State v. Morris

[Cite as State v. Morris, 2021-Ohio-2646.]
COURT OF APPEALS
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
STATE OF OHIO JUDGES:
Hon. John W. Wise, P. J.
Plaintiff-Appellee Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
Hon. Earle E. Wise, Jr., J.
-vs-
Case No. 20-COA-015
TYLER A. MORRIS aka
TYLER MULLINS
OPINION
Defendant-Appellant
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common
Pleas, Case No. 19-CRI-218
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
BRIAN A. SMITH CHRISTOPHER R. TUNNELL
BRIAN A. SMITH LAW FIRM, LLC PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
755 White Pond Drive, Suite 403 110 Cottage Street
Akron, Ohio 44320 Ashland, Ohio 44805
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 2
Wise, John, P. J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Tyler A. Morris appeals his conviction and sentence
entered in the Ashland County Common Pleas Court on two counts of Complicity
(Aggravated Murder), one count of Complicity (Aggravated Burglary), one count of
Complicity (Aggravated Robbery), two counts of Complicity (Attempted, Aggravated
Murder), one count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, one count of Unlawful Transaction
in Weapons, and one count of Improperly Furnishing Firearms to a Minor, following a jury
trial.
{¶2} Appellee is the State of Ohio.
STATEMENT OF THE FACTS AND CASE
{¶3} On or about June 8, 2019, at approximately 11:00 or 12:00 p.m., Appellant
Tyler A. Morris aka Tyler Mullins and his co-defendant Michael Watson, went to the
Almond Tree Inn in Ashland, Ohio, to conduct a drug transaction. Appellant Morris took
a Ruger .22 firearm with him, which he carried in his bookbag. (T. at 748). While Watson
waited outside, Appellant went inside and sold a half of a gram of methamphetamine to
Timothy Maust and Elizabeth Bunnell. (T. at 748).). Bunnell tasted the methamphetamine
and told Appellant that she did not think it was good and shoved Appellant out of the room
and slammed the door, without paying for the drugs. Id. Appellant called his supplier,
Kade Shank, and told him what had happened. Shank responded by telling Appellant to
“go get my drugs back or go get my money.” (T. at 750).
{¶4} Three separate trips were made to the Almond Tree to try to collect the
money owed to Appellant or to retrieve his drugs.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 3
{¶5} The first attempt took place the following day, on June 9, 2019. (T. at 753).
Appellant took the gun out of his bookbag, handed it to Watson and told him to “clean it
off and go back over there and try to get the drugs back. (T. at 749-50). 751). Appellant
then called Timothy Castle and Kareem Thomas to assist with getting the drugs or the
money back. (T. at 749). When they arrived, Sammy Castle, Timothy Castle’s brother,
was with them. (T. at 752). Appellant gave the gun to Kareem and then sent them, along
with Watson, back to the Almond Tree Inn to get either the money or the drugs back. (T.
at 748-750). Appellant provided methamphetamine to his associates in exchange for
them helping him try to get his drugs back. Id.{¶6} Upon arriving at the Almond Tree, Watson told Maust and Bunnell to “open
the door and give the meth back or we are coming in.” (T. 752). Timothy Castle kicked
the door to Maust and Bunnell’s room a few times and Sammy Castle managed to open
the door enough for Watson to see that Bunnell was sitting on the floor in front of the door.
(T. at 606, 752). They heard Bunnell on the phone stating that someone was trying to kick
in the door, and thinking that she was calling the police, the men fled. (T. at 752).
{¶7} On the afternoon of June 10, 2019, Appellant met with Watson, Sammy
Castle and Gregg Kuzawa and discussed a plan to “go to the Almond Tree Inn and kick
in the door and try to get the drugs back.” (T. at 759). Watson testified that if the drugs
were not there “[w]e were going to shoot up the house.” Id. He stated that he would be
the one to do the shooting, using Appellant’s Ruger .22. (T. at 760). Watson explained
that the men were going to “all have masks” and that they were going to “[l]ike shoot
through the door, basically letting them know not to mess with us.” Id.Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 4
{¶8} Watson stated that Appellant took the gun out of his waistband and gave it
to him and that he put it in a Taco Bell bag. Id. He stated that he, Sammy Castle and
Kuzawa rode back to the Almond Tree Inn on stolen bicycles. (T. at 763). However, when
they arrived at the Almond Tree they were chased away by a friend of Maust, who told
them to leave or he would make them leave. (T.at 617, 764). After being chased from the
Almond Tree, the men met back up with Appellant, who had waited at a pavilion in the
park across the street. (T. at 618-619, 764). At that time, Watson returned the gun to
Appellant, and the group went back to Appellant’s house and did some
methamphetamine. (T. at 766). Among other things, the men again discussed shooting
“the house up” if Maust and Bunnell did not have the drugs or the money, and that if the
door would not open they would shoot through the door. (T. at 773-774). The men also
discussed the issue of collecting the shell casings. Id.{¶9} Watson stated that he went home later that evening and that after his mom
left for work, he took a sock and cut a hole in it, with the intention of putting the sock over
the gun and collecting the spent casings inside the sock. Id.{¶10} Later in the evening of June 10, 2019, Watson and Sammy Castle again
met up with Appellant behind Appellant's house. (T. at 776). Gregg Kuzawa and Gregory
Pierce were also with Appellant behind the garage. (T. at 776). Appellant gave the gun
back to Watson and told Watson to "shoot at least four times". (T. at 776-777). Watson,
along with Kuzawa and Samuel Castle, rode their stolen bicycles back to the Almond
Tree. (T. at 777-778). Watson testified that he understood the new plan to be that when
he kicked the door, he was to shoot four times. (T. at 777). Watson stated that he had a
general idea that Appellant wanted Watson to shoot Maust and Bunnell. (T. at 807).
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 5
{¶11} This time when Watson, Castle and Kuzawa arrived at the Almond Tree,
Watson kicked in the door to Maust and Bunnell's room. (T.at 778). Bunnell yelled at
Watson "are you ready to get your ass beat", and Watson replied "are you ready to get
shot". Id. Watson then began shooting, firing a total of six shots, and when the gun
jammed, they ran from the room. Id. Bunnell was shot on the side neck area. (T. at 631).
Maust was shot in the head and chest and died from his injuries. (T. at 781).
{¶12} Watson, Castle and Kuzawa fled the scene of the crime, running across the
street to the park where they had left their bikes. (T. at 782). They threw their bikes into
a creek, ran through back yards to avoid the police, and went to different houses before
returning to Appellant's home. (T. at 784-785).
{¶13} Officers from the Ashland Police Department arrived at the Almond Tree
and shortly thereafter began searching for assailants.
{¶14} Appellant Morris was taken into custody as a result of the investigation. After
first denying any involvement in Maust's murder and Bunnell's attempted murder,
Appellant admitted to the Ashland Police Department that he provided the gun to Watson
and that after the shooting, he hid the gun in his room after taking it apart. (T. at 519-533).
{¶15} On June 12, 2019, Appellant Tyler Morris aka Tyler Mullins was charged by
Complaint in the Ashland County Juvenile Court, alleging Appellant to be delinquent, and
charging him with Complicity to Aggravated Murder with a firearm specification,
Complicity to Aggravated Burglary, and Complicity to Attempted Aggravated Murder with
a firearm specification. (Bindover Hrng T. at 4). The case was bound over to the Ashland
County Court of Common Pleas.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 6
{¶16} On October 10, 2019, the Ashland County Grand Jury indicted Appellant on
the following charges: two counts of Complicity to Aggravated Murder, each unclassified
felonies, in violation of R.C. §2923.02 and §2903.01(A), and each containing a firearm
specification under R.C. §2941.145; four counts of Conspiracy to Aggravated Murder,
each unclassified felonies, in violation of R.C. §2923.01(A)(1) and §2903.01(A), and each
containing a firearm specification under R.C. §2941.145; one count of Complicity to
Aggravated Burglary, a first-degree felony, in violation of R.C. §2923.03(A)(2) and
§2911.11(A)(2), and containing a firearm specification under R.C. §2941.145; one count
of Complicity to Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony, in violation of R.C.
§2923.03(A)(2) and §2911.01(A)(1), and containing a firearm specification under R.C.
§2941.145; two counts of Complicity to Attempted Aggravated Murder, both first-degree
felonies, in violation of R.C. §2923.03(A)(2), §2923.02(A) and §2903.0a(A) and (B),
respectively, and each containing a firearm specification under R.C. §2941.145; one
count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a fourth-degree felony, in violation of R.C.
§2925.03(A)(1); one count of Unlawful Transaction in Weapons, a fourth-degree felony,
in violation of R.C. §2923.20(A)(1); and one count of Improperly Furnishing Firearms to a
Minor, a fifth-degree felony, in violation of R.C. §2923.21(A)(3).
{¶17} On February 26, 2020, the State moved to amend the Indictment by
amending the dates in Counts One through Ten, and Counts Twelve and Thirteen, from
"on or about the period between June 10, 2019 and June 11, 2019," to read "on or about
the period between June 9, 2019 and June 11, 2019," and by amending the date in Count
Eleven to read "June 9, 2019."
{¶18} On February 28, 2020, the trial court granted the State's Motion.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 7
{¶19} The case proceeded to a jury trial on March 2, 2020.
{¶20} On March 6, 2020, following deliberations, the jury found Appellant guilty of
Counts One and Two, and Seven through Thirteen, of the Indictment, along with the
firearm specifications thereon. The jury acquitted Appellant on Counts Three through Six
of the Indictment.
{¶21} At the sentencing hearing on April 20, 2020, the State elected to proceed
on Counts One, Eight, Nine, and Twelve, along with the single firearm specification, with
the remaining counts merged. (Sent. T. at 11).
{¶22} By Judgment Entry filed April 24, 2020, the trial court sentenced Appellant
as follows: on Count One: to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years; on Count
Eight: to an indefinite sentence of 6 to 9 years in prison; on Count Nine: to an indefinite
sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison; on Count Eleven: to 9 months in prison; on Count
Twelve: to 9 months in prison; and on the firearm specification to Count One: to 3 years
in prison. The trial court ordered that the sentences on Counts One and Nine, and the
firearm specification, be served consecutively to one another, and concurrently to the
sentences on Counts Eight, Eleven, and Twelve, for a total aggregate sentence of life in
prison with parole eligibility after 38 to 43 years. Id. The trial court credited Appellant with
314 days served. (Judgment Entry-Sentencing, April 24, 2020).
{¶23} Appellant now appeals, assigning the following errors for review:
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶24} “I. APPELLANT'S CONVICTIONS WERE AGAINST THE MANIFEST
WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 8
{¶25} “II. APPELLANT'S CONVICTIONS FOR COMPLICITY TO AGGRAVATED
MURDER, COMPLICITY TO AGGRAVATED ROBBERY, AND COMPLICITY TO
ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED MURDER WERE NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT
EVIDENCE.
{¶26} “III. THE TRIAL COURT'S DECISION TO ALLOW AUTOPSY PHOTOS OF
TIMOTHY MAUST WAS AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION.
{¶27} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT'S DECISION TO ALLOW MESSAGES FROM
APPELLANT'S GIRLFRIEND, SAIGE MARIE WICKHAM, WAS AN ABUSE OF
DISCRETION.
{¶28} “V. R.C. 2953.08(D)(3) IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL BOTH ON ITS FACE,
AND AS APPLIED, BECAUSE IT VIOLATES ARTICLE I, SECTION 9 OF THE OHIO
CONSTITUTION AND THE EIGHTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
{¶29} “VI. THE TRIAL COURT'S SENTENCE OF APPELLANT TO LIFE IN
PRISON WAS IN VIOLATION OF THE EIGHTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS
TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE I, SECTION 9 OF THE
OHIO CONSTITUTION, BECAUSE THE TRIAL COURT FAILED TO CONSIDER
APPELLANT'S YOUTH AS A FACTOR IN SENTENCING.
{¶30} “VII. THE TRIAL COURT'S SENTENCE OF APPELLANT WAS NOT
SUPPORTED BY THE RECORD.
{¶31} “VIII. THE FAILURE OF APPELLANT'S TRIAL COUNSEL TO REQUEST
A COMPETENCY EVALUATION OF APPELLANT CONSTITUTED INEFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AND A VIOLATION OF APPELLANT'S RIGHT TO DUE
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 9
PROCESS UNDER THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED
STATES CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE I, SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO
CONSTITUTION.”
I., II.
{¶32} In his first and second assignments of error, Appellant argues that his
convictions were against the manifest weight and sufficiency of the evidence. We
disagree.
{¶33} In determining whether a verdict is against the manifest weight of the
evidence, the appellate court acts as a thirteenth juror and “in reviewing the entire record,
weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses,
and determines whether in resolving conflicts in evidence 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, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 1997–Ohio–52, 678
N.E.2d 541, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1983).
{¶34} An appellate court's function when reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence
is to determine whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime
proven beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492,
paragraph two of the syllabus (1991).
{¶35} Appellant is challenging his convictions for Complicity to Aggravated
Murder, Complicity to Attempted Aggravated Murder, and Complicity to Aggravated
Robbery, which provide:
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 10
{¶36} R.C. §2923.03(A)(2) Complicity
(A) No person, acting with the kind of culpability required for the
commission of an offense, shall do any of the following:
***
(2) Aid or abet another in committing the offense;
{¶37} R.C. §2903.01 Aggravated Murder
(A) No person shall purposely, and with prior calculation and design,
cause the death of another ...
{¶38} R.C. §2923.02 Attempt
(A) No person, purposely or knowingly, and when purpose or
knowledge is sufficient culpability for the commission of an offense, shall engage
in conduct that, if successful, would constitute or result in the offense.
{¶39} R.C. §2911.01(A)(1) Aggravated Robbery
(A) No person, in attempting or committing a theft offense, as defined
in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, or in fleeing immediately after the
attempt or offense, shall do any of the following:
(1) Have a deadly weapon on or about the offender's person or under
the offender's control and either display the weapon, brandish it, indicate
that the offender possesses it, or use it;
{¶40} Initially, Appellant argues that his convictions were based on the testimony
of his three co-defendants, each of whom had entered into plea agreements which were
conditioned on their testimony at Appellant’s trial. Appellant argues that his co-defendants
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 11
had an incentive to give testimony that was favorable to the State in exchange for
favorable terms in their plea bargains, and that such rendered their testimony not credible.
{¶41} Upon review, we find that co-defendants Kuzawa, Castle and Watson each
testified concerning their plea agreements with the State and admitted that they were
receiving lesser sentences in exchange for testifying and telling the truth. (T. at 193, 246,
599-601, 788-790). Further, the jury had the opportunity to assess each witness'
credibility on the stand and apparently determined they were telling the truth at trial.
{¶42} We defer to the trier of fact as to the weight to be given the evidence and
the credibility of the witnesses. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212(1967), at paragraph one of the syllabus. 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. Johnson, 5th Dist.
Stark No. 2014CA00189, 2015-Ohio-3113, ¶61, citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 95APA09-1236, 1996 WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). The jury need not believe all of a
witness's testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. Id.{¶43} Any inconsistencies in the evidence were for the trial court to resolve. State
v. Dotson, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2016CA00199, 2017-Ohio-5565, ¶ 49. “The weight of the
evidence concerns the inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence offered in a
trial to support one side of the issue rather than the other.” State v. Delevie, 5th Dist.
Licking No. 18-CA-111, 2019-Ohio-3563, ¶30, appeal not allowed, 158 Ohio St.3d 1410,
2020-Ohio-518, 139 N.E.3d 927, citing State v. Brindley, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 01AP-
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 12
926, 2002-Ohio-2425, 2002 WL 1013033, ¶16. In the instant case, Appellee’s evidence
was compelling, and the jury was free to weigh the evidence accordingly.
{¶44} Appellant next argues the evidence does not demonstrate that he acted with
“prior calculation and design” to cause Maust’s death. Appellant argues that he only
intended to scare or intimidate Maust and Bunnell, not cause, or attempt to cause, their
death.
{¶45} At trial, when co-defendant Watson was asked about the plan to scare
Bunnell and Maust, he stated “[w]e were supposed to scare them with the gun” and “[p]ull
the gun out and put it in their face.” (T. at 774). Watson further testified that Appellant told
him to fire the gun four times, and that the plan was either to “shoot the place up” or to
fire the gun through the door. (T. at 759-760, 800).
{¶46} Upon review, we find that that testimony presented to the jury shows that
Appellant was angry at the victims and wanted either his money or the return of his drugs.
Appellant instructed his co-defendants to do whatever they had to to get either his money
or his drugs and gave co-defendant Watson a gun, telling him to shoot at least four times.
We find that the evidence presented to the jury supports a finding that Appellant intended
for his co-defendant to shoot the victims.
{¶47} Appellant also argues the evidence does not support his conviction for
Complicity to Aggravated Robbery because his co-defendants did not steal anything.
{¶48} Testimony was presented to the jury by the co-defendants that they kicked-
in the door to the victims’ room with the intent to get the money owed to Appellant or
retrieve Appellant’s drugs. The act of kicking-in the door, with a deadly weapon, while
attempting to commit a theft offense supports the conviction for aggravated robbery.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 13
{¶49} We find the jury did not clearly lose its way and create a manifest
miscarriage of justice requiring that Appellant's convictions be reversed and a new trial
ordered. Appellant's convictions are not against the manifest weight or sufficiency of the
evidence.
{¶50} Appellant's first and second assignments of error are overruled
III.
{¶51} In his third assignment of error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in
allowing the autopsy photos to be shown to the jury. We disagree.
{¶52} The admission of photographic evidence is left to the discretion of the trial
court. State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 264, 473 N.E.2d 768, 791 (1984); State v.
Morales, 32 Ohio St.3d 252, 257, 513 N.E.2d 267, 273 (1987). In order to find an abuse
of that discretion, we must determine the trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary
or unconscionable. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 450 N.E.2d 1140 (1983).
{¶53} Relevant, non-repetitive photographs, even if gruesome, are admissible if
the probative value of each photograph exceeds the prejudicial impact to the accused.
Maurer, supra, at paragraph seven of the syllabus; Morales, supra, at 257.
{¶54} The photographs in question show the victims’ wounds caused by the
bullets fired from the gun given to co-defendant Watson by Appellant.
{¶55} Here, the trial court, after hearing arguments from each side, excluded two
autopsy photographs after determining that such photographs would be prejudicial due
to their graphic nature.
{¶56} In overruling Appellant's objections to the rest of the photographs, the trial
court, after explaining its reasons for excluding two of the photographs, stated:
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 14
I don’t think they are prejudicial in nature, it looks like you are
showing a close up of a mosquito bite, nothing shocking or horror or
emotions, that results from that clearly seeing someone with their head
chopped off would, and the chest open could. And there is a photograph
that shows part of the opening in the chest cavity, but I did not think it was
having shock and horror. That is my ruling and you can decide if you want
to submit that stipulation into the record or not. (T. at 836).
{¶57} Having viewed the photographs, we do not find that the trial court erred in
allowing the introduction of the photographs. The trial court carefully considered each of
the photographs and found all but two to be more probative than prejudicial. The
photographs assisted the State in explaining where the victims were shot and how Maust
died.
{¶58} Further, while the admission of multiple photos of the victims’ injuries, along
with the testimony of the coroner, may have been repetitive under Ohio Evid.R. 403 and
611(A), we find no evidence that introduction of such photos affected the outcome of the
trial. Rather, such photographs depicted the fatal wounds caused by the gunshots which
led to the death of the victim.
{¶59} The trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that the probative
value of the autopsy photographs outweighed their prejudicial effect.
{¶60} Appellant's third assignment of error is overruled.
IV.
{¶61} In his fourth assignment of error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred
in allowing text messages from Appellant’s girlfriend into evidence. We disagree.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 15
{¶62} The admission or exclusion of evidence rests in the sound discretion of the
trial court. State v. Sage (1987), 31 Ohio St.3d 173, 180, 510 N.E.2d 343. Our task is to
look at the totality of the circumstances in the particular case under appeal and determine
whether the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily or unconscionably in allowing or
excluding the disputed evidence. State v. Oman (Feb. 14, 2000), Stark App. No.
1999CA00027.
{¶63} As a general rule, all relevant evidence is admissible. Evid.R. 402. However,
under Evid.R. 802, hearsay evidence is not admissible, “except as otherwise provided by
the Constitution of the United States, by the Constitution of the State of Ohio, by statute
enacted by the General Assembly not in conflict with a rule of the Supreme Court of Ohio,
by these rules, or by other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio.”
{¶64} At trial, the State introduced Facebook messages between Appellant and
his girlfriend. (T. at 574). Defense counsel acknowledged that Appellant’s side of the
messages were admissible as statements against interest, however counsel objected as
to the girlfriend’s statements, arguing that she was not present for cross-examination. (T.
at 575). The following text exchanges, which took place between June 11, 2019, and
June 14, 2019, were read into evidence:
Wickham: "okay, get rid of the gun, okay, please, I am begging you."
Morris: "Can't."
Wickham: "Well, then stop carrying it please, especially when you
have (S.M]. All right."
Morris denied carrying the gun around [S.M], to which Wickham
texted: "You did yesterday."
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 16
Morris: "Yeah, because I was going to shoot it at my grammies."
Wickham: "Please just stop having it out where people can take
pictures of you holding it and F.R. I don't know what that is,"
Morris replied, "OK."
(T. at 578-582).
{¶65} Morris and Wickham then discussed Morris' involvement with selling drugs.
Morris asked Wickham if she was "pissed off," and when Wickham asked why,
Morris said, "because this bitch ran off with 50 dollars of mine." Id.Wickham: "stop trusting people with your money baby,"
Morris: "I did not give no one my money, baby, they ran off with 50
dollars of my stuff."
Wickham then asked if Morris was "selling," to which he replied that
he was, and when Wickham asked him why he was selling, he replied,
"Money."
(T. at 583).
{¶66} Appellant’s statements were admissible under Evid.R. 801(D)(2)(a), which
states, in pertinent part, that "[t]he statement is offered against a party and is (a) the
party's own statement, in either an individual or a representative capacity.”
{¶67} We find that Wickham’s statements were admitted for the purpose of giving
context to Appellant’s admissions.
{¶68} Statements of the other individuals on recordings were not hearsay because
they were admitted simply to provide context for [Appellant’s] statements. State v.
Townsend, 9th Dist. Summit No. 27316, 2015-Ohio-1124, ¶ 13; See State v. Brown, 1st
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 17
Dist. Hamilton No. C–120327, 2013–Ohio–2720, ¶ 25; State v. Twitty, 2d Dist.
Montgomery No. 18749, 2002–Ohio–5595, ¶ 20–21.
{¶69} The Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that if a statement is not offered
for the truth of the matter asserted, it is not prohibited by the hearsay rule and will be
admissible, subject to the standards governing relevancy and undue prejudice. State v.
LaMar, 95 Ohio St.3d 181, 196, 767 N.E.2d 166, 2002-Ohio-2128, citing State v. Maurer
(1984), 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 262-263, 473 N .E.2d 768. Thus “ ‘testimony which explains
the actions of a witness to whom a statement was directed, such as to explain the witness'
activities, is not hearsay.’ ” Id., quoting Maurer at 262.
{¶70} Appellant further argues that even if the text exchanges were admissible,
they were unfairly prejudicial.
{¶71} In reaching a decision involving admissibility under Evid.R. 403(A), a trial
court must engage in a balancing test to ascertain whether the probative value of the
offered evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect. State v. Hymore, 9 Ohio St.2d 122, 224
N.E.2d 126 (1967), paragraph seven of the syllabus. In order for the evidence to be
deemed inadmissible, its probative value must be minimal and its prejudicial effect great.
State v. Morales, 32 Ohio St.3d 252, 258, 513 N.E.2d 267 (1987). Furthermore, relevant
evidence which is challenged as having probative value that is substantially outweighed
by its prejudicial effects “should be viewed in a light most favorable to the proponent of
the evidence, maximizing its probative value and minimizing any prejudicial effect” to the
party opposing its admission. State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 265, 473 N.E.2d 768(1984).
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 18
{¶72} Here, we find that the probative value of text messages was high as they
relate to Appellant having the firearm, as well as his feelings about losing $50.00.
{¶73} Appellant's fourth assignment of error is overruled.
V.
{¶74} In his fifth assignment of error, Appellant argues that R.C. §2953.08(D(3) is
unconstitutional on its face and as applied. We disagree.
{¶75} Appellant’s arguments in this case are that R.C. 2953.08 is unconstitutional
because it forecloses appellate review of his sentence. However, the Supreme Court of
Ohio recently clarified in State v. Patrick, Slip Opinion No. 2020-Ohio-6803, that R.C.
§2953.08(D)(3) does not preclude an appeal of a sentence for a murder or an aggravated-
murder offense that is based on constitutional grounds. Id. at ¶ 22. The court explained
that R.C. §2953.02 also provides a statutory right to appeal a sentence to the court of
appeals. Id. at ¶ 16.
{¶76} Here, Appellant’s challenges to his sentence are based on constitutional
grounds. He is therefore not precluded from appealing his sentence pursuant to R.C.
§2953.08(D)(3).
{¶77} “The law is clear that ‘courts should avoid reaching constitutional issues if
they can decide the case on other grounds.’ DeVan v. Cuyahoga Cty. Bd. of Revision,
2015-Ohio-4279, 45 N.E.3d 661, ¶ 10 (8th Dist.). Courts should ‘not reach constitutional
issues unless absolutely necessary.’ See In re D.S., 152 Ohio St.3d 109, 2017-Ohio-
8289, 93 N.E.3d 937, ¶ 7, quoting State v. Talty, 103 Ohio St.3d 177, 2004-Ohio-4888,
814 N.E.2d 1201, ¶ 9.” Id. at ¶ 39.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 19
{¶78} Applying these long-standing principles, we elect not to consider the
constitutionality of R.C. §2953.08(D)(3) in this case. Appellant’s argument is that R.C.
§2953.08 is unconstitutional because it forecloses appellate review of his sentence.
However, as set forth above, in Patrick, the Supreme Court of Ohio clearly held that R.C.
§2953.08(D)(3) does not preclude all appellate review of sentences imposed for murder
and aggravated-murder offenses
{¶79} Appellant's fifth assignment of error is overruled.
VI.
{¶80} In his sixth assignment of error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in
sentencing Appellant because it failed to consider Appellant’s youth as a factor. We
disagree.
{¶81} Appellant argues his sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility after
thirty-eight to forty-three years is unconstitutional based on the December 22, 2020
decision of the Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Patrick, 2020-Ohio-6803. Patrick, who
was a juvenile at the time of the offenses, was convicted of aggravated murder,
aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence following a jury trial as an adult. He
was sentenced to an aggregate term of incarceration of life with parole eligibility after 33
years. The Ohio Supreme Court held the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and
unusual punishment requires a trial court, before imposing a sentence which includes a
possibility of life imprisonment on a juvenile offender, to consider and articulate its
consideration of the offender's youth as a mitigating factor when imposing sentence. Id.
at ¶2. “Given the high likelihood of the juvenile offender spending his or her life in prison,
the need for an individualized sentencing decision that considers the offender's youth and
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 20
its attendant characteristics is critical when life without parole is a potential sentence.” Id.
at ¶36. In so holding, the Ohio Supreme Court noted:
We know that a sentence of life without the possibility of parole
“forswears altogether the rehabilitative ideal.” Graham, 560 U.S. at 74, 130
S.Ct. 2011. We also know that the characteristics of youth include
diminished culpability and heightened capacity for change. This brings to
mind an illustration.
In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the character “Red,”
portrayed by Morgan Freeman, faces the parole board after having served
40 years of a life sentence and having been previously denied parole twice
after serving 20 and 30 years of his sentence. In response to a member of
the parole board's question about whether he has been rehabilitated, he
responds: “Rehabilitated? Well, now, let me see. * * * What do you really
want to know? Am I sorry for what I did?” Then, he explains:
“There's not a day goes by I don't feel regret. Not because I'm in
here, or because you think I should. I look back on the way I was then, a
young, stupid kid who committed that terrible crime. I want to talk to him. I
want to try to talk some sense in to him, tell him the way things are, but I
can't. That kid's long gone, and this old man is all that's left. I got to live with
that.”
The Shawshank Redemption (Castle Rock Entertainment 1994).
Certainly, before imposing a life sentence on a juvenile offender,
there is room in our justice system for a trial court to make an individualized
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 21
sentencing determination that articulates its consideration of the offender's
youth, and all that comes with it, before an old man is all that is left.
{¶82} Id. at ¶¶39-41.
{¶83} In a recent decision filed April 16, 2021, State v. Watson, 5th Dist. Ashland
No. 20-COA-014, 2021-Ohio-1361, ¶¶ 8-14, this Court considered this same issue as
raised by Appellant’s co-defendant. This Court held:
In the instant case, the record is devoid of an articulation of consideration
of Appellant's youth by the trial court prior to imposing a sentence which included
a potential term of life imprisonment. While we recognized the trial court did not
have the benefit of the Ohio Supreme Court's decision in Patrick at the time
sentence was imposed, we find Appellant's sentence is unconstitutional for the
reasons set forth in Patrick.
***
Because the trial court ultimately determines the sentence entered in a
particular case, we find the same policy considerations underlying the Patrick
decision regarding the potential of a juvenile serving a life sentence apply whether
the sentence is part of a plea agreement or imposed following trial. We find the
constitutional responsibility placed upon the trial court to consider the youth of the
offender in mitigation of a potential life sentence and to articulate such
consideration on the record is not abrogated simply because the sentence was
jointly recommended, particularly in the instant case where Patrick had not yet
been decided at the time the plea agreement was entered.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 22
{¶84} Six days after our decision in Watson, supra, on April 22, 2021, the United
States Supreme Court decided Jones v. Mississippi, 539 U.S. ––––, ––––, 141 S.Ct.
1307, 1311, ––– L.Ed.2d –––– (2021). In Jones, the Court considered a defendant's claim
that the sentencing court erred by imposing life with parole eligibility (LWOP) sentences
for crimes that the defendant had committed as a minor, because the sentencing court
failed to make a factual finding of permanent incorrigibility or, at the very least, an on-the-
record explanation of the sentence containing an “implicit finding” of permanent
incorrigibility. 141 S.Ct. at 1313. But the United States Supreme Court upheld the
sentence, holding that Miller does not require a separate factual finding of permanent
incorrigibility before a sentencer imposes an LWOP sentence on a murderer under age
18. See Jones, 141 S.Ct. at 1314-1319. And the Court rejected Jones's alternative
argument that a sentencer must at least make an on-the-record explanation for the
sentence that carried an “implicit finding” of permanent incorrigibility, saying that an on-
the-record finding is (1) not necessary to ensure that a sentencer considers a defendant's
youth, (2) not required by or consistent with Miller or the Court's analogous death penalty
precedents, and (3) not dictated by any consistent historical or contemporary sentencing
practice in the States. See id. at 1319-1321. In particular, the Court explained, “if the
sentencer has discretion to consider the defendant's youth [as Miller requires] ... it would
be all but impossible for a sentencer to avoid considering that mitigating factor,” especially
where defense counsel makes arguments focused on the offender's youth. Id. at 1319.
{¶85} In short, Jones clarified that although the Eighth Amendment requires that,
before sentencing a juvenile murderer to LWOP, a trial court must hold a sentencing
hearing where the defendant's age and characteristics of children are considered, neither
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 23
Miller nor Montgomery requires a sentencer to say anything on the record about youth
and its attendant characteristics before imposing an LWOP sentence.
{¶86} Based on the United States Supreme Court decision in Jones v. Mississippi,
supra, we find Appellant’s sixth assignment of error not well-taken and deny same.
VII.
{¶87} In his seventh assignment of error, Appellant argues that his sentence is
not supported by the record. We disagree.
{¶88} R.C. §2953.08 governs appeals based on felony sentencing guidelines.
Subsection (G)(2) sets forth this Court's standard of review as follows:
(2) The court hearing an appeal under division (A), (B), or (C) of this
section shall review the record, including the findings underlying the
sentence or modification given by the sentencing court.
The appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a
sentence that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence
and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing. The
appellate court's standard for review is not whether the sentencing court
abused its discretion. The appellate court may take any action authorized
by this division if it clearly and convincingly finds either of the following:
(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court's findings
under division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division (B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of
section 2929.14, or division (I) of section 2929.20 of the Revised Code,
whichever, if any, is relevant;
(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 24
{¶89} “Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof which is
more than a mere ‘preponderance of the evidence,’ but not to the extent of such certainty
as is required ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ in criminal cases, and which will produce in
the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be
established.” Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954), paragraph three
of the syllabus.
{¶90} A sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law where the trial
court “considers the principles and purposes of R.C. 2929.11, as well as the factors listed
in R.C. 2929.12, properly imposes post release control, and sentences the defendant
within the permissible statutory range.” State v. Dinka, 12th Dist. Warren Nos. CA2019-
03-022 and CA2019-03-026, 2019-Ohio-4209, ¶ 36.
{¶91} Here, Appellant does not argue that his sentence is contrary to law and we
find that Appellant’s sentence is within the statutory range.
{¶92} This Court is therefore without authority to disturb Appellant's sentence
absent a finding by clear and convincing evidence that the record does not support the
trial court's findings under R.C. §2929.11 and R.C. §2929.12.
{¶93} Here, before sentencing Appellant, the trial court heard arguments from
Appellant’s counsel, considered the pre-sentence investigation report, and listened to the
family of the victims. The court considered the fact that Appellant was found guilty of nine
felonies, most of which were felonies of violence.
{¶94} Further, in its Judgment Entry filed April 24, 2020, the trial court indicated it
reviewed the presentence investigation report and noted it considered “the purposes of
felony sentencing as set forth in Ohio Revised Code Section 2929.11,” and “fully
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 25
considered the provisions of O.R.C. Chapter 2929, the circumstances of the offense, the
information contained in the pre-sentence investigation, and the information furnished by
the parties to this case.” (JE at 2-3). The trial court stated the following:
Based upon consideration of the purposes and principles of the
felony sentencing law, the statutory sentencing factors, and after weighing
the above findings, this Court finds that the Defendant is NOT amenable to
community control sanctions and that a prison sentence is consistent with
the purposes and principles of the felony sentencing law of Ohio and that
community control is not required.
{¶95} Upon review, we find the sentence imposed is not clearly and convincingly
contrary to law. The sentence is within the statutory range for a felony of the first degree,
and the trial court considered the R.C. §2929.11 and §2929.12 factors.
{¶96} The record in this case supports the sentence imposed by the trial court.
{¶97} Appellant's seventh assignment of error is overruled.
VIII.
{¶98} In his eighth and final assignment of error, Appellant argues that he received
ineffective assistance of counsel. We disagree.
{¶99} A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel requires a two-prong analysis.
The first inquiry in whether counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of
reasonable representation involving a substantial violation of any of defense counsel's
essential duties to Appellant. The second prong is whether the Appellant was prejudiced
by counsel's ineffectiveness. Lockhart v. Fretwell (1993), 506 U.S. 364, 113 S.Ct. 838,
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 26
122 L.Ed.2d 180; Strickland v. Washington (1984), 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80
L.Ed.2d 674; State v. Bradley (1989), 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373.
{¶100} In determining whether counsel's representation fell below an objective
standard of reasonableness, judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance must be highly
deferential. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d at 142, 538 N.E.2d 373. Because of the difficulties
inherent in determining whether effective assistance of counsel was rendered in any given
case, a strong presumption exists that counsel's conduct fell within the wide range of
reasonable, professional assistance. Id.{¶101} In order to warrant a reversal, Appellant must additionally show he was
prejudiced by counsel's ineffectiveness. This requires a showing that there is a
reasonable probability that but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the
proceeding would have been different. Bradley, supra at syllabus paragraph three. A
reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.
{¶102} The United States Supreme Court and the Ohio Supreme Court have held
a reviewing court “need not determine whether counsel's performance was deficient
before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged
deficiencies.” Bradley at 143, 538 N.E.2d 373, quoting Strickland at 697. Accordingly, we
will direct our attention to the second prong of the Strickland test.
{¶103} Here, Appellant argues that trial counsel’s failure to request a competency
evaluation constituted ineffective assistance of counsel.
{¶104} In the context of a criminal trial, a trial court's failure to hold a competency
hearing does not rise to constitutional proportions unless the record contains sufficient
indicia of incompetency. State v. Bock (1986), 28 Ohio St.3d 108, 502 N.E.2d 1016.
Ashland County, Case No. 20-COA-015 27
According to Bock, “[i]ncompetency must not be equated with mere mental or emotional
instability or even with outright insanity. A defendant may be emotionally disturbed or
even psychotic and still be capable of understanding the charges against him and of
assisting his counsel.” Id. at 110, 502 N.E.2d 1016.
{¶105} R.C. §2945.37(A) provides that “[a] defendant is presumed competent to
stand trial, unless it is proved by a preponderance of the evidence in a hearing under this
section that because of his present mental condition he is incapable of understanding the
nature and objective of the proceedings against him or of presently assisting his defense.”
In the instant case, Appellant has failed to point to any evidence in the record
demonstrating his incompetency to stand trial.
{¶106} Upon review, we find Appellant is unable to demonstrate he was
prejudiced by counsel's failure to request a competency evaluation. Accordingly, this
argument fails under the second prong of Strickland, supra, and Bradley, supra.
{¶107} Appellant's eighth assignment of error is overruled
{¶108} The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas, Ashland County, Ohio, is
affirmed.
By: Wise, John, P. J.
Delaney, J., and
Wise, Earle, J., concur.
JWW/kw 0729