STATE OF NEW JERSEY VS. MUJAHIDEE ABDULLAH (15-04-0594, BERGEN COUNTY AND STATEWIDE) ( 2021 )

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court." Although it is posted on the
internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
APPELLATE DIVISION
DOCKET NO. A-3723-17
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
Plaintiff-Respondent/
Cross-Appellant,
v.
MUJAHIDEE ABDULLAH,
Defendant-Appellant/
Cross-Respondent.
_________________________
Submitted May 4, 2021 – Decided June 25, 2021
Before Judges Fisher and Gilson.
On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law
Division, Bergen County, Indictment No. 15-04-0594.
Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender, attorney for
appellant/cross-respondent (Stefan Van Jura, Assistant
Deputy Public Defender, of counsel and on the brief).
Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor, attorney for
respondent/cross-appellant (Ian C. Kennedy, Assistant
Prosecutor, of counsel and on the briefs).
Appellant filed a pro se supplemental brief.
PER CURIAM
On June 12, 2014, J.M. (Jay) 1 was driving on Interstate Route 80 when
another vehicle pulled alongside his vehicle. Shots were fired, Jay was hit, and
he later bled to death from his gunshot wound. Following an investigation,
defendant Mujahidee Abdullah was charged with first-degree murder, N.J.S.A.
2C:11-3(a)(1) and (2), and numerous other offenses.
A jury acquitted defendant of murder but convicted him of the lesser-
included offense of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-
4(a)(1). The jury also convicted defendant of second-degree possession of a
weapon for an unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4(a); second-degree unlawful
possession of a weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b)(1); and third-degree hindering his
apprehension, N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3(b)(1). In a separate trial, defendant was
convicted of second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, N.J.S.A.
2C:39-7(b).
On the aggravated manslaughter conviction, defendant was sentenced to
an extended term of forty years in prison with thirty-four years of parole
ineligibility as prescribed by the No Early Release Act (NERA), N.J.S.A. 2C:43-
1
We use initials and fictitious names for the victim and witnesses to protect
their privacy interests.
2 A-3723-17
7.2. The weapons convictions were merged with the aggravated manslaughter
conviction. Defendant was sentenced to four years in prison for the hindering
conviction and five years in prison with five years of parole ineligibility for the
certain persons conviction. The hindering sentence was run consecutive to the
aggravated manslaughter sentence and the certain persons sentence was run
consecutive to the aggravated manslaughter and hindering sentences.
Accordingly, in aggregate defendant was sentenced to forty-nine years in prison
with thirty-nine years of parole ineligibility. The court also ordered defendant
to pay restitution.
Defendant appeals from his convictions and sentence. He argues that (1)
his constitutional right to confrontation was violated when inferential hearsay
from a confidential informant was admitted; (2) he should have been granted an
acquittal on the hindering charge; (3) there was a reversible error in the jury
charge on the certain persons offense; (4) the prosecutor engaged in misconduct;
(5) there were several errors in his sentencing; and (6) his due process rights
were violated when the State withdrew a plea offer. The State cross-appeals,
contending that the sentencing court erred in merging the conviction for
unlawful possession of a weapon with the aggravated manslaughter conviction.
3 A-3723-17
We affirm defendant's convictions, but remand for resentencing of the
conviction for unlawful possession of a weapon and clarification on how the
consecutive sentences are to run. At the resentencing the court is also to conduct
an ability-to-pay hearing on the restitution request.
I.
The State alleges that defendant got angry with Jay because he thought his
girlfriend, J.G. (Julie), and Jay were flirting at an exotic dance club (the Club).
According to the State, defendant left the Club, got a gun, and came back. He
then followed Jay's car, pulled alongside the car, and fired three bullets at Jay.
At trial, the State presented testimony from numerous witnesses, including
Julie, people at the Club, detectives who investigated the shooting, and a medical
examiner. The State also submitted surveillance footage depicting defendant's
vehicle following Jay's vehicle, ballistic evidence, and defendant's videotaped
admission that he shot at Jay's vehicle.
Jay operated a taxi service and one of his regular customers was N.C.
(Nancy). Nancy testified that she was working at the Club on June 11, 2014,
and Jay drove her to work. Nancy was scheduled to work until 2 a.m. on June
12, 2014, and at approximately 1 a.m. she saw Jay with a tall black male at the
Club. The man was later identified as J.D. (Joe).
4 A-3723-17
At approximately 1:45 a.m., Nancy finished work, went out to the Club's
parking lot, and Jay picked her up in a black Yukon SUV. Joe was in the front
passenger seat and Nancy sat in the rear seat. Jay drove to the Garden State
Parkway, then got on Route 80 eastbound, traveling toward Hackensack. As Jay
was driving on Route 80, Nancy heard what sounded like rocks hitting Jay's
door. Jay then said, "I'm shot," pulled the SUV to the side of the highway and
got out. Nancy saw he was bleeding.
Jay and Joe exchanged places, and Joe drove the SUV to a hospital. Jay
was later pronounced dead. A medical examiner testified that Jay died from
blood loss caused by a bullet entering Jay's pelvis and severing his iliac artery.
An examination of Jay's SUV revealed three bullet holes in the driver's
door. A shooting reconstruction expert testified that the gun had been nearly
perpendicular to Jay's SUV. Therefore, the vehicles were "near side by side or
parallel" when the shots were fired.
Defendant became a suspect when investigators received a call from an
FBI agent later that month. A New Jersey State Police detective then met with
a confidential informant, who provided information concerning "a potential
suspect who may have been involved in the shooting of [Jay]." Based on that
5 A-3723-17
information, law enforcement personnel conducted database searches using
defendant's name.
Those searches, in turn, revealed Julie was defendant's girlfriend.
Investigators learned Julie had a distinctive tattoo on her left arm. Outdoor
surveillance video from the Club showed that on June 12, 2014, a woman with
that tattoo got into an Infiniti G35.
Law enforcement personnel thereafter identified the address where
defendant and Julie lived, and obtained warrants to search the residence and the
Infiniti vehicle. When the warrants were executed in July 2014, defendant and
Julie were found at the residence and a silver Infiniti was parked out front.
Defendant and Julie were both taken into custody, given and waived their
Miranda rights, 2 and gave statements. Portions of defendant's statement were
played for the jury. Initially, defendant denied involvement in the shooting, but
eventually he admitted to shooting at Jay's car. He acknowledged that he had
been at the Club and felt Jay had "taunt[ed]" him and had "disrespect[ed his]
girl." He also explained that he had left the Club, got a gun from someone he
would not identify, and fired the gun out a window while driving. He later gave
2
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
6 A-3723-17
the gun back to the person he got it from. Law enforcement personnel never
recovered the gun.
When defendant was indicted, Julie was also indicted for several narcotic
crimes and hindering the apprehension of another. Before trial, she pled guilty
to second-degree conspiracy to distribute heroin, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A.
2C:35-5(a)(1), and agreed to testify against defendant. 3
At trial, Julie testified that in June 2014 she was dating and living with
defendant. On June 11, 2014, Julie, defendant, and one of defendant's friends
went to the Club at approximately 9 p.m. Defendant drove them to the Club in
his Infiniti sedan.
While they were sitting at the Club's bar, defendant asked Julie if she was
flirting with a man seated nearby, who she later learned was Jay. She also
testified that as they were leaving, defendant claimed that Jay or another man
sitting with Jay tried to trip him.
After leaving the Club, defendant drove his friend home and got out of the
car for several minutes to speak with his friend. Julie asked defendant to drive
her to their apartment, but defendant told her he had to do something first.
3
The narcotics charges against defendant were severed. They were later
dismissed at the State's request after defendant was found guilty of aggravated
manslaughter, weapons offenses, and hindering.
7 A-3723-17
Defendant then drove back to the Club and, after waiting several minutes, began
following a "black truck." Surveillance footage showed an Infiniti leaving the
Club at 1:37 a.m. and returning at 1:45 a.m. Surveillance video of the Garden
State Parkway showed Jay's SUV pass through an interchange at approximately
2:09 a.m. Seconds later, an Infiniti sedan went through the interchange in a
different lane.
As defendant followed Jay's vehicle, Julie fell asleep in the reclined front
passenger seat. She awoke to the sound of gunshots and saw defendant holding
a gun in one hand and holding the steering wheel with the other. According to
Julie, the gun was pointing out the front passenger window at the same black
truck she had seen earlier. Defendant continued driving and later dropped Julie
off at their apartment. Defendant did not immediately enter the apartment.
Instead, he drove off and returned to the apartment sometime later.
Defendant elected not to testify at trial. During summations, his counsel
argued that Jay's death was the result of reckless behavior rather than murder.
Defense counsel also questioned Julie's credibility and suggested that she might
have been the shooter. Counsel contended defendant confessed because he was
under the influence of drugs and wanted to "protect" Julie.
8 A-3723-17
II.
Defendant now appeals from his convictions and his sentence. His
appellate counsel presents five arguments:
POINT I: REFERENCES TO A NON-TESTIFYING
WITNESS VIOLATED DEFENDANT'S
CONFRONTATION RIGHT WHERE THE JURY
WAS LEFT TO DRAW THE INESCAPABLE
INFERENCE THAT THE WITNESS IDENTIFIED
DEFENDANT AS THE SHOOTER AND PROVIDED
POLICE WITH INFORMATION SUBSTANTIATING
THAT CLAIM.
POINT II: THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN
DENYING DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS
THE HINDERING CHARGE BECAUSE THE JURY
WAS PRESENTED WITH NO EVIDENCE THAT
DEFENDANT CONCEALED OR DESTROYED A
HANDGUN, AND HINDERING CANNOT BE
BASED ON DEFENDANT'S REFUSAL TO
IMPLICATE HIMSELF IN A CRIME.
POINT III: THE CERTAIN PERSONS CONVICTION
SHOULD BE REVERSED BECAUSE THE JURY
WAS NOT INSTRUCTED THAT IT MUST
DISREGARD COMPLETELY ITS PRIOR VERDICT,
AND THAT THE DEFENDANT WAS ENTITLED TO
THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE.
POINT IV: DEFENDANT WAS DENIED DUE
PROCESS AND A FAIR TRIAL BY
PROSECUTORIAL ERROR IN THE FORM OF
MISREPRESENTATION OF THE LAW ON
MANSLAUGHTER.
9 A-3723-17
POINT V: A REMAND FOR RESENTENCING IS
NECESSARY TO CORRECT THREE ERRORS
THAT OCCURRED DURING THE SENTENCING
PROCEEDING.
A. The Hindering and Aggravated
Manslaughter Sentences Should Run
Concurrently With Each Other.
B. Defendant Was Ordered to Serve a
Less Restrictive Sentence Before a
More Restrictive Sentence Without
the Court Providing the Required
Explanation.
C. Substantial Restitution Was Imposed
in the Absence of an Inquiry into
Defendant's Ability to Pay it.
Defendant also submitted a brief he prepared, presenting two additional
arguments:
POINT I: APPELLANT ASSERTS THAT HIS RIGHT
TO DUE PROCESS AND FUNDAMENTAL
FAIRNESS WERE VIOLATED WHEN THE STATE
WITHDREW FROM THE NEGOTIATED PLEA
BARGAIN, U.S. CONST. AMEND XIV, § 1 AND
ARTICLE 1 OF THE NEW JERSEY
CONSTITUTION.
POINT II: THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT
CONSIDERED THE APPELLANT'S PENDING
DRUG OFFENSES DURING SENTENCING AND
FAILED TO CONSIDER DEFENDANT'S AGE AT
HIS EARLIEST POSSIBLE RELEASE UPON THE 49
YEAR SENTENCE IMPOSED, U.S. CONST.
10 A-3723-17
AMEND XIV § 1 AND ARTICLE 1 OF THE NEW
JERSEY CONSTITUTION.
The State cross-appeals, contending that the sentencing court erred by
merging the unlawful possession of a weapon conviction with the aggravated
manslaughter conviction. Accordingly, the State argues that we should remand
for resentencing on the unlawful possession of a weapon conviction.
We discern no reversible error in any of defendant's convictions. We
agree with the State that the unlawful possession of a weapon conviction should
not have been merged and, therefore, we remand for resentencing on that
conviction. At the resentencing, the court is to clarify whether the sentence on
the certain persons conviction is to run consecutive to the aggravated
manslaughter sentence, as well as the hindering sentence. In addition, the court
is to conduct an ability-to-pay hearing on the restitution request. In all other
respects, the sentence is affirmed.
A. The Confrontation Issue
At trial, a detective testified that after being contacted by an FBI agent, he
interviewed a person who provided information about "a potential suspect who
may have been involved in the shooting of [Jay]." The detective was then asked:
"What investigative steps did you take?" He responded: "We conducted
database inquiries on the name Mujahideen [sic] Abdullah." Defendant argues
11 A-3723-17
that that testimony denied him his constitutional right to confront the
unidentified informant and created an inference that the informant implicated
defendant in the shooting.
Both the United States Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution
guarantee defendants the right to confront witnesses and to cross-examine
accusers. U.S. Const. amend. VI; N.J. Const. art. I, ¶ 10; State v. Branch, 182
N.J. 338, 348 (2005). The admission of hearsay generally violates an accused's
confrontation rights. Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36, 50-51 (2004).
Nevertheless, "[t]he Confrontation Clause does not condemn all hearsay."
Branch, 182 N.J. at 349 (citing Crawford, 541 U.S. at 36). If an out-of-court
statement falls within a recognized exception to the hearsay rule or is non-
testimonial, the right of confrontation is not infringed. Davis v. Washington,
547 U.S. 813, 821-22 (2006); see also State v. Williamson, ___ N.J. ___, ___
(2021) (slip op. at 31-32) (holding a dying declaration admissible under N.J.R.E.
804(b)(2) does not violate the Confrontation Clause).
"It is well settled that the hearsay rule is not violated when a police officer
explains the reason he approached a suspect or went to the scene of the crime
by stating that he did so 'upon information received.'" State v. Bankston, 63 N.J.
263, 268 (1973) (quoting McCormick on Evidence § 248 (2d ed. 1972)). That
12 A-3723-17
explanation is admissible for the purpose of showing "the officer was not acting
in an arbitrary manner or to explain his subsequent conduct." Ibid. However,
when the officer repeats "what some other person told him concerning a crime
by the accused," the hearsay rule is violated, and the admission of that testimony
violates the Confrontation Clause. Id. at 268-69.
Moreover, an officer may not "state[] or suggest[] that some other person
provided information that linked the defendant to the crime." Branch, 182 N.J.
at 351 (citing Bankston, 63 N.J. at 268-69); see also State v. Medina, 242 N.J.
397, 415-16 (2020). Accordingly, when a law enforcement witness implies that
a non-testifying witness "possesses superior knowledge, outside the record, that
incriminates the defendant," the Confrontation Clause is violated. Branch, 182
N.J. at 351; see also Medina, 242 N.J. at 415-16 (explaining limitation is meant
to avoid the implication officer's testimony is "worthy of greater weight").
The State filed an in limine motion seeking permission to question the
detective about information obtained from the confidential informant. At the
hearing, the State represented that the following exchange would be presented
to the jury:
QUESTION: Detective, did you meet with a person
who provided certain information to you pertaining to
the facts/circumstances, of a potential suspect?
13 A-3723-17
ANSWER: Yes.
QUESTION: Was that information, in turn, provided
to [another detective]?
ANSWER: Yes.
QUESTION: Did you, [the other detective], and the
rest of the Investigation Team, then, proceed to
investigate based on the information provided?
The trial court correctly ruled that the proposed testimony was admissible and
did not violate the Confrontation Clause.
At trial, however, the questioning went beyond what was approved at the
in limine hearing. After soliciting testimony consistent with the court's ruling,
the following exchange took place:
[QUESTION:] What investigative steps did you take?
[ANSWER:] We conducted database inquiries on the
name Mujahideen [sic] Abdullah.
[QUESTION:] Okay. And what was the result of those
inquiries?
At that point, defense counsel requested a sidebar and objected to the
additional question. The prosecutor incorrectly argued that she had asked the
same question the court had approved on the in limine motion. The trial court
then overruled the objection.
14 A-3723-17
We hold that the extra question could have suggested to the jury that
defendant's identity was provided by an unnamed, non-testifying witness. It is
therefore logical to conclude that the mention of a meeting with a confidential
informant led the jury to believe that the informant possessed "superior
knowledge, outside the record, that incriminate[d] the defendant." Branch, 182
N.J. at 351. Indeed, the State now "acknowledges that the detective's testimony
about a database inquiry on defendant's name made the inference more focused,
and that defense counsel did not agree to that specific testimony before trial."
Nevertheless, we hold that the error was harmless.
The test of whether an error is harmless depends upon
some degree of possibility that it led to an unjust
verdict. The possibility must be real, one sufficient to
raise a reasonable doubt as to whether the error led the
jury to a result it otherwise might not have reached.
[Bankston, 63 N.J. at 273 (citing State v. Macon, 57
N.J. 325, 335-36 (1971)).]
"The question is whether there is a reasonable possibility that the evidence
complained of might have contributed to the conviction." Fahy v. Connecticut,
375 U.S. 85, 86-87 (1963). To make a determination, an appellate court must
"review the facts of the case and the evidence adduced at trial." Id. at 87.
The State's evidence at trial was strong. Defendant admitted to shooting
at Jay. Julie's testimony provided details on the motive and events leading up
15 A-3723-17
to the shooting. She also described her awakening to the sound of gunshots and
observation of defendant pointing a gun at another vehicle. The State
corroborated Julie's testimony with surveillance video showing defendant's car
outside the Club and following Jay's vehicle.
Accordingly, the one extra question asked of the detective does not give
rise to the possibility that it caused an unjust verdict. Defendant suffered no
prejudice from the detective's testimony, and we discern no basis to reverse the
jury verdict.
B. The Hindering Charge
At the close of the State's case, defendant moved to dismiss the hindering
charge, contending there was no evidence that defendant possessed the gun, let
alone concealed it to avoid apprehension. The trial court denied the motion and
the jury thereafter convicted defendant of hindering his apprehension.
Defendant now argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for an
acquittal on the hindering charge. We disagree.
The question on a motion for acquittal is
whether, viewing the State's evidence in its entirety, be
that evidence direct or circumstantial, and giving the
State the benefit of all its favorable testimony as well
as all of the favorable inferences which reasonably
could be drawn therefrom, a reasonable jury could find
guilt of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
16 A-3723-17
[State v. Reyes, 50 N.J. 454, 458-59 (1967) (citation
omitted).]
An appellate court's review of a motion for acquittal "is limited and deferential."
State v. Reddish, 181 N.J. 553, 620 (2004).
There are three elements to the crime of hindering. The State must prove
that defendant (1) knew he might be charged with a crime; (2) suppressed, either
by concealment or destruction, evidence of the crime which could have led to
charges against him; and (3) acted with purpose to hinder his apprehension or
the investigation. N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3(b)(1); Model Jury Charges (Criminal),
"Hindering One's Own Apprehension or Prosecution (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3b)" (rev.
May 12, 2014).
The State presented adequate evidence of defendant's concealment of the
gun. Defendant admitted that he had obtained a gun and used it to shoot at Jay.
The jury also heard Julie testify how defendant left the Club, spoke with his
friend outside his car, and that he later returned to the Club to follow Jay's
vehicle. Julie also testified that after the shooting, defendant dropped her off at
their apartment, then drove off. Based on that evidence, the jury could
reasonably infer that defendant disposed of the gun after dropping Julie off and
did so to conceal his involvement in the shooting.
17 A-3723-17
Defendant argues that the only evidence of his concealment of the gun
was his refusal to disclose who he got the gun from and where the gun was
during his statement. In making that argument, defendant relies on the trial
court's reasoning in denying the motion for acquittal. Defendant argues that
using his own refusal to disclose the location of the gun against him violates his
constitutional right against self-incrimination. We reject defendant's argument
as a misconstruction of the record.
We do not agree with defendant's contention that the trial court based the
denial of the motion solely on defendant's own statements. Nevertheless, even
if the trial court used that reasoning, we are not bound by it. State v. Dekowski,
218 N.J. 596, 608 (2014) (recognizing appellate courts conduct a de novo
assessment of an acquittal motion). Instead, we look at the record and, as
already pointed out, there is evidence beyond defendant's refusal to disclose the
gun's location that allowed the jury to infer that defendant concealed or disposed
of the gun to hinder his own apprehension.
C. The Jury Charge on the Certain Persons Offense
Defendant argues that the certain persons conviction should be reversed
because the jury was not instructed to disregard completely its prior verdict and
was not instructed that defendant was entitled to a presumption of innocence.
18 A-3723-17
Defendant did not object to the jury instructions and, therefore, we review this
issue for plain error. State v. Munafo, 222 N.J. 480, 488 (2015); R. 2:10-2. We
discern no plain error.
Under the plain error standard, "we disregard any alleged error 'unless it
is of such a nature as to have been clearly capable of producing an unjust result.'"
State v. Funderburg, 225 N.J. 66, 79 (2016) (quoting R. 2:10-2). Plain error in
the context of jury charges is "[l]egal impropriety in the charge prejudicially
affecting the substantial rights of the defendant and sufficiently grievous to
justify notice by the reviewing court and to convince the court that of itself the
error possessed a clear capacity to bring about an unjust result." State v.
Camacho, 218 N.J. 533, 554 (2014) (alteration in original) (quoting State v.
Adams, 194 N.J. 186, 207 (2008)).
"The charge must be read as a whole in determining whether there was
any error." State v. Torres, 183 N.J. 554, 564 (2005) (citing State v. Jordan, 147
N.J. 409, 422 (1997)). In addition, the error should be evaluated "in light 'of the
overall strength of the State's case.'" State v. Walker, 203 N.J. 73, 90 (2010)
(quoting State v. Chapland, 187 N.J. 275, 289 (2006)). Furthermore, counsel's
failure to object to jury instructions "gives rise to a presumption that [they] did
19 A-3723-17
not view [the charge] as prejudicial to [their] client's case." State v. McGraw,
129 N.J. 68, 80 (1992).
In State v. Ragland, our Supreme Court set forth procedures to be followed
when a defendant faces charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and certain
persons not to possess a weapon simultaneously. 105 N.J. 189, 193-94 (1986).
The charges must be tried separately and "the second jury must clearly be
instructed that it remains the State's burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt,
regardless of the prior conviction, that defendant possessed a weapon and, again
beyond a reasonable doubt, that at that time he was a convicted felon." Id. at
194. If the same jury is used, "[i]t becomes essential . . . that the jury be
instructed in no uncertain terms to consider anew the evidence previously
admitted but to disregard completely its prior verdict." Id. at 195. Accordingly,
defendant is "entitled to the presumption of innocence and, as a consequence of
that, to an instruction that each and every material fact that makes up the crime,
including obviously the fact of possession, must be proven by the State beyond
a reasonable doubt." Ibid.In this case, there was a bifurcated trial. After the jury rendered its verdict
on all the charges except the certain persons charge, the same jury returned to
consider that additional charge. The trial court conducted a charge conference
20 A-3723-17
on the certain persons offense and reviewed the proposed charge with counsel.
After minor adjustments were made, defense counsel agreed to the charge.
The day after the first verdict, the trial judge instructed the jury on the
certain persons not to possess a weapon charge, telling them that the State must
prove the three elements "beyond a reasonable doubt." The court then detailed
each of those elements and repeatedly reminded the jury that the State had the
burden of proving each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Concerning the
possession element, the trial court instructed the jury:
On the issue of possession, although you may consider
evidence previously introduced, the State must prove,
beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant
possessed the handgun before you find the defendant
guilty of this charge. In deciding whether the State has
carried its burden of proof, you must set aside your
previous verdict on this question and begin your
deliberations anew.
In summary, the State must prove three elements
beyond a reasonable doubt. First that there was a
firearm; second, that the defendant knowingly
purchased, owned, possessed, or controlled the firearm
on June 12, 2014; and third, that the defendant is a
person who previously has been convicted of an
enumerated offense. If you state - - if you find that the
State has proven beyond a reasonable doubt each of
these elements, then you must find the defendant guilty.
On the other hand, if you find that the State has failed
to prove any of these elements beyond a reasonable
doubt then you must find the defendant not guilty.
21 A-3723-17
The trial judge did not include the section of the model jury charge in
effect at the time, which states:
You must disregard completely your prior verdict, and
consider anew the evidence previously admitted on the
possession of a weapon. The defendant is entitled to
the presumption of innocence. Each and every material
fact that makes up the crime, including the element of
possession, must be proven by the State beyond a
reasonable doubt.
[Model Jury Charges (Criminal), "Certain Persons Not
to Have Any Firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7(b)(1))" (rev.
Feb. 12, 2018).]
Having reviewed the full charge in context, we discern no plain error. The
trial court instructed the jury to consider the evidence anew and emphasized that
the State had to prove each of the three elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant stipulated that he had prior convictions that prohibited him from
possessing a weapon. Accordingly, the only issue was whether defendant
possessed the firearm on June 12, 2014. The jury was explicitly instructed that
it had to disregard its prior verdict and consider that issue anew at the second
trial.
D. The Alleged Prosecutorial Misconduct
Defendant contends that he was denied due process and a fair trial when
the prosecutor misrepresented the law on manslaughter in her closing arguments.
22 A-3723-17
Specifically, defendant contends that the prosecutor "created artificial
categories of liability" when she gave examples of conduct that she believed
demonstrated recklessness. We are not persuaded by this argument.
"[P]rosecutors in criminal cases are expected to make vigorous and
forceful closing arguments to juries." State v. Frost, 158 N.J. 76, 82 (1999)
(citing State v. Harris, 141 N.J. 525, 559 (1995)). They are "afforded
considerable leeway in closing arguments as long as their comments are
reasonably related to the scope of the evidence presented." Ibid. (citations
omitted). Prosecutors "may comment on facts in the record and draw reasonable
inferences from them," State v. Lazo, 209 N.J. 9, 29 (2012), but they "should
not make inaccurate legal or factual assertions," Reddish, 181 N.J. at 641(quoting State v. Smith, 167 N.J. 158, 178 (2001)).
In her closing arguments, the assistant prosecutor posited several
"variations" of the facts presented at trial concerning recklessness. Defense
counsel did not object to those comments. Read in full context, we discern no
prejudicial misconduct by the prosecutor. The factual variations the prosecutor
discussed were fair comments and were not likely to have misled the jury on the
governing law.
23 A-3723-17
Because defense counsel did not object to the prosecutor's comments, we
review this issue for plain error. State v. McGuire, 419 N.J. Super. 88, 139-40
(App. Div. 2011); R. 2:10-2. "Generally, if no objection was made to the
[allegedly] improper remarks, the remarks will not be deemed prejudicial."
State v. Timmendequas, 161 N.J. 515, 576 (1999). We discern no plain error.
Importantly, the trial court clearly instructed the jury on the governing law
concerning murder, aggravated manslaughter, and reckless manslaughter. The
court also correctly instructed the jurors that they were to follow the court's
instructions and not be guided by any description of law given by counsel.
E. The Sentence
Defendant claims the court committed several errors in sentencing him.
His counsel argues that (1) the hindering and aggravated manslaughter sentences
should have been run concurrently; (2) the court failed to explain why the certain
persons sentence was run consecutively to the aggravated manslaughter and
hindering sentence, rather than concurrently; and (3) he should be afforded an
ability-to-pay hearing on restitution. In a supplemental brief submitted by
defendant, he argues (4) the court improperly considered the drug charges that
were later dismissed; and (5) the court erred in finding aggravating factors one,
five, six, and nine. In its cross-appeal, the State contends that the court
24 A-3723-17
improperly merged the conviction for possession of a handgun into the
aggravated manslaughter conviction.
We review sentencing determinations under a deferential standard. State
v. Grate, 220 N.J. 317, 337 (2015) (quoting State v. Lawless, 214 N.J. 594, 606
(2013)). We "do[] not substitute [our] judgment for the judgment of the
sentencing court." Lawless, 214 N.J. at 606 (first citing State v. Cassady, 198
N.J. 165, 180 (2009); and then citing State v. O'Donnell, 117 N.J. 210, 215
(1989)). Instead, we will affirm a sentence unless
(1) the sentencing guidelines were violated; (2) the
aggravating and mitigating factors found by the
sentencing court were not based upon competent and
credible evidence in the record; or (3) "the application
of the guidelines to the facts of [the] case makes the
sentence clearly unreasonable so as to shock the
judicial conscience."
[State v. Miller, 237 N.J. 15, 28 (2019) (alteration in
original) (quoting State v. Fuentes, 217 N.J. 57, 70
(2014)).]
1. The Consecutive Sentences
When sentencing a defendant for multiple offenses, "such multiple
sentences shall run concurrently or consecutively as the court determines at the
time of sentence." N.J.S.A. 2C:44-5(a). In State v. Yarbough, 100 N.J. 627,
643-44 (1985), our Supreme Court established criteria that a sentencing court
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must consider when deciding whether to impose consecutive sentences.
Namely, the court must evaluate whether
(a) the crimes and their objectives were predominantly
independent of each other;
(b) the crimes involved separate acts of violence or
threats of violence;
(c) the crimes were committed at different times or
separate places, rather than being committed so closely
in time and place as to indicate a single period of
aberrant behavior;
(d) any of the crimes involved multiple victims;
(e) the convictions for which the sentences are to be
imposed are numerous;
....
[Id. at 644.]
"The Yarbough factors are qualitative, not quantitative; applying them involves
more than merely counting the factors favoring each alternative outcome." State
v. Cuff, 239 N.J. 321, 348 (2019) (first citing State v. Molina, 168 N.J. 436, 442-
43 (2001); and then citing State v. Carey, 168 N.J. 413, 427-28 (2001)).
"When a sentencing court properly evaluates the Yarbough factors in light
of the record, the court's decision will not normally be disturbed on appeal."
State v. Miller, 205 N.J. 109, 129 (2011) (citing Cassady, 198 N.J. at 182).
Nevertheless, when a sentencing court fails to explain its decision to impose
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consecutive sentences, a remand is generally required for the judge to provide
an explanation on the record. Ibid. (citations omitted); see also State v. Torres,
___ N.J. ___, ___ (2021) (slip op. at 26).
The trial court imposed an aggregate prison sentence of forty-nine years
with periods of parole ineligibility. Defendant was sentenced to forty years in
prison subject to NERA on the aggravated manslaughter conviction. He was
also sentenced to four years in prison for the hindering conviction and that
sentence was to run consecutive to the aggravated manslaughter sentence. In
addition, on the certain persons conviction, defendant was sentenced to five
years in prison with five years of parole ineligibility and that sentence was to
run consecutive to the aggravated manslaughter and hindering convictions.
In imposing those sentences, the trial court cited to and analyzed the
Yarbough factors. The trial court also explained why it was imposing
consecutive sentences for those three separate crimes. We discern no abuse of
discretion, except there is a need for clarification. The Judgment of Conviction
states that the sentence on the certain person conviction is to run consecutive to
both the sentences for aggravated manslaughter and hindering. The court did
not explain that one aspect of the sentence. Indeed, it is not clear to us that the
court meant to run the certain persons sentence consecutive to the hindering
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sentence. See State v. Ellis, 346 N.J. Super. 583, 594-97 (App. Div. 2002)
(holding sentencing court's decision to require defendant to serve a less
restrictive sentence before a more restrictive sentence is not illegal "when
accompanied by specific findings"). Accordingly, we remand for a clarification
or, if necessary, a resentencing on that issue.
Defendant also argues that the court did not consider the overall length of
time he would serve in prison without parole eligibility. The trial judge's lengthy
and careful analysis of defendant's sentence rebuts that argument.
2. Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
The court found aggravating factor one, "[t]he nature and circumstances
of the offense," N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1(a)(1), applied because "[t]he victim was a total
stranger to the defendant" and defendant pursued Jay "[b]ecause of some
perceived slight to [his] ego." Accordingly, the court found defendant's actions
"particularly egregious." The sentencing court also found aggravating factors
three, the risk of re-offense, N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1(a)(3); five, the likelihood of
defendant's involvement in organized crime, N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1(a)(5); six,
defendant's criminal history, N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1(a)(6); and nine, the need for
deterrence, N.J.S.A. 2C:44-1(a)(9). The sentencing court adequately identified
the facts supporting each of those findings.
28 A-3723-17
The court also considered the mitigating factors and rejected defendant's
arguments for factors eight, nine, and ten but found mitigating factor eleven,
that imprisonment would be a hardship on defendant's minor child, N.J.S.A.
2C:44-1(b)(11). The court then found that the aggravating factors significantly
outweighed the mitigating factors.
We discern no abuse of discretion in those findings. Moreover, the
findings were based on competent credible evidence in the record and the
sentence imposed does not shock our judicial conscience. State v. Bolvito, 217
N.J. 221, 228 (2014).
3. The Merger
The weapons convictions were merged with the aggravated manslaughter
conviction. The State contends that it was an error to merge the conviction for
possession of a weapon without a permit. We agree. "Because the gravamen of
unlawful possession of a handgun is possessing it without a permit, it does not
merge with a conviction for a substantive offense committed with the weapon."
State v. DeLuca, 325 N.J. Super. 376, 392-93 (App. Div. 1999) (citations
omitted), aff'd as modified, 168 N.J. 626 (2001); see also State v. Tate, 216 N.J.
300, 306 (2013) (outlining standards for merger of convictions). Accordingly,
29 A-3723-17
we remand for a resentencing on the conviction for unlawful possession of a
weapon.
4. Restitution
In imposing the sentence, the court granted a request for restitution and
ordered restitution in the amount of $7,874.15. The court did not, however,
conduct a hearing on defendant's ability to pay. Accordingly, we vacate the
restitution award and remand for an ability-to-pay hearing. "A court imposing
restitution must 'conduct at least a summary hearing' to determine the ability to
pay." RSI Bank v. Providence Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 234 N.J. 459, 477 (2018)
(quoting State v. Paladino, 203 N.J. Super. 537, 547 (App. Div. 1985)); see also
N.J.S.A. 2C:44-2(a) to (c) (setting forth criteria to be considered when
sentencing defendant to pay restitution in addition to term of imprisonment).
5. Defendant's Other Sentencing Arguments
We find no merit in defendant's other sentencing arguments. Indeed, those
arguments lack sufficient merit to warrant discussion in a written opinion. R.
2:11-3(e)(2).
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F. The Plea Offer
Finally, defendant contends that his rights to due process and fundamental
fairness were violated when the State withdrew a proposed plea offer. We reject
this argument for two reasons.
First, the argument was never made to the trial court. We discern no
reason to consider the argument for the first time on this appeal. State v.
Robinson, 200 N.J. 1, 20 (2009) (citation omitted) (recognizing appellate courts
generally "will decline to consider questions or issues not properly presented to
the trial court" with few exceptions); see also State v. Witt, 223 N.J. 409, 419
(2015) (holding that it would be "unfair, and contrary to our established rules"
to address new issues raised for the first time on appeal).
Second, the record does not establish that the State made a binding plea
offer. Instead, the best that can be discerned is that there were plea discussions
but there was never a formal plea agreement approved by the court. State v.
Williams, 277 N.J. Super. 40, 46-47 (App. Div. 1994) (explaining that a plea
agreement is not binding until the parties agree and the court approves it); see
generally R. 3:9-3.
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G. Summary
In summary, we affirm all of defendant's convictions. We remand for
resentencing of the conviction for unlawful possession of a weapon and
clarification of how the consecutive sentences are to run on the conviction for
certain persons not to possess a weapon. At the resentencing, the court is also
to conduct an ability-to-pay hearing on the restitution request. In all other
respects, the sentence is affirmed.
Affirmed in part and remanded for resentencing in part. We do not retain
jurisdiction.
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