Gary Carl Simmons, Jr. v. State of Mississippi ( 1997 )

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MISSISSIPPI
NO. 97-DP-01550-SCT
GARY CARL SIMMONS, JR.
v.
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
DATE OF JUDGMENT: 9/2/1997
TRIAL JUDGE: HON. BILL JONES
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED: JACKSON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT: JOHN HOLDRIDGE
ROBERT MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM
WILLIAM HARVEY BARTON
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE: OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
BY: MARVIN L. WHITE, JR.
JUDY T. MARTIN
DISTRICT ATTORNEY: DALE HARKEY
NATURE OF THE CASE: CRIMINAL-DEATH PENALTY-DIRECT APPEAL
DISPOSITION: AFFIRMED-12/13/2001
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED: 12/26/2001; denied 2/7/2002
MANDATE ISSUED: 2/14/2002
EN BANC.
SMITH , PRESIDING JUSTICE, FOR THE COURT:
¶1. On October 11, 1996, Gary Carl Simmons, Jr. (Simmons), and Timothy John "Timmy" Milano
(Milano) were indicted for the capital murder of Jeffery Wolfe, while engaged in the commission of a
robbery. Simmons and Milano were also indicted for the kidnaping and rape of Charlene Brooke Leaser.
Simmons was arraigned in the Circuit Court of Jackson County on January 9, 1997, and pled not guilty to
the pending charges. One month later, the trial judge appointed two attorneys, W. Harvey Barton and R.
Michael Cunningham, to represent Simmons, an indigent. Milano's trial was severed from Simmons. On
February 21, 1997, the trial judge granted a change of venue motion to allow jury selection from the venire
in Lauderdale County, but then held that the remainder of the trial would be conducted in Jackson County,
sequestering the jury for the duration of the trial.
¶2. The trial began on August 25, 1997, and four days later, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all three
counts of the indictment. For the kidnaping and rape, Simmons was sentenced to separate life sentences. A
separate sentencing hearing was held on the capital murder conviction and the jury found unanimously that
Simmons should suffer death. Immediately thereafter, the trial judge sentenced Simmons to die by lethal
injection on the capital murder charge and to two consecutive life sentences for the kidnaping and rape
convictions.
¶3. Simmons's motion for a new trial and amended motion for a new trial were both denied by Judge Jones.
Simmons' automatic direct appeal is now before this Court raising twenty-seven alleged errors at trial for
consideration by this Court.
¶4. Finding no error, we affirm the trial court, upholding Simmons's guilty verdict and sentence of death as
well as the two consecutive sentences of life imprisonment.
I. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION.
II. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S MANSLAUGHTER INSTRUCTION.
III. THE TRIAL COURT'S RULINGS VIOLATED THE DEFENDANT'S
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO PRESENT A DEFENSE.
IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY GRANTING TWO OF THE PROSECUTION'S
INSTRUCTIONS DURING THE GUILT-INNOCENCE PHASE OVER THE
DEFENDANT'S OBJECTIONS.
V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A
DIRECTED VERDICT AS THE JURY'S FINDING THAT A ROBBERY WAS
COMMITTED WAS AGAINST THE OVERWHELMING WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE.
VI. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY OVERRULING
THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A MISTRIAL CONCERNING CERTAIN
TESTIMONY OFFERED BY DENNIS GUESS.
VII. THE DEFENDANT WAS DENIED EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AT
TRIAL.
VIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY PERMITTING THE PROSECUTION TO
ADDUCE EVIDENCE CONCERNING AN ALLEGED BURGLARY OF THE VICTIM'S
ROOM AT THE KING'S INN HOTEL.
IX. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO EXCLUDE EVIDENCE OBTAINED AS A PART OF AN
ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE.
X. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE EXPERT WITNESS
TESTIMONY OF DEBORAH HALLER INTO EVIDENCE OVER OBJECTION FROM
DEFENSE COUNSEL.
XI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A
CONTINUANCE.
XII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION IN
LIMINE TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ADMISSION INTO
EVIDENCE.
XIII. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR WHEN RULING ON
VARIOUS MATTERS IN THE GUILT PHASE OF THE TRIAL.
XIV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN EXCLUDING A VIDEOTAPE OF THE
DEFENDANT MADE HOURS AFTER THE COMMISSION OF THE CRIMES IN
WHICH THE DEFENDANT DISCUSSES THE CRIMES AND EXHIBITS REMORSE
FOR HIS PART IN COMMITTING THEM.
XV. THE PROSECUTOR ENGAGED IN MISCONDUCT REQUIRING REVERSAL.
XVI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY SUBMITTING TO THE JURY THE
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE THAT THE DEFENDANT KNOWINGLY
CREATED A GREAT RISK TO MANY PERSONS.
XVII. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED NUMEROUS REVERSIBLE ERRORS IN
ITS RULINGS DURING THE SENTENCING PHASE OF THE TRIAL.
XVIII.THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY GRANTING MANY OF THE PROSECUTION'S
INSTRUCTIONS DURING THE SENTENCING PHASE OF THE TRIAL.
XIX. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY REQUIRING THE DEFENSE TO EXERCISE
SOME OF ITS PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES PRIOR TO THE PROSECUTION
TENDERING TWELVE ACCEPTED JURORS.
XX. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN THE PROCEDURE IT USED IN SELECTING
THE COUNTY FOR THE CHANGE OF VENUE.
XXI. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED NUMEROUS REVERSIBLE ERRORS
DURING THE "DEATH/LIFE" QUALIFICATION COMPONENT OF VOIR DIRE.
XXII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE PROSECUTION TO OBTAIN
A PROMISE FROM PROSPECTIVE JURORS TO RETURN A SPECIFIC VERDICT
UNDER A SPECIFIC SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
XXIII.THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY LIMITING THE VENIRE IN LAUDERDALE
COUNTY.
XXIV.THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE SELECTED JURORS TO
RETURN HOME AND PACK CLOTHING FOR THE WEEK BEFORE BEING
SEQUESTERED.
XXV. THE DEFENDANT HAS BEEN DENIED HIS RIGHT TO A MEANINGFUL
APPEAL.
XXVI.MISSISSIPPI'S CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SCHEME IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
AND THE IMPOSITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THIS CASE IS
DISPROPORTIONATE.
XXVII. THE ERRORS TAKEN TOGETHER IN THIS CASE WARRANT REVERSAL.
¶5. Before proceeding to the facts, the State asserts that Simmons's assignments of error numbered IV,
VIII, XVI, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXII, XXIII, XXIV, and XXV should be procedurally barred from
consideration by this Court. The State argues that the issues were not presented to the trial court and are
therefore not properly before this Court. The State alleges that the error, if any, is waived due to the
procedural bar. It has been repeatedly held that the procedural bar rule is not diminished in a capital case.
Cole v. State, 525 So. 2d 365, 369 (Miss.1987); Irving v. State, 498 So. 2d 305 (Miss.1986); Johnson
v. State, 477 So. 2d 196 (Miss.1985); In re Hill, 460 So. 2d 792 (Miss.1984); Hill v. State, 432 So. 2d
427 (Miss.1983); Chase v. State, 645 So. 2d 829, 845 (Miss.1994); Foster v. State, 639 So. 2d 1263,
1270 (Miss.1994).
¶6. Simmons, in his reply brief, points out that this Court has "repeatedly relaxed the procedural bar rule in
capital cases," citing Harrison v. State, 635 So. 2d 894 (Miss. 1994). Simmons also quotes from
Pinkney v. State, which said:
We have in death penalty cases the prerogative of relaxing out contemporaneous objection and plain
error rules when the interest of justice so requires. Because the death penalty is a different sort of
punishment with more severe consequences than other sentences, this Court's scrutiny of such cases is
correspondingly heightened. In capital cases, the procedural bar is sometimes relaxed because of the
nature of the right asserted. Also, this Court has relaxed its procedural bar to consider serious,
cumulative errors. Even in capital cases procedural bars appear to be applied, based on a number of
factors, on a case by case basis.
Pinkney v. State, 538 So. 2d 329, 338 (Miss. 1988) (citations omitted). While these allegations of error
are procedurally barred, we will address the merits of the underlying claims in the order raised by Simmons
knowing that any subsequent review will stand on the procedural bar alone. Chase v. State, 645 So. 2d at
845; Foster v. State, 639 So. 2d at 1270.
FACTS
¶7. In the early morning hours of August 11, 1996, Jeffery Wolfe and Charlene Brooke Leaser drove from
Houston, Texas, to Jackson County, Mississippi. They had only known each other a few weeks. Wolfe
asked Leaser to accompany him on a trip to the Gulf Coast to "pick up some money" from some friends
that were in his debt. Leaser later learned that the debt accrued some weeks earlier from a transaction
involving drugs. While on the Gulf Coast, Wolfe also planned to buy new wheel rims and tires for his vehicle
and then return through New Orleans with Leaser for a short vacation. Wolfe left Houston with twelve
hundred dollars in his wallet. Leaser had approximately two hundred dollars in her purse.
¶8. Upon their arrival on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, they checked into the King's Inn Hotel. Wolfe and
Leaser fell asleep. Wolfe awoke early and left Leaser at the Hotel to meet Sonny Milano, Timothy Milano's
brother, who worked at a local tire store. Apparently, they met a few weeks earlier while Wolfe was on the
Coast conducting his illicit business deal. Later that afternoon, Wolfe and Sonny returned to the hotel room
to pick up Leaser for dinner. Sonny Milano left to get his girlfriend and the four met in Wolfe and Leaser's
room at the hotel. They all took Wolfe's white Honda Civic to Shoney's where they dined together.
¶9. Sonny Milano testified that during dinner, Wolfe asked if Sonny planned to go to Simmons' house that
evening. Sonny Milano, over loud protests from his girlfriend, decided to go to Simmons' house, arriving
there late that evening after dropping her off. When he arrived, Simmons and Sonny's brother, Milano, were
the only two at the house. Simmons asked Sonny if he had seen Wolfe and Sonny told him that they ate
dinner together. Simmons asked Sonny to get in touch with Wolfe. Sonny contacted Wolfe at his hotel
room and told Wolfe that he was at Simmons's house. Wolfe was pleasantly surprised to hear that Sonny
was there, since Sonny's girlfriend was opposed to his going. Wolfe told Sonny that he would be there in a
minute.
¶10. Sonny conveyed this information to Simmons, who less than one minute later, approached Sonny as he
talked to Milano and asked him to leave the house. Sonny testified that he did not find this unusual because
"that's just Gary." Sonny left without explanation, with Wolfe on his way.
¶11. After dinner, as the couples parted ways, Wolfe and Leaser returned to their hotel where they relaxed
before leaving to meet Wolfe's debtors. They drove out to Simmons's house but found no one home. After
leaving the house to pick up cigarettes and a beverage, Wolfe and Leaser returned to the hotel. To pass the
time, the two then went to Wal-Mart, and again tried to meet Simmons at his house. Still, no one was
home. By this time it was nearly 10 in the evening, August 12, 1996. Again, they returned to the hotel. Near
midnight, Wolfe received a phone call while Leaser stood outside smoking a cigarette. Wolfe hung up the
phone, gathered Leaser, and left the hotel headed toward Simmons's house.
¶12. Upon arriving at the house, they found Simmons sitting on the front porch. The three began talking, and
Simmons offered them some marijuana. Leaser and Simmons smoked a marijuana cigarette, but Wolfe
refrained. Milano drove up as they finished the marijuana. Simmons was related to the Milanos by marriage;
Simmons married their sister, Lori, but that marriage ended in divorce. Simmons offered his guests a beer,
and all four adjourned to the kitchen and living room area. Simmons walked into the kitchen to get a beer
while Leaser sat down at a table in the living room to roll another marijuana cigarette.
¶13. Leaser heard Wolfe and Milano chatting in the doorway separating the kitchen and living room. Wolfe
mentioned the money he was owed. Apparently, Simmons and Milano owed Wolfe between twelve and
twenty thousand dollars. They did not have the money, nor did they have the drugs. Simmons returned from
the kitchen while Wolfe and Milano discussed this predicament. Leaser testified that she heard gunshots and
saw Wolfe fall to the ground. Immediately thereafter, Simmons grabbed Leaser and ordered her not to look
in the direction of Wolfe's body. Leaser noticed Milano standing directly behind Wolfe holding what was
later identified as State's exhibit 29, a .22 caliber rifle.
¶14. Simmons took her to a back bedroom of the house and forced her to lie face down on the floor. He
placed himself on top of her and began questioning her, asking whether she or Wolfe were law enforcement
officers, whether Wolfe had any drugs with him, and who knew they were in Mississippi. She became
understandably hysterical and simply responded that she did not know anything, as she and Wolfe had only
become acquainted a few weeks ago. After Simmons finished questioning Leaser, he tied her hands behind
her back, bound them to her feet with some rope, and locked her in a metal box with dimensions similar to
a large footlocker near his bedroom, telling her he was "on a time frame" that he could not "mess up."
¶15. Leaser managed to untie her hands and feet and began kicking the top of the box unsuccessfully trying
to get out. Leaser continued kicking the top of the box until Simmons returned. He removed her from the
box, stripped her nude, tied her up again and returned her to the box. Again, Leaser managed to free
herself from the knotted ropes, but remained unable to get the top off of the metal box holding her. After
some length of time had passed, Simmons returned to the box and took Leaser out. Simmons was
undressed. He again forced her to lie face down on the floor of the bedroom. Leaser was in the middle of
her menstrual cycle, so Simmons forced her to remove her tampon. He then raped her, telling her that her
life depended on how well she performed sexually. Leaser testified that she thought he was holding a pistol
to the back of her head during the assault.
¶16. Afterward, Simmons asked Milano if he would like to rape her as well; Milano declined. Simmons
then took Leaser to the bathroom, allowed her to clean up with an athletic sock; and yet again, tied her up
and locked her in the box.
¶17. While Leaser was secured in the box, Simmons and Milano went about their plan to dispose of
Wolfe's body. Simmons, by trade, was a butcher in a meat market. Simmons's co-worker, Charles Jenkins,
testified that during the preceding workweek, Simmons sharpened all of his knives and took them home
from work for the weekend. Jenkins testified that this was rather unusual because everyone normally leaves
their knives at work. Apparently, the only time that Jenkins could remember anyone taking their knives
home was before leaving on an extended vacation or quitting the job. Simmons took those knives and
began dismembering Wolfe in the bathtub. After gutting him and severing his head and limbs, Simmons, with
Milano's help, began distributing Wolfe's remains into the bayou that ran behind Simmons's property using a
boat Simmons borrowed from neighbor Donald Taylor(1)only hours before. Alligators were known to
inhabit the area. The bayou had a running current that eventually, through tributaries, fed into the Gulf of
Mexico.
¶18. Leaser, still locked in the box, again untied herself. Simmons returned to the box smoking marijuana
and offered some to Leaser. She accepted. After sharing the marijuana cigarette, Simmons locked Leaser
in the box with a blanket, where she fell asleep. She awoke to the sound of the telephone ringing. When no
one answered it, Leaser reasoned that the house was empty. She mustered all of her energy and began
banging on the top of the box. The lid popped off and Leaser managed to get out of the house. On her way
out of the door, she grabbed a bag with some of her clothes and belongings in it. She then partially dressed
herself. Leaser ran to a neighbor's house and convinced the neighbor to call the police. Upon their arrival,
Leaser recounted the events of the previous twenty-four hours.
¶19. Many different law enforcement agencies were involved in investigating the scene of the crime. Leaser
told police officers that Wolfe was inside, had been shot, and that she had been raped. Once the police
arrived, they began to secure the area and investigate Leaser's claims. Moss Point police officers Lee
Merrill and Richard Cushman entered the house with Leaser to determine if a crime had, in fact, been
committed and if so, whether other victims were still in the house. Once the police officers saw blood and
other evidence of violent crimes, they left the house and secured a search warrant.
¶20. After obtaining a search warrant, the police called the Mississippi Crime Lab, and they entered the
house to gather evidence. From inside the house, they collected portions of fingernails from a wastebasket,
a used condom, and two used tampons, among other things. The local police department also recovered a
Marlin model # 60 .22 caliber rifle, eight empty .22 caliber shell casings, and Wolfe and Leaser's personal
items originally left in their hotel room.
¶21. Near the rear of the property, a small "jon boat" was spotted near the water. Officers Magee and
Graff investigated and requested that Officer Cushman join them. Near the boat they found four five gallon
white buckets, one green plastic barrel, a one gallon bottle of Clorox bleach, a brush, a knife, and a
bushhook. The brush and bushhook appeared to be covered in blood. An aluminum boat paddle was
covered in bloody finger prints. In the boat, the officers discovered a piece of flesh. The local coroner
called Dr. Paul McGarry to help with the investigation. Outside the house, but still on or very near
Simmons's property, Dr. McGarry found the rest of Wolfe's body. Dr. McGarry testified that he and a
group of police officers floated approximately two hundred yards down the bayou over which they found
various parts of the skin, muscle, chest, abdominal walls, penis and testicles, lungs, heart, intestines, liver, as
well as fingers and toes from a young human white male.
¶22. Dr. McGarry testified that the body parts had been cut sharply and with precision into block like
sections of tissue. Most of the bones had been separated. Of the flesh he found and examined, several
pieces had bullet holes in them. One portion of the chest had five bullet holes in it while another portion
revealed one bullet hole. Some of the internal organs, the heart and lungs specifically, also had bullet holes in
them. The left lung had a bullet lodged in it. Dr. McGarry testified that these gunshot wounds were the
cause of death.
¶23. A further search of the area revealed Wolfe's severed head, upper chest portion, and pelvic area sans
reproductive organs. Over two days of searching, they found, on the first day, eighty-five pounds of human
remains the largest of which was seventeen inches in diameter. The following day, they collected forty-one
pounds of similar pieces, with the largest piece measuring nineteen inches. Some pieces found later were
large enough to have identifiable tatoos. All of the flesh was identified as belonging to Wolfe.
¶24. Simmons left his house after dismembering and disposing of Wolfe. He drove to Mobile, Alabama,
where he made a videotape for his ex-wife and children. Throughout the video recording, Simmons spoke
to his family in the most general terms about what he had done, although he never specifically admitted
committing any crimes. Simmons mailed the video cassette to his wife and drove back to the Coast. Upon
arriving at his house, Simmons noticed that Leaser had escaped. He immediately left again and went to see
his friend Dennis Guess.
¶25. Guess testified that while they were conversing, Simmons volunteered that he had just "whacked a
drug dealer,...deboned him, cut him up in little pieces, and put him in the bayou." Simmons told Guess that
he used a butcher knife and bolt cutters to accomplish the task. Simmons also told Guess that he had a girl
in a box and planned to "train her" and "keep her around as a sex toy," but confessed that she had escaped.
The conversation then turned to what realistic options Simmons had left. Simmons, after further discourse
with Guess on this subject, decided against fleeing the jurisdiction or committing suicide. He eventually
decided to turn himself in to the authorities.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
¶26. This Court will review an appeal from a capital murder conviction and death sentence with "heightened
scrutiny" under which all bona fide doubts are resolved in favor of the accused. Porter v. State, 732 So.
2d 899, 902 (Miss. 1999). Further, this Court is cognizant of the fact that what may be harmless error in
certain situations becomes reversible error where the penalty is death. Id.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
I. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION.
¶27. Simmons alleges that the trial court erred in denying his requested self-defense instruction. Simmons
argues that the testimony of Dennis Guess established the factual basis necessary to provide the jury with a
self-defense instruction. Simmons spoke with Guess soon after the killing. Guess testified that Simmons
recounted the events of the evening to him and explained the alleged provocation behind the violent assault
as follows:
BY DENNIS GUESS: Okay, He [Simmons] said a drug dealer from Texas [Wolfe] and his girlfriend
[Leaser] had come to his house night before last about midnight. Gary was supposed to have sold
some drugs and collected some money for this guy. It didn't happen. Timmy [Milano] was supposed
to have wasted the money, or the drugs, or what not. I don't know. But, anyway, the boy [Wolfe]
broke bad on him and threatened him, to do something to him.
***
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: When you make the statement that the boy
broke bad on him and he shot him, do you know who you are referring to in this statement when you
said he just shot him?
BY DENNIS GUESS: I made a reference to Wolfe being the one that broke bad. And either Gary
or Timmy, unclear. One of them shot him.
¶28. Later, Leaser testified that Wolfe told her he always carried a .9 millimeter handgun, although she
never saw it and one was never recovered. Leaser also testified that she never saw Wolfe brandish a
weapon of any kind. Leaser further testified that Milano shot Wolfe while Simmons was with her in another
room.
¶29. Simmons cites Manual v. State, 667 So. 2d 590 (Miss. 1995) as support for this assignment of
error, where this Court held:
In homicide cases, the trial court should instruct the jury about a defendant's theories of defense,
justification, or excuse that are supported by the evidence, no matter how meager or unlikely, and the
trial court's failure to do so is error requiring reversal of a judgment of conviction. Hester, 602 So. 2d
at 872. Where the instructions are in improper form and are the only ones embodying a legally correct
theory of the defendant's defense, it is the duty of the trial court to see that the instructions are placed
in proper form for submission to the jury. Id. at 873.
Manuel v. State, 667 So. 2d at 593.
¶30. The State asserts that the record does not contain any evidence to support Simmons' self-defense
instruction. Jury instructions should be given only when facts developed in the case being tried support them.
Walker v. State, 740 So. 2d 873, 888 (Miss. 1999). All evidence points to Simmons and Timmy Milano
having executed a planned assault. Jenkins testified that Simmons took his knives home for the weekend.
Leaser's testimony regarding Wolfe being unarmed, combined with her testimony that all of the
conversations involving Wolfe, Milano and Simmons were "friendly" and resembled "chit-chat" more than
argument, points away from any self-defense theory. Leaser also testified that Simmons informed her that he
was on a time frame, and ordered her not to mess it up. This clearly suggests some premeditation that
would rule out self-defense as being a motivating factor. Finally, Taylor's testimony that Simmons borrowed
the boat less than a day before the killing to "go fishing" indicates he had a plan to distribute the body long
before Wolfe arrived. Further, "Mississippi adheres to the common law rule that an aggressor is precluded
from pleading self-defense." Layne v. State, 542 So. 2d 237, 244 (Miss. 1989). Here, there was ample
testimony that placed Simmons and Milano as the aggressors, thus Simmons is precluded from pleading
self-defense. The State argues that this testimony and case law render Simmons's argument baseless, and
we agree.
II. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING
DEFENDANT'S MANSLAUGHTER INSTRUCTION.
¶31. Simmons argues that, if not in self defense, Wolfe was killed in the "heat of passion" and he therefore
deserved a manslaughter instruction. The term "heat of passion" has been defined by this Court as:
a state of violent and uncontrollable rage engendered by a blow or certain other provocation given,
which will reduce a homicide from the grade of murder to that of manslaughter. Passion or anger
suddenly aroused at the time by some immediate and reasonable provocation, by words or acts of
one at the time. The term includes an emotional state of mind characterized by anger, rage, hatred,
furious resentment or terror.
Tait v. State, 669 So. 2d 85, 89 (Miss. 1996) (quoting Buchanan v. State, 567 So. 2d 194, 197 (Miss.
1990)). Simmons again relies on the alleged confrontation between Wolfe and Milano as the basis for his
actions. The burden to overcome the presumption of murder lies with the defendant. Nicolaou v. State,
534 So. 2d 168, 171 (Miss. 1988). Simply presenting testimony from a witness who states that the
defendant told him the "boy broke bad" on him does not overcome this presumption. Although Dennis
Guess also testified that there "was an argument over some money or drugs", he admitted he was unclear on
that point. Leaser's eyewitness testimony refutes this allegation and crystallizes the nature of the encounter
as conversational.
¶32. Additionally, where the killing occurred during the course of a robbery, the defendant is not entitled to
a manslaughter instruction. Burns v. State, 729 So. 2d 203, 225 (Miss. 1998). Denial of a manslaughter
instruction is proper where the record is clear that the decedent was shot with malice or deliberate design.
West v. State, 725 So. 2d 872, 890 (Miss. 1998). More on point, the defendant in Walker v. State
requested a self-defense instruction or provocation instruction because the defendant told a third party after
the killing that the "dude [victim] made a move on him." 740 So. 2d at 888. The trial court denied this
request, and this Court affirmed. It is clear that no reasonable hypothetical juror could find that this killing
was without malice. Berry v. State, 674 So. 2d 1184, 1201 (Miss. 1996). There is no evidence in the
record that supports a manslaughter instruction under the aforementioned authority as the State adduced
evidence throughout the trial relating to premeditation. Therefore, Simmons was not entitled to a
manslaughter instruction. This assignment of error is meritless.
III. THE TRIAL COURT'S RULINGS VIOLATED THE DEFENDANT'S
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO PRESENT A DEFENSE.
¶33. Simmons argues that the trial court prevented him from fully presenting his defense. Essentially,
Simmons believes that because he was unable to introduce testimony regarding Milano's alleged knowledge
of Wolfe's supposed involvement in the death of a former roommate in Houston, Texas, he was denied his
right to present a defense. The defense believes this information was essential to Simmons' defense because
Wolfe allegedly played some part in his former roommate's death, the result of a drug deal gone bad.
Simmons therefore wanted to introduce this evidence to show that Milano, the "trigger man", had a reason
to fear for his life since he knew Wolfe had the potential to become violent when he realized that this drug
deal was going to go bad as well.
¶34. Defense counsel tried to introduce testimony through Leaser regarding this alleged incident in Houston,
Texas. The trial judge overruled these attempts to introduce this evidence saying "[s]he [Leaser] doesn't
know anything about the Houston thing unless somebody told her that. And that's hearsay, and it's not
admissible in this case. It's not even material in this case." Simmons argues that prior bad acts of the victim
are admissible as a hearsay exception if the defendant knew of them because they exhibit a basis for
Simmons to view Wolfe as the aggressor. In support of this proposition, Simmons cites Heidel v. State,
587 So. 2d 835 (Miss. 1991). In Heidel, a man shot his wife after he said she attacked him with a butcher
knife. Found guilty at trial, Heidel appealed alleging that the trial court erred in excluding his testimony
regarding a previous incident only weeks before when his wife attacked him with a butcher knife. This
Court held that
Insofar as [the wife's] prior act may reflect a propensity for wielding her butcher knife, it was
admissible on other grounds. True, we have a general rule that "a person's character or a trait of his
character is not admissible for the purpose of proving that he acted in conformity therewith on a
particular occasion[.]" Rule 404(a), Miss.R.Ev., but this case falls within a long recognized exception.
The exception allows the accused, claiming self-defense, to offer "[e]vidence of a pertinent trait of
character of the victim of the crime...." Rule 404(a)(2), Miss.R.Ev. Heidel's justifiable homicide
defense rendered Esther's propensity for violence a "pertinent trait of character of the victim," and it
matters not how much of that defense had been put before the Court and jury at the time Heidel made
his proffer.
Heidel v. State, 587 So. 2d 835, 845 (Miss. 1991). However, reading further, this Court also required the
admissibility of this character evidence to rest upon whether Heidel presented "evidence of an overt act
perpetrated against him by the victim." Heidel, 587 So. 2d at 845. Simmons failed to clear this second
hurdle. There is no testimony in evidence alleging that Wolfe made such an overt act. The only testimony
resembling this comes from Dennis Guess who testified that Simmons told him that Wolfe "broke bad." This
is contradicted by the testimony elicited from Leaser who said that Wolfe and Milano had not behaved in a
confrontational manner, and in fact that they acted like friends. Beyond this, neither Milano nor Simmons
had any personal knowledge of the incident in Houston, as in the Heidel case. It is clear that the trial judge
was correct in excluding the testimony and references to it as hearsay.
IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY GRANTING TWO OF THE PROSECUTION'S
INSTRUCTIONS DURING THE GUILT-INNOCENCE PHASE OVER DEFENDANT'S
OBJECTIONS.
¶35. Simmons alleges that the trial court erred in granting State's S-11(2) which he believes is an incorrect
statement of the law. The State urges that this argument should be procedurally barred because defense
counsel's objection to S-11 is different on appeal than the one offered at trial. At trial, it appears that
defense counsel objected to S-11 on the grounds that it was an "aiding and abetting" instruction, rather than
an incorrect statement of the law. The State cites Doss v. State, 709 So. 2d 369, 378 (Miss. 1996) for the
proposition that an objection at trial on one specific ground constitutes a waiver on all other grounds.
¶36. Simmons believes that this instruction relieved the prosecution of its burden to prove all of the elements
of capital murder, robbery, kidnaping and rape. Simmons cites generally Hornburger v. State, 650 So. 2d
510, 514 (Miss. 1995) and Berry v. State, 728 So. 2d 568 (Miss. 1999).
¶37. Both Hornburger and Berry are distinguishable because they involved instructions that told the jury
that each person who commits any act that is an element of the crime is guilty as a principle. S-11 simply
does not contain the operative language that could be construed as reading that a defendant found guilty of
aiding and abetting with respect to one element of the crime is guilty as a principle. When determining
whether error lies in the granting or refusal of various instructions, we must consider all the instructions given
as a whole. Coleman v. State, 697 So. 2d 777, 782 (Miss. 1997). "When so read, if the instructions fairly
announce the law of the case and create no injustice, no reversible error will be found." Coleman, 697
So. 2d at 782. The jury instructions listing the elements of capital murder (S-4a), robbery (S-3), kidnapping
(S-7), and rape (S-8) all carefully lay out the elements of each crime. Additionally, Simmons is guilty as a
principal under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-1-3 (2000).(3) Thus, we find no error in the giving of this instruction.
¶38. Simmons further claims that the trial court erred by granting jury instruction S-3b. The instruction is not
contained in the record nor is it listed in Simmons' brief. This Court has held that the duty of the appellant is
to present a sufficient record of the trial to prove that the alleged error actually occurred, and that the error
was timely and properly preserved. Walker v. State, 671 So. 2d 581, 620 (Miss. 1995).
¶39. Simmons alleges that the instruction was improper because it allowed the jury to consider whether the
underlying felony of robbery in the capital murder charge was based upon a robbery of either Wolfe or
Leaser. Simmons also alleges that the State failed to prove what was taken during the robbery. The State
based its case upon the notion that the murder was committed because Simmons and Milano owed Wolfe a
debt they could not pay. Additionally, Leaser testified that when the police returned her belongings, she
could not find $ 200 she placed in her purse for the trip. Additionally, Guess testified that Simmons said he
was disappointed because Wolfe only had about one thousand dollars on him when he searched the body.
This money was never recovered. The record easily supports the State's contention that the instruction had
a sufficient evidentiary basis for both Wolfe and Leaser. In an effort to address the nature of the instruction,
if not the exact language itself, the State cites Gray v. State, 728 So. 2d 36, 71 (Miss. 1998) (holding that
where evidence is sufficient to support both phrases of a disjunctive statement, the use of the disjunctive
term is of no consequence). This issue is meritless.
V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A
DIRECTED VERDICT AS THE JURY'S FINDING THAT A ROBBERY WAS
COMMITTED WAS AGAINST THE OVERWHELMING WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE.
¶40. Simmons contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion for a directed verdict, and that the
jury's guilty verdict on the underlying felony of robbery was against the overwhelming weight of the
evidence. These arguments challenge both the weight and sufficiency of the evidence. This Court's standard
in regard to challenges to the weight and sufficiency of the evidence is clearly defined in McClain v. State,
625 So. 2d 774 (Miss. 1993). This Court said:
The three challenges by McClain (motion for directed verdict, request for peremptory instruction, and
motion for JNOV) challenge the legal sufficiency of the evidence. Since each requires consideration of
the evidence before the court when made, this Court properly reviews the ruling on the last occasion
the challenge was made in the trial court. This occurred when the Circuit Court overruled McClain's
motion for JNOV. In appeals from an overruled motion for JNOV the sufficiency of the evidence as a
matter of law is viewed and tested in a light most favorable to the State. The credible evidence
consistent with McClain's guilt must be accepted as true. The prosecution must be given the benefit of
all favorable inferences that may be reasonably drawn from the evidence. Matters regarding the
weight and credibility of the evidence are to be resolved by the jury. We are authorized to reverse
only where, with respect to one or more of the elements of the offense charged, the evidence so
considered is such that reasonable and fair-minded jurors could only find the accused not guilty.
Id. at 778 (citations omitted).
¶41. Simmons argues that the prosecution failed to adduce evidence sufficient to convict him of robbery, as
defined in Miss Code Ann. § 97-3-73 (2000).(4) Additionally, Simmons states that the prosecution failed to
establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Wolfe's murder occurred during the commission of a robbery,
violating the "one continuous transaction" language quoted in West v. State, 553 So. 2d 8, 13 (Miss. 1989)
. Lastly, Simmons argues that the State failed to prove that Simmons took any personal property belonging
to Leaser with the intention of permanently depriving her of it.
¶42. The State asserts that Simmons unquestionably violated the provisions of Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-73
and offers the testimony of Leaser and Dennis Guess as proof. Leaser testified that Simmons told her to
remove all of her clothes and jewelry, and then he took them prior to raping her. Leaser never recovered
the money missing from her purse. Leaser later recovered some of her belongings from a plastic bag in the
kitchen as she dashed out of the door, making her escape. Simmons also confessed to Dennis Guess that he
stole one $ 1,000 from Wolfe and was disappointed that Wolfe did not have more money on him at the
time.
¶43. As for Simmons' argument that the language in West may be exculpatory in his case, a close reading of
the language seems to belie this. This Court held that:
Mississippi law accepts a "one continuous transaction" rationale in capital cases. In Pickle v. State,
345 So. 2d 623 (Miss.1977), we construed our capital murder statute and held that "the underlying
crime begins where an indictable attempt is reached...." 345 So. 2d at 626. An indictment charging a
killing occurring "while engaged in the commission of" one of the enumerated felonies includes the
actions of the defendant leading up to the felony, the attempted felony, and flight from the scene of the
felony. E.g., Neal v. State, 451 So. 2d 743, 757-58 (Miss.1984). The fact that the actual
moment of the victim's death preceded consummation of the underlying felony does not vitiate
the capital charge.
West v. State, 553 So. 2d at 13 (citations omitted) (emphasis added). Simmons's confession to Guess
clearly reveals that the robbery occurred in connection with the killing. Also, the fact that he told Leaser
before he raped her that he was "on a time frame" points out that he had a plan of some sort he tried to
adhere to. Additionally, direct testimony from Simmons's neighbor, Donald Taylor, is illuminating on this
subject. Taylor testified that just prior to the evening in question, Simmons asked to borrow his boat "to go
fishing." Taylor obliged him, as he had done in the past, and Simmons took the boat to his land and tied it up
behind his house. This was the boat used to disperse Wolfe's body over the bayou.
¶44. This line of reasoning is further bolstered by the testimony of Simmons's former co-worker at the
butcher shop who saw him carry his knives home for the weekend and Rita Taylor, a neighbor and wife of
Donald, who testified that she was awake at about 3:00 a.m. on the night in question and stepped outside to
put some bills in her truck to mail the next day and saw, by illumination of the streetlight, Simmons and
Timmy Milano, both of whom she was previously acquainted with, each carrying a white bucket toward the
bayou. Later, the authorities found several white buckets by the boat and identified DNA matter on them.
These testimonials serve as additional evidence of premeditation to kill and dismember Wolfe in an effort to
dispose of the body.
¶45. Accepting as true all credible evidence consistent with Simmons guilt as true and giving the State the
benefit of all favorable inferences, there is overwhelming evidence that with respect to each element of the
offenses charged, reasonable and fair-minded jurors could find Simmons guilty.
VI. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY OVERRULING
THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A MISTRIAL CONCERNING CERTAIN
TESTIMONY OFFERED BY DENNIS GUESS.
¶46. Simmons directs this Court's attention to an unsolicited statement made by Dennis Guess on the stand
and asks for reversal based upon this statement's alleged prejudicial affect on the jury. The exchange in
question went as follows:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Now, I ask you whether or not Gary [Simmons] showed any
remorse to you in the fact that he had cut Jeffery Wolfe up?
BY DENNIS GUESS: Extreme remorse. He made a comment. He said that while he was in prison
they told him that it gets easier and easier. He said this was so bad he just knew that he would never
be able to do it again.
Immediately following this exchange between defense counsel and Dennis Guess, defense counsel asked for
a bench conference outside the presence of the jury which was granted. Simmons attorney addressed the
trial judge and asked that he grant a mistrial because of the "highly prejudicial representation" made to the
jury about Simmons serving prison time. The trial judge denied the motion, but offered to grant a limiting
instruction, which defense counsel turned down.
¶47. "A determination of whether such an error [prejudicial testimony presented to a jury] is incurable,
resulting in a mistrial, rests within the sound discretion of the trial court." Snelson v. State, 704 So. 2d 452,
456 (Miss. 1997) (citing Logsdon v. State, 183 Miss. 168, 170, 183 So. 503, 503 (1938)). The trial
judge overruled the mistrial motion saying that he did not think that the objectionable words "in prison" were
really that prejudicial since there was no reference to when he was in prison or for what particular reason.
Judge Jones reasoned that the public (and the jury) may well reason that Dennis Guess was referring to
when Simmons turned himself in to the authorities and placed in a holding cell. Judge Jones pointed out that
the public does not differentiate between the terms "jail" and "prison" in the way the legal system does.
¶48. Simmons cites Snelson v. State, 704 So. 2d 452, 456 (Miss. 1997) for the proposition that
references at trial to past incarceration may constitute reversible error. In Snelson, the defendant blurted
out that this was the third or fourth time he was on trial for murder. Clearly, the situation here is quite
different. An off-handed reference by a witness that Simmons expressed remorse when he was "in prison" is
far less damaging than the defendant commenting that he was on trial again for murder, as he had been
several times before. Additionally, the State did not solicit this testimony; it came out when defense counsel
questioned him.
¶49. In Wilcher v. State, 697 So. 2d 1087, 1101 (Miss. 1997), a reporter being questioned as a witness
stated that he interviewed the defendant on "death row" at "Parchman Penitentiary." The defense objected
and the trial judge offered them a limiting instruction, but they did not request that he give it. The trial judge
therefore did not give the limiting instruction and this Court found no error on appeal. Wilcher, 697 So. 2d
at 1101. Further, where an objection is sustained and no request is made that the jury be instructed to
disregard the matter, there is no error. Marks v. State, 532 So. 2d 976, 981(Miss. 1988). This issue is
without merit.
VII. THE DEFENDANT WAS DENIED EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AT
TRIAL.
¶50. W. Harvey Barton, Simmons's trial attorney and one of the lawyers who perfected this appeal, alleges
that he labored under "a classic conflict of interest" at trial and thus deprived his client of effective assistance
of counsel. Simmons argues that because Barton failed to question Dennis Guess before he got on the
stand, he was ineffective. Also, Simmons submits that because Barton represented Guess and his father in
the past, he was under a conflict of interest in this case. The record is unclear on precisely what matters
Barton represented the Guess family.
¶51. The standard for reviewing claims of ineffective assistance of counsel was set forth in Hansen v.
State, 649 So. 2d 1256, 1259 (Miss.1994) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984)
). The inquiry under Strickland is twofold: (1) was defense counsel's performance deficient when
measured by the objective standard of reasonable professional competence, and if so (2) was [the
appellant] prejudiced by that failure to meet that standard? Hansen v. State, 649 So. 2d 1256, 1259
(Miss.1994). Defense counsel is presumed competent and the burden of proving otherwise rests on the
appellant. Hansen, 649 So. 2d at 1258. The defendant must prove both prongs of the Strickland test to
succeed. McQuarter v. State, 574 So. 2d 685, 687 (Miss.1990). This Court's scrutiny of defense
counsel's performance is highly deferential. Hansen, 649 So. 2d at 1259. With respect to the overall
performance of the attorney, his choice of whether or not to file certain motions, call witnesses, ask certain
questions, or make certain objections falls within his discretion in planning a trial strategy. Cole v. State,
666 So. 2d 767, 777 (Miss.1995).
¶52. Simmons argues that because Barton represented Guess, a witness for the prosecution, and/or his
family in other legal matters, Barton operated under a prejudicial conflict of interest. The only evidence in
the record concerning this occurred when Barton spoke to the Court during the mistrial motion:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Okay. I purposely did not talk to Dennis Guess before he
took the witness stand for the reason that, number one, I represent his father and have for a number
of years; number two, I think I have formerly given counsel advice to Dennis Guess; and, number
three, I was satisfied with what he was going to say in his statement and I was prepared to accept that
on the witness stand.
¶53. Simmons argues that based on this colloquy that the trial judge knew or should have known that
Barton had a conflict of interest. The United States Supreme Court stated that "[p]rejudice is presumed
only if the defendant demonstrates that counsel 'actively represented conflicting interests' and that an 'actual
conflict of interest adversely affected his lawyer's performance.'" Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. at
692 (citing Cuyler v. Sullivan, 446 U.S. 335, 350 (1980)). "[T]he possibility of conflict is insufficient to
impugn a criminal conviction on appeal." Wheat v. United States, 486 U.S. 153, 160 (1988). There is no
evidence in the record to suggest that defense counsel acted in some manner other than capable. In fact, the
trial judge commented as much when he said during his ruling on the Amended Motion for a New Trial that:
I don't know anybody whatsoever, any lawyer that has defended a case any more stronger [sic] than
Mr. Barton and Mr. Cunningham. I don't think the charge in regard to ineffective assistance of
counsel [raised during the Motion for a New Trial] is justified . . . I have been seventeen years on the
bench. And I don't know anybody that has worked harder in regard to defending a case, even at their
on [sic] risk in regard to things.
The trial judge properly addressed this argument. There is no error here.
VIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY PERMITTING THE PROSECUTION TO
ADDUCE EVIDENCE CONCERNING AN ALLEGED BURGLARY OF THE VICTIM'S
ROOM AT THE KING'S INN HOTEL.
¶54. Simmons argues the prosecution adduced "a significant amount of highly prejudicial evidence" that
tended to establish that he burglarized the King's Inn hotel room that Wolfe and Leaser occupied while in
Mississippi. Simmons was not indicted for burglary.
¶55. The testimony that Simmons refers to, as best as can be gleaned from the record and briefs, is
Leaser's testimony that as she escaped Simmons' house the morning after the rape and murder, she saw her
suitcase in the house. She testified earlier that when she and Wolfe left the hotel, her suitcase was there. The
State argues that this assignment of error is procedurally barred. The State points out that Simmons failed to
object when these facts were elicited and points to Williams v. State, 684 So. 2d 1179, 1203 (Miss.
1996) which holds that the contemporaneous objection rule is applicable in death penalty cases.
¶56. Although there was no contemporaneous objection at trial, Simmons relies on this Court's power to
address "plain error" when a trial court's error impacts a fundamental right of a defendant. Sanders v.
State, 678 So. 2d 663, 670 (Miss. 1996). In addressing the merits of the claim, the State offers that:
Generally, evidence of a crime other than that charged in the indictment is not admissible evidence
against the accused. However, where another crime or act is "so interrelated [to the charged crime] as
to constitute a single transaction or occurrence or a closely related series of transactions or
occurrences," proof of the other crime or act is admissible. Proof of another crime or act is also
admissible where necessary to identify the defendant, to prove motive, or to prove scienter.
Duplantis v. State, 644 So. 2d 1235, 1246 (Miss. 1994). Evidence of other bad acts is admissible in
order to tell a complete story to avoid confusion among jurors. Ballenger v. State, 667 So. 2d 1242,
1256 (Miss. 1995).
¶57. The State therefore argues that the burglary at the hotel is so interrelated to the capital murder charge
that it constitutes a single transaction. The State believes this is a viable argument and asserts that this was
part of the master plan by Simmons and Milano to cover their tracks and dispose of any evidence of the
victims presence in the State of Mississippi. Also, the State argues that this testimony explains how Leaser's
belongings ended up at Simmons's house. We find that the testimony was harmless.
IX. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR BY DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO EXCLUDE EVIDENCE OBTAINED AS A PART OF AN
ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE.
¶58. Simmons argues that the search of his house and property violated his rights under the Fourth, Eighth
and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, as well as the corresponding sections of the
Mississippi Constitution. Simmons argues that the trial court should have excluded the evidence obtained
during this search including the murder weapon, the condom with incriminating DNA evidence, various
body parts of the victim and the tools he used to dispose of the victim's body.
¶59. The trial court held a hearing on a motion to suppress the evidence collected from the house and
surrounding property. Simmons argues that the police illegally searched his house before obtaining a
warrant. From the record, it appears that two separate searches were conducted. Capt. Guy Magee and
Harvey Graff initially went inside the house to look for other potential victims and secure the scene. After
this initial search, Officers Cushman and Merrill searched the house with Leaser. They also looked for
bodies and checked all of the rooms "to make sure that there was no one else in the house" rather than just
perform a cursory search. Finding no one, they left the house and "secured it." Officer Cushman then went
to get a search warrant for the house. When asked why he went in the house after Officers Magee and
Graff but before a search warrant was obtained, Officer Merrill said that there was an attic and other small
spaces that needed to be checked to see if anyone was hiding in there. Additionally, police officers were in
boats on the bayou collecting body parts and looking around the outside of the property by the time Officer
Cushman returned with the search warrant.
¶60. The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment
of the United States Constitution as well as Article 3, Section 23 of the Mississippi Constitution. Section 23
of the Mississippi Constitution provides greater protections to our citizens than those found within the
United States Constitution. Graves v. State, 708 So. 2d 858, 861 (Miss. 1998). This Court, speaking
about searches of a private home has said:
In none is the zone of privacy more clearly defined than when bounded by the unambiguous physical
dimensions of an individual's home - a zone that finds its roots in clear and specific constitutional
terms: 'The right of the people to be secure in their ... houses ... shall not be violated.' That language
unequivocally establishes the proposition that '[a]t the very core [of the Fourth Amendment] stands
the right of a man to retreat into his own home and there be free from unreasonable governmental
intrusion.'
Graves, 708 So. 2d at 861 (citations omitted).
¶61. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that warrantless searches are allowed if they fall
under specifically established and well-delineated exceptions. Id. at 861. This Court has set forth numerous
exceptions to the requirement of obtaining a valid search warrant, including search incident to arrest, search
of a vehicle, plain view, stop and frisk, hot pursuit and emergency search, and administrative searches. Id.
at 862. It is black letter law that the scope of a warrantless search must be commensurate with the rationale
that excepts the search from the warrant requirement. Cupp v. Murphy, 412 U.S. 291, 295 (1973).
¶62. Using the emergency search exception, Judge Jones ruled that since the officers were faced with
"exigent circumstances," it was reasonable to search the house. The trial judge noted that the emergency
circumstances included the recognition that two suspects were involved, that several cars were parked
outside of the home indicating the possibility that any number of people may still be inside, and Leaser's
uncertainty about Wolfe's condition.
¶63. As to the issue of curtilage, the judge again held that the searches did not violate the Constitution
because exigent circumstances, like the "ebb and flow" of the tide in the bayou, existed. The officers
testified that they feared the flesh would be eaten in the brackish water, or float down stream if they did not
recover it immediately.
¶64. "In determining whether evidence should be suppressed, a trial court's findings of fact are not disturbed
on appeal absent a finding that the 'trial judge applied an incorrect legal standard, committed manifest error,
or made a decision contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence.'" Taylor v. State, 733 So. 2d
251, 255 (Miss. 1999) (citing Crawford v. State, 716 So. 2d 1028 (Miss.1998)). The "emergency" or
"exigency" doctrine is accepted as a narrowly defined exception to the general requirement of a warrant for
all searches and seizures. Graves v. State, 708 So. 2d 858, 862 (Miss. 1999). The basic elements of the
emergency exception are: (1) The police must have reasonable grounds to believe that there is an
emergency at hand and an immediate need for their assistance for the protection of life or property; (2) The
search must not be primarily motivated by intent to arrest and seize the evidence; (3) There must be some
reasonable basis, approximating probable cause, to associate the emergency with the area or place to be
searched. Smith v. State, 419 So. 2d 563, 570 (Miss. 1982) (rev'd on other grounds). The
reasonableness of those circumstances must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Smith v. State, 419 So.
2d at 570. "Whether a subsequent entry is detached from an initial exigency and warrantless entry or is a
continuation of the lawful initial entry can be determined only in light of the facts and circumstances of each
case." Id. at 573.
¶65. The State argues that the second entry was simply a continuation of the first. They argue that a
complete sweep of the house wasn't made by the initial search; and thus, a second search was necessary.
Clearly, Leaser's statement that a victim remained in the house satisfied the first prong of the Smith test.
While in the house, the officers arrested no one and seized nothing, thus satisfying the second prong of the
Smith test. Leaser's statements regarding the violent crimes provide ample probable cause based upon the
"totality of the circumstances" to satisfy the third prong. We find no error in the trial court's determination.
X. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE EXPERT WITNESS
TESTIMONY OF DEBORAH HALLER INTO EVIDENCE OVER OBJECTION FROM
DEFENSE COUNSEL.
¶66. Simmons argues that the Director of the State Crime Lab's DNA division, Deborah Haller, should not
have been allowed to testify on DNA probability statistics at trial because she holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biology rather than a Ph.D. Haller testified that she had logged some hours of graduate work, but
not yet earned her graduate degree. She noted that she had attended several courses offered at the F.B.I.
Academy and worked for over ten years in the fields of serology and DNA analysis. Haller was also the
senior analyst of the Crime Lab's bio-science division.
¶67. The trial judge conducted a voir dire of Haller and found her to be competent. The determination of
the admissibility of expert witness testimony rests within the sound discretion of the trial judge. Crawford v.
State, 716 So. 2d 1028, 1045 (Miss. 1998). We find no abuse of discretion; thus, this issue is without
merit.
¶68. Simmons's further arguments under this assignment of error are rather unusual and unsupported by
legal precedent. Simmons finds fault with Haller only reporting statistics on DNA profiles of white men
when testifying as to whether or not the DNA found at the scene matched Wolfe. Haller told the jury that
the blood from the crime scene was consistent with Wolfe's DNA and there was only a 1 in 390,000
chance that another Caucasian was the DNA donor. As the State pointed out, Wolfe was white. Any other
racial group's statistics would be irrelevant.
¶69. Similarly, Haller testified that the DNA match from the sperm cells in the used condom were consistent
with Simmons's DNA and that the particular DNA profile in the condom occurred in 1 in 80,000 people in
the Caucasian population. Simmons also argues that she made basic errors as to statistical calculations and
the distinctions she drew while testifying on the stand. All of these "errors" and "misstatements" should have
and could have been dealt with on cross-examination. The defense had ample opportunity to question her
about these alleged discrepancies at trial and, in fact, took full advantage of that opportunity. The jury chose
to believe Haller. The jury is charged with listening to and reviewing conflicting testimony and witness
credibility, and deciding whom to believe. Wetz v. State, 503 So. 2d 803, 807 (Miss. 1987).
¶70. Further, Simmons asserts that Haller shouldn't have been allowed to testify as to the mixture of DNA
found in the condom and the probabilities that it matched both Simmons and Leaser. This is the same
argument presented above on a different factual basis. There is no error here.
XI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A
CONTINUANCE.
¶71. Simmons asks this Court to reverse this case based upon Judge Jones' failure to grant two requests for
a continuance during the trial. The first request involved Simmons' desire to have more time for a DNA
expert to review the results of the State's DNA analysis. The State provided the defense with the DNA
results on July 23, 1997. On August 8, 1997, the defense filed a motion to acquire funds for a DNA expert
of their own. The motion was heard on August 15, 1997. The trial was set to begin on August 23, 1997.
The trial court granted the defendant the necessary funds, but denied the continuance.
¶72. The decision to grant or deny a motion for a continuance is within the sound discretion of the trial court
and will not be grounds for reversal unless shown to have resulted in manifest injustice. Coleman v. State,
697 So. 2d at 780 (citing Atterberry v. State, 667 So. 2d 622, 631 (Miss.1995)). Unless a manifest
injustice occurs as a result of the denial, this Court will not reverse. Walker v. State, 671 So. 2d 581, 591
(Miss. 1995).
¶73. The State argues that the defense knew at least three months prior to the production of the State's
DNA report that they were doing DNA testing and that Simmons should have begun the process of hiring a
DNA expert earlier to challenge the State's methodology or final report instead of waiting until the report
was finished. The trial judge asked the defense if they had anyone in mind, knew how much money they
would need, or any of the other information required before the judge could release State funds. The
defense had no such information. The trial judge hesitated "to continue this case for the reason that a lot of
effort has gone into it by Lauderdale County."
¶74. The trial court did grant an overnight continuance to the defense to allow them to further prepare for
the cross-examination of the State's DNA expert with their DNA expert, Dr. Ron Acton.(5)
¶75. The defense cites Polk v. State, 612 So. 2d 381 (Miss. 1992) as authority for this Court reversing on
failure to properly allow time for expert testimony relating to DNA evidence. In the appendix to the opinion,
to be used as guidelines for the bench and bar on DNA testing, this Court held that it is imperative that no
defendant have such evidence admitted against him without benefit of an expert witness to evaluate the data
on his behalf. Polk, 612 So. 2d at 394. The record reflects that Dr. Acton was retained by the defense and
that he participated in the defense, but never conducted an independent review of the DNA matter. Dr.
Acton did not testify at trial. The record reflects that Dr. Acton was able to review the prosecution's report
with defense counsel before Haller testified.
¶76. The State cites Lewis v. State, 725 So. 2d 183, 187 (Miss. 1998), which involved the defense
counsel receiving expert footprint analysis from the State twenty-six days prior to trial. In Lewis, the trial
court denied Lewis's motion for a continuance in order to get someone to rebut the State's footprint
analysis. This Court held that Lewis had a meaningful opportunity to make use of the State's report, but
failed to do so; thus, there was no error. The State argues the same reasoning applies to Simmons who
could have gotten a DNA expert months in advance to monitor the procedures and evidence at the Crime
Lab as Haller was conducting her analysis. The defense had a duty to supplement the record with a proffer
of what their expert would have shown. They failed to do so. Thus, there is no error here.
¶77. Simmons's second claim for reversal based upon the trial court failing to grant a continuance occurred
when the trial judge failed to grant a continuance when Leaser changed her testimony regarding her rape.
Initially, Leaser claimed that both Simmons and Milano raped her. She recanted her allegation against
Milano on her way to the trial from Houston, Texas.
¶78. The trial judge overruled the motion saying that the information was not exculpatory for Simmons,
adding that although Leaser now claimed Milano did not rape her, she still claimed that Simmons did. Judge
Jones noted that Simmons could cross examine Leaser on the trustworthiness of her testimony. In Hughes
v. State, this Court rejected similar arguments based upon Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87 (1963)
and U.R.C.C.C. 9.04. Hughes v. State, 735 So. 2d 238, 253 (Miss. 1999). Reversal on this point only
applies to favorable evidence, such as evidence which is either exculpatory, or which tends to impeach the
State's case. Hughes, 735 So. 2d at 253. Here, as in Hughes, it is not clear that the evidence Simmons
complained of favored his case or harmed the State's case against him. This issue is without merit.
XII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION IN
LIMINE TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ADMISSION INTO
EVIDENCE.
¶79. Simmons next assignment of error addresses the admissibility of certain photographs of Wolfe's body
parts that were entered into evidence by the State. Specifically, the defense argues that the trial judge erred
in admitting one photo of Wolfe's severed head into evidence.
¶80. Photographs of the victim have evidentiary value when they aid in describing the circumstances of the
killing, the location of the body, the cause of death, or clarify or supplement a witness's testimony. Gray v.
State, 728 So. 2d at 57. Their admissibility rests within the sound discretion of the trial court and will not
be overruled unless there was an abuse of discretion. Gray, 728 So. 2d at 57. The discretion of the trial
judge runs toward almost unlimited admissibility regardless of the gruesomeness, repetitiveness, and the
extenuation of probative value. Woodward v. State, 726 So. 2d 524, 535 (Miss. 1997). The mere fact
that the defense is willing to stipulate what the prosecution hopes to prove by admitting the photographs into
evidence does not bar their admissibility. Hughes v. State, 735 So. 2d at 263.
¶81. The prosecution used the photograph of the severed head several times. Once, they showed it to
Officer Merrill, who identified it as Jeffery Wolfe's head. The defense objected to this as gratuitous, and the
State responded that it needed it to identify the flesh found in the bayou as human, specifically belonging to
Jeffery Wolfe. The defense was willing to stipulate that it was the remains of Jeffery Wolfe in the bayou. The
judge overruled defense counsel's objection and the photo was entered as State's exhibit No. 8.
¶82. Later, the State again used the photograph when questioning Wolfe's girlfriend, Leaser. When the
prosecution showed her the photograph and asked her to identify it, she burst into tears. Defense objected
and said again that they were willing to stipulate that it was Wolfe, but the trial court overruled them, and
Leaser positively identified it as Wolfe's head. The State argues that Dr. McGarry, the forensic pathologist,
used the picture to describe the wounds around Wolfe's head and neck to match the type of instrument
used to inflict those injuries. While Dr. McGarry does testify about the neck wounds, opining that the bush
hook found at the scene was used to behead Wolfe, the record does not reflect that the State referred to
exhibit No. 8 during questioning. Since the discretion of the trial judge runs toward unlimited admissibility, it
is impossible for this Court to say that the trial judge abused his discretion.
XIII. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED REVERSIBLE ERROR WHEN RULING ON
VARIOUS MATTERS IN THE GUILT PHASE OF THE TRIAL.
¶83. This assignment of error really consists of at least 13 sub-parts that serve as allegations of reversible
error in and of themselves. Simmons argues that individually and cumulatively, the errors warrant reversal.
He relies generally on West v. State, 519 So. 2d 418, 419-24 (Miss. 1988), which involved a trial judge
who overstepped the bounds of his authority by questioning witnesses and offering trial strategy to the
prosecution. This Court reversed West based upon the judge's obviously improper actions recognizing that
since trial judges have a great deal of influence with juries, they should be exceedingly careful in their
manner and commenting in front of a jury. West, 519 So. 2d at 423.
¶84. The first error Simmons posits is addressed under Issue III-defense counsel's inability to elicit
testimony about Wolfe's alleged involvement in a drug deal and murder in Houston, Texas, weeks before his
trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Simmons argues that the trial judge should have granted his request for a
recess to confer with his client when this testimony was refused by the trial court. The record reflects that
the trial judge told defense counsel that he would allow him to confer with his client as soon as questioning
ended for the witness on the stand. A defendant and his attorney do not have a right to consult
indiscriminately without leave of the court as one must adhere to orderly courtroom decorum and
procedure. Pendergraft v. State, 191 So. 2d 830, 839 n.1 (Miss. 1966). We find no error here.
¶85. Next, Simmons argues that the State's sustained objection during the following exchange when defense
counsel addressed the jury during voir dire was error:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Do each of you understand that as he sits here today Mr.
Gary Carl Simmons is an innocent man? Is there anyone here who doesn't believe he is innocent?
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Judge, I object to that. That's not a correct statement of the
law. As he sits here he is not innocent; he is presumed to be innocent.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: So I left out the word presumed. He is presumed to be
innocent. He is cloaked with that innocence. My apologies, Judge, if that -
***
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
This argument is without merit.
¶86. Simmons also believes that the trial court erred by overruling his objection to "reserve the right to
object regarding his [Mr. Bush's] ultimate conclusions and opinions." Both the prosecution and the defense
accepted Mr. Bush as an expert in fingerprint identification. Simmons does not offer a coherent argument
and fails to cite relevant authority. Defense counsel never objected during any of the direct examination and
took full advantage of cross-examination of this witness.
¶87. Next, Simmons argues that the trial court erred by striking all of the questions and non-responsive
answers given by Timmy Milano. The defense called Milano to the stand and asked a number of questions
insinuating his guilt, to which, under advice of counsel, he refused to answer, invoking his Fifth Amendment
privilege against self-incrimination. The State moved that this exchange be stricken from the record and
Judge Jones granted that request. Simmons cites Hall v. State, 490 So. 2d 858, 859 (Miss. 1986), which
holds that it is reversible error to refuse to permit the defendant to call a witness to the stand and question
him in the presence of the jury even though it had been demonstrated that the witness would refuse to
answer based upon his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. This case is distinguishable
because Simmons was allowed to call Milano to the stand. This issue is meritless.
¶88. Simmons next contention, that Deborah Haller should not have been allowed to testify about certain
aspects of the DNA evidence found at the scene is precisely the same argument presented under Issue X.
¶89. Simmons further argues that the trial court should have allowed him to introduce evidence concerning
the past criminal records of Wolfe and Milano. Instead, the trial court granted the prosecution's motion in
limine covering the previous criminal matters. This is the entire sum of his argument on this issue. Simmons
simply asserts that the trial judge was in error and refers the Court to Newsome v. State, 629 So. 2d 611
(Miss. 1993), which addresses the admissibility of character evidence very generally. The referenced case
bears no relevance to the issue in question, and we find no error here.
¶90. Next, Simmons argues that many sustained hearsay objections made at trial by the prosecution were
erroneous. He cites no authority and gives no reasoning, but simply says that the trial court erred by
sustaining them. Failure to cite relevant authority obviates the appellate court's obligation to review such
issues. Williams v. State, 708 So. 2d 1358, 1362-63 (Miss.1998).
¶91. Citing M.R.E. 602 (no testimony from witness allowed with lack of personal knowledge), 701
(opinion testimony of a lay witness) and Terry v. State, 718 So. 2d 1115, 1122 (Miss. 1998), Simmons
argues that he should have been allowed to question Donald Taylor about Simmons's motives for using the
boat. It was denied as speculative. Simmons cites several other objections as well that were of the same
caliber. The Terry case holds that wide latitude should be afforded both sides in introducing evidence that
supports their theory of the case, be it a defense or a scenario of how the crime unfolded. Terry, 718 So.
2d at 1122.
¶92. The relevancy and admissibility of evidence are largely within the discretion of the trial court and this
Court should only reverse where it is clear that discretion has been abused. Burns v. State, 729 So. 2d
203, 218 (Miss. 1998). It is also well settled that error may not be predicated upon a ruling which admits
or excludes evidence unless a substantial right is affected by the ruling. Miss. Rules of Evid. 103(a).
Simmons failed to show what right, if any would be affected by any of those rulings.
XIV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN EXCLUDING A VIDEOTAPE OF THE
DEFENDANT MADE HOURS AFTER THE COMMISSION OF THE CRIMES IN
WHICH THE DEFENDANT DISCUSSES THE CRIMES AND EXHIBITS REMORSE
FOR HIS PART IN COMMITTING THEM.
¶93. Simmons next argues that the trial court erred in excluding from the jury a videotape that Simmons
made of himself shortly after the murder, decapitation, dismemberment of the body of Jeffery Wolfe and
throwing the pieces into a bayou in hopes that alligators would devour the evidence of the gruesome crime.
Simmons apparently sent the videotape to his ex-wife who in turn delivered it to his lawyer. We find that this
video is both irrelevant, as well as inadmissible, hearsay. If allowed, it would only have bolstered Simmons'
testimony had he elected to testify, or absolutely prohibited cross-examination if Simmons decided not to
testify. Simmons did not testify.
¶94. Before trial Simmons took the opposite view from his current position regarding the videotape, arguing
that it should not be disclosed to the State and that if required to produce it that the videotape could not be
used as evidence against Simmons because it was private communication protected by attorney-client
privilege. The trial court ruled the videotape had to be produced, but reserved ruling on the admissibility of
the tape until trial. Simmons filed an interlocutory appeal with this Court and we denied the petition. At trial,
the State moved to compel Simmons to produce the tape which the trial court granted. The State
subsequently moved to exclude the videotape and the trial court stated that he would consider and rule on
that issue if and when Simmons offered the videotape into evidence. Simmons' counsel apparently thought
that the State would introduce the videotape because of Simmons supposed admissions thereon. The State
did not offer the tape into evidence, but rather subsequently moved in limine to exclude it. The trial court
granted the motion subject to whether Simmons could lay a proper predicate for introducing the video
during his case-in-chief.
¶95. Simmons argues that the denial of the videotape as mitigation evidence prevented him from
demonstrating to the jury remorse for the crime. If allowed, however, Simmons would be enabled to end-
run the hearsay prohibition by use of a self-serving videotape which was inadmissible as a statement against
interest or for mental, emotional, or physical conditions then existing, because, such exception is applicable
only where a defendant is unavailable. M.R.E. 804(b)(3); M.R.E. 803(3). Simmons was present during trial
and elected not to testify, thus he cannot satisfy the exceptions. Under M.R.E. 402 the videotape is simply
not relevant and thus not admissible. In Clanton v. State, the Court noted that:
Clanton, pre-trial, vigorously opposed the statements being offered into evidence by the State, which
the court overruled. The State, however, at trial made no effort to offer either into evidence. Clanton
did not testify in his own behalf, and no witnesses were offered by the defense. Clanton did seek to
introduce the two statements.
Clanton, 539 So. 2d 1024, 1028 (Miss. 1989). In Clanton this Court held:
These statements were hearsay. Ordinarily, under pre-rules decisions, they would have been
inadmissible even if Clanton had testified, as an attempt to bolster his testimony. . . The mere fact that
the statements were in writing and would have been admissible had the State offered them, assuming
as the circuit judge held, they had been freely and voluntarily given, does not mean that Clanton had
the right to introduce them to bolster his defense. And, most especially is this true since Clanton did
not testify himself. . .
Id. The issue here is strikingly similar to Nicholson ex rel. Gollott v. State, 672 So. 2d 744, 754 (Miss.
1996), where this Court noted that, "Gollott wished to have the tape of his confession played at trial, to
show the extremely upset and remorseful demeanor he had, in an effort to show he did not intentionally kill
Diane, and that it was an accident." Id. This Court held that, "Our caselaw states that the defendant is
barred from introducing a statement made by the defendant immediately after the crime, if it is self-serving,
and if the State refuses to use any of it." See also, Tigner v. State, 478 So. 2d 293, 296 (Miss. 1985);
Jones v. State, 342 So. 2d 735, 736-37 (Miss. 1977). Additionally, in Shorter v. State, 257 So. 2d
236, 240 (Miss. 1972), this Court held that "[i]t is a general rule that declarations of a party in his own
favor are not admissible in his behalf." Further, in Wilson v. State, this Court stated:
A declaration made by a defendant in his own favor, unless part of the res gestae or of a confession
offered by the prosecution, is not admissible for the defense. A self-serving declaration is
excluded because there is nothing to guarantee its trustworthiness. If such evidence is
admissible, the door would be thrown open to obvious abuse: an accused could create
evidence for himself by making statements in his favor for subsequent use at his trial to
show his innocence.
Wilson, 451 So. 2d 718, 721 (Miss. 1984) (emphasis added).
¶96. Here, the State did not introduce the videotape, and the defendant, though present, did not testify. The
trial court correctly ruled that Simmons must comply with precedent and the rules of evidence, and lay a
proper predicate for the video to be admissible. He did not, and accordingly it was not admissible.
¶97. Besides, contrary to the view that the jury was prohibited from hearing that Simmons was remorseful,
in fact, Simmons presented the issue of his supposed remorse for the murder legitimately and properly
through the testimony of his friend, and State witness, Dennis Guess. The video, however, was self-serving
hearsay, irrelevant and properly disallowed by the trial court.
XV. THE PROSECUTOR ENGAGED IN MISCONDUCT REQUIRING REVERSAL.
¶98. This assignment of error is another where Simmons argues at least fifteen different subpoints under a
main heading of "prosecutorial misconduct." As the State notes in its brief, Simmons should be procedurally
barred from making many of these arguments because he failed to make a contemporaneous objection at
trial. Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613, 670 (Miss. 1997). This Court has held that the failure by defense
counsel to contemporaneously object to a prosecutor's remarks at trial bars consideration of prosecutorial
misconduct allegations on appeal. Davis v. State, 660 So. 2d 1228, 1255 (Miss. 1995). "In order to
make an appropriate assessment, the reviewing court must not only weigh the impact of the prosecutor's
remark, but must also take into account defense counsel's opening salvo." Edwards v. State, 737 So. 2d
275, 299 (quoting Booker v. State, 511 So. 2d 1329, 1331 (Miss.1987)). The State also cites Holland v.
State, 705 So. 2d 307, 345-49 (Miss. 1997), as authority that the prosecutor is entitled to make
inferences from the record and that all statements must be read in the context of the way they were
presented to the jury.
¶99. Simmons rests his argument upon several cases, including but not limited to Cabello v. State, 471 So.
2d 332, 346 (Miss. 1985) and United States v. Young, 470 U.S. 1, 8 n.6, 105 S. Ct. 1038, 1043 n.6,
84 L. Ed. 2d 1, 8 n. 6 (1985). However, these cases do not hold what Simmons argues they do. They
each address prosecutorial misconduct, but do not support reversal based upon similar statements made by
prosecutors in those instances. For example, Hickson v. State, 472 So. 2d 379, 384 (Miss. 1985) does
say that the prosecution should not be permitted to deflect the attention of the jury from the issues before it,
but the Court was referring to distractions akin to the prosecutions' presentation of the victim's "pickled
hands" sealed in a jar to the jury when they had not been offered into evidence nor received as an exhibit.
The situation in Hickson is very different than the one we are faced with today; comments made by the
prosecution about defense counsel's trial strategy.
¶100. The first allegation Simmons raises concerns the prosecutor's admonishment to Barton to "quit lying
to the jury" during defense counsel's closing arguments. The exchange went as follows:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: I want y'all to look at what the definition of what robbery is.
But I want to give you a definition. It's out of the dictionary.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: That's improper. He can't stand up and read a dictionary.
It's a definition according to the law, not Webster.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Judge, I'm not reading the definition of robbery. If I can
continue with my argument, I will clear it up.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Well, then quit lying to the jury.
BY THE COURT: Well, you said you were going to read the definition of robbery from Webster's
dictionary.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: No, sir. The definition of robbery is a jury instruction. And if
I misquoted that, I'm sorry.
It seems as though District Attorney Harkey was responding to defense counsel Barton's attempt to
introduce improper lay definitions of legal terms, and was done in a effort to rebut an argument proffered by
the defense. Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613, 673 (Miss. 1997). Simmons offers no analysis of the
statement and its prejudicial effect. No contemporaneous objection was made, so the State invokes the
procedural bar.
¶101. The second set of questionable statements surrounds Simmons's elusive expert, Dr. Ron Acton.
Defense counsel Barton was cross-examining the prosecution's DNA expert, Deborah Haller, and asked
the following question that elicited the objectionable comment by Assistant District Attorney Saucier:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Knowing that you were preparing to testify as a DNA
analyst in the Gary Simmons trial and knowing that [Assistant District Attorney] Ben Saucier had
called you and Dr. Acton had called you, what, please ma'am, prevented you from making a copy of
your file and giving it to Ben Saucier, myself, or Dr. Acton before yesterday morning?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Counsel knows the answer to that because
I wasn't getting in between two experts, one of whom I don't have any respect for. And I specifically
told this lawyer [Barton] that I wasn't dealing with Dr. Acton. I ran him out of this courtroom one time
about five years ago and I didn't want to have nothing else to do with him. He knows the answer. I
told him to have his pseudo-expert get in touch with my lady.
The two sides exchanged barbs during respective closing arguments, calling each other's experts "pseudo"
experts, while the State noted that Dr. Acton "won't even come into the courtroom."
¶102. As the State points out, no contemporaneous objection was made and raises the procedural bar.
Simmons offers no further argument other than it amounts to general "prosecutorial misconduct" to make
these statements.
¶103. Next, Simmons argues that District Attorney Harkey "launched a highly prejudicial attack" on Barton
in his closing arguments by saying:
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: . . . or hear from lawyers who ask questions with no
answers. From lawyers who speculate, who tell you [sic] speculate, who tell you a story as if he is
producing a movie - producing a movie or something. I have never heard an argument like I just heard
in court.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Excuse me. If I'm not allowed to attack them, then I would
offer the same objection and ask that he not be allowed to attack me, because that would be a
personal attack.
BY THE COURT: I think he is attacking your argument. You cannot attack personalties in regard to
counsel.
***
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Hello. Where are we? I thought I was in one trial. The
defense thought they were in another, and they heard all this other stuff.
This is what the defense finds objectionable. It seems clear that the prosecution is attacking the argument
and defense theory rather than Barton personally.
¶104. Simmons further argues that the prosecution prejudicially attacked him by asking Barton, "What rule
is that? Use the rule book counselor. Find that for me." when responding to Barton's assertion that certain
testimony should be allowed under a hearsay exception. The State raises its procedural bar again, as
Barton failed to make a contemporaneous objection alleging prosecutorial misconduct through personal
attacks.
¶105. Simmons also argues that it was prosecutorial misconduct for the prosecutor to ask Lori Simmons
whether or not Barton also served as her ex-husband's divorce attorney and to later refer to his client as a
"sociopath". Again, no argument is raised in support of this issue by Simmons; and again, the State raises the
procedural bar.
¶106. Simmons is also upset that the prosecution, during closing arguments, told the jury that Simmons
could not get a fair trial in front of twelve people in Jackson County. This comment, made in an effort to
express agreement with defense counsel, was in direct response to a similar comment made by defense
counsel during their closing argument:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: . . .and that's the reason you are here. Because we
could not get twelve people to sit in that jury who had not already predisposed his guilt.
***
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: And counsel opposite is right. We could not
get twelve people in this county because of the absolute horrible nature and how it impacted our
county.
Further, the State raises the procedural bar due to lack of a contemporaneous objection.
¶107. Simmons also argues that the prosecutor committed reversible conduct during the voir dire based
upon the following exchange with a potential juror. The question was whether anyone had a family member
that was a victim of a violent crime:
BY VENIRE MEMBER NUMBER 106: 106, Barbara Hannah. I did not put it on the form because
it happened years ago in 1979. It was my ex-husband's niece who was murdered during a rape.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Is there anything about that experience that would influence
you today? I mean, 1979, I'm not sure Mr. Simmons was in the State of Mississippi at that time.
Would there be anything about that that would influence you one way or the other?
The defense failed to raise a contemporaneous objection, thus the State raises the procedural bar. During
jury selection, she was excused for cause. Again, no argument in support is presented by the defense.
¶108. Simmons also alleges that the prosecutor commented on his decision not to testify. He cites Griffin
v. State, 557 So. 2d 542 (Miss. 1990), which said:
No person ... shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, ... U.S. Const.
Am. 5. See also, Miss.Code Ann. section 13-1-9 (1972); Griffin v. California, 380 U.S. 609, 85
S. Ct. 1229, 14 L. Ed. 2d 106 (1965). This constitutional right has been construed by this Court to
have been violated, not only when a direct statement is made by the prosecution as to the defendant's
not testifying, but also by a comment which could reasonably be construed by a jury as a comment on
the defendant's failure to testify.
Griffin, 557 So. 2d at 552. On this basis, Simmons argues that the following exchange amounts to
reversible error by the prosecution for making said improper reference. This colloquy occurred while
defense counsel was questioning Leaser:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: But did you know whether Gary Simmons knew that you
were going to be there?
BY BROOKE LEASER: I don't know. You would have to ask him.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: For all Gary Simmons knew -
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Excuse me, Judge. He gets an answer, the only answer this
witness can give. Now he wants to argue with the witness.
Simmons does not explain how this amounts to a comment by the prosecution on his failure to testify. Since
this comment came from the witness he was questioning and no contemporaneous objection was made, the
State again invokes the procedural bar.
¶109. Next, Simmons argues that the State improperly referred to matters outside the record. Counsel is
allowed considerable latitude in the argument of cases. Ivy v. State, 589 So. 2d 1263, 1266 (Miss. 1991)
(citing Craft v. State, 271 So. 2d 735, 737 (Miss.1973)). The boundaries are well established, limiting
counsel to the facts introduced in evidence, deductions and conclusions he may reasonably draw therefrom,
and the application of the law to the facts. Ivy, 589 So. 2d at 1266 (citing Davis v. State, 530 So. 2d 694,
701-02 (Miss.1988)). Simmons points to a reference the prosecution made that Leaser would have been
killed had she not escaped as improper. Simmons believes that nothing in the record points to him
expressing a desire, directly or indirectly, to kill Leaser.
¶110. The State argues that all of the evidence regarding his intentions to cover up the crime and his
statement to Dennis Guess that he regretted that Leaser got away serve as an evidentiary basis to draw the
inference that he planned to kill the only eyewitness. Leaser's testimony regarding the specifics of the rape
seem to indicate that Simmons contemplated killing her. She testified that she thought Simmons put a gun
against the back of her head and told her that her life depended upon how well she preformed sexually.
¶111. Simmons also argues that the prosecution went outside the boundaries of the evidence when they
noted that Simmons planned the killing rather than Milano and that Simmons was no longer allowed to see
his step-daughter. The State invokes the procedural bar on both of these issues. With regard to the
statements about Simmons's step-daughter, his ex-wife testified that she divorced him because of
"allegations" made against him by his step-daughter. The record does not reflect the prosecution or defense
making any reference to sexual impropriety. Obviously, the prosecution is allowed to comment on a
statement made by a witness.
¶112. As for the comment concerning the premeditated nature of the murder, Simmons' actions of taking his
butchering tools home from work for the weekend, an unusual move, and committing the act in his home
provides an adequate evidentiary basis for alleging that he planned the event. It is a question for the jury to
decide.
¶113. The defense also argues that Wolfe's pistol was found in his car. The pistol was never produced at
trial and the prosecution consistently argued that it was not found. Simmons doesn't attempt to state how
this is prosecutorial misconduct. The State never wavered from its proposition that if, in fact, there was a
gun, it was never recovered. Leaser testified that Wolfe told her he had one, but she also testified that she
never saw it. Again, the State invokes the procedural bar.
¶114. The defense also feels the prosecution was out of line when it said during the Motion for a New Trial,
that they possessed no evidence of Milano having a previous drug conviction. The trial court granted a
motion in limine suppressing all references to the previous criminal records of Wolfe and Milano.
Apparently, Milano had a conviction for the sale of narcotics in the State of Connecticut. Defense Counsel
Barton found out about this and wanted to use it at trial. Barton argues that because there was an actual
conviction that was on record as a proffer, the prosecutor misstated the evidence in the record. This Court
will not hold the prosecution in error for observing a court order.
¶115. Simmons also accuses the State of misstating the law regarding the correct presumption of innocence,
the standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the Enmund factors. The State raises its procedural
bar against all of these allegations of error. As to the comment regarding Simmons presumption of
innocence, Simmons objects to the following comment made by the prosecutor during voir dire:
Presumption of innocence goes along until the case is proved [sic] to the standard that's necessary
beyond a reasonable doubt. Do you understand that? And that's the law. And the burden is always
on the State of Mississippi to prove its case. But the Judge, by telling you that Mr. Simmons as he sits
here is presumed to be innocent is not making a judgment about Mr. Simmons. He is telling you what
the law is. Understand?
In reference to the "reasonable doubt" standard, the following is what Simmons objects to:
Beyond a reasonable doubt. That's the law. We agree with that. Right? Will you hold us to that
standard? Will you hold us to the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt and not hold the State of
Mississippi to beyond all possible conceivable imaginary doubt? To my way of thinking, that's a
different standard, a lot harder, lot higher. I'm splitting hairs with you.
Simmons's arguments about the sentencing instruction hinge on the prosecution's comments during closing
arguments of the sentencing hearing reviewing the sentencing instruction with the jury. It went as follows:
The first is that you have to find one of four things really. If you don't find any of them, go home; it's
over. That's the first bus stop. That Gary Carl Simmons actually killed Jeffery Wolfe. I will tell you
right now that's not out theory, never has been. He didn't pull a trigger. He didn't actually kill him. The
second one is that the Defendant, Gary Carl Simmons attempted to kill, Not our proof, not our
theory, you haven't found that. Nobody has argued that to you. So the first two are out that door. The
next two I think you can find. I think yo u have found them already. He has been found guilty of
capital murder. Killing during the commission of a robbery. Number 3, the defendant intended the
killing of Jeffery Wolfe to take place. That sounds reasonable. You have heard that before. That's
what y'all did by your first verdict. That's exactly what you did. You found that he was involved in the
killing, and it was for robbery and expungement of debt. You found that. The forth one is that he
contemplated lethal force would be used.
The Enmund factors to be considered are whether the jury makes a written finding of one or more of the
following: (a) the defendant actually killed; (b) the defendant attempted to kill; (c) the defendant intended
that a killing take place; (d) the defendant contemplated that lethal force would be employed. Enmund v.
Florida, 458 U.S. 782, 797-801, 102 S. Ct. 3368, 73 L. Ed. 2d 1140 (1982); Humphrey v. State, 759
So. 2d 368, 382 (Miss. 2000)(citing Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-101(7) (1994). These are precisely the
factors that the prosecution covered in that statement to the jury. Not one of the myriad allegations listed
above individually or cumulatively require reversal predicated upon prosecutorial misconduct in this case.
XVI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY SUBMITTING TO THE JURY THE
AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCE THAT THE DEFENDANT KNOWINGLY
CREATED A GREAT RISK TO MANY PERSONS.
¶116. Simmons argues that the trial judge erred when he submitted to the jury the aggravating circumstance
contained in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-101(5)(c)(6) that the defendant knowingly created a great risk to
many persons in killing Jeffery Wolfe. Simmons believes the trial judge was in error because there was
insufficient evidence proffered by the State to support either of the submitted theories alleged to have
created this "great risk."
¶117. Specifically, Simmons believes that the State failed to show who, other than Wolfe and possibly
Leaser, would have been at "great risk" when Timmy Milano discharged the weapon that night. Simmons
argues that "two" people do not constitute "many" people as the statute contemplates. He offers Jackson v.
State, 684 So. 2d 1213 (Miss. 1996) as an example. In Jackson, this Court affirmed the use of the
aggravator because four children were stabbed to death and one adult and two other children received life
threatening wounds. Jackson, 684 So. 2d at 1235. Use of this aggravating circumstance is not limited to
those crimes where very large numbers of individuals are at risk or those where the safety of others than the
intended few was jeopardized. Id. at 1235. The State argues that the procedural bar should apply.
However, Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-105(3)(b)(7) states that this Court must consider the sufficiency of the
evidence to support the aggravating circumstances.
¶118. Beyond this Simmons argues that, if he caused risk of harm to a great many people, it was not done
so knowingly. He cites Porter v. State, 732 So. 2d 899, 905 (Miss. 1999) (rev'd on other grounds).
Porter was hired to shoot and kill a man. He did so and then fled the scene. Simmons cites Porter for the
proposition that, although reversed on other grounds, the Court instructed the lower court on remand not to
give this aggravating factor again because there was little chance that someone ot her than the intended
victim would have been harmed.
¶119. The State argues that Milano's repeated firing of the rifle in a residential neighborhood suffices as
knowingly creating a risk of death to many people. As best as one can glean from the record, Milano and
Wolfe were the only two people in the room when the killing occurred. While it is undeniably dangerous to
fire a weapon inside of an occupied house, we are unsure that if upon doing so, you have knowingly created
a great risk of death to many people. This Court would have to conclude that Wolfe, Leaser, and Simmons
together constitute "many" people for purposes of the statutory language. We decline the opportunity to do
so here.
¶120. Additionally, the State argues that placing body parts, fluids and other vestiges of human remains in
community waters, as Simmons did, also creates a risk of harm to many people; we agree. Simmons
contaminated the recreational waters of the residential neighborhood with Wolfe's remains, much of which
was not recovered by police. These actions were intended to attract alligators and other similar creatures in
an effort to use what nature had to offer to dispose of the evidence. Adjoining landowners and other water
enthusiasts were subjected to this inherent danger as a direct result of Simmons' actions. In addition, all of
those residents who used that water as it carried the solid and liquid remains of Wolfe through tributaries
into the Gulf of Mexico were subjected to this toxic mixture as well.
¶121. Simmons also claims that the use of this aggravator is unconstitutionally vague. This Court has held
that Mississippi's capital sentencing scheme, as a whole, is constitutional. Puckett v. State, 737 So. 2d
322, 363 (Miss. 1999). Thus, this claim is meritless.
¶122. We find that the evidence regarding Simmons' disposal of Wolfe's remains into the bayou constituted
a knowingly creating a great risk to many people. There is no reversible error here.
XVII. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED NUMEROUS REVERSIBLE ERRORS IN
ITS RULINGS DURING THE SENTENCING PHASE OF THE TRIAL.
¶123. Simmons argues that the trial court committed numerous errors at the sentencing phase of the trial.
Simmons believes that the trial court disallowed mitigation evidence that would have helped him avoid
receiving the death penalty. This Court has held that the jury must have as much information as possible
when it makes its sentencing decision. Mackbee v. State, 575 So. 2d 16, 39 (Miss. 1990). Mississippi
allows evidence of a mitigating circumstance of an unlimited nature. Mackbee, 575 So. 2d at 39.
¶124. Simmons argues that the limitations placed on the following exchanges between his ex-wife and
counsel constitute reversible error on the trial court's part:
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Lori, do you know what might have caused the events
leading up to what happened on August the 13, 1996?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: To that I'm going to have to object. That's
just too much speculation. We have tried to be as reserved on objections as we possible can.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: When you heard that Gary had been charged with this crime,
did you believe that this was the same Gary that you had been married to all those years?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: That's been asked and answered, Your
Honor, earlier on when he asked her virtually the same question.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Does he [Simmons] love [his daughters] Heather and
Felicia?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. Calls for
speculation.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Lori, would you like to see that type of continuing
relationship, as bad as it may be, exist between you, Felicia, Heather and Gary?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. That's impact on
family members. We object to it.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: But you still would like the father of your children-
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. That's an impact
question.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
Simmons argues that the answers to these statements were admissible under M.R.E. 401, 403, 602, 608,
701 and the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
¶125. Those responsible for sentencing the defendant should not be precluded from considering, as a
mitigating factor, any aspect of the defendant's character or record and any of the circumstances of the
offense that the defendant proffers as a basis for a sentence less than death. Wilcher v. State, 697 So. 2d
1087, 1103 (Miss. 1997) (citing Eddings v. Oklahoma, 455 U.S. 104, 110 (1982)). The rule expressed
in Eddings "does not limit the trial court's power to exclude from the sentencing phase as irrelevant,
evidence not bearing on the defendant's character or prior record, or the circumstances of the offense."
Wilcher, 697 So. 2d at 1103 (citing Cole v. State, 525 So. 2d 365, 371 (Miss.1987)). "[I]t is clear that the
evidence must be relevant to one or more of those factors." Id. at 1103.
¶126. Lori Simmons was not prohibited from fully testifying to crucial evidence during the sentencing phase.
She had already been asked about and answered some of these exact questions, and subsequently
discussed much of the very subject matter of the initially prohibited answers. She was allowed to testify that
Gary was "the hardest working man" she knew. Regarding the crime of August 13, 1996, Lori had already
testified that, "I didn't believe it. I thought someone was calling me and playing a prank at work actually."
Subsequently, Lori did testify that she loved Simmons and that Simmons loved and was a good father to his
children, in fact that his "greatest joy in life" was his daughters . Although the trial judge may have initially
erred in sustaining the State's objections to several questions posed to Lori, in fact, subsequently, she was
allowed to respond and fully explore the issues posed by the previous denied questions. This Court will only
reverse where the trial court has abused its discretion. Burns v. State, 729 So. 2d 203, 218 (Miss. 1998)
(quoting Hentz v. State, 542 So. 2d 914, 917 (Miss. 1989). Nor was there any prejudice or injury to any
substantial right since Lori ultimately testified regarding issues upon which she was initially precluded from
testifying. M.R.E. 103(a). Error here was cured, thus harmless.
¶127. Additionally, Simmons argues that the trial court should have granted his motion for a cooling off
period after the verdict was rendered before having the jury consider sentencing. In a similar situation we
have stated:
The jury brought the guilty verdict in at 12:46 p.m., and the judge allowed a 15 minute recess before
beginning the sentencing phase of the trial. The judge, in denying the motion, noted that it was the
middle of the day, the jury had already eaten lunch, and he did not see any reason for a cooling off
period. Mississippi's statutory scheme concerning the guilt and sentencing phases of a capital murder
trial provides only that "[t]he proceeding shall be conducted by the trial judge before the trial jury as
soon as practicable." Miss.Code Ann. § 99-19-101(1) (1994). Ordinarily, trial judges have broad
discretion in determining how long trials last on any given day. In utilizing this discretion, trial judges
should keep in mind the mental and physical toll that litigation takes on the lawyers involved and the
defendant's right to effective assistance of counsel.
McGilberry v. State, 741 So. 2d 894, 919 (Miss. 1999) (citations omitted). The situation in McGilberry
is almost identical to this case. The defense noted that it was Labor Day weekend and one juror had a paid
vacation he was waiting to embark upon. The defense wanted to wait until the following Tuesday to
conduct sentencing, but the trial judge said that after questioning the juror during voir dire, he didn't think
that the vacation meant that much to him. The motion was made by 1:00 p.m. on a Friday afternoon and
defense counsel offered no other reason for the requested six-hour cooling off period or, in the alternative,
the entire weekend, besides letting the jurors "collect their thoughts" to avoid any "inflamed, impassioned, or
prejudiced" thoughts lingering from the verdict deliberations. The State objected and the trial judge saw no
evidence of inflamed passions or prejudice among the jurors. The trial judge, in his discretion, determined
that it was proper to go forward. The defense has done nothing to show that this was improper or an abuse
of discretion.
XVIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY GRANTING MANY OF THE
PROSECUTION'S INSTRUCTIONS DURING THE SENTENCING PHASE OF THE
TRIAL.
¶128. The State argues that this allegation of error should be procedurally barred. The record reflects that
the sentencing instructions were given by agreement and without objection. Simmons now asserts that the
trial court committed reversible error in ruling on the instructions for the sentencing phase (8). Simmons
specifically alleges that the trial court submitted the "non-existent statutory aggravator" that the capital
offense was committed for pecuniary gain during the commission of a robbery. He alleges that Miss. Code
Ann. § 99-19-103 contains no such language and pursuant to Hunter v. State, 684 So. 2d 625 (Miss.
1996) this Court should reverse because it is fundamental error for the trial court to fail to properly instruct
the jury with regard to the law. The State points this Court to language in Turner v. State, which quotes
Jenkins v. State, 607 So. 2d 1171, 1182 (Miss.1992), rejecting this argument because the use of
robbery and pecuniary gain aggravators were, in essence, just one. Turner v. State, 732 So. 2d 937, 955
(Miss. 1999).
¶129. Similarly, Simmons argues that the trial court erred in instructing the jurors that they were to "consider
the detailed circumstances of the offense" citing Leatherwood v. State, 539 So. 2d 1378, 1383 (Miss
1989) as support for the proposition that a sentencing jury is limited to the enumerated aggravating
circumstances and the mitigating circumstances offered by the defendant. Again, the State points to Turner,
which held that the language "you may objectively consider the detailed circumstances of the offense for
which the defendant was convicted" in the sentencing instruction is not error, but is recognized by this Court
as proper. Turner, 732 So. 2d at 953.
¶130. Simmons points out error on the trial court's part that resulted from giving the jurors a "catch-all"
mitigator, alleging that the jurors "could and would" have interpreted the instructions to read that they had
discretion in deciding what was and was not a mitigating circumstance. The State refers this Court to a case
involving identical arguments where we held that the language at issue did not authorize the jury to ignore
non-statutory elements of mitigation, but rather instructed them that they might consider additional mitigating
evidence. Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613, 694 (Miss. 1998). It is therefore in conformity with Miss. Code
Ann. § 99-19-101(1), which states that any relevant mitigating evidence introduced on behalf of the
defendant may be considered by the jury. Evans, 725 So. 2d at 694. This Court has approved instructions
containing this language and note that catch-all language regarding mitigating factors should be employed in
every case. Id. at 694.
¶131. Simmons makes this same argument with regard to a jury instruction that he believes the jurors could
and would have read as saying they could only consider a mitigating circumstance if they agreed
unanimously. Again, this argument has been rejected by this Court. See Williams v. State, 684 So. 2d
1179, 1201(Miss. 1996) (holding that instruction that used the word"unanimous" in regard to aggravating
circumstances, but not in regard to mitigating circumstances, is not error).
¶132. Simmons posits the argument that the jurors could and would have read the instructions as requiring
that once one aggravating circumstance was found to exist, then the burden shifted to the defense to
demonstrate that the death penalty should not be imposed. The language in Williams prevents this
interpretation. Every mandatory element of proof is assigned to the prosecution. Neither the burden of
production nor the burden of proof ever shifts to the defendant. Williams, 684 So. 2d at 1202.
¶133. In the alternative, Simmons argues that the instructions failed to require the prosecution to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating circumstances were sufficient to impose the death penalty,
that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances, and that the defendant should
suffer death. The State argues that they were not required to prove that aggravating circumstances
outweighed mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt as that would be contrary to established
case law. Edwards v. State, 737 So. 2d 275, 314 (Miss. 1999)(holding that the majority rule of this Court
is that the jurors are required to find the existence of each aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable
doubt, but the jury is not required to find that the aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt
outweigh the mitigating circumstances following the statute.).
¶134. Simmons also claims that he is entitled to have an instruction that the jury must find beyond a
reasonable doubt that the death penalty is the appropriate penalty. This Court addressed this argument in
Wiliams and said "[t]he Mississippi statutory scheme does not require this finding." Williams, 684 So. 2d
1202. None of the arguments asserted by Simmons under this issue, singly or cumulatively, require reversal.
XIX. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY REQUIRING THE DEFENSE TO EXERCISE
SOME OF ITS PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES PRIOR TO THE PROSECUTION
TENDERING TWELVE ACCEPTED JURORS.
¶135. Simmons argues that the trial court erred by requiring "the defendant to exercise his seventh, eighth,
and ninth peremptory challenges on jurors who had never been tendered to the prosecution for acceptance
or peremptory challenge." After a careful review of the record, no evidentiary support for this argument can
be found. The only segment of the record that closely resembles this accusation is reproduced below in the
following exchange:
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: We should have used six challenges and
now tender twelve.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: That's what I have got.
BY THE COURT: That's what I have got.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: We would strike number two. We will tender number five,
strike number eleven. That's defense second strike. Strike number fourteen, . . . exercise D-8 strike
on number forty-four, D-9 strike on number forty-five, tender number forty-seven. That's twelve
jurors through forty seven.
The State exercised six peremptory challenges and tendered twelve potential jurors. The defense then
exercised six peremptory challenges and accepted six. Defense counsel then proceeded to strike three
jurors , accept six jurors, and tender the panel of twelve to the prosecution. Immediately thereafter, the
State used four more strikes. At no point did the defense interpose an objection, thus the State raises it's
procedural bar.
¶136. Simmons relies on Miss. Code Ann. § 99-17-3(9) to support his argument. This Court has mandated
that the failure to abide by the statute is reversible error. Peters v. State, 314 So. 2d 724 (Miss.1975);
Gammons v. State, 85 Miss. 103, 37 So. 609 (1905); State v. Mitchel, 70 Miss. 398, 12 So. 710
(1893).
¶137. Peremptory challenges are not of constitutional dimension. They are a means to achieve the end of an
impartial jury. So long as the jury that sits is impartial, the fact that the defendant had to use a peremptory
challenge to achieve that result does not mean the Sixth Amendment was violated. Fleming v. State, 732
So. 2d 172, 181 (Miss. 1999)(citing Ross v. Oklahoma, 487 U.S. 81, 88 (1988)). The State also cites
Miss. Code Ann. § 13-5-87 (1972) which states that "[a]ll the provisions of law in relation to the listing,
drawing, summoning and impaneling juries are directory merely, and a jury listed, drawn, summoned or
impaneled, though in an informal or irregular manner, shall be deemed a legal jury after it shall have been
impaneled and sworn, and it shall have the power to perform all the duties devolving on the jury."
¶138. Simmons still had a peremptory challenge to use after all sides agreed on the jury. No objection was
made, and a panel of twelve was submitted to the defendant at the beginning of the exchange. This argument
is without merit.
XX. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN THE PROCEDURE IT USED IN SELECTING
THE COUNTY FOR THE CHANGE OF VENUE.
¶139. The defense argues that the trial court erred in when it allowed the prosecution to "determine which
county venue was changed to upon proper application by the defendant for a change of venue." Simmons
argues that the trial judge based his decision "solely on the prosecutor's directive." The record belies this
assertion.
¶140. Mississippi law recognizes that the granting of a change in venue is a matter largely within the
discretion of the trial court. Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613, 646 (Miss. 1997). The decision to change
venue, although left to the sound discretion of the trial judge, is not one involving unfettered discretion.
Evans, 725 So. 2d at 646.
¶141. The trial court arrived at the decision to change venue in the following manner:
BY THE COURT: Does either side have any suggestions in regard to the site to change this venue to?
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: We are still in the preliminary stages of getting some
research on that matter, Your Honor, and trying to reach a decision. Offhand, we would hope for a
county in northern Mississippi if at all possible.
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Your Honor, I look at Interstate 20 as a
good area because it is outside the normal publishing area . . . And I would submit to the Court that
probably Lauderdale or Rankin County would be more suitable as a trial site just for the purposes of
having a municipal area.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: Specifically, Your Honor, we would oppose Rankin
County. We would request Lafayette, possibly Granada [sic] County, Montgomery County in North
Mississippi.
BY THE COURT: How about Lauderdale County?
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: I'm not prepared to comment on that at this point,
Your Honor.
BY THE COURT: I don't know what facilities Granada [sic] County has. Are you familiar with
theirs?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: I am. I'm not satisfied with Granada [sic].
And the distance, also, Your Honor, is adding another hundred miles plus above Jackson. I think
once you reach I-20 I can't imagine that there would be any publicity of this at all that would possibly
taint any jury. The makeup of Lauderdale County I do know is very similar to the makeup of Jackson
County as far as populations and races of population. . . . ample courthouse space, ample facilities.
BY THE COURT: The court will grant a change of venue, and we will change the venue to
Lauderdale County.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: To Lauderdale?
BY THE COURT: Lauderdale.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL CUNNINGHAM: All right, sir.
Thus, the record reflects that the trial judge considered the racial makeup of the counties, the courthouse
space, and other factors before making his decision. Simply because the trial judge selected one of the
counties offered by the State does not qualify the decision as reversible error due to the trial judge's wide
latitude of discretion in rendering those types of decisions. Further, Simmons raised no objection. This issue
is procedurally barred, and we further find it to be meritless.
XXI. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED NUMEROUS REVERSIBLE ERRORS
DURING THE "DEATH/LIFE" QUALIFICATION COMPONENT OF VOIR DIRE.
¶142. Simmons argues that the trial court erred by granting the State's cause for challenge of potential juror
Paula Evans. Additionally, Simmons believes that the trial court erred by denying defense counsel's
challenges for cause regarding jurors Price, Hart, Null, Schanrock, Haynes, Robertson, and Johnson.
¶143. With regard to Paula Evans, the thrust of her testimony is that, when asked by the prosecution if she
could set aside her personal beliefs against the death penalty, she continually responded by saying that she
"would try" her best to do so or that she thought she could do it. This Court has held that a prospective
juror who indicates that he or she would "try" to follow the court's instruction is not enough. Billiot v.
State, 454 So. 2d 445, 457 (Miss. 1984).
¶144. Simmons's complaint against the other seven jurors is questionable at best. The record reflects that
Simmons did not use all of his peremptory challenges. The record further reflects that none of the contested
jurors served on the actual jury panel. The State believes that Simmons argument should fall under the
weight of the following authority:
The law afforded Hansen twelve peremptory challenges. Miss.Code Ann. § 99-17-3 (1972). He
exercised but seven--three being used on jurors Woodward, Adams and Conduit. Our settled rule
requires that, before an appellant may challenge a trial court's refusal to excuse a juror for cause, he
must show that he utilized all of his peremptory challenges. See, e.g., Berry v. State, 575 So. 2d 1, 9
(Miss.1990); Chisolm v. State, 529 So. 2d 635, 639 (Miss.1988); Johnson v. State, 512 So. 2d
1246, 1255 (Miss.1987); Billiot v. State, 454 So. 2d, 445, 457 (Miss.1984). The reason for the
rule is that the appellant has the power to cure substantially any error so long as he has remaining
unused peremptory challenges. We would put the integrity of the trial process at risk were we to
allow a litigant to refrain from using his peremptory challenges and, suffering an adverse verdict at trial,
secure reversal on appeal on grounds that the Circuit Court did not do what appellant wholly had
power to do.
Hansen v. State, 592 So. 2d 114, 129 (Miss. 1991). Further, each juror testified that they could put aside
their personal views about the death penalty and follow the law in regard to Simmons' case. It appears that,
by this admission, they rehabilitated themselves. This language of "putting aside" personal beliefs was
approved in the following passage of Leatherwood v. State:
The two veniremen, Robert Nations and Mary Garrett, indicated that they had strong views in favor
of the death penalty. After the court overruled appellant's challenge to the jurors, appellant used two
of his peremptory challenges to strike them. We have carefully considered the questions propounded
to and responses of Nations and Garrett and are of the opinion that the trial court's ruling was in full
compliance with Witherspoon v. Illinois, 391 U.S. 510, 88 S. Ct. 1770, 20 L. Ed. 2d 776 (1968).
When questioned by counsel both jurors said that they could put aside their personal feelings, follow
the law and instructions of the court and return a verdict based solely upon the law and the evidence
and not vote for the death penalty unless the evidence warranted it.
Leatherwood v. State, 435 So. 2d 645, 654 (Miss. 1983). The trial court cannot be said to have erred
by following this language.
¶145. Simmons also contends that the trial judge erred by conducting an individualized voir dire of the
jurors who were in favor of the death penalty. This Court has said that voir dire "is conducted under the
supervision of the court, and a great deal must, of necessity, be left to its sound discretion." Ballenger v.
State, 667 So. 2d 1242, 1250 (Miss. 1996). This Court has directed the trial court to take a substantial
role in conducting Witherspoon voir dire of potential jurors in capital cases. Ballenger, 667 So. 2d at
1250. There is no error here.
XXII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE PROSECUTION TO OBTAIN
A PROMISE FROM PROSPECTIVE JURORS TO RETURN A SPECIFIC VERDICT
UNDER A SPECIFIC SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
¶146. Simmons argues that the trial court erred by allowing the prosecution to obtain pledges from jurors to
convict him of rape and sentence him to death. Simmons alleges that the prosecution was inappropriately
allowed to pose questions to prospective jurors concerning how they would act if presented with a certain
set of hypothetical circumstances, which he believes resembled those of the case at hand. The allegations
are based upon a series of questions concerning the jurors' willingness to impose the death penalty for
various crimes and convict for rape without evidence of the utmost resistance. The first line of questioning
went as follows:
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: . . . [O]f the ones who responded that you can make that
consideration that the law requires you to make, before imposing a penalty of death would you
require a multiple killing, a killing of more than one person?
BY THE JURORS: No.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Anybody fell that way?
BY THE JURORS: No.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Anybody fell that before I can impose the death penalty I
need to know that we have a fellow with a lot of crimes, he has been in a lot of trouble?
BY THE JURORS: No.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: What you are telling me basically is that you can consider
the death penalty for one homicide.
BY THE JURORS: Yes.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Can you do that?
BY THE JURORS: Yes.
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: For one killing. Can you do it?
BY THE JURORS: Nod (in the affirmative).
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: Anybody feel that regardless of what other aggravating
circumstances are presented, if he didn't kill more than one person, or if he wasn't in trouble with the
law I don't think I can impose a death penalty? See how it gets a little bit more information? You
follow me? See what I'm saying? You get more information. I want to know right now if it would
affect you one way or the other. Would it, anybody?
BY SOME JURORS: No.
Simmons also disapproves of the following question:
BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY HARKEY: With respect to the rape case, would the evidence for you
to find somebody guilty of committing rape, would you require the State of Mississippi to prove or
require that a victim come in here and say that she resisted until she was beaten to a bloody pulp and
seriously injured before you could find someone guilty? We are talking about forcible rape here. I
believe force is an element that we are going to have to prove. But would you require a victim resist
until she is unconscious, fight and struggle dealing against overwhelming odds?
¶147. The defense asserts that these questions, along with questions posed to a particular prospective juror,
violate Mississippi's rule against eliciting promises from jurors that they will return a specific verdict under
certain circumstances. Miss. U.R.C.C.C. 3.05. Simmons relies heavily upon Holland v. State, in which
counsel for the defense was restricted from asking whether prospective jurors would automatically rule out
alcohol as a mitigating factor. Holland v. State, 705 So. 2d 307, 338-39 (Miss. 1997). "It is reversible
error to ask a juror during voir dire to commit to returning a particular verdict." Stringer v. State, 500 So.
2d 928, 938 (Miss. 1986).
¶148. The State points out that Simmons failed to contemporaneously object to any of the questions it now
lists as error. In Edwards v. State, this Court held that the failure to object during voir dire barred the issue
from being raised on appeal. Edwards v. State, 737 So. 2d 275, 308 (Miss. 1999).
¶149. The prosecution's questions do not elicit the jurors to commit to a particular verdict. In order for
there to be per se error, the questions must be a direct request for a promise for a specific verdict.
Stringer, 500 So. 2d at 938. Since we do not have such a request in the case at bar, our review is based
upon the familiar abuse of discretion standard, and we find nothing in the record to indicate any such abuse.
Edwards, 737 So. 2d at 308.
XXIII. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY LIMITING THE VENIRE IN LAUDERDALE
COUNTY.
¶150. Simmons next contends that the trial court erred by limiting the venire to: (1) qualified electors of
Lauderdale County or resident freeholders for more than one year; (2) persons over the age of 21, and (3)
persons who could read and write. Simmons argues that his rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth
Amendments were violated as well as those under Article 3, Sections 14 and 26 of the Mississippi
Constitution by so limiting the venire. Simmons's contention is that properly qualified citizens were denied
their right to participate actively in government, which cannot be allowed. Powers v. Ohio, 499 U.S. 400,
111 S. Ct. 1364, 1369, 113 L. Ed 2d 411 (1991). Simmons extends the argument, originally concerning
racial discrimination, to cover property ownership, age, and literacy citing cases not directly dealing with the
right to be on a jury. Quinn v. Millsap, 491 U.S. 95, 109 S. Ct. 2324, 105 L. Ed. 2d 74 (1989); Turner
v. Fouche, 396 U.S. 346, 90 S. Ct. 532, 24 L. Ed. 2d 567 (1970). In addition, Simmons asserts that his
right to a fair and impartial jury drawn from a cross section of the community was denied him by the venire
limitations. However, Mississippi case law holds the contrary; in fact, restrictions such as these have
specifically been upheld by this Court. Chase v. State, 645 So. 2d 829, 844-45 (Miss. 1994);Turner v.
State,573 So. 2d 657, 666 (Miss. 1990); Irving v. State, 498 So. 2d 305, 319 (Miss. 1986);
Leatherwood v. State, 435 So. 2d 645, 654 (Miss. 1983); Edwards, 737 So. 2d at 319; Wilson v.
State, 574 So. 2d 1324, 1331 (Miss. 1990).
¶151. Simmons's argument is further weakened by the fact that although the trial judge referred to them, no
members of the venire were excluded based upon the three criteria. Therefore, the venire was not "limited"
by the trial judge.
¶152. In addition, Simmons again failed to raise a contemporaneous objection to the use of the
aforementioned criteria and is thus procedurally barred from asserting the claim on appeal. Williams v.
State, 684 So. 2d 1179, 1203 (Miss. 1996).
XXIV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING THE SELECTED JURORS TO
RETURN HOME AND PACK CLOTHING FOR THE WEEK BEFORE BEING
SEQUESTERED.
¶153. Simmons contends that the trial court erred in allowing the jurors to go home and pack clothes for the
week of trial without being sequestered. The defense further alleges that this act was in violation of
procedural rules which state, "in any case where the state seeks to impose the death penalty, the jury shall
be sequestered during the entire trial." Miss. U.R.C.C.C. 10.02. The principle of this rule is to insure a fair
and impartial jury that will return a verdict beyond reproach.
¶154. The State first points out that Simmons did not object at the time of the decision which normally acts
as a procedural bar. However, Simmons counters that requiring sequestration of a jury cannot be waived.
Wilson v. State, 248 So. 2d 802, 805 (Miss. 1971).
¶155. With or without the procedural bar, Simmons argument fails under the recent case of Watts v. State,
733 So. 2d 214, 242-44 (Miss. 1999). Just as in the case at hand, the jury in Watts was allowed to go
home to pack, but were admonished with special instructions. Watts, 733 So. 2d at 242. Although this
Court stated that a better procedure would have involved the potential jurors bringing clothing with them
before final selection, allowing the jurors to quickly go home "does not warrant reversal of the entire case."
Id. at 244. In fact, the preferred procedure was unavailable to Judge Jones in the present case because jury
selection began and ended in a single day. This allegation of error lacks merit without proof that one or
more of the jurors disobeyed the judge's instructions.
XXV. THE DEFENDANT HAS BEEN DENIED HIS RIGHT TO A MEANINGFUL
APPEAL.
¶156. Simmons alleges that there are substantial omissions in the record that deny him the right to a
meaningful appeal. Defense counsel lists as missing the following items: transcriptions of the bench
conferences, sentencing phase instructions, and guilt/innocence phase jury instructions. The assertion is that
the absence of these items leads to an incomplete record which, in turn, means there cannot be a truly
meaningful review on appeal.
¶157. Simmons did not follow the proper procedure for correcting omissions in the record as set out in the
Mississippi Rules. M.R.A.P. 10(c). The Watts case indicates that the failure to do so acts as a procedural
bar to raising the issue on appeal. Watts v. State, 717 So. 2d 314, 317 (Miss. 1998).
¶158. The argument that the absence of the bench conference transcripts hurts the defense's case on appeal
is meritless. Defense counsel failed to object to the lack of transcriptions at the time; thus, he is procedurally
barred from raising the issue on appeal. Burns v. State, 729 So. 2d 203, 212 (Miss. 1998) ("It is in poor
grace for counsel to participate without objection in unrecorded bench conferences and complain for the
first time on appeal.") (quoting Thorson v. State, 653 So. 2d 876, 895 (Miss. 1994)).
¶159. The absence of the jury instructions is a more difficult situation. A true copy of said instructions is
missing; however, affidavits and copies of transcripts of the instructions being read are included within the
record. Thus, it is difficult to ascertain exactly what effect the inclusion of copies would have achieved. The
record is sufficient to analyze all of the issues and properly review the case. Thus, this issue is procedurally
barred, and bar notwithstanding, lacks merit.
XXVI. MISSISSIPPI'S CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SCHEME IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
AND THE IMPOSITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THIS CASE IS
DISPROPORTIONATE.
¶160. The crux of Simmons's disproportionality argument is that Milano, the "trigger man", received only a
life sentence while Simmons has been sentenced to die. Simmons supports this claim by pointing out that the
jury did not find that he killed or attempted to kill anyone and that non-triggermen rarely receive the death
penalty, although he fails to cite similar cases. The State, however, points out that the jury did find that
Simmons intended Wolfe's death and contemplated that lethal force would be employed. In Doss v. State,
709 So. 2d 369, 400 (Miss. 1996), this Court held that, where a jury finds that the defendant intended the
killing and contemplated that lethal force would be used, the death penalty is not disproportionate for a non-
triggerman. In addition, this Court on several other occasions has ruled the death penalty was not
disproportionate for those whom did not do the actual killing:
This Court has affirmed death sentences where the appellants were not the actual killers. In Stringer
v. State, 454 So. 2d 468 (Miss. 1984), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 1230, 105 S. Ct. 1231, 84 L. Ed. 2d
368 (1985), Stringer, while not the actual triggerman, "was the instigator, the planner, the master-
mind, and the one who directed the entire occurrence. According to the testimony of the two
participants, the attempted armed robbery and the killing would not have occurred had it not been for
appellant." Stringer, 454 So. 2d at 479. In Leatherwood v. State, 435 So. 2d 645 (Miss. 1983),
this Court affirmed Leatherwood's sentence of death although he did not do the actual killing. More
recently in Ballenger v. State, 667 So. 2d 1242 (Miss. 1995), the jury's sentence of death was
unanimously affirmed by this Court even though Ballenger was not even present when the actual
robbery and beating that resulted in the victim's death took place. In affirming, the Court held, "like
Stringer and Leatherwood, [Ballenger] instigated and planned the robbery of Ellis. Her actions
secured others to kill." Id. at 1268.
Smith v. State, 724 So. 2d 280, 304 (Miss. 1998). Under this authority and those in the attached
Appendix, Simmons's sentence is not disproportionate even though he was not the person who actually shot
and killed Wolfe. There is ample evidence to show that he did have an active role in planning and
participating in the robbery and murder.
¶161. Simmons next contends that Mississippi's capital punishment scheme is unconstitutional as applied to
him. The defense contends that the capital punishment scheme does not allow the jury to consider the fact
that Simmons did not kill or attempt to kill Wolfe as a mitigating factor. However, case law states the
contrary. Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613, 684 (Miss. 1997).
¶162. Defense counsel's next argument is that the capital punishment scheme is unconstitutional on its face.
As support, Simmons points out that premeditated murders are treated with more deference than a simple
felony murderer making the scheme a form of disproportionate punishment. Also, the defense says that
allowing the underlying felony to also be considered as an aggravating circumstance violates the Eighth
Amendment and Section 28 of the Mississippi Constitution. However, this Court has held exactly the
opposite:
We have previously rejected this argument. See Ladner v. State, 584 So. 2d 743, 762 (Miss.1991);
Minnick v. State, 551 So. 2d 77, 96-7 (Miss.1988), rev'd on other grounds, 498 U.S. 146, 111
S. Ct. 486, 112 L. Ed. 2d 489 (1990). Ladner and Minnick expressly rejected the stacking argument
based on the United States Supreme Court ruling in Lowenfield v. Phelps, 484 U.S. 231, 108 S. Ct.
546, 98 L. Ed. 2d 568 (1988). The Minnick Court stated that Lowenfield "held that the fact that the
sole aggravating circumstance found by the jury in its penalty decision was identical to an element of
the underlying offense did not violate the Eighth Amendment." Minnick, 551 So. 2d at 97.
Bell v. State, 725 So. 2d 836, 859 (Miss. 1998). Accordingly, the lower court will not be held in error on
this issue.
XXVII. THE ERRORS TAKEN TOGETHER IN THIS CASE WARRANT REVERSAL.
¶163. Simmons's final assertion of error is that each of the above enumerated errors, when taken together,
warrant reversal as cumulative error. Simmons cites Hickson v. State, as authority for this proposition
when this Court held that reversal was warranted by their perception of a combined prejudicial impact of
two actions taken by the State that substantially compromised Hickson's right to a fair trial. Hickson v.
State, 472 So. 2d 379, 385 (Miss. 1985).
¶164. The State counters with a quote from Doss v. State, which reads "[w]here there is no reversible
error in any part, .... there is no reversible error to the whole." Doss v. State, 709 So. 2d 369, 401(Miss.
1997). Additionally, this Court has held that a murder conviction or a death sentence will not warrant
reversal where the cumulative effect of alleged errors, if any, was procedurally barred. Doss, 709 So. 2d at
401. Cumulatively, these errors do not warrant reversal.
CONCLUSION
¶165. The trial court committed no reversible error in its rulings below. Therefore, we affirm the conviction
of Gary Carl Simmons of capital murder, rape and kidnaping, and the accompanying sentences of death and
two terms of life imprisonment.
¶166. COUNT I: CONVICTION OF CAPITAL MURDER AND SENTENCE OF DEATH BY
LETHAL INJECTION AFFIRMED.
COUNT II: CONVICTION OF KIDNAPING AND SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT
IN THE CUSTODY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
AFFIRMED.
COUNT III: CONVICTION OF RAPE AND SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN THE
CUSTODY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AFFIRMED.
PITTMAN, C.J., WALLER, COBB, EASLEY AND CARLSON, JJ., CONCUR. McRAE,
P.J., CONCURS IN PART. DIAZ, J., CONCURS IN PART AND DISSENTS IN PART
WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION JOINED BY McRAE, P.J., AND GRAVES, J.
DIAZ, JUSTICE, CONCURRING IN PART AND DISSENTING IN PART:
¶167. At the outset, I would like to make clear that I agree with the majority's decision to affirm Simmons's
conviction and the trial court's findings at the guilt phase of the trial. However, I believe the trial court
committed reversible error when it refused to allow the video tape into evidence at the sentencing hearing as
a mitigating factor. Additionally, I believe that the trial court should have allowed Lori Simmons to fully
testify at the sentencing hearing when questioned by the defense. Therefore, I respectfully dissent.
¶168. Under Issue XIV, the majority points out that several times during the trial and sentencing phase,
Simmons tried to introduce a videotape into evidence. Simmons recorded the videotape in Mobile,
Alabama, hours after the killing. The recording is approximately 35-40 minutes long and simply shows him
speaking to the camera, essentially addressing his ex-wife, Lori, and his two children. Much of what
Simmons says in the video covers his feelings for them and instructions on what to do with his property after
he turns himself in to the authorities.
¶169. However, Simmons makes several statements like, "I didn't think until after it was done. I can't make
it undone. I would have. Oh God, I would have." He also makes a comment similar to "I don't know how it
happened and afterward, I would have given anything to take it back, even my life." He also said things like,
"It got out of hand and it wasn't supposed to go like this." These statements are peppered throughout the
tape while he is constantly speaking to his family about how much he loves them. He also accepts
responsibility for his actions. Simmons never directly admits that he killed anyone, but the insinuation is there
in much of what he says.
¶170. During the closing arguments of the trial, the prosecution stated that Simmons had not shown any
remorse for his crimes other than being upset that Leaser escaped from the box. During the sentencing
phase, the prosecution made further statements to the effect that Simmons did not have a conscience.
¶171. Simmons argues that it should have been allowed into evidence during the sentencing phase of the
trial. Although inadmissible at trial, Simmons argues that it would have rebutted the statements made by the
prosecution concerning his lack of remorse or conscience. In McCleskey v. Kemp, 481 U.S. 279, 306,
107 S. Ct. 1756, 95 L. Ed. 2d 262 (1987), the Court held that a defendant is entitled to have the jury in a
capital sentencing phase consider any relevant circumstance that could cause it to decline to impose the
death penalty.
¶172. The United States Supreme Court has held that prejudice can be acute during the sentencing phase,
when the jury must "attempt to know the heart and mind of the offender and judge his character, his
contrition or its absence, and his future dangerousness. In a capital sentencing proceeding, assessments of
character and remorse may carry great weight and, perhaps, be determinative of whether the offender lives
or dies." Riggins v. Nevada, 504 U.S. 127, 144, 112 S. Ct. 1810, 118 L. Ed. 2d 479 (1992).
Additionally, Mississippi allows evidence of mitigating circumstance of an unlimited nature. Mackbee v.
State, 575 So.d 16, 39 (Miss. 1990) (citing Leatherwood v. State, 435 So. 2d 645, 650 (Miss.1983)).
Accord, Skipper v. South Carolina, 476 U.S. 1, 106 S. Ct. 1669, 90 L. Ed. 2d 1(1986) (holding that
exclusion during sentencing hearing of testimony that defendant had made a good adjustment during his time
in jail denied defendant the right to introduce relevant mitigating evidence); Eddings v. Oklahoma, 455
U.S. 104, 102 S. Ct. 869, 71 L. Ed. 2d 1 (1982) (constitutional demand for individualized consideration
means that a sentencer cannot exclude as a matter of law any relevant mitigating evidence).
¶173. The majority discusses, at length, that the videotape is inadmissible hearsay, and I agree completely,
as it pertains to the guilt phase. However, every case cited by the majority, including the "strikingly similar"
Nicholson ex rel. Gollott v. State, 672 So. 2d 744 (Miss. 1996), deals with the admissibility of
evidence at trial, during the guilt phase. The error before us lies in the exclusion of the videotape during the
sentencing phase of the trial. The sentencing phase carries with it entirely different standards and
considerations. See Skipper, 476 U.S. 1at 4-8; Eddings, 455 U.S. at 110-12; Mackbee, 575 So. 2d at
39. Furthermore, none of the cited authority relied upon by the majority concerns a possible death
sentence.
¶174. After reviewing the tape, some of the statements can be interpreted as remorseful and thus mitigating
in the eyes of the jury. Certainly, they appear to rebut the prosecution's claim that he showed no remorse
whatsoever. Accordingly, I would find that it was reversible error for the trial court to exclude this
videotape as mitigating evidence during the sentencing phase of the trial and would, therefore, vacate
Simmons' death sentence and remand the matter to the trial court for a new sentencing hearing.
¶175. Under Issue XVII, the majority finds that the trial court did not commit reversible error when it
prevented Lori Simmons, Simmons's ex-wife, to testify fully.(10)
¶176. Criminal defendants are entitled to heightened protection such as the Eighth Amendment right to
allow all mitigating evidence at the sentencing stage. The U.S. Supreme Court has reiterated that the Eighth
Amendment imposes special limitations when the death penalty is imposed. Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S.
808, 856, 111 S. Ct. 2597, 2625-26, 115 L. Ed. 2d 720 (1991). Among those limitations, the high Court
noted that "[s]tates cannot limit the sentencer's consideration of any relevant circumstance that could cause it
to decline to impose the penalty. In this respect, the State cannot challenge the sentencer's discretion, but
must allow it to consider any relevant information offered by the defendant," and that mitigating factors must
be allowed in an effort to treat defendants as "uniquely individual human beings." Payne, 501 U.S. at 822-
24, 111 S. Ct. at 2606-08 (quoting McCleskey v. Kemp, 481 U.S. 279, 305-06, 107 S. Ct. 1756, 1774,
95 L. Ed. 2d 262 (1987)). Lori was not allowed to fully testify as the above-quoted passages from the
transcript clearly reveal. The trial judge erroneously cut off Lori's testimony on several avenues. The better
course of action would have been to allow her to fully answer the questions posed by defense counsel at the
sentencing hearing. Therefore, I would also reverse the trial court on this issue and remand this case for a
new sentencing hearing.
McRAE, P.J., AND GRAVES, J., JOIN THIS OPINION.
APPENDIX
DEATH CASES AFFIRMED BY THIS COURT
Snow v. State, --- So.2d --- (Miss. 2001).
Mitchell v. State, 792 So. 2d 192 (Miss. 2001).
Puckett v. State, 788 So. 2d 752 (Miss. 2001). * following remand.
Goodin v. State, 787 So. 2d 639 (Miss. 2001).
Jordan v. State, 786 So. 2d 987 (Miss. 2001).
Manning v. State, 765 So. 2d 516 (Miss. 2000). *following remand.
Eskridge v. State, 765 So. 2d 508 (Miss. 2000).
McGilberry v. State, 741 So. 2d 894 (Miss. 1999).
Puckett v. State, 737 So. 2d 322 (Miss. 1999). *remanded for Batson hearing.
Manning v. State, 735 So. 2d 323 (Miss. 1999). *remanded for Batson hearing.
Hughes v. State, 735 So. 2d 238 (Miss. 1999).
Turner v. State, 732 So. 2d 937 (Miss. 1999).
Smith v. State, 729 So. 2d 1191 (Miss. 1998).
Burns v. State, 729 So. 2d 203 (Miss. 1998).
Jordan v. State, 728 So. 2d 1088 (Miss. 1998).
Gray v. State, 728 So. 2d 36 (Miss. 1998).
Manning v. State, 726 So. 2d 1152 (Miss. 1998).
Woodward v. State, 726 So. 2d 524 (Miss. 1997).
Bell v. State, 725 So. 2d 836 (Miss. 1998).
Evans v. State, 725 So. 2d 613 (Miss. 1997).
Brewer v. State, 725 So. 2d 106 (Miss. 1998).
Crawford v. State, 716 So. 2d 1028 (Miss. 1998).
Doss v. State, 709 So. 2d 369 (Miss. 1996).
Underwood v. State, 708 So. 2d 18 (Miss. 1998).
Holland v. State, 705 So. 2d 307 (Miss. 1997).
Wells v. State, 698 So. 2d 497 (Miss. 1997). DEATH CASES AFFIRMED BY THIS COURT
(continued)
Wilcher v. State, 697 So. 2d 1087 (Miss. 1997).
Wiley v. State, 691 So. 2d 959 (Miss. 1997).
Brown v. State, 690 So. 2d 276 (Miss. 1996).
Simon v. State, 688 So. 2d 791 (Miss.1997).
Jackson v. State, 684 So. 2d 1213 (Miss. 1996).
Williams v. State, 684 So. 2d 1179 (Miss. 1996).
Davis v. State, 684 So. 2d 643 (Miss. 1996).
Taylor v. State, 682 So. 2d. 359 (Miss. 1996).
Brown v. State, 682 So. 2d 340 (Miss. 1996).
Blue v. State, 674 So. 2d 1184 (Miss. 1996).
Holly v. State, 671 So. 2d 32 (Miss. 1996).
Walker v. State, 671 So. 2d 581(Miss. 1995).
Russell v. State, 670 So. 2d 816 (Miss. 1995).
Ballenger v. State, 667 So. 2d 1242 (Miss. 1995).
Davis v. State, 660 So. 2d 1228 (Miss. 1995).
Carr v. State, 655 So. 2d 824 (Miss. 1995).
Mack v. State, 650 So. 2d 1289 (Miss. 1994).
Chase v. State, 645 So. 2d 829 (Miss. 1994).
Foster v. State, 639 So. 2d 1263 (Miss. 1994).
Conner v. State, 632 So. 2d 1239 (Miss. 1993).
Hansen v. State, 592 So. 2d 114 (Miss. 1991).
*Shell v. State, 554 So. 2d 887 (Miss. 1989), Shell v. Mississippi, 498 U.S. 1 (1990) reversing, in
part, and remanding, Shell v. State, 595 So. 2d 1323 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing hearing.
Davis v. State, 551 So. 2d 165 (Miss. 1989).
DEATH CASES AFFIRMED BY THIS COURT
(continued) Minnick v. State, 551 So. 2d 77 (Miss. 1989).
*Pinkney v. State, 538 So. 2d 329 (Miss. 1989), Pinkney v. Mississippi, 494 U.S. 1075 (1990)
vacating and remanding Pinkney v. State, 602 So. 2d 1177 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing
hearing.
*Clemons v. State, 535 So. 2d 1354 (Miss. 1988), Clemons v. Mississippi, 494 U.S. 738 (1990)
vacating and remanding, Clemons v. State, 593 So. 2d 1004 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing
hearing.
Woodward v. State, 533 So. 2d 418 (Miss. 1988).
Nixon v. State, 533 So. 2d 1078 (Miss. 1987).
Cole v. State, 525 So. 2d 365 (Miss. 1987).
Lockett v. State, 517 So. 2d 1346 (Miss. 1987).
Lockett v. State, 517 So. 2d 1317 (Miss. 1987).
Faraga v. State, 514 So. 2d 295 (Miss. 1987).
*Jones v. State, 517 So. 2d 1295 (Miss. 1987), Jones v. Mississippi, 487 U.S. 1230 (1988) vacating
and remanding, Jones v. State, 602 So. 2d 1170 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing hearing.
Wiley v. State, 484 So. 2d 339 (Miss. 1986).
Johnson v. State, 477 So. 2d 196 (Miss. 1985).
Gray v. State, 472 So. 2d 409 (Miss. 1985).
Cabello v. State, 471 So. 2d 332 (Miss. 1985).
Jordan v. State, 464 So. 2d 475 (Miss. 1985).
Wilcher v. State, 455 So. 2d 727 (Miss. 1984).
Billiot v. State, 454 So. 2d 445 (Miss. 1984). DEATH CASES AFFIRMED BY THIS COURT
(continued) Stringer v. State, 454 So. 2d 468 (Miss. 1984).
Dufour v. State, 453 So. 2d 337 (Miss. 1984).
Neal v. State, 451 So. 2d 743 (Miss. 1984).
Booker v. State, 449 So. 2d 209 (Miss. 1984).
Wilcher v. State, 448 So. 2d 927 (Miss. 1984).
Caldwell v. State, 443 So. 2d 806 (Miss. 1983).
Irving v. State, 441 So. 2d 846 (Miss. 1983).
Tokman v. State, 435 So. 2d 664 (Miss. 1983).
Leatherwood v. State, 435 So. 2d 645 (Miss. 1983).
Hill v. State, 432 So. 2d 427 (Miss. 1983).
Pruett v. State, 431 So. 2d 1101 (Miss. 1983).
Gilliard v. State, 428 So. 2d 576 (Miss. 1983).
Evans v. State, 422 So. 2d 737 (Miss. 1982).
King v. State, 421 So. 2d 1009 (Miss. 1982).
Wheat v. State, 420 So. 2d 229 (Miss. 1982).
Smith v. State, 419 So. 2d 563 (Miss. 1982).
Johnson v. State, 416 So. 2d 383 (Miss.1982).
Edwards v. State, 413 So. 2d 1007 (Miss. 1982).
Bullock v. State, 391 So. 2d 601 (Miss. 1980).
Reddix v. State, 381 So. 2d 999 (Miss. 1980).
Jones v. State, 381 So. 2d 983 (Miss. 1980).
Culberson v. State, 379 So. 2d 499 (Miss. 1979).
Gray v. State, 375 So. 2d 994 (Miss. 1979).
Jordan v. State, 365 So. 2d 1198 (Miss. 1978). DEATH CASES AFFIRMED BY THIS COURT
(continued) Voyles v. State, 362 So. 2d 1236 (Miss. 1978).
Irving v. State, 361 So. 2d 1360 (Miss. 1978).
Washington v. State, 361 So. 2d 6l (Miss. 1978).
Bell v. State, 360 So. 2d 1206 (Miss. 1978).
* Case was originally affirmed in this Court but on remand from U. S. Supreme Court, case was remanded
by this Court for a new sentencing hearing.
DEATH CASES REVERSED AS TO GUILT PHASE
AND SENTENCE PHASE
Randall v. State, -- So. 2d -- (Miss. 2001).
Flowers v. State, 773 So. 2d 309 (Miss. 2000).
Edwards v. State, 737 So. 2d 275 (Miss. 1999).
Smith v. State, 733 So. 2d 793 (Miss. 1999).
Porter v. State, 732 So. 2d 899 (Miss. 1999).
Kolberg v. State, 704 So. 2d 1307 (Miss. 1997).
Snelson v. State, 704 So. 2d 452 (Miss. 1997).
Fusilier v. State, 702 So. 2d 388 (Miss. 1997).
Howard v. State, 701 So. 2d 274 (Miss. 1997).
Lester v. State, 692 So. 2d 755 (Miss. 1997).
Hunter v. State, 684 So. 2d 625 (Miss. 1996).
Lanier v. State, 684 So. 2d 93 (Miss. 1996).
Giles v. State, 650 So. 2d 846 (Miss. 1995).
Duplantis v. State, 644 So. 2d 1235 (Miss. 1994).
Harrison v. State, 635 So. 2d 894 (Miss. 1994).
Butler v. State, 608 So. 2d 314 (Miss. 1992).
Jenkins v. State, 607 So. 2d 1171 (Miss. 1992).
Abram v. State, 606 So. 2d 1015 (Miss. 1992).
Balfour v. State, 598 So. 2d 731 (Miss. 1992).
Griffin v. State, 557 So. 2d 542 (Miss. 1990).
Bevill v. State, 556 So. 2d 699 (Miss. 1990).
West v. State, 553 So. 2d 8 (Miss. 1989).
Leatherwood v. State, 548 So. 2d 389 (Miss. 1989).
Mease v. State, 539 So. 2d 1324 (Miss. 1989).
Houston v. State, 531 So. 2d 598 (Miss. 1988).
DEATH CASES REVERSED AS TO GUILT PHASE
AND SENTENCE PHASE
(continued)
West v. State, 519 So. 2d 418 (Miss. 1988).
Davis v. State, 512 So. 2d 129l (Miss. 1987).
Williamson v. State, 512 So. 2d 868 (Miss. 1987).
Foster v. State, 508 So. 2d 1111 (Miss. 1987).
Smith v. State, 499 So. 2d 750 (Miss. 1986).
West v. State, 485 So. 2d 681 (Miss. 1985).
Fisher v. State, 481 So. 2d 203 (Miss. 1985).
Johnson v. State, 476 So. 2d 1195 (Miss. 1985).
Fuselier v. State, 468 So. 2d 45 (Miss. 1985).
West v. State, 463 So. 2d 1048 (Miss. 1985).
Jones v. State, 461 So. 2d 686 (Miss. 1984).
Moffett v. State, 456 So. 2d 714 (Miss. 1984).
Lanier v. State, 450 So. 2d 69 (Miss. 1984).
Laney v. State, 421 So. 2d 1216 (Miss. 1982).
DEATH CASES REVERSED
AS TO PUNISHMENT AND REMANDED
FOR RESENTENCING TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
Reddix v. State, 547 So. 2d 792 (Miss. 1989).
Wheeler v. State, 536 So. 2d 1341 (Miss. 1988).
White v. State, 532 So. 2d 1207 (Miss. 1988).
Bullock v. State, 525 So. 2d 764 (Miss. 1987).
Edwards v. State, 441 So. 2d 84 (Miss. l983).
Dycus v. State, 440 So. 2d 246 (Miss. 1983).
Coleman v. State, 378 So. 2d 640 (Miss. 1979).
DEATH CASES REVERSED AS TO
PUNISHMENT AND REMANDED FOR A NEW TRIAL
ON SENTENCING PHASE ONLY
King v. State, 784 So. 2d 884 (Miss. 2001).
Walker v. State, 740 So. 2d 873 (Miss. 1999).
Watts v. State, 733 So. 2d 214 (Miss. 1999).
West v. State, 725 So. 2d 872 (Miss. 1998).
Smith v. State, 724 So. 2d 280 (Miss. 1998).
Berry v. State, 703 So. 2d 269 (Miss. 1997).
Booker v. State, 699 So. 2d 132 (Miss. 1997).
Taylor v. State, 672 So. 2d 1246 (Miss. 1996).
*Shell v. State, 554 So. 2d 887 (Miss. 1989), Shell v. Mississippi, 498 U.S. 1 (1990) reversing, in
part, and remanding, Shell v. State 595 So. 2d 1323 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing hearing.
*Pinkney v. State, 538 So. 2d 329 (Miss. 1989), Pinkney v. Mississippi, 494 U.S. 1075 (1990)
vacating and remanding, Pinkney v. State, 602 So. 2d 1177 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing
hearing.
*Clemons v. State, 535 So. 2d 1354 (Miss. 1988), Clemons v. Mississippi, 494 U.S. 738 (1990)
vacating and remanding, Clemons v. State, 593 So. 2d 1004 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing
hearing.
*Jones v. State, 517 So. 2d 1295 (Miss. 1987), Jones v. Mississippi, 487 U.S. 1230 (1988) vacating
and remanding, Jones v. State, 602 So. 2d 1170 (Miss. 1992) remanding for new sentencing hearing.
Russell v. State, 607 So. 2d 1107 (Miss. 1992).
Holland v. State, 587 So. 2d 848 (Miss. 1991).
Willie v. State, 585 So. 2d 660 (Miss. 1991).
Ladner v. State, 584 So. 2d 743 (Miss. 1991).
Mackbee v. State, 575 So. 2d 16 (Miss. 1990). DEATH CASES REVERSED AS TO
PUNISHMENT AND REMANDED FOR A NEW TRIAL
ON SENTENCING PHASE ONLY
(continued)
Berry v. State, 575 So. 2d 1 (Miss. 1990).
Turner v. State, 573 So. 2d 657 (Miss. 1990).
State v. Tokman, 564 So. 2d 1339 (Miss. 1990).
Johnson v. State, 547 So. 2d 59 (Miss. 1989).
Williams v. State, 544 So. 2d 782 (Miss. 1989); sentence aff'd 684 So. 2d 1179 (1996).
Lanier v. State, 533 So. 2d 473 (Miss. 1988).
Stringer v. State, 500 So. 2d 928 (Miss. 1986).
Pinkton v. State, 481 So. 2d 306 (Miss. 1985).
Mhoon v. State, 464 So. 2d 77 (Miss. 1985).
Cannaday v. State, 455 So. 2d 713 (Miss. 1984).
Wiley v. State, 449 So. 2d 756 (Miss. 1984); resentencing affirmed, Wiley v. State, 484 So. 2d 339
(Miss. 1986), cert. denied Wiley v. Mississippi, 479 U.S. 1036 (1988); resentencing ordered, Wiley v.
State, 635 So. 2d 802 (Miss. 1993) following writ of habeas corpus issued pursuant to Wiley v. Puckett,
969 So. 2d 86, 105-106 (5th Cir. 1992); resentencing affirmed, Wiley v. State, 95-DP-00149, February
13, 1997 (rehearing pending).
Williams v. State, 445 So. 2d 798 (Miss. 1984).
* Case was originally affirmed in this Court but on remand from U. S. Supreme Court, case was remanded
by this Court for a new sentencing hearing.
1. Simmons told Taylor he needed the boat "to go fishing."
2. State's Jury Instruction S-11 reads as follows:
The Court instructs the jury that one who willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously aids, abets, assists, or
otherwise encourages the commission of a crime is just as guilty under the law as if he or she had
committed the whole crime with his or her hand.
3. Miss. Code Ann. § 97-1-3 reads: "Every person who shall be an accessory to any felony, before the
fact, shall be deemed and considered a principal, and shall be indicted and punished as such; and this
whether the principal have been previously convicted or not."
4. Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-73 reads as follows:
Every person who shall feloniously take the property of another, in his presence or from his person
and against his will, by violence to his person or by putting such person in fear of some immediate
injury to his person, shall be guilty of robbery.
5. Dr. Ron Acton's name appears in the record and briefs of both parties spelled any number of ways. The
defense brief alone spelled it two different ways. We chose this spelling because it was used by all parties at
one point or another and a footnote in Simmons's reply brief seems to confirm this way as correct.
6. Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-101(5)(c) reads in pertinent part:
(2) After hearing all the evidence, the jury shall deliberate on the following matters:
(a) Whether sufficient factors exist as enumerated in subsection (7) of this section;
(b) Whether sufficient aggravating circumstances exist as enumerated in subsection (5) of this section;
(c) Whether sufficient mitigating circumstances exist as enumerated in subsection (6) of this section,
which outweigh the aggravating circumstances found to exist; and
(d) Based on these considerations, whether the defendant should be sentenced to life imprisonment,
life imprisonment without eligibility for parole, or death.
(3) For the jury to impose a sentence of death, it must unanimously find in writing the following:
(a) That sufficient factors exist as enumerated in subsection (7) of this section;
(b) That sufficient aggravating circumstances exist as enumerated in subsection (5) of this section; and
(c) That there are insufficient mitigating circumstances, as enumerated in subsection (6), to outweigh
the aggravating circumstances.
In each case in which the jury imposes the death sentence, the determination of the jury shall be
supported by specific written findings of fact based upon the circumstances in subsections (5) and (6)
of this section and upon the records of the trial and the sentencing proceedings. If, after the trial of the
penalty phase, the jury does not make the findings requiring the death sentence or life imprisonment
without eligibility for parole, or is unable to reach a decision, the court shall impose a sentence of life
imprisonment.
(4) The judgment of conviction and sentence of death shall be subject to automatic review by the
Supreme Court of Mississippi within sixty (60) days after certification by the sentencing court of entire
record, unless the time is extended for an additional period by the Supreme Court for good cause
shown. Such review by the Supreme Court shall have priority over all other cases and shall be heard
in accordance with rules promulgated by the Supreme Court.
(5) Aggravating circumstances shall be limited to the following:
(a) The capital offense was committed by a person under sentence of imprisonment.
(b) The defendant was previously convicted of another capital offense or of a felony involving the use
or threat of violence to the person.
(c) The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to many persons.
7. Miss. Code Ann § 99-19-105 reads in pertinent part:
(1) Whenever the death penalty is imposed, and upon the judgment becoming final in the trial court,
the sentence shall be reviewed on the record by the Mississippi Supreme Court. The clerk of the trial
court, within ten (10) days after receiving the transcript, shall transmit the entire record and transcript
to the Mississippi Supreme Court together with a notice prepared by the clerk and a report prepared
by the trial judge. The notice shall set forth the title and docket number of the case, the name of the
defendant and the name and address of his attorney, a narrative statement of the judgment, the
offense, and the punishment prescribed. The report shall be in the form of a standard questionnaire
prepared and supplied by the Mississippi Supreme Court, a copy of which shall be served upon
counsel for the state and counsel for the defendant.
(2) The Mississippi Supreme Court shall consider the punishment as well as any errors enumerated by
way of appeal.
(3) With regard to the sentence, the court shall determine:
(a) Whether the sentence of death was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice or any other
arbitrary factor;
(b) Whether the evidence supports the jury's or judge's finding of a statutory aggravating circumstance
as enumerated in Section 99-19-101;
(c) Whether the sentence of death is excessive or disproportionate to the penalty imposed in similar
cases, considering both the crime and the defendant; and
(d) Should one or more of the aggravating circumstances be found invalid on appeal, the Mississippi
Supreme Court shall determine whether the remaining aggravating circumstances are outweighed by
the mitigating circumstances or whether the inclusion of any invalid circumstance was harmless error,
or both.
8. The sentencing instructions were lost. The transcript of the trial judge reading the sentencing instructions is
contained in a supplemental volume to the record. The argument and information in the briefs are based
upon this transcription.
9. Miss. Code Ann § 99-17-3 states in full:
In capital cases the defendant and the state shall each be allowed twelve peremptory challenges. In
cases not capital the accused and the state each shall be allowed six peremptory challenges; but all
peremptory challenges by the state shall be made before the juror is presented to the prisoner. In all
cases the accused shall have presented to him a full panel before being called upon to make his
peremptory challenges.
10.
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Lori, do you know what might have caused the events
leading up to what happened on August the 13, 1996?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: To that I'm going to have to object. That's
just too much speculation. We have tried to be as reserved on objections as we possible can.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: When you heard that Gary had been charged with this crime,
did you believe that this was the same Gary that you had been married to all those years?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: That's been asked and answered, Your
Honor, earlier on when he asked her virtually the same question.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Does he [Simmons] love [his daughters] Heather and
Felicia?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. Calls for
speculation.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: Lori, would you like to see that type of continuing
relationship, as bad as it may be, exist between you, Felicia, Heather and Gary?
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. That's impact on
family members. We object to it.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.
***
BY DEFENSE COUNSEL BARTON: But you still would like the father of your children-
BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAUCIER: Objection, Your Honor. That's an impact
question.
BY THE COURT: Objection sustained.