to show that his defense
counsel’s performance was deficient on this claim.
It is further noted that La. C.Cr.P. art. 653 provides that in a trial where the
defense of insanity at the time of the offense is raised, the members of the sanity
commission who evaluated the defendant’s sanity may be called as witnesses “by
the court, the defense, or the district attorney.” And “regardless of who calls them
as witnesses, the members of the commission are subject to cross-examination by
the defense, by the district attorney, and by the court. Other evidence pertaining to
the defense of insanity at the time of the offense may be introduced at the trial by
the defense and by the district attorney.” See La. C.Cr.P. art. 653. At trial in the
instant case, Defendant presented the testimony of his wife and brother calling into
question his sanity at the time the murder was committed. As a result, in rebuttal
the State called Drs. Salcedo and Richoux to testify regarding their findings as to
Defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense. Defense counsel was then
given adequate opportunity to cross-examine them on their findings. Based on the
foregoing, we find that Defendant has not fulfilled his burden of establishing
ineffective assistance of counsel in failing to request funds from the trial court to
procure an expert to assist in preparation of his insanity defense.
Limitations on Witnesses’ Testimonies
Next, Defendant argues his ability to present a defense was impaired by the
limiting of the testimony of his brother, Emmett Spears, and his wife, Sabrina
Spears. With respect to his brother, Defendant submits that Emmett testified
regarding his work as a registered nurse in the psychiatric department of a VA
facility in Houston, Texas. He contends his defense counsel attempted to introduce
Defendant’s medical records documenting Defendant’s history of mental illness
through his brother; however, the State’s objection as to their admissibility was
sustained.
18-KA-663 34
Defendant accurately submits that at trial, the defense attempted to introduce
into evidence two progress notes from defendant’s medical records dated July 8,
2014, and December 15, 2014, during his brother Emmett’s testimony. Pursuant to
the State’s objection, the trial court advised the defense that it did not believe
Emmett was the proper person for the admission of the evidence. Defense counsel
then conceded that because he would be calling Defendant to the stand to testify,
he would not pursue their admission through Defendant’s brother.17 Later in the
proceedings, Defendant testified, and the subject progress notes from the VA
medical center in Louisiana dated July 8, 2014, and December 15, 2014, were
admitted into evidence and published to the jury.
Based on the foregoing, Defendant is precluded from seeking appellate
review of this alleged error on appeal under La. C.Cr.P. art. 841.18 Where the
defense counsel acquiesces when the court sustains a State’s objection to the
examination of a witness, that objection is waived. State v. Huizar, 414 So.2d 741,
749 (La. 1982); State v. Smith, 39,698 (La. App. 2 Cir. 6/29/05); 907 So.2d 192,
200. Here, defense counsel did not object to the trial court’s ruling sustaining the
State’s objection to the admissibility of Defendant’s medical records during
Emmitt’s testimony, and defense counsel further agreed not to pursue the
admission of the records at that time. (See State v. Cartagena, 11-774 (La. App. 5
Cir. 3/13/12); 90 So.3d 1170, where the defendant was precluded from raising on
appeal a claim that the trial court improperly restricted his right to present a
defense when it restricted his cross-examination of the police officer regarding
what the officer was told by an unnamed witness after the defendant had allegedly
attacked the victim. When the trial judge indicated he would sustain the State’s
17
Defense counsel stated, “if you don’t want me to get into this with this witness, I won’t then.
I’ll move on.”
18
La. C.Cr.P. art. 841(A) provides that an irregularity or error cannot be availed of after verdict
unless it was objected to at the time of occurrence.
18-KA-663 35
hearsay objection depending on the question asked, the defense counsel withdrew
his question and rephrased it. Thereafter, the trial judge sustained the State’s
objection, but defense counsel neither complained of the court’s ruling nor
apprised the court of grounds upon which he was entitled to ask questions and,
instead, acquiesced in the court’s ruling by proceeding with his cross-examination
along a different line of questioning; State v. Favors, 09-1034 (La. App. 5 Cir.
6/29/10); 43 So.3d 253, writ denied, 10-1761 (La. 2/4/11); 57 So.3d 309, where the
defendant argued the trial court improperly restricted his right to confront a witness
against him by restricting the cross-examination of a crucial State witness. The
record showed that after the State objected to the defense counsel’s question, the
defense counsel said he would move on. This Court found that the defendant was
precluded from raising this error on appeal because the defense counsel failed to
contemporaneously object to the trial court’s ruling, and he acquiesced when the
trial judge told him to rephrase the question and sustained the State’s objection;
State v. Marcal, 388 So.2d 656, 660 (La. 1980), where the defendant, who failed to
object to the trial court’s ruling which sustained the State’s objection to
questioning by the defense attorney, waived his right to challenge error in such
rulings on appeal; State v. Klein, 351 So.2d 1158, 1160 (La. 1977), where the
Louisiana Supreme Court found the defendant’s failure to object at trial precluded
consideration of the trial court’s ruling whereby the trial court sustained the State’s
hearsay objection to testimony by the defendant’s mother.)19
Defendant further asserts his right to present his defense of insanity was
impeded when he was not afforded a “wider latitude” in presenting his brother,
Emmett’s, testimony. In particular, he argues his defense counsel attempted to
question Emmett regarding manifestations of Defendant’s mental illness but was
19
Additionally, Defendant has not suffered any prejudice as a result of this alleged trial court
error as the medical records at issue were eventually introduced and admitted into evidence during
Defendant’s testimony.
18-KA-663 36
prevented from doing so due to continual objections made by the State. In support
of his argument he cites, only by page number, to several places in the record. The
following are the instances in the record where Defendant appears to contend he
was deprived of his right to present his defense and thereby his right to a fair trial.
During the direct testimony of Emmett, defense counsel asked whether it
was his understanding, based on his conversations with Defendant, what
Defendant’s diagnoses were while he was being seen at the VA medical center.
The State objected to defense counsel’s question claiming that it elicited a hearsay
response. In turn, defense counsel argued that the statement was made by
Defendant and was therefore permitted. A bench conference was held where
defense counsel explained that he intended on calling Defendant to testify,
prompting the trial court to inquire “if that’s the situation then why don’t you just
get everything out through him?” Defense counsel then agreed to move on.20
A short time later, defense counsel asked Emmett whether Defendant ever
accused former co-workers of having an affair with his wife. This question drew
another hearsay objection by the State to which defense counsel asserted that
Defendant’s mental state was at issue and argued that he should be permitted to lay
a foundation for Defendant’s mental episodes. The court advised the defense that
he could not lead the witness, and defense counsel agreed to withdraw the question
and rephrase because of its leading nature. The State again reiterated that any
conversation between Defendant and his brother is hearsay and not permissible. In
response, defense counsel again noted that Defendant’s conduct regarding certain
behavior was relevant in meeting his burden of proving by a preponderance of the
evidence that Defendant had a mental defect at the time of the offense. The trial
court ruled that Emmett could testify regarding any incidents he had first-hand
20
Defense counsel stated several times, “I’ll move on, Judge, I’ll move on. I’ll move on Your
Honor.”
18-KA-663 37
knowledge of, which defense counsel agreed with, stating, “[a]ll right. Okay.
Well, I’ll move on.” Defense counsel then proceeded with his questioning,
informing Emmett, “just to be clear, I want to only speak about things you know of
firsthand, okay?” The following exchange then took place:
EMMETT: While my brother [Defendant] was offshore, he
would often call me when they were at the dock.
Now, they weren’t out in the middle of the Gulf.
During multiple conversations –
THE STATE: Your Honor, may we approach.
THE COURT: Objection sustained. It’s the same objection.
THE STATE: But, Judge, they –
THE COURT: It’s the same objection.
Defense counsel then moved on to his next question. During this line of
questioning, Emmett testified that he had knowledge of Defendant hearing voices.
He began to explain how he knew Defendant heard voices by starting to discuss
certain conversations he had with Defendant, which then drew another hearsay
objection by the State. The trial court advised defense counsel to reword his
question and asked him if he would like to “make a record.” Defense counsel
stated that he would, outside the presence of the jury. Defense counsel then
clarified with the court as to whether he was sustaining the State’s objection; the
court replied in the affirmative and advised defense counsel that he could rephrase
his question. Defense counsel then moved on and asked a different question.
After a few additional questions by the defense, Emmett was posed with the
question of whether he was aware Defendant was on, or was supposed to be on,
any type of psychotropic medications. The State objected and a bench conference
was held. During the bench conference, the State argued that the question lacked a
foundation regarding his knowledge of the information asked. In turn, defense
counsel explained that he was only asking about Emmett’s firsthand knowledge
18-KA-663 38
and did not yet have the opportunity to lay the foundation. The State informed the
defense that he was “doing it backwards,” to which defense counsel replied, “how
is that backwards, he has to be –Judge, whatever the Court’s ruling is, I’ll, I’ll, I’ll
respect that and I’ll act accordingly.” The trial court then advised defense counsel
that he needed to lay the proper foundation. Defense counsel thanked the court and
then continued with his line of questioning Emmett regarding Defendant’s
medication.
While discussing Defendant’s psychotropic medications, Emmett testified
that Defendant was not taking them while employed with Houston Marine.
Emmett was asked by defense counsel how he knew this information, prompting
the following discussion:
EMMETT: I know because my brother received a letter
from the Coast Guard –
THE STATE: Judge. Same objection.
THE COURT: Again, objection sustained. You can
rephrase. Lay the proper foundation.
DEFENSE: I’ll, I’ll, I’ll handle it this way, Judge.
But you know he was not taking them at the
time, correct?
EMMETT: That is correct.
Defense counsel then moved on to a different line of questioning.
For the same reasons previously discussed regarding the preclusion of the
admittance of Defendant’s medical records during Emmett’s testimony, Defendant
is also precluded from seeking appellate review of the alleged error that he was
prevented from questioning Emmett about manifestations of Defendant’s mental
illness based upon the continual objections made by the State and that such
hindrance impeded the presentation of his insanity defense. See Cartagena, supra,Favors, supra, Marcal, supra, and Klein, supra. Per La. C.Cr.P. art. 841(A), an
18-KA-663 39
irregularity or error cannot be availed of after verdict unless it was objected to at
the time of occurrence. Here, in all the objections Defendant claims restricted his
right to present a defense, his defense counsel either withdrew his question,
rephrased it, or acquiesced in the trial court’s ruling.
Additionally, through this assignment, in passing, Defendant asserts that
“several objections were also made during the testimony of [his] wife, Sabrina
Spears.” He does not reference the specific objections that were made as to his
wife’s testimony or why the trial court’s rulings on these objections constituted
error. All specifications or assignments of error made to the courts of appeal must
be briefed; the court may consider as abandoned any specification or assignment of
error which has not been briefed. Uniform Rules—Courts of Appeal, Rule 2-12.4;
State v. Camp, 16-473 (La. App. 5 Cir. 3/15/17); 215 So.3d 969, 973. Because
Defendant has effectively failed to brief this potential grievance, we consider it
waived.21
Right to Fair and Impartial Jury
Finally, Defendant avers his right to a fair and impartial jury was hindered
when, on the last day of trial, the jury was instructed by the trial court to stand up
and stretch and cautioned to pay attention. He argues that the trial court should
have recessed the trial for the day at the end of the State’s rebuttal and instead
forced the jury to conclude the trial that night. Defendant submits that the jury’s
exhaustion and inability to pay attention is reflected in the trial transcript,
depriving defendant of his right to a fair and attentive jury.
Sometime in the early afternoon of the last day of trial—June 15, 2017—
during the cross-examination of Defendant, the trial court requested the jurors
21
Nevertheless, at trial, defense counsel did not make any objections to the trial court’s sustaining
of the State’s objections made during his wife’s testimony in the referenced page numbers cited to by
Defendant in his brief. Instead, in response to the objections, defense counsel indicated that he would
“move on.” Accordingly, for the reasons discussed with respect to Emmett’s testimony, Defendant would
nevertheless be precluded from raising this issue on appeal.
18-KA-663 40
stand and stretch and instructed them to inform her if they began to feel tired. The
trial court further advised the jury that everyone needed to pay attention and stay
alert. A brief recess was then taken. Trial proceeded, and the jury retired to
deliberate at 8:04 p.m. that same day. At 9:20 p.m., the jury returned with a
verdict of guilty as charged.
First, there is no indication from the record why the trial court elected to
have the jury stand up and stretch. Thus, it is speculative that, as alleged by
Defendant, the jury was comprised of jurors who were distracted and/or not paying
attention. Second, there was no objection lodged by defense counsel regarding any
alleged inattentiveness of any of the jurors or to the trial court’s cautionary
remarks. Further, Defendant did not object to the trial court’s decision to finish the
trial on the evening of June 15, 2017. The failure to object to any alleged prejudice
by continuing with the trial, despite Defendant’s allegation for the first time on
appeal that the jury was “exhausted” and could not pay attention, operates as a
waiver of any complaint on appeal. La. C.Cr.P. art. 841. Under La. C.Cr.P. art.
841, a contemporaneous objection is required to preserve an error for appellate
review. The purpose of the contemporaneous objection rule is to allow the trial
judge the opportunity to rule on the objection and thereby prevent or cure an error.
State v. Herrod, 412 So.2d 564, 566 (La. 1982); State v. Parks, 07-655 (La. App. 5
Cir. 1/22/08); 977 So.2d 1015, 1027, writ denied, 08-0495 (La. 12/19/08); 996
So.2d 1126. (See State v. King, 355 So.2d 1305 (La. 1978), where the defendant
contended he was entitled to a new trial on the ground that prejudicial error was
committed when a juror allegedly fell asleep during trial, however, no objection
was made. The Louisiana Supreme Court found under La. C.Cr.P. art. 841, that
any alleged irregularity regarding the sleeping juror could not be availed of after
verdict because it was not objected to at the time of the occurrence; see also State
v. Tolliver, 32,859 (La. App. 2 Cir. 3/1/00); 753 So.2d 958, writ denied, 00-2028
18-KA-663 41
(La. 3/30/01); 788 So.2d 440, where the Second Circuit found the defendant’s
failure to make a contemporaneous objection at the time the alternate juror fell
asleep at beginning of the trial during the State’s case precluded the defendant
from raising the issue on appeal).
Accordingly, we find Defendant has waived his right to present this third
argument, regarding his right to an attentive jury, on appeal.
Non-unanimous Jury Verdict
In his fourth assignment of error, Defendant argues his second degree
murder conviction by a vote of 10 of the 12 jurors is in violation of his Sixth and
Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process and equal protection. Defendant
notes that a constitutional amendment to end non-unanimous jury verdicts in
Louisiana was approved by voters of this State on November 6, 2018, and took
effect January 1, 2019. He notes that until recently, Louisiana was only one of two
states in this country to allow for non-unanimous jury verdicts. Defendant further
explains that regardless of whether the amended legislation to La. C.Cr.P. art. 782
has prospective or retroactive effects, he argues the United States Supreme Court
granted the application for a writ of certiorari in Ramos v. Louisiana, 18-5924 --
U.S. --, 139 S.Ct. 1318, 203 L.Ed.2d 563 (2019), in order to address the
petitioner’s argument that the Fourteenth Amendment fully incorporates the Sixth
Amendment guarantee of a unanimous verdict, and thus, in light of this, contends
this Court should find his non-unanimous verdict is a violation of his constitutional
rights and should be reversed.
The State argues that, at the time Defendant committed the instant offense,
La. C.Cr.P. art. 782(A) allowed for non-unanimous verdicts. It further maintains
that Defendant did not raise the issue of the constitutionality of La. C.Cr.P. art.
782(A) in the trial court by filing a pleading asserting the grounds for the alleged
unconstitutionality of the statute and thus argues defendant has failed to preserve
18-KA-663 42
this issue for appellate review.
After the verdicts were rendered, defense counsel requested the jury be
polled. Once tallied, it was determined that Defendant was convicted of second
degree murder by a vote of 10 out of 12. While the jury did, in fact, return a non-
unanimous verdict, we find Defendant cannot raise this issue on appeal because the
record indicates Defendant did not raise this issue in the trial court. Defendant did
not file any motion challenging the constitutionality of the statutes regarding non-
unanimous jury verdicts nor did he object to the jury instruction that 10 out of 12
jurors were required to agree in order to convict him.
Where a statute is alleged to be unconstitutional, the state attorney general
must be served with a copy of the proceeding and given the opportunity to be
heard. La. C.C.P. art. 1880. While there is no single procedure for attacking the
constitutionality of a statute, the unconstitutionality of a statute must be specially
pleaded and the grounds for the claim particularized. State v. Napoleon, 12-749
(La. App. 5 Cir. 5/16/13); 119 So.3d 238, 245. A constitutional challenge may not
be considered by an appellate court, unless it was properly pleaded and raised in
the trial court below. State v. Hatton, 07-2377 (La. 7/1/08); 985 So.2d 709, 718.
As such, we find Defendant cannot raise this issue on appeal.22
Unconstitutionally Excessive Sentence
In his fifth assignment of error, Defendant argues the trial court imposed his
life sentence without comment or consideration to any of the factors set forth under
La. C.Cr.P. art. 894.1. Defendant contends this alleged failure by the trial court to
22
Nonetheless, the language of La. Act. 2018, No. 722, § 1, effective December 12, 2018, and La.
Act 2018, No. 493, § 1, effective January 1, 2019, amending La. Const. art. 1, § 17(A) and La. C.Cr.P.
art. 782(A), respectively, are clear that the amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts for crimes
whose punishment is necessarily confinement at hard labor applies only in those cases where the offenses
are committed on or after January 1, 2019. Before the amendment, and at the time of the instant offenses,
the constitutionality of non-unanimous jury verdicts was upheld in both State v. Bertrand, 08-2215 and
08-2311 (La. 3/17/09); 6 So.3d 738 and Apodaca v. Oregon, 406 U.S. 404, 92 S.Ct. 1628, 32 L.Ed.2d 184(1972). As an intermediate court, this Court is bound by that precedent. State v. Williams, 18-112 (La.
App. 5 Cir. 11/7/18); 259 So.3d 563, 580, writ denied, 18-2038 (La. 4/22/19); 268 So.3d 295.
18-KA-663 43
consider the mitigating factors that support a sentence below the statutory
minimum renders his sentence constitutionally excessive. Defendant maintains
that a downward departure from the mandatory minimum sentence was warranted
in his case on the basis that he is a married man in his forties with young children
and strong work experience, who has no history of violence or a criminal record,
and who was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the shooting thus
establishing exceptional circumstances. Accordingly, Defendant argues his
sentence should be vacated and this matter remanded for consideration of these
factors.
The State argues that Defendant received the mandatory penalty for second
degree murder, and Defendant has failed to rebut the presumption that such a
mandatory sentence is warranted.
Prior to sentencing, the trial court listened to a victim impact statement from
Paul Boeckl, who read a letter into the record on behalf of the victim’s wife, their
three children, the victim’s mother, the victim’s mother-in-law, and the victim’s
friends discussing the impact his death had on so many lives. Mr. Boeckl
described the “senseless cowardly” act committed by Defendant when he walked
into the victim’s office and murdered him. He detailed the loving, kind, and
positive impact the victim made on the lives of every person he met. Mr. Boeckl
lamented the fact that the victim would no longer be able to share in his children’s
milestones or grow old with his wife. He discussed the pain suffered by those
family members and friends close to the victim and how a life sentence for
Defendant may be justice in the eyes of the law, but it could never be enough to
compensate for the loss they have all suffered and the joyful life experiences the
victim will never have the opportunity to enjoy. The trial court then sentenced
Defendant to a term of life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of
probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
18-KA-663 44
This Court has held that the failure to file a motion to reconsider sentence,
or to state the specific grounds upon which the motion is based, limits a defendant
to a bare review of the sentence for constitutional excessiveness. State v. Hunter,
10-552 (La. App. 5 Cir. 1/11/11); 59 So.3d 1270, 1272. Additionally, when a
defendant does not raise the issue of the trial judge’s failure to consider pertinent
mitigating factors under La. C.Cr.P. art. 894.1 at the trial court level, he is
precluded from raising such an issue on appeal. See State v. Declouet, 09-1046
(La. App. 5 Cir. 10/12/10); 52 So.3d 89, 105, writ denied, 10-2556 (La. 4/8/11); 61
So.3d 681; State v. Ridgley, 08-675 (La. App. 5 Cir. 1/13/09); 7 So.3d 689, writ
denied, 09-0374 (La. 11/6/09); 21 So.3d 301.
The record in the instant case reflects that Defendant neither orally objected
to the sentence nor filed a motion to reconsider sentence. On appeal, he now
contends, despite the imposition of a mandatory life sentence, the trial court should
have considered the guidelines set forth under La. C.Cr.P. art. 894.1, along with
the circumstances of his case, to determine whether a downward departure was
warranted based on his “exceptional” circumstances. By failing to raise these
arguments in a motion to reconsider sentence, we find that Defendant is limited to
a bare review of his sentence for constitutional excessiveness.
Further, although Defendant has waived any claims regarding the allegations
that the trial court erred in not considering any mitigating factors as defined by La.
C.Cr.P. art. 894.1 prior to sentencing, the failure to articulate reasons for the
sentence as set forth in La. C.Cr.P. art. 894.1, when imposing a mandatory
sentence does not constitute reversible error. The court has no discretion in
imposing a mandatory life sentence, and therefore, setting forth the factors
considered in imposing sentence would be an exercise in futility. See State v.
Stone, 33-383 (La. App. 2 Cir. 5/15/00); 758 So.2d 997, writ denied, 00-2145 (La.
6/1/01); 793 So.2d 181.
18-KA-663 45
The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, § 20
of the Louisiana Constitution prohibit the imposition of excessive punishment.
Although a sentence is within statutory limits, it can be reviewed for constitutional
excessiveness. State v. Smith, 01-2574 (La. 1/14/03); 839 So.2d 1, 4. A sentence
is considered excessive if it is grossly disproportionate to the offense or imposes
needless and purposeless pain and suffering. Id. A sentence is grossly
disproportionate if, when the crime and punishment are considered in light of the
harm done to society, it shocks the sense of justice. State v. Lawson, 04-334 (La.
App. 5 Cir. 9/28/04); 885 So.2d 618, 622. The appellate court shall not set aside a
sentence for excessiveness if the record supports the sentence imposed. State v.
Pearson, 07-332 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/27/07); 975 So.2d 646, 656.
The penalty for second degree murder is life imprisonment at hard labor,
without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. La. R.S. 14.30.1.
A mandatory minimum sentence is presumed constitutional. State v. Royal, 03-
439 (La. App. 5 Cir. 9/30/03); 857 So.2d 1167, 1174, writ denied, 03-3172 (La.
3/19/04); 869 So.2d 849. Further, Louisiana courts have consistently held that a
mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for second degree murder does not
constitute cruel and unusual punishment. State v. Graham, 422 So.2d 123 (La.
1982), appeal dismissed, 461 U.S. 950, 103 S.Ct. 2419, 77 L.Ed.2d 1309 (1983);
State v. Landry, 388 So.2d 699 (La. 1980), cert. denied, 450 U.S. 968, 101 S.Ct.
1487, 67 L.Ed.2d 618 (1981); State v. Daniel, 378 So.2d 1361 (La. 1979); State v.
Lovick, 00-1833 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/16/01); 788 So.2d 565, 573, writ denied, 01-
1836 (La. 5/10/02); 815 So.2d 833; State v. Hill, 98-1087 (La. App. 5 Cir.
8/31/99); 742 So.2d 690, writ denied, 99-2848 (La. 3/24/00); 758 So.2d 147; State
v. Pendelton, 96-367 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/28/97); 696 So.2d 144, writ denied, 97-
1714 (La. 12/19/97); 706 So.2d 450.
In State v. Dorthey, 623 So.2d 1276 (La. 1993), the Louisiana Supreme
18-KA-663 46
Court recognized that a mandatory minimum sentence under the Habitual Offender
Law may still be reviewed for constitutional excessiveness. In State v. Johnson,
97-1906, (La. 3/4/98); 709 So.2d 672, 676, the Louisiana Supreme Court
reexamined Dorthey and outlined the criteria a defendant must meet in order to
show that a mandatory minimum sentence under the Habitual Offender Law is
constitutionally excessive. Although Dorthey involved a mandatory enhanced
sentence, this Court has applied the principles set out in Dorthey to the review of
mandatory life sentences other than those imposed under the Habitual Offender
Law. See State v. Temple, 01-655, (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/12/01); 806 So.2d 697, 707,
writ denied, 02-234 (La. 1/31/03); 836 So.2d 58.
In order to rebut the presumption that a mandatory minimum sentence is
constitutional, the defendant must clearly and convincingly show that he is
“exceptional, which . . . means that because of unusual circumstances this
defendant is a victim of the legislature’s failure to assign sentences that are
meaningfully tailored to the culpability of the offender, the gravity of the offense
and the circumstances of the case.” Johnson, supra. A sentencing court should
exercise its authority to declare excessive a mandatory minimum sentence only
under rare circumstances. State v. Lindsey, 99-3302 (La. 10/17/00); 770 So.2d
339, 345, cert. denied, 532 U.S. 1010, 121 S.Ct. 1739, 149 L.Ed.2d 663 (2001).
Here, Defendant has failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that
his particular circumstances are an exception to the constitutional application of the
mandatory sentence. Defendant did not offer any evidence at sentencing or present
argument to rebut the presumption that the mandatory sentence is constitutional.
(See State v. Harris, 02-873 (La. App. 5 Cir. 1/28/03); 839 So.2d 291, 295, writ
denied, 03-0846 (La. 10/31/03); 857 So.2d 474, where the defendant made no
argument and presented no evidence regarding a downward departure from the
mandatory life sentence. As such, this Court held that the defendant failed to carry
18-KA-663 47
his burden under Johnson, supra, and concluded that the defendant’s life sentence
was not excessive; see also State v. Francois, 17-471 (La. App. 5 Cir. 3/14/18);
242 So.3d 806, 820, writ denied, 18-0530 (La. 2/11/19); 263 So.3d 898, where this
Court held the defendant failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that his
particular circumstances were an exception to the constitutional application of the
mandatory sentence of life imprisonment at hard labor).
Defendant neither cites a single case where a mandatory life sentence
imposed on a Defendant convicted of second degree murder was found to be
unconstitutionally excessive on appellate review, nor does he present any
convincing evidence to support a downward departure from the mandatory life
sentence. Accordingly, considering the totality of the facts and circumstances of
this case, we find the record does not support the conclusion that the sentence
makes no measurable contribution to acceptable goals of punishment, that it is
nothing more than the purposeless imposition of pain and suffering, that it is
grossly out of proportion to the severity of the crime, or that the sentence shocks
the sense of justice when the crime and punishment are considered in light of the
harm done to society.
Accuracy of Record
In his sixth and final assignment of error, Defendant contends his right to
appeal has been infringed upon because the appellate record is incomplete.
Defendant argues that despite his request, the record was not supplemented with
any discussions regarding jury charges. He further notes that the jury charges in
the record do not contain an instruction regarding Defendant’s ability to carry his
burden of proving insanity by lay witnesses and does not indicate whether defense
counsel objected to the jury charges before the jury was charged. In addition,
Defendant contends there are bench conferences that were held but not transcribed
and further disputes the accuracy of the voir dire minute entry, as compared to the
18-KA-663 48
transcript, in that the minute entry does not reflect the challenges for cause made
by the parties and incorrectly notes the number of peremptory challenges made by
the defense.23 Accordingly, Defendant avers that, due to these inaccuracies and
inconsistencies in the record, he has been deprived of his right to a complete and
accurate transcript of all of the trial proceedings requiring reversal of his
conviction.
The State argues that the appellate record was supplemented and that
Defendant does not explain how the supplementation renders the record
incomplete. It notes that Defendant does not allege that the transcripts are
insufficient for him to be able to determine the issues to raise on appeal, and he
makes no showing of prejudice based upon the alleged failure to transcribe certain
bench conferences.
La. Const. Art. I, § 19 provides that no person shall be subjected to
imprisonment without the right of judicial review based upon a complete record of
all evidence upon which the judgment is based. La. C.Cr.P. art. 843 requires, in all
felony cases, the recording of “all of the proceedings, including the examination of
prospective jurors, the testimony of witnesses, statements, rulings, orders, and
charges by the court, and objections, questions, statements, and arguments of
counsel.”
A defendant has a right to a complete transcript of the trial proceedings,
particularly where, as in this case, appellate counsel did not represent defendant at
trial. Material omissions from trial court proceedings bearing on the merits of an
appeal require reversal; however, a slight inaccuracy in a record or an
inconsequential omission from it which is immaterial to a proper determination of
23
Specifically, Defendant submits that the minute entry indicates that ten peremptory challenges
were made by the defense when only nine were used. The transcript indicates that one of the jurors that is
listed in the minute entry, Peter Foret, as being excused by the defense with the use of a peremptory
challenge, was actually excused by the court pursuant to a cause challenge made by the defense.
18-KA-663 49
the appeal does not require reversal of a conviction. A defendant is not entitled to
relief because of an incomplete record absent a showing of prejudice based on the
missing portions of the transcript. State v. Castleberry, 98-1388 (La. 4/13/99), 758
So.2d 749, 773, cert. denied, 528 U.S. 893, 120 S.Ct. 220, 145 L.Ed.2d 185(1999); State v. Hawkins, 96-0766 (La. 1/14/97); 688 So.2d 473, 480; State v.
Lampkin, 12-391 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/16/13); 119 So.3d 158, 166, writ denied, 13-
2303 (La. 5/23/14); 140 So.3d 717 (citing State v. Cheatteam, 07-272 (La. App. 5
Cir. 5/27/08); 986 So.2d 738, 746). “The materiality of a given omission is
measured by the prejudicial effect of the omission on the defendant in accessing
the full scope of appellate review.” State v. Pernell, 13-0180 (La. App. 4 Cir.
10/2/13); 127 So.3d 18, 28, writ denied, 13-2547 (La. 4/4/14); 135 So.3d 640.
Here, Defendant filed a motion to supplement the record on appeal,
requesting certain transcripts of the proceedings in this case. On December 12,
2018, this Court granted Defendant’s motion, ordering that the district court
supplement the appellate record, in pertinent part, with the transcripts of jury
selection and the transcript of the proceedings held on “July 15, 2017, including all
jury charge discussions, jury charges given to the jury by the trial judge, closing
arguments and instructions given to the jury about polling.” Pursuant to this
Court’s order, a supplemental appellate record was filed.
Defendant contends that the supplemental record is incomplete because,
despite this Court’s order, the record was not supplemented with the jury charge
conference held amongst the parties, a jury instruction regarding his ability to carry
his burden of proving insanity by lay witnesses, and any indication as to whether
defense counsel objected to the jury charges before the jury was charged.
While Defendant accurately notes the supplement made to the appellate
record does not contain the jury charge conference held between the parties and the
trial court, the record does contain several entries indicating that neither party
18-KA-663 50
voiced any objections to the jury charges given. Specifically, following jury
selection in this case, instructions were given to the parties by the court regarding
the parties’ review of the proposed jury charges, and a timeline was provided for
any additions and/or deletions to the proposed charges. The record further
indicates that on the last day of trial, the parties were advised by the trial court to
return to court early from lunch to discuss any proposed changes they might have
to the jury charges. While the transcript indicates that a charge conference was
held, and not transcribed, the minute entry from that date specifies that during the
charge conference “all parties agreed to the changes made to the jury charges.”
Finally, prior to closing arguments, both parties acknowledged they had received
copies of the revised jury charges and were advised by the court that if there were
any problems with the revised charges, any issues should be brought to the court’s
attention before jury charging. No objections were lodged by either party prior,
during, or after the court’s charging of the jury.
In State v. Valentine, 570 So.2d 533, 539 (La. App. 4th Cir. 1990), the
defendant requested the supplementation of the record with the jury charges.
There was no indication in the record that this portion of trial was not recorded.
However, because the minute entry of the trial did not reflect any objections made
during that portion of the trial, the defendant’s request was denied. On appeal, the
Fourth Circuit reasoned that La. C.Cr.P. art. 841 provided: “An irregularity or error
cannot be availed of after verdict unless it was objected to at the time of the
occurrence.” Thus, because no objections were made to the jury charges, the
Fourth Circuit found the defendant’s counsel could not assign any error to them for
the first time on appeal. Therefore, the Fourth Circuit reasoned that the refusal to
order the production of the transcript of jury charges did not impair his appeal
counsel’s ability to perform his duty because he would be estopped from raising
any claims as to them. Thus, the court held the failure to order the record
18-KA-663 51
supplemented with this transcript did not deny the appellant his right to a
meaningful review.
Also, in State v. Delaneuville, 545 So.2d 659 (La. App. 5th Cir. 1989), writ
denied, 551 So.2d 1335 (La. 1989), the court reporter destroyed the notes of jury
selection, opening statements, closing arguments, and the jury charges after
transcribing the testimony portions of trial. When the defendant sought to
supplement the record with this transcript, the transcript could not be prepared. On
appeal, the defendant argued that he should have been afforded a new trial because
the record was so grossly incomplete as to deny him a full and fair review. This
Court disagreed, noting that because no objections were made during those
portions of the trial, the defendant would be estopped from raising any error during
these portions.
Here, although there is no indication in the record that the jury charge
discussions were not recorded, because the record is replete with references to the
fact that no objections were made to the jury charges read to the jury by the trial
court, Defendant is estopped from raising any error regarding the jury charges
pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. art. 841. Therefore, we find any alleged failure to
supplement the appellate record with this portion of the transcript from June 15,
2017 did not deny Defendant his right to a meaningful review.
Defendant also argues he has been deprived of his right to a complete and
accurate transcript of all of the trial court proceedings when the record contains
references to bench conferences that were held but not transcribed, and the minute
entry from voir dire fails to contain the challenges for cause made by either party
and reflects a discrepancy regarding a peremptory challenge made by the defense
as to one of the prospective jurors.
In Lampkin, supra, the defendant complained on appeal that the appellate
record lacked transcripts of voir dire and opening statements. In his motion for
18-KA-663 52
appeal, the defendant requested and the trial court ordered that the clerk of court
lodge in this Court “the entire record of these proceedings including, but not
limited to, all Pre-Trial, Trial and Post-Trial proceedings and testimony in
connection therewith.” The defendant did not specifically request a transcript of
voir dire and failed to raise any assignments of error relating to voir dire. The
defendant also did not request a transcript of the opening statements and failed to
assert how in particular he was prejudiced by their absence. Lampkin, 119 So.3d at
167.
This Court stated that the missing portion of the record concerning jury
selection is not evidentiary; therefore, its absence did not compromise the
defendant’s constitutional right to a judicial review of all evidence. Id. (citing
State v. Neely, 08-707 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/16/08); 3 So.3d 532, 537, writ denied,
09-0248 (La. 10/30/09); 21 So.3d 272). This Court also stated that the record did
not reflect any objections before or during opening statements, and without any
objections, the defendant did not preserve any issues regarding opening statements
for appellate review. Accordingly, this Court found that the defendant’s
assignment of error was without merit.
In State v. Ronquille, 09-81 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/26/09); 16 So.3d 411, writ
denied, 09-1397 (La. 2/5/10), 27 So.3d 298, the defendant argued that his
assignments of error could not be reviewed because the appellate record was
incomplete. The defendant argued that the voir dire transcript, the opening and
closing statements, and the jury charges were missing. Id., 16 So.3d at 415-16.
This Court stated that the defendant failed to request the missing portions after his
appeal was granted. This Court also stated that the defendant failed to show that
the voir dire transcript, the opening and closing statements, and the jury charges
were related to any specific errors assigned by him or his attorney. Id., 16 So.3d at
416-17.
18-KA-663 53
Also, in State v. L.W., 11-904 (La. App. 3 Cir. 6/6/12); 95 So.3d 1222, writ
denied, 13-0758 (La. 2/28/14); 134 So.3d 1168, the defendant alleged that the
record was deficient because neither the transcript nor the minutes of voir dire
contained either party’s challenges for cause or peremptory challenges as to any of
the prospective jurors. Although, the record contained the entire colloquy between
the trial court, the attorneys, and prospective jurors, and the identity of the
prospective jurors was readily apparent. Several bench conferences during voir
dire, however, were not recorded. The voir dire transcript indicated that 41
prospective jurors were called, eight of which were excused by the trial court for
cause with reasons stated. Nineteen of the prospective jurors were excused
following bench conferences. Neither the transcript nor minutes of voir dire
indicated which party made the challenges, the grounds for the challenges, or the
trial court’s reasons for its rulings. Additionally, the minutes did not detail any
peremptory challenges, only that certain jurors were challenged for cause, excused
for cause, or excused.
The Third Circuit in L.W. found the voir dire transcript contained detailed
discussion of the voir dire examinations, including all of the questions posed by
the trial court and parties and the responses of each prospective juror. Additionally,
the Third Circuit determined the defendant did not identify a specific juror or
jurors who should not have been seated based on the information available in the
voir dire transcript. Accordingly, the Third Circuit found the defendant had not
established he was prejudiced by the missing transcriptions of bench conferences
during voir dire.
In State v. Williams, 06-1327 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1/23/08); 977 So.2d 160, writ
denied, 08-413 (La. 10/24/08); 992 So.2d 1033, the defendant argued that his right
to full appellate review was impinged because the in-chambers portion of voir dire,
where he raised challenges for cause, was not available. Although portions of voir
18-KA-663 54
dire were missing, the court determined the defendant was not entitled to a new
trial where the record contained detailed jury sheets indicating the peremptory
strikes for each party and the jurors who were excused for cause. The transcript of
voir dire included the questioning of each prospective juror, which showed that
there was no basis to excuse any of the jurors for cause who ultimately served on
the jury or those whom the defendant had to excuse peremptorily. Thus, the court
found the defendant did not show prejudice from the loss of the in-chambers
portions of the voir dire. The Fourth Circuit also noted that appellate counsel, who
was not counsel at trial, raised no argument as to any specific juror who should not
have been seated.
Here, Defendant generally notes there to be a discrepancy and/or omission
on the minute entry regarding challenges for cause and peremptory challenges
exercised by the defense. However, the voir dire transcript in this case contains
detailed information concerning which party excused which jurors and for what
reason. Defendant does not identify a specific juror or jurors who should not have
been seated based on the detailed information available in the voir dire transcript
regarding each prospective juror’s excusal or lack thereof. Moreover, Defendant
fails to raise any assignments of error related to voir dire or make any specific
argument regarding challenges to any of these jurors.24 Additionally, while
Defendant claims the record to be incomplete in that bench conferences were held
but not transcribed, Defendant does not assert how these bench conferences caused
him prejudice or are pertinent to any of the issues raised on appeal.
Accordingly, we find Defendant has not demonstrated or particularized how
he has been prejudiced by the filing of the supplemental appellate transcripts
24
Notably, the voir dire record reflects that Defendant only utilized nine of his 12 peremptory
challenges, thus, Defendant would be precluded from arguing on appeal that the trial court erroneously
denied any of his challenges for cause as he did not exhaust all of his peremptory challenges. State v.
Campbell, 06-0286 (La. 5/21/08); 983 So.2d 810, 856, cert. denied, 555 U.S. 1040, 129 S.Ct. 607, 172
L.Ed.2d 471 (2008); State v. Hensley, 04-617 (La. App. 5 Cir. 3/1/05); 900 So.2d 1, 8, writ denied, 05-
0823 (La. 6/17/05); 904 So.2d 683.
18-KA-663 55
and/or any remaining missing transcriptions. The supplemented transcripts do not
contain any material omissions that would preclude Defendant a complete
appellate review nor are the supplemental transcripts so lacking that any of the
assignments of error presented on appeal could not be addressed. Therefore, we
find that the record is sufficient for a proper appellate review.25
Errors Patent Review
The record was reviewed for errors patent, according to La. C.Cr.P. art. 920;
State v. Oliveaux, 312 So.2d 337 (La. 1975); and State v. Weiland, 556 So.2d 175(La. App. 5th Cir. 1990). The review reveals no errors patent in this case.
DECREE
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant’s conviction and sentence are
affirmed.
AFFIRMED
25
In contrast, the convictions in the following cases were reversed based upon an incomplete or
missing appellate record which denied the defendants’ right to appellate review. See State v. Ford, 338
So.2d 107, 110 (La. 1976), a second degree murder conviction in which appellate counsel did not serve as
trial counsel, and the court reporter failed to record the testimony of four state witnesses, voir dire, and
the State’s opening statement. The Louisiana Supreme Court held: “[w]ithout a complete record from
which a transcript for appeal may be prepared, a defendant’s right of appellate review is rendered
meaningless”; State v. Jones, 351 So.2d 1194 (La. 1977), where the Louisiana Supreme Court found the
omission of a portion of the hearing on a motion for change of venue was not an “inconsequential
omission” and required reversal because it was impossible to assess the existence of community prejudice
or to ascertain whether the evidence supported the defendant’s contention that the motion was
improvidently denied; State v. Parker, 361 So.2d 226 (La. 1978), where reversal was required when the
transcript of the closing argument could not be prepared, and the defendant assigned as error the State’s
closing argument; State v. Murphy, 13-509 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/19/13); 131 So.3d 1013, where this Court
found the defendant was deprived of his right to appellate review due to a malfunctioning of the court
reporter’s recording equipment resulting in the omission of portions of the hearing transcript necessary to
a review of the defendant’s motion to suppress.
18-KA-663 56
SUSAN M. CHEHARDY CURTIS B. PURSELL
CHIEF JUDGE CLERK OF COURT
MARY E. LEGNON
FREDERICKA H. WICKER
CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK
JUDE G. GRAVOIS
MARC E. JOHNSON
ROBERT A. CHAISSON SUSAN BUCHHOLZ
STEPHEN J. WINDHORST
FIRST DEPUTY CLERK
HANS J. LILJEBERG
JOHN J. MOLAISON, JR. FIFTH CIRCUIT
MELISSA C. LEDET
JUDGES 101 DERBIGNY STREET (70053)
DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL STAFF
POST OFFICE BOX 489
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I CERTIFY THAT A COPY OF THE OPINION IN THE BELOW-NUMBERED MATTER HAS BEEN DELIVERED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNIFORM RULES - COURT OF APPEAL, RULE 2-16.4 AND 2-16.5 THIS DAY
DECEMBER 11, 2019 TO THE TRIAL JUDGE, CLERK OF COURT, COUNSEL OF RECORD AND ALL PARTIES
NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL, AS LISTED BELOW:
18-KA-663
E-NOTIFIED
24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT (CLERK)
HONORABLE JUNE B. DARENSBURG (DISTRICT JUDGE)
TERRY M. BOUDREAUX (APPELLEE) CYNTHIA K. MEYER (APPELLANT) COLIN CLARK (APPELLEE)
JULIET L. CLARK (APPELLEE) J. TAYLOR GRAY (APPELLEE) GRANT L. WILLIS (APPELLEE)
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MAILED
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