State v. Wright ( 2012 )

[Cite as State v. Wright, 2012-Ohio-1809.]
COURT OF APPEALS
MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
STATE OF OHIO JUDGES:
Hon. William B. Hoffman, P. J.
Plaintiff-Appellee Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
Hon. John W. Wise, J.
-vs-
Case No. CT2011-0046
DALE C. WRIGHT
Defendant-Appellant OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common
Pleas, Case No. CR2010-0182
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: April 23, 2012
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
RONALD L. WELCH DAVID A. SAMS
ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR Box 40
27 North Fifth Street, P. O. Box 189 West Jefferson, Ohio 43162
Zanesville, Ohio 43702-0189
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 2
Wise, J.
{¶1} Defendant-Appellant Dale C. Wright appeals his sentence and conviction
on one count of child endangering and one count of murder following a jury trial in the
Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas.
{¶2} Plaintiff-Appellee is the State of Ohio.
STATEMENT OF THE CASE AND FACTS
{¶3} On August 1, 2010, Community Ambulance Services responded to a
9-1-1 call at 2148 East Pike that came in at approximately 12:17 a.m. The call came in
as a “child not breathing”. (T. at 201). Upon arriving at the scene, paramedic Robin
Lynn Fisher and EMT Lynn Dalrymple found Appellant Dale Wright standing in the front
yard holding five month old Dash Wright. (T. at 202). The medics took the infant from
Appellant and confirmed that he was not breathing and had no pulse. (T. at 204). EMT
Dalrymple recalled that as she was running to the squad with the baby, Appellant told
her that the baby had vomited and that he had tried to give him a bath. (T. at 221-222).
{¶4} Washington Township volunteer firefighters Casey Parrett and Adam
Siddle also arrived on the scene. (T. at 205, 222). Firefighter Siddle drove the squad to
Genesis Hospital while Firefighter Parrett assisted medics Fisher and Dalrymple with
CPR. Id. Paramedic Phillip Koster also caught up with the ambulance and joined the
medics to assist in treating the child. (T. at 231).
{¶5} The squad arrived at the hospital at approximately 12:28 a.m. The child
was still unresponsive, having showed no signs of life during the twelve minutes from
when the squad arrived on the scene to when they arrived at the hospital. (T. at 225).
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 3
{¶6} Fisher and Dalrymple stated that the child never left their sight during that
time period and that at no time did they drop him or strike his head on anything. (T. at
215, 225). Koster also stated that from the time he got on the ambulance to when they
arrived at the hospital, the child was never dropped, and he was never struck in the
head. (T. at 233).
{¶7} Upon arriving at the hospital, Dash was treated by Dr. Robert McCoy. (T.
at 267-272). Dr. McCoy received a history regarding the patient's condition that was
virtually identical to what Dep. Gearhart had received from the Defendant. Dr. McCoy
conducted a thorough examination of Dash and ordered that Dash be administered
epinephrine with the hope of generating a pulse. Dash also was being bagged as he
was still not breathing on his own.
{¶8} During the course of Dr. McCoy's examination, he discovered that the
child had bleeding in the back of the eyes. This being a strong indicator of an abusive
injury absent other traumatic explanation, Dr. McCoy contacted Children's Hospital and
was advised that a CAT scan was necessary as well. Dr. McCoy's review of the CAT
scan showed that there were multiple brain bleeds of varying age, as well as a skull
fracture. Ultimately Dash was transferred to Children's Hospital in Columbus.
{¶9} At Children's Hospital, Dash was examined and treated by a team of
doctors, including several experts in the field of child abuse pediatrics, radiologists and
an ophthalmologist. Dr. Farah Brink, an expert in the field of child abuse pediatrics,
conducted a thorough physical examination of Dash, as well as reviewing the records
provided by Genesis regarding Dash's treatment at that hospital. Dr. Brink noted that
the child suffered from swelling of the brain, subdural bleeding within the brain, skull
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 4
fractures and retinal hemorrhages. Dr. Brink's treatment of Dash included exploring any
possible reasons for the existence of these injuries including accidental causes or pre-
existing conditions, but she found none. Dr. Brink testified that the injuries suffered by
Dash Wright were the result of blunt impact trauma with a likely shaking mechanism. (T.
at 483). Dr. Brink further testified that these types of injuries can occur in car accidents
or high distance falls, but that the injuries Dash suffered were caused by the child’s
physical abuse. (T. at 490).
{¶10} On August 3, 2010, Dash Wright was pronounced dead. Dr. Kenneth
Gerston of the Franklin County Coroner's Office performed the autopsy in this case. Dr.
Gerston concluded that Dash Wright's cause of death was homicide. In his report, Dr.
Gerston noted that a child that suffers the type of injuries that Dash had would have had
immediate onset of symptoms meaning that Dash would not have wanted to eat or play,
nor would he have been giggling, happy and smiling after the injury. (T. at 376). Finally,
Dr. Gerston testified that Dash's cause of death was traumatic brain injury caused by
blunt force. (T. at 386).
{¶11} While Dash was being treated at Children's Hospital, the Muskingum
County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into Dash Wright’s death which
included interviews with the mother, Appellant, the coroner and medical personnel.
Detectives also conducted a search of Appellant’s residence on August 2, 2010.
{¶12} As a result of such investigation, Appellant Dale C. Wright was indicted on
one count of child endangering, in violation of R.C. §2929.11(B)(1) and one count of
murder, in violation of R.C. §2903.02(B).
{¶13} On January 14, 2011, Appellant filed a motion to suppress evidence.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 5
{¶14} On January 29, 2011, the trial court conducted a hearing on Appellant’s
motion to suppress.
{¶15} On June 27, 2011, a jury trial commenced in this matter.
{¶16} On June 29, 2011, the jury returned a guilty verdict on both counts as
charged in the indictment.
{¶17} On August 1, 2011, the trial court sentenced Appellant to fifteen (15) years
to life.
{¶18} Defendant-Appellant now appeals, assigning the following errors for
review:
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶19} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN NOT SUPPRESSING EVIDCENCE
[SIC] OBTAINED IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶20} “II. THE INDICTMENT WAS STRUCTURALLY INSUFFICIENT AND WAS
IMPROPERLY AMENDED IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL
CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶21} “III. THE JUDGMENT WAS BASED ON INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN
VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶22} “IV. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DENIED A FAIR TRIAL BY
THE ADMISSION OF INADMISSIBLE, IRRELEVANT AND PREJUDICIAL EVIDENCE
IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶23} “V. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DENIED A FAIR TRIAL BY
PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL
CONSTITUTIONS.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 6
{¶24} “VI. THE JURY INSTRUCTIONS WERE STRUCTURALLY
INSUFFICIENT IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶25} “VII. THE VERDICT WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE/FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶26} “VIII. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DENIED THE EFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL
CONSTITUTIONS.
{¶27} “IX. THE DEFENDANT WAS DENIED A FAIR TRIAL BY STRUCTURAL
AND CUMULATIVE ERROR IN VIOLATION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL
CONSTITUTIONS.”
I.
{¶28} In his first Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred
in denying his motion to suppress. We disagree.
{¶29} More specifically, Appellant argues that the warrantless search of his
residence which resulted in recovery of the blanket upon which the child had been
found unresponsive, along with photographs of the basement, was unconstitutional.
{¶30} Appellate review of a trial court's decision to grant or deny a motion to
suppress involves a mixed question of law and fact. State v. Long (1998), 127 Ohio
App.3d 328, 713 N.E.2d 1. During a suppression hearing, the trial court assumes the
role of trier of fact and, as such, is in the best position to resolve questions of fact and to
evaluate witness credibility. State v. Brooks, 75 Ohio St.3d 148, 1996-Ohio-134, 661
N.E.2d 1030. A reviewing court is bound to accept the trial court's findings of fact if they
are supported by competent, credible evidence. State v. Metcalf (1996), 111 Ohio
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 7
App.3d 142, 675 N.E.2d 1268. Accepting these facts as true, the appellate court must
independently determine as a matter of law, without deference to the trial court's
conclusion, whether the trial court's decision meets the applicable legal standard. State
v. Williams (1993), 86 Ohio App.3d 37, 619 N.E.2d 1141.
{¶31} There are three methods of challenging a trial court's ruling on a motion to
suppress on appeal. First, an appellant may challenge the trial court's finding of fact. In
reviewing a challenge of this nature, an appellate court must determine whether the trial
court's findings of fact are against the manifest weight of the evidence. See State v.
Fanning (1982), 1 Ohio St.3d 19, 437 N.E.2d 583; and State v. Klein (1991), 73 Ohio
App.3d 486, 597 N.E.2d 1141. Second, an appellant may argue the trial court failed to
apply the appropriate test or correct law to the findings of fact. In that case, an appellate
court can reverse the trial court for committing an error of law. See State v. Williams
(1993), 86 Ohio App.3d 37, 619 N.E.2d 1141. Finally, an appellant may argue the trial
court has incorrectly decided the ultimate or final issues raised in a motion to suppress.
When reviewing this type of claim, an appellate court must independently determine,
without deference to the trial court's conclusion, whether the facts meet the appropriate
legal standard in any given case. State v. Claytor, (1993) 85 Ohio App.3d 623, 620
N.E.2d 906 and State v. Curry (1994), 95 Ohio App.3d 93, 641 N.E.2d 1172{¶32} The Fourth Amendment provides:
{¶33} “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no
Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 8
particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be
seized.”
{¶34} The text of the Amendment thus expressly imposes two requirements.
First, all searches and seizures must be reasonable. Second, a warrant may not be
issued unless probable cause is properly established and the scope of the authorized
search is set out with particularity. See Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573, 584, 100
S.Ct. 1371, 63 L.Ed.2d 639 (1980).
{¶35} In Kentucky v. King 131 S.Ct. 1849, 1856-1857 (U.S.Ky.,2011), the
United States Supreme Court reviewed the Fourth Amendment and the exceptions
thereto, stating:
{¶36} “Although the text of the Fourth Amendment does not specify when a
search warrant must be obtained, this Court has inferred that a warrant must generally
be secured. “It is a ‘basic principle of Fourth Amendment law,’ ” we have often said,
“ ‘that searches and seizures inside a home without a warrant are presumptively
unreasonable.’ ” Brigham City v. Stuart, 547 U.S. 398, 403, 126 S.Ct. 1943, 164 L.Ed.2d
650 (2006) (quoting Groh v. Ramirez, 540 U.S. 551, 559, 124 S.Ct. 1284, 157 L.Ed.2d
1068 (2004)). But we have also recognized that this presumption may be overcome in
some circumstances because “[t]he ultimate touchstone of the Fourth Amendment is
‘reasonableness.’ ” Brigham City, supra, at 403, 126 S.Ct. 1943; see also Michigan v.
Fisher, 558 U.S. ––––, ––––, 130 S.Ct. 546, 548, 175 L.Ed.2d 410 (2009) (per curiam).
Accordingly, the warrant requirement is subject to certain reasonable exceptions.
Brigham City, supra, at 403, 126 S.Ct. 1943.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 9
{¶37} “One well-recognized exception applies when “ ‘the exigencies of the
situation’ make the needs of law enforcement so compelling that [a] warrantless search
is objectively reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.” Mincey v. Arizona, 437 U.S.
385, 394, 98 S.Ct. 2408, 57 L.Ed.2d 290 (1978); see also Payton, supra, at 590, 100
S.Ct. 1371 (“[T]he Fourth Amendment has drawn a firm line at the entrance to the
house. Absent exigent circumstances, that threshold may not reasonably be crossed
without a warrant”).
{¶38} “This Court has identified several exigencies that may justify a warrantless
search of a home. See Brigham City, 547 U.S., at 403, 126 S.Ct. 1943. Under the
“emergency aid” exception, for example, “officers may enter a home without a warrant
to render emergency assistance to an injured occupant or to protect an occupant from
imminent injury.” Ibid.; see also, e.g., Fisher, supra, at ––––, 130 S.Ct. at 548(upholding warrantless home entry based on emergency aid exception). Police officers
may enter premises without a warrant when they are in hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect.
See United States v. Santana, 427 U.S. 38, 42–43, 96 S.Ct. 2406, 49 L.Ed.2d 300(1976). And - what is relevant here - the need “to prevent the imminent destruction of
evidence” has long been recognized as a sufficient justification for a warrantless search.
Brigham City, supra, at 403, 126 S.Ct. 1943; see also Georgia v. Randolph, 547 U.S.
103, 116, n. 6, 126 S.Ct. 1515, 164 L.Ed.2d 208 (2006); 1857 Minnesota v. Olson, 495
U.S. 91, 100, 110 S.Ct. 1684, 109 L.Ed.2d 85 (1990).”
{¶39} Consent searches are also part of the standard investigatory techniques of
law enforcement. Schneckloth v. Bustamonte (1973), 412 U.S. 218, 231, 93 S.Ct. 2041,
2050, 36 L.Ed .2d 854, 865
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 10
{¶40} Upon review, we find that the trial court heard evidence from Detective
Welker that when they went to the Wright residence to secure what was believed to be
the crime scene, they learned that Appellant was present at the scene but was failing to
respond to their knock at the door. Det. Welker stated that they were concerned that
evidence could be lost or destroyed before they could provide probable cause to a
judge and that they therefore entered the premises based on such exigent
circumstances. (Supp. T. at 13-14). Det. Welker testified that upon locating Appellant,
they advised him that the officers were there to secure the house for a search and that
Appellant advised the officers that he was willing to cooperate and signed a consent to
search waiver. (Supp. T. at 18-21).
{¶41} The trial court heard further testimony from Det. Welker that at no time
was Appellant handcuffed, placed under arrest or threatened, and that he remained in
the house and engaged in conversation with Det. Welker during the search. Id.{¶42} At trial, Det. Welker also testified that upon entering the residence,
Appellant himself admitted a search warrant would not be necessary as “he had signed
a consent to search earlier that day”, and “would be willing to sign another one.” Tr. at
420. Accordingly, Det. Welker’s search of the dryer, which occurred after Appellant’s
admission he had signed a consent to search earlier in the day, was not in violation of
Appellant’s Fourth Amendment rights. Therefore, the trial court did not err in denying
Appellant’s motion to suppress.
{¶43} Appellant’s first Assignment of Error is overruled.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 11
II.
{¶44} In his second Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that the indictment
was structurally insufficient. We disagree.
{¶45} More specifically, Appellant argues that that element of “recklessness”
was not contained in the indictment in either the murder or the child endangering count
and, therefore, such indictment was deficient.
{¶46} The Ohio Supreme Court has held that “[a]n indictment that charges an
offense by tracking the language of the criminal statute is not defective for failure to
identify a culpable mental state when the statute itself fails to specify a mental state.”
State v. Horner, 126 Ohio St.3d 466, 935 N.E.2d 26, 2010-Ohio-3830, at paragraph one
of the syllabus.
{¶47} Upon review, we find that the indictment in the case sub judice is not
defective for failure to include a mens rea element for murder or child endangering
because the indictment tracked the language of the Ohio Revised Code, which does not
specify a mens rea.
{¶48} Further, a review of the jury instructions in this matter reveals that the jury
was properly instructed as to the recklessness element on these charges.
{¶49} Based on the foregoing, we find Appellant’s second Assignment of Error
not well-taken and overrule same.
III., VII.
{¶50} In his third and seventh Assignments of Error, Appellant argues that the
verdict was against the manifest weight and sufficiency of the evidence. We disagree.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 12
{¶51} The function of an appellate court on review is to assess the sufficiency of
the evidence “to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the
average mind of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Jenks
(1991), 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492, paragraph two of the syllabus. In making
this determination, a reviewing court must view the evidence in the light most favorable
to the prosecution. Id.; State v. Feliciano (1996), 115 Ohio App.3d 646, 652, 685 N.E.2d
1307, 1310–1311.
{¶52} While the test for sufficiency requires a determination of whether the State
has met its burden of production at trial, a manifest-weight challenge questions whether
the state has met its burden of persuasion. State v. Thompkins (1997), 78 Ohio St.3d
380, 390, 678 N.E.2d 541, 548-549 (Cook, J., concurring). In making this determination,
we do not view the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution. Instead, we
must “review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences,
consider the credibility of witnesses and determine whether, in resolving conflicts in the
evidence, the Trier of fact 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, 678 N.E.2d 541. (Quoting State v. Martin
(1983), 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721). Accordingly, reversal on
manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional case in which the evidence
weighs heavily against the conviction.” State v. Thompkins, supra. In State v.
Thompkins, supra the Ohio Supreme Court further held “[t]o reverse a judgment of a
trial court on the basis that the judgment is not sustained by sufficient evidence, only a
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 13
concurring majority of a panel of a court of appeals reviewing the judgment is
necessary.” 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 678 N.E.2d 541 at paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶53} In this case, Appellant was convicted of child endangering, in violation of
R.C. §2919.22(B)(1) and murder, in violation of R.C. §2903.02(B), which provide:
{¶54} R.C. §2919.22 Endangering children
{¶55} “(A) ***
{¶56} “(B) No person shall do any of the following to a child under eighteen
years of age or a mentally or physically handicapped child under twenty-one years of
age:
{¶57} “(1) Abuse the child;
{¶58} “ *** ”
{¶59} R.C. §2903.02 Murder
{¶60} “(A) ***
{¶61} “(B) No person shall cause the death of another as a proximate result of
the offender's committing or attempting to commit an offense of violence that is a felony
of the first or second degree and that is not a violation of section 2903.03 or 2903.04 of
the Revised Code.”
{¶62} Although not stated in R.C. §2919.22, recklessness is the culpable mental
state for the crime of child endangering. State v. O'Brien (1987), 30 Ohio St.3d 122, 508
N.E.2d 144; State v. Conley, Perry App. No. 03-CA-18, 2005-Ohio-3257 at ¶ 20.
Recklessness is defined in R.C. 2901.22(C), which states:
{¶63} “(C) A person acts recklessly when, with heedless indifference to the
consequences, he perversely disregards a known risk that his conduct is likely to cause
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 14
a certain result or is likely to be of a certain nature. A person is reckless with respect to
circumstances when, with heedless indifference to the consequences, he perversely
disregards a known risk that such circumstances are likely to exist.”
{¶64} Here, Appellant argues that the State failed to present sufficient evidence
as to Dash Wright’s death and the proximate cause of his death.
{¶65} Upon review, we find that the record is replete with expert testimony that
Dash Wright died and that his death was caused by traumatic brain injury. (T. at 340-
341, 395). The coroner, Dr. Gerston, testified that Dash Wright died from a blow to the
head and that his death was the result of homicide. Id. Dr. Gerston further explained
necrosis of the brain stem and that such condition occurs when swelling of the brain
causes pressure on the brain stem until oxygen flow is cut off. (T. at 395).
{¶66} Additionally, the jury heard from Dr. Brink that Dash Wright’s brain injuries
were the result of “blunt impact trauma with likelt a shaking mechanism as well.” (T. at
483). She further testified that he had retinal hemorrhages, which in combination with
the head bleeding, suggested shaking. Id.{¶67} Dr. Leder also testified that Dash Wright died from a severe blow to the
head and that he had been shaken. (T. at 666). Likewise, Dr. Shuman testified that it
was his conclusion that Dash’s death was the result of homicide. (T. at 629).
{¶68} As to proximate cause, a review of the jury charges shows that the jury
was instructed:
{¶69} “The State charges that the act or failure to act of the defendant caused
death. Cause is an essential element of the offense. Cause is an act or failure to act
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 15
which in the natural and continuous sequence directly produces the death and without
which it would not have occurred.” (T. at 730).
{¶70} The jury also heard testimony from Rosemary Elson, Dash’s mother, that
he was alert, happy and playful earlier in the day. (T. at 288-290). She further testified
that Dash was behaving normally when she went to bed and left him alone with
Appellant. (T. at 291-293). She testified that when she saw Dash ten to fifteen minutes
later, when Appellant began screaming for her, Dash was limp and he was not
breathing. (T. at 293).
{¶71} The jury also heard testimony that Dash was not developmentally able to
crawl out of his “pack and play” crib or injure himself with enough force to cause his
injuries. (T. at 628).
{¶72} Based on the foregoing and the complete record in this matter, we find
that there was sufficient evidence to find that Appellant committed the crimes of
endangering children and murder. Further, based on the evidence and the record, this
Court cannot say that the jury lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice
in finding Appellant guilty as charged.
{¶73} Appellant’s third and seventh Assignments of Error are overruled.
IV.
{¶74} In his fourth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that the trial court
erred in admitting irrelevant, inadmissible and prejudicial evidence at trial. We disagree.
{¶75} Appellant argues that the admission of the autopsy photographs and the
photographs taken in the basement were highly prejudicial and irrelevant.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 16
{¶76} Under Evidence Rules 403 and 611(A), the admission of photographs is
left to the sound discretion of the trial court. State v. Landrum (1990), 53 Ohio St.3d
107, 559 N.E.2d 710. See also State v. Maurer (1984), 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 473 N.E.2d
768. Under Evidence Rule 403(A), the probative value of the evidence must be weighed
against the danger of unfair prejudice, of confusion of the issues, or of misleading the
jury. Evid.R. 611(A) further provides, in relevant part, the trial court “shall exercise
reasonable control over the mode and order of ... presenting evidence so as ... to make
the ... presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth” and to “avoid needless
consumption of time.” “Although a photograph may be rendered inadmissible by its
inflammatory nature, the mere fact that it is gruesome or horrendous is not sufficient to
render it inadmissible if the trial court, in the exercise of its discretion, feels that it would
prove useful to the jury.” State v. Woodard (1966), 6 Ohio St.2d 14, 25, 215 N.E.2d 568.
“The real question is whether the probative value of such photographs is outweighed by
the danger of prejudice to the defendant.” Woodard at 25, 215 N.E.2d 568.
{¶77} Here, the jury was shown five autopsy photographs. These photographs
were used during the medical testimony to describe and explain Dash Wright’s injuries.
As such, we do not find that they were more prejudicial than probative.
{¶78} The jury was also shown photographs taken in the basement where Dash
Wright was injured. Two of these photographs showed animals in the basement.
However, upon having reviewed the record, this Court finds no inflammatory or
prejudicial statements concerning such animals.
{¶79} This Court finds that the trial court did not err in admitting the photographs
in this case.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 17
{¶80} Appellant’s fourth Assignment of Error is overruled.
V.
{¶81} In his fifth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that he was denied a fair
trial by prosecutorial misconduct. We disagree.
{¶82} Appellant contends that prosecutorial misconduct resulted in reversible
error. Specifically, Appellant contends that the State tried to lessen the burden of proof
by mischaracterizing proof beyond a reasonable doubt during voir dire. Appellant also
argues that the State’s comments to the jury during closing argument regarding the use
of common sense, the mens rea element of recklessness for the crime of child
endangerment, and the fact that motive is not an element of an offense were error. He
further argues that the State improperly commented on the condition of Appellant’s
basement and the presence therein of alligators, rats and snakes during opening
statements. Additionally, Appellant assigns error to the State’s cross-examination of his
medical expert.
{¶83} During opening statement, counsel is accorded latitude and allowed fair
comment on the facts to be presented at trial. See Maggio v. Cleveland, 151 Ohio St.
136, 84 N.E.2d 912 (1949), paragraph two of the syllabus. See, also, State v. LaMar, 95
Ohio St.3d 181, 2002-Ohio-2128, 767 N.E.2d 166, ¶ 126. State v. Leonard, 104 Ohio
St.3d 54, 2004-Ohio-6235, 818 N.E.2d 229, ¶ 157. In addition, a prosecutor is entitled to
a certain degree of latitude in closing arguments. State v. Liberatore, 69 Ohio St.2d 583,
589, 433 N.E.2d 561(1982). Thus, it falls within the sound discretion of the trial court to
determine the propriety of these arguments. State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 269,
473 N.E.2d 768(1984). A conviction will be reversed only where it is clear beyond a
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 18
reasonable doubt that, absent the prosecutor's comments, the jury would not have
found the defendant guilty. State v. Benge, 75 Ohio St.3d 136, 141, 1996-Ohio-227, 661
N.E.2d 1019. Furthermore, “[i]solated comments by a prosecutor are not to be taken out
of context and given their most damaging meaning.” Donnelly v. DeChristoforo, 416
U.S. 637, 647, 94 S.Ct. 1868, 40 L.Ed.2d 431 (1974).
{¶84} In reviewing allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, it is our duty to
consider the complained of conduct in the context of the entire trial. Darden v.
Wainwright, 477 U.S. 168, 106 S.Ct. 2464, 91 L.Ed.2d 144(1986).
{¶85} We have reviewed the record in this case and find the complained of
instances do not equate to any prejudice to Appellant.
{¶86} Appellant’s fifth Assignment of Error is overruled.
VI.
{¶87} In his sixth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that jury instructions
were structurally insufficient. We disagree.
{¶88} Appellant argues again that the court failed to define death and that the
element of “recklessness” was not defined with respect to the murder charge.
{¶89} Upon review, we find that the jury herein was properly instructed by the
trial court that to find Appellant guilty of murder, it must find beyond a reasonable doubt
that Appellant caused the death of Dash Wright as a proximate cause of committing or
attempting to commit the offense of child endangering. (T. at 730). The jury was further
instructed that, in order to find Appellant guilty of child endangering, the State had to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant “recklessly” abused Dash Wright,
resulting in physical harm. Id.Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 19
{¶90} As the murder charge herein is based on the predicate offense of child
endangering, we find that the trial court correctly instructed the jury that proof that
Appellant recklessly abused Dash Wright is sufficient to establish the requisite mental
state to convict Appellant of murder under R.C. 2903.02(B). See State v. Cherry, 9th
Dist. App. No. 207771, 2002-Ohio-3738.
{¶91} Appellant’s sixth Assignment of Error is overruled.
VIII.
{¶92} In his eighth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that he was denied the
effective assistance of counsel. We disagree.
{¶93} Our standard of review is set forth in Strickland v. Washington (1984), 466
U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674. Ohio adopted this standard in the case of
State v. Bradley (1989), 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373. These cases require a two-
pronged analysis in reviewing a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel. First, we
must determine whether counsel's assistance was ineffective; whether counsel's
performance fell below an objective standard of reasonable representation and was
violative of any of his essential duties to the client. If we find ineffective assistance of
counsel, we must then determine whether or not the defense was actually prejudiced by
counsel's ineffectiveness such that the reliability of the outcome of the trial is suspect.
This requires a showing that there is a reasonable probability that but for counsel's
unprofessional error, the outcome of the trial would have been different. Id. Trial counsel
is entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions fall within the wide range of
reasonable professional assistance. State v. Sallie (1998), 81 Ohio St.3d 673, 675, 693
N.E.2d 267.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 20
{¶94} Appellant herein argues that his counsel was ineffective in failing to move
for a directed verdict based on the alleged errors raised in the previous assignments of
error. Having addressed such and having found no error, we find no evidence that
counsel’s performance in this matter fell below an objective standard of
reasonableness. Further, we find that Appellant has failed to show that the outcome
would have been different but for such alleged errors.
{¶95} Appellant’s eighth Assignment of Error is overruled.
IX.
{¶96} In his ninth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that he was denied a
fair trial based on cumulative error. Specifically, Appellant alleges that the errors
outlined in his previous eight assignments of error amount to cumulative error requiring
reversal. We disagree.
{¶97} In State v. Brown, 100 Ohio St.3d 51, 2003–Ohio–5059, 796 N.E.2d 506,
the Ohio Supreme Court recognized the doctrine of cumulative error. However, as
explained in State v. Bethel, 110 Ohio St.3d 416, 2006-Ohio-4853, 854 N.E.2d 150, ¶
197, it is simply not enough to intone the phrase “cumulative error.” State v. Sapp, 105
Ohio St.3d 104, 2004-Ohio-7008, 822 N.E.2d 1239, ¶ 103.
{¶98} Here, Appellant raises the doctrine of cumulative error but gives no
analysis or explanation as to why or how the errors have had a prejudicial cumulative
effect. Thus, this Assignment of Error has no substance under Bethel and Sapp.
{¶99} Where we have found that the trial court did not err, cumulative error is
simply inapplicable. State v. Carter, 5th Dist. No. 2002CA00125, 2003-Ohio-1313 at ¶
37. To the extent that we have found that any claimed error of the trial court was
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 21
harmless, or that claimed error did not rise to the level of plain error, we conclude that
the cumulative effect of such claimed errors is also harmless because taken together,
they did not materially affect the verdict. State v. Leonard, 104 Ohio St.3d 54, 89-90,
2004-Ohio-6235, 818 N.E.2d 229, 270 at ¶ 185.
{¶100} As this case does not involve multiple instances of error, Appellant’s ninth
Assignment of Error is overruled.
{¶101} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of
Muskingum County, Ohio, is affirmed.
By: Wise, J.
Hoffman, P. J., and
Farmer, J., concur.
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JUDGES
JWW/d 0409
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2011-0046 22
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
STATE OF OHIO :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee :
:
-vs- : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
DALE C. WRIGHT :
:
Defendant-Appellant : Case No. CT2011-0046
For the reasons stated in our accompanying Memorandum-Opinion, the
judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Muskingum County, Ohio, is affirmed.
Costs assessed to Appellant.
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___________________________________
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JUDGES