State v. Walker ( 2023 )

[Cite as State v. Walker, 2023-Ohio-998.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JEFFERSON COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v.
DIANE R. WALKER,
Defendant-Appellant.
OPINION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Case No. 21 JE 0017
Criminal Appeal from the
Court of Common Pleas of Jefferson County, Ohio
Case No. 18 CR 136
BEFORE:
David A. D’Apolito, Cheryl L. Waite, Mark A. Hanni, Judges.
JUDGMENT:
Affirmed in part and Remanded.
Atty. Jane M. Hanlin, Jefferson County Prosecutor, and Atty. Jeffrey J. Bruzzese
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jefferson County Justice Center, 16001 State Route 7,
Steubenville, Ohio 43952, for Plaintiff-Appellee and
Atty. Craig J. Allen, 500 Market Street, Suite 2, Steubenville, Ohio 43952, for
Defendant-Appellant.
Dated: March 24, 2023
–2–
D’APOLITO, P.J.
{¶1} Appellant, Diane R. Walker, appeals from the July 2, 2021 judgment of the
Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas convicting and sentencing her to six years in
prison on two counts of felonious assault, felonies of the second degree, following a trial
by jury.1 On appeal, Appellant asserts her convictions were not supported by sufficient
evidence and are against the manifest weight of the evidence. Appellant also alleges the
trial court erred in imposing a consecutive sentence. For the reasons stated, this court
concludes Appellant’s convictions for felonious assault were supported by sufficient
evidence and by the manifest weight of the evidence. However, regarding Appellant’s
consecutive sentence, although the trial court complied with the dictates of R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) at the sentencing hearing, it failed to additionally incorporate the findings
into its sentencing entry. Accordingly, this court affirms in part and remands the matter
to the trial court for the limited purpose of entering a nunc pro tunc entry addressing the
consecutive sentence findings made at the sentencing hearing.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
{¶2} On September 12, 2018, Appellant was indicted by the Jefferson County
Grand Jury on two counts of felonious assault, felonies of the second degree in violation
of R.C. 2903.11(A)(2). Appellant retained counsel and pled not guilty at her arraignment.
{¶3} On June 10, 2019, Appellant filed a “Motion To Suppress Evidence And To
Dismiss Indictment.” Following a hearing, the trial court denied Appellant’s motion on
September 10, 2019.
{¶4} A trial by jury commenced on June 16, 2021.2 Appellee, the State of Ohio,
presented three witnesses: Sergeant Matt Henderson with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s
Department; and Robert and Theresa Harris, husband and wife (together “the victims”).
1 Am. Sub. S.B. No. 201, 2018 Ohio Laws 157, known as the “Reagan Tokes Law,” significantly altered the
sentencing structure for many of Ohio’s most serious felonies by implementing an indefinite sentencing
system for those non-life felonies of the first and second degree, committed on or after March 22, 2019.
This indefinite sentencing system is inapplicable here because the second degree felonies were committed
in 2018.
2The trial by jury was delayed and continued due to Covid-19 and the shutdown ordered by the Supreme
Court of Ohio.
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–3–
{¶5} Sergeant Henderson testified for the State that he was called to the marital
residence of Patrick Howell and Appellant on August 19, 2018. (6/16/2021 Trial by Jury
Tr., p. 177). The couple is now divorced but were married at the time of the incident at
issue. (Id. at p. 241). The nature of the call was a report of gunshots fired. (Id.) When
Sergeant Henderson arrived on-scene, he saw Patrick and the victims in the road. (Id. at
p. 179). Patrick and Robert are brothers. (Id.) Patrick and the victims were calm and
cooperative. (Id. at p. 180-181). Sergeant Henderson indicated Appellant came out of
the house and stated she was “scared [and] had fired two rounds from the garage to scare
Patrick away.” (Id. at p. 182). Apparently Patrick and Appellant had marital problems
and Patrick went to the residence to retrieve his Harley Davison motorcycle from the
garage. (Id. at p. 178, 182).
{¶6} While on-scene, Sergeant Henderson also watched videos of the incident,
which were captured by the victims on their cell phones and admitted into evidence. (Id.
at p. 182-183); (State’s Exhibit 6, both videos). Theresa’s phone recorded the incident in
full. (Id. at p. 183). Sergeant Henderson testified “you can hear him yell at - - Patrick
yells at his brother Robert, ‘Call the cops, She’s [Appellant] got a gun[.]’” (Id.) “[Appellant]
steps out of the garage, levels the rifle at the car, and fires one shot. You can hear it hit
the car” where the victims were occupants. (Id.) The .22 rifle, which was retrieved from
Appellant’s bedroom closet, was admitted into evidence. (Id. at p. 184); (State’s Exhibit
1). Sergeant Henderson explained, “Being that she [Appellant] admitted to firing the gun,
we did not submit it to the lab. We didn’t need to prove that she had fired a gun. She
admitted to it of her own will.” (Id. at p. 186). Two shell casings were admitted into
evidence. (Id.); (State’s Exhibits 2 and 3). Appellant fired the second round at the victims
from her front porch. (Id. at p. 187). The second bullet hit the right front passenger tire
of the victims’ vehicle. (Id. at p. 189). The tire was admitted into evidence.3 (State’s
Exhibit 4).
{¶7} Robert testified for the State that Patrick and Appellant had gotten into an
argument the day before the incident. (6/16/2021 Trial by Jury Tr., p. 222). Patrick had
3 Appellant claims the State presented no forensic evidence that a bullet struck the vehicle, specifically the
tire. (6/17/2022 Appellant’s Brief, p. 4). However, the State produced the tire itself complete with a bullet
hole at the trial by jury. (State’s Exhibit 4).
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–4–
called and requested deputy assistance in retrieving his motorcycle from the marital home
but they were “really busy” and could not send anyone out. (Id. at p. 225). Appellant sent
a text message to Patrick indicating that she was not home. (Id. at p. 227); (State’s Exhibit
5).
{¶8} The victims drove Patrick to the marital home to pick up his motorcycle. (Id.
at p. 223). Robert parked the vehicle, a 2004 Honda CR-V, in the street and the victims
recorded the entire exchange on their cell phones. (Id. at p. 224, 235). Robert was seated
in the driver’s seat and Theresa was in the rear. (Id. at p. 234). The victims had no
weapons and did not threaten or provoke Appellant in any manner. (Id. at p. 233-234).
Patrick also had no weapons and did not threaten or provoke Appellant. (Id. at p. 237).
Robert testified they would never have gone to the home without a police escort if they
had known that Appellant was, in fact, home, contrary to her text message revealing she
was not. (Id. at p. 238); (State’s Exhibit 5).
{¶9} Theresa testified for the State in a similar manner as Robert. Theresa said
she videotaped their presence because she did not “want to get accused of destroying
any property or even being on the property” as Patrick and Appellant’s marriage situation
“wasn’t the best.” (Id. at p. 270, 274). Theresa said she was seated in the rear of the
vehicle on the driver’s side. (Id. at p. 275). Theresa became nervous after hearing that
Appellant had a gun. (Id. at p. 276). The vehicle had a flat tire as a result of one of the
gunshots. (Id. at p. 277).
{¶10} At the conclusion of the State’s case, Appellant moved for an acquittal
pursuant to Crim.R. 29, which was overruled by the trial court.
{¶11} Appellant then took the stand and testified that on the day before the
incident, she did not feel well because she had not taken her medication (Effexor) for
about five days and alleged that Patrick refused to get it for her. (Id. at p. 313). Appellant
wanted Patrick to take her to the hospital but he was drunk. (Id. at p. 313-314). Appellant
“took that beer can and threw it right at his forehead and told him to get the hell out of
[her] house” and “the cops were called.” (Id. at p. 314-315).
{¶12} On the day at issue, Appellant heard something in her garage and went
outside with her gun. (Id. at p. 325). “At that point, [Appellant] just wanted everybody off
[her] land. [She] wanted them away from [her] house. So [she] went out, [she] pointed
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–5–
the gun * * * [i]t was up, but then [she] lowered it and shot towards the ground with the
gun.” (Id. at p. 328). Appellant said she only intended to “scare them off [her] land.” (Id.)
Appellant claimed she never shot at the vehicle’s tire. (Id. at p. 330-331).
{¶13} On cross-examination, Appellant testified there was no protection order
against Patrick which would have prevented him from being at the marital home. (Id. at
p. 343). Appellant said she pointed the gun down, yet she hit the vehicle in “the opposite
direction.” (Id. at p. 348-349). Appellant stated, “I have no clue how that would have
happened.” (Id. at p. 349). Appellant then said she fired gunshots in the victims’ “general
direction.” (Id. at p. 350). Appellant agreed that the victims never threatened or provoked
her in any manner. (Id. at p. 351). Although Appellant testified she shot towards the
ground, the video demonstrates the contrary. (State’s Exhibit 6). Appellant concedes
“[i]t’s a pretty damning video.” (Id. at p. 328).
{¶14} Following the trial by jury, Appellant was found guilty on both counts of
felonious assault as contained in the indictment.
{¶15} A sentencing hearing was held on June 28, 2021. After considering the
record, the oral statements, the purposes and principles of sentencing under R.C.
2929.11, the seriousness and recidivism factors under R.C. 2929.12, and the consecutive
sentence findings pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), at the sentencing hearing, the trial
court sentenced Appellant on July 2, 2021, to three years on count one and three years
on count two, consecutive to each other, for an aggregate prison term of six years. The
court notified Appellant that post-release control is mandatory for a period of three years.
{¶16} Appellant filed a timely appeal and raises four assignments of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT DID NOT INCLUDE A FINDING
REQUIRED BY R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) IN ITS SENTENCING JUDGMENT
ENTRY DATED JULY [2], 2021.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FOUND THAT CONSECUTIVE
SENTENCES WERE NECESSARY TO PUNISH APPELLANT AND TO
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–6–
PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FUTURE CRIME AND WERE NOT
DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF APPELLANT’S
CONDUCT.
{¶17} In her first and second assignments of error, Appellant takes issue with her
consecutive sentence. Thus, as Appellant’s assignments are interrelated, we will address
them together for ease of discussion.
{¶18} This court utilizes R.C. 2953.08(G) as the standard of review in all felony
sentencing appeals. State v. Michaels, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 17 MA 0122, 2019-Ohio-
497, ¶ 2, citing State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231,
¶ 1.
{¶19} R.C. 2953.08(G) states in pertinent part:
(2) The court hearing an appeal under division (A), (B), or (C) of this section
shall review the record, including the findings underlying the sentence or
modification given by the sentencing court.
The appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence
that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence and remand
the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing. The appellate court’s
standard for review is not whether the sentencing court abused its
discretion. The appellate court may take any action authorized by this
division if it clearly and convincingly finds either of the following:
(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court’s findings under
division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division (B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of section
2929.14, or division (I) of section 2929.20 of the Revised Code, whichever,
if any, is relevant;
(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a)-(b).
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–7–
{¶20} Although trial courts have full discretion to impose any term of imprisonment
within the statutory range, they must consider the sentencing purposes
in R.C. 2929.11 and the guidelines contained in R.C. 2929.12.
{¶21} R.C. 2929.11(A) provides that the overriding purposes of felony
sentencing are (1) “to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others”;
and (2) “to punish the offender * * * using the minimum sanctions that the court determines
accomplish those purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on state or local
government resources.” Further, the sentence imposed shall be “commensurate with and
not demeaning to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its impact upon the victim,
and consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by similar offenders.”
R.C. 2929.11(B).
{¶22} R.C. 2929.12 provides a nonexhaustive list of sentencing factors the trial
court must consider when determining the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood
that the offender will commit future offenses. The court that imposes a felony sentence
“has discretion to determine the most effective way to comply with the purposes and
principles of sentencing.” R.C. 2929.12(A). The factors a trial court may consider include
the “more serious” factors, such as “[t]he physical or mental injury suffered by the victim
of the offense due to the conduct of the offender was exacerbated because of the physical
or mental condition or age of the victim” and “[t]he victim of the offense suffered serious
physical, psychological, or economic harm as a result of the offense.” R.C. 2929.12(B)(1)
and (2). The court may also consider the “less serious” factors, any recidivism factors,
and any mitigating factors listed in R.C. 2929.12(C)-(F).
R.C. 2929.11 does not require the trial court to make any specific findings
as to the purposes and principles of sentencing. State v. Wilson, 129 Ohio
St.3d 214, 2011-Ohio-2669, 951 N.E.2d 381, ¶ 31. Similarly, R.C. 2929.12
does not require the trial court to “use specific language or make specific
findings on the record in order to evince the requisite consideration of the
applicable seriousness and recidivism factors.” State v. Arnett, 88 Ohio
St.3d 208, 215, 724 N.E.2d 793 (2000).
State v. Shaw, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 15 BE 0065, 2017-Ohio-1259, ¶ 36.
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–8–
{¶23} “‘The trial court has full discretion to impose any sentence within the
authorized statutory range, and the court is not required to make any findings or give its
reasons for imposing maximum or more than minimum sentences.’ State v. King, 2013-
Ohio-2021, 992 N.E.2d 491, ¶ 45 (2d Dist.).” State v. Burkhart, 7th Dist. Belmont No. 18
BE 0020, 2019-Ohio-2711, ¶ 16.
{¶24} In State v. Jones, 163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729, the Supreme Court
of Ohio has indicated that the language in Marcum is dicta. Id. at ¶ 27 (“The statements
in Marcum at ¶ 23 suggesting that it would be ‘fully consistent’ with R.C. 2953.08(G) for
an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence when the record does not support the
sentence under R.C. 2929.11 or 2929.12 were made only in passing and were not
essential to this court’s legal holding.”) In Jones, the Court held that “R.C.
2953.08(G)(2)(b) * * * does not provide a basis for an appellate court to modify or vacate
a sentence based on its view that the sentence is not supported by the record under R.C.
2929.11 and 2929.12.” Id. at ¶ 39. The Court explained that “an appellate court’s
determination that the record does not support a sentence does not equate to a
determination that the sentence is ‘otherwise contrary to law’ as that term is used in R.C.
2953.08(G)(2)(b).” Id. at ¶ 32. Thus, under Jones, an appellate court errs if it relies on
the dicta in Marcum and modifies or vacates a sentence “based on the lack of support in
the record for the trial court’s findings under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.” Id. at ¶ 29; see
also State v. Dorsey, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 28747, 2021-Ohio-76, ¶ 17.
{¶25} Pursuant to Jones, when reviewing felony sentences that are imposed
solely after considering the factors in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12, appellate courts
shall no longer analyze whether those sentences are unsupported by the record. Rather,
we simply must determine whether those sentences are contrary to law. See Dorsey,
supra, at ¶ 18.
A sentence is considered to be contrary to law if it falls outside of the
statutory range for the particular degree of offense; if the trial court failed to
properly consider the purposes and principles of felony sentencing as
enumerated in R.C. 2929.11 and the seriousness and recidivism factors set
forth in R.C. 2929.12; or if the trial court orders consecutive sentences and
does not make the necessary consecutive sentence finding.
Case No. 21 JE 0017
–9–
Burkhart, supra, at ¶ 12.
{¶26} Regarding consecutive sentences, R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) states:
(4) If multiple prison terms are imposed on an offender for convictions of
multiple offenses, the court may require the offender to serve the prison
terms consecutively if the court finds that the consecutive service is
necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender
and that consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness
of the offender’s conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public,
and if the court also finds any of the following:
(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)-(c).
It has been held that although the trial court is not required to recite the
statute verbatim or utter “magic” or “talismanic” words, there must be an
indication that the court found (1) that consecutive sentences are necessary
to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender, (2) that
consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness of the
offender’s conduct and to the danger posed to the public, and (3) one of the
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 10 –
findings described in R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(a), (b), or (c). State v. Bellard, 7th
Dist. Mahoning No. 12-MA-97, 2013-Ohio-2956, ¶ 17. The court need not
give its reasons for making those findings however. State v. Power, 7th Dist.
Columbiana No. 12 CO 14, 2013-Ohio-4254, ¶ 38. A trial court must make
the consecutive sentence findings at the sentencing hearing and must
additionally incorporate the findings into the sentencing entry. State v.
Williams, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 13-MA-125, 2015-Ohio-4100, ¶ 33-34,
citing State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d
659, ¶ 37.
State v. Thomas, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 18 MA 0025, 2020-Ohio-633, ¶ 41.
{¶27} In this case, Appellant alleges the record does not support a consecutive
sentence. Appellant stresses she “has experienced psychological trauma since early
childhood[,]” has signs of “mental illness,” and her “alcohol addiction” “has contributed to
her criminal convictions.” (6/17/2022 Appellant’s Brief, p. 12). Appellant maintains she
“is not a cold, calculating predator, but a mentally ill individual who made a poor decision
to shoot a firearm in the direction of an occupied motor vehicle.” (Id. at p. 13). Appellant
claims “[t]he Diane Walker who was sentenced to consecutive three-year prison terms on
June 2[8], 2021 was not the same Diane Walker who discharged a firearm at the motor
vehicle occupied by Robert Harris and Theresa Harris on August 19, 2018.” (Id.) In
addition, Appellant asserts that although the trial court made an oral pronouncement of
the requisite R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) consecutive sentence findings at the sentencing hearing,
it failed to additionally incorporate those findings into its sentencing entry. (Id. at 8-9).
{¶28} The State argues that consecutive sentences were warranted as this case
involves “two (2) separate victims with two (2) separate acts at different intervals each of
which constituted a felonious assault of each victim.” (8/2/2022 Appellee’s Brief, p. 2).
The State conceded at oral argument that the trial court failed to additionally incorporate
the consecutive sentence findings made at the sentencing hearing into its sentencing
entry.
{¶29} Upon review, we agree with the State that the trial court did not err in
imposing a consecutive sentence upon Appellant. However, we also agree with both
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 11 –
parties that although the court made an oral pronouncement of the requisite R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) consecutive sentence findings at the sentencing hearing, it failed to
additionally incorporate those findings into its sentencing entry.
{¶30} At the sentencing hearing, the judge heard from the prosecutor on behalf of
the State (who recommended a consecutive sentence), from defense counsel on behalf
of Appellant, from Jolie Brams, Ph.D. (Clinical and Forensic Psychologist),4 and from
Appellant (who apologized). The judge concluded by stating the following:
THE COURT: The Court has then considered the record, the oral
statements, the criminal history, I’ve considered Defendant’s Exhibits A
through D, as well as defense counsel’s statement * * * employers’ letters,
* * * treatment records, [and] also the screening records which show her
history of substance abuse, the age it started, and things like that. So the
Court has considered that as well. The Court is guided by - - and I believe I
mentioned her criminal history. The Court has considered all of that,
consistent with and in consideration of the purposes and principles of
sentencing.
The Court is guided by those overriding purposes of felony sentencing,
which are to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others,
to punish the offender, and to promote the effective rehabilitation of the
offender using the minimum sanctions the court has determined
accomplishes those purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on
state or local government resources.
In light of that guidance, the Court has considered the need for
incapacitating the offender, deterring the offender and others from future
crime, rehabilitating offender, and making restitution to the victim of the
offense, the public, or both.
4. Dr. Brams did not provide therapy to Appellant but met with and evaluated her and opined that Appellant
does not have the same type of ability to control her actions as most others. Dr. Brams described
Appellant’s childhood, her self-defeating behaviors and substance abuse, and her Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD).
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 12 –
In exercising its discretion, the Court has considered the factors listed in
2929.12(B) and (C) relating to the seriousness of her conduct. I find that
none of the more serious factors apply, other than those that are inherent
with this offense.
However, to be clear, this is - - I should make that finding. She was
convicted of two counts of felonious assault, in contravention of
2903.11(A)(2), two counts, both felonies of the second degree with separate
victims.
There was a presumption for prison. Defense counsel has put on mitigating
factors in that regard, and this Court has considered those.
Back to the more serious factors, again, I find there’s nothing more serious,
other than those elements that are contained in the crime itself.
In terms of less serious, I don’t find that the victims induced or facilitated the
offense. I do not find she was strongly provoked. I do not find that no
physical harm to persons or property was expected or caused. When you
point a gun at someone, you have to expect that there’s some risk of either
physical harm or property damage, that type of thing.
That there is substantial grounds for mitigation, I believe there are some
grounds for mitigation. * * *
The Court has also considered the [Ohio Risk Assessment System] ORAS
that was done, and that was a 17, which is right in the low to moderate
range.
In terms of the factors contained in 2929.12(D) and (E) relating to the
likelihood of the offender’s recidivism, I do believe, consistent with what Dr.
Brams said, that this particular Defendant - - there is a real dichotomy there.
She can be very sympathetic; however, the flipside of that is the
impulsiveness of her actions and her poor judgment. That was supported
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 13 –
by not only [another’s] evaluation of her - - the issues that she has, but Dr.
Brams as well.
I think, clearly, if you would ask the Defendant at this point in time if that
decision to pick up a gun was impulsive, I think she would have a hard time
arguing with the Court in that regard.
I do not find that she does not have remorse. * * * I do find that the Defendant
does, in fact, show some remorse.
In terms of - - the Defendant also has a very long history. Although
misdemeanor[s], nonetheless, it’s encompassed two states, DUI’s, 2008,
2009, a menacing charge in 2010, multiple calls for domestic violence. As
the State aptly points out, they don’t even need to look up your address
anymore. They know. That’s how frequently they are called to your house.
DUI in Marshall County in 2009; that may have been - - the Court has
considered all of those things.
In terms of recidivism, again, the Court considers all of the issues that you
have laid forward and laid out with Dr. Brams, and the Court fully
appreciates that. Again, I come back to the impulsivity and poor judgment.
Your perspective is distorted. * * *
***
However, what the Court struggles with in this case * * * you focused your
anger and your distorted judgment onto people who had really done
nothing. * * * The fact that Dr. Brams called this a knee-jerk reaction, this is
very troubling in that the Court - - part of what I need to do is to protect the
public - - protect the public.
***
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 14 –
* * * [T]he self-destructive substance abuse, that all has got - - it has
escalated from these misdemeanors, multiple phone calls from - - to the
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. This has all escalated and
culminated into exactly where we find ourselves here today, the pattern of
violence, domestic violence, that has been going on for more than fourteen
years, including that involving your children as well, your daughter, the living
conditions.
* * * But also unfortunately is that [underlying mental health issues] results
in posing a great, great danger to society.
* * * I believe [a community control sanction] would not adequately punish
and it would demean the seriousness of the offense to which she finds
herself convicted.
On Count One, felonious assault, you’ll be sentenced to three years in the
penitentiary.
As to Count Two, felonious assault, you will be sentenced to three years in
the penitentiary.
I’m not going to impose a fine.
Now, whether or not these are to run consecutive with each other, these
were not committed while you were awaiting trial, the harm was not so great
or unusual. Where the Court struggles is whether or not, in fact, your
criminal history demonstrates that consecutive sentences are necessary to
protect the public.
I believe a period of three years is significant and I’ve given you three years
on each of the victims.
You shot twice. You shot twice. You walked - - the video - - the video was
very damning. You walked by the guy that was abusive to you. You walked
by him and focused your anger and ire and impulsivety, all of whatever it is
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 15 –
you have inside of your head that you said you can’t get out of, on these
victims.
I believe in order to punish you and protect the public from future crime, that
consecutive sentences are not, in fact, disproportionate to the seriousness
of this conduct. Those two counts will be served consecutive to one another,
for a total of six years in the penitentiary.
The Court does not make those findings lightly. * * *
***
You will have a mandatory period of post-release control. It’s a three-year
mandatory period. * * *
***
You have the right to appeal this case. * * *
(6/28/2021 Sentencing Hearing Tr., p. 492-505).
{¶31} In its July 2, 2021 sentencing entry, the trial court stated:
Defendant was given an opportunity to speak and to present witnesses on
her behalf and was afforded all of her rights pursuant to Criminal Rule 32.
The Court then considered the record, oral statements, the Victims were
given the opportunity to make a statement and declined to do so, NCIC,
ORAS, and other criminal history consistent with and in consideration of the
purposes and principles of sentencing.
The Court is guided by the overriding purposes of felony sentencing, which
are to protect the public from future crime by the Offender and others, to
punish the offender and to promote the effective rehabilitation of the
offender using the minimum sanctions that the Court has determined
accomplishes those purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on
State or local government resources.
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 16 –
In light of that guidance, the Court has considered the need for
incapacitating the Offender, deterring the Offender and others from future
crime, rehabilitating the Offender, and making restitution to the victim of the
offense, the public, or both. In exercising its discretion, the Court has
considered the factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12(B) & (C) relating to the
seriousness of the conduct, the factors provided in R.C. 2929.12(D) & (E)
relating to the likelihood of the Offender’s recidivism and the factors set forth
in R.C. 2929.12(F), pertaining to the Offender’s service in the armed forces
of the United States, and in addition has considered all other factors that
are relevant to achieving those purposes and principles of sentencing and
that apply to this particular Defendant in this particular case.
The factors indicating that the Offender’s conduct is more serious than
conduct constituting the Offense, the Court finds that none apply.
In consideration of the factors that indicate that the Offender’s conduct is
less serious than conduct normally constituting the offense, the Court has
considered and finds that none apply.
The Court has further considered and finds the following factors indicating
that the Offender is likely to commit future crimes:
(1) Has demonstrated a pattern of drug or alcohol abuse that is related to
the offense, and failures to acknowledge pattern of drug or alcohol abuse
or refuses treatment for the drug or alcohol abuse;
(2) ORAS Score: 17
In consideration of the factors indicating that the Offender is not likely to
commit future crimes the Court finds:
(1) Offense occurred under circumstances not likely to recur;
(2) Offender genuinely remorseful;
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 17 –
(3) ORAS Score: 17
Further, this Court finds that Community Control Sanctions or a combination
of Community Control Sanctions would not adequately punish the offender
and protect the public from future crime and a Community Control Sanction
or a combination of Community Control Sanctions would not demean the
seriousness of these offenses.
***
The Court must make findings to impose consecutive sentences as required
by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) necessary to punish the offender or protect the public
from future crime and not disproportionate to seriousness of conduct and
danger posed by Defendant and the harm caused is so great or unusual
that a single prison term would not adequately reflect the seriousness of the
conduct.
***
As part of her Sentence, and pursuant to R.C. 2967.28, the Defendant was
further informed that upon completion of the prison term, the Defendant
shall be subject to a three (3) year mandatory period of supervision under
POST-RELEASE CONTROL. * * *
***
The Court advised the Defendant of her rights to appeal in accord with R.C.
2953.03(C) and Crim.R. 32(B)(1-2).
***
(7/2/2021 Sentencing Entry, p. 1-4).
{¶32} The record reveals the trial court considered the purposes and principles of
felony sentencing under R.C. 2929.11 and balanced the seriousness and recidivism
factors under R.C. 2929.12. The court also properly advised Appellant regarding post-
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 18 –
release control. The court imposed a three year sentence on each of the felonious assault
counts which is within the statutory range for the second degree felony offenses. R.C.
2929.14(A)(2)(b) (“For a felony of the second degree committed prior to the effective date
of this amendment [April 12, 2021], the prison term shall be a definite term of two, three,
four, five, six, seven, or eight years.”)
{¶33} Regarding consecutive sentences under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), at the
sentencing hearing, the trial court found that these offenses “were not committed while
[Appellant was] awaiting trial [and] the harm was not so great or unusual.” (6/28/2021
Sentencing Hearing Tr., p. 499). Thus, the court thereby dismissed R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(a)
and (b) as statutory reasons to impose a consecutive sentence. However, with respect
to Appellant’s history of criminal conduct under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(c), the court did
announce its findings on the record that consecutive sentences were necessary “to
punish” Appellant, to “protect the public from future crime,” and that consecutive
sentences were “not, in fact, disproportionate to the seriousness of this conduct.” (Id. at
p. 500). Accordingly, it is clear the court complied with the dictates of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)
in making the requisite consecutive sentence findings at the sentencing hearing. See
Thomas, supra, at ¶ 41.
{¶34} Problematically however, Appellant and the State correctly point out, and
the record establishes, that the trial court failed to additionally incorporate the consecutive
sentence findings into its sentencing entry. Id; Bonnell, supra, at ¶ 37. The court only
merely stated what the law requires, i.e., that it “must make findings to impose
consecutive sentences[,]” but the sentencing entry does not include R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)
findings. (7/2/2021 Sentencing Entry, p. 3). Thus, the court erred because it failed to
incorporate its consecutive sentence findings made at the sentencing hearing into its
sentencing entry. State v. Yukon, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 20 MA 0005, 2020-Ohio-4738,
¶ 14, citing State v. Black, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 16 MA 0085, 2018-Ohio-1342, ¶
34; State v. Lung, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2014-12-081, 2015-Ohio-3833, ¶ 19-20
(remanding matter to the trial court for the limited purpose of issuing a nunc pro tunc
sentencing entry to reflect the trial court’s statutory findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)).
(However, a) trial court’s failure to incorporate the statutory findings into the
sentencing entry after properly making those findings at the sentencing
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 19 –
hearing does not render the sentence contrary to law; such a clerical
mistake may be corrected by the court through a nunc pro tunc entry to
reflect what actually occurred in open court at the sentencing hearing.
Yukon, supra, at ¶ 14, quoting Black, supra, at ¶ 32.
{¶35} Accordingly, the record before us reveals that the findings of the trial court,
pronounced orally during the sentencing hearing, demonstrate the court engaged in the
required statutory analysis prior to imposing a consecutive sentence. The court’s failure
to incorporate those findings into the written sentencing entry amounts to a clerical error
necessitating a nunc pro tunc entry to correctly align the language of the entry with the
findings made at the sentencing hearing and in accordance with Bonnell and its
progeny. See Yukon, supra, at ¶ 15; Black, supra, at ¶ 33.
{¶36} Appellant’s first and second assignments of error have merit, in part, to the
extent provided.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3
THE JURY’S VERDICT FINDING APPELLANT GUILTY OF FELONIOUS
ASSAULT, IN VIOLATION OF R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), WAS NOT
SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4
THE JURY’S VERDICT FINDING APPELLANT GUILTY OF FELONIOUS
ASSAULT, IN VIOLATION OF R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), WAS AGAINST THE
MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED AT TRIAL.
{¶37} In her third and fourth assignments of error, Appellant suggests her
convictions for felonious assault were not supported by sufficient evidence and are
against the manifest weight of the evidence. Thus, as Appellant’s assignments are
interrelated, we will address them in a consolidated fashion.
“When a court reviews a record for sufficiency, ‘(t)he relevant inquiry is
whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 20 –
prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential
elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.’ State v.
Maxwell, 139 Ohio St.3d 12, 2014-Ohio-1019, 9 N.E.3d 930, ¶ 146, quoting
State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two
of the syllabus; Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d
560 (1979).
In determining whether a criminal conviction is against the manifest weight
of the evidence, an Appellate court 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. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio
St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997); State v. Hunter, 131 Ohio St.3d 67,
2011-Ohio-6524, 960 N.E.2d 955, ¶ 119.* * *
The weight to be given to the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses
are nonetheless issues for the trier of fact. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d
230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967). The trier of fact “has the best opportunity to
view the demeanor, attitude, and credibility of each witness, something that
does not translate well on the written page.” Davis v. Flickinger, 77 Ohio
St.3d 415, 418, 674 N.E.2d 1159 (1997).
State v. T.D.J., 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 16 MA 0104, 2018-Ohio-2766, ¶ 46-48.
{¶38} “‘(C)ircumstantial evidence and direct evidence inherently possess the
same probative value.’” State v. Biros, 78 Ohio St.3d 426, 447, 678 N.E.2d 891 (1997),
quoting Jenks, supra, paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶39} For the reasons addressed below, we determine the judgment is not against
the manifest weight of the evidence and further conclude it is supported by sufficient
evidence.
{¶40} Appellant takes issue with the guilty finding on her two counts of felonious
assault, felonies of the second degree, in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), which states in
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 21 –
part: “(A) No person shall knowingly * * * (2) Cause or attempt to cause physical harm to
another * * * by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.” R.C. 2901.22,
“Culpable mental states,” defines “knowingly” in part: “(B) A person acts knowingly,
regardless of purpose, when the person is aware that the person’s conduct will probably
cause a certain result or will probably be of a certain nature.”
{¶41} As stated, Sergeant Henderson testified for the State that he was called to
Patrick’s and Appellant’s marital residence on August 19, 2018 on a report of gunshots
fired. (6/16/2021 Trial by Jury Tr., p. 177). When Sergeant Henderson arrived on-scene,
he saw Patrick and the victims in the road. (Id. at p. 179). Patrick and the victims were
calm and cooperative. (Id. at p. 180-181). Sergeant Henderson indicated that Appellant
came out of the house, and stated she was “scared [and] had fired two rounds from the
garage to scare Patrick away.” (Id. at p. 182).
{¶42} While on-scene, Sergeant Henderson also watched videos of the incident,
which were captured by the victims on their cell phones and admitted into evidence. (Id.
at p. 182-183); (State’s Exhibit 6, both videos). Theresa’s phone recorded the incident in
full. (Id. at p. 183). Sergeant Henderson testified “you can hear him yell at - - Patrick
yells at his brother Robert, ‘Call the cops, She’s [Appellant] got a gun[.]’” (Id.) “[Appellant]
steps out of the garage, levels the rifle at the car, and fires one shot. You can hear it hit
the car.” (Id.) The .22 rifle, which was retrieved from Appellant’s bedroom closet, was
admitted into evidence. (Id. at p. 184); (State’s Exhibit 1). Sergeant Henderson
explained, “Being that she [Appellant] admitted to firing the gun, we did not submit it to
the lab. We didn’t need to prove that she had fired a gun. She admitted to it of her own
will.” (Id. at p. 186). Two shell casings were admitted into evidence. (Id.); (State’s
Exhibits 2 and 3). Appellant fired the second round at the victims from her front porch.
(Id. at p. 187). The second bullet hit the right front passenger tire of the victims’ vehicle.
(Id. at p. 189). The tire was admitted into evidence. (State’s Exhibit 4).
{¶43} Robert testified for the State that Patrick and Appellant had gotten into an
argument the day before the incident. (6/16/2021 Trial by Jury Tr., p. 222). Patrick had
called and requested deputy assistance in retrieving his motorcycle from the marital home
but they were “really busy” and could not send anyone out. (Id. at p. 225). Appellant sent
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 22 –
a text message to Patrick indicating that she was not home. (Id. at p. 227); (State’s Exhibit
5).
{¶44} The victims drove Patrick to the marital home to pick up his motorcycle. (Id.
at p. 223). Robert parked the vehicle in the street and the victims recorded the entire
exchange on their cell phones. (Id. at p. 224, 235). Robert was seated in the driver’s
seat and Theresa was in the rear. (Id. at p. 234). The victims had no weapons and did
not threaten or provoke Appellant in any manner. (Id. at p. 233-234). Patrick also had
no weapons and did not threaten or provoke Appellant. (Id. at p. 237). Robert testified
they would never have gone to the home without a police escort if they had known that
Appellant was, in fact, home, contrary to her text message revealing she was not. (Id. at
p. 238); (State’s Exhibit 5).
{¶45} Theresa testified for the State in a similar manner as Robert. Theresa said
she videotaped their presence because she did not “want to get accused of destroying
any property or even being on the property” as Patrick and Appellant’s marriage situation
“wasn’t the best.” (Id. at p. 270, 274). Theresa said she was seated in the rear of the
vehicle on the driver’s side. (Id. at p. 275). Theresa became nervous after hearing that
Appellant had a gun. (Id. at p. 276). The vehicle had a flat tire as a result of one of the
gunshots. (Id. at p. 277).
{¶46} Appellant then took the stand and testified that on the day before the
incident, she did not feel well because she had not taken her medication (Effexor) for
about five days and alleged that Patrick refused to get it for her. (Id. at p. 313). Appellant
wanted Patrick to take her to the hospital but he was drunk. (Id. at p. 313-314). Appellant
“took that beer can and threw it right at his forehead and told him to get the hell out of
[her] house” and “the cops were called.” (Id. at p. 314-315).
{¶47} On the day at issue, Appellant heard something in her garage and went
outside with her gun. (Id. at p. 325). “At that point, [Appellant] just wanted everybody off
[her] land. [She] wanted them away from [her] house. So [she] went out, [she] pointed
the gun * * * [i]t was up, but then [she] lowered it and shot towards the ground with the
gun.” (Id. at p. 328). Appellant said she only intended to “scare them off [her] land.” (Id.)
Appellant claimed she never shot at the vehicle’s tire. (Id. at p. 330-331).
Case No. 21 JE 0017
– 23 –
{¶48} On cross-examination, Appellant testified there was no protection order
against Patrick which would have prevented him from being at the marital home. (Id. at
p. 343). Appellant said she pointed the gun down, yet she hit the vehicle in “the opposite
direction.” (Id. at p. 348-349). Appellant stated, “I have no clue how that would have
happened.” (Id. at p. 349). Appellant then said she fired gunshots in the victims’ “general
direction.” (Id. at p. 350). Appellant agreed that the victims never threatened or provoked
her in any manner. (Id. at p. 351). Although Appellant testified she shot towards the
ground, the video demonstrates the contrary. (State’s Exhibit 6). Appellant concedes
“[i]t’s a pretty damning video.” (Id. at p. 328).
{¶49} Pursuant to Jenks, supra, there is sufficient evidence upon which the jury
could reasonably conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the elements of felonious
assault were proven. Thus, the trial court did not err in overruling Appellant’s Crim.R. 29
motion.
{¶50} Also, the jury chose to believe the State’s witnesses. DeHass, supra, at
paragraph one of the syllabus. Based on the evidence presented, as previously stated,
the jury did not clearly lose its way in finding Appellant guilty of felonious assault.
Thompkins, supra, at 387.
{¶51} Appellant’s third and fourth assignments of error are without merit.
CONCLUSION
{¶52} For the foregoing reasons, Appellant’s first and second assignments of error
are well-taken, in part, to the extent provided and her third and fourth assignments of error
are not well-taken. The July 2, 2021 judgment of the Jefferson County Court of Common
Pleas convicting and sentencing Appellant to six years in prison on two counts of felonious
assault following a trial by jury is affirmed in part and remanded for the limited purpose of
entering a nunc pro tunc entry addressing the consecutive sentence findings made at the
sentencing hearing.
Waite, J., concurs.
Hanni, J., concurs.
Case No. 21 JE 0017
[Cite as State v. Walker, 2023-Ohio-998.]
For the reasons stated in the Opinion rendered herein, the judgment of the Court
of Common Pleas of Jefferson County, Ohio, is affirmed in part and remanded to the
trial court for the limited purpose of entering a nunc pro tunc entry addressing the
consecutive sentence findings made at the sentencing hearing. Costs to be waived.
A certified copy of this opinion and judgment entry shall constitute the mandate
in this case pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. It is ordered that
a certified copy be sent by the clerk to the trial court to carry this judgment into
execution.
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
This document constitutes a final judgment entry.