Jassen Barnes v. State ( 2014 )

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas
MEMORANDUM OPINION
No. 04-13-00346-CR
Jassen BARNES,
Appellant
v.
The
The STATE of Texas,
Appellee
From the 186th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas
Trial Court No. 2011CR9420
Honorable Maria Teresa Herr, Judge Presiding
Opinion by: Sandee Bryan Marion, Justice
Sitting: Sandee Bryan Marion, Justice
Marialyn Barnard, Justice
Luz Elena D. Chapa, Justice
Delivered and Filed: December 10, 2014
AFFIRMED
A jury found appellant, Jassen Barnes, guilty of murder and sentenced him to life
imprisonment. In five issues on appeal, appellant asserts (1) the evidence is insufficient to
corroborate the accomplice witness testimony and sustain his conviction, (2) the trial court erred
by admitting prejudicial evidence, (3) the State improperly commented on appellant’s failure to
testify, (4) the trial court erred by denying his motion for new trial, and (5) his spouse’s testimony
should have been excluded. We affirm.
04-13-00346-CR
BACKGROUND
On July 22, 2011, Justin Thomas and his girlfriend went to the Dietrich Road Apartments
where Thomas lived with his mother. The couple waited in their vehicle for Thomas’s cousin to
arrive. Upon his cousin’s arrival, Thomas exited the vehicle while his girlfriend waited for Thomas
to return. Thomas greeted his cousin and the two conversed briefly. A short time later, Thomas
was seen in a breezeway speaking with a man later identified as appellant. Witnesses then heard
gunshots and saw Thomas running out of the breezeway towards his mother’s apartment. Thomas
was heard yelling, “Call 9-1-1. He shot me.” Thomas collapsed a short distance from where he
was shot and died in his mother’s arms shortly thereafter. Witnesses reported seeing appellant
running from the location where Thomas was shot and driving off in a white Kia with damage on
the rear bumper. Brittney Smiley was later identified as the vehicle’s owner. Appellant was
identified as a suspect, but the police were initially unable to arrest him because he left town. He
was arrested several weeks later after the police learned of his return.
At trial, the evidence included testimony from a number of witnesses, Smiley’s accomplice
testimony, and forensic evidence. The first witness to testify was Thomas’s girlfriend, Lejoi
Haynes. Haynes testified she was waiting in her car for Thomas to return when Thomas was shot.
Haynes said that immediately prior to hearing gunshots, she saw Thomas speaking with appellant,
who was wearing a blue shirt and had hair she described as a “short afro.” Haynes also testified
she did not actually see the shooting occur or a gun in appellant’s hands; however, she was able to
get a good look at appellant because he stood there a few seconds after the shooting before running
away. She confirmed appellant was the only other person in the immediate vicinity where the
shooting took place and identified appellant as the shooter in a police lineup as well as in court.
Kesha Hall testified she was at the Dietrich Road Apartments prior to and during the
shooting. Hall stated she saw Smiley sitting with her cousin, Laketa Nation, on the steps of the
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apartment complex before the shooting occurred. Hall testified Smiley was wearing a dress that
day and she was able to see a gun strapped to Smiley’s leg. She also stated she saw appellant two
or three times earlier that day, and described him as having dark skin with a “medium-sized afro,”
approximately two inches in length. Hall identified appellant as the person who shot and killed
Thomas, although she acknowledged appellant looked different in court because he no longer had
hair. After the shooting, Hall saw appellant flee the scene in a white car with damage on the rear
bumper, and she identified Smiley as the vehicle’s owner.
Laketa Nation testified next. Nation testified she lived at the Dietrich Road Apartments
and was sitting on the steps of the apartment complex when she heard gunshots. Nation identified
appellant as Smiley’s boyfriend. She confirmed appellant was wearing a blue shirt the day of the
shooting and described his hair as “a little afro thing.” Hall testified appellant looked different at
trial because he no longer had hair, but confirmed that she still recognized appellant as the person
wearing the blue shirt the day of the shooting. She also confirmed Smiley had a gun the day of
the shooting, and stated that she did not actually see the shooting occur. Shortly after the shooting,
she saw a white car drive away from the apartments.
The final non-accomplice witness to testify was Thomas’s cousin, Chastity Walker.
Walker testified she arrived at the Dietrich Road Apartments and was greeted by Thomas in the
parking lot. After a brief conversation, she walked upstairs and left her belongings in her aunt’s
apartment. She then walked outside and stood on the balcony where she heard Thomas speaking
with appellant. Her description of appellant matched the description given by the other
witnesses—dark skin, blue shirt with a small afro. A few seconds later she heard gunshots, then
heard Thomas yell, “Call 9-1-1. He shot me.” Walker testified she did not see a gun nor the actual
shooting take place. However, she identified appellant as the person who shot Thomas.
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After receiving immunity from prosecution, the jury also heard testimony from Brittney
Smiley. Smiley testified she and appellant were at the Dietrich Road Apartments on the day of the
shooting and confirmed they were both carrying guns. Smiley testified she was carrying a .22
caliber gun while appellant was carrying a gun she described as similar to one that a police officer
carries. When they arrived, Smiley said she ran into her friend, Laketa Nation, and “smoked a
blunt with her” on the apartment complex steps. 1 Smiley testified she was sitting on the stairs with
Nation when she heard gunshots and ran off. While running, Smiley ran into Thomas, who asked
her for help. Smiley testified she ran away without helping Thomas and felt bad for doing so.
When she met up with appellant, she was in shock because she had just ran into someone who had
been shot. When Smiley mentioned she saw Thomas, appellant asked her whether Thomas had
died. Smiley told appellant she did not know because she did not stay long enough to find out. At
that point, Smiley testified appellant told her he was the person who shot Thomas.
In addition to the witnesses’ testimony, the State also introduced forensic and physical
evidence. Crime scene investigators who processed Smiley’s car found two .22 caliber bullets,
and were also able to match appellant’s fingerprints with fingerprints located on Smiley’s car. The
medical examiner testified Thomas’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the chest.
Additionally, investigators recovered a .40 caliber shell cashing and bullet fragments near the area
where Thomas was shot. Ballistic analysis on the shell casing and bullet fragments revealed the
bullet that killed Thomas was fired from either a Glock or Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun—
similar to the type of gun San Antonio police officers carry. The analysis also established that the
murder weapon would have been unable to fire a .22 caliber bullet.
1
A blunt is a hollowed out cigar filled with marijuana instead of tobacco. See Tasby v. State, No. 05-99-02108-CR,
2000 WL 1598930, at *2 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 27, 2000, no pet.).
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CORROBOTATION OF ACCOMPLICE TESTIMONY
In his first issue, appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to corroborate
Smiley’s accomplice witness testimony and argues the State relied solely on Smiley’s testimony
to prove he committed the offense. Therefore, he asserts the evidence was insufficient to support
the jury’s guilty verdict. We first address corroboration of the accomplice testimony.
1. Standard of Review
To determine whether there is sufficient evidence to corroborate an accomplice’s
testimony, we exclude all accomplice witness testimony from consideration and then examine the
remaining portions of the record to see if there is any evidence that tends to connect the accused
in some way to the commission of the offense alleged in the indictment. Castillo v. State, 221
S.W.3d 689, 691 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007); Johnson v. State, 354 S.W.3d 491, 495 (Tex. App.—
San Antonio 2011, pet. ref’d). The non-accomplice evidence may be direct or circumstantial, and
must simply link the accused in some way to the commission of the crime, such that rational jurors
could conclude this evidence sufficiently tended to connect appellant to the offense. Smith v. State,
332 S.W.3d 425, 442 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011). The “tends-to-connect” standard does not present
a high threshold. Cantelon v. State, 85 S.W.3d 457, 461 (Tex. App.—Austin 2002, no pet.). Even
insignificant circumstances may satisfy this standard. Id. No precise rule can be formulated
regarding the amount of evidence that is required to corroborate the testimony of an accomplice
witness; each case must be judged on its own facts. Gill v. State, 873 S.W.2d 45, 48 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1994). We view the evidence in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict when reviewing
corroboration under the accomplice witness rule. Id.
2. Analysis
Excluding Smiley’s testimony, the evidence at trial included testimony from the medical
examiner, who testified Thomas’s death was the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. Three
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witnesses—Haynes, Hall, and Walker—identified appellant as the person who shot Thomas.
Nation also placed appellant at the Dietrich Road Apartments at the time the murder occurred, and
her description of appellant matched the other witnesses’ description of the shooter. Several
witnesses also reported the shooter fled the scene in Smiley’s car and appellant’s fingerprints
matched those found on Smiley’s car.
Viewed in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict, we conclude the evidence
sufficiently tends-to-connect appellant to the charged offense. Accordingly, Smiley’s testimony
was sufficiently corroborated by other evidence tending to connect appellant to Thomas’s murder.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY
1. Standard of Review
When reviewing the legal sufficiency of the evidence to support a criminal conviction, we
review the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict to determine whether a rational juror
could have found the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v.
Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979); Brooks v. State, 323 S.W.3d 893, 895 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010).
Under this standard, we are required to defer to the jury’s determination of the credibility of
witnesses “and the weight to be given their testimony.” Brooks, 323 S.W.3d at 899. An
eyewitness’s testimony alone, can be legally sufficient to support a guilty verdict. Aguilar v. State,
468 S.W.2d 75, 77 (Tex. Crim. App. 1971); Castilla v. State, 374 S.W.3d 537, 539 (Tex. App.—
San Antonio 2012, pet. ref’d). Circumstantial evidence is as probative as direct evidence, and
alone, may be sufficient to establish guilt. Hooper v. State, 214 S.W.3d 9, 13 (Tex. Crim. App.
2007). We do not ask whether we believe the evidence at trial established guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt, instead, we consider only whether the jury reached a rational decision. Brooks,
323 S.W.3d at 899.
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2. Analysis
Appellant asserts the State relied solely on Smiley’s uncorroborated testimony to support
his conviction. Therefore, because her testimony was uncorroborated, he contends the evidence is
legally insufficient to support his conviction. However, having concluded there is sufficient non-
accomplice evidence corroborating Smiley’s testimony, we will include her testimony in our
evaluation of the legal sufficiency of all the evidence to support appellant’s conviction.
A person commits the offense of murder if he intentionally or knowingly causes the death
of an individual, or intends to cause serious bodily injury and commits an act clearly dangerous to
human life that causes the death of an individual. TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 19.02(b)(1), (2) (West
2011).
The evidence in this case includes testimony from the eyewitnesses who identified
appellant as the individual who shot Thomas. This evidence alone is legally sufficient to support
the verdict. See Castilla, 374 S.W.3d 539. However, in addition to this evidence, Smiley testified
appellant admitted he was the person who shot Thomas. Smiley also described the gun appellant
had with him on the day of the shooting as similar to one that a police officer carries, and the
forensic evidence established that the gun used in the shooting is consistent with the type of
weapon carried by the San Antonio Police Department. Viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the verdict, we conclude the a jury could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
appellant intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Thomas, or intended to cause serious
bodily injury and committed an act clearly dangerous to human life that caused the death of
Thomas.
PREJUDICIAL EVIDENCE
In his second issue, appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion when it admitted
photographs of two .22 caliber bullets found in Smiley’s vehicle over his objection that the
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evidence was unduly prejudicial under Texas Rule of Evidence 403. The State responds that the
bullets were admissible to rebut the defense’s theory that Smiley was the shooter.
Rule 403 allows for the exclusion of evidence when the probative value of evidence is
substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. See TEX. R. EVID. 403; State v.
Mechler, 153 S.W.3d 435, 439 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). A Rule 403 analysis involves a balance
of: “(1) the inherent probative force of the proffered evidence along with (2) the proponent’s need
for that evidence against (3) any tendency of the evidence to suggest decision on an improper basis,
(4) any tendency of the evidence to confuse or distract the jury from the main issues, (5) any
tendency of the evidence to be given undue weight by a jury that has not been equipped to evaluate
the probative force of the evidence, and (6) the likelihood that presentation of the evidence will
consume an inordinate amount of time or merely repeat evidence already admitted.” Gigliobianco
v. State, 210 S.W.3d 637, 641–42 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006); Subirias v. State, 278 S.W.3d 406, 408
(Tex. App.—San Antonio 2008, pet. ref’d). We review a trial court’s ruling on a Rule 403
objection for an abuse of discretion. Pawlak v. State, 420 S.W.3d 807, 810 (Tex. Crim. App.
2013). As long as the trial court’s ruling falls within the zone of reasonable disagreement, we will
affirm its decision. Id.
A. Probative Value
Under the first factor, we examine “how compellingly the evidence serves to make a fact
of consequence more or less probable.” Mechler, 153 S.W.3d at 440. In this case, appellant’s
defensive theory was that he was not the shooter. Appellant argued that because no witnesses
actually saw the shooting take place nor saw him with a gun, Thomas could have been shot by
another person with a gun that day, such as Smiley. To rebut that argument, the State introduced
pictures of the two .22 caliber bullets found in Smiley’s car, Smiley’s testimony that her gun was
a .22 caliber, and forensic evidence to establish that a .22 caliber gun could not have fired a .40
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caliber bullet and could not have been the murder weapon. Thus, because the photographs of the
.22 caliber bullets were introduced to rebut a defensive theory, the trial court could have reasonably
concluded that the State’s need for the evidence weighed in favor of admissibility.
B. Need for the Evidence
Under the second factor, a proponent’s need for a particular piece of evidence is reduced
when the proponent “has other compelling or undisputed evidence to establish the proposition or
fact.” Gigliobianco, 210 S.W.3d at 641. Here, the State introduced several witnesses who
identified appellant as the person who shot Thomas. Although these witnesses identified appellant
as the shooter, each witness acknowledged that they did not actually see the shooting occur nor
did they see appellant with a gun. Smiley was the only person that day seen with a gun. Therefore,
the trial court could have reasonably concluded that this factor weighed in favor of admissibility.
C. Potential to Impress the Jury
This factor asks whether the evidence has the potential to impress the jury in an irrational
way or suggest a decision on an improper basis. Id. Rule 403 does not exclude all prejudicial
evidence, only evidence that is unfairly prejudicial. Mechler, 153 S.W.3d at 440. All evidence
introduced against a defendant that is material to an issue in the case and tends to prove guilt is
prejudicial, but it is not necessarily unfairly prejudicial under Rule 403. Manning v. State, 114
S.W.3d 922, 927–28 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). Evidence is unfairly prejudicial when it has a
“tendency to tempt the jury into finding guilt on grounds apart from proof of the offense charged.”
Mechler, 153 S.W.3d at 440. Here, appellant argues “[t]he only purpose for the admission of the
bullets was to enflame the minds of the jury against both [Smiley] and [appellant], allowing [the
jury] to speculate that [Smiley and appellant] must both be gun toting criminals deserving no
justice.” We disagree. The evidence regarding the .22 caliber bullets related directly to appellant’s
defensive theory. Therefore, the photographs of the bullets did not have a tendency to tempt the
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jury into finding guilt on grounds apart from proof of the offense charged. Thus, the trial court
could have reasonably concluded this factor weighed in favor of admissibility.
D. Confusion of Issues & Undue Delay
The fourth factor refers to a tendency to confuse or distract the jury from the main issues
in the case. Gigliobianco, 210 S.W.3d at 641. “Evidence that consumes an inordinate amount of
time to present or answer, for example, might tend to confuse or distract the jury from the main
issues.” Casey v. State, 215 S.W.3d 870, 880 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007). “‘Undue delay’ and
‘needless presentation of cumulative evidence’ concern the efficiency of the trial proceeding rather
than the threat of an inaccurate decision.” Id. Here, appellant was charged with murder. The
photographs of the bullets were directly related to appellant’s defensive theory, and, in
combination with other evidence, were introduced in order to rebut appellant’s argument that
another person, such as Smiley, was the shooter. The photographs were introduced during the
testimony of one of the investigators and did not consume an inordinate amount of time. Nor was
there a concern with the efficiency of the trial or the photographs being needlessly cumulative.
Thus, we conclude the trial court could have reasonably concluded that these factors weighed in
favor of admissibility.
E. Misleading the Jury
“‘Misleading the jury,’ refers to a tendency of an item of evidence to be given undue weight
by the jury on other than emotional grounds.” Casey, 215 S.W.3d at 880. “For example,
‘scientific’ evidence might mislead a jury that is not properly equipped to judge the probative force
of the evidence.” Id. Here, the investigator testified that identifying the caliber of the bullets was
accomplished by reading it from the shell casing. Therefore, there was little risk of the jury being
misled or assigning undue weight to the presentation of the bullets. Thus, this factor should also
be considered as weighing in favor of admissibility.
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F. Conclusion
Considering all of the factors in the analysis, the trial court could have reasonably
concluded that the probative value of the photographs of the .22 caliber bullets was not
substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Accordingly, we conclude the trial
court did not abuse its discretion in allowing them into evidence.
COMMENT ON APPELLANT’S REFUSAL TO TESTIFY
In his third issue, appellant complains the State improperly commented on his refusal to
testify. During the State’s opening remarks, the prosecutor laid out the State’s version of how it
believed Thomas was killed. The prosecutor then told the jury:
At the end, what you’re going to find out from these witnesses, these
witnesses that he didn’t count on, that this defendant committed murder. We’re
going to ask you to find him guilty of it. You’re going to find him guilty based on
the evidence.
Now, the defense will have the opportunity to tell you how it—whatever
defense it’s going to be. What I want you to keep in mind as you’re listening to the
evidence is whether what they’re telling you is actually in evidence.
The defense then objected on the grounds the statement was argumentative, which the trial court
sustained.
To preserve a complaint for appellate review, the complaining party must have made “a
timely request, objection, or motion” to the trial court that specifically stated the party’s complaint.
TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1(a)(1); Garza v. State, 126 S.W.3d 79, 81–82 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004).
Additionally, the complaint on appeal “must comport with the objection made at trial.” Yazdchi
v. State, 428 S.W.3d 831, 844 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014). Here, the objection made at trial was that
the prosecutor’s statement was argumentative, not that the statement was a comment on appellant’s
refusal to testify. Accordingly, because appellant’s complaint on appeal does not comport with
the complaint made at trial, we conclude appellant has failed to preserve error.
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Additionally, assuming error had been preserved, we conclude the prosecutor’s remark was
not a comment on appellant’s refusal to testify. When addressing a complaint of an improper
comment on a defendant’s refusal to testify, we review the language from the standpoint of the
jury. Goff v. State, 931 S.W.2d 537, 548 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996). The fact that the language might
be construed as an implied or indirect allusion to a defendant’s refusal to testify is not sufficient.
Id. Where the statement does not refer to evidence that can come only from the defendant, it is
not a comment on a defendant’s refusal to testify. Id. Here, the prosecutor’s remark did not refer
to evidence that could have only come from appellant and was not a comment on appellant’s
refusal to testify.
SPOUSAL PRIVILEGE
In his fifth issue, appellant asserts Smiley was entitled to assert the marital privilege not to
testify against him. Appellant and Smiley were never ceremonially married; therefore, appellant
contends the evidence was sufficient to establish that a common law or informal marriage existed
between them at the time of the events to which Smiley testified.
After she was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony, Smiley asserted she and
appellant were informally married and argued that she had a privilege not to be called as a witness
by the State. Outside the presence of the jury, Smiley’s counsel attempted to establish the existence
of an informal marriage. At the end of the hearing, the trial judge ruled Smiley failed to meet her
burden of establishing the existence of an informal marriage based on the amount of evidence
contrary to her assertion. Smiley was subsequently called to testify by the State.
1. Standard of Review
“Preliminary questions concerning the qualification of a person to be a witness, the
existence of a privilege, or the admissibility of evidence shall be determined by the court . . . .”
TEX. R. EVID. 104(a). “In reviewing the trial court’s ruling [on the existence of an informal
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marriage,] as with other questions concerning the admissibility of evidence, we apply an abuse of
discretion standard.” Colburn v. State, 966 S.W.2d 511, 514 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998); see Tienda
v. State, 358 S.W.3d 633, 638 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). A trial court does not abuse its discretion
unless its decision is outside the zone of reasonable disagreement. Colburn, 966 S.W.2d at 514.
The existence of an informal marriage is a question of fact, and the party seeking to establish the
existence of the marriage bears the burden of proving the validity of the marriage by a
preponderance of the evidence. Alonso v. Alvarez, 409 S.W.3d 754, 757 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2013, pet. denied); Weaver v. State, 855 S.W.2d 116, 120 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1993,
no pet.). Where, as here, the trial court’s decision turns on the credibility and demeanor of a
witness, we review its decision in a light most favorable to its ruling. Jasper v. State, 61 S.W.3d
413, 419 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001).
2. Analysis
“In a criminal case, the spouse of the accused has a privilege not to be called as a witness
for the state.” TEX. R. EVID. 504(b)(1). An informal marriage may be proven by showing that a
declaration of marriage has been signed. Jasper, 61 S.W.3d at 419. If there is no declaration,
there must be a showing of three elements: 1) the parties agreed to be married, (2) after the
agreement they lived together in Texas as husband and wife, and (3) they represented to others
that they were married. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 2.401(a)(2) (West 2006); Alonso, 409 S.W.3d at
757.
Appellant was not called to testify at the hearing, and Smiley was the only witness to testify
about the alleged informal marriage. No declaration of marriage was offered. Smiley testified
that she considered herself married to appellant for three years prior to the day of the shooting.
Smiley said that she and appellant held themselves out as married to their friends and family, and
testified that she and appellant lived together prior to his arrest. Smiley also introduced letters she
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sent to appellant. In the letters, Smiley referred to herself as “Brittney Carter,” and Smiley
explained Carter is the last name of appellant’s mother. Smiley also sent a letter to appellant’s
attorney. In that letter, Smiley refers to appellant as her husband, writing, “I understand you’re
my husband’s attorney.”
However, upon cross-examination by the State, Smiley gave contradictory testimony.
During the hearing, Smiley testified she was living with appellant at a house on Castle Hunt Drive;
however, she listed her home address at a house on Dysart Drive when she was interviewed by the
police on July 22, 2012. Smiley stated the Dysart address was her mailing address, not her home
address. The police statement also shows Smiley responded that she was not married when she
was asked her marital status. When asked about the discrepancy, Smiley stated “that couldn’t have
been answered by me,” and that she could not remember speaking to the police because she was
high on Xanax and marijuana that day. The State then played a recorded portion of the interview.
After hearing the recording, Smiley confirmed responding that she was not married when asked
by the officer.
Appellant’s jail visitation records were also introduced during the hearing. The records
show that the mother of appellant’s son identified herself as appellant’s spouse when she visited.
The records also show Smiley identified herself as appellant’s girlfriend when she visited. Smiley
said the identifications were outdated and could not be updated once entered. A letter sent from
appellant to a woman named Brittney Smith was also introduced during the hearing. In the letter,
appellant asks Smith to be his wife. Smiley confirmed appellant was not writing to her and that
she did not live at the address listed on the letter. Finally, the State introduced Smiley’s
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) application where Smiley listed herself
as single.
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Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the trial court’s ruling, we conclude
there was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s ruling. Although the evidence may have
been sufficient to raise a fact question as to the existence of an informal marriage, we cannot say
that the trial court abused its discretion.
Appellant further contends the trial court erred by failing to submit the issue of the
existence of an informal marriage to the jury. However, “[t]he right to have the issue [of the
existence of a common law marriage] presented to the jury may be waived if such an instruction
is not requested.” Aguilar v. State, 715 S.W.2d 645, 647 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). Here, no jury
question was requested. Therefore, we conclude appellant waived this complaint on appeal.
MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
In his final issue, appellant asserts the trial court erred when it denied his motion for new
trial. Appellant bases this argument on three grounds: (1) the State failed to disclose Brady
material; (2) his right to a public trial was violated; and (3) he was denied the ability to present
oral testimony.
We review a trial court’s ruling on a motion for new trial under an abuse of discretion
standard. Colyer v. State, 428 S.W.3d 117, 122 (Tex. Crim. App. 2014). Under this standard, we
view the evidence in the light most favorable to the trial court’s ruling and uphold the trial court’s
ruling if it is within the zone of reasonable disagreement. Webb v. State, 232 S.W.3d 109, 110
(Tex. Crim. App. 2007). We do not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court, but instead
consider whether the trial court’s decision was arbitrary or unreasonable. Id.; Holden v. State, 201
S.W.3d 761, 763 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). A trial court abuses its discretion in denying a motion
for new trial when no reasonable view of the record could support its ruling. Colyer, 428 S.W.3d
at 122.
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“The trial court, as factfinder, is the sole judge of witness credibility at a hearing on a
motion for new trial with respect to both live testimony and affidavits.” Okonkwo v. State, 398
S.W.3d 689, 694 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013). If there is conflicting evidence on an issue of fact, the
trial judge determines the issue and there is no abuse of discretion in overruling the motion for
new trial. Lewis v. State, 911 S.W.2d 1, 7 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995).
A. Brady Violation
The State has a duty to disclose evidence that is favorable to a defendant. See Brady v.
Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87 (1963); Harm v. State, 183 S.W.3d 403, 406 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006).
This duty extends to impeachment evidence. See United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667, 676
(1985). To establish a Brady violation claim, the defendant must show that (1) the State failed to
disclose evidence, regardless of the good faith of the prosecutor, (2) the withheld evidence is
favorable to the defendant, and (3) the withheld evidence is material, meaning there is a reasonable
probability that had the evidence been disclosed, the outcome of the trial would have been
different. See Harm, 183 S.W.3d at 407. However, Brady is not a general discovery motion.
Weatherford v. Bursey, 429 U.S. 545, 559 (1977). Nor is the State required to seek out exculpatory
evidence independently on the defendant’s behalf or furnish the defendant with exculpatory or
mitigating evidence that is accessible from other sources. See Pena v. State, 353 S.W.3d 797, 811
(Tex. Crim. App. 2011); Harm, 183 S.W.3d at 407.
Appellant’s Brady argument is based on a motion to revoke Smiley’s probation and
adjudicate guilt filed by the State on April 5, 2013. The motion states that on or about March 25,
2013, approximately three days after the conclusion of appellant’s trial, Smiley violated condition
number two of her probation by failing to submit to a drug test and using marijuana, cocaine, and
“pills,” by admission. Appellant construes this motion as the State withholding impeachment
evidence that Smiley was under the influence of drugs at the time of her testimony during
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appellant’s trial. However, during the hearing on appellant’s motion for new trial, the State
submitted an affidavit from Tanner Neidhardt, the prosecutor in appellant’s trial. In his affidavit,
Neidhardt stated the motion to revoke and adjudicate guilt was based on a phone call made by
Smiley several days after the conclusion of appellant’s trial. Neidhardt stated the District Attorney
was monitoring Smiley’s phone calls and overheard Smiley tell appellant, “I’m dirty as fuck . . . .
I got pills in my system. I got lean in my system, cocaine in my system.” The conversation was
forwarded to Smiley’s probation officer, who initiated the motion to revoke based on the content
of that conversation.
Consequently, appellant has failed to demonstrate that the State possessed any
impeachment evidence at the time of Smiley’s testimony, and thus, has failed to show the State
withheld evidence favorable to appellant. Accordingly, viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the trial court’s ruling, we cannot conclude the trial court abused its discretion in
denying appellant’s motion for new trial on this ground.
B. Denial of a Public Trial
Under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, an accused has the right to
a public trial in all criminal prosecutions. U.S. CONST. amend. VI; Lilly v. State, 365 S.W.3d 321,
328 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). A public trial benefits the accused by serving as “an effective
restraint on possible abuse of judicial power.” In re Oliver, 333 U.S. 257, 270 (1948); Lilly, 365
S.W.3d at 328. However, the right to a public trial is not absolute and must give way to other
competing interests or rights. Waller v. Georgia, 467 U.S. 39, 45 (1984); Lilly, 365 S.W.3d at 328.
“[T]he party seeking to close the hearing must advance an overriding interest that is likely to be
prejudiced, the closure must be no broader than necessary to protect that interest, the trial court
must consider reasonable alternatives to closing the proceeding, and it must make findings
adequate to support the closure.” Waller, 467 U.S. at 48.
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“[T]he first step for a reviewing court when analyzing whether a defendant’s right to a
public trial was violated is to determine if the trial was, in fact, closed to the public.” Lilly, 365
S.W.3d 329. “When determining whether a defendant has proved that his trial was closed to the
public, the focus is not on whether the defendant can show that someone was actually excluded.”
Id. at 331. “Rather, a reviewing court must look to the totality of the evidence and determine
whether the trial court fulfilled its obligation ‘to take every reasonable measure to accommodate
public attendance at criminal trials.’” Id. (quoting Presley v. Georgia, 558 U.S. 209, 215 (2010)).
“Once it is determined that the defendant’s trial was closed to the public, the reviewing court
decides whether that closure was proper.” Id.
Appellant contends his right to a public trial was violated because his stepfather, Eddie
Taylor, was prevented from entering the courtroom. Taylor is a Bexar County employee who
works in the maintenance department of the courthouse where appellant was tried. In his motion
for new trial, appellant alleged Neidhardt saw Taylor in the holding area where appellant was being
held before trial. Appellant further alleged Neidhardt called Taylor’s supervisor, Ben Ramirez,
and requested Ramirez instruct Taylor not to enter the holding area during trial. Additionally, the
motion stated Ramirez denied receiving a call from Neidhardt, but further alleged that Ramirez
received a call from another individual named Sergeant Castillo, who informed Ramirez that
Taylor was to be instructed not to enter the courtroom.
Neidhardt addressed these allegations in his affidavit attached to the State’s response to
appellant’s motion for new trial. Neidhardt confirmed Taylor was observed leaving the holding
area; however, Neidhardt denied appellant’s allegations that Taylor was prevented from attending
appellant’s courtroom proceedings. Neidhardt stated that he spoke to appellant’s counsel and
informed her the trial court did not have a hearing that Taylor was barred from attending.
Neidhardt denied calling Ramirez, denied that he knew Ramirez, and denied requesting Taylor be
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instructed not to enter the courtroom. He also denied calling or asking any other person to call
Castillo to instruct Taylor not enter the courtroom. Finally, Neidhardt denied there was ever a
hearing in the trial court regarding Taylor, nor was there any other discussion with the trial judge
regarding Taylor.
Additionally, a review of the record shows the trial court did not take any affirmative action
to exclude the public or specific individuals from attending the proceedings. Cf. Lilly, 365 S.W.3d
at 332. Viewing the totality of the evidence, we conclude appellant has failed to demonstrate the
trial was closed to the public, or that the trial court failed to fulfil its obligation to take every
reasonable measure to accommodate public attendance. Accordingly, we cannot say that the trial
court abused its discretion in denying appellant’s motion for new trial on this ground.
C. Denial of Live Testimony
Appellant also argues the trial court erred by denying him the ability to present oral
testimony in support of his motion for new trial. On appeal, appellant contends “[t]here were
several witnesses who would not supply affidavits but who were subpoenaed to the hearing on the
Motion for New Trial.” However, he does not identify the witnesses or the substance of their
testimony.
“It has long been held that a trial court may decide a motion for new trial based on sworn
pleadings and affidavits admitted in evidence without hearing oral testimony.” Holden, 201
S.W.3d at 763 (citing Rivera v. State, 89 S.W.3d 55, 58–59 n.9 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002)). Oral
testimony is not required and a trial court may rule on a motion for new trial “based on sworn
pleadings and affidavits without oral testimony.” Id. Therefore, the trial court was entitled to
resolve the issues raised in appellant’s motion for new trial on the basis of the affidavits alone.
Accordingly, we conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion by ruling on the motion for
new trial without hearing oral testimony.
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CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing reasons, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Sandee Bryan Marion, Justice
Do not publish
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