State v. Green , 2023 Ohio 4360 ( 2023 )

[Cite as State v. Green, 2023-Ohio-4360.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
MARION COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, CASE NO. 9-22-13
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE,
v.
ZIAIR GREEN, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Marion County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. 21-CR-070
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: December 4, 2023
APPEARANCES:
Timothy B. Hackett and Victoria A. Ferr for Appellant
Raymond A. Grogan, Jr. for Appellee
Case No. 9-22-13
MILLER, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Ziair E. Green (“Green”), appeals the February
28, 2022 judgment entry of sentence of the Marion County Court of Common Pleas.
For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶2} On January 18, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to numerous
reports of gunfire shot at 126 South Seffner Avenue (“126 S. Seffner Ave.”),
Marion, Ohio. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Ricco McGhee
(“McGhee”) lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his chest. McGhee was
transported to the hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead. An
autopsy confirmed that his death was the result of a single gunshot wound to the
chest.
{¶3} McGhee had been married to Green’s mother, Kimberly Floyd
(“Floyd”), for many years and was the only father figure in the household.
However, McGhee and Floyd were separated by October 2020. Nonetheless,
McGhee and Floyd continued to communicate off-and-on despite their separation
and McGhee’s recent engagement to Lashawn Mosley (“Mosley”).
{¶4} On January 18, 2021, McGhee spent the day in Columbus with Mosley.
Eventually the pair returned to Marion where they visited friends to watch a sporting
game, drink alcohol, and relax. Throughout the day and into the night, McGhee and
Floyd were in communication via text message. Later that night, McGhee drove his
vehicle, with Mosley as a passenger, to Floyd’s house at 126 S. Seffner Ave. When
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they arrived at the house at approximately 10:35 p.m., McGhee exited the driver’s-
side door and entered the unlocked house while Mosley waited in the vehicle. Inside
the house, McGhee and Floyd engaged in a confrontation.
{¶5} During the confrontation between McGhee and Floyd, Green exited
through the side door of the house with a firearm. Several minutes later, McGhee
emerged from the house and walked down the front porch steps onto the sidewalk.
There, he spotted Green, who was in possession of the firearm.
{¶6} Green subsequently fired two “warning shots” at McGhee and then
pointed the gun at McGhee and fired additional shots. McGhee was struck in the
chest by a bullet and fell to the ground. Green ran from the scene and went into
hiding for several days. Mosley and Floyd rushed to McGhee and attempted to
render aid.
{¶7} On January 19, 2021, a complaint was filed in the Marion County Court
of Common Pleas, Family Division (“juvenile court”) charging 17-year-old Green
with one count of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(A) and one count of
aggravated murder in violation of R.C. 2903.01(A). That same day, the State filed
a motion to bind the case over to the Marion County Court of Common Pleas,
General Division, pursuant to Juv. R. 30. Green appeared for an initial appearance
on January 28, 2021, wherein he denied the allegations in the complaint.
{¶8} A probable cause hearing was held in the juvenile court on February 11,
2021. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge found probable cause to believe
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that Green committed the offenses alleged in the complaint. Accordingly, the
juvenile court relinquished its jurisdiction over the matter and transferred the case
to the General Division of the Marion County Court of Common Pleas for
prosecution.
{¶9} On February 24, 2021, the Marion County Grand Jury indicted Green
on three counts: Count One of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(A), an
unclassified felony; Count Two of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(B), an
unclassified felony; and Count Three of felonious assault in violation of R.C.
2903.11(A)(1), a second-degree felony. Each of the counts also included a three-
year firearm specification pursuant to R.C. 2941.145 and R.C. 2929.14(D). Green
appeared for arraignment on March 1, 2021 and entered pleas of not guilty to the
counts and specifications in the indictment. On March 17, 2021, Green retained
new counsel who entered notices of appearance. On March 23, 2021, Green filed a
notice of his intent to use self-defense or defense of others as a defense at trial.
{¶10} On April 19, 2021, Green filed a motion for funds to retain an expert
witness. The motion did not specify a dollar amount of the request. In a judgment
entry filed on April 20, 2021, the trial court deemed the motion filed outside the
time set by Crim.R. 12. Nonetheless, the trial court granted the defense $1,500 for
the purpose of retaining an expert and directed that further funds be authorized in
advance.
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{¶11} On April 20, 2021, Green filed a motion for leave to file several
pretrial motions instanter. Specifically, Green requested to file a motion to require
the State to disclose the victim’s criminal history and a motion to allow counsel to
review children’s services records. On April 22, 2021, the trial court denied the
motions. In its attendant judgment entry, the trial court found the motions were
untimely filed pursuant to Crim.R. 12. However, in the interest of justice, the trial
court reviewed the merits of the motions and denied them on that basis.
{¶12} On May 20, 2021, Green filed an additional motion for allowance of
monies to retain an expert witness. In his motion, Green requested an “initial
approval” of $9,000 for the proposed expert to examine Green. (Doc. No. 52). On
May 27, 2021, the trial court denied the motion. In its judgment entry, the trial court
found the motion was untimely and filed outside the timelines of Crim.R. 12 without
leave. Nevertheless, the trial court reviewed the merits of the motion and found that
Green failed to show how the expert would provide value and that alternative would
will provide Green with a defense in this case.
{¶13} On July 12, 2021, Green made a motion for the trial court to approve
a general evaluation of Green by District V Forensic Diagnostic Center for the
purposes of a referral to a specialist if necessary. The trial court granted Green’s
motion on July 14, 2021. On September 23, 2021, Green filed a motion for leave
to file a motion for allowance of monies to retain an expert witness for additional
evaluation of the defendant. On October 22, 2021, the trial court denied Green’s
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request to file the motion out of time and denied Green’s request for additional
defense experts at state expense.
{¶14} On January 21, 2022, the State filed a motion to exclude the testimony
of four defense witnesses (Deante Smith, Deandre Gale, Timothy Nelson, and
Dejaun Smith) listed in the defendant’s reciprocal discovery. Green filed a
memorandum in opposition to the State’s motion on January 26, 2022. The
following day, the trial court filed a judgment entry stating that it would give Green
the opportunity to proffer the testimony of the four witnesses outside the presence
of the jury for the trial court to determine whether their testimony would be
admissible.
{¶15} A jury trial commenced on February 1, 2022. On February 10, 2022,
the jury returned verdicts finding Green not guilty of Count One, but guilty of
Counts Two and Three, and their attendant specifications.
{¶16} At the sentencing hearing held on February 25, 2022, the trial court
found that Counts Two and Three merged for the purpose of sentencing. The State
elected to proceed to sentencing the more serious offense of murder charged in
Count Two and the trial court sentenced Green to a term of 15 years to life in prison
to be served consecutively to a term of 3 years for the attendant firearm specification
for an aggregate term of 18 years to life in prison.
{¶17} On March 25, 2022, Green filed his notice of appeal. He raises eight
assignments of error for our review.
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First Assignment of Error
The trial court violated Ziair Green’s constitutional right to
present a complete defense. Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth
Amendments, U.S. Constitution; Article I, Sections 1, 10, and 16,
Ohio Constitution; Crim.R. 16(B); Evid.R. 404(B), 405, 608,
616(A), 702.
{¶18} In his first assignment of error, Green argues that the trial court
violated his constitutional right to present a complete defense. Specifically, Green
claims the trial court prohibited him from presenting evidence that would have
undermined the credibility of the State’s witnesses and shown he acted in self-
defense. He also asserts that the trial court denied him the opportunity to present a
complete defense by denying his request for expert funds.
{¶19} The Supreme Court of Ohio has explained:
“[T]he Constitution guarantees criminal defendants ‘a meaningful
opportunity to present a complete defense.’” Crane v. Kentucky, 476
U.S. 683, 690, 106 S.Ct. 2142, 90 L.Ed.2d 636 (1986), quoting
California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 485, 104 S.Ct. 2528, 81
L.Ed.2d 413 (1984). However, “[a] defendant’s right to present
relevant evidence is not unlimited, but rather is subject to reasonable
restriction.” United States v. Scheffer, 523 U.S. 303, 308, 118 S.Ct.
1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413 (1998). And states have a legitimate interest
in ensuring that triers of fact are presented with reliable evidence and
have “broad latitude under the Constitution to establish rules
excluding evidence from criminal trials” to further that goal. Scheffer
at 308, 309, 118 S.Ct. 1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413. Such “rules do not
abridge an accused’s right to present a defense so long as they are not
‘arbitrary’ or ‘disproportionate to the purposes they are designed to
serve’” and if they do not “infringe[] upon a weighty interest of the
accused.” Id. at 308, 118 S.Ct. 1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413, quoting Rock
v. Arkansas, 483 U.S. 44, 56, 58, 107 S.Ct. 2704, 97 L.Ed.2d 37(1987).
State v. Wesson, 137 Ohio St.3d 309, 2013-Ohio-4575, ¶ 59.
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{¶20} Generally, the admission or exclusion of evidence lies within the trial
court’s discretion, and a reviewing court should not reverse absent an abuse of that
discretion and material prejudice. State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St.3d 412, 2006-Ohio-
2815, ¶ 62, citing State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 64 (2001). An abuse of discretion
implies that the trial court acted unreasonably arbitrarily, or unconscionably. State
v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157 (1980).
Children’s Services Records
{¶21} Green alleges he was denied the right to present a complete defense
due to the trial court’s denial of his motion to allow his counsel to review any
children’s services records relating to McGhee or Floyd. Specifically, Green argues
the trial court erred by denying his request to review children’s services records
without at least conducting an in-camera review of the records.
{¶22} On April 20, 2021, Green filed a motion for leave to file pretrial
motions instanter. Attached to that motion was a motion to allow counsel to review
records maintained by Marion County Children’s Services relating to McGhee or
Floyd. In a judgment entry filed on April 22, 2021, the trial court denied Green’s
motion for leave to file pretrial motions instanter. The trial court specified that
counsel was explicitly instructed not to file motions outside of Crim.R. 12(D)
without leave of the court and noted that Green provided no reasonable explanation
for the lateness of the motions. Nonetheless, the trial court addressed the merits of
Green’s motion to review children’s services records and found that the records are
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not relevant to the instant case. The trial court specifically stated that it “will not
authorize a fishing expedition to defame or dehumanize the deceased [victim].”
(Doc. No. 30).
{¶23} A trial court has discretion to decide whether certain information is or
is not discoverable. See State v. Orwick, 153 Ohio App.3d 65, 2003-Ohio-2682, ¶
13, citing Radovanic v. Cossler, 140 Ohio App.3d 208, 213 (8th Dist.2000). As
such, we will not disturb the trial court’s decision on that issue absent an abuse of
that discretion. Id.{¶24} Crim.R. 16(B)(5) provides that a criminal defendant is entitled to
discovery of evidence which is “favorable to the defendant and material to either
guilt or punishment.” However, when the potential discovery involves children’s
services records, “this requirement comes into conflict with the confidentiality that
attaches to such records.” State v. Branch, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-12-44, 2013-Ohio-
3192, ¶ 85, citing Johnson v. Johnson, 134 Ohio App.3d 579, 583 (3d Dist.1999).
{¶25} The Supreme Court of the United States has held that “a defendant’s
due process right to a fair trial entitles him to an in camera inspection by the trial
court of confidential child services records to assess whether they contain evidence
that is material to the defendant’s guilt.” Branch at ¶ 85, citing Pennsylvania v.
Ritchie, 480 U.S. 39, 60, 107 S.Ct. 989 (1987). This court has refined the rule in
Ritchie as:
[A] court may conduct an in camera inspection of child-abuse records
or reports and also has the inherent power to order disclosure of such
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records or reports where (1) the records or reports are relevant to the
pending action, (2) good cause for such a request has been established
by the person seeking disclosure, and (3) where admission of the
records or reports outweighs the confidentiality considerations set
forth in R.C. 5153.17 and R.C. 2151.421(H)(1).
(Emphasis sic.) Johnson at 585. See Branch at ¶ 85.
{¶26} “‘However, the Richie court also held that a defendant may not require
the trial court to search through confidential records “without first establishing a
basis for his claim that it contains material evidence.”’” State v. Stock, 5th Dist.
Stark No. 2017 CA 00199, 2018-Ohio-4805, ¶ 43, quoting State v. Brown, 5th Dist.
Delaware No. 2005CAA01002, 2005-Ohio-5639, ¶ 68, quoting Ritchie at 58, fn.15.
“‘“[A] defendant is entitled to the trial court’s in camera inspection of children
services agency records where the defendant shows that there is a reasonable
probability, grounded on some demonstrable fact, that the records contain material
relevant to the defense.”’” Id., quoting Brown at ¶ 70, quoting State v. Allan, 6th
Dist. Lucas No. L-94-272, 1996 WL 38784, *2 (Feb. 2, 1996).
{¶27} Here, we find that, in his motion to review children’s services records,
Green failed to show there was a reasonable probability, grounded on some
demonstrable fact, that the records he sought contained material evidence relevant
to his defense. First, we note that the record on appeal is not clear that the children’s
services records Green requests even exist. At the pretrial held on April 15, 2021,
defense counsel stated that he sent a subpoena to Children’s Services for “some
records that apparently do not exist.” (Apr. 15, 2021 Tr. at 6). The defense indicated
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its intention to refile the subpoena “requesting different records.” (Id.). Yet, the
record does not indicate that defense counsel actually refiled the subpoena
requesting the “different records.” In its judgment entry denying Green’s motion to
review children’s services records, the trial court, likewise, questioned the existence
of the records. (Doc. No. 30). It is at least plausible that Green would have been
aware of the existence of records relating to his mother and stepfather with himself
as the child-victim. Furthermore, Green’s trial counsel is in the best position to
know if such records exist, through his client, yet he was unable to establish the
existence of the records he sought, much less that the records, if they exist, contain
material evidence relevant to his defense. Because Green was unable to meet this
burden, we find that the trial court was not required to conduct an in camera
inspection of the records prior to overruling Green’s motion to review children’s
services records. See Brown at ¶ 72.
Exclusion of Prior Bad Acts Testimony
{¶28} Green alleges that the trial court erred by excluding witness testimony
regarding specific instances of McGhee’s alleged abuse of Green and Floyd.
{¶29} Again, the admissibility of evidence is within the sound discretion of
the trial court. State v. Duncan, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-19-75, 2020-Ohio-3916, ¶ 11.
We review a trial court’s determination on the admission of evidence under an abuse
of discretion standard. State v. Sullivan, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-17-09, 2017-Ohio-
8937, ¶ 20.
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{¶30} Evid.R. 404 and 405 relate to the introduction of character evidence.
Evid.R. 404(A) provides that “[e]vidence of a person’s character or a trait of
character is not admissible for the purpose of proving action in conformity therewith
on a particular occasion.” However, Evid.R. 404(A)(2) provides several exceptions
to this general rule as it relates to the character of the victim. In pertinent part,
Evid.R. 404(A)(2) provides that:
Evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the victim of the crime
offered by the accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the same, or
evidence of a character trait of peacefulness of the victim offered by
the prosecution in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim
was the first aggressor is admissible[.]
Evid.R. 405, which governs the methods of proving character, states:
(A) In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character
of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to
reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-
examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of
conduct.
(B) In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person is an
essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, proof may also be
made of specific instances of his conduct.
{¶31} In State v. Barnes, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that “Evid.R.
405(B) precludes a defendant from introducing specific instances of the victim’s
conduct to prove that the victim was the initial aggressor.” State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio
St.3d 21, 24, 2002-Ohio-68. The Court also noted that “[a] defendant may
successfully assert self-defense without resort to proving any aspect of the victim’s
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{¶32} However, we have “interpreted Evid.R. 405 as permitting a defendant
to ‘testify about specific instances of the victim’s prior conduct known to the
defendant in order to establish the defendant’s state of mind.’” State v. Smith, 3d
Dist. Logan No. 8-12-05, 2013-Ohio-746, ¶ 18, quoting State v. Moore, 3d Dist.
Allen Nos. 1-06-89 and 1-06-96, 2007-Ohio-3600, ¶ 59. “The crucial element of a
self-defense claim is the defendant’s state of mind, not the character of the victim.”
Moore at ¶ 59.
{¶33} Here, Green contends that the trial court erred by prohibiting
testimony regarding specific acts of violence perpetuated by McGhee toward Green
and Floyd. Defense counsel sought to present four possible defense witnesses:
Deante Smith, Deandre Gale, Timothy Nelson, and Dejaun Smith. According to
defense counsel, the individuals had witnessed instances of McGhee acting in a
violent manner toward Green in the months leading up to McGhee’s death. (Feb.
1-10, 2022 Tr. at 424-425). The trial court agreed that the proper procedure would
be for the defense to proffer the testimony of the four witnesses at the beginning of
the defense’s case-in-chief, so the trial court could make a decision on the
admissibility of the potential witnesses’ testimony at that time.
{¶34} However, Green chose not to proffer the testimony of the four
witnesses and instead conceded that the specific acts evidence to which they were
going to testify were not admissible. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 987). Accordingly, the
trial court never ruled on the admissibility of the witnesses’ potential testimony,
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and, thus, there is no decision on the admissibility of the potential witnesses’
testimony for us to review.
{¶35} Green also alleges the trial court erred by prohibiting testimony from
detectives regarding prior shootings at the home, and testimony from Floyd and
Dasani Hooks, Green’s sister, about the domestic violence Green and Floyd endured
at the hands of McGhee. However, despite the trial court’s repeated offer for the
defense to proffer the testimony, defense counsel made the strategic decision to not
offer this additional testimony. Accordingly, we are not able to review the
admissibility of the potential testimony because it is not included in the record.
{¶36} “‘An alleged victim’s purported violent nature is not an essential
element of self-defense and therefore, witnesses other than the defendant have no
admissible basis for testifying to specific instances of violent conduct.’” State v.
Gott, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-11-1070, 2013-Ohio-4624, ¶ 36, quoting State v.
Willamson, 4th Dist. Ross No. 95CA2155, 1996 WL 530008, *4 (Sept. 12, 1996).
Furthermore, we note that a trial court’s Evid.R. 405(B) ruling is subject to harmless
error analysis. Smith, 2013-Ohio-746, at ¶ 20. “The improper exclusion of evidence
is harmless where the remaining evidence provides overwhelming proof of a
defendant’s guilt.” Id. Accordingly, even if the trial court erred by informing the
parties that specific acts evidence were not admissible in a self-defense case, that
error is harmless because the State offered overwhelming evidence of Green’s guilt.
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{¶37} Moreover, a plethora of testimony regarding McGhee’s demeanor,
character, and reputation for violence was presented to the jury by a number of
witnesses. Specifically, Floyd and Green gave an account of the violent acts
McGhee allegedly engaged in on January 18, 2021, prior to his death, including
slamming Floyd against the wall and attempting to choke her and threatening Green.
Floyd testified that McGhee had a reputation for violence and that this reputation
for violence caused her to fear for herself and for Green. Green testified that
McGhee “has always been violent” and that he was “afraid” of McGhee on January
18, 2021. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1251-1252). Hooks testified that she had been
around McGhee for a significant portion of her life and that she has experienced
behaviors from him that leads her to characterize living in a home with McGhee as
“[u]nhealthy.” (Id. at 1224-1225). Hooks also testified to McGhee’s reputation in
the community as a drug dealer who was angry, toxic, and a threat. (Id. at 1227-
1229). Moreover, several witnesses mentioned prior shootings that occurred at the
residence. Additionally, law enforcement officers acknowledged their familiarity
with McGhee through prior law enforcement contact. Mosley also testified that
McGhee served nearly seven years in prison. (Id. at 781). Thus, the jury heard
significant testimony regarding McGhee’s previous conduct and reputation. The
fact that there was violence in and about the home at the time that McGhee was
there was known to the jury. Perhaps most notably, the jury heard Green’s
testimony that he was afraid of McGhee on the day of the shooting and “feared for
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[his] life” during the final encounter. (Id. at 1261). Accordingly, based on the
record in front of us, we do not find that the potential exclusion of some testimony
regarding specific acts of violence would have affected the outcome of the trial and
was “essentially meaningless.” Smith at ¶ 21.
Expert Witness Funding
{¶38} Green argues that he was denied the right to present a complete
defense due to the trial court’s denial of Green’s motions for expert funding. “The
authority to fund defense experts rests within the sound discretion of the trial court.”
State v. Babcock, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2011CA00286, 2012-Ohio-3627, ¶ 28. An
abuse of discretion implies that the court’s attitude was unreasonable, arbitrary, or
unconscionable. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219 (1983).
{¶39} “As a matter of due process, indigent defendants are entitled to receive
the ‘raw materials’ and the ‘“basic tools of an adequate defense,”’” which may
include the provision of expert assistance. State v. Mason, 82 Ohio St.3d 144, 149
(1998), quoting Ake v. Oklahoma, 470 U.S. 68, 77, 105 S.Ct. 1087 (1985), quoting
Britt v. North Carolina, 404 U.S. 226, 227, 92 S.Ct. 431 (1971). “‘Due process, as
guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States
Constitution and Section 16, Article I of the Ohio Constitution, does not require the
government to provide expert assistance to an indigent criminal defendant in the
absence of a particularized showing of need.’” State v. McCallum, 10th Dist.
Franklin No. 19AP-796, 2021-Ohio-2938, ¶ 28, quoting Mason at 150. “‘Nor does
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it require the government to provide expert assistance to an indigent criminal
defendant upon mere demand of the defendant.’” Id., quoting Mason at 150.
{¶40} The statutory authority allowing the state to provide funds for an
indigent defendant’s expert is R.C. 2929.024, which provides, in pertinent part:
[I]f the court determines that investigation services, experts, or other
services are reasonably necessary for the proper representation of a
defendant charged with aggravated murder at trial or at the sentencing
hearing, the court shall authorize the defendant’s counsel to obtain the
necessary services for the defendant, and shall order that payment of
the fees and expenses for the necessary services be made in the same
manner that payment for appointed counsel is made pursuant to
Chapter 120 of the Revised Code. If the Court determines that the
necessary services had to be obtained prior to court authorization for
payment of the fees and expenses for the necessary services, the court
may, after the services have been obtained, authorize the defendant’s
counsel to obtain the necessary services and order that payment of the
fees and expenses for the necessary services be made as provided in
this section.
“In noncapital cases, however, there is no authority mandating the payment of an
indigent defendant’s expert fees.” State v. Hurley, 3d Dist. Putnam No. 12-11-01,
2012-Ohio-310, ¶ 15. “Ohio courts have nonetheless applied the factors used by
the Ohio Supreme Court in resolving requests for state-funded experts pursuant to
R.C. 2929.024 in non-capital cases.” Id. “The relevant factors in resolving the
appointment of a state-funded expert are: (1) the value of the expert assistance to
the defendant’s proper representation at trial; and (2) the availability of alternative
devices that fulfill the same functions as the expert assistance sought.” Id.{¶41} Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Ohio has held that “[d]ue process,
as guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States
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Constitution and Section 16, Article I of the Ohio Constitution, requires that an
indigent criminal defendant be provided funds to obtain expert assistance at state
expense only where the trial court finds, in the exercise of a sound discretion, that
the defendant has made a particularized showing (1) of a reasonable probability that
the requested expert would aid in his defense, and (2) that denial of the requested
expert assistance would result in an unfair trial.” State v. Mason, 82 Ohio St.3d 144,
150 (1998).
{¶42} When a defendant requests expert funds, the burden is on the
defendant to demonstrate the reasonableness of the request. Hurley at ¶ 15. “A
defendant must provide a trial court with facts to establish a particularized need for
expert assistance and must demonstrate more than a mere possibility of assistance
to receive an expert witness at the state’s expense.” Babcock, 2012-Ohio-3627, at ¶
30. “‘At a minimum, the indigent defendant must present the trial judge with
sufficient facts with which the court can base a decision.’” Hurley at ¶ 15, quoting
State v. Weeks, 64 Ohio App.3d 595, 598 (12th Dist.1989). “Undeveloped
assertions that the proposed assistance would be useful to the defense are patently
inadequate.” Id.{¶43} Here, Green argues that the trial court abused its discretion by denying
several of his attempts to secure expert funds. After reviewing the record and the
relevant law, we find Green’s arguments to be without merit.
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{¶44} On April 19, 2021, Green filed a motion for allowance of monies to
retain an expert witness. In the motion, Green stated that he contacted a forensic
psychologist, Dr. Bob Stinson, out of Columbus, Ohio, “who would testify
regarding the potential Battered Person Syndrome and effects of abuse at trial * * *
and the affects abuse may have had on the Defendant at the time the incident giving
rise to this matter occurred.” (Doc. No. 26). Green did not request or specify the
amount of funds he was requesting.
{¶45} The following day, the trial court noted that the motion was filed
outside the time limits set by Crim.R.12(D) without leave of court.1 (Doc. No. 28).
The trial court specifically stated that it explicitly instructed the parties not to file
motions outside the time limit set by the rule without leave of Court. (Id.).
Nonetheless, the trial court “reluctantly” granted Green up to $1,500 for the purpose
of retaining an expert. (Id.). The trial court noted that “[a]ny further amounts must
be authorized in advance or they will not be approved.” (Emphasis sic.) (Id.). The
trial court further noted Green’s motion “gives no guidance as to an amount needed,
but merely ask[ed] [the] Court to write a blank check.” (Id.). The trial court noted
that it would “not be so reckless with taxpayer funds.” (Id.). The trial court further
stated that “[t]he granting of these funds is not an indication that any testimony
1
On April 20, 2021, after the trial court filed its judgment entry noting the tardiness of Green’s motion for
allowance of monies, in response thereof, Green filed a motion for leave to file pretrial motions instanter.
(Doc. No. 29).
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generated from these funds is relevant or admissible or even that Counsel has made
a showing that an expert is even necessary in this case.” (Id.).
{¶46} On May 5, 2021, Green filed a motion for a continuance of the jury
trial on the grounds that the expert witnesses contacted by the defense were likely
to need more time to evaluate Green prior to trial. At a pretrial held on May 7, 2021,
the trial court and the parties discussed the defense’s progress in procuring an expert
witness. The defense stated that it consulted a new potential expert witness, Dr.
Davis, who informed counsel he needed between $2,500 to $3,000 to “get started.”
(May 7, 2021 Tr. at 3-5) The trial court requested the defense provide the trial court
with information regarding the potential expert’s estimated fees for (1) interviewing
Green and rendering an opinion, (2) rendering the opinion in writing, and (3)
testifying at trial. (Id. at 5-7). The trial court indicated its preference to approve the
fees in incremental amounts so that if the defense determines that they do not want
or need some of the services, the court is “not already on the hook” for the expense.
(Id. at 7). The court remarked that requesting and approving expert fees in
increments has been the court’s practice for 20 years. (Id. at 8-9). The court
requested the defense file a motion informing the court whether the $1,500 it
previously allotted in funds would be sufficient for the potential expert witness to
examine Green and render an opinion. (Id. at 8).
{¶47} At the pretrial, the parties also discussed Green’s pending motion for
a continuance for the purpose of pursing an expert witness. The trial court
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acknowledged that Green “has an absolute right to a full defense” and that an expert
consultation is “appropriate” in this case. (Id. at 13). On that basis, the trial court
granted Green’s motion for a continuance. (Id. at 19).
{¶48} On May 20, 2021, Green filed a motion styled “Amended Motion for
Allowance of Monies to Retain Expert Witness and Motion to Continue Pretrial and
Trial.” (Doc. No. 52). In the motion, Green stated that he had been in contact with
yet another prospective expert, Dr. Jolie S. Brams, a forensic psychologist who
could testify regarding potential battered person syndrome, the effects of abuse, and
the effects abuse may have had on Green at the time of the relevant conduct. Green
stated that the potential expert required an “an initial approval of $9,000.00.” (Doc.
No. 52).
{¶49} On May 27, 2021, the trial court filed a judgment entry denying
Green’s motion on the grounds that: (1) although styled as an “amended” motion,
Green’s filing was a new motion seeking new funds for a new expert and is,
therefore, untimely and filed without leave pursuant to Crim.R. 12(D); (2) Green
failed to show the expert would provide value; (3) alternative means will provide
Green with a defense; (4) the proposed expert is not willing to prepare for trial in a
timely manner; and (5) the expert has not justified the amount requested nor
articulated if $9,000 would address the costs of trial preparation and testimony.
(Doc. No. 55). The trial court noted that the $9,000 requested in Green’s motion “is
the highest request for an appointed expert in a non-capital case [it] has ever seen.”
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(Id.). The court further stated that the request did not provide an explanation as to
whether the amount will cover the cost of the diagnostics or “if it is a down payment
on a much larger request that will come later.” (Id.). The court further found that
Green failed to show that the proposed expert would provide value or that there were
no alternative devices available to fulfill the same function. (Id.).
{¶50} On June 29, 2021, Green’s trial counsel filed another motion to
continue the jury trial due to trial counsel’s continued search for an expert witness.
At the pretrial held on July 5, 2021, the trial court and the parties discussed Green’s
continued search for an expert witness and his pending motion to continue. While
addressing the matter, the trial court stated:
I want to make it clear. The Court, if an expert is needed in this case,
certainly wants the defense to get one. But it seems to me that the
defense is shopping for a particular type of expert and having trouble
finding one and that the ones that they have found kind of want a carte
blanche with regard to how much money they’re going to be able to
make off of this case and also want to dictate to the Court a schedule.
And this Court controls its own schedule. * * * I’m inclined to give
[the defense] some time, but it’s not endless time.
(July 5, 2021 Tr. at 4-5).
{¶51} Green’s trial counsel then stated that the pending request for a
continuance would likely be the last continuance it requested. (Id. at 5). The
defense explained that it was in contact with District V Forensic Diagnostic Center.
The trial court indicated its approval of trial counsel’s plan to start with a more
general practitioner through District V Forensic Diagnostic Center and to request
additional evaluation and evaluations if indicated. (Id. at 6-9). Defense counsel
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stated that it wanted to make sure Green has the best possible defense and that
counsel is “very appreciative of the Court offering funds on our request to make that
happen.” (Id. at 9). The trial court then granted Green’s pending motion for a
continuance and granted leave for Green to file a motion for Green to be evaluated
by District V Forensic Diagnostic Center. (Id. at 10-12).
{¶52} On July 12, 2021, Green filed a motion seeking the trial court to
approve a general psychological evaluation of Green by District V Forensic
Diagnostic Center “for the purposes of a referral to a specialist if necessary.” (Doc.
No. 64). On July 14, 2021, the trial court approved the motion. (Doc. No. 65).
{¶53} At a pretrial held on September 13, 2021, the parties were in receipt
of the general psychological evaluation dated September 8, 2021 that was prepared
by Dr. Alison Houle following her evaluation of Green. (Sept. 13, 2021 Tr. at 4).
The trial court stated that the evaluation made several diagnostic claims including
mild cannabis use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”). (Id.).
However, the court noted it did not see any mention of battered-person syndrome as
a diagnosis and that there was nothing in the report to lead the trial court to believe
that further evaluation along those lines was necessary. (Id. at 5). Defense counsel
indicated that, based on the report, it “believes the door is open” for further
evaluation. (Id. at 7-8). The trial court then requested that Green file a written
motion indicating the basis for additional evaluation. (Id. at 8, 10-11).
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{¶54} On September 23, 2021, Green filed a motion to continue the jury trial
on the basis of potential additional expert evaluation. (Doc. No. 69). That same
day, Green also filed a motion for leave to file pretrial motions instanter. Attached
to that motion was a proposed motion for allowance of monies to retain an expert
witness for additional evaluation of Green. In the motion, Green requested the trial
court approve funds for having Green further evaluated “by an expert who can
extrapolate deeper issues surrounding [his] diagnosis” by Dr. Houle. (Doc. No. 70).
{¶55} At the pretrial held on October 21, 2021, the parties addressed Green’s
pending motions. The trial court granted Green’s motion for a continuance. (Oct.
21, 2021 Tr. at 6-7). Then, the trial court addressed Green’s pending motion for
funds for additional expert evaluation. (Id. at 8-9). The trial court stated that the
psychological evaluation does not recommend another specialist or psychologist
examine Green for further diagnosis. (Id. at 9). The court indicated its opinion that
the defense has not established grounds for the trial court to grant an additional
expert evaluation and witness but that it would take the matter under advisement.
(Id. 10-11). Defense counsel stated that it was in contact with District V Forensic
Diagnostic Center regarding the possibility of a witness correlating the diagnosis
between PTSD and battered person’s syndrome. (Id. at 11-12). The trial court
indicated that if counsel filed supplemental briefing on the matter based on the
conversation with an expert, then the trial court would consider that. (Id. at 14-15).
The following day, the trial court filed its judgment entry denying Green’s request
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for additional experts on the grounds that defendant had not met his burden to show
an additional expert is appropriate and had not shown significant value in requesting
a second defense expert to seek a diagnosis. (Doc. No. 105).
{¶56} At a January 28, 2021 pretrial and motion hearing, the defense
indicated Dr. Houle was anticipated to proffer testimony during the trial. (Jan. 28,
2022 Tr. at 60). The defense informed the trial court of Dr. Houle’s hourly rate to
appear in court, which the trial court agreed to pay. (Id. at 61).
{¶57} After reviewing the record, we reject Green’s argument that the trial
court erred by denying his request for expert funding. Green contends that the trial
court’s denial of his requests for expert funds was “unreasonable” and “arbitrary.”
(Appellant’s Brief at 21). However, the record indicates the trial court was willing
to allocate funds for expert evaluation of Green within reasonable parameters; and,
in fact, the trial court did grant several of Green’s motions for expert evaluations
and continuances for the purpose of allowing Green’s trial counsel to consult
potential expert witnesses.
{¶58} Additionally, the trial court expressed a continued willingness to
consider Green’s requests for expert evaluations and funding provided that Green’s
defense counsel provided the court with information indicating that the evaluations
were reasonable and were reasonably calculated to assist in Green’s defense.
However, Green never provided the trial court with information indicating the scope
of its request and articulable reasons for the requests. Nor did trial counsel address
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the availability or lack thereof of alternative devices that fulfill the same functions
as the expert assistance sought.
{¶59} Green was evaluated by an expert who diagnosed him and provided
treatment recommendations. Ultimately, the evaluation did not produce the
diagnosis of battered person syndrome that Green’s trial counsel continued to seek.
Yet, Green never demonstrated a particularized need for such an expert. “Asserting
the mere possibility that an expert would be of assistance did not satisfy appellant’s
initial burden to establish the reasonableness of his request.” See State v. Alltop,
12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2013-06-018, 2014-Ohio-1695, ¶ 15. Our review of the
record indicates the trial court was more than willing to provide funds for experts,
provided the defense could provide a breakdown of the anticipated expenses and
could demonstrate that the expert was reasonably necessary to advance the defense’s
case. However, Green was unable or unwilling to satisfy his initial burden to
establish the reasonableness of his request. Accordingly, we do not find that the
trial court abused its discretion by denying Green’s motions for allocation of expert
funds.
Exclusion of Dr. Houle’s Report and Testimony
{¶60} Green argues that the trial court erred by excluding Dr. Houle’s report
and witness testimony at trial.
{¶61} With respect to Dr. Houle’s report, we note that neither party moved
to admit the report. In fact, the defense specifically remarked it had “no plans” to
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admit Dr. Houle’s evaluation. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1199). Accordingly, the trial
court did not make a decision regarding the admissibility of Dr. Houle’s report for
us to review. Furthermore, the document is not part of the record on appeal, and, as
such, we cannot review it.
{¶62} Regarding Dr. Houle’s testimony, Green argues the trial court erred
by not admitting Dr. Houle’s expert testimony. At trial, the defense proffered the
testimony of Dr. Houle. In her proferred testimony, she stated that she performed a
complete psychological evaluation of Green. (Id. at 1176). Following her
evaluations, she diagnosed Green with PTSD and cannabis use disorder. (Id. at
1179)
{¶63} Dr. Houle spoke generally about the impact of adverse childhood
experiences on an individual and the possible impact those experiences can have for
children’s risk of mental health symptoms, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and
substance abuse. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1179-1180). She testified that when she
evaluated Green, she determined that he had experienced some adverse childhood
experiences. (Id. at 1180-1181).
{¶64} Dr. Houle stated that she reviewed the discovery and is aware of what
happened on January 18, 2021; however, she did not specifically evaluate Green’s
mental state on that day. (Id. at 1181). She testified that, generally, children
exposed to repeated trauma have a higher likelihood of perceiving something as
being dangerous when it is not or, conversely, failing to recognize an actual threat.
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(Id. at 1181-1182). Dr. Houle testified that, in her professional experience, Green’s
childhood experiences shaped his view of the world and how he responds to other
people. (Id. at 1183-1184). Dr. Houle also spoke, in general terms, about brain
development and the result of trauma on brain development. (Id. at 1185).
{¶65} On cross-examination, Dr. Houle stated that she did not complete an
evaluation for NGRI in this case; and, accordingly, never evaluated Green’s mental
state at the time of this offense. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1190). She stated that during
her conversations with Green, she gathered that Green has unfavorable opinions of
McGhee. (Id. at 1191). She stated that Green resented McGhee, was jealous of
him, and believed that McGhee was loved more by his mother than was Green. (Id.).
{¶66} Dr. Houle stated that she is familiar with the term “battered woman
syndrome,” and that it is not a subtype or subset of PTSD. (Id. at 1193-1194). She
clarified that she did not specifically evaluate Green for battered child syndrome.
(Id. at 1194). She also stated that her report could not be of assistance to the trier of
fact with respect to determining Green’s guilt or innocence. (Id. at 1195). In her
proffered redirect examination, Dr. Houle stated that Green’s childhood experiences
could have contributed to how he reacted on January 18, 2021. (Id. at 1196).
{¶67} At the conclusion of Dr. Houle’s proffered testimony, the trial court
determined that her testimony was not admissible, and Dr. Houle did not testify to
the jury.
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{¶68} After reviewing the record, we do not find the trial court abused its
discretion by excluding Dr. Houle’s testimony. Dr. Houle did not evaluate Green
for battered child syndrome and testified that she was not qualified to make that
diagnosis. Furthermore, Dr. Houle never evaluated Green’s mental state on the day
of the incident and her proffered testimony was too general to be of relevance to
assist the jury in determining Green’s guilt or innocence.
Impeachment with Prior Inconsistent Statements
{¶69} Green contends that the trial court erred by not allowing him to
impeach Mosley with prior inconsistent statements. Specifically, Green alleges the
trial court should have allowed him to impeach Mosley with her statement from the
preliminary hearing where she testified that McGhee walked down the stairs and
turned directly toward Green. Green also alleges the trial court erred by not
allowing him to impeach Mosley with a recorded cell-phone video depicting Mosley
telling Floyd that she erased cell phone evidence and lied to the police on the scene
because she had hidden drugs in Floyd’s couch the night of McGhee’s death.
{¶70} Evid.R. 613, which governs impeachment by self-contradiction,
provides as follows:
(A) In examining a witness concerning a prior statement made by the
witness, whether written or not, the statement need not be shown nor
its contents disclosed to the witness at that time, but on request the
same shall be shown or disclosed to opposing counsel.
(B) Extrinsic evidence of a prior inconsistent statement by a witness
is admissible if both of the following apply:
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(1) If the statement is offered solely for the purpose of impeaching the
witness, the witness is afforded a prior opportunity to explain or deny
the statement and the opposite party is afforded an opportunity to
interrogate the witness on the statement or the interests of justice
otherwise require;
(2) The subject matter of the statement is one of the following:
(a) A fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action
other than the credibility of a witness;
(b) A fact that may be shown by extrinsic evidence under Evid.R.
608(A), 609, 616(A), or 616(B);
(c) A fact that may be shown by extrinsic evidence under the common
law of impeachment if not in conflict with the Rules of Evidence.
(C) During examination of a witness, conduct of the witness
inconsistent with the witness’s testimony may be shown to impeach.
If offered for the sole purpose of impeaching the witness’s testimony,
extrinsic evidence of the prior inconsistent conduct is admissible
under the same circumstances as provided for prior inconsistent
statements by Evid.R. 613(B)(2).
{¶71} After reviewing the record, we do not find that the trial court erred by
not admitting the extrinsic evidence of prior inconsistent statements to impeach
Mosley.
{¶72} The video of Floyd and her friends confronting Mosley regarding
allegedly hiding drugs in Floyd’s couch was proffered by the defense as Defense
Exhibit I and is included in the record. After reviewing the video in concert with
our review of the record, we find that the trial court did not err by failing to admit
the video as a means of impeaching Mosley. Although the video may have been
offered “solely for the purpose” of impeaching Mosley, pursuant to Evid.R.
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613(B)(1), it was of no other “consequence to the determination of the action.”
Whether Mosley hid drugs in Floyd’s couch while the women were talking to the
police following the shooting on January 18, 2021 is immaterial to the ultimate issue
of Green’s potential criminal liability for McGhee’s death. See Gutoskey v.
Gallagher, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 81377, 2002-Ohio-6846, ¶ 18. Moreover,
Mosley admitted that although she “was drinking that night” and could not recall
the specifics, she did tell Floyd that she put something in her house that night “to
get her out of my face.” (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 794-795). “If a witness admits
making a conflicting statement, there is no need for extrinsic evidence.” State v.
Spaulding, 6th Dist. Sandusky No. S-16-028, 2017-Ohio-7993, ¶ 16.
{¶73} Moreover, our review of the video indicates that its prejudicial value
outweighs its probative value.2 The video presents an intimidating situation in
which Mosley is confronted by multiple people, including Floyd, who are screaming
at Mosley and trying to get her to admit that she hid a phone from law enforcement.
The video is also replete with racial epithets and offensive language.
{¶74} With respect to the transcript of the preliminary hearing, our review of
the record indicates that, on cross-examination, defense counsel read the relevant
2
In addition to the trial court’s concern that the prejudicial value of Defense’s Exhibit I outweighs its
probative value, the trial court expressed concern that Green’s trial counsel received the video mere days
before the commencement of trial, despite the recording happening approximately six months prior.
Although the record indicates defense counsel turned over the recording to the State soon after the video
came into the defense’s possession, the State and trial court expressed concern regarding the delayed
disclosure of the potential evidence.
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portion of the transcript of the preliminary hearing in open court. Accordingly, the
jury heard Mosley’s alleged inconsistent statement.
Conclusion
{¶75} For the foregoing reasons, we do not find that Green was denied his
constitutional right to present a complete defense. Green’s first assignment of error
is overruled.
Second Assignment of Error
The trial court erred and violated Ziair’s right to a fair trial when
it instructed the jury that Ohio’s stand-your-ground statute did
not govern Ziair’s trial, which took place after the statute’s
effective date. R.C. 2901.09(C).
Third Assignment of Error
Even under the former statute, the trial court erred when it
instructed the jury that Ziair had an “on-going” duty to retreat.
R.C. 2901.05; R.C. 2901.09.
{¶76} For ease of discussion, we will address Green’s second and third
assignments of error together. In his second assignment of error, Green argues the
trial court erred by not giving the jury a self-defense instruction consistent with the
changes to R.C. 2901.09 enacted in 2020 Am.S.B. 175(“S.B. 175”), the “stand your
ground” law.
{¶77} “Trial courts have a responsibility to give all jury instructions that are
relevant and necessary for the jury to properly weigh the evidence and perform its
duty as the factfinder.” State v. Shine-Johnson, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 17AP-194,
2018-Ohio-3347, ¶ 25. “Requested jury instructions should ordinarily be given if
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they are correct statements of law, if they are applicable to the facts in the case, and
if reasonable minds might reach the conclusion sought by the requested instruction.”
State v. Adams, 144 Ohio St.3d 429, 2015-Ohio-3954, ¶ 240. “The relevant
principle for jury instructions is not one of abstract correctness, but is whether an
instruction—even if a correct statement of law—is potentially misleading.” State
v. White, 142 Ohio St.3d 277, 2015-Ohio-492, ¶ 52.
{¶78} As a general matter, whether to give a particular jury instruction is
within the trial court’s discretion, which an appellate court will not disturb absent
an abuse of discretion. State v. Orians, 179 Ohio App.3d 701, 2008-Ohio-6185, ¶
10 (3d Dist.). However, a defendant who fails to object to the trial court’s decision
regarding jury instructions forfeits all but plain error on appeal. See State v. Kean,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 17AP-427, 2019-Ohio-1171, ¶ 65. We note that Green’s
trial counsel did not object to the trial court’s determination that the amended
version of R.C. 2901.09 did not apply to the instant case because the offense
occurred prior to the effective date of the amended statute. However, Green’s
counsel did object to the trial court’s express instruction that stand your ground was
not applicable in the case and would have preferred that the trial court not include
any reference to stand your ground in the jury instructions. Green’s counsel also
objected to the trial court instructing the jury that Green had a duty to retreat.
{¶79} In contrast, “[w]hether the jury instructions correctly state the law is a
question that is reviewed de novo.” State v. Dean, 146 Ohio St.3d 106, 2015-Ohio-
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4347, ¶ 135. “An incorrect or inadequate instruction that misleads the jury or
otherwise prejudices the defendant constitutes reversible error.” State v. Hughkeith,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 111647, 2023-Ohio-1217, ¶ 75, citing Simbo Properties,
Inc. v. M8 Realty, L.L.C., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107161, 2019-Ohio-4361, ¶ 18.
{¶80} Here, the offenses occurred on January 18, 2021 and the jury trial
commenced on February 1, 2022. R.C. 2901.09 was amended on April 6, 2021.
Thus, the statute was amended after the offense but prior to the commencement of
trial.
{¶81} Prior to the April 6, 2021 amendments, R.C. 2901.09 stated:
a person who lawfully is in that person’s residence has no duty to
retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another, or
defense of that person’s residence, and a person who lawfully is an
occupant of that person’s vehicle or who lawfully is an occupant in a
vehicle owned by an immediate family member of the person has no
duty to retreat before using force in self-defense or defense of another.
{¶82} The current version of R.C. 2901.09, as amended by S.B. 175,
provides, in pertinent part:
(B) For purposes of any section of the Revised Code that sets forth a
criminal offense, a person has no duty to retreat before using force in
self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person’s residence
if that person is in a place in which the person lawfully has a right to
be.
(C) A trier of fact shall not consider the possibility of retreat as a
factor in determining whether or not a person who used force in self-
defense, defense of another, or defense of that person’s residence
reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent injury,
loss, or risk to life or safety.
(Emphasis added.)
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{¶83} Here, the parties disagree whether the version of R.C. 2901.09
effective at the time of the offense or the one effective at the time of trial applied to
the instant case. Green argues the trial court should have given jury instructions
consistent with the amended version of R.C. 2901.09, the version of the statute that
was in effect at the time of trial. Conversely, the State contends that the version of
the statute effective at the time of the offense applied in the instant case; and, thus,
the trial court did not err by instructing the jury in accordance therewith.
{¶84} We have not yet addressed whether Ohio’s stand-your-ground law
applies in situations, like the present one, where the conduct occurred prior to the
statute’s effective date of April 6, 2021 but the trial occurred after the effective date.
However, other appellate districts have considered the question and come to
different conclusions. At least four appellate districts –the First, Second, Eighth,
and Ninth- have held that Ohio’s stand your ground law does not apply in situations
where the conduct occurred prior to April 6, 2021. State v. Parker, 1st Dist.
Hamilton No. C-210440, 2022-Ohio-3831, ¶ 7-17; State v. Degahson, 2d Dist. Clark
No. 2021-CA-35, 2022-Ohio-2972, ¶ 14-23, appeal allowed, 168 Ohio St.3d 1457,
2022-Ohio-4617; State v. Barker, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 29227, 2022-Ohio-
3756, ¶ 34-43, appeal not allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1431, 2023-Ohio-381; State v.
Jones, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 29214, 2022-Ohio-3162, ¶ 38-39, appeal not
allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1444, 2023-Ohio-554; State v. Hurt, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 110732, 2022-Ohio-2039, ¶ 54-61, appeal allowed, 168 Ohio St.2d 1457, 2022-
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Case No. 9-22-13
Ohio-4201, appeal dismissed as improvidently accepted, 2023-Ohio-3013; State v.
Miree, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110749, 2022-Ohio-3664, ¶ 69-72, appeal allowed,
169 Ohio St.3d 1430, 2023-Ohio-381; State v. Duncan, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.
110784, 2022-Ohio-3665, ¶ 25-28, appeal allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1430, 2023-
Ohio-381, stay lifted, 171 Ohio St.3d 1464, 2023-Ohio-3697; State v. Hughkeith,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 111647, 2023-Ohio-1217, ¶ 79, appeal not allowed, 170
Ohio St. 3d 1518, 2023-Ohio-2771; State v. Terry, 9th Dist. Summit No. 30137,
2023-Ohio-2234, ¶ 15-30, appeal accepted, 171 Ohio St.3d 1475, 2023-Ohio-3789.
Conversely, several appellate districts, including the Fifth and Eleventh District
Courts of Appeals, have found that the stand-your-ground law applies in situations
where the trial occurs after the effective date of the statute, regardless of when the
underlying conduct occurred. See State v. Robinette, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2021 CA
00124, 2023-Ohio-5, ¶ 51-52; State v. Wagner, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2021-Ohio-L-
101, 2022-Ohio-4051, ¶ 27-28, motion to certify allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1466,
2023-Ohio-773, and appeal allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1467, 2023-Ohio-773. The
question of whether R.C. 2901.09, as amended to eliminate the duty to retreat for
self-defense, applies to trial held after the effective date of the act, regardless of the
date of the offense, is currently pending in the Supreme Court of Ohio. State v.
Duncan, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110784, 2022-Ohio-3665, ¶ 25-30, appeal
allowed, 169 Ohio St.3d 1430, 2023-Ohio-381, stay lifted, 170 Ohio St.3d 1518,
2023-Ohio-2771.
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{¶85} “A statute may not be applied retroactively unless the General
Assembly expressly makes it retroactive.” State v. Brooks, 170 Ohio St.3d 1, 2022-
Ohio-2478, ¶ 10, citing Hyle v. Porter, 117 Ohio St.3d 165, 2008-Ohio-542, ¶ 9.
“A statute is presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made
retrospective.” R.C. 1.48; Brooks at ¶ 9. “To overcome the presumption that the
statute applies prospectively, it must ‘clearly proclaim its retroactive application.’”
Barker at ¶ 38, quoting Hyle at ¶10. However, even “when the legislature has made
a statute expressly retroactive, the determination whether that statute is
unconstitutionally retroactive in violation of the Ohio Constitution depends on
whether it is ‘remedial’ or ‘substantive’—if the law is ‘remedial,’ then its retroactive
application is constitutional; if the law is substantive, then its retroactive application
is unconstitutional.” Brooks at ¶ 10, citing Van Fossen v. Babcock & Wilcox Co.,
36 Ohio St.3d 100, 106-108 (1988), superseded by statute on other grounds as
stated in Hannah v. Dayton Power & Light Co., 82 Ohio St.3d 482, 484 (1998).
“[L]aws affecting rights * * * are substantive in nature.” Id.{¶86} After reviewing the relevant appellate decisions that have addressed
the issue, we are persuaded by the reasoning of the First, Second, Eighth, and Ninth
appellate districts who have found that the amendments to R.C. 2901.09(B) are
substantive in nature, and, accordingly, do not apply retroactively. See, e.g., Parker
at ¶ 17; Dagahson at ¶ 19; Terry at ¶ 30. In addition to the sound reasoning adopted
by these appellate districts, we note that the preamble to S.B. 175 specifically states
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the purpose of the act is to “expand the locations at which a person has no duty to
retreat before using force under both civil and criminal law.” (Emphasis added.)
We find this language to be an acknowledgement of the General Assembly’s intent
to create a substantive right through the amendment to R.C. 2901.09.
{¶87} Thus, we find that the trial court did not err by determining that Ohio’s
stand-your-ground law was not applicable to the instant case.
{¶88} Green’s second assignment of error is overruled.
{¶89} In his third assignment of error, Green argues that, even under the
former statute, the trial court erred by instructing the jury that Green had an on-
going duty to retreat. Green contends that the testimony established that he
attempted unsuccessfully to flee from from McGhee twice, and, accordingly, had
no duty to retreat as long as he reasonably believed he was in imminent danger of
bodily harm and deadly force was his only escape. Green also argues that because
his mother, who he was allegedly protecting, was still inside the house, he did not
have a duty to retreat.
{¶90} However, the State presented evidence at trial which indicates that
Green stood outside of the residence at 126 S. Seffner Ave., with a firearm, and
waited for McGhee to exit the house and then engaged him. Moreover, the State’s
evidence demonstrated that Green shot McGhee on a public sidewalk, which is
outside the privilege of defending one’s home.
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{¶91} We likewise find Green’s argument that he had no duty to retreat
because his mother had no duty to retreat to be unavailing. Floyd testified that she
succeeded in removing McGhee from her home. Although she was still in the house
at the time of the shooting, she was in the process of trying to locate her shoes so
that she could follow McGhee outside when he was shot by Green.
{¶92} Accordingly, we do not find that the trial court erred by instructing the
jury that McGhee had an ongoing duty to retreat.
Fourth Assignment of Error
Ziair was deprived of his right to the effective assistance of
counsel. Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments, U.S. Constitution;
Article I, Sections 10 and 16, Ohio Constitution.
{¶93} In his fourth assignment of error, Green argues that he was denied the
effective assistance of counsel. Specifically, Green contends that his trial counsel
was ineffective for failing to propose a “stand-your-ground” jury instruction despite
the trial court’s decision that such a jury instruction did not apply in the instant case.
He also argues his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to ask Green about
specific instances of the victim’s prior violent conduct.
{¶94} “In criminal proceedings, a defendant has the right to effective
assistance of counsel under both the United States and Ohio Constitutions.” State
v. Evick, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2019-05-010, 2020-Ohio-3072, ¶ 45. A
defendant asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel must establish: (1)
counsel’s performance was deficient or unreasonable under the circumstances; and
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(2) the deficient performance prejudiced the defendant. State v. Kole, 92 Ohio St.3d
303, 306 (2001), citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052
(1984). In order to show counsel’s conduct was deficient or unreasonable, the
defendant must overcome the presumption that counsel provided competent
representation and must show that counsel’s actions were not trial strategies
prompted by reasonable professional judgment. Strickland at 689. Counsel is
entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions fall within the wide range of
reasonable professional assistance. State v. Sallie, 81 Ohio St.3d 673, 675 (1998).
Tactical or strategic decisions, even if unsuccessful, do not generally constitute
ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Frazier, 61 Ohio St.3d 247, 255 (1991).
Rather, the errors complained of must amount to a substantial violation of counsel’s
essential duties to his client. See State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 141-142
(1989).
{¶95} Prejudice results when “‘there is a reasonable probability that, but for
counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been
different.’” Bradley at 142, quoting Strickland at 694. “‘A reasonable probability
is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.’” Id., quoting
Strickland at 694.
{¶96} Turning to Green’s argument, we focus entirely on the prejudice prong
of the ineffective-assistance-of-counsel test. See State v. Crawford, 3d Dist. Henry
No. 7-20-05, 2021-Ohio-547, ¶ 18 (“If the appellant does not establish one of [the
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prongs of the test], the appellate court does not need to consider the facts of the case
under the other prong of the test.”). Green contends he received ineffective
assistance of counsel due to his trial counsel’s alleged failure to propose a stand-
your-ground jury instruction despite the trial court’s decision that the jury
instruction did not apply in the instant case and for failing to ask Green about
specific instances of McGhee’s prior violent conduct. However, in his appellant’s
brief, Green concedes that those actions by his trial counsel would likely have been
“futile.” (Appellant’s Brief at 31-32). See Crawford at ¶ 20, quoting State v.
Witherspoon, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 94475, 2011-Ohio-704, ¶ 33 (“‘[T]he failure
to do a futile act cannot be the basis for claims of ineffective assistance of counsel
and is not prejudicial.’”). We agree with counsel’s assessment that such acts by trial
counsel would have been futile. Furthermore, Green fails to argue specifically how
his trial counsel’s alleged shortcomings prejudiced him. Accordingly, we do not
find that Green established that his trial counsel was ineffective.
{¶97} Green’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
Fifth Assignment of Error
Alternatively, the jury’s verdict that Ziair did not act in defense
of self or another was against the manifest weight of the evidence
presented. Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, U.S. Constitution;
Article I, Section 10 and 16, Ohio Constitution.
{¶98} In his fifth assignment of error, Green argues that his convictions are
against the manifest weight of the evidence. Specifically, Green contends that the
greater weight of credible evidence established that he acted in self-defense.
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Standard for Manifest-Weight Review
{¶99} In determining whether a conviction is against the manifest weight of
the evidence, a reviewing court must examine the entire record, “‘weigh[] the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider[] the credibility of witnesses and
determine[] whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the [trier of fact] clearly
lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction
must be reversed and a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380,
387 (1997), 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.
State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 231 (1967). 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.
Green’s Convictions
{¶100} Green was convicted of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(B),
which provides that:
No person shall cause the death of another as a proximate result of the
offender’s committing or attempting to commit an offense of violence
that is a felony of the first or second degree and that is not a violation
of [R.C. 2903.03 or 2903.04].
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{¶101} Here, Green was convicted of shooting and killing McGhee as the
proximate result of committing or attempting to commit the offense of felonious
assault pursuant to R.C. 2903.11(A)(1) upon McGhee.
{¶102} R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), which codifies the offense of felonious assault,
provides, in pertinent part that “[n]o person shall knowingly * * * [c]ause serious
physical harm to another * * *.” “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.” R.C. 2901.22(B).
{¶103} Green attempted to assert a self-defense claim as to all allegations.
R.C. 2901.05(B)(1), states as follows:
A person is allowed to act in self-defense, defense of another, or
defense of that person’s residence. 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, defense of another, or
defense of that person’s residence, the prosecution must 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.
{¶104} “Under R.C. 2901.05(A) and (B)(1), a defendant claiming self-
defense has the burden of production—that is, the burden of producing evidence
that ‘tends to support’ his use of force in defending himself.” State v. Estelle, 3d
Dist. Allen No. 1-20-50, 2021-Ohio-2636, ¶ 18. “Under the current version of R.C.
2901.05, if evidence is presented ‘that tends to support’ that the defendant used the
force in self-defense, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
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accused did not act in self-defense.” (Emphasis sic.) State v. Flory, 3d Dist. Van
Wert No. 15-20-02, 2020-Ohio-5136, ¶ 43. Accordingly, “the burden of proof for
* * * self-defense has shifted to the state,” but “the burden of production for * * *
self-defense[ ] remains with the defendant.” (Emphasis sic.) State v. Messenger,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 19AP-879, 2021-Ohio-2044, ¶ 44.
{¶105} “The elements of self-defense differ depending on whether the
defendant used deadly or non-deadly force to defend himself.” State v. Eddy, 3d
Dist. Allen No. 1-22-17, 2022-Ohio-3965, ¶ 14. “The use of a gun constitutes the
use of deadly force.” State v. Dale, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 2012 CA 20, 2013-
Ohio-2229, ¶ 15.
{¶106} The elements of a self-defense claim are:
(1) that the defendant was not at fault in creating the situation giving
rise to the affray; (2) that the defendant has a bona fide belief that he
[or she] was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and
that his [or her] only means of escape from such danger was in the use
of such force; and (3) that the defendant did not violate any duty to
retreat or avoid the danger.
State v. Messenger, 171 Ohio St.3d 227, 2022-Ohio-4562, ¶ 14, quoting State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 24 (2002).
{¶107} “[T]he State must ‘disprove at least one of the elements of self-
defense beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Passmore, 3d Dist. Hancock No. 5-
22-39, 2023-Ohio-3209, ¶ 29, quoting State v. Carney, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
19AP-402, 2020-Ohio-2691, ¶ 31. “The elements of self-defense are cumulative,
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and a defendant’s claim of self-defense fails if any one of the elements is not
present.” State v. Ridley, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-210458, 2022-Ohio-2561, ¶ 15.
Analysis: Manifest Weight of the Evidence
{¶108} In support of his argument that his murder conviction is against the
manifest weight of the evidence, Green argues the State’s eyewitness, Mosley, “was
biased” and “offered inconsistent and unreliable testimony.” (Appellant’s Brief at
32-33). On the other hand, Green argues that “he testified consistently and without
contradiction [that] he had a bona fide belief that he and his mother were in
imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.” (Id. at 33). However, upon
review of the record, we do not conclude that the jury’s witness-credibility
determinations were unreasonable in light of the evidence presented at trial.
{¶109} At trial, Mosley, McGhee’s fiancée at the time of his death, testified
that on January 18, 2021, she spent the day with McGhee in Columbus. (Feb. 1-10,
2022 Tr. at 748-749). After they returned to Marion, they visited a friend’s house
to watch a sporting game and relax. (Id. at 749-750). Later in the night, McGhee
drove himself and Mosley to Floyd’s house. (Id. at 751-752). When they arrived
at the house, McGhee entered through the unlocked front door while Mosley
remained in the vehicle. (Id. at 753-754). McGhee left the keys in the ignition and
the driver-side vehicle door open. (Id. at 758, 789); (State’s Ex. 36).
{¶110} Shortly thereafter, Mosley observed Green exit the house through the
side door. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 755). According to Mosley, Green walked up to
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the driver’s-side door and told Mosley, “You all got four minutes to pull off, or I’m
going to shoot * * * that bitch up.” (Id. at 759). Mosley testified that when Green
referenced “shooting it up” that he held up a gun for Mosley to see. (Id. at 760).
Then, Green returned inside the house. (Id. at 761).
{¶111} Mosley testified that Green’s actions prompted her to get out of the
vehicle and walk to the front of the house to retrieve McGhee. (Id. at 760). When
Mosley approached the front door, the front door was open but the screen door was
closed, and Green was pacing back and forth at the bottom of the stairs holding the
gun. (Id. at 761). Mosley claims that when she reached for the screen door to enter
the house, Green said, “You ain’t coming in here, because all this is because of you.”
(Id. at 763). Mosley stated this interaction prompted her to walk back down the
front steps, return to the car, and try to locate her phone. (Id.). As Mosley searched
for her phone that had fallen between the vehicle’s seats due to her shaking hands,
Green again approached the vehicle, pointed the gun at her and told her that he
should shoot her because this was all because of her. (Id. at 766-767). Then, Green
moved to the driver’s-side door, pointed the gun at her again, and said, “I should
shoot you. I should kill your ass, because all of this is because of you.” (Id. at 767).
Then, Mosley recalled that Green went toward the side of the house near Center
Street. (Id. at 768).
{¶112} Shortly thereafter, Mosley looked up from praying and saw McGhee
and Floyd coming out the front door of the house. (Id.). At the time Mosley looked
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up, Floyd was on the porch and McGhee was midway down the front steps. (Id. at
768-769). Mosley stated that McGhee looked like he was going to walk toward her,
but then he took a step toward the sidewalk and pivoted toward Center Street where
Green was standing. (Id. at 769). Then, Mosley heard McGhee say, “But you a
child.” (Id.). Mosley looked and saw Green standing with a gun pointed at
McGhee. (Id.). Mosley did not hear Green reply. (Id.). Then she heard two shots.
(Id.). Upon hearing the shots, Mosley opened the car door and lay down in the
snow. (Id.). After she hit the ground, Mosley heard McGhee say, “Well, you think
I’m scared of you because you got a gun?” (Id. at 770). Then, Mosley testified that
she heard five to six more shots. (Id.). When Mosley looked back up, she saw
McGhee pivot back toward Mosley, grab his chest, and fall to the ground. (Id.).
She observed Green running toward Center Street. (Id. at 773). Shortly thereafter,
Mosley saw Floyd run out of the house and toward McGhee. (Id. at 770-771). Then,
Mosley located a phone in the vehicle and called the police. (Id. at 771-772).
{¶113} Mosley admitted that, initially, she told the police that she did not see
who shot McGhee. (Id. at 774-775). However, shortly after Mosley left the house
that evening, she called the police and told them that she saw who shot McGhee and
was willing to give the police a statement regarding what she had seen. (Id. at 776-
777). Mosley testified that the reason she initially did not tell the officers who shot
McGhee was that Green was on the run and Mosley was concerned for the safety of
her children. (Id. at 775-776). Mosley further stated that she had been with McGhee
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the entire day and did not see him with a weapon at any time throughout the day.
(Id. at 778).
{¶114} On cross-examination, Mosley, who was incarcerated at the time of
the trial, testified she has also been convicted of several crimes in the past including
several counts of theft and a count of obstructing official business. (Feb. 1-10, 2022
Tr. at 747-748, 797-801). Mosley also specified to McGhee’s path of travel after
leaving the house. (Id. at 813). Mosley stated that if McGhee had turned left at the
bottom of the front steps, it would have been a direct path to his vehicle. (Id. at 813-
814). She stated that when McGhee walked down the stairs, he pivoted left toward
the car, then, when McGhee noticed Green, he turned toward Green. (Id. at 814).
However, he never took steps from that point. (Id. at 814-815).
{¶115} Floyd, Green’s mother, was called as a court’s witness at the request
of the State. (Id. at 835). Floyd testified that on January 18, 2021, she and McGhee
had been exchanging messages throughout the day, and that there was some
discussion of Floyd sending McGhee a sexual video accompanying a text that said,
“I have something special for you. Good night.” (Id. at 836-837). Floyd testified
that McGhee arrived at her home at approximately 10:35 p.m. and that he was lying
shot on the sidewalk by 10:40 p.m. (Id. at 837).
{¶116} Floyd stated that when McGhee arrived at the home, he came up to
her room, where she was lying in bed, and pulled the covers off her. (Feb. 1-10,
2022 Tr. at 841). Floyd stated that she and McGhee argued, and at some point,
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McGhee left to go outside. (Id. at 854). Floyd stated that she wanted to follow
McGhee out of the house, but she was unable to locate her shoes. (Id.). She was on
the porch attempting to locate her shoes when she heard approximately three to four
gunshots. (Id. at 855). She looked up and saw McGhee fall to the ground and Green
run away from the scene. (Id.). Floyd testified that she ran out of the house to
McGhee’s side. (Id.).
{¶117} Floyd stated she initially told officers she did not know what
happened, when in fact, it was her son, Green, who shot McGhee. (Id. at 837-838).
However, a little more than an hour after the shooting, she admitted to one of the
officers at the scene that Green was the one who shot McGhee. (Id. at 857).
{¶118} Floyd stated that she and McGhee were married in 2009 but had
ended their relationship by October 2020 and McGhee was no longer living at her
home at 126 S. Seffner Ave. on January 18, 2021. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 862).
Floyd confirmed that, although they were not currently together, she and McGhee
maintained communication and continued having an intimate relationship. (Id. at
863-864).
{¶119} On cross-examination, Floyd provided more detail regarding the
altercation she had with McGhee on January 18, 2021. She stated Floyd pulled the
covers off her and she got up and flipped on the lights. (Id. at 869, 871). Then, she
and Floyd began to argue. (Id. at 872). At some point, McGhee choked Floyd up
against the refrigerator in her room. (Id. at 872, 874, 878); (Defendant’s Ex. A).
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Floyd stated she was fearful when McGhee grabbed her by the throat and slammed
her against the wall. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 879).
{¶120} Floyd recalled that Green came upstairs and told McGhee, “[H]e
better not put his hands on his momma no more.” (Id.). Floyd stated that she told
Green, “I’ll take care of it.” (Id.). She stated she was in fear for Green and wanted
to get Green out of the confrontation between her and McGhee. (Id.). According
to Floyd, Green then went downstairs. (Id.).
{¶121} Floyd and Green continued their argument in Floyd’s bedroom, and
Floyd instructed McGhee to “get out” of the house. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 880).
McGhee went down the stairs with Floyd following him. (Id.). According to Floyd,
McGhee saw Green in the bathroom off the kitchen and went toward Green. (Id.).
She stated that McGhee asked Green, “What you gonna do, bitch?” (Id. at 884-
885). However, Floyd jumped in between McGhee and Green. (Id. at 885). Floyd
stated that she was in fear for her son because McGhee has a reputation for violence.
(Id. at 885-886). Floyd recalled that after she jumped between McGhee and Green,
Green exited the house through the side door off the kitchen. (Id. at 886-887).
{¶122} Floyd stated that she continued to argue with McGhee and told him
to “[l]eave” and “[g]et out.” (Id. at 887). She stated that McGhee did not yell back
at her. (Id.). However, McGhee pinned Floyd against the staircase by her throat.
(Id. at 887-888). In response, Floyd grabbed McGhee’s shirt and kicked him in the
midsection to get him off her. (Id. at 891). Floyd stated that the choking lasted for
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approximately two to three seconds. (Id.). Then, Floyd stated she shoved McGhee
out the front door. (Id. at 892).
{¶123} Floyd recalled that when McGhee reached the bottom of the front
porch steps, he immediately turned right. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 893). Floyd stated
she did not hear any of the words McGhee said to Green. (Id. at 894). Floyd testified
she has never known McGhee to carry a gun. (Id. at 898).
{¶124} Floyd admitted she initially told law enforcement officers that
McGhee did not hit her at all on January 18, 2021. (Id. at 896, 901). However, she
later stated that she and McGhee entered into a physical altercation that night. (Id.
at 897). She stated the reason she initially denied being hit by McGhee was that in
the immediate aftermath of the altercation she was “frantic” and “not thinking
straight.” (Id. at 896). Defendant’s Exhibits K and L, photographs which depict
Floyd on the evening of January 18, 2021 were introduced at trial. (Id. at 895-896);
(Defendant’s Exs. K, L). The photographs depict Floyd with a small mark on her
lip. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 896); (Defendant’s Exs. K, L).
{¶125} Green also took the stand in his own defense. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr.
at 1246). He testified that on January 18, 2021, he was at his home at 126 S. Seffner
Ave. when McGhee entered the house without knocking. (Id. at 1248). According
to Green, McGhee was acting “[a]ggressive” and yelled at Green asking him where
his mother was. (Id. at 1248-1249). McGhee then went upstairs and Green
remained in the living room despite knowing that his mother was upstairs in her
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bedroom. (Id. at 1249). Green stated that he did not try to stop McGhee from
coming to Floyd’s room because he knew they were just going to argue because
they “do it all the time.” (Id.).
{¶126} According to Green, he eventually went to the bottom of the stairs to
monitor if things escalated further than arguing because McGhee “beat [his] mother
before.” (Id. at 1249-1250). While he waited at the bottom of the stairs, he heard
his mother screaming and loud banging against the walls which prompted him to go
upstairs to his mother’s room. (Id. at 1250). Green testified that when he entered
the room, he witnessed McGhee choking his mom. (Id. at 1250-1251). Green stated
he told McGhee to keep his hands off Floyd and asked McGhee to leave three times.
(Id.).
{¶127} Green stated that his actions in defense of his mom prompted
McGhee to turn his attention to him. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1251) Green testified
that he ran downstairs and locked himself in the bathroom off the kitchen. (Id.).
According to Green, he ran because McGhee “has always been violent” and he was
afraid of McGhee. (Id. at 1251-1252). McGhee allegedly followed Green
downstairs and started kicking and banging on the bathroom door in an apparent
effort to enter the bathroom. (Id. at 1252). Green stated that when the banging
stopped, he opened the door to see where McGhee was located. (Id.).
{¶128} When he did not see McGhee near the bathroom door, he exited the
bathroom into the kitchen, where he saw McGhee and Floyd arguing. (Id. at 1252-
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1253). Then, McGhee approached Green, grabbed him by his shirt, and threw him
against the wall and onto the floor. (Id. at 1253). Green stated that, at this point,
Floyd intervened and got in between Green and McGhee. (Id. at 1254). According
to Green, Floyd grabbed an air freshener and sprayed McGhee in the face with it,
causing McGhee to fall. (Id.).
{¶129} Green testified that when McGhee fell to the ground, “[t]he gun came
out of his possession.” (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1254). Green stated he picked up
the gun and ran outside. (Id. at 1255). When he got outside, Green stated that he
approached the front of McGhee’s vehicle and asked Mosley for help, which she
did not render. (Id. at 1255-1256). He denied threatening Mosley or showing her
the gun. (Id. at 1257). Then, he stated that he stood by the north side of the front
steps, towards Center Street. (Id. at 1256). Green explained that he did not run
because he “couldn’t leave [Floyd] in danger.” (Id. at 1257). Green expounded that
he did not know what was happening to Floyd inside the house. (Id.).
{¶130} According to Green, McGhee exited the house, came down the stairs,
and “started coming after [Green].” (Id. at 1257-1258). Green stated that when
McGhee came down the stairs, based on McGhee’s body language, Green believed
that McGhee was still “angry and mad.” (Id. at 1258). Green stated that after
McGhee turned right, McGhee “started charging at [him].” (Id.). Green then fired
two “warning shots” in the air to warn McGhee that if he continued to threaten him,
Green had a right to defend himself. (Id. at 1258-1259). McGhee then said, “You
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think I’m scared because you have a gun?” (Id. at 1259). Green testified that he
did not feel that he could run at this point, because he did not want to leave his
mother, who was still in the house, in danger. (Id.).
{¶131} Green testified that after Green fired the warning shots, McGhee kept
coming after him. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1259). So, he pointed the gun at McGhee,
pulled the trigger, and fired two shots toward McGhee. (Id.). However, Green
denied that he intended for the shots to hit McGhee. (Id. at 1259-1260). He further
denied that he intended to kill McGhee. (Id. at 1260).
{¶132} After firing the second round of shots, Green observed McGhee fall
to the ground. (Id.). Green stated that he then dropped the gun, left it at the scene,
and ran toward Center Street. (Id.). He spent the next several days on the run before
turning himself in. (Id.).
{¶133} On cross-examination, Green clarified he was in fear of his safety
and the safety of his mother. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 1262-1263). Green stated he
knew he shot McGhee, yet he still ran away. (Id. at 1264). He denied he knew that
he wounded McGhee gravely; rather, he thought maybe he “just nicked him.” (Id.).
Further, he admitted that although he claimed to fear for his mother’s safety, he did
not return to the house to check on her well-being after he shot McGhee. (Id.).
Rather, he ran away. (Id.).
{¶134} Green explained that when he approached Mosley for help, he did
not yell “help” at any time. (Id. at 1265). Nor did Green attempt to elicit help from
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any of the neighbors or the fire station that he ran past during his flight from the
scene. (Id. at 1265-1267).
{¶135} Furthermore, Green stated that when McGhee left the house and
came down the stairs, he knew McGhee was unarmed. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at
1270). Green admitted that before McGhee did anything rather than walk down the
steps, Green had decided to shoot off some warning shots. (Id.). However, he
denied that the purpose of the warning shots was to intimidate McGhee. (Id.).
{¶136} Green argues the jury’s verdict is against the weight of the evidence
because Green was allegedly a more credible witness than Mosley. However, “[a]
verdict is not against the manifest weight of the evidence because the finder of fact
chose to believe the State’s [evidence] rather than the defendant’s version of the
events.” State v. Martinez, 9th Dist. Wayne No. 12CA0054, 2013-Ohio-3189, ¶ 16.
“‘Although we review credibility when considering the manifest weight of the
evidence, the credibility of witnesses is primarily a determination for the trier of
fact.’” State v. Cox, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2-21-15, 2022-Ohio-571, ¶ 20, quoting
State v. Banks, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 96535, 2011-Ohio-5671, ¶ 13, citing
DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d, at paragraph one of the syllabus. “‘The trier of fact is best
able “to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures[,] and voice
inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the proferred
testimony.”’” State v. Brentley, 3d Dist. Allen Nos. 1-22-61 and 1-22-60, 2023-
Ohio-2530 ¶ 33, quoting Banks at ¶ 13, quoting State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382,
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2007-Ohio-2202, ¶ 24, citing Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d
77, 80-81 (1984).
{¶137} Additionally, the evidence presented could have led a reasonable jury
to conclude that Green’s decision to shoot McGhee was not reasonable and was not
based on an honest belief in the need for self-defense. Specifically, the testimony
presented at trial could have led the jury to conclude that Green left the house,
threatened to kill Mosley and McGhee, and then chose to reengage McGhee as
McGhee attempted to leave 126 S. Seffner Ave.
{¶138} Furthermore, Green’s testimony was, at many points, inconsistent
with the testimony of Floyd, Mosley, and other witnesses. For instance, Green
contends McGhee brought the gun to the house and dropped it in the kitchen.
However, Mosley, who spent the day with McGhee, stated that that he did not have
a weapon of any kind on his person. Furthermore, Floyd stated that she had never
known McGhee to carry a firearm. Moreover, Green’s testimony that he left the
gun at the scene, on the sidewalk, is not consistent with the testimony of the other
witnesses or the physical evidence left at the scene. Despite Green’s insistence that
he left the gun on the sidewalk, it was never recovered, in spite of multiple law
enforcement officers combing the property for physical evidence, including bullets
and bullet casings.
{¶139} Green also denied shooting the gun more than four times. However,
this testimony is inconsistent with the testimony of multiple neighbors and witnesses
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who testified to hearing approximately six to eight gunshots. Furthermore,
surveillance video from a neighbor’s home was introduced as State’s Exhibit 87 and
was played for the jury. (Feb. 1-10, 2022 Tr. at 445-448). In the video, eight
popping sounds were heard. (Id. at 448); (State’s Ex. 87).
{¶140} Accordingly, after reviewing the evidence, we find that a reasonable
jury could have found that Green did not act in self-defense.
{¶141} Green’s fifth assignment of error is overruled.
Sixth Assignment of Error
Ziair’s statutory and due process rights were violated when he
was criminally indicted and convicted on a charge and
specifications that were never filed in or transferred from the
Marion County Juvenile Court. R.C. 2152.12; Fifth and
Fourteenth Amendments, U.S. Constitution; Article I, Section 16,
Ohio Constitution.
{¶142} In his sixth assignment of error, Green argues that his statutory and
due process rights were violated when he was indicted and convicted on a murder
charge and specifications in Marion County Common Pleas Court that were not filed
in or transferred from the Marion County Juvenile Court.
{¶143} On January 19, 2021, Green, then 17 years old, was charged in a two-
count complaint in the family division of the Marion County Court of Common
Pleas (“the juvenile court”). Green was charged with Count One of murder in
violation of R.C. 2903.02(A) (“purposeful murder”) and Count Two of aggravated
murder in violation of R.C. 2903.01(A), both unclassified felonies if committed by
an adult.
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{¶144} The State sought transfer of Green’s case from the juvenile court to
the general division of the common pleas court. On February 11, 2021, a probable
cause hearing was held and the juvenile court judge found that the State had
established probable cause to believe that Green had committed the acts related to
both counts. The trial court found that bindover was mandatory pursuant to R.C.
2152.12. Accordingly, the matter was transferred to the Marion County Common
Pleas Court, General Division (“the adult court”).
{¶145} On February 24, 2021, the Marion County Grand Jury indicted Green
on three counts: Count One of murder in violation of RC. 2903.02(A), an
unclassified felony; Count Two of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(B) (“felony
murder”), an unclassified felony; and Count Three of felonious assault in violation
of R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), a second-degree felony. Additionally, each of the counts
contained a three-year firearm specification pursuant to R.C. 2941.145 and R.C.
2929.14(D). Relative hereto, Counts Two and Three, and the accompanying firearm
specifications, were not among the charges in the complaint filed in the juvenile
court.
{¶146} Green argues that the trial court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction
over Counts Two and Three because they were not charged in the complaint filed
in juvenile court, and accordingly, the juvenile court did not issue findings of
probable cause for those offenses. Green argues that because the juvenile court
never found probable cause for the offenses of felony murder and felonious assault,
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the juvenile court never transferred, and the adult court never acquired, subject-
matter jurisdiction over those offenses. Notably, those charges and their attendant
specifications were the only charges that resulted in convictions.
{¶147} In support of his argument, Green relies primarily on the Supreme
Court of Ohio’s decision in State v. Smith, 167 Ohio St.3d 423, 2022-Ohio-274. In
that decision, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that “[a] finding of probable cause is
a jurisdictional prerequisite under R.C. 2152.12 to transferring a child to adult court
for prosecution for an act charged.” (Emphasis added.) Smith at ¶ 44. In Smith,
the State brought criminal charges against a juvenile in adult court for acts that the
juvenile court determined were unsupported by probable cause in addition to acts
that the juvenile court found were supported by probable cause. Id. at ¶ 11-12. The
Supreme Court of Ohio held that the trial court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to
convict Smith, a juvenile offender, “for any acts charged for which no probable
cause has been found by a juvenile court.” Id. at ¶ 42. Accordingly, the Supreme
Court held that the adult court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over the counts and
specifications that the trial court determined were not supported by probable cause.
Specifically, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that “because the juvenile court found
that the acts related to those counts and specifications were not supported by
probable cause and thus the juvenile court could not have made an amenability
determination with regard to those acts.” Id. at ¶ 43. Therefore, the Supreme Court
of Ohio concluded there was a “jurisdictional defect in the bindover process.” Id.
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{¶148} However, Smith is distinguishable from the instant case. Here, the
juvenile court made a finding of probable cause as to all the counts charged in and
bound over from the juvenile court (purposeful murder and aggravated murder). By
contrast, in Smith, the juvenile court specifically found no probable cause for several
counts that were subsequently charged in adult court. See State v. Strickland, 10th
Dist. Franklin No. 22AP-329, 2023-Ohio-1252, ¶ 27.
{¶149} Significantly, subsequent to the decision in Smith and the time for
filing of briefs in the instant case, the Supreme Court of Ohio decided State v. Burns,
170 Ohio St.3d 57, 2022-Ohio-4606, in which the issue was “whether the state must
prove in juvenile court that there is probable cause to believe that a juvenile
committed every act charged before the juvenile may be indicted for those acts in
adult court.” Burns at ¶ 1. The Supreme Court held that “an adult court is not
necessarily limited to considering only the specific acts bound over from the
juvenile court.” Id. at ¶ 12. The Court explained as follows:
We acknowledge that, generally, a grand jury is empowered to return
an indictment on any charges supported by the facts submitted to it.
See State v. Adams, 69 Ohio St.2d 120, 431 N.E.2d 326 (1982),
paragraph two of the syllabus, superseded by statute on other grounds
as stated in State v. D.W, 133 Ohio St.3d 434, 2012-Ohio-4544, 978
N.E.2d 894. But a grand jury may not consider additional charges
arising from a different course of conduct or events that have not been
properly bound over by the juvenile court. State v. Weaver, 6th Dist.
Lucas No. L-18-1078, 2019-Ohio-2477, 2019 WL 2564126, ¶ 14
(citing cases from several Ohio appellate districts). This means that a
case transferred from a juvenile court may result in new indicted
charges in the adult court when the new charges are rooted in the acts
that were the subject of the juvenile complaint but were not
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specifically named in the individual acts transferred. Id.; Smith, 167
Ohio St.3d 423, 2022-Ohio-274, 194 N.E.3d 297, at ¶ 35.
Id. at ¶ 13.
{¶150} The Supreme Court then affirmed the defendant’s convictions on
Counts 45 and 46, which were not charged in the juvenile-court complaint, but were
charged in the grand jury indictment. Id. The Court reasoned that although those
specific charges were not filed in the juvenile complaint, they were “based on
conduct that occurred on or about February 7, 2018—conduct that was in the
juvenile complaint against Burns.” Id.
{¶151} Likewise, in the instant case, Counts Two and Three of the
indictment, and their accompanying firearm specifications, are based on conduct
that occurred on January 18, 2021, conduct that was in the juvenile complaint
against Green. Accordingly, we find that the adult court had subject-matter
jurisdiction with respect to those counts.
{¶152} Green’s sixth assignment of error is overruled.
Seventh Assignment of Error
Ziair was deprived of his constitutional rights because Ohio’s
mandatory transfer statutes violate due process guarantees. Fifth
and Fourteenth Amendments, U.S. Constitution; Article I,
Sections 10 and 16, Ohio Constitution.
{¶153} In his seventh assignment of error, Green argues that Ohio’s
mandatory transfer statutes violate juvenile offenders’ due process rights because
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the mandatory-transfer statutes do not permit an individualized assessment of the
juvenile.
{¶154} In support of his argument, Green relies on the Supreme Court of
Ohio’s decision in State v. Aalim, 150 Ohio St.3d 463, 2016-Ohio-8278 (“Aalim I”),
which held that “the mandatory transfer of juveniles to a general division of a
common pleas court violates juveniles’ right to due process” because it does not
require “individual consideration at amenability hearings before being transferred
from the protections of juvenile court to adult court upon a finding of probable cause
for certain offenses.” Aalim I at ¶ 24, 31. However, the Supreme Court of Ohio
granted reconsideration, and in State v. Aalim, 150 Ohio St.3d 489, 2017-Ohio-2956(“Aalim II”), vacated its decision in Aalim I and held that the mandatory bindover
of certain juveniles to adult court pursuant to R.C. 2152.10(A)(2)(b) and
2151.12(A)(1)(b) does not violate the juvenile offender’s due process or equal
protection rights. Aalim II at ¶ 4, 38.
{¶155} Specifically, the Aalim II Court determined that Aalim’s mandatory
bindover “satisfied the requirements of ‘fundamental fairness’” required by the
Ohio and federal due process clauses because Aalim had a hearing before a juvenile-
court judge to determine his age at the time of the offenses and that probable cause
existed to believe that Aalim committed the conduct alleged in the juvenile
complaint before the case was transferred from juvenile court to adult court. Aalim
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II at ¶ 27. The Supreme Court noted that Aalim was represented by counsel at this
hearing and had a parent present. Id.{¶156} Here, like in Aalim II, Green was represented by counsel at a hearing
in front of the juvenile court where that court determined that the State met its
burden of demonstrating there was probable cause that Green committed the acts
alleged in the juvenile-court complaint. It was only following this hearing that the
matter was transferred from the juvenile court to the adult court. Accordingly, we
find that Green has failed to show that his mandatory bindover violated his right to
due process or that Ohio’s mandatory-bindover statutes facially violate the right to
due process. See Aalim II at ¶ 27.
{¶157} Green’s seventh assignment of error is overruled.
Eighth Assignment of Error
The cumulative effect of the errors in this case deprived Ziair of
his right to a fair trial. Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, U.S.
Constitution; Article I, Sections 10 and 16, Ohio Constitution.
{¶158} In his eighth assignment of error, Green summarily argues that he
was deprived of a fair trial due to the cumulative effect of the alleged errors outlined
in his other seven assignments of error. We disagree.
{¶159} Under the cumulative-error doctrine, “a conviction will be reversed
when the cumulative effect of errors in a trial deprives a defendant of a fair trial
even though each of the numerous instances of trial court error does not individually
constitute cause for reversal.” State v. Spencer, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-13-50, 2015-
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Case No. 9-22-13
Ohio-52, ¶ 83. “To find cumulative error, a court must first find multiple errors
committed at trial and determine that there is a reasonable probability that the
outcome below would have been different but for the combination of the harmless
errors.” In re J.M., 3d Dist. Putnam No. 12-11-06, 2012-Ohio-1467, ¶ 36. Here,
we have not found that the trial court committed any errors that were not harmless,
let alone, multiple errors. Therefore, the cumulative-error doctrine does not apply.
See State v. Jamison, 9th Dist. Summit No. 27664, 2016-Ohio-5122, ¶ 40, abrogated
on other grounds, State v. Haynes, 171 Ohio St.3d 508, 2022-Ohio-4473 (“If there
[are] not multiple errors, * * * the cumulative error doctrine does not apply.”); State
v. Carpenter, 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-18-16, 2019-Ohio-58, ¶ 104, citing State v.
Bertuzzi, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-13-12, 2014-Ohio-5093, ¶ 110.
{¶160} Green’s eighth assignment of error is overruled.
Conclusion
{¶161} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the
particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the Marion County Court
of Common Pleas.
Judgment Affirmed
WILLAMOWSKI and WALDICK, J.J., concur.
/eks
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