Stanley, Dillan William ( 2015 )

PD-0266-15
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Transmitted 3/30/2015 5:28:58 PM
Accepted 3/31/2015 4:38:46 PM
ABEL ACOSTA
CLERK
No. PD-0266-15
IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
Dillan William Stanley
Appellant
V
rhe
Iaïei:J'*"'
On Appeal from Bexar County in Case No. 2011CR81008, from the 186th
District Court, the Hon. Teresa Herr, Judge Presiding; and the Opinion of the
Fourth Court of Appeals in Case Nos. 04-13-00663-CR &,04-13-00713-CR,
Delivered January 28, 2015.
Petition for Discretionary Review
Submitted by:
March 31, 2015 Anthony B. Cantrell
Attorney atLaw
1 1 I Sole dad, Suite #1200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Tel. 210-490- 1207
e-mail : cantrelllaw@sbcglobal.net
State Bar No. 03763 180
Attorney for Dillan William Stanley
1
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COT]NSEL
Pursuant to Rule 38.1(a), Rules of Appellate Procedure ("Tex.R.App.Pro."),
the following is a complete list of the names and addresses of all parties to
the trial court's final judgment and their counsel in the trial court, as well as
appellate counsel, so the members of the Court may at once determine
whether they are disqualif,red to serve of should recuse themselves from
participating in the decision of the case and so the Clerk of the Court may
properly notiff the parties to the trial court's final judgment or their counsel,
if any, of the judgment and all orders of the Court of Appeals.
Appellant Dillan William Stanley
Attorney for Appellant
Trial Counsel:
Therese Huntzinger
Patrick Hancock
2068. Locust
San Antonio, Texas 78254
Appellate Counsel:
Anthony B. Cantrell
111 Soledad, Suite 1200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Attorneys for the State
Trial Counsel:
Todd Winslow
David Martin
Bexar County District Attomey's Office
101 Paul Elizondo Tower
San Antonio, Texas 78205
On Direct Appeal:
Crystal Chandler
Assistant Criminal District Attomey
101 W. Nueva, Suite 370
San Antonio, Texas 78205
ll
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of Parties and Counsel il
Table of Contents lll
Index of Authorities v
Statement Regardìng Oral Argument vll
Statemenl of the Case
Statement of Procedurul Hislory
Reasons for Review 1
Facts of the Case 2
Groundfor Review One 4
The Court of Appeals erred in holding Appellant's first
statement did not warrant Miranda protections since the
interview was not custodial.
Groundfor Review Two 7
The Court of Appeals erred in holding that appellant's
invocation of counsel in his second statement was
equivocal.
Groundfor Review Number Three 10
The court of appeals erred in affirming the trial court's
denial of the motion to suppress Appellant's statement
because Appellant did not knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waive his rights under Article 38.22 and
Miranda.
Groundfor Review Number Four 13
The court of appeals erred in ruling that Off,rcer Omungo
attempted to clariff Appellant's ambiguous request for
counsel prior to Appellant's second statement.
lll
Prayer 15
Cerfficate of Compliance and Delivery T6
IV
Index of Authorities
Ancira v. State, 5 16 S.W.2d 924, 927 (Tx.Cr.App.l974) 4,6
Davis v. State,313 .t W.3d 3 1 7, 34 1 (Tx.Cr.App.20l 0) 7
Davis v. United States, 512 U.S. 452 (1994) 8,10
Delao v. State, 235 S.W.3d 235, 241 (Tx.Cr.App.2007) 13
Dowthittv.State, 931 S.W. 2'd 244, 255 (Tx.Cr.App.I996) 5,6
Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707 (1979) 11
In Re H.V, 252 S.t4/. 3d 319, 327 (Tu. 2008) 1,7-9
Martinez v. State, 275 S.W.3d (Tex. App-San Antonio 2008) 12
Md. v. Shqtzer, 559 U.S. 98 (2010) 10
Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S. 412 (1986) 11
Lucas v. State, 791 S.W.2d 35, 46 (Tx.Cr.App.1989) t4
Newberry v. State, 552 S.W. 457 (1977) 6
Reedv. Texas,227 S.t4/.3d Il1, ll5 l4
Ruthv. Texas, 645 S.W.2d 432,435 (Tx.Cr.App.1979) 5,6
Smithv. Illinois, 469 U.S. 91, 98 (1984) 13
State v. Gobert, 275 S.W.3d 888, 892 (Tx.Cr.App.2009) 7
Texas Statutes
Code of Criminal Procedure art. 38.22 9
V
Rules
Tex. R. App. P. 9.a(e) 1 5
Tex. R. App. 38.1 l1
Tex. R. App.P. 66.3 1
VI
Statement Regarding Oral Argument
Appellant would show the Court that oral argument would assist the
Court in its resolution of the matters presented.
Statement of the Casel
The following is a general statement of the nature of the case:
This is a case concerning an effor in the trial court's denial of
Appellant's motion to suppress oral statements. At issue is whether
Appellant sufficiently invoked his right to counsel during two separate
interrogations.
Statement of Procedural History
Appellant, Dillan Stanley, was charged by indictment with murder, a
first degiõe felony, in Cause No. 2011-CR-81008, in the 186th Judicial
District Court of Bexar County, Texas. While preserving his right to appeal
on the trial court's ruling on his motion to suppress oral statements,
appellant plead guilty and was sentenced to imprisonment for forty-five (45)
years. Notice of Appeal was timely given. The Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Court of Appeals District of Texas in San Antonio affirmed Mr.
Stanley's conviction in Dillan William Stanley v. State of Texas, Cause No.
04-13-00663-CR and 04-13-00713-CR. Counsel for Mr. Stanley filed a
Motion for Extension of Time to file his Petition for Discretionary Review
in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals which was granted until March 30,
20ts.
l The clerk's recordconsists of one volume, which will be cited as "CRfvolume]" and
"[page]. The reporter's record consists of three volumes, which will be cited as
"R.R. [volume] and [page]".
vll
Reasons for Review
1. The court of appeals erred in holding Appellant's first statement did
not warrant Miranda protections since the interview was not custodial. Tex
R.App.Proc. 66.3(a).
2. The court of appeals erred in holding that appellant's invocation of
counsel was equivocal. The ruling conflicts with a previous ruling by the
Texas Supreme Court in In Re. H.V. Tex R. App. Proc. 66.3(a)
3. The court of appeals erred in affirming the trial court's denial of the
motion to suppress Appellant's second statement because Appellant did not
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waive his rights under Article 38.22
and Miranda. Tex. R. App. Proc. 66.3(a).
4 The court of appeals erred in ruling that Officer Omungo attempted to
clariff Appellant's ambiguous request for counsel prior to Appellant's
second statement. This ruling is in conflict with another court of appeals'
decision on the same issue. Tex. R. App. Proc. 66.3(a).
L
Facts of the Case
On September 6,2013, Dillan William Stanley entered a plea of guilty
to the charge of murder. Prior to his plea, Stanly filed a motion to suppress
oral statements made to Detective Timm Angell and Omar Omungo. At the
hearing, both detectives testified as witnesses, and the trial court admitted
into evidence an audio recording of Stanley's interview with Detective
Angell and a DVD recording of Stanley's post-arrest interview with
Detective Omungo.
On June 27,2071, Stanley arrived with his father the Prue Road
substation of the San Antonio Police Department to turn himself in for a
robbery and to present himself as a witness to a murder. Detective Angell
informed Stanley that he was not under arrest. When Detective Angell
proceeded to question Stanley, Stanley immediately invoked his right to
counsel by telling Detective Angell he did not want to speak until his mother
brought a lawyer. On multiple occasions during the thirty-six minute
interview, Stanley reiterated that he did not want to say any more without an
attorney present. Nevertheless, Detective Angell continued to question
Stanley and cajoled him into making a statement. After talking with
Stanley's family and after Stanley again asserted that he'd rather speak to
attomey, Detective Angell finally advised the family to leave and consult an
2
attorney. Stanley and his family indicated they did not want to leave the
police station, preferring to wait until a lawyer arrived
Detective Omungo testified he conferred with Detective Angell about
the conversation with Stanley and shortly thereafter prepared a warrant for
Stanley's arrest. At midnight, no more than six hours after speaking with
Detective Angell, Dillan Stanley was alrested before his family could
procure the services of an attorney.
In the early hours of the morning, Detective Omungo interviewed
Stanley. Detective Omungo read Stanley his Miranda rights and asked him if
he understood these rights. The video of this exchange was played for the
trial court and indicated that Stanley failed to respond to Detective
Omungo's question as to whether he understood these rights. Detective
Omungo continued to ask for Stanley's side of the story. Stanley responded
by saying his mother had told him to wait for a lawyer. Stanley then asked if
he could call his mother to see if she was obtaining a lawyer. Detective
Omungo then gave Stanley two options. He could tell his version of the
story or let the facts stand as they had them, which included Eric Ramirez's
version of the story. After a moment of silence, Stanley began telling
Detective Omungo about the robbery and murder.
3
ARGUMENT
1. ttre Court of Appeals erred in ruling Appellant's statement to
Detective Angell did not warrant Miranda protections since the
interview was not custodial.
Can a suspect be in custody for Miranda purposes if he has been
informed before making his statement that his arrest is imminent? Has law
enforcement effectively circumvenfed Mirandaby simply notiffing a
suspect at the beginning of an interrogation he is not under arrest and is free
to leave, only to arrest the suspect moments after extracting a statement?
V/hether a defendant was in custody at the time of an interrogation is
determined by a case-by-case review . Ancira v. State, 516 S.W.2d 924, 927.
When Stanley arrived at the Prue Road police substation, he clearly stated
his intention to turn himself in for a robbery and establish himself as a
witness to a murder. Stanley believed this was sufficient probably cause to
prompt his arrest, and immediately upon being questioned by Detective
Angell, Stanley clearly invoked his right to counsel by saying he did not
want to make a statement until his mom brought a lawyer. Detective Angell
proceeded to tell him that there was a problem with that because he wasn't
4
under affest. Stanley expressed dismay that he wasn't going to be arrested,
and Detective Angell asked Stanley directly if he had committed a crime
Stanley responded affirmatively and when Detective Angell asked what
crime, Stanley said burglary. Detective Angell then notified Stanley he
would be probably be arrested, just not atthat moment.
If no probable cause existed when Stanley first began speaking with
Detective Angell, it certainly existed when he confessed to the crime of
burglary. It is also clear that Stanley became the focus of the investigation
by the time Detective Angell asked Stanley if he planned on killing the
victim during the robbery. Despite the nature of the interrogation and
Stanley's confession to the burglary, he was, to his own dismay, told by
Detective Angell that he was not under arrest. However, Stanley was
separated from his father, and by this point, prevented from seeing his father.
Police conduct during the encounter may escalate the interview to a
custodial interrogation. Dowthittv.state, 931 S.W. 2"d 244, 255
(Tx.Cr.App. 1996).
In Ruth v. Texas, 645 S.W.2d 432, 435 (Tx.Cr.App.I979), the court
commented on the importance of whether the defendant is the focus of the
investigation:
Among the other factors which may be considered, one which
"has consistently impressed our court [is] whether or not the
5
focus of the investigation has finally centered on the defendant."
Newberry, supra, at 461; Ancira, supra, at927 . Another factor
which may be considered is whether there was probable cause to
arrest. Newberry, supra, at 461,; Ancira, supra, at 926. On these
factors, the officer's testimony is belied by the facts, It is
impossible to believe that the officer did not have probable cause
to arrest, or that the investigation had not focused on the
appellant, after the appellant admitted that he shot the victim,
explained his motive, and reenacted the offense. The appellant
must have been in custody by that time, but the officer gave no
Miranda warnings. lnstead, he continued to question the appellant
about where he got the gun.
The court of appeals failed to consider the underlyingfear by Stanley
that even though he was told that he was free to leave, immediately after
leaving the police substation, he would be arrested. His fears, ultimately,
were well-founded. Just a few hours after leaving the Prue Road substation,
Stanley was arrested.
What law enforcement has achieved in this case, and likely in many
others, is to subvert the protections of Miranda and deny suspects due
process by allowing the defendants to make incriminating statements-even
when they are the clear focus of the investigation-and then arresting them a
short time later. The only assurance that Detective Angell made to Stanley
was that he wasn't going to arrest him right then. If Stanley had been
arrested upon stepping out of the police station, would this have changed the
custodial nature of the interrogation? Is it fundamentally significant that four
6
hours passed before the police arrested him at his home? No new
information had come to light between the moment Stanley left the police
substation and when he was arrested.
Appellant's Motion to Suppress his first statement should have been
granted by the trial, and the Fourth Court of Appeals compounded this error
in its opinion.
2. The court of appeals erred in holding that appellant's invocation of
counsel was equivocal.
While the Courts have held that it is not the responsibility of the
police to clariff ambiguous or equivocal requests for counsel, there must be
consideration for the totality of the circumstances in determining whether a
request was unambiguous. Gobert, 275 S.W.3d 888, 893. The context to
Stanley's request is critical . Davis, 3I3 S.W.3d 317, 341
In In Re H.V, 252 S.W.3d 319, 327 (Tu 2008), the court provides
further clarity on this issue concerning the totality of the circumstances. The
totality of the circumstances in Stanley's situation is strikingly similar to the
facts in H.V., wherc a sixteen-year-old Bosnian juvenile's statement that he
wanted his mother to ask for an attorney was ruled to be an unambiguous
invocation of right to counsel. The court of appeals suggests Stanley's case
is different because he is an adult and not a juvenile; however, the standard
7
used in H.V. is predicated on the ruling in Davis v. U.5., which asserts a
suspect "must articulate his desire to have counsel present sufficiently
clearly that a reasonable police officer in the circumstances would
understand the statement to be a request for an attorney."
Although Dillan Stanley was not a juvenile in the legal sense, he was
eighteen years old, living at home with his father, and dependent on his
parents for financial support as stated by his mother, Patricia Stanley.
(R.R.v.3, p.20) He did not arrive to the Prue Road police substation by
himself. He was accompanied by his father, William Stanley. While being
questioned by Detective Angell, he requested to speak his father, and when
denied, asked if Detective Angell could speak to his father. Stanley was not
a seasoned criminal well acquainted with the criminal justice system, and
from the moment he arrived at the Prue Road substation, he demonstrated
his reliance on his parents for direction and support. Stanley reported to
Detective Angell that his mother would be hiring an attomey. Additionally,
Patricia Stanley testified that on at least three occasions she informed the
detectives that she would be hiring an attorney for her son. Detective Angell
assured the family that Stanley was not going to be immediately arrested and
that they would have time to hire an attorney.
I
In the context of Stanley having already informed Detective Angell
his mother would be hiring an attorney, his statement that "My mom told me
that I should wait until I have a lawyer present to say anything" should
certainly imply not just any attorney, but a hired attorney. If this is construed
to be ambiguous even given the context of the situation, Stanley's second
statement requesting if there any way Detective Omungo could call
Stanley's mom to see if she was bringing a lawyer should certainly be seen
as a clear invocation of his right to counsel. Since Stanley by this point was
in custody, it was impossible for him to hire a private attorney. As was the
case in H.V., the presence of hired counsel during his questioning depended
solely on his mother's ability to hire one. Stanley had no income.In H.V. the
court noted the following regarding the totality of the circumstances:
But we need not decide in this case whether the court of appeals erred
in considering H.V.'s age, as we agree with its ultimate conclusion. It
is hard to construe H.V.'s statement that he "wanted his mother to ask
for an attorney" as anything other than "an expression of a desire for
the assistance of an attorney." This is not a case in which H.V. simply
wanted to see his mother; the only reason he said he wanted her was
for the purpose of getting him an attorney. If he wanted private
counsel, his request would have been technically correct, as his age at
least hindered it if it did not prevent him doing so himself.
The trial court should have suppressed Appellant's second statement
to Detective Omungo. It is clear based on the standard applied in H.V. that
Appellant unambiguously invoked his right to counsel. The court of appeals
9
compounded this elror by limiting the scope of H.Z to juvenile
matters,when the basis of the decision was predicated on the United States
Supreme Court ruling in Davis.
3. The court of appeals erred in affirming the trial court's denial of the
motion to suppress Appellant's statement because Appellant did not
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waive his rights under Article
38.22 and Miranda.
Incredibly, the court of appeals points to Stanley's questions about his
mother obtaining a lawyer as an acknowledgement that he understood his
rights. The court then went on to conclude that because Stanley proceeded to
offer his statement, that he implicitly waived his rights.
The State incurs the burden to establish a suspect's waiver of rights
Marylandv. Shatzer, 175 L.Ed 2d 1045, 1052. Despite what Detective
Omungo testified, the DVD video shows no perceptible verbal or physical
indication that Stanley understood his rights as they were read to him. What
is clear in the trial court's record is that Stanley was confused as to his legal
rights when he arrived at the Prue Road police substation and began
speaking to Detective Angell. An objective review shows Stanley clearly did
10
not understand why he could not invoke his right to counsel. He related that
he did not understand why he was not being arrested after admitting to
burglary. He did not understand why he could not wait at the police station
until his lawyer arrived.
Given Stanley's youthful age, inexperience in the criminal justice
system, the fact that his previous attempts to invoke counsel were denied,
and that after attempting to invoke in the second interview, he was presented
two options by Detective Omungo, neither of which included asserting his
Miranda rights,2 it is certainly reasonable to presume Stanley understood he
had no choice but to continue the interview. The totality of these
circumstances, which include the defendant's experience, background and
conduct are relevant. See Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707, 725.In Moran
v. Burbine, 47 5 U.S. 412 (1986), the [Jnited States Supreme Court held that
the decision to wave Miranda rights must be a free choice with an awareness
of the nature of the right being abandoned.
First, the relinquishment of the right must have been voluntary in the
sense that it was the product of a free and deliberate choice rather than
intimidation, coercion, or deception. Second, the waiver must have
been made with full awareness of both the nature of the right being
abandoned and the consequences of the decision to abandon it. Only if
z After Stanley made his request to see if his mother had hired an attorney, Detective
replied asked Stanley his age and stated as follows: "Eighteen. Okay. So, you tell me
what you'd like to do right now. Do you want to get your story out...your version of
the story, or do you want the facts that we have, as we have them, including Eric
telling his version of the story. You want that just to be it then? That's up to you."
1.1
the "totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation"
reveals both an uncoerced choice and the requisite level of
comprehension may a court properly conclude that the Miranda rights
have been waived.
The court of appeals further concluded that Stanely's decision to
speak to Detective Omungo effectively waived his Miranda rights. Again,
the court of appeals failed to consider the totality of the circumstances
When Detective Omungo asked, "'What do you want to do," he was not
attempting to clarifo Stanley's request to contact his mother to see if she had
hired an attorney. It is clear from the record that immediately following this
question and before Stanley said a word, Detective Omungo presented him
with two options as to what he wanted to do. He could make a statement or
let the facts stand as they were, which included Eric Ramirez' statement
The presentation of these two options is what prompted Stanley to begin
speaking. For Stanley to have completely waived his rights after previously
invoking, the Courts have ruled, "[T]he impetus for the remarks must come
from the suspect, not from police interrogation or conduct that is the
functional equivalent of interrogation. " Martinez v. State, 275 S.W.3d 29 , 35
(Tex. App.-San Antonio 2008, pet. struck).
The totality of the circumstances which include issues of age,
experience, education, maturity, etc. has been the standard for determining
T2
the voluntary nature of a statement. Delao v. State, 235 S.W.3d 241. An
objective review of the facts of the case shows Stanley's youth, immaturity,
reliance on his parents for support, and lack of understanding of his rights
dictated his behavior. When presented with Detective Omungo's ultimatum,
which included a belittling reference to Stanley's age but did not reference
againhis right to counsel, Stanley had no other option but to offer a
statement against his will.
It is important to note that Stanley's subsequent statement does not
render his prior requests ambiguous. Smith v. Illinois, 469 U.S. 9I , 98 (1984)
The court of appeals erred in ruling that Stanley's second statement
involved an implicit waiver of his Miranda rights.
4 The court of appeals erred in ruling that OffÏcer Omungo
attempted to clarify Appellant's ambiguous request for counsel prior to
his second statement.
In Stanley's post-arrest interview, Detective Omungo read Stanley his
Miranda rights. Stanley did not immediately waive these rights. While
Stanley answered a general question as to why he was there (the murder
charge), he immediately responded to questions about the case itself by
notifuing Detective Omungo that his mother told him not to talk until he had
13
a lawyer present. He then asked to speak if his mother could be called to see
if she had hired an attorney.
In Reed v. Texas, 227 S.W.3d I I I (Tex. App-Houston 2006) the court
noted the following:
When an accused's invocation is unclear, ambiguous, or
equivocal, the interrogating officers are not required to
automatically stop the interview. Lucas, 791 S.W.2d at 46. They
may continue questioning the accused, but only to ascertain
whether he wishes to speak to an attorney or continue the
questioning without the assistance of counsel. Police may not
use such clarification as a guise to encourage, coerce, or
intimidate the accused to make a statement. Jamail v. State, 787
S,l4/,2d 372, 377 (Tex.Crim.App. 1990).
Clearly, Detective Omungo's response to Stanley's request for
counsel was not intended to clariff what Detective Omungo may have
deemed to be an ambiguous request. Instead, he belittled Stanley regarding
his age and presented two options for, neither of which included waiting for
an attorney to arnve.
In light of the circumstances of the encounter, atthe very minimum,
Stanley made a request for counsel. Detective Omungo did not make an
attempt to clariff this request but continued to question Stanley, encouraging
him into making a statement.
l4
The trial court as well as the Fourth Court of Appeals erred in failing
to consider previous rulings by the Court of Criminal Appeals regarding law
enforcement's failure to clariff ambiguous invocations for counsel.
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
This Court should grant review, request additional briefing, and render the
judgment that the court of appeals should have rendered. The Court should
reverse the judgment of the lower courts and render a judgment of acquittal
or, alternatively, reverse and remand for fuither proceedings below.
Resp ectfully Submitted
/s/Anthony B. Cantrell
Anthony B. Cantrell
SBN: 03763180
111 Soledad, Suite 1200
San Antonio, TX 78501
Telephon e: 21 0-490 - 1207
Facsimile : 210 -209 -I 482
cantrelllaw@sbc global. net
Counselfor Appellant
15
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE AND DELIVERY
This document complies with the typeface requirements of Tex. R. App. P.
9.a@) because it has been prepared in a conventional typeface no smaller
than l4-point for text and l2-point for footnotes. This document also
complies with the word-count limitations of Tex. R. App.P. 9.4(i), because
it contains 3,510 words, excluding the parts exempted by Rule 9.4. On
March 30,2015, a true and correct copy of the above and forgoing "Petition
for Discretionary Review" was transmitted via electronic mail (eMail) to
appellate counsel of record for the State of Texas and to Todd Winslow,
State' s Prosecuting Attorney
/s/ Anthonv B.
Anthony B. Cantrell
L6
APPENDIX
f ourtb @ourt of €[ppes[ø
åsn Øntonío, U,exag
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Nos. 04-13-00663-CR &
04-13-oo7l3-cRr
Dillan William STANLEY,
Appellant
V
The STATE of Texas,
Appellee
From the 186th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas
Trial Court No. 201 1-CR-81008
Honorable Maria Teresa Herr, Judge Presiding
Opinion by Marialyn Bamard, Justice
Sitting: Sandee Bryan Marion, Chief Justice
Karen Angelini, Justice
Marialyn Barnard, Justice
Delivered and Filed: January 28,2015
AFFIRMED
After the trial court denied appellant Dillan William Stanley's motion to suppress, Stanley
pled guilty to the offense of murder. On appeal, Stanley contends the trial court erred in denying
his motion to suppress the oral statements he made to law enforcement before and after his arrest.
We affirm the trial court's judgment.
I Afterjudgment, both appellant's trial counsel and his current appellate counsel filed notices ofappeal. Based on the
separate notices ofappeal, this court inadvertently docketed this single appeal as two separate appeals, assigning the
first notice ofappeal number 04-13-00663-CR, and then assigning the second notice ofappeal number 04-13-00713-
CR. It is clear there is but one judgment and one conviction for a single offense in this case. Accordingly, we dismiss
appeal number 04-13-00'713-CR because it is merely duplicative of the f,rrst filed appeal.
04- l 3-00663-CR & 04- I 3-007 I 3-CR
BlcxcRouno
Stanley was arrested for the capital murder of Gilbert Femandez. Prior to trial, Stanley
filed a motion to suppress oral statements he made to San Antonio detectives, Timm Angell and
Omar Omungo. At the hearing on the motion, the State presented both detectives as witnesses.
Additionally, the trial court admitted into evidence an audio recording of Stanley's interview with
Detective Angell and a DVD recording of Stanley's post-arrest interview with Detective Omungo.
At the hearing, Detective Angell testified he was working at the main police station when
Detective Omungo received a phone call advising him that two men, Stanley and Eric Ramirez,
were at the Prue Road police substation. Stanley and Ramirez wanted to talk about a murder.
Detective Angell stated he and Detective Omungo went to the substation to question the men.
When they arrived, the detectives questioned the men separately.
Detective Angell testified he found Stanley seated with another officer at a desk located
behind the service counter. Stanley was not in handcufß. According to Detective Angell, he
introduced himself to Stanley and discovered Stanley, who was eighteen-years-old, was at the
substation to turn himself in for a robbery. Detective Angell stated he told Stanley he was not
under arrest and he could leave whenever he wanted. According to Detective Angell, Stanley
stated he did not understand why he was not under arrest. Detective Angell advised Stanley that
he might be arrested later, but at this time, he was not under arrest. Stanley then told Detective
Angell that he and Ramirez robbed Fernandez and during the robbery, Ramirez killed Femandez
by hitting him with abat. The conversation lasted approximately thirty-six minutes; thereafter,
Stanley left with his parents.
Detective Omungo testified he conferred with Detective Angell about the conversation
with Stanley. Thereafter, Detective Omungo prepared a warrant for Stanley's arrest. The police
2
04-13-00663 -CR & 04- I 3-007 l 3-CR
affested Stanley the next moming and took him to a police substation where Detective Omungo
interviewed him.
Detective Omungo testihed that when he arrived at the substation, Stanley was in an
interview room. Detective Omungo also testified he removed Stanley's handcuffs, introduced
himself, and asked Stanley if he was "okay." Thereafter, the detective read Stanley his Miranda
rights. According to Detective Omungo, after he asked Stanley if he understood his rights, Stanley
nodded affirmatively. Detective Omungo then asked Stanley to share his side of the story. Stanley
replied, stating his mother had told him to wait for a lawyer. Detective Omungo testified he told
Stanley he could not force him to talk. Stanley then asked if he could call his mother to see if she
was obtaining a lawyer. Detective Omungo testified he told Stanley he could call his mother if he
wanted or he could talk to him about what happened. Stanley remained quiet for a moment and
then proceeded to tell Detective Omungo how he and Ramirez robbed Fernandez and during the
robbery, Ramirez murdered Fernandez.
Stanley was ultimately indicted for the offense of capital murder. Before trial, Stanley
sought to suppress the statements he made to the two detectives. After the suppression hearing,
the trial court denied Stanley's motion to suppress, making oral findings of fact. The trial court
found Stanley's first statement the statement he made to Detective Angell was voluntary.
- -
The trial court further found Stanley waived his Mirqnda rights and failed to invoke his right to
counsel when he made his post-arrest statement to Detective Omungo. After the trial court denied
his motion to suppress, Stanley and the State entered into aplea agreement whereby Stanley pled
guilty to the lesser offense of murder. Stanley preserved his right to appeal the denial of his motion
to suppress. After judgment was rendered, Stanley perfected this appeal.
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ANnlvsrs
In two issues on appeal, Stanley contends the trial court erred by ovemrling his motion to
suppress the oral statements he made during his interviews with Detective Angell and Detective
Omungo. Specifically, Stanley argues the statement he made to Detective Angell was the product
of a custodial interrogation and he was not given Miranda wamings. As to his post-arrest
statement to Detective Omungo, Stanley contends the statement was involuntary and obtained in
violation of his right to counsel.
Støndard of Revíew
We review atrial court's ruling on a motion to suppress for an abuse of discretion under a
bifurcated standard. Hernandez v. State,387 S.W.3d 881, 884 (Tex. Crim.App. 2012); Valtierua
v. State,3l0 S.W.3d 442,447 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010). Under a bifurcated standard, we defer to
the trial court's determination of historical facts and witnesses' credibility, but we review the trial
court's application of the law to the facts under a de novo standard. Hodson v. State,350 S.W.3d
169, 173 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 2011, pet. ref d) (citing Carmouche v. State,10 S.V/.3d 323,
328 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000)). If the trial court makes express findings of fact, we view the
evidence in the light most favorable to the trial court's ruling and determine whether the evidence
supports the factual findings. Valtierra,310 S.W.3d at 447 . Accordingly, we will uphold the trial
court's ruling if that ruling is reasonably supported by the record and is correct under any theory
of law applicable to the case. Hernandez,387 S.W.3d at 885; Valtierra,310 S.W.3d at447.
Application
l. Pre-Arrest Statement to Detective Angell
As stated above, Stanley contends the trial court erred by overruling his motion to suppress
the statement he made to Detective Angell. He contends the statement was the product of a
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custodial interrogation and he was not given Miranda warnings. Therefore, he asserts his
statement was involuntary.
As this court held in Hines v. State,law enforcement must, under Mirandav. Arizona,warn
suspects of certain constitutional rights prior to a custodial interrogation. 383 S.W.3d 615,621
(Tex. App.-San Antonio 2012, pet. ref d) (citing Miranda v. Arizona,384 U.S. 436, 444, 478
(1966); Hodson State,350 S.V/.3d 169, 173 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 2011, pet. reld)).
Additionally, law enforcement must abide by the provisions of Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure with regard to statements made during a custodial interrogation. S¿e TBx.
Cooe Cnln. PRoc. Ar.rN. art. 38.22 (West 20ll). Article 38.22 provides that an oral statement is
admissible against a defendant if the defendant was given certain warnings prior to making the
statement, the warnings and the statement were electronically recorded, and the defendant
"knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily" waived these rights . Id. art.38.22, $$ 2(a), 3(a)(1)-(2).
However, warnings pursuant to Miranda and Article 38.22 are necessary only when a suspect is
in custody. Hines,383 S.W.3d at 621(citing Miranda,384 U.S. at 444; Hodson,350 S.W.3d at
173). "'A person is in 'custody' only if, under the circumstances, a reasonable person would
believe that his freedom of movement was restrained to the degree associated with a formal
arrest."' Hodson,350 S.W.3d at 173-74 (quoting Dowthitt v. State,931 S.W.2d 244,254 (Tex.
Crim. App. 1996)).
According to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, four situations constitute situations in
which a defendant may be in custody: (1) when a suspect is physically deprived of his freedom of
action in any significant way; (2) when a police officer tells a suspect he cannot leave; (3) when a
police officer creates a situation that would lead a reasonable person to believe his freedom of
movement has been signihcantly restricted; and (4) when there is probable cause to arrest and a
police ofhcer does not tell a suspect he is free to leave. Hodson, 350 S.W.3 d at 174. It is the
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objective circumstances, not the subjective views of either the police officer or the defendant, that
determine whether the defendant was subject to custodial interrogation. Hines, 383 S.W.3 dat62l
(citing Dowthitt,93l S.W.2d at 254); Garza v. State,34 S.W.3d 591, 593 (Tex. App.-San
Antonio 2000, pet. refd).
The State has no burden to show it complied with the mandates of Miranda or Article 38.22
"unless and until the defendant proves that the statements he wishes to exclude were the product
of custodial interrogation." Hines,383 S.W.3d at62I (quoting Herrerav. State,24l S.W.3d 520,
526 (Tex. Crim.App.2007) (quoting Wilkersonv. State,173 S.W.3d 521,532 (Tex. Crim.App.
2005)). Accordingly, Stanley had the burden to establish he was in custody before the State was
required to show compliance with Miranda or Article 38.22. See Ìd. We hold tStanley failed to
meet this burden with regard to the statement made to Detective Angell.
A determination as to whether Stanley was in custody when he made the complained of
statement to Detective Angell presents a mixed question of law and fact. See Herrera v. State,24l
S.W.3d at 526. Therefore, as to the portion of the custody issue that turns on witness credibility,
we will defer to the trial court. See Hodson,350 S.V/.3d at ll3. However, we will review the
court's application of the law to the facts under a de novo standard. See id.
Stanley contends the interrogation by Detective Angell was custodial because: (1) Stanley
provided the police with a damaging statement that established probable cause for his arrest, and
(2)he was not allowed to speak to his family, who were in the process of obtaining an attorney on
his behalf. We disagree and conclude the conversation between Detective Angell and Stanley did
not rise to the level of a custodial interrogation.
Although a defendant's damaging admission with regard to a crime may be the key factor
in establishing probable cause for his arrest, merely making a damaging statement is not enough
to turn a situation into a custodial interrogation. See Saenz v. State,41 1 S.W.3d 488, 497 (Tex.
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Crim. App.2013) (holding off,rcer's knowledge of probable cause to arrest does not by itself create
situation classified as custodial interrogation); Trejos v. State,243 S.V/.3d 30,4647 (Tex. App.-
Houston flst Dist.] 2007, pet. refd) ("Although a statement made by a person is sufficient to
establish probable cause, the statement is not custodial if the court determines based on other facts
that the person was not under arrest."). Instead, custody is established if the manifestation of
probable cause in combination with other factors would lead a reasonable person to believe he is
under restraint to the degree associated with a formal arrest. Saenz,411 S.W.3d at 496.
In this case, the trial court's oral findings of fact support the trial court's conclusion that
despite his admissions, Stanley was not in custody during his interview with Detective Angell.
First, the evidence establishes, and the trial court found, that Stanley voluntarily went to the police
substation to provide police with his version of the robbery and killing of Fernandez. See Estrada
v. State,313 S.V/.3d274,294-95 (Tex. Crim.App.2010) (holding that defendant was not in
custody when he went to police station voluntarily, was told he was free to leave, and stayed
willingly for five-hour interview); l(hite v. State,395 S.W.3d 828, 836 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth
2013,no pet.) (holding that defendant was not in custody when he voluntarily went to police station
for one-hour interview, despite making pivotal admission). Second, Detective Angell testified he
repeatedly told Stanley he was not under arrest, and the trial court subsequently found that although
Stanley may have thought his admission would cause him to be arrested, he was informed several
times he was not under arrest. See Estrada, 313 S.W.3 d at 295 (holding reasonable person would
believe he was free to leave when told by police several times he was free to leave even if defendant
states he wants to leave but voluntarily stays); Garcia v. State,l06 S.W.3d 854, 858 (Tex. App.-
Houston [ 1 st Dist.] 2003 ,pet. ref d) (holding that defendant was not in custody when he voluntarily
went to police station, and after he was told he could leave, he gave damaging statement). In
addition, the record shows Stanley was questioned by Detective Angell for approximately thirty-
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six minutes in an open area, was not physically prevented from leaving the substation, was allowed
to speak with his parents when he asked to speak to them, and was permitted to leave the substation
with his parents.
Stanley points out that Detective Angell ignored his repeated requests to speak to his family
regarding an attorney. However, Detective Angell testified he told Stanley he was free to leave
when Stanley expressed concem about talking with an attomey. Detective Angell also testified
that when Stanley asked to speak to his father, Detective Angell took Stanley to his father, who
was seated twenty yards away.
Applying the applicable legal standard, we must give almost total deference to the trial
court's custody determination when questions of historical fact turn on witnesses' credibility or
demeanor. Here, we hold Detective Angell's testimony provides sufftcient evidence to support
the trial court's finding that Stanley was not in custody.
Under these circumstances, we hold a reasonable person would not believe he was under
restraint to the degree associated with an arrest. We therefore conclude Stanley failed to meet his
burden to establish he was in custody when he made his oral statement to Detective Angell.
Because Stanley was not in custody, Detective Angell was not required to give Stanley warnings
pursuant to Miranda or Article 38.22 prior to or during the interview. Accordingly, we hold the
trial court did not err in denying the motion to suppress.
2. Post Aruest Statement to Detective Omunqo
Stanley next contends the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress with regard to
his post-arrest statement to Detective Omungo. Stanley contends his post-arrest statement was
involuntary because he did not fully understand the Miranda warnings read to him, and he did not
waive his rights after the warnings were read. Stanley also claims he invoked his right to counsel
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before giving any statement to Detective Omungo, but Detective Omungo ignored his request for
counsel. We will address each of these arguments separately.
Waiver
As noted above, Article 38.22 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that an oral
statement made by an accused as a result of custodial interrogation shall not be admissible against
him in a criminal proceeding unless the statement was recorded and, prior to the statement but
during the recording, the accused was warned of his rights and knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waivedthose rights. Tpx. Cooe Cnttt. Pnoc. art.38.22 $ 3. The Article 38.22 warning
must inform a defendant that:
(1) [H]e has the right to remain silent and not make any statement at all and that
any statement he makes may be used against him at his trial;
(2) any statement he makes may be used as evidence against him in court;
(3) he has the right to have a lawyer present to advise him prior to and during any
questioning;
(a) if he is unable to employ a lawyer, he has the right to have a lawyer appointed
to advise him prior to and during any questioning; and
(5) he has the right to terminate the interview at any time[.]
Tsx. Cots Czurr,r. Pnoc. art. 38.22, $ 2. The State bears the burden to show by a preponderance
of the evidence that the accused knowingly, intentionally, and voluntarily waived his rights. See
Josephv. State,309 S.W.3d 20,24 (Tex. Crim.App.20l0) (citing Miranda,384 U.S. at444)
To be valid, a waiver of rights must be made with the full awareness of not only the nature
of the rights being abandoned, but also the consequences of the decision to abandon those rights.
Joseph,309 S.W.3d at25. To be voluntary, a waiver must be the product of a free and deliberate
choice, not a result of coercion, intimidation or deception. Id. However, a waiver does not need
to assume a particular form and can be inferred by the actions and words of the accused. Id. at24
(citing NorthCarolinav. Butler,44l U.S. 369,373 (1979));see also Watsonv. State,762S.W.2d
591, 601 (Tex. Crim. App. 19SB) (highlighting that waiver is not required to be written or orally
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expressed). In other words, a waiver may be presumed upon a showing that an individual was
given proper wamings, acted in a manner that indicated he fully understood his rights and the
consequences of waiving such rights and made an uncoerced statement. Berghuis v. Thompkins,
560 U.S. 370,384-85 (2010); Joseph,309 S.W.2d at 25. To determine if an accused validly
waived his rights, we must consider the totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation.
See Joseph, 309 S.W.2 d at 2526.
The DVD recording of the post-arrest statement shows Detective Omungo read Stanley his
rights and asked Stanley if he understood his rights. Stanley remained silent, but appeared to nod
his head affrrmatively. Detective Omungo confirmed Stanley's action by responding, "Yes." At
the suppression hearing, Detective Omungo testified he asked Stanley if he understood his rights,
and Stanley indicated he did. Furthermore, Detective Omungo testified he did not have any
concems about Stanley's mental capacity or his ability to understand the process. And, it is
undisputed that after the detective read the warnings to Stanley, Stanley continued with the
interview.
Stanley counters, arguing he did not affirmatively nod, and therefore, he did not expressly
waive his rights. Stanley also contends he did not act in any way to show an afhrmative waiver
of his rights. The trial court found that although Stanley may not have clearly nodded, there was
no showing or indication that Stanley did not want to proceed with the interview, and therefore,
he waived his rights. We agree. As stated above, an express waiver of rights is not required. See
Joseph,309 S.W.2d at24. It is within the trial court's discretion to rely upon an implied waiver
when the totality of the circumstances, as reflected by the DVD recording and Detective Omungo's
testimony, supports it. Id. at25-26. There is nothing in the record to lead this court to conclude
Stanley did not understand his rights. Although Stanley did not specifically state that he wished
to waive his rights or that he understood his rights, Stanley acted in a manner to show he
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understood his rights when he proceeded to speak to Detective Omungo and gave no indication he
wished to remain silent. We therefore conclude the totality of the circumstances supports the trial
court's reliance upon appellant's implied waiver of his rights.
Invocation of Right to Counsel
Stanley next contends that even if he did initially waive his rights, he later invoked his right
to counsel when he asked to speak to his mother about an attomey before providing any statement
to Detective Omungo. We disagree.
When an accused requests to speak to an attorney, a police ofhcer must stop asking the
accused questions until he is provided with an attorney. Davis v. State,313 S.W.3d 317,339 (Tex.
Crim. App. 2010); State v. Gobert,275 S.W.3d, 888, 893 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009). However, a
request for counsel must be unambiguous; in other words, it must be suffrciently clear that a
reasonable police officer would understand the statement to be a request for an attomey. Davis v.
United States,512 U.S. 452, 459 Q99\; Davis,3 13 S.W.3d at 339; Dalton v. State,248 S.W.3d
866, 872 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008). If an accused makes an ambiguous or equivocal statement, a
police ofhcer is under no obligation to ask the accused questions to clarifu whether he really wants
an attorney. Davis,313 S.W.3d at3391' Dalton,248 S.W.3d at872.
Whether an accused actually invoked his right to counsel is an objective inquiry. Davis,
3 13 S.W.3d at 339. To determine if an accused invoked his right to counsel, we look at the totality
of the circumstances sutrounding the interrogation in combination with the accused's statement.
Dalton, 248 S.W.3d at 872-73.
The DVD recording shows Stanley told Detective Omungo that his mother told him not to
speak to anyone unless he had an attomey. Detective Omungo informed eighteen-year-old Stanley
that it was up to him whether he wanted to discuss what happened. Stanley then asked if he could
call his mother to ask if she was bringing an attomey, and Detective Omungo told Stanley he could
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call his mother, but he was old enough to decide if he wanted to speak to the detective. Moreover,
at the suppression hearing, Detective Omungo testified he told Stanley he was an adult and could
make the decision on his own whether to speak to the detective without an attomey. Stanley
paused, and Detective Omungo asked him what he would like to do. Stanley then proceeded to
provide Detective Omungo with a statement regarding the robbery and murder.
After watching the DVD recording and hearing the testimony, the trial court found that
Stanley did not clearly invoke his right to counsel. Rather, Stanley considered his options and
decided to move forward and provide Detective Omungo a statement. We agree.
'When
considering the totality of the circumstances, we hold Stanley's request to speak to
his mother with regard to her obtaining an attorney for him was not a clear invocation of his right
to counsel. Texas case law holds that an invocation of the right to counsel must be clear and
unambiguous. See, e.g., Davis, 313 S.W.3 d at 341 (holding that defendant's statement "Should I
have an attorney?" was not clear request for counsel); Dalton,248 S.W.3dat873 (holding that
defendant's statement to off,rcer to tell his friends to get lawyer was not direct, unequivocal request
forattorney);Mbuguav. State,312 S.W.3d 657,665 (Tex.App.-Houston[1stDist.] 2009,pet.
ref d) (holding that "Can I wait until my lawyer gets here?" was not clear and unambiguous
invocation of right to counsel).
Here, Detective Omungo attempted to clarify Stanley's statement by asking him what he
wanted to do. Contrary to the situation presented in In re H.V., where a Bosnian juvenile's
statement that he "wanted his mother to ask for an attomey" was construed as an unambiguous
request for an attome under the totality of the circumstances, this case involves an adult
requesting to ask his mother whether she hired an attorney . See 252 S.W.3d 319,327 (Tex. 2008).
Stanley's ambiguous question about calling his mother to inquire about the status of counsel was
followed by his unambiguous decision to continue to discuss the situation with Detective Omungo.
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Accordingly, considering the totality of the circumstances from an objective viewpoint, we
conclude the trial court did not err in concluding Stanley did not invoke his right to counsel. If
anything, Stanley's request to speak to his mother about an attorney confirms Stanley understood
his rights as well as the consequences of waiving such rights, and therefore, made a valid waiver.
Consequently, we hold the trial court did not err in denying the motion to suppress Stanley's post-
arrest statement to Detective Omungo.
Coxclusrox
Based on the foregoing, we conclude the trial court did not err in denying Stanley's motion
to suppress. Accordingly, we ovemrle Stanley's complaints and affirm the trial court's judgment.
Marialyn Barnard, Justice
Do Not Publish
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