State v. Garcia-Rodriguez ( 2022 )

[Cite as State v. Garcia-Rodriguez, 2022-Ohio-4283.]
COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : No. 111038
v. :
WILFREDO GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: December 1, 2022
Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-18-625204-A
Appearances:
Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
Attorney, and Kevin R. Filiatraut, Assistant Prosecuting
Attorney, for appellee.
Edward M. Heindel, for appellant.
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, P.J.:
Defendant-appellant Wilfredo Garcia-Rodriguez (“Garcia-
Rodriguez”), appeals from his convictions and sentencing following a jury trial. For
the following reasons, we affirm.
Factual and Procedural History
On January 26, 2018, in Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-18-625204-A, a
Cuyahoga County Grand Jury indicted Garcia-Rodriguez on one count of aggravated
murder in violation of R.C. 2903.01(B), one count of aggravated murder in violation
of R.C. 2903.01(A), one count of aggravated burglary in violation of R.C.
2911.11(A)(1), one count of aggravated robbery in violation of R.C. 2911.01(A)(3),
one count of aggravated robbery in violation of R.C. 2911.01(A)(1), two counts of
kidnapping in violation of R.C. 2905.01(A)(2), one count of kidnapping in violation
of R.C. 2905.01(A)(3), and one count of having weapons while under disability in
violation of R.C. 2923.13(A)(2). Except for the charge of having weapons while
under disability, the charges carried one- and three-year firearm specifications,
notice of prior conviction specifications, and repeat violent offender specifications.
On January 31, 2018, Garcia-Rodriquez pleaded not guilty to the
indictment. On July 31, 2018, the court granted a motion to appoint an interpreter
on behalf of Garcia-Rodriguez. On September 11, 2018, the trial court referred
Garcia-Rodriguez for an evaluation by the court psychiatric clinic. On April 16,
2019, a plea offer was placed on the record. On August 1, 2019, Garcia-Rodriguez
filed a motion for an independent psychological evaluation and appointment of a
specific psychologist to assist in his defense. On August 6, 2019, the trial court
denied Garcia-Rodriguez’s request for a specific psychologist but granted his request
to undergo a supplemental psychological evaluation with the court psychiatric clinic.
On November 19, 2019, following a hearing, the trial court found Garcia-Rodriguez
competent to stand trial.
Between March 2, 2020, and January 22, 2021, the court observed
Covid-19 protocols, granted continuances on pretrial hearings and trial dates, and
held pretrial hearings. On April 6, 2021, Garcia-Rodriguez filed a motion to
suppress the videotaped recordings of his custodial interrogations that took place
on January 16, 2018, and January 17, 2018. On June 7, 2021, the court held a
hearing on the motion to suppress, and the court subsequently denied Garcia-
Rodriguez’s motion.
On September 13, 2021, Garcia-Rodriguez waived his right to a jury
trial on Count 9, having weapons while under disability charge, and the repeat
violent offender and notice of prior conviction specifications associated with Counts
1 through 8 of the indictment. On the same date, the case proceeded to a jury trial
on the remaining charges.
The charges against Garcia-Rodriguez arose from an incident on
January 7, 2018, that resulted in the murder of James Dowell (“Jimbo”). The
following summaries describe the trial testimony offered by the participants,
witnesses, and investigating officers.
E.R.
Garcia-Rodriguez lived with his girlfriend, Cassandra Roman, and
her family members including her 14-year-old son E.R. E.R. considered Garcia-
Rodriguez a father-figure until several months prior to this incident when their
relationship began to deteriorate due to Garcia-Rodriguez’s use of crack cocaine.
E.R. testified that as he walked home from his cousin’s house on
January 7, 2018, he observed his mom’s car parked in the driveway of a house he
passed. E.R. did not know who lived at the home, but he knocked on the front door
to inquire why his mom’s car was parked there. Garcia-Rodriguez answered the
door; Garcia-Rodriguez was accompanied by another man, Tito.1 This was E.R.’s
first encounter with Tito although he may have observed Tito with Garcia-Rodriguez
on a few prior occasions. Both Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito were dressed in black and
wore gloves. Garcia-Rodriguez informed E.R. that the men planned to rob Jimbo.
The men instructed E.R. to get into Tito’s green Honda Accord because he could help
them with the robbery.
Inside the car, Tito sat in the driver’s seat with Garcia-Rodriguez in
the front passenger seat and E.R. in the rear seat. Tito pointed a baby blue gun at
E.R. and threatened to kill his family if E.R. told anyone about the robbery. Tito
gave E.R. ten dollars with which he was to purchase marijuana from Jimbo. E.R.
knew Jimbo both as a family friend with whom E.R. had been acquainted with since
he was five years old and as E.R.’s marijuana dealer. Tito drove to Jimbo’s house
and parked in the alley behind the home. E.R. denied that he or anyone else called
Jimbo as they drove to Jimbo’s home.
1 Tito’s given name is Juan Burgos-Delgado.
Garcia-Rodriguez instructed E.R. to knock on Jimbo’s back door,
enter the house, and purchase marijuana. E.R. knocked at the back door, and Jimbo
permitted him entry to the house. A female friend of Jimbo’s, Savannah Alley
(“Savannah”), was also present in the kitchen. As E.R. handed Jimbo money for the
drugs, Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito entered the back door wearing face masks and
carrying guns.
Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito ordered Jimbo, Savannah, and E.R. to get
on the ground. Garcia-Rodriguez pointed his gun at Jimbo and demanded he hand
over marijuana and money. Garcia-Rodriguez and Jimbo fought over possession of
the gun while Tito stood to the side and pointed his gun at Jimbo. During the
struggle between Garcia-Rodriguez and Jimbo, Garcia-Rodriguez’s gun was pointed
at E.R. which caused E.R. to stand up and lean against the wall. Garcia-Rodriguez’s
gun went off although no one was shot. Savannah stood up and ran from the room.
Tito picked up Garcia-Rodriguez’s gun from the ground, pistol-whipped Jimbo and
shot Jimbo twice with that gun — once in the upper arm and once in the head. E.R.
testified that at some point, Tito removed a roll of duct tape from his pocket and
attempted to wrap tape around Jimbo’s arm. E.R. also testified that while these acts
took place, Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito spoke in Spanish, which E.R. did not
understand.
After Tito shot Jimbo, Tito pointed the gun at E.R. and told him to
grab the marijuana bag from the kitchen table and get in the car. E.R. complied with
those demands. E.R. gave conflicting testimony as to how Tito and Garcia-
Rodriguez left the house. E.R. initially stated that he left first, followed by Tito
holding the gun and then Garcia-Rodriguez. E.R. later testified that Garcia-
Rodriguez left the house first followed by himself and then Tito.
Tito drove the three individuals from Jimbo’s house back to Tito’s
house. E.R. described Tito as “very excited” during the drive while Garcia-Rodriguez
sat quietly. Upon arriving at Tito’s home, E.R. exited the car, walked home, and
never spoke with anyone about the events that took place at Jimbo’s home until
January 16, 2018, when E.R. was approached by the police.
On January 16, 2018, Cleveland Police Detective Jody Remington
(“Detective Remington”) and FBI Special Agent Brian Young (“Agent Young”)
questioned E.R. at his school. E.R. testified that he was not initially honest with
Detective Remington and Agent Young because he was scared, he wanted to protect
Garcia-Rodriguez, and he feared Tito. E.R.’s lies included statements that he did
not know Tito or maybe he had seen him around; that Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito
picked E.R. up while he was walking and he thought they were going to Jimbo’s to
buy marijuana; that E.R. called Jimbo from his friend’s home; that E.R. was lying
face-down during the robbery and he did not see anything; and that E.R. never saw
Tito’s face unmasked. After being questioned and returning home, E.R. told Garcia-
Rodriguez that he had spoken with Detective Remington and Agent Young. Garcia-
Rodriguez contacted the police, and both Garcia-Rodriguez and E.R. turned
themselves into the police that night.
E.R. was charged with and pled guilty to murder. As part of the plea
agreement, the state agreed not to attempt bindover, which could result in E.R.
being tried in adult court, and E.R. agreed to testify against Garcia-Rodriguez and
Tito. E.R.’s probation was dependent upon his trial testimony.
Savannah Alley
Savannah testified that she was Jimbo’s best friend and she
accompanied him daily when he sold marijuana either outside or inside his home.
On January 7, 2018, Savannah and Jimbo were completing drug sales outside his
house when Jimbo received a phone call from E.R.. E.R. wanted to meet Jimbo at
his home and purchase marijuana. Jimbo and Savannah smoked marijuana on their
way back to Jimbo’s home; Savannah was high during the events that occurred that
evening.
While Savannah and Jimbo were in the kitchen, E.R. knocked at the
back door and Jimbo let him into the house. Jimbo asked E.R. where Garcia-
Rodriguez was, and E.R. stated he did not know. Savannah had seen Jimbo sell
marijuana previously to Garcia-Rodriguez, and on one such occasion, E.R. was with
Garcia-Rodriguez. While Jimbo weighed marijuana at the kitchen table, two
masked men entered the house. Savannah did not identify the men but
differentiated them by describing one as chubby and the other as skinny. Savannah
testified the skinny assailant’s build was comparable to Garcia-Rodriguez’s build.
Upon the men’s entry into the house, the chubby assailant put
Savannah’s hands behind her back, a gun to her head, and forced her to the ground.
E.R. stood in the kitchen as Jimbo fought with the skinny man. The two assailants
spoke in Spanish and English to each other. She heard Jimbo state, “Gyto, why are
you doing this to me” and “Gyto, why would you do this to me, and we’re family.”
Gyto is Garcia-Rodriguez’s nickname.
Savannah testified that one of the men pistol-whipped Jimbo and
Jimbo continued to struggle with his captors. The assailants attempted to duct tape
Jimbo. While Jimbo and Savannah were both on the ground and both captors were
struggling with Jimbo, the first gunshot was fired. Savannah promptly stood up, ran
out of the room, and hid in the bedroom behind the television set. Savannah heard
a couple of additional gunshots, but she did not see who shot Jimbo. After she heard
the assailants’ car drive away, Savannah left her hiding place and discovered Jimbo’s
body lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor.
After the police arrived, Savannah was interviewed at the Justice
Center. Savannah told the police that she observed two guns — a light blue one and
a dark blue one. She also informed the interrogating officer that “I’m going to be
remembering things from here on out, I’m going to be remembering things I may
not remember right now, but I’m going to remember things.” Tr. 581. Savannah
testified that immediately after Jimbo’s death, his family suspected Savannah’s
involvement with the robbery and murder although she does not think they still hold
those beliefs.
Garcia-Rodriguez
Garcia-Rodriguez testified that he was born in Puerto Rico where he
completed the ninth grade. Garcia-Rodriguez’s first language is Spanish, and he
claimed to speak very little English. Garcia-Rodriguez was previously convicted in
criminal cases in Ohio for which he served four years in prison. Garcia-Rodriguez
stated that he lived with E.R. and his family for almost two years prior to Jimbo’s
death. Garcia-Rodriguez considered E.R. a son to him. Jimbo was a family friend
to E.R. and his family, but Garcia-Rodriguez knew him mainly as his supplier of
marijuana.
Garcia-Rodriguez initially testified that he first met Tito when Garcia-
Rodriguez was tattooing a mutual friend of theirs. At that encounter, Garcia-
Rodriguez agreed to complete construction work at Tito’s home. At a later date,
Garcia-Rodriguez went to Tito’s home where he began the construction work. While
Garcia-Rodriguez worked, Tito wore a large, green gun around his waist and asked
Garcia-Rodriguez about his family in Puerto Rico. Tito informed Garcia-Rodriguez
that he had killed Garcia-Rodriguez’s cousin in Puerto Rico and, if Garcia-Rodriguez
told anyone about the incident, Tito would also kill him. Garcia-Rodriguez took the
threat seriously. Tito followed Garcia-Rodriguez around the house and eventually
took Garcia-Rodriguez to the basement where he and Tito smoked crack cocaine.
Garcia-Rodriguez testified that Tito then “transformed into a real threat” as he
wielded his gun as well as a stick and sword and continued to threaten Garcia-
Rodriguez. Garcia-Rodriguez did not feel that he could leave Tito’s home.
While in the basement, Garcia-Rodriguez heard knocking on the
house door. Garcia-Rodriguez answered the door and saw E.R. standing there.
Garcia-Rodriguez stepped outside, and Tito followed behind, brandishing his gun.
Garcia-Rodriguez informed Tito he needed to go home, but Tito told him he needed
to pay him money for the drugs Tito had provided to Garcia-Rodriguez.
Tito forced E.R. and Garcia-Rodriguez into his green Honda Accord;
pointed the gun at E.R.; and threatened to kill E.R. if he told anyone about their
actions. Tito then mentioned for the first time that he was going to take Garcia-
Rodriguez to Jimbo’s. After arriving at Jimbo’s home, an approximate seven or
eight minute drive, Tito parked the car towards the back of the house, pulled out
another handgun, handed a ski hat without eye holes to Garcia-Rodriguez, and told
Garcia-Rodriguez that he had to steal marijuana from Jimbo in repayment of the
money he owed Tito. Tito threatened to kill both Garcia-Rodriguez and E.R. if
Garcia-Rodriguez did not comply.
After E.R. exited the vehicle, Tito handed Garcia-Rodriguez a
nonoperational, blue gun and stated “pick this gun, this gun gets stuck sometimes.”
Tr. 977. Garcia-Rodriguez testified that this was the Kimber gun that was
introduced at trial. Tito handed E.R. money and instructed him to enter Jimbo’s
home ahead of the other two men. E.R. complied with Tito’s directives as Garcia-
Rodriguez and Tito stood outside Tito’s vehicle. Tito stood behind Garcia-Rodriguez
with his gun pointed at his rib cage and pushed Garcia-Rodriguez to enter the home.
Garcia-Rodriguez thought Tito would kill him.
At trial, Garcia-Rodriguez offered varying versions of what occurred
after they entered Jimbo’s home. He initially stated that Tito pushed Garcia-
Rodriguez out of the way and Jimbo and Garcia-Rodriguez stumbled to the ground.
Tito threw Savannah to the ground and pointed his gun at her. Tito told Garcia-
Rodriguez to ask Jimbo where the marijuana was located. Jimbo would not state
the marijuana’s location so Tito pistol-whipped Jimbo and then tried to restrain
Jimbo with duct tape. Garcia-Rodriguez denied that he attempted to duct tape
Jimbo and testified his DNA was on the tape because he handled duct tape while
working at Tito’s house.
Garcia-Rodriguez also testified that as he entered the house, Jimbo
grabbed him and they both fell to the ground. When Garcia-Rodriguez landed on
the ground, he lost control of the gun. Tito grabbed the gun and put it in his pant-
waist area. Then, while Garcia-Rodriguez and Jimbo were on the ground, Tito used
his green gun to shoot Jimbo twice. Tito grabbed the bag of marijuana on the
kitchen table and ordered Garcia-Rodriguez and E.R. to get in his car.
After Jimbo was shot and the men left the house, Garcia-Rodriguez
testified that Tito, Garcia-Rodriguez, and E.R. returned to Tito’s home where Tito
took them to the basement. Tito threatened to kill them and their families if they
spoke about the robbery or murder. During the week or so following the robbery
and murder, Tito drove by Garcia-Rodriguez’s home and yelled “are you doing
okay.” Garcia-Rodriguez testified that this was slang for Puerto Ricans that meant
if you say something you are not supposed to repeat, you will be killed.
On January 16, 2018, E.R. told Garcia-Rodriguez that he had spoken
with detectives at school who said they would protect them from Tito. Garcia-
Rodriguez testified that he coincidentally ran into his adult son, Christian, and asked
him to serve as a translator with the detectives. Garcia-Rodriguez testified that he
wanted to speak with the detectives because he was concerned that they were being
threatened by Tito and he knew Tito killed Jimbo. Upon meeting the detectives at a
designated location, Garcia-Rodriguez and E.R. were handcuffed and taken into
custody.
Garcia-Rodriguez testified that the officers promised to protect him
and his family from Tito if he cooperated with them. Garcia-Rodriguez testified he
“felt forced to cooperate.” Garcia-Rodriguez stated he consumed marijuana and
cocaine prior to his arrest and was under the effects of drugs during the January 16,
2018 interrogation and, therefore, he answered all of the detectives questions in the
affirmative. Garcia-Rodriguez also testified that he told the detectives he spoke poor
English but they still asked questions and he answered them.
At trial, Garcia-Rodriguez denied he went to Jimbo’s with the
intention of robbing Jimbo and denied previously telling the police during his
custodial interrogations that he wanted the marijuana from Jimbo’s home.
The Cleveland Division of Police (“CPD”) videotaped Garcia-
Rodriguez’s January 16, 2018 and January 17, 2018 custodial interrogations and the
state presented those recordings during trial to impeach Garcia-Rodriguez’s trial
testimony.
Detective Raymond Diaz
Detective Raymond Diaz (“Detective Diaz”), a homicide detective
with CPD, testified that he investigated Jimbo’s homicide along with Detective
Remington and Special Agent Young. Detective Diaz interviewed Savannah and
collected evidence. CPD learned the street names of the individuals that may have
been involved in the crimes: Gyto and Tito. With Savannah’s assistance, CPD
obtained information on Gyto and E.R. on Facebook and determined Garcia-
Rodriguez’s street name was Gyto.
Detective Diaz testified that Detective Remington and Special Agent
Young interviewed E.R. at school on January 16, 2018. Following that interview, the
CPD obtained a warrant to arrest Garcia-Rodriguez. Before they could arrest him,
Garcia-Rodriguez contacted Detective Remington and requested to meet with her.
The CPD met with Garcia-Rodriguez and E.R. at a predetermined location, and the
two individuals were arrested without incident.
Detective Diaz testified that Garcia-Rodriguez was interviewed on
January 16, 2018, and was interviewed again the following day by a Spanish-
speaking officer and Detective Remington. The first interview was conducted in
English by Detective Diaz and Special Agent Young, who do not speak Spanish.
Garcia-Rodriguez told Detective Diaz and Special Agent Young that if he was spoken
to slowly, he could understand English. Detective Diaz testified that Garcia-
Rodriguez “seemed to be answering the questions that I asked.” However, because
English was Garcia-Rodriguez’s second language, CPD arranged for a second
interview with a Spanish-speaking officer. During his interview of Garcia-
Rodriguez, Detective Diaz learned of Tito’s identity and the allegation that Tito shot
Jimbo.
Diaz testified that Tito was arrested and his home was searched
pursuant to a warrant. During the search, CPD found a green Honda Accord in the
driveway. In the house, they recovered the following items: a Kimber gun; a
magazine that contained eight live 33 by 53 rounds, which are the same caliber of
the two spent or fired casings recovered at the homicide; three rolls of unopened
blue duct tape; and an open roll of blue duct tape in the garage that later was tested
and found to contain DNA of Jimbo, Tito, and Garcia-Rodriguez.
Detective Michael Shay
Detective Michael Shay (“Detective Shay”), a crime scene unit
detective, testified he was on scene at Jimbo’s house on January 7, 2018. In Jimbo’s
kitchen, he observed a drug scale commonly used to weigh drugs and marijuana
residue on the scale. Detective Shay observed a spent cartridge case on the kitchen
floor; a spent cartridge case on top of the washing machine; duct tape on the floor
near Jimbo’s feet; an additional roll of duct tape with a piece removed and crumpled;
and a bullet recovered from under Jimbo’s body. In the alley behind Jimbo’s home,
Detective Shay photographed two areas of suspected blood in the snow; a knit winter
hat without eye holes; and discarded duct tape in the street.
Detective Jerome Krakowski
Detective Jerome Krakowski (“Detective Krakowski”) responded to
Jimbo’s home and secured the scene. Upon arrival, he observed Savannah whom
he described as frantic, emotional, and obviously distraught. The state introduced
Detective Krakowski’s body camera footage at trial.
Dr. Joseph Felo
Dr. Joseph Felo (“Dr. Felo”), the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner for
Cuyahoga County, observed Jimbo’s body at his house and subsequently performed
the autopsy. According to Dr. Felo, Jimbo died from a gunshot wound that entered
the back of his head and exited above his right eye. He also had a nonlethal gunshot
wound that went through his right upper arm. Jimbo suffered nonlethal blunt
injuries on his head, arms, and legs that were sustained before the time of death.
The injuries to Jimbo’s head were consistent with blows from a fist or being struck
by a pistol handle or the side of the handgun’s muzzle. Felo conceded Jimbo’s
injuries could have also been sustained hitting the floor, a wall, or a piece of
furniture. Felo noted stipple wounds on the left side of Jimbo’s face and in front of
his left ear indicating that a handgun was discharged in close proximity to the left
side of his face. Felo stated it was possible the stippling occurred when the decedent
lifted his arm in a defensive movement, but he could not make that conclusion with
any degree of scientific certainty. Toxicology results showed Jimbo was under the
influence of marijuana at the time of his death.
Curtiss Jones
Curtiss Jones (“Jones”) testified as to his work as the supervisor of
the Trace Evidence Unit with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s forensic
laboratories. Jones testified that the discarded duct tape sections found at the crime
scene could have come from the roll of duct tape found in Tito’s house, but he could
not determine that with any certainty.
Lisa Moore
Lisa Moore (“Moore”), a DNA analyst for the county, testified that
Jimbo’s and Garcia-Rodriguez’s DNA was found on the roll of gray duct tape; this
item did not contain DNA of Tito. The recovered section of blue duct tape contained
Jimbo’s DNA. The blood stains in the snow contained Jimbo’s DNA. The blue duct
tape recovered by the police on January 19, 2018, from Tito’s home contained DNA
from Tito, Jimbo, and Garcia-Rodriguez, with their respective contribution to the
DNA being approximately 50%, 30%, and 20%. The knit cap recovered outside
Jimbo’s home contained Garcia-Rodriguez’s DNA. The baggie of suspected
narcotics recovered from Tito’s house contained Tito’s DNA.
Kristen Koeth
Kristen Koeth (“Koeth”) was employed as a firearm tool mark
examiner in the firearms section of the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science
Laboratory. Koeth completed firearm testing on the evidence related to Jimbo’s
homicide.
Koeth analyzed two spent cartridge cases, one fired bullet, and one
damaged bullet collected from Jimbo’s home. Koeth also analyzed a blue-green
colored Kimber Special Edition pistol with a six-round magazine containing six auto
caliber cartridges, an eight-round magazine containing eight Tokarev caliber
cartridges, and a box of 49 auto caliber cartridges collected from Tito’s home.
Koeth’s conclusions, within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty
within the field of tool mark and firearm examination, included (1) the two spent
cartridge cases were fired by the same Tokarev caliber firearm; (2) she could not
state whether the fired bullet came from either of the spent cases; (3) the Kimber
gun could not have fired the Tokarev cartridges nor the two spent cartridge cases or
bullet that were recovered at Jimbo’s home; (4) three live rounds recovered from the
eight-round magazine were cycled through the same firearm as the two spent
cartridge cases found at the crime scene; and (5) Koeth was not provided a handgun
that could have fired the Tokarev rounds.
Following the state’s case-in-chief, Garcia-Rodriguez made a Crim.R.
29 motion that the court denied. On September 23, 2021, Garcia-Rodriguez was
found guilty of Count 1, murder — the lesser included offense — in violation of R.C.
2903.02(B), and the notice of prior conviction and repeat violent offender
specifications; Count 3, aggravated burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1), a
felony of the first degree, with one- and three-year firearm specifications, notice of
prior conviction specifications, and repeat violent offender specifications; and Count
9, having weapons while under disability in violation of R.C. 2923.13(A)(2), a felony
of the third degree. Garcia-Rodriguez was found not guilty on all other charges. The
court referred Garcia-Rodriguez to the probation department for a presentence
investigation report.
On October 28, 2021, the court sentenced Garcia-Rodriguez to life
with parole eligibility after serving 15 years on Count 1; 11 years on Count 3; and 36
months on Count 9, for a total of 29 years to life. Count 3’s one-year firearm
specification merged into the three-year firearm specification, and the three-year
firearm specification was to be served prior to and consecutive to Count 3’s base
charge. Counts 1 and 3 were to be served consecutively to each other, and Count 9
was to be served concurrently to Counts 1 and 3. The court addressed post-release
control, the R.C. 2929.12 statutory requirements on consecutive sentencing, and the
right to appeal.
On November 22, 2021, Garcia-Rodriguez filed a timely appeal
presenting seven assignments of error for our review:
Assignment of Error 1. The trial court erred in denying Appellant’s
motion to suppress statements when the police failed to secure an
interpreter in contravention of its own policies.
Assignment of Error 2. The trial court erred by failing to grant a
judgment of acquittal, pursuant to Crim.R. 29(a), on the charges, and
thereafter entering a judgment of conviction of those offenses as those
charges were not supported by sufficient evidence, in violation of
defendant’s right to due process of law, as guaranteed by the
Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Assignment of Error 3. Appellant’s convictions are against the manifest
weight of the evidence.
Assignment of Error 4. The trial court infringed upon and violated
Appellant’s right to remain silent and right not to testify when it told
the jury that it depends on the strength of the State’s evidence.
Assignment of Error 5. The trial court erred by ordering convictions
and a separate sentence for separate counts because the trial court
failed to make a proper determination as to whether those offenses are
allied offenses pursuant to R.C 2941.25 and they are part of the same
transaction under R.C. 2929.14.
Assignment of Error 6. The trial court erred by ordering Appellant to
serve a consecutive sentence without making the appropriate findings
required by R.C. 2929.14 and HB 86.
Assignment of Error 7. The trial court erred by imposing an improper
sentence on the murder count.
Legal Analysis
I. Motion to Suppress
In Garcia-Rodriguez’s first assignment of error, he argues that the
trial court erred when it denied the motion to suppress his two statements secured
by CPD on January 16, 2018, and January 17, 2018. Specifically, Garcia-Rodriguez’s
primary language is Spanish; his Miranda rights and the January 16, 2018
statement were secured by an English-speaking officer in English. Garcia-
Rodriguez argues that due to his lack of comprehension of the English language, he
did not voluntarily and knowingly waive his Miranda rights before submitting to the
January 16 custodial interrogation. Garcia-Rodriguez further argues that even
though Detective Beverly Fraticelli (“Detective Fraticelli”) participated as a Spanish
interpreter during the January 17 custodial interrogation, that discussion was a
continuation of the January 16 interrogation and, therefore, as a “fruit of the
poisonous tree” it also should have been suppressed by the trial court. Garcia-
Rodriguez also argues that the use of Detective Fraticelli as an interpreter during his
January 17, 2018 custodial interrogation created a conflict of interest. Specifically,
Garcia-Rodriguez argues that an independent translator is a neutral party whereas
a police officer, acting as a translator, could tailor Garcia-Rodriguez’s answers to
facilitate the state’s case. Garcia-Rodriguez also argued at the motion to suppress
hearing that CPD violated a general police order that required the provision of a
professional translator during a custodial interrogation where the interviewee’s legal
rights might otherwise be adversely affected. Garcia-Rodriguez argued that as a
Spanish-speaking individual, he needed a professional interpreter present to
adequately protect his rights.
The standard of review on a motion to suppress is as follows:
“Appellate review of a motion to suppress presents a mixed question of
law and fact.” State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152, 2003-Ohio-5372,
797 N.E.2d 71, ¶ 8. In ruling on a motion to suppress, “the trial court
assumes the role of trier of fact and is therefore in the best position to
resolve factual questions and evaluate the credibility of witnesses.” Id.,citing State v. Mills, 62 Ohio St.3d 357, 366, 582 N.E.2d 972 (1992). On
appeal, we “must accept the trial court’s findings of fact if they are
supported by competent, credible evidence.” Id., citing State v.
Fanning, 1 Ohio St.3d 19, 437 N.E.2d 583 (1982). Accepting these facts
as true, we must then “independently determine as a matter of law,
without deference to the trial court’s conclusion, whether they meet the
applicable legal standard.” Id., citing State v. McNamara, 124 Ohio
App.3d 706, 707 N.E.2d 539 (4th Dist.1997).
State v. Jallah, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101773, 2015-Ohio-1950, ¶ 75.
“The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article
I, Section 10, of the Ohio Constitution guarantee that no person in any criminal case
shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.” State v. Jackson, 2d Dist.
Greene No. 02CA0001, 2002-Ohio-4680, ¶ 19, citing Dickerson v. United States,
530 U.S. 428, 120 S.Ct. 2326, 147 L.Ed.2d 405 (2000). Additionally, the U.S.
Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 479, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d
694 (1966), found a suspect in police custody “‘must be warned prior to any
questioning that he has the right to remain silent, that anything he says can be used
against him in a court of law, that he has the right to the presence of an attorney,
and that if he cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for him prior to any
questioning if he so desires.”’ State v. Lather, 110 Ohio St.3d 270, 2006-Ohio-4477,
853 N.E.2d 279, ¶ 6, quoting Miranda at 479.
To waive one’s Miranda rights, the waiver must be knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily made. Miranda at 444. The state must demonstrate
by a preponderance of the evidence and based on the totality of the circumstances
that a defendant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his Miranda
rights. State v. Moore, 2012-Ohio-1958, 970 N.E.2d 1098, ¶ 62 (8th Dist.), citing
State v. Gumm, 73 Ohio St.3d 413, 653 N.E.2d 253 (1995). “The totality of the
circumstances includes ‘the age, mentality and prior criminal experience of the
accused; the length, intensity, and frequency of interrogation; the existence of threat
or inducement.’” Moore at ¶ 62, quoting State v. Campbell, 90 Ohio St.3d 320, 332,
738 N.E.2d 1178 (2000), quoting State v. Edwards, 49 Ohio St.2d 31, 358 N.E.2d
1051 (1976), paragraph two of the syllabus. Without a showing of a voluntary waiver,
the waiver is invalid and the defendant’s statements should be suppressed. Id.Under the totality of the circumstances, we find Garcia-Rodriguez’s
waiver of his Miranda rights was made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.
Garcia-Rodriguez , a 39-year-old male, was born in Puerto Rico, spoke Spanish as
his primary language, and later moved to New York and then Ohio. On January 16,
2018, both the Miranda rights and custodial interrogation questions were presented
orally, in English, to Garcia-Rodriguez. Garcia-Rodriguez’s responses and actions
indicated to the detectives that he understood his Miranda rights and understood
the consequences that would result from his decision to abandon those rights.
Garcia-Rodriguez admitted to a prior arrest where he was read his Miranda rights;
due to that prior arrest, Garcia-Rodriguez served four years in prison on burglary
and child endangerment charges. Garcia-Rodriguez initially stated “my English is
not good” but that he understood the language when spoken slowly. The officers
questioned Garcia-Rodriguez for over an hour during which time Garcia-Rodriguez
provided appropriate responses to the posed questions. Garcia-Rodriguez did not
require the officers to repeat their questions. Some of Garcia-Rodriguez’s responses
were rambling in nature. Garcia-Rodriguez appeared emotional throughout the
interview, crying on separate occasions and stating his concern for his family’s safety
from Tito. The officers offered no promises to Garcia-Rodriguez, although they
acknowledged that Garcia-Rodriguez feared for his family and, as a result, they
needed to find Tito and arrest him. Garcia-Rodriguez’s statements indicated he
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his Miranda rights.
Further, since Garcia-Rodriguez knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waived his Miranda rights during the January 16, 2018 interrogation,
there is no merit to the argument that the January 17, 2018 interrogation was the
“fruit of a poisonous tree.” Garcia-Rodriguez did not provide any direct or relevant
case law to support his contention that the use of a police officer as a translator
during the second interview created a conflict of interest. And even assuming CPD
acted in derogation of the general police order that required a professional
interpreter, the totality of the circumstances demonstrated that those acts did not
negatively impact Garcia-Rodriguez knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily
waiving his Miranda rights. We note that the better practice would have been for
the CPD to follow the general police order and obtain a professional interpreter for
Garcia-Rodriguez’s custodial interrogations.
Additionally, we acknowledge that on January 16, 2018, Detective
Diaz stated at the conclusion of the custodial interrogation that the CPD was going
to (1) speak with him again in the morning; (2) provide a Spanish-speaking officer;
and (3) ensure “we are clear on everything. Make it easier.” At the start of the
January 17, 2018 custodial interrogation, the interviewing officer indicated
Detective Fraticelli, a Spanish-speaking officer, was present and “we’re not going to
have any language barrier today.” While these statements suggest the officers could
have utilized a Spanish interpreter at both custodial interrogations, the
overwhelming evidence supports our finding that Garcia-Rodriguez knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily waived his Miranda rights.
Based upon the foregoing, we find there was no error as to the trial
court’s denial of Garcia-Rodriguez’s motion to suppress. Accordingly, we overrule
Garcia-Rodriguez’s first assignment of error.
II. Sufficiency of the Evidence
In Garcia-Rodriguez’s second assignment of error, he argues that the
trial court erred when it denied his Crim.R. 29(A) motion for acquittal and entered
a judgment on the convictions. Specifically, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the state
failed to introduce sufficient evidence to support the charges and, therefore, a
conviction violated his due process rights. Garcia-Rodriguez further argues that
even if the state established his guilt, duress should have served as a complete
defense. The state contends that it presented evidence that proved the essential
elements of each charge and duress is not an appropriate consideration under a
sufficiency of the evidence review.
A Crim.R. 29(A) motion for acquittal tests the sufficiency of the
evidence. State v. Hill, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98366, 2013-Ohio-578, ¶ 13. Crim.R.
29(A) requires the trial court to issue a judgment of acquittal where the state’s
evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction for the offense. State v. Taylor, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100315, 2014-Ohio-3134, ¶ 21. We apply the same standard of
review to evaluate a sufficiency of the evidence claim. Cleveland v. Pate, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 99321, 2013-Ohio-5571, ¶ 12, citing State v. Mitchell, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 95095, 2011-Ohio-1241, citing State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St.3d 255,
2006-Ohio-2417, 847 N.E.2d 386.
Where a party challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a
conviction, a determination of whether the state has met its burden of production at
trial is conducted. State v. Hunter, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 86048, 2006-Ohio-20,
¶ 41, citing State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 390, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). An
appellate court reviewing sufficiency of the evidence must determine “‘whether,
after viewing the evidence in a 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.’” State v. Leonard, 104 Ohio St.3d 54, 2004-Ohio-6235, 818
N.E.2d 229, ¶ 77, quoting State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991),
paragraph two of the syllabus. With a sufficiency inquiry, an appellate court does
not review whether the state’s evidence is to be believed but whether, if believed, the
evidence admitted at trial supported the conviction. State v. Starks, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 91682, 2009-Ohio-3375, ¶ 25, citing Thompkins at 387. A sufficiency
of the evidence argument is not a factual determination, but a question of law. Id.
at 386, citing State v. Robinson, 162 Ohio St. 486, 124 N.E.2d 148 (1955).
To survive a Crim.R. 29(A) motion or a sufficiency of the evidence
challenge, the state had to present sufficient evidence on the elements of felony
murder such that the trier of fact could find Garcia-Rodriguez guilty of the offense
beyond a reasonable doubt. The elements of felony murder are defined in R.C.
2903.02(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.”
Here, where aggravated burglary was the underlying felony giving
rise to the felony murder charge, the state also had to present sufficient evidence
that Garcia-Rodriguez caused Jimbo’s death as a proximate result of the aggravated
burglary. The elements of aggravated burglary are:
(A) No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall trespass in an occupied
structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of an
occupied structure, when another person other than an accomplice of the
offender is present, with purpose to commit in the structure or in the
separately secured or separately occupied portion of the structure any
criminal offense, if any of the following apply:
(1) The offender inflicts, or attempts or threatens to inflict physical harm on
another; * * *
R.C. 2911.11(A)(1).
“‘[T]he felony-murder statute, does not contain a mens rea
component.”’ State v. Driggins, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98073, 2012-Ohio-5287, ¶
77, quoting State v. Fry, 125 Ohio St.3d 163, 2010-Ohio-1017, 926 N.E.2d 1239, ¶
43. “[A] person commits felony murder * * * by proximately causing another’s death
while possessing the mens rea element set forth in the underlying felony offense.”
Fry at ¶ 43. The mens rea required by an aggravated burglary charge, the underlying
felony offense in this matter, is “purposeful.” Fry at ¶ 44.
The evidence at trial established that Tito planned to rob Jimbo of
marijuana with Garcia-Rodriguez’s assistance. E.R. assisted in the robbery, and first
entered Jimbo’s home under the guise of wanting to purchase marijuana. After E.R.
entered Jimbo’s house, Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito entered the home, armed and
without permission, with the intent to rob Jimbo of marijuana. Jimbo and
Savannah were present when Garcia-Rodriguez and Tito entered the home. Once
inside, Garcia-Rodriguez attempted to restrain Jimbo while Tito attempted to
restrain Savannah. Garcia-Rodriguez wrestled with Jimbo as he attempted to
restrain him and prevent Jimbo from taking his handgun. Tito then pistol-whipped
Jimbo before he shot and killed Jimbo. Jimbo died as a proximate result of the
commission of the aggravated burglary.
A defendant may be found guilty of felony murder absent an intent to
cause the victim’s death. State v. Miller, 96 Ohio St.3d 384, 2002-Ohio-4931, 775
N.E.2d 498, ¶ 31-33. Under Ohio’s felony-murder doctrine, “‘a defendant may be
held criminally liable for the unintended death that results from the commission of
a first or second degree felony.”’ State v. Willis, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99735, 2014-
Ohio-114, ¶ 23, quoting State v. Tuggle, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-09-1313, 2010-Ohio-
4162, ¶ 101. Therefore, the state did not have to prove that Garcia-Rodriguez
knowingly intended to cause Jimbo’s death but that Jimbo’s death was a proximate
result of the aggravated burglary against Jimbo. Based upon the record, the state
satisfied its burden. The evidence presented at trial and viewed in a light favorable
to the state established each element of felony murder under R.C. 2903.02(B) and
aggravated burglary under R.C. 2911.11(A)(1).
Garcia-Rodriguez also argues that sufficient evidence was introduced
to show Garcia-Rodriguez acted under duress. Specifically, Garcia-Rodriguez
argues he committed the criminal offenses under duress because Tito expressly
threatened his life and the life of E.R. during the commission of the felony murder
and aggravated burglary. A defendant may raise duress as an affirmative defense to
any crime except aggravated murder. State v. Hall, 4th Dist. Ross No. 13CA3391,
2014-Ohio-2959, ¶ 54. However, a sufficiency challenge does not implicate
affirmative defenses. State v. Simes, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103672, 2016-Ohio-
7300, ¶ 20, citing State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-160, 840 N.E.2d
1032, ¶ 37. “‘Proof supportive of an affirmative defense cannot detract from proof
beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had committed the requisite elements
of the crime.”’ Simes at id., quoting State v. Davis, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100526,
2014-Ohio-2769, ¶ 19, citing Hancock at ¶ 37.
Accordingly, the trial court properly denied Garcia-Rodriguez’s
Crim.R. 29 motion and the convictions were supported by sufficient evidence.
Garcia-Rodriguez’s second assignment of error is overruled.
III. Manifest Weight of the Evidence
In his third assignment of error, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that his
convictions were against the manifest weight of the evidence. Specifically, Garcia-
Rodriguez argues that his actions were excused due to duress.
A manifest-weight challenge tests whether the prosecution has met
its burden of persuasion. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 390, 678 N.E.2d 541, (Cook,
J., dissenting). A reviewing court “‘weighs the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in
resolving conflicts in the evidence, 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.’” Thompkins at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485
N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). A reversal on the basis that a verdict is against the
manifest weight of the evidence is granted “‘only in the exceptional case in which the
evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.”’ Id., quoting Martin at id.Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the trial court’s convictions were
against the manifest weight of the evidence because he presented sufficient evidence
to support the affirmative defense of duress. The Ohio Supreme Court described
duress as follows:
One of the essential features of the defense of duress is a sense of
immediate, imminent death, or serious bodily injury if the actor does
not commit the act as instructed. See State v. Cross (1979), 58 Ohio St.
2d 482, 487, 12 Ohio Op. 3d 396, 399, 391 N.E.2d 319, 323. The force
used to compel the actor’s conduct must remain constant, controlling
the will of the unwilling actor during the entire time he commits the
act, and must be of such a nature that the actor cannot safely withdraw.
See State v. Good (1960), 110 Ohio App. 415, 11 Ohio Op. 2d 459, 165
N.E.2d 28 (10th Dist.).
State v. Getsy, 84 Ohio St.3d 180, 199, 702 N.E.2d 866 (1998).
The burden is on the accused to prove an affirmative defense by a
preponderance of the evidence. R.C. 2901.05(A). Here, the trial court charged the
jury regarding the defendant’s defense of duress. Defendant did not object to the
substance or scope of the charge of duress, thereby waiving any error. State v. Wells,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98388, 2013-Ohio-3722, ¶ 97, citing State v. Williams, 51
Ohio St. 2d 112, 364 N.E.2d 1364 (1977).
In support of his claim of duress, Garcia-Rodriguez testified that Tito
carried a gun on January 7, 2018, from the time Garcia-Rodriguez completed
construction work at Tito’s home, throughout the commission of the offenses at
Jimbo’s house, and until Garcia-Rodriguez, Tito, and E.R. returned to Tito’s home.
As a result, Garcia-Rodriguez never thought he could leave Tito’s presence without
the risk of being shot. And once E.R. appeared at Tito’s home, Garcia-Rodriguez
testified he could not attempt to leave because E.R. could be in danger of Tito.
Garcia-Rodriguez testified that he and E.R. were in immediate danger of death or
seriously bodily injury throughout the commission of the crimes and there was no
reasonable opportunity for escape. Garcia-Rodriguez argues that he demonstrated
by a preponderance of the evidence that he acted under duress and, therefore, his
convictions were against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Even assuming that Garcia-Rodriguez asserted the elements of
duress, the trier of fact was not required to accept his arguments but could reject
them on the grounds of credibility. State v. Thompson, 97 Ohio App.3d 629, 634,
647 N.E.2d 226 (12th Dist.1994). The record shows that Garcia-Rodriguez did not
inform the CPD during his custodial interrogations that he participated in the
aggravated robbery because of his fear of immediate threat of harm or bodily injury
from Tito. Garcia-Rodriguez did not inform the questioning officers that Tito
carried a gun while Garcia-Rodriguez performed construction work in Tito’s house.
Garcia-Rodriguez testified he did not previously provide this information during
either interrogation because the exact question was never asked of him.
Garcia-Rodriguez stated during those interrogations that he initially
thought they were driving to Jimbo’s to purchase marijuana. During the January 17
interrogation where an interpreter was present, Garcia-Rodriguez also stated he told
Tito “let’s take the marijuana” from Jimbo. At trial, Garcia-Rodriguez claimed he
did not mean to make those comments and the officer misunderstood him because
of his poor English and his “street Spanish.” Garcia-Rodriguez testified that he
meant to say that he did not want to rob Jimbo but he went to Jimbo’s home because
Tito wanted to steal the marijuana.
The jury was entitled to reject Garcia-Rodriguez’s version of events as
they related to duress. After review, we cannot say the record demonstrates that the
jury’s rejection of the affirmative defense of duress and convictions were against the
manifest weight of the evidence. Weighing the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, considering the witnesses’ credibility, and resolving the conflicts in the
evidence, we do not find that the jury clearly lost its way when it convicted Garcia-
Rodriguez. Accordingly, Garcia-Rodriguez’s third assignment of error is overruled.
IV. Right to Testify
In his fourth assignment of error, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the
trial court infringed upon and violated his right to remain silent when the trial judge
made comments to the jury about Garcia-Rodriguez potentially testifying at trial.
The state contends there was no violation of Garcia-Rodriguez’s rights to remain
silent and not testify; Garcia-Rodriguez voluntarily chose to testify in order to obtain
a jury instruction on the issue of duress.
Garcia-Rodriguez claims the following comments by the trial court
judge adversely effected his right to remain silent:
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll take our morning recess. You are not to
discuss this case among yourselves or allow anyone to discuss it with
you or in your presence.
Now you might have thought that I did not know the answer to that
question about the next witness. I did know that was the last one, but
I wanted to give the State of Ohio a chance to rest on the record.
What happens next is outside of your hearing. We have to go through
some motions and sort out all of this evidence and make sure it is
appropriate your consideration and deliberation. Then I’ll go through
this motion hearing and we go through the process. It may take a half
an hour, possibly longer. And at that point in time, we’re going to find
out if the State is satisfied that you’ve heard enough or perhaps their
client is going to take the stand as was indicated in the opening
statement. We don’t know.
Once again if he does, God bless him, that’s his opportunity. If he
doesn’t, that’s his right and we will respect that.
So with that we are in recess for about a half an hour.
(Emphasis added). Tr. 934-935.
Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the trial court violated his rights under
the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that reads, in pertinent part, “No
person * * * shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself
* * * .” Garcia-Rodriguez also argues that his testimony presented during his
suppression hearing could not be admitted against him at trial on the issue of guilt.
Based upon the court’s comments, Garcia-Rodriguez contends that he had no option
but to testify on his own behalf.
Initially, we note that the court’s comments were made after the state
presented its case-in-chief. While the trial court stated the jury would now find out
if the state felt enough testimony was presented, we assume the court meant to say
“we’re going to find out if the defense is satisfied that you’ve heard enough or
perhaps their client is going to take the stand as was indicated in the opening
statement * * *.” (Emphasis added.)
We do not find the trial court’s statements referenced Garcia-
Rodriguez’s suppression hearing testimony nor did they violate Garcia-Rodriguez’s
right to remain silent. On the contrary, the trial court essentially reiterated the Fifth
Amendment when it stated Garcia-Rodriguez had a choice to testify on his behalf or
not and the court would respect the defendant’s decision. While unnecessary, the
court explained that Garcia-Rodriguez had the option to testify.
Thus, Garcia-Rodriguez’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
V. Allied Offenses
In his fifth assignment of error, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the trial
court erred when it failed to merge Count 1, murder, and Count 3, aggravated
burglary. Specifically, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the two crimes “occurred in one
stream of action” so there were no separate victims nor any discernible conduct that
separated the murder from the aggravated burglary.
The Double Jeopardy Clauses of Article I, Section 10 of the Ohio
Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibit a
criminal defendant from being tried twice for the same offense and “prohibits ‘the
sentencing court from prescribing greater punishment than the legislature
intended.’” State v. Pendleton, 163 Ohio St.3d 114, 2020-Ohio-6833, 168 N.E.3d
458, ¶ 8, quoting Missouri v. Hunter, 459 U.S. 359, 366, 103 S.Ct. 673, 74 L.Ed.2d
535 (1983). R.C. 2941.25 was enacted so that if “‘“the same conduct by the defendant
technically amounts to two or more related offenses, he should be guilty of only one
offense.’”” Id., quoting State v. Brown, 119 Ohio St.3d 447, 2008-Ohio-4569, 895
N.E.2d 149, ¶ 16, quoting Ohio Legislative Service Commission, Proposed Ohio
Criminal Code 308 (Mar. 1971).
R.C. 2941.25 provides:
(A) Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to
constitute two or more allied offenses of similar import, the indictment
or information may contain counts for all such offenses, but the
defendant may be convicted of only one.
(B) Where the defendant’s conduct constitutes two or more offenses of
dissimilar import or where his conduct results in two or more offenses
of the same kind or similar kind committed separately or with a
separate animus as to each, the indictment or information may contain
counts for all such offenses, and the defendant may be convicted of all
of them.
The Ohio Supreme Court has clarified that “[i]n determining whether
offenses are allied offenses of similar import within the meaning of R.C. 2941.25,
courts must evaluate three separate factors — the conduct, the animus, and the
import.” State v. Ruff, 143 Ohio St.3d 114, 2015-Ohio-995, 34 N.E.3d 892,
paragraph one of the syllabus. “Under R.C. 2941.25(B), a defendant whose conduct
supports multiple offenses may be convicted of all the offenses if any one of the
following is true: (1) the conduct constitutes offenses of dissimilar import, (2) the
conduct shows that the offenses were committed separately, or (3) the conduct
shows that the offenses were committed with separate animus.” Id. at paragraph
three of the syllabus. Offenses are of dissimilar import “when the defendant’s
conduct constitutes offenses involving separate victims or if the harm that results
from each offense is separate and identifiable.” Id. at paragraph two of the syllabus.
A “defendant bears the burden of establishing his entitlement to the
protection provided by R.C. 2941.25,” and “we appl[y] a de novo standard of review
in reviewing a trial court’s R.C. 2941.25 merger determination.” State v. Hazley, 2d
Dist. Montgomery No. 27107, 2016-Ohio-7689, ¶ 16, citing State v. Williams, 134
Ohio St.3d 482, 2012-Ohio-5699, 983 N.E.2d 1245, ¶ 28.
Garcia-Rodriguez was convicted of Count 1, murder, in violation of
R.C. 2903.02(B) that provides in relevant part that “[n]o 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.” Garcia-
Rodriguez was also convicted of Count 3, aggravated burglary, in violation of R.C.
2911.11(A)(1) that provides the following:
(A) No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall trespass in an occupied
structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of
an occupied structure, when another person other than an accomplice
of the offender is present, with purpose to commit in the structure or
in the separately secured or separately occupied portion of the
structure any criminal offense, if any of the following apply:
(1) The offender inflicts, or attempts or threatens to inflict physical
harm on another.
Here, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the aggravated burglary and
murder share the same mens rea and the aggravated burglary and murder were
committed in one act. Garcia-Rodriguez relies on State v. McKnight, 2022-Ohio-
591, 185 N.E.3d 1148 (10th Dist.), to support this position. Yet, the McKnight court
found there is “no overarching rule to the effect that where one offense is predicated
on the commission of another, with the second essentially being an element of the
first, the two must automatically merge at sentencing.” Id. at ¶ 33. ‘“Ultimately, if
the harm resulting from each offense is separate and identifiable, the offenses are of
dissimilar import and do not merge.”’ McKnight at ¶ 34, quoting State v. Flood,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 18Ap-206, 2019-Ohio-2524, ¶ 28.
We find it was not appropriate to merge Counts 1 and 3 because the
offenses are dissimilar in import and resulted in separate and identifiable harms.
The record reflects that Garcia-Rodriguez committed aggravated burglary when he
entered Jimbo’s home, wielding a gun, with the purpose to take Jimbo’s marijuana
and Garcia-Rodriguez inflicted harm and threatened to inflict harm on Jimbo when
he pointed a gun at Jimbo; forced Jimbo to the ground; and wrestled with Jimbo.
Garcia-Rodriguez committed felony murder when Tito shot and killed Jimbo during
the aggravated burglary. Because these offenses are of dissimilar import, Garcia-
Rodriguez’s fifth assignment of error is overruled.
VI. Consecutive Sentences
In his sixth assignment of error, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the
imposition of consecutive sentences does not comport with the requirements of R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) and, therefore, his sentences should be vacated and remanded for
imposition of concurrent sentences. Specifically, Garcia-Rodriguez argues the trial
court failed to make the necessary statutory findings during the sentencing hearing
and in the sentencing journal entry. The state contends that the trial court complied
with R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) both at the sentencing hearing and when it issued the
corresponding journal entry.
“In Ohio, there is a presumption that prison sentences should be
served concurrently, unless the trial court makes the findings outlined in R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) to warrant consecutive service of the prison terms.” State v. Morris,
2016-Ohio-7614, 73 N.E.3d 1010, ¶ 25 (8th Dist.), citing State v. Primm, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 103548, 2016-Ohio-5237, ¶ 64, citing State v. Cox, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 102629, 2016-Ohio-20, ¶ 3, and R.C. 2929.41(A). To implement consecutive
sentences, the sentencing court must find that (1) a consecutive sentence is
necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender, and (2)
the consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness of the
offender’s conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public. R.C.
2929.14(C)(4). The court must also find that any one of the following apply:
(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses while
the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction
imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the
Revised Code, or was under post-release control for a prior offense.
(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of one
or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of the
multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the
courses of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender’s
conduct.
(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future
crime by the offender.
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). A sentencing court’s failure to make the above statutory
findings is “‘contrary to law.”’ State v. Hendricks, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101864,
2015-Ohio-2268, ¶ 12, quoting State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-
3177, 16 N.E.3d 659, ¶ 37.
The sentencing court must make the statutory findings at the
sentencing hearing and also incorporate the findings into its sentencing entry.
Hendricks at ¶ 12, citing Bonnell at syllabus. Pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), the
trial court must “find” the relevant sentencing factors before it imposes consecutive
sentences. Morris at ¶ 26. “However, a word-for-word recitation of the language of
the statute is not required, and as long as the reviewing court can discern that the
trial court engaged in the correct analysis and can determine that the record
contains evidence to support the findings, consecutive sentences should be upheld.”
Bonnell at ¶ 29.
A reviewing court may overturn the imposition of consecutive
sentences, under R.C. 2953.08, where the appellate court “clearly and convincingly
finds that ‘the record does not support the sentencing court’s findings’ under R.C.
2929.14(C)(4), or the sentence is ‘otherwise contrary to law.’” Hendricks at ¶ 9,
quoting R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) through 2953.08(G)(2)(b). A defendant may
challenge consecutive sentences on appeal in two ways: (1) the defendant argues the
consecutive sentences are contrary to law because the trial court failed to make the
necessary findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) or (2) the defendant argues the
record does not support the court’s findings made pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).
State v. Leegrand, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 108626, 2020-Ohio-3179, ¶ 75, rev’d in
part on other grounds, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-3623. Garcia-Rodriguez argues
that the trial court did not make the statutorily-required findings.
Here, the trial judge made these findings at the sentencing hearing:
With regards to the sentencing in this case, under Count 1, the sentence
by law is life with parole eligibility after 15 years.
Count No. 3, the Court is going to impose a sentence of 11 years, plus
three years for the firearm specification.
The Court further finds that due to the defendant’s history, specifically
several cases out in Lorain County, plus two burglary cases both out
of Lorain County, that it’s necessary to protect the public from future
crime and that this is not disproportionate, and the harm is so great
that a single prison term doesn’t adequately reflect the seriousness of
the conduct. He does have an extensive criminal history. Counts 1 and
3 are to be served consecutive to each other.
Tr. 1306-1307. The trial court satisfied the statutory requirements of R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) and the corresponding journal entry contained the same language.
Where the trial court’s statements at the sentencing hearing complied
with R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) and the court’s corresponding journal entry reflected those
statements, Garcia-Rodriguez’s sixth assignment of error is without merit and is
overruled.
VII. Improper Sentence
In his seventh assignment of error, Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the
trial court imposed an improper sentence on Count 1, felony murder. Specifically,
Garcia-Rodriguez argues that the trial court’s sentence did not conform with the
felony-murder sentencing statute, R.C. 2929.02(B)(1), when it imposed a definite
sentence. According to R.C. 2929.02(B)(1), “whoever is convicted of or pleads guilty
to murder in violation of section 2903.02 of the Revised Code shall be imprisoned
for an indefinite term of fifteen years to life.” The court sentenced Garcia-Rodriguez
to “life with parole eligibility after 15 years.” The state argues there is no discernable
difference between the language presented in the sentencing statute and the
imposed sentence.
When a trial court acting with subject-matter and personal
jurisdiction imposes a sentence contrary to law, the sentence is voidable and may be
challenged on direct appeal. State v. Harper, 160 Ohio St.3d 480, 2020-Ohio-2913,
159 N.E.3d 248, ¶ 4, 42.
The Ohio Supreme Court explained in State v. Fischer, 128 Ohio St.3d
92, 2010-Ohio-6238, 942 N.E.2d 332, ¶ 22, that
[j]udges have no inherent power to create sentences. Griffin & Katz,
Ohio Felony Sentencing Law (2008) 4, Section 1:3, fn. 1. See also
Woods v. Telb, 89 Ohio St.3d [504] at 507-509, 2000-Ohio-171, 733
N.E.2d 1103 [2000] (describing the legislative intent behind a new,
comprehensive sentencing structure, including postrelease control).
Rather, judges are duty-bound to apply sentencing laws as they are
written. See State v. Thomas (1996), 111 Ohio App.3d 510, 512, 676
N.E.2d 903. “[T]he only sentence which a trial court may impose is that
provided for by statute. A court has no power to substitute a different
sentence for that provided for by statute or one that is either greater or
lesser than that provided for by law.” Colegrove [v. Burns], 175 Ohio
St. [437, 438, 195 N.E.2d 811 (1964)].
The Ohio Supreme Court recently addressed a similar distinction
between the murder sentencing statute and an imposed sentence in State v.
Leegrand, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-3623. The Leegrand Court noted that the
General Assembly intended R.C. 2929.02(B)(1), the murder sentencing statute, to
(1) impose a minimum sentence of 15 years for murder in violation of R.C.
2903.02(B); (2) impose a maximum sentence of life in prison; and (3) prohibit a
sentence for a specified duration by stating that the term shall be “indefinite.”
Leegrand at ¶ 7. On Leegrand’s murder conviction in violation of R.C. 2903.02(B),
the trial court sentenced him to “life in prison with eligibility of parole after 15 years.”
Id. at ¶ 2-3. Even though the trial court’s sentencing entry language differed from
the language of R.C. 2929.02(B)(1), a review of the sentencing entry showed
it is still readily apparent that Leegrand must serve at least 15 years in
prison, that he could serve as much as life in prison, and that the
murder sentence is not for a specified duration. It is clear to us that the
sentencing entry is consistent with R.C. 2929.02(B)(1). The sentencing
entry does neither more nor less than R.C. 2929.02(B)(1) requires.* * *
Whatever difference exists between the language of R.C. 2929.02(B)(1)
and the language in Leegrand's sentencing entry, the practical
difference is, at worst, de minimis, and, at best, indistinguishable.
Id. at ¶ 8-9.
Here, the jury convicted Garcia-Rodriguez of felony murder pursuant
to R.C. 2903.02(B) and the trial court sentenced him to life with parole eligibility
after 15 years. Though the better practice would have been for the trial court to use
the specific language of the sentencing statute, doing otherwise was not error where
the sentencing entry conveyed the exact same meaning as the statutory language.
Id. at ¶ 8. We follow Leegrand and find there is no discernible difference between
the sentence imposed for Garcia-Rodriguez’s felony-murder conviction and the
corresponding sentencing statute.
Accordingly, we overrule Garcia-Rodriguez’s seventh assignment of
error.
{¶ 100} Judgment affirmed.
It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the
common pleas court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant's
convictions having been affirmed, any bail pending is terminated. Case remanded
to the trial court for execution of sentence.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27
of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
__________________________________
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, PRESIDING JUDGE
LISA B. FORBES, J., and
MARY J. BOYLE, J., CONCUR