State v. Brown

[Cite as State v. Brown, 2019-Ohio-2187.]
COURT OF APPEALS
STARK COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 2018CA00107
AULETTI DALANE BROWN, JR. :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Stark County
Court of Common Pleas, Case
No.2017CR2362
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: June 3, 2019
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
JOHN D. FERRERO GEORGE URBAN
StarkCounty Prosecutor 116 Cleveland Avenue NW, Ste. 808
BY: MICHAEL BICKIS Canton, OH 44702
110 Central Plaza South
Suite 510
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 2
Gwin, P. J.
{¶1} Appellant Auletti Dalane Brown, Jr. [“Brown”] appeals his conviction and
sentence after a jury trial in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} Y.W.'s and his fiancée M.L. lived on Ingram Avenue, SW, Canton, Stark
County, Ohio, with her four children, including a three-year-old son that she had with
Y.W. M.L. is Brown’s cousin.
{¶3} On December 10, 2017, around seven o'clock in the evening, Y.W. and M.
L. were at home with their children, drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. Y.W. left
and walked to Maggiore's Drive-thru to purchase alcohol. At approximately the same time,
Brown left his home on Maryland Avenue, SW to go to Maggiore's Drive-thru to purchase
beer and cigarettes. Brown testified that when he left home, he put his knife in his pants
pocket because he always carried a knife with him when he left his house.
{¶4} Brown and Y.W. got into a verbal and physical altercation outside the
Maggiore's drive thru on Dueber and 9th Street in Canton, Ohio. Y.W. pushed Brown to
the ground and accused Brown of slashing his car tires. Brown called 9-1-1, told the
dispatcher never mind and hung up. Both left the area and walked to their respective
homes, which were within blocks of each other. Surveillance cameras in the area
captured portions of this altercation.
{¶5} M. L. testified that Brown had been told to stay away from their home
"because his drinking leads to violence.” 1T. at 1871. M.L. testified when Y.W. returned
1 For clarity sake, the transcript of the jury trial will be referred to by volume and page number as
“T.”
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 3
from the drive thru he was angry. Y.W. told her that he had pushed Brown down and that
if Brown was not her cousin he would have really punched on him. 1T.at 194. M.L.
testified that she never heard a knock on the door that day, but heard Brown outside
hollering and screaming, "Mother fucker.” 1T.at 208; 3T. at 535. M.L. testified that she
saw Y.W. head for the door and she told him not to go, but Y.W. said, "I'm tired of him.”
M.L. testified that Brown came up the steps with his hands in his pockets. Y.W. took a
swing at Brown and missed. She then saw Y.W. fall to the ground. M.L. testified that
when Y.W. walked back up the steps, he was bleeding like a faucet and said, "He stabbed
me Bae" and fell. 1T. at 197. Then she heard Brown say "Yeah, Nigga" and then Brown
calmly walked away.
{¶6} On his way home, Brown hid the knife in the bushes by his neighbor's
house. Officers responding to Brown's 9-1-1 call, saw Brown, and observed that he fit
the physical description of Y.W.'s assailant. The officers tried to talk with Brown, but
Brown put his head down and ran. The officers eventually cornered Brown and took him
into custody. The arresting officers took photos of Brown's neck and abdomen and did
not observe any physical injuries to his neck. When Brown was initially questioned by the
police he claimed he did not know Y.W. but later admitted he went to the house to speak
with "Yoshie" and that he stabbed Y.W. claiming it was in self-defense. 3T. at 627. He
also told the detectives, "No one gets over on Auletti Brown.” At trial Brown testified that
he was being strangled when he stabbed Y.W.
{¶7} Dr. Renee Robinson, a forensic pathologist at the Stark County Coroner's
Office, performed the autopsy on Y.W. Dr. Robinson testified that she observed defensive
wounds on Y.W.'s forearms. She stated that it would have been difficult for a person to
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 4
sustain the injuries unless they were in a defensive position. She testified that the
puncture wound to Y.W.’s' heart was the result of a sharp force to Y.W.'s arm and chest
in a single action and consistent with the knife in evidence. 3T. at 471-476. She testified
that the puncture to Y.W.’s heart resulted in excessive bleeding and that he lost
approximately 2 liters of blood as the result. Dr. Robinson testified that Y.W. died because
of a sharp force injury to the chest.
{¶8} At trial, Brown represented himself, called witnesses and testified on his
own behalf. Throughout the proceedings, Brown maintained that he acted in self-
defense. After the presentation of evidence, Brown requested and was granted a jury
instruction on self-defense.
{¶9} The jury found Brown guilty of murder and felonious assault. The court
found Brown guilty of the Repeat Violent Offender Specification. The state agreed that
the felonious assault conviction merged into the murder conviction and elected for
sentencing on the murder charge.
{¶10} The court imposed a 15 year to life sentence of the murder conviction and
a 10-year sentence for the repeat violent offender to run consecutively for an aggregate
sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Assignments of Error
{¶11} Brown, through counsel, raises two Assignments of Error,
{¶12} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS.
{¶13} “II. APPELLANT’S CONVICTIONS WERE AGAINST THE MANIFEST
WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.”
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 5
I.
{¶14} In his First Assignment of Error, Brown contends that the trial court erred by
overruling his motion to suppress Brown’s statement to the police. Subsumed within this
generalized objection are three challenges to the trial court ruling. Specifically, Brown
contends that: (1). Officers continued to question him after he asked for an attorney; (2)
the Officers failed to re-advise Brown of his Miranda rights after a three minute break in
questioning and (3) Brown did not voluntarily waive his Miranda rights.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW
{¶15} Appellate review of a motion to suppress presents a mixed question of law
and fact. State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152, 154-155, 2003-Ohio-5372, 797 N.E.2d
71, ¶ 8. When ruling on a motion to suppress, the trial court assumes the role of trier of
fact and is in the best position to resolve questions of fact and to evaluate witness
credibility. See State v. Dunlap, 73 Ohio St.3d 308,314, 1995-Ohio-243, 652 N.E.2d 988;
State v. Fanning, 1 Ohio St.3d 19, 20, 437 N.E.2d 583 (1982). Accordingly, a reviewing
court must defer to the trial court's factual findings if competent, credible evidence exists
to support those findings. See Burnside, supra; Dunlap, supra; State v. Long, 127 Ohio
App.3d 328, 332, 713 N.E.2d 1(4th Dist.1998); State v. Medcalf, 111 Ohio App.3d 142,
675 N.E.2d 1268 (4th Dist.1996). However, once this Court has accepted those facts as
true, it must independently determine as a matter of law whether the trial court met the
applicable legal standard. See Burnside, supra, citing State v. McNamara, 124 Ohio
App.3d 706, 707 N.E.2d 539(4th Dist. 1997); See, generally, United States v. Arvizu, 534
U.S. 266, 122 S.Ct. 744, 151 L.Ed.2d 740(2002); Ornelas v. United States, 517 U.S. 690,
116 S.Ct. 1657, 134 L.Ed.2d 911(1996). That is, the application of the law to the trial
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 6
court's findings of fact is subject to a de novo standard of review Ornelas, supra.Moreover, due weight should be given “to inferences drawn from those facts by resident
judges and local law enforcement officers.” Ornelas, supra at 698, 116 S.Ct. at 1663.
ISSUES FOR APPEAL.
A. Whether Brown invoked his right to counsel during custodial
interrogation by Detective George.
{¶16} Brown first contends that all the statements he made to the Canton police
detectives while in custody on December 10, 2017 should have been suppressed,
because his Fifth Amendment right to counsel during custodial interrogation, see Miranda
v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 474, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966), was violated when
Canton police interrogated him after he had invoked his right to counsel. A video of
Brown’s interview with the detectives was played during the hearing on Brown’s Motion
to Suppress and during his jury trial. State’s Exhibit 1.2
{¶17} If a suspect in custody requests counsel, “interrogation must cease until an
attorney is present.” Id. Moreover,
When an accused has invoked his right to have counsel present during
custodial interrogation, a valid waiver of that right cannot be established by
showing only that he responded to further police-initiated custodial
interrogation even if he has been advised of his rights. * * * [A]n accused,
* * * having expressed his desire to deal with the police only through
counsel, is not subject to further interrogation by the authorities until counsel
2 For clarity, the transcript of the Apr. 19, 2018 hearing on Brown’s Motion to Suppress will be
referred to as “S.H.”
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 7
has been made available to him, unless the accused himself initiates further
communication, exchanges, or conversations with the police.
Edwards v. Arizona, 451 U.S. 477, 484-485, 101 S.Ct. 1880, 68 L.Ed.2d 378(1981)(Footnote omitted.); State v. Trench, Oh. Sup. No. 2016-0899, 2018-Ohio-5205(Dec. 26, 2018), ¶25.
{¶18} However, “the suspect must unambiguously request counsel.” (Emphasis
added.) Davis v. United States, 512 U.S. 452, 459, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 129 L.Ed.2d 362(1994). “If the suspect’s statement is not an unambiguous or unequivocal request for
counsel, the officers have no obligation to stop questioning him.” Id. at 461-462, 114
S.Ct. 2350. The 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.” Id. at 459, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 129 L.Ed.2d 362.
Moreover, if the suspect does request counsel, police may still interrogate him if—but only
if—he initiates a conversation. Edwards at 485, 101 S.Ct. 1880, 68 L.Ed.2d 378; Trench,
¶756.
1. December 10, 2017 Brown is taken into custody.
{¶19} Detective George testified that he knew that Brown had a lengthy criminal
history and, that Brown was familiar with the criminal justice system. Detectives George
and Walker placed Brown in an interview room with video and audio recording
capabilities.
{¶20} Brown was secured and patted down for weapons and remained in his
street clothing. Prior to the interview, Brown's handcuffs were removed, and, he was
offered something to drink. SH. at 14-15.
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 8
{¶21} Brown asked Detective George what charges had been filed against him.
Brown further let the officers know that he was familiar with the system and his
constitutional rights stating, "I'm not the average stupid fucker-keep it gangster, keep it
real"; "I got a lawyer, trust me, it ain't even like that."
{¶22} Detective Walker gave Brown a Miranda warning. S.H. at 23. Brown was
then asked if he understood what had been read to him, to which he responded, "yes
sir.” He was asked if he had any questions about the Miranda warning to which he
responded "no.” He was then asked to read aloud a section of the warning prior to
questioning. Brown read the following statement, "I have had the above Constitutional
Rights read to me and I fully understand them and I do hereby waive my rights.” Brown
said, "I know what it means" and signed a written waiver of rights form. State’s Exhibit 2.
Brown acknowledges that he was read his Miranda right, understood his rights and signed
a written waiver of Miranda rights form. [Appellant’s Brief at 7-8].
2. Brown Contends That He Invokes His Right to Counsel
{¶23} At 10:19:45 in the video, the following exchange took place between Det.
George and Brown:
Brown: What happens if do this- what happens if I say-
Well-Get me a lawyer?
Sgt. George: You want lawyer?
Brown: I can call my lawyer right now.
Sgt. George: Do you want a lawyer-
Brown: Yeah
Sgt. George: or do you want to talk with us?
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 9
Brown: It just seems like you want to talk to me, but you
don't want me to talk to you.
Sgt. George: I don't understand that.
Brown: You want me to talk to you– no- you want to talk
to me, but you don't want me to talk to you.
Sgt. George: Well, I am asking you questions and I want
answers.
Brown: Yeah, I want answers too. So, we just sitttin'
here-
Sgt. George: You want an answer of what I'm going to charge
you with, but I don't know yet until I talk to you. Let's put it this way-Ok
Brown: All I am asking is this one question- all I am
asking is this one question and I'll tell you everything that happened
Sgt. George: Do you want to know what I am going to-
Brown: Listen-
Sgt. George: charge you with-yes or no?
Brown: Yeah.
Sgt. George: Ok, if you don't say another word to me and tell
me “I'm not going to talk to you,” I'm going to charge you with murder tonight
because [Y.W.] is dead.
Now, if you want to tell me your side of what
happened, that could change, but as of right now, [Y.W.] is dead, he was
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 10
stabbed, he is not coming back to life- and that's what I am going to charge
you with if you don't want to say another word.
If you want to talk to me and tell me your side of
what happened, it could change
Brown: It still don't-
Sgt. George: I wasn't there
Brown: It still don't mean the same thing- but I'm still
going to say it-
Sgt. George: Ok.
Brown: My love go out to everybody, my family, but he
didn't make it- So, I'm going to say it like this-this is what happened
Brown: (inaudible) make it.
Sgt. George: No
Brown: I need a couple seconds.
Sgt. George: Would you like a glass of water?
Brown: (inaudible) no. Give me a couple of seconds
and I’ll tell you everything.
Sgt. George: Ok.
{¶24} Brown argues that when the detective said, “Do you want a lawyer or do
you want to talk with us? Brown responded, “Yeah,” he made an “unequivocal request
for an attorney” and that thereafter, the police should have stopped all questioning. The
trial court found that Brown did not “unequivocally and unambiguously” ask for an
attorney.
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 11
{¶25} “In determining whether a reasonable officer conducting the interview
would have understood that [the suspect] was asking for an attorney, we may consider
what came before the request, but may not look to [the suspect’s] subsequent statements
to determine whether the initial request was ambiguous.” (Emphasis deleted.) Tolliver v.
Sheets, 594 F.3d 900, 922 (6th Cir.2010), citing Smith v. Illinois, 469 U.S. 91, 97-98, 105
S.Ct. 490, 83 L.Ed.2d 488 (1984). But, even then, a suspect’s alleged invocation must
be examined “‘not in isolation but in context.’ ” State v. Cepec, 149 Ohio St.3d 438, 2016-
Ohio-8076, 75 N.E.3d 1185, ¶ 37, quoting State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 520-521,
747 N.E.2d 765 (2001).
{¶26} “If a suspect’s statement is not an unambiguous or unequivocal request for
counsel, the officers have no obligation to stop questioning him.” Davis [v. United States,
512 U.S. 452] at 461-62. State v. Brown, 100 Ohio St.3d 51, 2003-Ohio-5059, 796 N.E.2d
506, ¶ 18. The officers also have no obligation to ask clarifying questions to ascertain if
the suspect is attempting to invoke his right to counsel. Davis at 461-462. Relying on
Davis, the Supreme Court of Ohio held,
If the suspect says something that may or may not be an invocation
of the right, police may continue to question him; they need not treat the
ambiguous statement as an invocation or try to clear up the ambiguity. See
Ross, 203 Wis.2d at 75–76, 552 N.W.2d at 432, and fn. 4 (citing cases);
State v. Owen (Fla.1997), 696 So.2d 715, 717–718; State v. King
(Me.1998), 708 A.2d 1014, 1017.
State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 521, 2001-Ohio-112, 747 N.E.2d 765 (emphasis
added).
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 12
{¶27} In the case at bar, the ambiguity arises because both Detective George and
Brown were speaking at the same time. Detective George testified that he was in the
middle of finishing his sentence when Brown responded, “Yeah.” S.H. at 43. Brown
asked for and was given a break. The detectives left the interview room for almost three
minutes. S.H. at 33. When the detectives returned, Sgt. George asked Brown to tell him
what happened. Brown thereafter admitted to stabbing Y.W. explaining that he had acted
in self-defense.
{¶28} When reviewing the video evidence of Brown’s statements concerning
counsel we do not find that he clearly or unambiguously invoked his right to counsel. At
best, a reasonable officer in Sgt. George’s position would have thought that Brown might
be asking to speak with counsel, or might be saying that he would speak with the
detectives. This does not satisfy the clear and unambiguous standard set forth in Davis,
512 U.S. 452, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 129 L.Ed.2d 362. Because Brown’s statement was not a
clear, unambiguous request for legal counsel, the trial court did not error in overruling
Brown’s motion to suppress on that basis.
B. Whether the officers were required to re-advise Brown of his Miranda
rights after a three-minute break in questioning.
{¶29} Brown next argues that he invoked his right to counsel. After the
officers took a short break from questioning, they resumed questioning without re-
advising Mr. Brown of his Miranda rights.
{¶30} After learning that Y.W. had died, Brown began to sob. Brown then stated,
“I’m gonna say it like this. This is what happened.” Brown began sobbing and told the
detective, “I need a couple seconds and then I’ll tell you everything.” The detectives left
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 13
the interview room for almost three minutes. S.H. at 33. When the detectives returned,
Sgt. George asked Brown to tell him what happened. Brown thereafter admitted to
stabbing Y.W. after retrieving a knife from Brown’s home. Brown explained that he had
acted in self-defense.
{¶31} In Berghuis v. Thompkins, 560 U.S. 370, 386, 130 S.Ct. 2250, 176 L.Ed.
2d 1098 (2010), the U.S. Supreme Court found no Miranda violation where the suspect
made a statement nearly three hours after receiving his Miranda warning:
If Thompkins wanted to remain silent, he could have said nothing in
response to Helgert's questions, or he could have unambiguously invoked
his Miranda rights and ended the interrogation. The fact that Thompkins
made a statement about three hours after receiving a Miranda warning does
not overcome the fact that he engaged in a course of conduct indicating
waiver. Police are not required to re-warn suspects from time to time.
Thompkins' answer to Helgert's question about praying to God for
forgiveness for shooting the victim was sufficient to show a course of
conduct indicating waiver.
{¶32} In State v. Roberts, 32 Ohio St.3d 225, 513 N.E.2d 720 (1987), the Ohio
Supreme Court applied a totality of the circumstances test and found that the warnings
given earlier had gone stale at the time the defendant made incriminating statements:
The totality of the circumstances test is explained by the Supreme
Court of North Carolina in State v. McZorn (1975), 288 N.C. 417, 219 S.E.2d
201. The following criteria are set forth:
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 14
“ * * * (1)[T]he length of time between the giving of the first warnings
and subsequent interrogation, * * * (2) whether the warnings and the
subsequent interrogation were given in the same or different places, * * *
(3) whether the warnings were given and the subsequent interrogation
conducted by the same or different officers, * * * (4) the extent to which the
subsequent statement differed from any previous statements; * * * [and] (5)
the apparent intellectual and emotional state of the suspect. * * *” (Citations
omitted.) Id. at 434, 219 S.E.2d at 212. See, also, State v. Myers (Me.1975),
345 A.2d 500; State v. Artis (1981), 304 N.C. 378, 283 S.E.2d 522.
{¶33} We have found that Brown did not clearly and unequivocally request an
attorney. Therefore, the police were not required to refrain from continuing the
interrogation after the three-minute break unless Brown initiated the request. In any
event, Brown’s conduct and his statements would clearly lead a reasonable police officer
to believe that Brown was indicting his willingness to resume the interrogation once he
had a moment to reflect upon the events that had transpired. Brown could have said
nothing when the detectives returned, or he could have unambiguously invoked his
Miranda rights and ended the interrogation. The trial court did not err in overruling
Brown’s motion to suppress on that basis.
C. Whether Brown voluntarily waived his Miranda rights.
{¶34} The question of an effective waiver of a Federal Constitutional right in a
State criminal proceeding is governed by Federal standards. Boykin v. Alabama, 395,
U.S. 238(1969). (Citing Douglas v. Alabama, 380 U.S. 415, 85 S.Ct. 1074, 13 L.Ed.2d
934(1965). For a waiver to be valid under the Due Process clause of the United States
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 15
Constitution, it must be: “[a]n intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right
or privilege.” Boykin, supra, 395 U.S. at 243 n. 5 (Quoting Johnson v. Zerbst (1938), 304
U.S. 458, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 82 L.Ed. 1461).
{¶35} Coercive police activity is a necessary predicate to the finding that a
confession is not "voluntary" within the meaning of the Due Process Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment. See Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S., at 421, 106 S.Ct., at 1141
("[T]he 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....
[T]he record is devoid of any suggestion that police resorted to physical or psychological
pressure to elicit the statements"); Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707, 726-727, 99 S.Ct.
2560, 2572-2573, 61 L.Ed.2d 197 (1979) (The defendant was "not worn down by improper
interrogation tactics or lengthy questioning or by trickery or deceit.... The officers did not
intimidate or threaten respondent in any way. Their questioning was restrained and free
from the abuses that so concerned the Court in Miranda"). Colorado v. Connelly, 479
U.S. 157, 167, 107 S.Ct. 515, 93 L.Ed.2d 473(1986).
{¶36} In Colorado v. Connelly, the United States Supreme Court held that "police
over-reaching" is a prerequisite to a finding of involuntariness. Evidence of use by the
interrogators of an inherently coercive tactic (e.g., physical abuse, threats, deprivation of
food, medical treatment, or sleep) will trigger the totality of the circumstances analysis.
State v. Clark, 38 Ohio St.3d 252, 261, 527 N.E.2d 844, 854. (1988). In State v. Belton,
the Ohio Supreme Court further defined “coercion,”
This court may find coercion when law-enforcement officers
“persuad[e] or deceiv[e] the accused, with false promises or information,
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 16
into relinquishing his rights and responding to questions.” Edwards, 49 Ohio
St.2d at 39, 358 N.E.2d 1051. However, “the presence of promises does
not as a matter of law, render a confession involuntary.” Id. at 41, 358
N.E.2d 1051. Officers may discuss the advantages of telling the truth,
advise suspects that cooperation will be considered, or even suggest that a
court may be lenient with a truthful defendant. Id. And “[a]dmonitions to tell
the truth are considered to be neither threats nor promises.” State v. Loza,
71 Ohio St.3d 61, 67, 641 N.E.2d 1082 (1994); see also State v. Dixon, 101
Ohio St.3d 328, 2004-Ohio-1585, 805 N.E.2d 1042, ¶ 29. Finally, it is not
unduly coercive for a law-enforcement officer to mention potential
punishments. See State v. Western, 2015-Ohio-627, 29 N.E.3d 245, ¶ 38
(2d Dist.); compare State v. Robinson, 9th Dist. Summit No. 16766, 1995
WL 9424, *4 (“While a correct statement of the law may not render a
confession involuntary, a misstatement of the law may cause such a
confession to be involuntary”).
149 Ohio St.3d 165, 2016-Ohio-1581, 74 N.E.3d 319, ¶111.
{¶37} In the cause sub judice, Brown does not assert that he was physically
deprived or mistreated while at the police department, nor does the record reveal any
type of physical deprivation. Moreover, there is no evidence that police subjected Brown
to threats or physical abuse, or deprived him of food, sleep, or medical treatment. See
State v. Cooey, 46 Ohio St.3d 20, 28, 544 N.E.2d 895, 908(1989).
{¶38} In Ohio, in order to determine whether an individual has waived his or her
rights to remain silent and have the assistance of counsel, we must examine the totality
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 17
of the circumstances surrounding the waiver. State v. Clark, 38 Ohio St.3d 252, 261, 527
N.E.2d 844, 854(1988). This approach requires us to inquire into all the circumstances
surrounding the interrogation. This includes the age, mentality and prior criminal
experience of the accused; the length, intensity and frequency of interrogation; the
existence of physical deprivation or mistreatment; and the existence of threat or
inducement. State v. Edwards, 49 Ohio St.2d 31, 358 N.E.2d 1051(1976), paragraph two
of the syllabus, reversed on other grounds, 438 U.S. 911, 98 S.Ct. 3147, 57 L.Ed.2d
1155(1978).
{¶39} Evidence of a written waiver form signed by the accused is strong proof that
the waiver was valid. State v. Clark, 38 Ohio St.3d 252, 261, 527 N.E.2d 844, 854(1988);
see North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S. 369, 374-375, 99 S.Ct. 1755, 1758-1759, 60
L.Ed.2d 286, 293(1979); State v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421, 425, 1997-Ohio-372, 683
N.E.2d 1096, 1102(1997). Further, Brown acknowledged at the beginning of the tape-
recorded interview with Detective George that he had previously read his rights and that
he understood them.
{¶40} As an initial matter, other than the fact that Brown was in police custody,
nothing about the circumstances of his interrogation was inherently coercive. Brown is
40 years old and has extensive experience with the criminal justice system. Brown
represented himself during his jury trial. Brown was offered water and given a break when
he requested one. Brown was read his Miranda rights, acknowledged that he understood
them and signed a written waiver of those rights.
{¶41} Brown contends that in spite of his valid waiver, he was coerced to confess
because of statements that Detective George made during the interview. Specifically,
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 18
Brown argues that immediately after he claims he requested an attorney, Sergeant
George states, "Listen, you want to know what you're going to be charged with? If you
decide that you're going to stop right now and not talk to us, you're going to be charged
with murder, right?” S.H. at 57. [Appellant’s Brief at 10]. Brown submits, “Despite Mr.
Brown's age or previous experience with the justice system, threatening to charge
someone with murder, and indicating that he could avoid the charge by waiving his right
to remain silent impairs his capacity for self-determination. Mr. Brown's will was
overborne and his waiver of his Miranda rights was not voluntary.” Id.{¶42} Admonitions to tell the truth are not coercive in nature. State v. Jones, 2nd
Dist. Montgomery No. 26289, 2015–Ohio–4116, 43, 43 N.E.3d 833 N.E.3d 833, ¶ 19,
citing State v. Porter, 178 Ohio App.3d 304, 2008–Ohio–4627, 897 N.E.2d 1149, ¶ 34 (2d
Dist.); State v. Loza, 71 Ohio St.3d 61, 67, 641 N.E.2d 1082 (1994) ( “Admonitions to tell
the truth are considered to be neither threats nor promises and are permissible.”); State
v. Bradley, 3rd Dist. Logan No. 8–95–15, 1996 WL 697946 (Dec. 5, 1996) (“Repeated
requests to tell the truth do not constitute coercion so as to invalidate a confession.”),
citing State v. Wiles, 59 Ohio St.3d 71, 81, 571 N.E.2d 97 (1991); State v. Western, 2nd
Dist. Montgomery No. 26058, 2015–Ohio–627, 29 N.E.3d 245 , ¶ 42 (“[a] police officer's
assertion to the suspect that he or she is lying or that the suspect would not have another
chance to tell his or her side of the story does not automatically render a confession
involuntary”). Likewise, a police officer's statement to a suspect that a confession “will be
helpful” or a police officer's offer to “help” the suspect if he confesses is “not improper”
and does not “invalidate an otherwise legal confession.” Jones, 2015–Ohio–4116, ¶ 19,
citing State v. Stringham, 2nd Dist. Miami No. 2002-CA-9, 2003–Ohio–1100,¶ 16 (officer's
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 19
attempt to “downplay the seriousness of the offense, by explaining that the situation might
not be as bad as [defendant] thought” and statements that “the situation was not going
away” and that defendant should tell the truth and “ ‘help’ himself out of a bad situation”
did not cause defendant's free will to be overborne or otherwise result in a coerced
confession); State v. Simms, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 10AP–1063, 2012–Ohio–2321, ¶ 59
(where detectives “encourage[d] honesty, stating it could help [defendant],” detectives'
actions “did not rise to the level of coercion”); see also State v. Fouts, 4th Dist.
Washington No. 15CA25, 2016–Ohio–1104, ¶ 38–41 (concluding that there was nothing
“improper” in officer's attempt to “create a favorable environment for a confession” by
minimizing the offense as a “mistake” and the defendant's behavior as “iffy”; nothing in
the officer's interview “approache[d] the level of conduct necessary to overcome
[defendant's] will to remain silent” or “otherwise resulted in a coerced confession” where
there was no “badgering” or threats by the officer, the “tone of the questioning was casual,
conversational, and cooperative” and there was “no hint of coercion or duress during the
interview”); State v. Russell, 2nd Dist. Clark No.2011–CA–10, 2012–Ohio–4316, ¶ 23
(detective's interrogation techniques and statements to defendant that he needed to “man
up” and “take some lumps,” i.e., tell the truth and take responsibility for his actions, were
not inherently coercive tactics).
{¶43} This record in the case at bar, including the video of Brown’s interaction with
the detectives does not support any allegation of police coercion, show of authority or
intimidation. Under the circumstances of the case at bar, we find the evidence supports
the conclusion that Brown knowingly, intelligently and voluntary waived his Miranda rights
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 20
and his statements to the police were voluntarily given. Accordingly, the trial court did not
err in overruling Brown’s motion to suppress on that basis.
{¶44} Brown’s First Assignment of Error is overruled.
II.
{¶45} In his Second Assignment of Error, Brown maintains there was insufficient
evidence to convict him. Brown further argues that the jury’s findings are against the manifest
weight of the evidence.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
Sufficiency of the Evidence.
{¶46} The Sixth Amendment provides: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury....” This right, in
conjunction with the Due Process Clause, requires that each of the material elements of
a crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne v. United States, 570
U.S. __, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L.Ed.2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 136 S.Ct. 616,
621, 193 L.Ed.2d 504 (2016). The test for the sufficiency of the evidence involves a
question of law for resolution by the appellate court. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio St.3d 409,
2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶30. “This naturally entails a review of the elements
of the charged offense and a review of the state's evidence.” State v. Richardson, 150
Ohio St.3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8448, 84 N.E.3d 993, ¶13.
{¶47} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court does not
ask whether the evidence should be believed. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus: Walker, at ¶30. “The relevant inquiry
is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 21
rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond
a reasonable doubt.” Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus. State v. Poutney, 153 Ohio
St.3d 474, 2018-Ohio-22, 97 N.E.3d 478, ¶19. Thus, “on review for evidentiary sufficiency
we do not second-guess the jury's credibility determinations; rather, we ask whether, ‘if
believed, [the evidence] would convince the average mind of the defendant's guilt beyond
a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 543, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001),
quoting Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus (emphasis added); Walker at ¶31. We
will not “disturb a verdict on appeal on sufficiency grounds unless ‘reasonable minds could
not reach the conclusion reached by the trier-of-fact.’” State v. Ketterer, 111 Ohio St.3d
70, 2006-Ohio-5283, 855 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 94, quoting State v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421,
430, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997); State v. Montgomery, 148 Ohio St.3d 347, 2016-Ohio-
5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶74.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL
A. Whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the
prosecution, the evidence, “if believed, would convince the average mind of the
defendant's guilt on each element of the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.”
{¶48} Brown admits that he stabbed Y.W. resulting in Y.W.’s death. Brown argues that
the jury lost its way in not finding that he had acted in self-defense. [Appellant’s Brief at 11-13].
1. Self-defense - deadly force.
{¶49} Self-defense is a “confession and avoidance” affirmative defense in which
appellant admits the elements of the crime but seeks to prove some additional element
that absolves him of guilt. State v. White, 4th Dist. Ross No. 97 CA 2282, 1998 WL 2282(Jan. 14, 1998). The affirmative defense of self-defense places the burden of proof on a
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 22
defendant by a preponderance of the evidence. In re Collier, 5th Dist. Richland No. 01
CA 5, 2001 WL 1011457 (Aug. 30, 2001), citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App.3d 667,
679, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992).
{¶50} The elements of self-defense differ depending on whether the defendant
used deadly or non-deadly force to defend himself. “Deadly force” means any force that
carries a substantial risk that it will proximately result in the death of any person. R.C.
2901.01(A)(2).
Courts have concluded that using even “a small knife on another
person’s body” constitutes “deadly force.” [State v. Densmore, 3d Dist.
Henry No. 7–08–04, 2009–Ohio–6870, ¶ 25], citing Struthers v. Williams,
7th Dist. Mahoning No. 07 MA 55, 2008–Ohio–6637, ¶ 13, State v. Skinner,
9th Dist. Lorain No. 06CA009023, 2007–Ohio–5601, ¶ 19, State v. Sims,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 85608, 2005–Ohio–5846, ¶ 17, and State v.
Hansen, 4th Dist. Athens No. 01CA15, 2002–Ohio–6135, ¶ 29. See also
State v. Harding, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 24062, 2011–Ohio–2823, ¶ 15
(“Stabbing a victim (or victims) with a knife constitutes the use of deadly
force. * * * Consequently, to satisfy his burden, Harding had to meet the
standard for self-defense through the use of deadly force.”), citing Sims at
¶ 17, Densmore at ¶ 28, and Hansen ¶ 29.
State v. Bagley, 3rd Dist. Allen No. 1–13–31, 2014–Ohio–1787, ¶ 15. Accord, State v.
Melendez, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 97175, 2012–Ohio–2385, ¶ 27; State v. Harding, 2nd
Dist. Montgomery No. 24062, 2011–Ohio–2823, ¶ 15; State v. Keil, 5th Dist. Richland No.
16CA28, 2017-Ohio-593, ¶ 37.
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 23
{¶51} In the case at bar, Brown used a filet knife with a 6-inch blade to stab Y.W.
1T. at 238. Consequently, to satisfy his burden of proof Brown had to meet the standard
for self-defense using deadly force.
{¶52} To establish self-defense through the use of deadly force, “a defendant
must prove the following elements: (1) that the defendant was not at fault in creating the
situation giving rise to the affray; (2) that the defendant had a bona fide belief that he was
in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that his only means of escape from
such danger was in the use of such force; and (3) that the defendant did not violate any
duty to retreat or avoid the danger.” State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 24, 2002–Ohio–
68, 759 N.E.2d 1240, citing State v. Robbins, 58 Ohio St.2d 74, 388 N.E.2d 755(1979).
“[T]he elements of self-defense are cumulative. * * * If the defendant fails to prove any
one of these elements by a preponderance of the evidence he has failed to demonstrate
that he acted in self-defense.” State v. Jackson, 22 Ohio St.3d 281, 284, 490 N.E.2d
893(1986).
{¶53} As to the first self-defense element, i.e., whether Brown was at fault in
creating the violent situation, Brown testified that he went to Y.W.’s home because he
was concerned for his cousin, M.L. He contends that Y.W. did not have to come out from
inside the house to confront him. Brown argues that M.L. testified that she never saw a
knife. Brown contends that if he were holding a knife, it would be unlikely that Y.W. would
have charged at him from the house. [Appellant’ brief at 12].
{¶54} Regarding the second self-defense element, i.e., whether Brown had a
bona fide belief that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm, and the
third element, i.e., the duty to retreat, we again note Brown’s version of the altercation is
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 24
that Y.W. “sucker punched” him. He notes that Y.W. was four inches taller than Brown,
as well as weighing over 200 pounds. Brown testified that Y.W. strangled him, preventing
him from seeing clearly and breathing. [Appellant’s brief at 12-13]. Brown contends that
Y.W.’s threat to kill him coupled with Y.W.’s unprovoked violence gave rise to his bona
fide belief that he was in imminent danger of death and his only means to escape was
utilizing his knife.
{¶55} Brown’s present argument is contingent on his assertion that he was the
only credible witness at trial whose testimony matches the physical evidence supporting
the claim of self-defense. However, we find the record supports the jury’s decision.
{¶56} Rather than staying in the safety of his home after the altercation at the
drive-thru, Brown walked to his house, and then left with a knife in his pocket and headed
to confront Y.W. at Y.W.'s home. M. L. testified that Brown had been told to stay away
from their home "because his drinking leads to violence.” 1T at 187. M.L. testified that
she never heard a knock on the door that day but, heard Brown outside hollering and
screaming- "mother fucker.”
{¶57} M.L. testified that Brown came up the steps with his hands in his pockets.
Y.W. took a swing at Brown that missed. She then saw Y.W. fall to the ground. M.L.
testified that when Y.W. walked back up the steps, he was bleeding like a faucet and said,
"He stabbed me Bae" and fell. 1T. at 197. Then she heard Brown say "Yeah, Nigga" and
then Brown calmly walked away.
{¶58} On his way home, Brown hid the knife in the bushes by his neighbor's
house. Officers responding to Brown's 9-1-1 call, saw Brown, and observed that he fit
the physical description of Y.W.'s assailant. The officers tried to talk with Brown, but
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 25
Brown put his head down and ran. The officers eventually cornered Brown and took him
into custody. The arresting officers took photos of Brown's neck and abdomen and did
not observe any physical injuries to his neck. The photographs were entered into
evidence during trial. Brown did not tell the investigating officers that he had been
strangled during his confrontation with Y.W.
{¶59} We hold that Brown concedes that the state met its burden of production
regarding each element of the crimes of murder and felonious assault and, accordingly,
there was sufficient evidence to submit the charge to the jury and to support Brown’s
conviction.
{¶60} Viewing the evidence in the case at bar in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, we conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a
reasonable doubt that Brown was not justified in the use of deadly force to defend himself
from Y.W.
Manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶61} As to the weight of the evidence, the issue is whether the jury created a
manifest miscarriage of justice in resolving conflicting evidence, even though the
evidence of guilt was legally sufficient. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387,
678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as
stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355; State v.
Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001).
“[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against
the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 26
reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the
finding of facts.
***
“If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the
reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with
the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and
judgment.”
Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.
3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
{¶62} The reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally is
an issue for the trier of fact to resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d
904 (2001); State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶ 31.
Because the trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to
decide whether, and to what extent, to credit the testimony of particular witnesses, the
appellate court must afford substantial deference to its determinations of credibility.
Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St.3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420, 929 N.E.2d 1047, ¶ 20. In
other words, “[w]hen there exist two fairly reasonable views of the evidence or two
conflicting versions of events, neither of which is unbelievable, it is not our province to
choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 99 CA 149, 2002–
Ohio–1152, at ¶ 13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App.3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(7th
Dist. 1999). Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the
evidence to the fact finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision.
State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶ 24.
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 27
{¶63} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, an appellate court may
not merely substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “ ‘the jury 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, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist.
1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional
case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
B. Whether the jury court clearly lost their way and created such a manifest
miscarriage of justice that the convictions must be reversed and a new trial
ordered.
{¶64} The jury as the trier of fact was free to accept or reject any and all of the
evidence offered by the parties and assess the witness’s credibility. “While the trier of
fact may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * *
such inconsistencies do not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight or
sufficiency of the evidence.” State v. Craig, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL
29752 (Mar 23, 2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09–1236, 1996
WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). Indeed, the trier of fact need not believe all of a witness’
testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 02AP–604, 2003–Ohio–958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197
N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889,
citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App.3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992). Although
the evidence may have been circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 28
same probative value as direct evidence. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 272, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph one of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997).
{¶65} In the case at bar, the jury heard the witnesses, viewed the evidence and
heard Brown’s statement to the police as well as Brown’s arguments and explanations
about his actions. Thus, a rational basis exists in the record for the jury’s decision.
{¶66} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs
heavily against the conviction.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387, 678
N.E.2d 541 (1997), quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. Based upon
the foregoing and the entire record in this matter we find Brown’s convictions are not
against the sufficiency or the manifest weight of the evidence. To the contrary, the jury
appears to have fairly and impartially decided the matters before them. The jury heard
the witnesses, evaluated the evidence, and was convinced of Brown’s guilt.
{¶67} The jury neither lost their way nor created a miscarriage of justice in
rejecting Brown’s theory of self-defense after hearing the evidence. The jury did not
clearly lose its way and create a manifest miscarriage of justice requiring that Brown’s
conviction for the murder of Y.W. be reversed and a new trial ordered.
{¶68} Brown’s Second Assignments of Error is overruled.
Stark County, Case No. 2018CA00107 29
{¶69} The judgment of the Stark County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Hoffman, J., and
Delaney, J., concur