State v. Huguley , 99 N.E.3d 905 ( 2017 )


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  • [Cite as State v. Huguley, 
    2017-Ohio-8300
    .]
    STATE OF OHIO                     )                  IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
    )ss:               NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
    COUNTY OF SUMMIT                  )
    STATE OF OHIO                                        C.A. No.       28322
    Appellee
    v.                                           APPEAL FROM JUDGMENT
    ENTERED IN THE
    MICHAEL L. HUGULEY                                   COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
    COUNTY OF SUMMIT, OHIO
    Appellant                                    CASE No.   CR 2015 08 2362
    DECISION AND JOURNAL ENTRY
    Dated: October 25, 2017
    CALLAHAN, Judge.
    {¶1}     Michael Huguley appeals from his murder conviction in the Summit County
    Court of Common Pleas. This Court affirms.
    I.
    {¶2}     Mr. Huguley and Jasmine Williams had been in a romantic relationship, lived in
    an apartment together, and had a child together. Ms. Williams spent the day and night of June
    22, 2015 with a friend and co-worker, D.D. When the two returned the next morning, Mr.
    Huguley was packing up the belongings in the apartment.           D.D. and Ms. Williams were
    scheduled to work that night, so D.D. planned to stay at the apartment as she often did.
    {¶3}     Mr. Huguley and Ms. Williams began to argue. After that, Mr. Huguley’s and
    D.D.’s stories diverge as to exactly what transpired. They do, however, agree that Mr. Huguley
    stabbed Ms. Williams, stabbed himself, and fled the apartment. Mr. Huguley claims that Ms.
    2
    Williams stabbed him first and that he acted in self-defense. Ms. Williams died as a result of her
    stab wounds.
    {¶4}    Mr. Huguley was apprehended five weeks later. He was indicted for one count of
    aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and one count of
    domestic violence. Following a jury trial, Mr. Huguley was acquitted of aggravated murder and
    found guilty of the remaining counts. The trial court merged the offenses, and sentenced Mr.
    Huguley to a term of 15 years to life for murder.
    {¶5}    Mr. Huguley appeals raising four assignments of error.
    II.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1
    THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO
    SUPPRESS AS THE APPELLANT INVOKED HIS RIGHT TO COUNSEL
    BEFORE GIVING A STATEMENT TO POLICE[.]
    {¶6}    In his first assignment of error, Mr. Huguley argues that the trial court erred in
    denying his motion to suppress because, after he was in police custody, he requested and was
    denied counsel. This Court disagrees.
    {¶7}    “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
    , ¶ 8. The trial court, as the trier
    of fact, is in the best position to judge the credibility of witnesses and resolve factual issues. 
    Id.
    An appellate court, therefore, “must accept the trial court’s findings of fact if they are supported
    by competent, credible evidence.” 
    Id.
     “Accepting these facts as true, the appellate court must
    then independently determine, without deference to the conclusion of the trial court, whether the
    facts satisfy the applicable legal standard.” 
    Id.
    3
    {¶8}    In the present case, Mr. Huguley does not challenge the trial court’s factual
    findings. His challenge is limited to the court’s legal conclusion that he did not invoke his right
    to counsel. Therefore, this Court conducts a de novo review. See State v. Raber, 
    189 Ohio App.3d 396
    , 
    2010-Ohio-4066
    , ¶ 9 (9th Dist.) (legal conclusions in ruling on a motion to suppress
    are reviewed de novo).
    {¶9}    When a suspect in a criminal investigation requests counsel, police questioning
    must cease until a lawyer is provided or the suspect reinitiates the interrogation. State v.
    Henness, 
    79 Ohio St.3d 53
    , 63 (1997). “But if a suspect makes a reference to an attorney that is
    ambiguous or equivocal in that a reasonable officer in light of the circumstances would have
    understood only that the suspect might be invoking the right to counsel, [Supreme Court]
    precedents do not require the cessation of questioning.” (Emphasis sic.) Davis v. United States,
    
    512 U.S. 452
    , 459 (1994). Courts have found that a suspect asking questions about counsel does
    not amount to an unequivocal request for counsel.         See Raber at ¶ 19 (collecting cases).
    Similarly, “[an] appellant’s equivocal statement, ‘I think I need a lawyer, ‘cause I don't know
    what you’re talking about DNA,’ does not amount to an invocation of counsel.” State v.
    Wellman, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-386, 
    2006-Ohio-3808
    , ¶ 26.
    {¶10} In the present case, Mr. Huguley was arrested and taken to an interview room in
    the Akron Police Department. Detective Bell asked him if he knew why he was there and then
    proceeded to open an envelope containing a kit for collecting a DNA sample. Detective Bell
    presented Mr. Huguley with a voluntary consent form for the sample. Mr. Huguley responded,
    “Can I deny this until I see my lawyer?” Detective Bell then indicated that Mr. Huguley’s DNA
    might already be in the system or they could get a search warrant for it. After that, Mr. Huguley
    signed the consent form. On cross-examination, Detective Bell agreed that Mr. Huguley was in
    4
    custody and “[t]he word ‘lawyer’ c[a]me[] out of his mouth.” From this, Mr. Huguley appears to
    conclude that he invoked his right to counsel.
    {¶11} The mere use of the word “lawyer” does not amount to an unambiguous request
    for counsel. See Raber at ¶ 19 (listing various statements or questions containing the word
    “lawyer” or “attorney” that have been held not to amount to an unambiguous or unequivocal
    request for counsel).
    {¶12} The trial court correctly found that Mr. Huguley “did not make an unambiguous
    or unequivocal request for counsel.” Rather, he “merely inquired if he could defer consent to the
    DNA collection until after he spoke to an attorney.” Mr. Huguley’s question was insufficient to
    invoke his right to counsel. Consequently, the trial court did not err denying his motion to
    suppress.
    {¶13} Mr. Huguley’s first assignment of error is overruled.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2
    THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY DENYING
    DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR MISTRIAL AS A RESULT OF THE STATE’S
    DISCOVERY VIOLATION[.]
    {¶14} In his second assignment of error, Mr. Huguley argues that he should have been
    granted a mistrial following an inadvertent discovery violation by the State.          This Court
    disagrees.
    {¶15} “[A] trial court has discretion in determining a sanction for a discovery violation.”
    State v. Darmond, 
    135 Ohio St.3d 343
    , 
    2013-Ohio-966
    , ¶ 33. This Court, therefore, reviews the
    trial court’s decision in that regard for an abuse of discretion. State v. Alesci, 9th Dist. Summit
    No. 27615, 
    2016-Ohio-90
    , ¶ 5. An abuse of discretion occurs if the trial court acted in a manner
    5
    that was arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 
    5 Ohio St.3d 217
    ,
    219 (1983).
    {¶16} Criminal Rule 16 governs discovery in a criminal case. The purpose of the
    discovery rule is “to provide all parties in a criminal case with the information necessary for a
    full and fair adjudication of the facts, to protect the integrity of the judicial system and the rights
    of defendants, and to protect the well-being of witnesses, victims, and society at large.” Crim.R.
    16(A). The rule aims “‘to prevent surprise and the secreting of evidence favorable to one
    party.’” Darmond at ¶ 19, quoting Lakewood v. Papadelis, 
    32 Ohio St.3d 1
    , 3 (1987).
    {¶17} If a party fails to comply with the rule, “the court may order such party to permit
    the discovery or inspection, grant a continuance, or prohibit the party from introducing in
    evidence the material not disclosed, or it may make such other orders it deems just under the
    circumstances.” Crim.R. 16(L)(1). A mistrial is a severe sanction used in those cases where “‘a
    fair trial is no longer possible.’” State v. Smith, 9th Dist. Summit No. 25518, 
    2011-Ohio-2886
    , ¶
    7, quoting State v. Franklin, 
    62 Ohio St.3d 118
    , 127 (1991).
    {¶18} When faced with a discovery rule violation, a trial court must inquire into the
    circumstances giving rise to the violation and impose the least severe sanction consistent with the
    purpose of the discovery rule. Papadelis, 
    32 Ohio St.3d 1
    , at paragraph two of the syllabus.
    When determining the appropriate sanction, a trial court should consider the following three
    factors: “(1) whether the failure to disclose was a willful violation of Crim.R. 16, (2) whether
    foreknowledge of the undisclosed material would have benefited the accused in the preparation
    of a defense, and (3) whether the accused was prejudiced.” Darmond at ¶ 35.
    {¶19} On the second day of trial in the instant matter, the State provided the defense
    with a disc of information that had been extracted from the victim’s phone. The State explained
    6
    that the phone had been sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (“BCI”) the year
    before. BCI had initially reported that they were unable to retrieve the information on the phone,
    but they referenced a chip that could be removed. The assistant prosecutor was not aware that
    any additional analysis had been conducted.
    {¶20} The detective who had been handling that aspect of the case retired, and there was
    no notation indicating that an additional analysis was being conducted. The week before the trial
    started, an officer who was transporting items from BCI to the police department was given the
    disc with the extracted information. That officer placed the disc in the mailbox of the detective
    who had replaced the one who retired. That detective was on vacation at the time. Upon his
    return from vacation, he discovered the disc and the assistant prosecutor was notified. The
    assistant prosecutor immediately copied the disc, provided the copy to defense counsel, and
    informed the trial court of the situation.
    {¶21} At that point, neither side had reviewed the information on the disc.       The trial
    court postponed the testimony of D.D., and noted that they were not scheduled to be in court the
    following day, thus, providing the parties an opportunity to review the disc. Defense counsel
    moved for a mistrial arguing there might be exculpatory evidence on the disc. The trial court
    denied the motion.
    {¶22} When the matter reconvened, the parties had gone through some, but not all, of
    the information contained on the disc. Defense counsel suggested that neither side should be
    able to use the contents of the disc. The State agreed not to use it in its case in chief, but
    requested to be able to use it in cross-examination and rebuttal if necessary. Defense counsel
    again requested a mistrial. The State suggested that the testimony of certain witnesses, who the
    7
    parties agreed the information on the disc did not concern, go forward and then, that the parties
    be given the weekend to further review the contents of the disc.
    {¶23} The Court found, and the defense does not dispute, that the violation in this case
    was not willful or in bad faith. The Court further found that there was a sanction “less drastic
    than dismissal [that] will ensure that the defendant is fairly tried.” The Court concluded that “the
    appropriate remedy [was] a continuance of a day or two before the phone could be used.” That
    ruling was made on a Thursday, two witnesses testified that day, no proceedings were had on
    Friday, and the matter proceeded again on Monday. Defense counsel renewed its motion for
    mistrial, but it was again denied.
    {¶24} Upon review, this Court concludes that the trial court did not abuse its discretion.
    Pursuant to Papadelis, a trial court is to “impose the least severe sanction that is consistent with
    the purpose of the rules of discovery.” 
    32 Ohio St.3d 1
    , at paragraph two of the syllabus. Upon
    learning of the disc, the State promptly made it available to the defense. The trial court then
    provided for a continuance and reordering of witnesses in order that the information on the disc
    could be reviewed, and thereby allowing the parties an opportunity to further prepare in light of
    the information contained on the disc.       Finally, Mr. Huguley has not argued, much less
    demonstrated, how he was prejudiced by the trial court’s decision to grant a continuance rather
    than a mistrial.
    {¶25} Mr. Huguley’s second assignment of error is overruled.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3
    THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION WHEN IT FAILED TO
    DECLARE A MISTRIAL FOR JUROR MISCONDUCT[.]
    {¶26} In his third assignment of error, Mr. Huguley argues that the trial court erred by
    not removing the jury foreperson or declaring a mistrial. Although Mr. Huguley recognizes that
    8
    his trial counsel did not request this relief and made the “tactical decision” to proceed, he
    contends that the failure to remove the juror or declare a mistrial rises to the level of plain error.
    {¶27} The distinction between a waiver of an objection and the forfeiture of an objection
    prevents this Court from applying a plain error analysis in this case. See State v. Fitzgerald, 9th
    Dist. Summit No. 23072, 
    2007-Ohio-701
    , ¶ 8.             “Although the terms are frequently used
    interchangeably, a waiver occurs where a party affirmatively relinquishes a right or an objection
    at trial; a forfeiture occurs where a party fails to assert a right or make an objection before the
    trial court in a timely fashion.” 
    Id.,
     citing State v. Hairston, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 05CA008768,
    
    2006-Ohio-4925
    , ¶ 9, quoting United States v. Olano, 
    507 U.S. 725
    , 733 (1993). An objection
    that has been forfeited may be assigned as error on appeal if a showing of plain error is made.
    Fitzgerald at ¶ 8. “Where a party has affirmatively waived an objection, however, the error may
    not be asserted on appeal even if it does amount to plain error.” 
    Id.
    {¶28} In the present case, the jury foreperson researched his duties by looking up the
    definition of a “jury foreman.” He brought notes regarding his thoughts and the definition with
    him and planned to use them in the jury room. Upon learning of this, the trial court questioned
    the juror and allowed the assistant prosecutor and defense counsel to question the juror. The trial
    court took the juror’s notes from him. “[B]ased on his answers to the questions,” the State did
    not object to him continuing as a juror. One attorney for the defendant stated that “[he] would
    have to agree with the State.”     The other attorney for the defendant stated, “if the State is not
    finding a problem, the defense is not finding it a problem.” He concluded that he had “assess[ed]
    [the foreperson] [and] listen[ed] to his explanation” and made the “tactical decision [ ] to leave
    him on [the jury.]” He further explained, “it’s a proper decision for Mr. Huguley to have this
    9
    jury render its verdict” and “tactically it would probably be to the State’s advantage to be in
    retrial.”
    {¶29} Consequently, Mr. Huguley did not forfeit this alleged error by failing to object.
    Rather, he waived any objection by making the “tactical decision” to proceed with the jury that
    was in place. See Fitzgerald at ¶ 11. “Because the [alleged] error was affirmatively waived at
    the trial level, it may not be raised on appeal even if it was plain error.” 
    Id.
    {¶30} Mr. Huguley’s third assignment of error is overruled.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4
    THE VERDICT OF THE TRIAL COURT WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST
    WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE AS THE DEFENSE PROVED THE
    AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE OF SELF DEFENSE BY A PREPONDERANCE
    OF THE EVIDENCE[.]
    {¶31} In his fourth assignment of error, Mr. Huguley argues that the jury lost it way in
    convicting him of murder because he claims the evidence weighs in favor of a finding of self-
    defense. This Court disagrees.
    {¶32} A manifest weight of the evidence challenge addresses whether the greater
    amount of credible evidence supports one side over the other. State v. Thompkins, 
    78 Ohio St.3d 380
    , 387 (1997). When an appellant brings a manifest weight of the evidence challenge,
    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 and a new trial ordered.
    State v. Otten, 
    33 Ohio App.3d 339
    , 340 (9th Dist.1986). In conducting such a review, the
    appellate court essentially acts as a “‘thirteenth juror.’” Thompkins at 387, quoting Tibbs v.
    Florida, 
    457 U.S. 31
    , 42 (1982). An appellate court’s grant of a new trial on manifest weight of
    10
    the evidence grounds is reserved for “exceptional cases where the evidence weighs heavily
    against the conviction.” Otten at 340.
    {¶33} This Court notes that the parties focus on the testimony of Mr. Huguley and D.D.
    Nonetheless, because Mr. Huguley has brought a manifest weight challenge, this Court is
    obligated to review the entire record. See Otten at 340. This Court has conducted that review,
    but limits its discussion to the testimony and evidence that pertains to Mr. Huguley’s claim of
    self-defense.
    {¶34} To establish self-defense when deadly force has been used,
    the following elements must be shown: (1) the slayer was not at fault in creating
    the situation giving rise to the affray; (2) the slayer has a bona fide belief that he
    was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that his only means of
    escape from such danger was in the use of such force; and (3) the slayer must not
    have violated any duty to retreat or avoid the danger.
    State v. Robbins, 
    58 Ohio St.2d 74
     (1979), paragraph two of the syllabus. These elements are
    cumulative, such that “[i]f the defendant fails to prove any one of these elements by a
    preponderance of the evidence he has failed to demonstrate that he acted in self-defense.”
    (Emphasis sic.) State v. Jackson, 
    22 Ohio St.3d 281
    , 284 (1986).
    {¶35} When considering the bona fide belief prong, “the jury must consider all the
    circumstances to see whether the defendant had an objective reasonable belief of imminent
    danger and if he possessed a subjective honest belief that he was in danger of imminent harm.”
    State v. Inman, 9th Dist. Medina No. 03CA0099-M, 
    2004-Ohio-1420
    , ¶ 9. The privilege to
    defend oneself is limited to “that force which is reasonably necessary to repel the attack.” State
    v. Williford, 
    49 Ohio St.3d 247
    , 249 (1990).
    11
    {¶36} In the present case, there was conflicting evidence about who was the initial
    aggressor and whether Mr. Huguley had a bona fide belief that he was in such imminent danger
    that his only means of escape was the use of deadly force.
    {¶37} Mr. Huguley testified that Ms. Williams came home about 9:00 a.m. on June 23,
    2015. At that time, he was packing up their belongings and she became upset. During the
    ensuing argument, he ran out to her car to look for a cell phone, but he did not find it there. Ms.
    Williams also ran out to the car.      According to Mr. Huguley, when they returned to the
    apartment, Ms. Williams went to the bedroom and he went to the kitchen. He testified that, as he
    was getting a beer out of the refrigerator, he “felt a sharp pinch to [his] back and neck area.”
    When he turned around, Ms. Williams stabbed him in the chest. He “believe[d] she was trying to
    hurt [him] pretty bad.” Mr. Huguley testified that he “grabbed her neck and * * * arm,”
    “[p]ush[ed] her back,” and “pulled [the knife] out of her hands.” He further testified that after he
    “grabbed the knife, then [he] stabbed her.” He then stabbed himself in the neck and fled the
    scene.
    {¶38} Mr. Huguley admitted that the knife was his, but believed that Ms. Williams had
    retrieved it from her car. He explained that, approximately one month earlier, Ms. Williams had
    removed all the knives from the apartment because he “told her [that he was] going to cut
    [him]self again.” He further explained that he had a prior history of cutting himself when he was
    depressed and that Ms. Williams was aware of that history. Although Mr. Huguley admitted that
    he managed to disarm Ms. Williams, he felt she was still “[a] threat” even after he had the knife.
    He explained that she was fighting with him and she was strong.
    {¶39} According to Mr. Huguley, D.D. was outside when the stabbing started. He could
    not remember if she got involved later or if he had done anything to her.
    12
    {¶40} By contrast, D.D. testified that she was in the living room.           She heard Mr.
    Huguley and Ms. Williams arguing in the bathroom and bedroom.               She testified that Mr.
    Huguley and Ms. Williams ran out of the apartment to Ms. Williams’ car. They continued to
    argue when they returned to the apartment. She saw Mr. Huguley pull a long, folding type knife
    from his pocket and start stabbing Ms. Williams. D.D. testified that she tried to help Ms.
    Williams, but Mr. Huguley pushed her and she ended up hitting the door. She stated that Mr.
    Huguley stabbed himself in the neck, stabbed Ms. Williams some more, and fled the scene.
    {¶41} Dr. Dorothy Dean performed Ms. Williams’ autopsy.              She testified that Ms.
    Williams’ death was caused by multiple stab wounds to her chest, which penetrated her lungs
    and heart. Dr. Dean also noted minor injuries to Ms. Williams’ hands, a stab wound on her back
    near her left shoulder and one to her right thigh. She explained that it was not unusual for a
    stabbing victim to have injuries to the hands because “a lot of times people fighting for their life
    get injuries to their hands.” She further testified that the bone and cartilage of one of Ms.
    Williams’ ribs was injured. When discussing that injury, she stated that “it takes a lot of force to
    break the skin and bone.”
    {¶42} According to the autopsy report, Ms. Williams was 5’6” tall and weighed 167
    pounds. In comparison, Mr. Huguley testified that he was 6’7” tall and weighed 250 pounds.
    {¶43} Sergeant John Mostar testified that he took pictures of Mr. Huguley on the day he
    was arrested. The pictures show “scarring” or “markings” on Mr. Huguley’s arms, hands, chest,
    and the front and sides of his neck. There was no scarring or markings observed on Mr.
    Huguley’s back or the back of his neck.
    {¶44} When Mr. Huguley was shown the pictures, he stated that some of the wounds
    were from Ms. Williams and “like a couple of them” were self-inflicted. He denied that any in
    13
    the chest area were self-inflicted. When cross-examined about the lack of wounds to his back,
    Mr. Huguley explained, “[i]t felt like she was stabbing me in the back, but it was in the neck.”
    He admitted that the wounds to the front of his neck were self-inflicted, but had difficulty
    remembering on which side of the neck Ms. Williams stabbed him. As the pictures were shown
    to him on the stand, he first thought the left was the side on which she stabbed him, but later
    corrected himself indicating she had stabbed him on the right side. He agreed that a picture of the
    right side showed four wounds and testified that she did “[a]ll those” and “[s]he was quick[].”
    {¶45} Evidence and testimony was also presented regarding the location of the blood in
    the apartment. Detective Sandra Ridgeway-Williams testified that “there was a lot of blood” in
    the apartment, but none in the kitchen. Sergeant Timothy McLeod acknowledged on cross-
    examination that his report of investigation indicated that there was “blood in the area by the
    kitchen.” Pictures taken of the crime scene show blood in the living room and by the door of the
    apartment. There is also blood on the living room carpet near the kitchen, but none on the
    linoleum in the kitchen itself. Sergeant McLeod conceded that, because the blood in that area
    was not tested, he could not tell whose blood it was.
    {¶46} In the end, each side pointed out inconsistencies and questioned the credibility of
    the other side’s witnesses. For instance, the defense questioned D.D. regarding differences
    between what she told the police on scene compared to what she told them at the station three
    days later. On cross-examination, D.D. also admitted that she and Ms. Williams were mad at
    Mr. Huguley the day before Ms. Williams’ death. The State, likewise, questioned Mr. Huguley
    regarding inconsistencies or missing details between what he initially told the police and his in-
    court testimony. The State also questioned Mr. Huguley’s credibility beyond what happened
    immediately leading up to Ms. Williams’ death. For instance, Mr. Huguley admitted that he
    14
    “made [ ] up” a story that he was crying over difficulties in his relationship with Ms. Williams in
    order to convince a relative to speak to Ms. Williams about the relationship. On the other side,
    the defense suggested that the blood on the carpet near the kitchen should have been tested as it
    might have been Mr. Huguley’s blood.
    {¶47} As the Ohio Supreme Court has noted, “the weight to be given the evidence and
    the credibility of the witnesses are primarily for the trier of facts.” State v. DeHass, 
    10 Ohio St.2d 230
     (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus. This is because “[t]he trier of fact is in the best
    position to judge the credibility of the witnesses.” State v. Curry, 9th Dist. Summit No. 23104,
    
    2007-Ohio-238
    , ¶ 19.
    {¶48} Upon review, this Court cannot say that the jury lost its way in finding that Mr.
    Huguley failed to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that he acted in self-defense.
    While there were some inconsistencies in the State’s case, there were also inconsistencies in Mr.
    Huguley’s version of the events. Under Mr. Huguley’s version of the events, Ms. Williams was
    the initial aggressor and he believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm,
    thus justifying his use of deadly force. But, even under Mr. Huguley’s version of the events, at
    the point in time that he stabbed Ms. Williams, she no longer had a weapon because he had taken
    the knife from her. Although Mr. Huguley testified that he still considered Ms. Williams “[a]
    threat,” the jury was free to disbelieve that testimony or find it objectively unreasonable. See
    State v. Keil, 5th Dist. Richland No. 16CA28, 
    2017-Ohio-593
    , ¶ 42 (“threat ended when [the
    other party] was disarmed”).     In addition to the fact that Mr. Huguley had disarmed Ms.
    Williams, the jury was presented evidence that Mr. Huguley was taller and weighed more than
    Ms. Williams, and that Mr. Huguley pushed D.D. out of the way when she attempted to aid Ms.
    Williams. Regarding the failure to test the blood on the carpet near the kitchen, the presence of
    15
    Mr. Huguley’s blood in that area would at most support that Ms. Williams may have been the
    initial aggressor. The jury, who heard the witnesses first hand, was still free to “reject[] [Mr.
    Huguley’s] contention that he had a bona fide belief that he was in imminent danger of death or
    great bodily harm.” See Jackson, 22 Ohio St.3d at 285. “[T]his Court will not reverse a
    conviction where the jury chose to believe the testimony of the State’s witnesses over that of the
    defendant’s.” State v. Sommerville, 9th Dist. Summit No. 25094, 
    2010-Ohio-3576
    , ¶ 18.
    {¶49} Mr. Huguley’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
    III.
    {¶50} Mr. Huguley’s assignments of error are overruled. The judgment of the Summit
    County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
    Judgment affirmed.
    There were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
    We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common
    Pleas, County of Summit, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy
    of this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
    Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of
    judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the
    period for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(C). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is
    instructed to mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the
    mailing in the docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
    16
    Costs taxed to Appellant.
    LYNNE S. CALLAHAN
    FOR THE COURT
    SCHAFER, P. J.
    TEODOSIO, J.
    CONCUR.
    APPEARANCES:
    ANGELA M. KILLE, Attorney at Law, for Appellant.
    SHERRI BEVAN WALSH, Prosecuting Attorney, and RICHARD S. KASAY, Assistant
    Prosecuting Attorney, for Appellee.
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 28322

Citation Numbers: 2017 Ohio 8300, 99 N.E.3d 905

Judges: Callahan

Filed Date: 10/25/2017

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 10/19/2024