State v. Null ( 2022 )

[Cite as State v. Null, 2022-Ohio-3338.]
COURT OF APPEALS
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 21-CA-000012
KATELYN NULL :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Guernsey County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No.
20CR000206
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: September 21, 2022
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
JASON R. FARLEY JACOB T. WILL
Assistant Prosecutor 121 South Main Street, Ste. 520
627 Wheeling Avenue Akron, OH 44308
Cambridge, OH 43725
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 2
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Katelan M. Null [“Null”] appeals her conviction and
sentence after a jury trial in the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} Null and the decedent Alexander Anderson agreed to a trade of vehicles.
3T. at 532.1 Null traded a motorcycle in exchange for Anderson’s Pontiac G6. Id.However, the motorcycle developed mechanical problems. Anderson called Null and
asked her to return the Pontiac G6. 3T. at 531-532. Null declined to return the automobile
prompting Anderson to tell her that he would come over and pick it up. Id. at 352.
{¶3} In the evening of August 22, 2020, Anderson called his friend Paige Willis
for a ride. Willis took Anderson to her house, where they did methamphetamine. During
the early morning hours of August 23, 2020, Anderson began texting with Null. Willis
agreed to drive Anderson from Licking County to Guernsey County on the morning of
August 23, 2020 to retrieve Anderson’s car.
{¶4} Anderson was driving Willis’s vehicle in a rural area of Guernsey County.
While Willis was giving Anderson a “blow job,” Anderson lost control of the car and it
became wedged between trees in a ditch. Anderson told Willis his Pontiac G6 was right
up the road, and he would walk to retrieve his car. After he retrieved his car, they could
figure out what to do about Willis’s car.
{¶5} While Anderson and Willis were trying to figure out how to get her car out,
a silver pick-up truck pulled up and the occupant asked if they needed help. 2T. at 298.
1For clarity, the jury trial transcript will be referred to as, “__T.__,” signifying the volume and the page
number.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 3
The sole occupant of the truck indicated that he lived on a nearby farm and that he would
return in about an hour to help. Id. at 299. After concluding that they could not summon
help due to the lack of cell phone service in the area, Anderson walked down the road to
retrieve his car.
{¶6} In the meantime, Null and Daniel Welch had driven the Pontiac G6 to
Columbus, Ohio to buy drugs. 3T. at 532. As they were returning from the trip, Null saw
Anderson on the front porch of the residence where she and Welch had been staying
located at 76557 Zion Road. Id. Welch’s grandmother, Susan Bliss owned and resided
at the residence. 3T. at 493-494.
{¶7} Daniel left the car, spoke to his grandmother, and went inside the residence.
3T. at 532. Null told Lieutenant Sam Williams of the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office
that Anderson came over to the car. 3T. at 533. Null refused to get out of the Pontiac
G6 and an argument ensued. Null told the Lieutenant that Anderson pulled a gun and
she exited the car. Anderson got into the car and drove away. Null admitted to the police
that she called Anderson's brother Anthony and told him that there was an altercation and
"she was going to have him jumped and it was going to be bad." 2T. at 266; 3T. 533-
537.
{¶8} Anderson returned to Willis at the scene of the crash about an hour from
the time he had left to retrieve his car from Null. He told Willis that he and Null “had
words.” 2T. at 300.
{¶9} Kasey Means testified that on the morning of August 23, 2020, she and
Jacob Harper were going to travel to Coshocton, Ohio so she could attend a
scheduled visitation with her daughter. 2T. at 343-344. Means was driving a black
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 4
SUV. Instead of turning onto Eighth Street as they normally do Harper told Means to
continue straight on Zion Road. 2T. at 346. As they traveled down Zion Road, they
came across the Pontiac G6 in the ditch. Anderson declined Means’ offer for help.
Harper got out of the SUV. Anderson stated he got his car from Null at Daniel Welch’s
house. Harper also knew Daniel. Anderson told Harper he was Daniel’s “plug,” slang
for drug dealer. 2T. at 307. Means and Harper then drove to Harper’s father’s home
on Euga Road. 2T. at 348. While at the home, Joshua Jackson gets into the SUV
and they drive back to the scene of the accident. 2T. at 349-350.
{¶10} Harper exited the SUV and began speaking with Anderson. The
conversation was not hostile or aggressive. Means saw Harper begin to get irritated,
and heard Harper say to Anderson, “You know what it is.” 2T. at 352. Harper was
holding a gun to Anderson. Anderson did not have a gun. Means testified Harper
shot Anderson once. As Anderson backed away, Harper shot him two more times.
Harper then jumped in the car and told Means to drive away.
{¶11} Willis testified that she was putting her bags into Anderson’s car, and
heard a “pop pop” sound like a gun. 2T. at 319. She saw Anderson stumbling
backwards, and then heard more shots. Harper got in the black SUV, and it drove
away. Anderson fell partly into the vehicle. He told Willis he was dying.
{¶12} Willis heard the black SUV stop. When Anderson heard the SUV stop,
he told Willis to leave. Unable to pull Anderson into the vehicle, Willis pushed him
out of the vehicle, and drove away. Willis called 911, and led police to where
Anderson’s dead body was found lying in the road.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 5
{¶13} Means testified that while in the vehicle after the incident, Harper took
her phone from her, that she never saw her phone again, and that she saw Harper
on his phone "nonstop.” 2T. at 381-382.
{¶14} Null's phone had been recovered as part of the investigation. During a
Celebrite extraction two text messages are recovered that read, "It is a tall, light-
skinned dude with a car in the ditch somewhere close to your spot, rob him" and "he
is strapped, but he is ASF" 3T. at 434. In an interview with Lieutenant Sam Williams
of the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office Null admitted sending those messages to
Jacob Harper. 3T. at 533-537.
{¶15} On October 8, 2020, Null was indicted on one count of Conspiracy to
Aggravated Murder, a felony of the first degree, in violation of R.C. 2923.01 (A)(2),
Conspiracy to Aggravated Robbery, a felony of the second degree, in violation of
R.C. 2923.01(A)(2), Conspiracy to Felonious Assault, a felony of the third degree, in
violation of R.C. 2923.01(A)(2), one count of Complicity in the Commission of
Aggravated Murder, an unclassified felony in violation of R.C. 2923.03(A)(1), one
count of Complicity in the Commission of Murder, an unclassified felony in violation
of R.C. 2903.02, one count of Complicity in the Commission of Felonious Assault, a
felony of the second degree, in violation of R.C. 2923.03(A)(1), and one count of
Having Weapons While Under Disability, a felony of the third degree, in violation of
2923 .13(A)(3).
{¶16} Prior to trial, the state dismissed the Conspiracy to Aggravated Murder,
Conspiracy to Aggravated Robbery, Conspiracy to Felonious Assault, and Having
Weapons While Under Disability counts.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 6
{¶17} The jury returned verdicts of guilty on the following charges: Complicity in
the Commission of an Offense Involuntary Manslaughter (a lesser-included charge),
Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Murder), and Complicity in the Commission
of an Offense (Felonious Assault).
{¶18} At sentencing, the trial court merged the counts. The state elected to
proceed on the complicity to murder count. Null was sentenced to an indefinite term of
15 years to life. Pursuant to R.C. 2903.41, et seq., the court found Null to be a Violent
Offender and notified her in open court of her duties to register and report. Null was
further notified in open court that post-release control is mandatory in this case for five
years, as well as the consequences for violating conditions of post-release control
imposed by the Parole Board under Revised Code Section 2967.28 and 2929.141.
Assignments of Error
{¶19} Null raises two Assignments of Error.
{¶20} “I. APPELLANT’S CONVICTIONS WERE NOT SUPPORTED BY
SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN VIOLATION OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE
FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND
ARTICLE I, SECTION 10, OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.
{¶21} “II. THE JURY'S FINDING OF GUILT AS TO ALL THREE CHARGES IS
AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED AT TRIAL.”
I & II
{¶22} In her First Assignment of Error, Null argues that that there is insufficient
evidence to support her conviction. Further, in her Second Assignment of Error, Null
contends the conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 7
Standard of Appellate Review– Sufficiency of the Evidence.
{¶23} The Sixth Amendment provides, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury....” This right, in
conjunction with the Due Process Clause, requires that each of the material elements of
a crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne v. United States, 570
U.S. 99, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L.Ed.2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 577 U.S. 92,
136 S.Ct. 616, 621, 193 L.Ed.2d 504 (2016). The test for the sufficiency of the evidence
involves a question of law for resolution by the appellate court. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio
St.3d 409, 2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶30. “This naturally entails a review of the
elements of the charged offense and a review of the state's evidence.” State v.
Richardson, 150 Ohio St.3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8448, 84 N.E.3d 993, ¶13.
{¶24} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court does not
ask whether the evidence should be believed. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997); Walker, 150 Ohio St.3d at ¶30. “The relevant inquiry is whether,
after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier
of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt.” Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus. State v. Poutney, 153 Ohio St.3d 474,
2018-Ohio-22, 97 N.E.3d 478, ¶19. Thus, “on review for evidentiary sufficiency we do
not second-guess the jury's credibility determinations; rather, we ask whether, ‘if believed,
[the evidence] would convince the average mind of the defendant's guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.’” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 543, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001),
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 8
quoting Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus; Walker 150 Ohio St.3d at ¶31. We will
not “disturb a verdict on appeal on sufficiency grounds unless ‘reasonable minds could
not reach the conclusion reached by the trier-of-fact.’” State v. Ketterer, 111 Ohio St.3d
70, 2006-Ohio-5283, 855 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 94, quoting State v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421,
430, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997); State v. Montgomery, 148 Ohio St.3d 347, 2016-Ohio-
5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶74.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the prosecution, the evidence, if believed, would convince the average mind
that Null was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of Complicity in the Commission of the
Offense of Murder
{¶ 25 } In the case at bar, the state elected to proceed on the complicity to murder
conviction. Sent. T. at 15. Null contends the sole evidence to support the complicity
charge consisted of two text messages found on Null’s cell phone. Null argues the record
is void of any evidence that any of the messages sent from Null’s phone were ever
received by Ha rp e r.
{¶26} Null was convicted of complicity under R.C. 2923.03(A)(1), which provides
that “[n]o person, acting with the kind of culpability required for the commission of an
offense, shall * * * [s]olicit or procure another to commit the offense [.]” Thus, the state
was required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Null, acting with the specific intent
to cause Anderson’s death, solicited or procured Harper to kill Anderson and that Harper
did, in fact, kill him. Null does not dispute the state’s proof that Harper killed Anderson.
Her sole challenge is that there was insufficient evidence before the trial court that she
intentionally solicited or procured Harper to commit the murder.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 9
{¶27} “Solicit means to seek, to ask, to influence, to invite, to tempt, to lead on, to
bring pressure to bear.” The definition is taken from 4 Ohio Jury Instructions (2004) 573,
Section 523.03(6) and (7). State v. Skates, 104 Ohio St.3d 195, 2004-Ohio-6391, 819
N.E.2d 215, ¶68; State v. Rohr-George, 9th Dist. Summit No. 23019, 2007-Ohio-1264,
¶13. See also, State v. Attia, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2021-L-003, 2021-Ohio-2890, ¶64. The
state is not required to present evidence of a “specific statement to solicit the murder.”
It must present evidence, however, from which a reasonable fact
finder could infer that the defendant, acting with the specific purpose to
cause a murder, did something to seek, ask, influence, invite, tempt, lead
on, pressure, get, obtain, induce, bring about, or motivate the principal to
commit the murder.
State v. Rohr-George, 9th Dist. Summit No. 23019, 2007-Ohio-1264, ¶28; State v. Attia,
11th Dist. Lake No. 2021-L-003, 2021-Ohio-2890, ¶ 99.
{¶28} Contrary to Null’s assertions, sufficient evidence was presented to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt Null successfully solicited Harper to commit a criminal
offense.
{¶29} In State v. Jester, 32 Ohio St.3d 147, 152, 512 N.E.2d 962, 968 (1987),
the Ohio Supreme Court held:
Where an inherently dangerous instrumentality was employed, a
homicide occurring during the commission of a felony is a natural and
probable consequence presumed to have been intended. Such evidence
is sufficient to allow a jury to find a purposeful intent to kill. State v. Clark
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 10
(1978), 55 Ohio St.2d 257, 9 O.O.3d 257, 379 N.E.2d 597, syllabus; State
v. Johnson (1978), 56 Ohio St.2d 35, 10 O.O.3d 78, 381 N.E.2d 637.
Accord, State v. Widner, 69 Ohio St.2d 267, 431 N.E.2d 1025 (1982) (finding purpose to
kill in passenger’s firing gun at individual from moving vehicle); State v. Dunlap, 73 Ohio
St.3d 308, 316, 652 N.E.2d 988 (1995), certiorari denied (1996), 516 U.S. 1096, 116 S.Ct.
822, 133 L.Ed.2d 765. State v. Banks, 10th Dist. No. 01AP–1179, 2002-Ohio-3341, ¶ 24.
The trier of fact may infer an intention to kill from the surrounding
circumstances where the natural and probable consequence of a
defendant’s actions is to produce death. State v. Robinson (1954), 161
Ohio St. 213, 118 N.E.2d 517, paragraph five of the syllabus; State v.
Edwards (1985), 26 Ohio App.3d 199, 200, 499 N.E.2d 352. Here,
defendant looked at a group of individuals, pointed a semi-automatic
handgun in their direction, and fired five shots. In so doing, one of the
bullets fired from the handgun struck and killed his driver, Andre J. Bender.
Although defendant claims the evidence equally supports a conclusion that
he was merely trying to scare individuals in the group by firing the handgun
into the air, “[t]he act of pointing a firearm and firing it in the direction of
another human being is an act with death as a natural and probable
consequence.” State v. Brown (Feb. 29, 1996), Cuyahoga App. No. 68761
[1996 WL 86627], unreported. Compare State v. Jester (1987), 32 Ohio
St.3d 147, 152, 512 N.E.2d 962 (when an inherently dangerous
instrumentality is employed in the commission of a robbery, such evidence
permits a jury to find a purposeful intent to kill).
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 11
State v. Turner, 10th Dist. No. 97APA05–709, 1997 WL 798770 (Dec. 30, 1997), quoting
State v. Brown, 8th Dist. No. 68761, 1996 WL 86627 (Feb. 29, 1996) dismissed, appeal
not allowed, 77 Ohio St.3d 1468, 673 N.E.2d 135.
{¶30} In the case at bar, circumstantial evidence was presented that Harper did
in fact receive and read Null’s text messages.
{¶31} Null admitted to the police that she called Anderson's brother Anthony and
told him that there was an altercation and "she was going to have him [Anderson] jumped
and it was going to be bad." 2T. at 266; 3T. at 533-537. In an interview with Lieutenant
Sam Williams of the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office Null admitted sending two
messages to Jacob Harper., i.e., "It is a tall, light-skinned dude with a car in the ditch
somewhere close to your spot, rob him" and "he is strapped, but he is ASF.” 3T. at
434; 533-537; 540.
{¶32} Instead of turning onto Eighth Street as they normally do Harper told
Means to continue straight on Zion Road. 2T. at 346. Harper left the accident scene
and drove to his father’s home, where Joshua Jackson accompanied Harper and
Means back to the accident scene. Harper was on his cell phone at various times
throughout the time he initially encountered Anderson and Willis and the time he
returned to the scene. 2T. at 366; 384-385; 386-387. Forensic evidence was
presented that the two text messages were sent from Null’s cell phone to Harper’s
cell phone. 3T. at 430-433.
{¶33} If the state relies on circumstantial evidence to prove an essential element
of an offense, it is not necessary for “‘such evidence to be irreconcilable with any
reasonable theory of innocence in order to support a conviction.’” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 12
St.3d 259, 273, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), at paragraph one of the syllabus, superseded by
State constitutional amendment on other grounds in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997).
{¶34} “‘Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence inherently possess the same
probative value [.]’” Jenks, paragraph one of the syllabus. Furthermore, “‘[s]ince
circumstantial evidence and direct evidence are indistinguishable so far as the jury's fact-
finding function is concerned, all that is required of the jury is that i[t] weigh all of the
evidence, direct and circumstantial, against the standard of proof beyond a reasonable
doubt.’” Jenks, at 272. While inferences cannot be based on inferences, a number of
conclusions can result from the same set of facts. State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 168,
555 N.E.2d 293(1990), citing Hurt v. Charles J. Rogers Transp. Co. (1955), 164 Ohio St.
329, 331, 130 N.E.2d 820.(1955). Moreover, a series of facts and circumstances can be
employed by a jury as the basis for its ultimate conclusions in a case. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d
at 168, 555 N.E.2d 293, citing Hurt, 164 Ohio St. at 331, 130 N.E.2d 820.
{¶35} The record establishes that it was Null’s intent to have Harper jump
Anderson in order to rob him. It is further evident that Null intended it “to be bad.” Null
further texted Harper warning him that Anderson had a gun.
{¶36} Based upon this evidence, we find a trier of fact reasonably could infer that
in texting Harper to jump and rob Anderson and that Anderson was armed, Null was
aware that Harper would arm himself before he confronted Anderson. Furthermore,
under these circumstances, we find a trier of fact reasonably could infer Null acquiesced
in the use of a gun.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 13
{¶37} Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Anderson’s murder was a natural and probable consequence given the force and violence
called for by Null. Null created circumstances that in all probability would endanger
human life.
{¶38} We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding
each element of the crime of complicity to murder and, accordingly, there was sufficient
evidence to support Null’s conviction.
Standard of Appellate Review – Manifest Weight.
{¶39} As to the weight of the evidence, the issue is whether the jury created a
manifest miscarriage of justice in resolving conflicting evidence, even though the
evidence of guilt was legally sufficient. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387,
678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as
stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355; State v.
Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001).
“[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against
the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every
reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the
finding of facts.
***
“If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the
reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 14
the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and
judgment.”
Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.
3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
{¶40} The reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally is
an issue for the trier of fact to resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d
904 (2001); State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶ 31.
Because the trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to
decide whether, and to what extent, to credit the testimony of particular witnesses, the
appellate court must afford substantial deference to its determinations of credibility.
Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St.3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420, 929 N.E.2d 1047, ¶ 20. In
other words, “[w]hen there exist two fairly reasonable views of the evidence or two
conflicting versions of events, neither of which is unbelievable, it is not our province to
choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 99 CA 149, 2002–
Ohio–1152, at ¶ 13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App.3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(7th
Dist. 1999). Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the
evidence to the fact finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision.
State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶ 24.
{¶41} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, an appellate court may
not merely substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “‘the jury clearly lost
its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be
reversed and a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 15
1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional
case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the jury clearly lost their way and created
such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new
trial ordered.
{¶42} The jury as the trier of fact was free to accept or reject any and all of the
evidence offered by the parties and assess the witness’s credibility. “While the trier of
fact may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * *
such inconsistencies do not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight or
sufficiency of the evidence.” State v. Craig, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL
29752 (Mar 23, 2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09–1236, 1996
WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). Indeed, the trier of fact need not believe all of a witness’
testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 02AP–604, 2003–Ohio–958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197
N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889,
citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App.3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992). Although
the evidence may have been circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the
same probative value as direct evidence. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 272, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph one of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997).
{¶43} In the case at bar, the jury heard the witnesses subjected to cross-
examination. The jury heard Null’s admissions made to the police during her interview.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 16
The jury heard Null’s attorney’s arguments and explanations about the evidence and her
actions. Thus, a rational basis exists in the record for the jury’s decision.
{¶44} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs
heavily against the conviction.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387, 678
N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as stated
by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355, quoting Martin, 20
Ohio App.3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. Based upon the foregoing and the entire record in
this matter we find Null’s conviction is not against the sufficiency or the manifest weight
of the evidence. To the contrary, the jury appears to have fairly and impartially decided
the matters before them. The jury heard the witnesses, evaluated the evidence, and was
convinced of Null’s guilt. The jury neither lost their way nor created a miscarriage of
justice in convicting Null of the offense.
{¶45} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the
crimes for which Null was convicted.
{¶46} Null’s First and Second Assignment of Error are overruled.
Guernsey County, Case No. 21-CA-000012 17
{¶47} The judgment of the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Delaney, J., and
Baldwin, J., concur