State v. Adkins , 2020 Ohio 6799 ( 2020 )

[Cite as State v. Adkins, 2020-Ohio-6799.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
ALLEN COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 1-19-71
v.
CLOIS-RAY H. ADKINS, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. CR 2017 0290
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: December 21, 2020
APPEARANCES:
William T. Cramer for Appellant
Jana E. Emerick for Appellee
Case No. 1-19-71
ZIMMERMAN, J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Clois-Ray H. Adkins (“Adkins”), appeals the
June 13, 2019 judgment entry of conviction and sentence of the Allen County
Common Pleas Court after Adkins was found guilty (by a jury) of murder in
violation of R.C. 2903.02(A), an unclassified felony. For the reasons that follow,
we affirm.
{¶2} This case stems from a September 3, 2017 altercation between Adkins
and Robert L. Smith, II (“Smith”) wherein Adkins hit Smith in the head with a tree
branch and killed him. (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 337-340).
{¶3} On October 17, 2017, Adkins was indicted by the Allen County Grand
Jury on four criminal counts: Count One, Murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(A),
(D) and R.C. 2929.02(B), an unclassified felony; Count Two, Murder in violation
of R.C. 2903.02(B), (D) and R.C. 2929.02(B), an unclassified felony; Count Three,
Felonious Assault in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), (D)(1)(a), a second-degree
felony; and Count Four, Felonious Assault in violation of R.C. 2903.11(A)(2),
(D)(1)(a), also a second-degree felony. (Doc. No. 3).
{¶4} On October 30, 2017, Adkins appeared for arraignment and entered
pleas of not guilty. (Doc. No. 12). However, on January 5, 2018, Adkins trial
counsel filed a written plea of not guilty by reason of insanity under Crim.R. 11(A)
and a motion suggesting Adkins was not competent to stand trial. (Doc. Nos. 20,
-2-
Case No. 1-19-71
21). Thereafter, the trial court ordered that Adkins undergo a competency-to-stand-
trial examination under R.C. 2945.371(G)(3) and sanity-at-the-time-of-the-offense
examination under R.C. 2945.371(G)(4).1 (Doc. No. 22). A competency hearing
was scheduled on March 13, 2018.2 (Doc. Nos. 30, 31). However, Adkins’s trial
counsel requested a second-competency-to-stand-trial examination and sanity-at-
the-time-of-the-offense examination, which the trial court ordered. (Doc. Nos. 33,
34).
{¶5} On August 13, 2018, the trial court scheduled the matter for a
competency hearing to address the conflicting competency-evaluation reports.
(Doc. No. 40). Because the trial court did not conduct the competency hearing ten
days after the filing of the report of the competency evaluation under R.C.
2945.37(C), the State and defense requested additional evaluations for competency
to stand trial, which the trial court granted. (Doc. Nos. 55, 56, 57, 58). Ultimately,
the trial court held a competency hearing determining
that [Adkins] has not proven by a preponderance of the evidence that
[he] does not have sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer
with a reasonable degree of rational understanding or that he is
incapable of assisting counsel in his own defense.
1
The trial court vacated the original trial date and authorized payment for mental-health records. (See Doc.
Nos. 23, 24, 27). (Doc. Nos. 25, 26, 28).
2
In our review of the record, it is unclear whether the parties appeared for the scheduled hearing and what
(if anything) transpired.
-3-
Case No. 1-19-71
(Doc. Nos. 65); (See Doc. No. 154).
{¶6} Thereafter, Adkins filed a motion with the trial court requesting the
applicability of the amended version of R.C. 2901.05(B), Ohio’s self-defense law,
in this case. (Doc. No. 115). The State filed a memorandum in opposition. (Doc.
No. 120). The trial court determined that the amended version of R.C. 2901.05(B)
was not applicable to Adkins’s case because the indicted offenses occurred prior to
the effective date of the self-defense-law amendments.3 (Doc. No. 123).
{¶7} After a jury trial on June 11 and 12, 2019, the jury found Adkins guilty
of all four counts in the indictment. (Doc. Nos. 130, 131, 132, 133, 156); (See Doc.
No. 134); (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 407-408). For sentencing, the trial court
merged Counts One, Two, Three, and Four, and the State elected to proceed on the
Murder charge under Count One. (Doc. Nos. 134, 156); (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II,
at 409-410). Pursuant to the State’s election, the trial court sentenced Adkins to
serve fifteen years to life in prison, a mandatory term.4 (Id.); (June 12, 2019 Tr.,
Vol. II, at 412-413). The judgment entry was file-stamped on June 13, 2019. (Id.).
3
Subsequent to the indictment in this case, R.C. 2901.05 was amended to require the “the prosecution [to]
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person did not use the force in self-defense, defense of
another, or defense of that person’s residence, as the case may be.” R.C. 2901.05(B)(1) (2019).
4
The trial court also ordered that Adkins pay a $25.00 application fee to the Clerk of Court under R.C. 120.36
for the appointment of counsel; that he pay court costs; however, the trial court suspended payment of those
costs with no future date specified; and that Adkins be transported to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation
and Correction (“ODRC”) receiving jail-time credit for 648-days since September 3, 2017 together with
future days while he awaited transport to ODRC. (Doc. Nos. 134, 156); (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 413).
-4-
Case No. 1-19-71
{¶8} Adkins filed his notice of appeal on November 25, 2019, and raises
three assignments of error for our review.5 (Doc. No. 141).
Assignment of Error I
The trial court violated appellant’s rights to the due process of
law under both the state and federal constitution constitutional
[sic] by requiring him stand trial while incompetent.
{¶9} In his first assignment of error, Adkins argues that the trial court erred
by determining that he was able to assist in his defense, and thus, he was
incompetent to stand trial.6 Specifically, Adkins asserts that the trial court’s
determination is not supported by reliable, credible evidence, therefore, it
constitutes an abuse of discretion.
Standard of Review
{¶10} “A trial court’s decision on competency will not be disturbed absent
an abuse of discretion.” State v. Lechner, 4th Dist. Highland No. 19CA3, 2019-
Ohio-4071, ¶ 24, citing State v. Clark, 71 Ohio St.3d 466, 469 (1994), citing State
v. Frazier, 61 Ohio St.3d 247, 251 (1991) and State v. Boston, 46 Ohio St.3d 108,
115 (1989), overruled on other grounds, State v. Denver, 64 Ohio St.3d 401 (1992),
paragraph one of the syllabus; see also State v. Green, 5th Dist. Guernsey No. 07-
5
Adkin’s trial counsel sought leave to file a delayed appeal under App.R. 5 from us on the basis that he had
become ill and had been hospitalized for 70 days following the sentencing hearing and after agreeing with
Adkins to ensure that timely notice of appeal was filed, which we granted on December 4, 2019. (Case No.
01-19-71); (Doc. Nos. 4, 5).
6
Adkins does not challenge his competency as to his capability to understand the nature and objective of the
proceedings against him. (See Jan. 24, 2019 Tr. at 10-11, 24-25).
-5-
Case No. 1-19-71
CA-000044, 2008-Ohio-6114, ¶ 14, citing Clark at 469. “An ‘abuse of discretion’
requires more than an error of law; implies the trial court’s attitude is unreasonable,
arbitrary or unconscionable.” Id. citing Clark at 470, citing State v. Moreland, 50
Ohio St.3d 58, 61 (1990) and State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157 (1980); see
also Green at ¶ 14. The trial court’s competency determination will not be disturbed
on appeal if the record contains “‘some reliable, credible evidence supporting the
trial court’s conclusion that appellant understood the nature and objective of the
proceedings against him.’” State v. Neely, 12th Dist. Madison No. CA-2002-02-
002, 2002-Ohio-7146, ¶ 10, quoting State v. Williams, 23 Ohio St.3d 16, 19 (1986),
(citation omitted); see also Lechner at ¶ 24; Green at ¶ 14, citing Clark at 470.
Analysis
{¶11} Due process requires a criminal defendant be competent to stand trial.
State v. Berry, 72 Ohio St.3d 354, 359 (1995), citing Pate v. Robinson, 383 U.S.
375, 86 S.Ct. 836 (1966) and Drope v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 95 S.Ct. 896 (1975).
“It has long been accepted that a person who lacks the capacity to understand the
nature and object of the proceedings against him, to consult with counsel, and to
assist in preparing his defense may not be subjected to a trial.” Drope, 420 U.S. at
171, 95 S.Ct. at 375. Thus, a “[c]onviction of an accused while he or she is legally
incompetent is a violation of due process.” State v. Merryman, 4th Dist. Athens No.
12CA28, 2013-Ohio-4810, ¶ 14, quoting State v. Stewart, 4th Dist. Galia No.
-6-
Case No. 1-19-71
91CA24, 1992 WL 174699, *1 (July 22, 1992), quoting Drope, 420 U.S. at 171, 95
S.Ct. at 896; see also Berry at 439, citing Pate at 383 U.S. at 375, 86 S.Ct. at 903
and Drope 420 U.S. at 171, 95 S.Ct. at 896, and State v. Brock, 28 Ohio St.3d 108,
109 (1986).
{¶12} The United States Supreme Court established the test for competency
and requires the trial court to determine if an accused “has sufficient present ability
to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding—and
whether he has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against
him.” Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402, 80 S.Ct. 788, 789 (1960). Ohio has
codified this competency test in R.C. 2945.37:
(G) A defendant is presumed to be competent to stand trial. If, after a
hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that,
because of the defendant’s present mental condition, the defendant is
incapable of understanding the nature and objective of the
proceedings against the defendant or of assisting in the defendant’s
defense, the court shall find the defendant incompetent to stand trial
and shall enter an order authorized by section 2945.38 of the Revised
Code.
R.C. 2945.37(G).
{¶13} If a criminal defendant is capable of understanding the nature and
objective of the proceedings and assisting in his defense, then the criminal defendant
is competent to stand trial under this subjective test. Lechner, 2019-Ohio-4071, ¶
27. Further, “[a criminal] defendant with mental illness or intellectual deficiencies
may still be competent to stand trial.” Id.-7-
Case No. 1-19-71
Incompetency must not be equated with mere mental or emotional
instability or even with outright insanity. A defendant may be
emotionally disturbed or even psychotic and still be capable of
understanding the charges against him and of assisting his counsel.
Bock, 28 Ohio St.3d at 110. See also Lechner at ¶ 27, quoting Bock at 110.
{¶14} Here, our review of the record indicates that the issue of Adkins’s
competency was properly raised, and the trial court held a competency hearing.
(Jan. 24, 2019 Tr. at 1). Prior to the commencement of that hearing, both the State
and Adkins stipulated to the qualifications of Dr. Kara Marciani (“Dr. Marciani”)
and Dr. Bob Stinson (“Dr. Stinson”) as psychologists and as competency experts.
(Id.). Further, the State and Adkins jointly stipulated that both psychological reports
of the doctors would be admitted into evidence.7 (Id. at 2-3).
{¶15} After the competency hearing, the trial court determined that “[b]oth
experts thought [Adkins] exhibited characteristics of an anti-social personality.
[Dr.] Stinson equated that with a mental illness. [Dr.] Mariciani said that [Adkins’s]
anti-social personality did not rise to the level of serious[-]mental illness.” (Doc.
No. 65); (See Jan. 24, 2019 Tr. at 10-18, 24-35). Ultimately, the trial court
determined that Adkins exhibited characteristics of anti-social personality and
irritated and depressed mood due to his current legal predicament, but was
competent to stand trial. (Id.); (See id., at 16-17, 29-31). Hence, the crux of Adkins
7
Adkins expert is Dr. Stinson and the State’s expert is Dr. Marciani. (Jan. 24, 2019 Tr. at 5-6, 19).
-8-
Case No. 1-19-71
argument is that the trial court erred in its determination, which amounted to an
abuse of discretion.
{¶16} It is axiomatic, that the trial court is in the best position to determine
the credibility of expert witnesses. Lechner, 2019-Ohio-4071, ¶ 32. The weight
given to the evidence and the credibility of witnesses is determined by the trier of
fact. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus. The
adequacy of the “data relied upon by the expert who examined [Adkins] is a question
for the trier of fact.” See Lechner at ¶ 32. “Deference on these issues should be
given ‘to those who see and hear what goes on in the courtroom.’” State v. Were,
118 Ohio St.3d 448, 2008-Ohio-2762, ¶ 46, quoting State v. Cowans, 87 Ohio St.3d
68, 84 (1999). Under the facts set forth in the record, it is evident that the trial court
(who saw both expert-witnesses testify and heard the expert witnesses’ respective
testimonies) found Dr. Marciani’s testimony to be of greater weight and to be more
credible than Dr. Stinson’s testimony. As such, we must yield to this determination
by the trial court.
{¶17} Moreover, the trial court’s findings and determinations are supported
by reliable and credible evidence in the record, and thus, do not constitute an abuse
of discretion. Accordingly, Adkins’s first assignment of error is overruled.
-9-
Case No. 1-19-71
Assignment of Error II
Appellant was deprived of a fair trial when the trial court
instructed the jury that appellant had the burden of proving self-
defense.
{¶18} In his second assignment of error, Adkins argues that the trial court
deprived him of a fair trial by improperly instructing the jury as to the burden of
proof on self-defense. Specifically, Adkins asserts that since he was charged with
his offenses before the implementation of the amendments to Ohio’s self-defense
law under R.C. 2901.05 and because his offenses went to trial after the amendments
became effective, he was entitled to the jury instruction requiring the prosecution to
prove he did not act in self-defense.
Standard of Review
{¶19} Generally, we review alleged errors in jury instructions for an abuse
of discretion. State v. Blanton, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 9-15-07, 2015-Ohio-4620, ¶ 55,
citing State v. Guster, 66 Ohio St.2d 266, 271 (1981). An abuse of discretion
suggests that a decision is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. State v.
Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157-158 (1980). However, “[w]hether the jury
instructions correctly state the law is a question of law, which we review de novo.”
State v. Eaton, 3d Dist. Auglaize Nos. 2-10-10 and 2-10-11, 2010-Ohio-6065, ¶ 34,
citing Murphy v. Carrolton Mfg. Co., 61 Ohio St.3d 585, 591 (1991).
-10-
Case No. 1-19-71
{¶20} Notably, Adkins did not object to the trial court’s self-defense
instruction given to the jury before the jury retired to consider its verdict, and thus,
it would be permissible for us to conclude he waived all but plain error on appeal.
Compare State v. Chavez, 3d Dist. Seneca Nos. 3-19-05, 3-19-06, and 3-09-07,
2020-Ohio-426, ¶ 59, citing State v. Harrison, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-14-16, 2015-
Ohio-1419, ¶ 69, State v. Wright, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-16-1053, 2017-Ohio-1225,
¶ 26, and State v. Robinson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102766, 2016-Ohio-808, ¶ 9.
The plain-error doctrine should be applied only under exceptional circumstances
and in order to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice. State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91 (1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶21} Here, the record affirmatively demonstrates that Adkins sought to
determine the applicability of Ohio’s amended-self-defense law under R.C. 2901.05
prior to trial by motion. (Doc. Nos. 115, 120). However, the trial court denied
Adkin’s motion and determined that the amended self-defense law under R.C.
2901.05 was inapplicable based on the date of the commission of the offenses.
(Doc. No. 123). Nevertheless,
[a] party does not waive his objections to the [trial] court’s charge by
failing to formally object thereto (1) where the record affirmatively
shows that a trial court has been fully apprised of the correct law
governing a material issue in dispute, and (2) the requesting party has
been unsuccessful in obtaining the inclusion of that law in the trial
court’s charge to the jury.
-11-
Case No. 1-19-71
State v. Wolons, 44 Ohio St.3d 64 (1989), paragraph one of the syllabus. See also
State v. Mincey, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-160565, 2018-Ohio-662, ¶ 50, quoting
Wolons at paragraph one of the syllabus and citing Prelsey v. Norwood, 36 Ohio
St.2d 29, 33 (1973); State v. Nye, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-13-05, 2013-Ohio-3783,
¶ 25, citing Wolons at paragraph one of the syllabus and State v. Fine, 2d Dist.
Miami No. 09CA00032, 2010-Ohio-2637, ¶ 21. Thus, notwithstanding Adkins’s
failure to formally object to this jury instruction under Crim.R. 30 at trial and
because Adkins’s trial counsel previously apprised the trial court of what he
believed to be the governing law of self-defense, which was not included in the trial
court’s charge to the jury, we conclude that the self-defense issue has been preserved
for our review. (See Doc. Nos. 115, 120, 123).
Analysis
{¶22} At trial, the trial court instructed the jury on self-defense as follows:
The defendant is asserting an affirmative defense known as
self-defense. The burden of going forward the evidence of self-
defense and the burden of proving an affirmative defense are upon the
defendant. He must establish such a defense by a preponderance of
the evidence.
(June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 396). The verdict forms provided to the jury reflect a
blank line for the insertion of “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” for the offense charged.
-12-
Case No. 1-19-71
(Doc. Nos. 130, 131, 132, 133). The verdict forms also reflect a separate finding
for self-defense as stated “[w]e further find that the defendant (*)_________prove
by a preponderance of the evidence that he acted in self-defense[]” with the blank
lines for the insertion of “Did” or “Did Not.” (Id.).
{¶23} Ohio’s self-defense law (as it existed in at the time of Adkin’s
offenses) under R.C. 2901.05 placed the burden of going forward with evidence of
self-defense (an affirmative defense) and the burden of proof on Adkins with a
standard of proof of preponderance of the evidence consistent with the jury
instruction given by the trial court. Specifically, (former) R.C. 2901.05 states in its
pertinent part:
(A) Every person accused of an offense is presumed innocent until
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and the burden of proof for
all elements of the offense is upon the prosecution. The burden of
going forward with the evidence of an affirmative defense, and the
burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, for an
affirmative defense, is upon the accused.
(Emphasis added.) R.C. 2901.05 (2008) (current version at R.C. 2901.05 (2019)).
{¶24} Hence, to establish self-defense through the use of deadly force,
Adkins was required to prove that:
‘(1) [he] was not at fault in creating the situation giving rise to the
affray; (2) [he] had a bona fide belief that he [] was in imminent
danger of death or great bodily harm and that the only means of escape
from such danger was in the use of force; and (3) [he] must not have
violated any duty to retreat or to avoid the danger.’
-13-
Case No. 1-19-71
State v. Bagley, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-31, 2014-Ohio-1787, ¶ 16, quoting State
v. Thacker, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-03-37, 2004-Ohio-1047, ¶ 14, citing State v.
Williford, 49 Ohio St.3d 247, 249 (1990) and State v. Robbins, 58 Ohio St.2d 74(1979), paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶25} After R.C. 2901.05 was amended by Am.Sub.H.B. 228, Section 1, on
December 27, 2018 (“H.B. 228”) and became effective on March 28, 2019, it now
provides in its pertinent parts:
(A) Every person accused of an offense is presumed innocent until
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and the burden of proof for
all elements of the offense is upon the prosecution. The burden of
going forward with the evidence of an affirmative defense, and the
burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, for an
affirmative defense other than self-defense, defense of another, or
defense of the accused’s residence as described in division (B)(1) of
this section, is upon the accused.
(B)(1) A person is allowed to act in self-defense, * * *. If, at the trial
of a person who is accused of an offense that involved the person’s
use of force against another, there is evidence presented that tends to
support that the accused person used the force in self-defense, * * *,
the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
accused person did not use the force in self-defense, * * *, as the case
may be.
***
(C) As part of its charge to the jury in a criminal case, the court shall
read the definitions of “reasonable doubt” and “proof beyond a
reasonable doubt,” contained in division (D) of this section.
***
-14-
Case No. 1-19-71
(E) “Reasonable doubt” is present when the jurors, after they have
carefully considered and compared all the evidence, cannot say they
are firmly convinced of the truth of the charge. It is a doubt based on
reason and common sense. Reasonable doubt is not mere possible
doubt, because everything relating to human affairs or depending on
moral evidence is open to some possible or imaginary doubt. “Proof
beyond a reasonable doubt” is proof of such character that an ordinary
person would be willing to rely and act upon it in the most important
of the person’s own affairs.
R.C. 2901.05 (2019). While self-defense remains an affirmative defense, the 2019
amendments shifted the burden of proof to the State and the standard of proof (to
the State) to proof beyond a reasonable doubt. See id.{¶26} Before we address Adkins assertion that R.C. 2901.05 (as amended)
is remedial and procedural under his constitutional argument, we must first
reference appropriate legal maxims as they pertain to the retroactivity of laws and
fairness.
{¶27} To properly frame this discussion, we note that “the presumption
against retroactive legislation is deeply rooted in our jurisprudence, and embodies a
legal doctrine centuries older than our Republic.” Landgraf v. USI Film Prods., 511
U.S. 244, 265, 114 S.Ct. 1483, 1497 (1994), citing Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical
Corp. v. Bonjorno, 494 U.S. 827, 842-844, 855-856, 110 S.Ct. 1570, 1579-1581,
1586-1587 (1990) (Scalia, J., concurring); Dash v. Van Kleeck, 7 Johns. *477, *503
(N.Y.1811) (“It is a principle of the English common law, as ancient as the law
itself, that a statute, even of its omnipotent parliament, is not to have a retrospective
-15-
Case No. 1-19-71
effect”) (Kent, C.J.). This legal maxim as to retroactivity is premised on the notion
“that notice or warning of a rule should be given in advance of the action whose
effects will be judged.” See Norman J. Singer, Sutherland Statutory Construction,
§ 41:2 at 376 (2001). Retroactivity is disfavored not because it is retroactive (alone),
but rather because “elementary consideration of fairness dictate that an individual
should have the opportunity to know what the law is and to conform their conduct;
settled expectations should not be lightly disrupted.” Landgraf, 511 U.S. at 265,
114 S.Ct. at 1497, citing General Motors Corp. v. Romein, 503 U.S. 181, 191, 112
S.Ct. 1105, 1112 (1992) and Munzer, A Theory of Retroactive Legislation, 61 Texas
L.Rev. 425, 471 (1982). Put more plainly, it is one of the essential components of
due process. See State v. Elmore, 122 Ohio St.3d 472, 2009-Ohio-3478, ¶ 23,
(stating that due process requires law to be written so that the “public” can
“adequately inform itself * * * before acting”); State v. Tanner, 15 Ohio St.3d 1, 3
(1984), quoting Columbus v. Thompson, 25 Ohio St.2d 26, 30 (1971), quoting
United States v. Capital Traction Co., 34 App.D.C. 592 (1910) and citing Connally
v. General Construction Co., 269 U.S. 385, 46 S.Ct. 126 (1926) (“‘“[t]he crime, and
the elements constituting it, must be so clearly expressed that the ordinary person
can intelligently choose, in advance, what course it is lawful for him to pursue.”’”).
{¶28} In the case sub judice, Adkins had fair notice of the prohibited conduct
of the charges filed against him. Importantly, “‘a statute’s presence on the books
-16-
Case No. 1-19-71
constitutes fair warning of the prohibited conduct.’” See State v. Philpotts, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 107374, 2019-Ohio-2911, ¶ 45, quoting State v. Wheatley, 4th Dist.
Hocking No. 17CA3, 2018-Ohio-464, ¶ 35, citing Dobbert v. Florida, 432 U.S. 282,
297, 97 S.Ct. 2290, 2300 (1977) and Bryan v. United States, 524 U.S. 184, 193, 118
S.Ct. 1939, 1946 (1998) (stating that every citizen is presumed to know the law).
Thus, Adkins, under his indictment had “fair warning” that murder constituted a
crime and that self-defense through the use of deadly force cannot be established if
he was at fault for creating the situation giving rise to the affray.8
{¶29} With this background in mind, we now address Adkins’s assertion that
since he was indicted for offenses arising in 2017, but went to trial after the effective
date of the amendments to Ohio’s self-defense law, the new self-defense law should
be applied in his case. Specifically, Adkins avers that the State in his case has the
burden of proof to prove beyond a reasonable double that he did not act in self-
defense.
{¶30} Article II, Section 28 of the Ohio Constitution provides that “[t]he
general assembly shall have no power to pass retroactive laws * * *.” Determining
whether a criminal statute violates the Retroactivity Clause involves a two-step
analysis. See State v. White, 132 Ohio St.3d 344, 2012-Ohio-2583, ¶ 27. First, we
8
Significantly, Adkins does not raise a procedural- or substantive-due-process argument nor does he argue
that the statute is so vague that it fails to provide adequate notice, so accordingly, we will not address those
issues.
-17-
Case No. 1-19-71
must determine if the statute was expressly made retrospective. See R.C. 1.48; State
v. Cook, 83 Ohio St.3d 404, 409 (1998), superseded by statute on other grounds,
State v. White 132 Ohio St.3d 344, 2012-Ohio-2583. If we determine R.C. 2901.05
is not expressly retroactive, our analysis ends there. See Van Fossen v. Babcock
Wilcox Co., 36 Ohio St.3d 100, 105, 106 (1988), superseded by statute on other
grounds, Hannah v. Dayton Power & Light Co., 82 Ohio St.3d 482 (1998).
However, if the statute is expressly retroactive, we move on to address
constitutionality. See Cook at 409.
{¶31} Under R.C. 1.48 “[a] statute is presumed to be prospective in its
operation unless expressly made retrospective.” R.C. 1.48; see Van Fossen at 105;
see also State v. Koch, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28000, 2019-Ohio-4099, ¶ 103,
quoting R.C. 1.48 and Van Fossen at 105.
A regularly enacted statute of Ohio is presumed to be constitutional
and is therefore entitled to the benefit of every presumption in favor
of its constitutionality. That presumption of validity of such
legislative enactment cannot be overcome unless it appear[s] that
there is a clear conflict between the legislation in question and some
particular provision or provisions of the Constitution.
(Internal citations and quotations omitted.) Cook at 409.
{¶32} Here, the General Assembly never expressly determined that H.B. 228
is to be retroactively applied. See Koch at ¶ 103. Moreover, R.C. 2901.05, on its
face, does not explicitly indicate a legislative intent that it applies retroactively to
offenses that occurred before the effective date of the statute. See R.C. 2901.05
-18-
Case No. 1-19-71
(2019). Thus, we are constrained to follow the Supreme Court of Ohio’s decision
in Kiser v. Coleman, 28 Ohio St.3d 259, 262 (1986), which we find instructive here.
In Kiser, the Ohio Supreme Court stated where “‘there is no clear indication of
retroactive application, then the statute may only apply to cases which arise
subsequent to its enactment.’” (Emphasis added.) Kiser at 262. See also Van
Fossen at 106, quoting Kiser at 262.
Furthermore, ‘[t]he reenactment, amendment, or repeal of a statute
does not * * *: 1) [a]ffect the prior operation of the statute or any prior
action taken thereunder; 2) [a]ffect any validation, cure, right,
privilege, obligation, or liability previously acquired, accrued,
accorded, or incurred thereunder; 3) [a]ffect any violation thereof or
penalty, forfeiture, or punishment incurred in respect thereto, prior to
the amendment or repeal; [and] 4) [a]ffect any investigation,
proceeding, or remedy in respect of any such privilege, obligation,
liability, penalty, forfeiture, or punishment [imposed, as if the statute
had not been repealed or amended].’
Koch at ¶ 103, quoting R.C. 1.58(A)(1)-(4). “This rationale appropriately represents
the law of this [S]tate that an accused shall be prosecuted under the law as existed
when the offense was committed”, thus, harmonizing the legal maxims involving
retroactivity and Adkins fundamental right to due process with R.C. 1.48 and a
prospective application of R.C. 2901.05. State v. Gall, 65 Ohio App.2d 57, 61 (2d
Dist.1980), (analyzing the applicability of R.C. 1.48 to R.C. 2901.05(A), effective
November 1, 1978 (Am.Sub.H.B. 1168) to Gall’s offenses which were committed
on April 3, 1978, while Robinson law was supreme, and prior to the amendment to
-19-
Case No. 1-19-71
R.C. 2901.05(A) when the case was tried in 1979 after the effective date of the
amendment); see R.C. 1.47(B) and (C).
{¶33} Accordingly, we conclude that Adkins (at the time of his trial) was not
entitled to retroactive application of the burden-shifting changes made by the
General Assembly to Ohio’s self-defense statute, R.C. 2901.05, set forth in H.B.
228. See State v. Wallace-Lee, 2d Dist. Green No. 2019-CA-19, 2020-Ohio-3681,
¶ 21, fn. 5, citing Koch at ¶ 103; State v. Zafar, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 19AP-255,
2020-Ohio-3341, ¶ 31-32, quoting Koch at ¶ 103; State v. Fisher, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 108494, 2020-Ohio-670, ¶ 24, fn. 2, quoting Koch at ¶ 103; State v.
Ward, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 19AP-266, 2020-Ohio-465, ¶ 15, quoting Koch at ¶
103; State v. Moore, 5th Dist. Muskingum No. CT2019-0030, 2020-Ohio-342, ¶ 11;
State v. Shakhmanov, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28066, 2019-Ohio-4705, ¶ 39; State
v. Thomas, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2017-P-0094, 2019-Ohio-2795, ¶ 36, fn. 1; State
v. McEndree, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-190418, 2020-Ohio-4526, ¶ 46, citing Koch
and State v. Whitman, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2019CA00094, 2019-Ohio-4140. See also
State v. Chavez, 3d Dist. Seneca Nos. 13-19-05, 13-19-06, and 13-19-07, 2020-
Ohio-426, ¶ 36, fn. 4, quoting Koch at ¶ 103 and State v. Crowe, 3d Dist. Allen No.
1-19-12, 2019-Ohio-3986, ¶ 15, fn. 1, citing R.C. 2901.05(B)(1) (2019); State v.
Williams, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-19-39, 2019-Ohio-5381, ¶ 12, fn. 1, quoting Koch at
¶ 103; State v. Redding, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-19-01, 2019-Ohio-5302, ¶ 13, fn. 1,
-20-
Case No. 1-19-71
quoting Koch at ¶ 103. Contra State v. Gloff, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2019-06-
047, 2020-Ohio-3143, ¶ 28, citing State v. Humphries, 51 Ohio St.2d 95 (1977),
paragraph four of the syllabus; State v. Lewis, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2019-07-
128, 2020-Ohio-3762, ¶ 26, citing Gloff at ¶ 28; State v. Smith, 6th Dist. Wood No.
WD-19-070, 2020-Ohio-5119, ¶ 32, citing Lewis at ¶ 26. To find the General
Assembly intended this outcome contradicts the fundamental instruction that, “[i]n
enacting a statute, it is presumed that ... [a] just and reasonable result is intended”
in the execution of R.C. 2901.05. See R.C. 1.47(C). To construe R.C. 2901.05
otherwise would lead to inconsistent and absurd results. See R.C. 1.47(D).
{¶34} Accordingly, Adkins’s second assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error III
Appellant’s convictions were not supported by the weight of the
evidence on the issue of self-defense.
{¶35} In his first assignment of error, Adkins argues that his murder and
felonious-assault convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Specifically, Adkins argues that the trial court lost its way in evaluating the evidence
by failing to conclude that he acted in self-defense.
Standard of Review
{¶36} Manifest “weight of the evidence and sufficiency of the evidence are
clearly different legal concepts.” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 389
-21-
Case No. 1-19-71
(1997), superseded by statue on other grounds, State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89(1997). Thus, we address each legal concept individually.
{¶37} “An appellate court’s function when reviewing the sufficiency of the
evidence to support a criminal conviction is to examine the evidence admitted at
trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the average
mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio
St.3d 259 (1981), paragraph two of the syllabus, superseded by statute on other
grounds, Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d at 89. Accordingly, “[t]he relevant inquiry is
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.” Id. “In deciding if the evidence was sufficient, we
neither resolve evidentiary conflicts nor assess the credibility of witnesses, as both
are functions reserved for the trier of fact.” State v. Jones, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos.
C-120570 and C-120571, 2013-Ohio-4775, ¶ 33, citing State v. Williams, 197 Ohio
App.3d 505, 2011-Ohio-6267, ¶ 25 (1st Dist.). See also State v. Berry, 3d Dist.
Defiance No. 4-12-03, 2013-Ohio-2380, ¶ 19 (“Sufficiency of the evidence is a test
of adequacy rather than credibility or weight of the evidence.”), citing Thompkins
at 386.
{¶38} On the other hand, in determining whether a conviction is against the
manifest weight of the evidence, a reviewing court must examine the entire record,
-22-
Case No. 1-19-71
“‘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.’” Thompkins at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175 (1st Dist.1983). A reviewing
court must, however, allow the trier of fact appropriate discretion on matters relating
to the weight of the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses. DeHass, 10 Ohio
St.2d at 231. When applying the manifest-weight standard, “[o]nly
in exceptional cases, where the evidence ‘weighs heavily against the conviction,’
should an appellate court overturn the trial court’s judgment.” State v. Haller, 3d
Dist. Allen No. 1-11-34, 2012-Ohio-5233, ¶ 9, quoting State v. Hunter, 131 Ohio
St.3d 67, 2011-Ohio-6524, ¶ 119.
Allied Offenses
{¶39} As an initial matter, we need not address Adkins weight-of-the-
evidence arguments as to his murder and felonious-assault convictions under Counts
Two, Three, and Four of the indictment. Specifically, “[w]hen counts in an
indictment are allied offenses, and there is sufficient evidence to support the offense
on which the state elects to have the defendant sentenced, the appellate court need
not consider the sufficiency [or weight] of the evidence on the count that is subject
-23-
Case No. 1-19-71
to merger because any error would be harmless” beyond a reasonable doubt.9 State
v. Ramos, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103596, 2016-Ohio-7685, ¶ 14, citing State v.
Powell, 49 Ohio St.3d 255, 263 (1990), superseded by state constitutional
amendment on other grounds, Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d at 102, fn. 4.
{¶40} Here, the trial court merged Counts Two, Three, and Four with Count
One without objection. (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 409-410). Thus error, if any,
with respect to the sufficiency or weight of the evidence as to Adkins’s murder and
felonious-assault convictions under Counts Two, Three, and Four is harmless
beyond a reasonable doubt because the trial court merged Counts Two, Three, and
Four with Count One. See Ramos at ¶ 13. In other words, Adkins was not convicted
of those offenses because the trial court merged those offenses for purposes of
sentencing. See State v. Turner, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2017-CA-78, 2019-Ohio-144, ¶
22, quoting State v. Croom, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 12 MA 54, 2013-Ohio-5682, ¶
59, citing State v. Whitfield, 124 Ohio St.3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, ¶ 12, superseded by
statute on other grounds, United States v. Mackey, S.D. No. 3:04cr00096, 2014 WL
6606434, *2 (Nov. 12, 2014), fn. 4. See also Ramos at ¶ 16, citing State v. Obsaint,
1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-060629, 2007-Ohio-2661, ¶ 24. Indeed, the Supreme
9
The Eighth District Court of Appeals expressed concern with the blind application of this principle and
hypothesized that there could be a circumstance under which a challenge to an offense that is merged for
purposes of sentencing would not be harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. See Ramos ¶ 17. However, the
Eighth District ultimately determined that it need not reach that issue in Ramos after reasoning that, “[f]or
purposes of this appeal, our conclusion that the state offered legally sufficient evidence to prove the
aggravated murder conviction renders our hypothetical moot.” Id. at ¶ 18.
-24-
Case No. 1-19-71
Court of Ohio has explicitly stated that a “conviction” requires both a finding of
guilt and a sentence. Ramos at ¶ 16, citing State v. Henderson, 58 Ohio St.2d 171,
178 (1979). For these reasons, we need not address any arguments challenging the
weight of the evidence regarding Adkins’s murder and felonious-assault convictions
under Counts Two, Three, and Four. See Ramos at ¶ 13, 18.
Manifest Weight of the Evidence Analysis
{¶41} We now turn to address Adkins’s conviction of murder in violation of
R.C. 2903.02(A), (D) and R.C. 2929.02(B) under Count One. Importantly, Adkins
does not dispute that the State proved all of the elements of that offense. Rather,
Adkins argues that the jury “lost its way” in concluding that he did not act in self-
defense. Specifically, Adkins argues that the evidence adduced at trial demonstrated
that he killed Smith in self-defense.
{¶42} Because we have determined that Adkins is not entitled to the
retroactive application of Ohio’s new self-defense law, we will apply the version of
self-defense under R.C. 2901.05 in effect at the time Adkins committed his offenses.
See Koch, 2019-Ohio-4099, at ¶ 103 (concluding that the defendant was “not
entitled to retroactive application of the burden shifting changes by the legislature
to Ohio’s self-defense statute, R.C. 2901.05, as a result of H.B. 228”). Thus,
“‘[s]elf-defense is an affirmative defense, which means that the burden of going
forward is on the defendant who must prove each element by a preponderance of
-25-
Case No. 1-19-71
the evidence.’” State v. Oates, 3d Dist. Hardin No. 6-12-19, 2013-Ohio-2609, ¶ 10,
quoting State v. Kimmell, 3d Dist. Wyandot No. 16-10-06, 2011-Ohio-660, ¶ 19,
citing State v. Densmore, 3d Dist. Henry No. 7-08-04, 2009-Ohio-6870, ¶ 24 and
R.C. 2901.05 (2008) (current version at R.C. 2901.05 (2019)). “Affirmative
defenses such as self-defense ‘“do not seek to negate any elements of the offense
which the State is required to prove” but rather they “admit[] the facts claimed by
the prosecution and then rel[y] on independent facts or circumstances which the
defendant claims exempt him from liability.”’” Id. at ¶ 10, quoting State v. Smith,
3d Dist. Logan No. 8-12-05, 2013-Ohio-746, ¶ 32, quoting State v. Martin, 21 Ohio
St.3d 91, 94 (1986).
{¶43} “The elements of self-defense differ depending on whether the
defendant used deadly or non-deadly force to defend himself.” Bagley, 2014-Ohio-
1787, at ¶ 15, citing Densmore, 2009-Ohio-6870, at ¶ 25. To establish self-defense
through the use of non-deadly force, an accused must prove: (1) the accused was
not at fault in creating the situation giving rise to the affray, (2) the accused (even if
mistaken) had a bona fide belief that he was in imminent danger of any bodily harm;
and (3) the only means to protect himself from such danger was the use of force not
likely to cause death or great bodily harm. “In instances where less than deadly
force is used, the defendant need only show a fear of bodily harm, not of death or
great bodily harm.” State v. Brown, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 27312, 2017-Ohio-
-26-
Case No. 1-19-71
7424, ¶ 24, citing State v. Gee, 2d Dist. Miami No. 87-CA-22, 1987 WL 20260, *2
(Nov. 17, 1987) and State v. Perez, 72 Ohio App.3d 468, 472 (10th Dist.1991).
{¶44} By contrast,
To establish self-defense through the use of deadly force, an accused
must prove: “(1) the accused was not at fault in creating the situation
giving rise to the affray; (2) the accused had a bona fide belief that he
or she was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that
the only means of escape from such danger was in the use of force;
and (3) the accused must not have violated any duty to retreat or to
avoid the danger.”
Bagley, 2014-Ohio-1787at ¶ 16, quoting Thacker, 2004-Ohio-1047, at ¶ 14, citing
Williford, 49 Ohio St.3d at 249 and Robbins, 58 Ohio St.2d 74, at paragraph two of
the syllabus.
Both versions of self-defense, however, use the term “great bodily
harm”: self-defense involving deadly force uses the term to describe
the level of harm the defendant must perceive before he or she is
justified in using deadly force, while self-defense with non-deadly
force uses the term to describe the level of force a defendant may not
apply.
State v. Juntunen, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 09AP-1108, 2010-Ohio-5625, ¶ 23. See
State v. Jeffers, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2007-L-011, 2008-Ohio-1894, ¶ 68. Likewise,
there is no duty to retreat in cases involving non-deadly force. Brown at ¶ 25, citing
State v. Kucharski, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 20815, 2005-Ohio-6541, ¶ 21, citing
Perez at 472. “‘[I]f there is sufficient evidence on the issue of self-defense
involving non-deadly force * * * the trial court must instruct the jury on that
defense.’” Jeffers at ¶ 76, quoting State v. Griffin, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 20681,
-27-
Case No. 1-19-71
2005-Ohio-3698, ¶ 16, citing State v. Ervin, 75 Ohio App.3d 275, 279 (8th
Dist.1991). “If a defendant fails to prove any one of the elements of self-defense
by a preponderance of the evidence, he has failed to demonstrate that he acted in
self-defense.” (Emphasis added.) Kimmel, 2011-Ohio-660, at ¶ 21, citing State v.
Jackson, 22 Ohio St.3d 281, 284 (1986).
{¶45} On appeal, Adkins contends that the evidence at trial supports that he
acted in self-defense and is weightier than the evidence presented by the State that
he did not. In support of his argument Adkins asserts that he was pursued through
the neighborhood by a group of people which required him to act in self-defense.
Hence, a review of the testimony is required.
{¶46} At trial, four witnesses for the State testified as to Adkins’s
interactions with Smith on September 3, 2017. (June 11, 2019 Tr., Vol. I, at 228,
248); (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 272-273, 292, 304, 318, 325-326). Further, the
State introduced exhibit “33”, a cell-phone video depicting the altercation. (June
11, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 261-262); (June 12, 2019 Tr., Vol. II, at 323-324, 342-343).
{¶47} The State called James Vice (“Vice”), as its first witness. (Id. at 228).
Vice testified that on September 3, 2017, he was looking for a neighbor’s 12 or 13-
year-old daughter in his neighborhood. (Id. at 230, 234, 240). According to Vice,
the child was spotted with Adkins whom Vice believed was 21 or 23 years old. (Id.
at 230-231, 234, 240). Vice testified that the child was supposed to be at home
-28-
Case No. 1-19-71
being babysat by her sisters, but she was with Adkins. (Id. at 231). Vice located
Adkins with the child at Unity Elementary School on Catalpa Avenue and Sugar
Street and confronted Adkins telling him “that he wasn’t supposed to be in area and
that he was supposed to be leaving kids alone.” (Id. at 232, 234). Vice testified that
they had a “heated discussion”, and that Adkins threatened “to beat him up and do
what he wants to do.” (Id. at 235). Vice testified that he instructed the child (whom
he described as intellectually disabled) to go home. (Id. at 236). However, Vice
further testified that he later learned that the child did not go home, so he returned
to the area of the school, and witnessed Smith hit the ground after he was hit with a
tree branch by Adkins. (Id. at 238).
{¶48} Next, the State called Linda Roby (“Roby”) as a witness. (Id. at 248).
Roby testified that in the early evening hours on September 3, 2017, she was sitting
on her front porch with her two grandchildren and her son-in-law, George Sherin
(“Sherin”). (Id. at 250). According to Roby, she observed Adkins talking on his
cell-phone at the northwest corner of the intersection of Holmes and Milburn
Avenues (in Lima). (Id. at 251-252). Roby testified that there was a group of young
children calling Adkins a “chomo” which she described as being street slang for a
child molester. (Id. at 252-253). Roby testified that she saw Adkins walk north on
Milburn Avenue and stop to break a tree branch from a tree. (Id. at 253). Roby
testified that Adkins brought the tree branch back to where she first observed him
-29-
Case No. 1-19-71
(Homes and Milburn Avenues) where he propped the branch up against a telephone
pole. (Id. at 254). She stated that Adkins continued to pace and talk on his phone
after that. (Id. at 255).
{¶49} Roby testified that Smith and his uncle arrived at her home about 20
minutes later. (Id. at 256). Roby testified that Smith asked her what’s going on
(with Adkins). (Id.). Roby told Smith that the young children were calling Adkins
a “chomo”. (Id. at 257). Roby testified that Smith told her that Adkins “was
messing with a fourteen year old girl down at the school.” (Id. at 257). Ultimately,
Roby testified that she saw Smith walk toward Adkins. (Id. at 259). Roby stated
that Smith and Adkins were on the opposite sides of the street at this point. (Id.).
Then, according to Roby, Smith and Adkins meet. (Id.). Roby testified that Smith
had nothing in his hands when Adkins picked up the tree branch and hit him like he
was “hitting a baseball”. (Id. at 259-260). Roby stated that after Adkins hit Smith
everyone was running and screaming. (Id. at 260).
{¶50} Next, Roby narrated the events depicted in the cell-phone video, and
testified that after Smith was hit, by Adkins, she called 911. (Id. at 261-262); (See
State’s Ex. 33). Roby testified that she and Sherin attempted to perform CPR, but
their attempts were unsuccessful. (Id.). Roby also testified that (up and until Smith
went down the street) there was nothing keeping Adkins from leaving the scene.
(Id. at 270).
-30-
Case No. 1-19-71
{¶51} Next, the State called George Sherin (“Sherin”). (Id. at 272-273).
Sherin testified that on September 3, 2017, he observed Adkins walking up and
down the street pacing back and forth on Milburn Avenue just north of Holmes
Avenue. (Id. at 274). He identified Adkins as a white male that he did not know.
(Id. at 2274-275). According to Sherin, he saw Adkins walk in between two trees,
pick up a tree branch, and then break a couple of smaller branches from it. (Id. at
275). Sherin also testified that Adkins leaned the tree branch against a telephone
pole at the intersection of Milburn and Holmes Avenues. (Id. at 276).
{¶52} Sherin testified that when Smith arrived at Roby’s home he (Smith)
spoke with Roby (his mother-in-law). (Id. at 278). Sherin also testified that his six-
year-old son and four-year-old niece were on the porch. (Id.). Sherin stated that he
did not recall the conversation between Roby and Smith because he was paying
attention to the children. (Id.). Next, Sherin stated that Smith stepped off the porch,
spoke with someone, tossed something out of his pocket, and then walked towards
Adkins. (Id. at 279). Sherin testified that there were young children on bicycles
riding in circles as Smith approached Adkins. (Id. at 280). According to Sherin,
Smith had nothing in his hands as he approached Adkins when Smith was hit (by
Adkins) with the tree branch. (Id. at 280-281). Sherin testified that he checked
Smith to see if he was breathing. (Id.). Thereafter, Sherin jumped up and took off
-31-
Case No. 1-19-71
running after Adkins following him to Fairview Avenue where he watched him
enter a house. (Id. at 282).
{¶53} On cross-examination, Sherin testified that he saw Smith put his arms
up and seconds later he was struck by Adkins with the tree branch. (Id. at 290).
Importantly, Sherin stated that he heard no words exchanged between Adkins and
Smith. (Id.).
{¶54} The State called its fourth witness, Larry Johnson, Jr. (“Johnson”).
(Id. at 292). Johnson testified that on September 3, 2017, he lived on Catalpa
Avenue across the street from Vice. (Id. at 293-294). Johnson testified that he
walked from Catalpa to Holmes and Milburn Avenues where he observed Smith in
the street. (Id. at 295). He testified that Smith wanted to fight Adkins because he
(Adkins) is a pedophile and was with a young girl. (Id.). According to Johnson,
Smith handed him the contents of his pockets, and he started walking towards
Adkins.10 (Id. at 295-296). Johnson testified that he then saw Adkins walking
toward Smith in a “violent manner”, then pick up the tree branch and hit Smith. (Id.
at 296). On cross-examination, Johnson testified that Smith told him he was going
to fight Adkins and that is why he handed him the contents of his pockets and
“rabbit-eared his pockets”. (Id. at 302).
{¶55} Adkins presented no witnesses or evidence.
10
Smith gave him a cell-phone, some rolled cigarettes, and his headphones. (Id. at 296). Johnson testified
that Smith flipped his pockets indicating they were empty. (Id.).
-32-
Case No. 1-19-71
{¶56} Upon our review, we conclude that the weight of the evidence supports
that Adkins was at fault for creating the situation. Specifically, Adkins did not live
in the neighborhood, was causing alarm to the neighborhood residents by his
conduct with children, and by arming himself with a tree branch for no apparent
reason. Since the elements of self-defense are cumulative and because Adkins did
not establish he was not at fault for creating the situation, Adkins defense of self-
defense fails. Kimmel, 2011-Ohio-660, at ¶ 21, citing Jackson, 22 Ohio St.3d at
284.
{¶57} For these reasons, we cannot conclude that that the jury lost its way by
concluding that Adkins did not act in self-defense and created such a manifest
miscarriage of justice that Adkins’s murder conviction must be reversed and a new
trial ordered.
{¶58} Accordingly, Adkins’s third assignment of error is overruled.
{¶59} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the
particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Judgment Affirmed
SHAW, P.J. and PRESTON, J., concur.
/jlr
-33-