State v. Gillum

[Cite as State v. Gillum, 2022-Ohio-2005.]
COURT OF APPEALS
LICKING COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. John W. Wise, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 2021 CA 00063
KALINA GILLUM :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Licking County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2020
CR 00088
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: June 13, 2022
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
WILLIAM C.HAYES CARLY M. EDELSTEIN
Licking County Prosecutor Assistant Public Defender
By: J. BRANDON PITT 250 East Broad Street, Ste.1400
20 S. Second Street Columbus, OH 43215
Newark, OH 43055
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 2
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Kalina Gillum [“Gillum”] appeals her convictions and
sentences after a jury trial in the Licking County Court of Common Pleas.
Facts and Procedural History
The State’s Case
{¶2} On September 18, 2019, Gillum arrived at Licking Memorial Hospital
[ “ L M H ” ] at 12:55 a.m., bleeding, with an umbilical cord "hanging out," but no baby. 1T.
at 47.1 When questioned, Gillum initially stated that, around 6:00 p.m. the day before she
had cramping, heavy bleeding, and pain, but that she had not seen a baby. Id. at 48.
Based on the condition of Gillum and that there was no baby accompanying her, hospital
staff contacted 9-1-1. Id. at 49-50. After calling 9-1-1, hospital staff continued to treat
Gillum by, among other things, giving her pain medications and blood transfusions. Id. at
51.
{¶3} Gillum had not arrived at the hospital alone that night. Braden Mull
accompanied her. 1 T. a t 52. When Sergeant Travis Delancey of the Newark Police
Department arrived, he was apprised of the situation and spoke to Mull. Id. at 108.
After speaking with Mull, Sergeant Delancey contacted the Heath Police Department
and gave them the address of Gillum and Mull.
{¶4} Deputy Tyler Watson responded to 127 Andover Road, Apt. A, Heath, Ohio
43056, the residence of Gillum and Braden Mull. 1T. at 120-121; 163-164. When Deputy
Watson arrived at the scene, fire trucks had already arrived. Id. Deputy Watson testified
1For clarity, the transcript from Gillum’s jury trial will be referred to as, “__T.__,” signifying the
volume and the page number.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 3
that all entrances to the residence were locked and, due to the nature of the call, there
was an extreme concern there was "something life-threatening" going on inside, so
officers performed a forced entry. Id. at 122. Inside the residence, officers found, among
other things, a trash bag that had a shoebox inside of it. At the time the shoebox was
discovered, Deputy Watson was the only officer wearing gloves so he opened the box.
He saw a bloody towel and, once he opened the towel, he found a "newborn" inside which
he quickly transferred to the medical personnel. 1T. at 123; State’s Exhibits 27(A) –
27(D). Medical personnel checked the newborn (subsequently named Cayden Gillum),
but found no signs of a heartbeat or breathing. Id. at 144.
{¶5} Paramedic Steven Gregory was asleep at 2:00 a.m. when the station received
an emergency call from law enforcement. Id. at 139-140. He explained that it takes him
about thirty seconds to get out of bed, get dressed, and be ready to leave the station. Id.
at 140. That morning, it took him just over five minutes from dispatch to arrive at the
apartment. Id. at 142. When he arrived, he checked the baby and found neither a
heartbeat nor chest movement. Id. at 144.
{¶6} Sergeant Craig Black of the Heath Police Department testified that Branden
Mull gave his consent for the officers to make a second entry to his and Gillum’s home.
1T. at 161. Inside he recovered a pair of scissors from the bathroom countertop that was
used to cut the umbilical cord. 1T. at 169; State’s Exhibit 9. Sergeant Black later met
Mull in the parking lot and obtained Mull’s cellular phone and passcode. 1T. at 175.
Sergeant Black turned the phone and passcode over to Detective Fisher. 3T. at 527.
{¶7} Detective Bradley Fisher also of the Heath Police Department testified that
Mull gave permission to search the apartment. 3T. at 520; State’s Exhibit 23. Shortly
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 4
after Cayden was found, Detective Fisher questioned Gillum, who was still being treated
at the hospital. 3T. at 525-526. The interview was recorded. Id. Mull was present during
the interview and was questioned by Fisher. Id. Detective Fisher had collected Mull's
cellular phone and had returned to the hospital to collect Gillum’s. Id. at 525-526. Gillum
gave the phone and passcode voluntarily to Detective Fisher. 3T. at 528-530.
{¶8} Detective Fisher reviewed and compared the two phones. Detective Fisher
found that there had been a text conversation between the two during and after Cayden's
birth that included a photograph. Id. at 531. The photo was of Cayden shortly after his
birth. State’s Exhibit 6. Detective Fisher found that the text message conversations
contained on Mull’s cell phone and Gillum’s cell phone was not identical. Id. Specifically,
he found that four texts messages that were contained in the conversation, as it existed
on Mull’s phone, did not appear on Gillum’s phone. Among the texts that Gillum had
deleted on her phone, but were still on Mull’s phone, was one that had been sent by
Gillum to Mull that read, "It was in the box because I wasn't waking up.” 3T. at 550.
Another text deleted from Gillum's phone read, "Braden, it's moving.” Id. at 552-553.
Gillum had also deleted from her phone the photo of Cayden with the text "helppp" [sic.]
attached to the photo. Id. 545. Detective Fisher also read a text message sent at 2:34
a.m. from Mull saying, "So the police are opening an investigation.” 3T. at 543.
{¶9} Dr. Charles Lee, the Chief Forensic Pathologist and Deputy Coroner with the
Licking County Coroner's Office, testified he had performed the autopsy on Cayden. 2T.
at 245. He took a chest x-ray and did not find evidence of air in the windpipe, lungs, or
stomach. Id. at 253; 303. He submerged the baby's lungs in water and they sank. Id. at
302. He testified that lungs floating would have been a sign that the baby might have
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 5
taken a breath. Id. at 253-254. He reviewed slides of the baby’s lung tissue and found
no evidence of air. Id. at 303. Dr. Lee made a finding of "fetal death" and issued a fetal
death certificate. Id. at 267.
{¶10} In his testimony contrasting live birth verses fetal death, Dr. Lee discussed
the conditions that would be present on a child who had died in utero. He discussed how
the child would have decomposition, peeling of the skin, and the skin of the child would
become really dark purple to almost black in coloring. Id. at 265-266. Dr. Lee testified
that Cayden did not have any of the conditions to indicate that he had died in utero. Id.
at 265. He also testified that Cayden's internal organs did not appear in the condition that
would have occurred if he had died in utero. Id. at 266. Dr. Lee testified that he had not
known of Gillum's text message that Cayden had moved and, when presented with
Gillum's text message, he stated it would lean him, "towards it being a live birth versus
not being a live birth.” Id. at 276. Dr. Lee further testified that a child could receive oxygen
through the umbilical cord and survive for “a couple of minutes” outside of the mother.
2T. at 276-277. Dr. Lee testified that a baby could take a couple of mouth gasps and not
fill any air in the lungs. Id. at 313-314. That is the reason that nurses and doctors try to
stimulate the baby to get the baby to cry, and get big cries and gasps, to get air down into
the lungs and airways. Id.
{¶11} Dr. John Wells Logan III, an academic neonatologist with Nationwide
Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University also testified for the state. Dr. Logan
testified concerning what is seen when there is a fetal death versus a live birth. 2T. at
406. Dr. Logan testified that a baby born without a heartbeat is stillborn and would
typically be a blue-gray ashen color. Id. at 406. Further, even live-born babies are often
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 6
born purple and take time to "pink up.” Id. at 417. Dr. Logan said he reviewed the
coroner's report and State’s Exhibit 6, the photograph taken by Gillum of Cayden. Id. at
412-415. He opined that based on the "pink to purple color of the skin" and the positioning
of the baby's legs in the image, the baby had cardiac output and was born alive. Id. at
415-416. He also opined that this baby could have been resuscitated and survived. Id.
at 426.
Crim.R. 29 Motion for Acquittal
{¶12} At the conclusion of the state’s case, the defense moved for a Crim. R. 29
judgment of acquittal on all counts. The trial court granted the motion as to involuntary
manslaughter because the evidence failed to prove that, even if the baby was born alive,
he could have survived had Gillum called 9-1-1. 4T. at 682-685. The trial court denied
the motion as to the other charges, explaining, "although it is close, there is sufficient
evidence that the baby was born alive, if believed - there's contrary evidence, don't get
me wrong - but there is sufficient evidence [.]..” Id. at 682-683.
The Defense Case
{¶13} The defense called forensic pathology expert Dr. Kimberly Collins. Dr.
Collins testified Gillum had a stillborn baby and no medical care would have changed that
outcome. Id. at 704; 715; 722; 749; 762. Dr. Collins relied on several sources to reach
that conclusion. Dr. Collins relied on the corner report, autopsy report, toxicology report,
metabolic screen report, the medical records from LMH, 33 autopsy photographs, 196
coroner and scene photographs, the photo of Cayden, and the autopsy slides. 4T. at
704.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 7
{¶14} First, she relied on the coroner’s float test results, which provided no signs
of lung expansion or inhalation. Id. at 714. Second, the coroner’s x-rays revealed no air
had entered the lungs. Id. at 715. Third, lung tissue slides taken by the coroner showed
no air had traveled into those organs. Id. at 714- 715. Fourth, she relied on the coroner's
decision to issue a fetal death certificate. Id. at 709-710. Dr. Collins testified that a live-
born baby would have exhibited signs of respiration, heartbeat, and voluntary
movements, and that none of the autopsy tests demonstrated any signs of life. With
respect to Gillum’s "it's moving" text, Dr. Collins testified that there is a significant
difference between voluntary and involuntary movement and even something that is dead
can move involuntarily. Id. at 719-721. She gave no weight to the text because it was
impossible to know if the baby moved voluntarily or involuntarily. Id. at 737; 744-745. In
response to a question from the jury, Dr. Collins testified that a baby born alive could have
voluntary movement before drawing its first breath. 4T. at 761. Further, a child can live
outside the womb for a couple of minutes before it needs air. Id. at 761-762. Dr. Collins
agreed that a live birth could involve one of three things, a heartbeat, voluntary muscle
movement, or breathing. Id. at 766. It is not necessary to have all three in order to classify
a birth as a live birth. Id. Dr. Collins further agreed that it is useful to assess a child’s
color in a live birth. Id. at 766. Dr. Collins testified that you could not determine evidence
that a heart was beating from an autopsy. Id. at 767
{¶15} Dr. Lisa Ferriera testified as an obstetrics and gynecology expert and
asserted that it is impossible to render an opinion about heartbeat or cardiac output from
a photograph. 5T. at 841-846. Dr. Ferriera testified that because the coroner’s report did
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 8
not show signs of exsanguination, she did not believe there was cardiac output from
Cayden. Id. at 877.
The Verdict
{¶16} At the conclusion of the trial, the trial court defined the terms "Live Birth,"
"Fetal Death," and "Stillborn” to the jury. 5T. at 977- 978. With respect to the charge of
Endangering Children, the trial court instructed the jury that they had to make a "Special
Finding" that "Cayden Gillum was born alive" in order to convict Gillum. Id. at 979.
{¶17} The jury found Gillum guilty of Endangering Children, Tampering with
Evidence, and Abuse of a Human Corpse. The jury further made the special finding that
Cayden was born alive.
Assignments of Error
{¶18} Gillum raises five Assignments of Error,
{¶19} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING KALINA GILLUM'S
PRETRIAL MOTION TO DISMISS THE INDICTMENT.
{¶20} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ALLOWING A NEONATOLOGIST TO
TESTIFY THAT HE COULD DETERMINE LIVE BIRTH FROM THE COLOR IN A CELL
PHONE PHOTOGRAPH. FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S.
CONSTITUTION; ART. I, SECS. 10 AND 16, OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION; EVID.R.
702.
{¶21} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION, TO KALINA'S
MATERIAL PREJUDICE, WHEN IT EXCLUDED THE TESTIMONY OF AN EXPERT
WITNESS ON INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE. SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH
AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 9
{¶22} “IV. KALINA'S CONVICTIONS FOR CHILD ENDANGERING AND ABUSE
OF A CORPSE WERE NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE, VIOLATING
HER RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS OF LAW UNDER THE FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH
AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND ART. I, SEC. 10, OF THE OHIO
CONSTITUTION.
{¶23} “V. KALINA GILLUM'S CONVICTIONS FOR ENDANGERING A CHILD
AND ABUSE OF A CORPSE WERE AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE IN VIOLATION OF HER RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS OF LAW UNDER THE
FIFTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND
ARTICLE I, SECTION 16 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.”
I.
{¶24} In her First Assignment of Error, Gillum argues the trial court erred in denying
her pre-trial motion to dismiss the indictment. Specifically, the defense moved to dismiss,
arguing criminal charges may not be based on a pregnant woman's acts in relation to her
own pregnancy. The trial court denied the motion, concluding two factual disputes
remained, (1) whether a live birth occurred and, if so, (2) whether the live-born baby died
as a proximate result of child endangering. Motion hearing, May 10, 2021 at 7-8;
Judgment Entry, filed May 10, 2021 [Docket Entry No. 151].
Standard of Appellate Review
{¶25} Appellate courts generally apply de novo review when reviewing trial court
decisions to dismiss indictments. State v. Cole, 5th Dist. Guernsey No. 20CA000019,
2021-Ohio-1027, ¶9, citing State v. Miller, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 28284, 2019-Ohio-
3294, ¶ 13.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 10
{¶26} In State v. Troisi, the Court observed,
“When a defendant moves to dismiss an indictment, the threshold
question is whether the trial court can determine the motion without
reference to the general issue to be tried.” State v. Hitsman, 9th Dist.
Medina No. 18CA0015-M, 2018-Ohio-5315, 2018 WL 6843733, ¶ 15, citing
State v. Palmer, 131 Ohio St.3d 278, 2012-Ohio-580, 964 N.E.2d 406, ¶ 22,
and State v. Brady, 119 Ohio St.3d 375, 2008-Ohio-4493, 894 N.E.2d 671,
¶18. “‘If the allegations contained in the indictment constitute offenses
under Ohio criminal law, it is premature to determine, in advance of trial,
whether the state could satisfy its burden of proof with respect to those
charges, and thus, a motion to dismiss must be denied.’” State v. Swanson,
11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2015-A-0006, 2015-Ohio-4027, 2015 WL
5729710, ¶17, quoting State v. Kolat, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2001-L-117, 2002-
Ohio-4699, 2002 WL 31008773, ¶ 16, and State v. Medinger, 11th Dist.
Portage No. 2011-P-0046, 2012-Ohio-982, 2012 WL 764427, ¶11. Thus,
“a motion to dismiss based on a defect in the indictment ‘must not entail a
determination of the sufficiency of the evidence to support the indictment”;
the earliest point that such concerns can be raised is at the conclusion of
the state’s case in chief through a properly supported Crim.R. 29 motion.
Id., citing Kolat and State v. Rode, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2010-P-0015,
2011-Ohio-2455, 2011 WL 2083983, ¶14.
8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 109871, 109874, 109875, & 109876, 2021-Ohio-2678, 176
N.E.3d 1160, ¶9.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 11
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the trial court erred in overruling Gillum’s
motion to dismiss the indictment
{¶27} The trial judge entered a judgment of acquittal on the involuntary
manslaughter charge. Therefore, we will address Gillum’s argument with respect to the
charges of Child Endangering, Abuse of a Human Corpse and Tampering with Evidence.
{¶28} “The purposes of an indictment are to give an accused adequate notice of
the charge, and enable an accused to protect himself or herself from any future
prosecutions for the same incident.” State v. Buehner, 110 Ohio St.3d 403, 2006-Ohio-
4707, 853 N.E.2d 1162, ¶ 7. “‘An indictment meets constitutional requirements if it “first,
contains the elements of the offense charged and fairly informs a defendant of the charge
against which he must defend, and second, enables him to plead an acquittal or
conviction in bar of future prosecutions for the same offense.”’” Id. at ¶ 9, quoting State
v. Childs, 88 Ohio St.3d 558, 564–565, 728 N.E.2d 379(2000), quoting, Hamling v. United
States, 418 U.S. 87, 117–118, 94 S.Ct. 2887, 41 L.Ed.2d 590(1974).
{¶29} The indictment in this case set forth the elements of endangering children
under R.C. 2919.22(A) and specified that Gillum was being charged with a third-degree
felony. The only circumstance in which endangering children in violation of R.C.
2919.22(A) is a third-degree felony is when the victim suffers serious physical harm. R.C.
2919.22(E)(2)(c). The statute further requires that the parent violate a duty of care,
protection, or support.
{¶30} The indictment in the case at bar tracks the statutory language of R.C.
2919.22, informs Gillum of the charge against which she must defend, and enables her
to plead an acquittal or conviction in bar of future prosecutions for the same offense.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 12
{¶31} Without a doubt, an indictment is defective if it alleges violations of R.C.
Chapter 2919 by a person who is not subject to that chapter. See, State v. Palmer, 131
Ohio St.3d 278, 2012-Ohio-580, 964 N.E.2d 406, ¶23. Gillum’s motion, however,
required consideration of the general issues at trial—whether the child was born alive,
and whether Gillum violated a duty of care, protection, or support that created a
substantial risk to the health or safety of the child. The Bill of Particulars filed February
2, 2021 specifically referenced Gillum’s conduct, among other things, during and after the
delivery of Cayden as constituting the crime. [Docket No. 110].
{¶32} The indictment in this case set forth the elements of tampering with evidence
in violation of R.C. 2921.12(A)(1)2. Gillum’s motion to dismiss this charge requires the
trial court conclude that there was not a live birth but a prenatal loss, which is an issue for
the jury to decide based upon the evidence presented at trial. The indictment in the case
at bar tracks the statutory language of R.C. 2921.12(A)(1), informs Gillum of the charge
against which she must defend, and enables her to plead an acquittal or conviction in bar
of future prosecutions for the same offense. The Bill of Particulars filed February 2, 2021
informed Gillum that her conduct in arriving at the hospital with an umbilical cord hanging
out but no baby made it likely that the police would begin an investigation. The state
alleged that the baby had been born alive. Gillum deleted text messages from her phone.
{¶33} The indictment in the case at bar set forth the elements of abuse of a human
corpse in violation of R.C. 2927.01(B). Gillum’s motion to dismiss this charge requires
the trial court conclude that there was not a live birth but a prenatal loss, which is an issue
for the jury to decide based upon the evidence presented at trial. The indictment in the
2 Gillum does not contend that the evidence was insufficient to convict her of Tampering with
Evidence, See, Assignment of Error IV, infra.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 13
case at bar tracks the statutory language of R.C. 2927.01(B), informs Gillum of the charge
against which she must defend, and enables her to plead an acquittal or conviction in bar
of future prosecutions for the same offense. The Bill of Particulars filed February 2, 2021
alleged that Gillum and Mull acted together in disposing of Cayden’s body wrapped in a
towel, inside a shoebox stuffed inside a trash bag. The state alleged that the baby had
been born alive.
{¶34} The indictment in the case at bar was not defective. The trial court correctly
overruled Gillum’s motion to dismiss the indictment.
{¶35} Gillum’s First Assignment of Error is overruled.
II.
{¶36} In her Second Assignment of Error, Gillum asserts the trial court erred by
allowing Dr. Logan to testify that, in his expert opinion and based on the photo of Cayden
shortly after his birth, Cayden was born alive.
Standard of Appellate Review
{¶37} In State v. Thomas, 97 Ohio St.3d 309, 2002-Ohio-6624, 779 N.E.2d 1017,
the Supreme Court observed,
Neither special education nor certification is necessary to confer
expert status upon a witness. “The individual offered as an expert need not
have complete knowledge of the field in question, as long as the knowledge
he or she possesses will aid the trier of fact in performing its fact-finding
function.” State v. Hartman, 93 Ohio St.3d at 285, 754 N.E.2d 1150; State
v. Baston, 85 Ohio St.3d 418, 423, 709 N.E.2d 128. Pursuant to Evid.R.
104(A), the trial court determines whether a witness qualifies as an expert,
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 14
and that determination will be overturned only for an abuse of discretion.
State v. Hartman, 93 Ohio St.3d at 285, 754 N.E.2d 1150; State v. Williams
(1983), 4 Ohio St.3d 53, 58, 4 OBR 144, 446 N.E.2d 444.
Thomas at ¶46.
{¶38} An abuse of discretion can be found where the reasons given by the court
for its action are clearly untenable, legally incorrect, or amount to a denial of justice, or
where the judgment reaches an end or purpose not justified by reason and the evidence.
Tennant v. Gallick, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26827, 2014-Ohio-477, ¶35; In re Guardianship
of S .H., 9th Dist. Medina No. 13CA0066–M, 2013–Ohio–4380, ¶ 9; State v. Firouzmandi,
5th Dist. Licking No. 2006–CA–41, 2006–Ohio–5823, ¶54.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the trial judge’s decision permitting Dr. Logan
to offer an expert opinion based on a cell phone photograph taken at or near Cayden’s
birth that this baby's color indicated cardiac output is clearly untenable, legally incorrect
or amounts to a denial of justice, or whether the judgment reaches an end or purpose not
justified by reason and the evidence.
{¶39} Gillum does not contest Dr. Logan’s expert qualifications; rather, her
objection is centered upon his methodology.
{¶40} Prior to trial, the defense filed a motion to exclude Dr. Logan’s testimony
because his methodology for determining cardiac output in a baby based upon a cell
phone photograph was invalid. Gillum contends that his methodology failed under
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d
429 (1993) because he had never written about his methodology, it had not been peer-
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 15
reviewed, and he could not describe its accuracy. The trial judge conducted a so-called
Daubert hearing. See, T. Oral Hearing, May 11, 2021.
{¶41} Dr. Logan testified that he is an academic neonatologist at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital and at The Ohio State University. T. Oral Hearing, May 11, 2021 at
9. In his over 17 years of experience, Dr. Logan has taken care of infants born between
the gestational age of 27 to 28 to 30 weeks hundreds of times. Id. at 10. Dr. Logan is a
member of the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn Network. Id. at 15. Over one-
half of Dr. Logan’s 25 publications are with that organization. Id.
{¶42} Dr. Logan testified at the Daubert hearing that infants born pre-term would
not breathe spontaneously; rather, they would often need either stimulation or positive
pressure ventilation to breathe. Id. at 11. Dr. Logan described the stimulation as
stimulating the hands or feet or rubbing the back. Id.
{¶43} Dr. Logan testified that the three primary components of the Apgar score
used to assess neonates at birth are heart rate, respirations, and color. T. Oral Hearing,
May 11, 2021 at 12. Dr. Logan testified that a neonates color would tell whether the baby
has adequate cardiac output, and if the baby has signs of life. Id. at 13. Dr. Logan
described cardiac output as the heart’s ability to push blood to the tissues in the body. Id.
{¶44} Dr. Logan testified during the Daubert hearing that he reviewed a
photograph of Cayden that the state had provided to him. Id. at 17; 30. Dr. Logan testified
that based upon his education, experience and knowledge he was able to form an opinion
based upon the photograph that the baby had cardiac output. Id. at 17-18; 31-33.
{¶45} The trial court allowed Dr. Logan's testimony about the photograph,
reasoning that objections to his methodology went to the weight of his conclusions,
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 16
[A]nd not whether or not he’s qualified to evaluate a photograph
and render an opinion based on recent cardiac activity based on color.
According to his testimony, that’s a fairly reliable indicator. Maybe
not from a photograph obviously, because most of these situations
occur in a hospital setting. But, the objections go to the weight, not
to his - - not to admissibility of his testimony.
T. Oral Hearing, May 11, 2021 at 40.
{¶46} Evid.R. 702 provides:
A witness may testify as an expert if all of the following apply:
(A) The witness' testimony either relates to matters beyond the
knowledge or experience possessed by lay persons or dispels a
misconception common among lay persons;
(B) The witness is qualified as an expert by specialized knowledge,
skill, experience, training, or education regarding the subject matter of the
testimony;
(C) The witness' testimony is based on reliable scientific, technical,
or other specialized information. To the extent that the testimony reports
the result of a procedure, test, or experiment, the testimony is reliable only
if all of the following apply:
(1) The theory upon which the procedure, test, or experiment is
based is objectively verifiable or is validly derived from widely accepted
knowledge, facts, or principles;
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 17
(2) The design of the procedure, test, or experiment reliably
implements the theory;
(3) The particular procedure, test, or experiment was conducted in a
way that will yield an accurate result.
{¶47} Evid.R. 702(C) requires that an expert's testimony be based on “reliable
scientific, technical, or other specialized information.” In State v. D'Ambrosio, 67 Ohio
St.3d 185, 616 N.E.2d 909 (1993) the Supreme Court held that expert witnesses in
criminal cases can testify in terms of possibility rather than in terms of a reasonable
scientific certainty or probability. In State v. Lang, 129 Ohio St.3d 512, 2011-Ohio-4215,
954 N.E.2d 596, the Supreme Court further noted,
The treatment of such testimony involves “an issue of sufficiency, not
admissibility.” [State v. D'Ambrosio]; see also State v. Jones (2000), 90
Ohio St.3d 403, 416, 739 N.E.2d 300. “‘Questions about the certainty of the
scientific results are matters of weight for the jury.’” State v. Allen, 5th Dist.
No. 2009-CA-13, 2010-Ohio-4644, 2010 WL 3784818, ¶ 157, quoting
United States v. Brady (C.A.6, 1979), 595 F.2d 359, 363.
Id. at ¶ 77. The Court further made clear that,
Ohio has a split application of Evid.R. 702. Criminal cases adhere to
the D'Ambrosio standard in allowing expert opinion in terms of possibilities
to be admitted under Evid.R. 702. In contrast, Ohio courts require expert
opinions in civil cases to rise to the level of probabilities before being
admitted under Evid.R. 702.
Lang, at ¶ 81.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 18
{¶48} The defense called forensic pathology expert Dr. Kimberly Collins who
testified that in arriving at her conclusions, she relied upon, among other items, 33
autopsy photographs, 196 coroner and scene photographs, the photo of Cayden, and the
autopsy slides. 4T. at 704. Dr. Lisa Ferriera, also called by the defense, testified that in
reaching her opinions, she relied upon medical records, interviews with the police officers,
some text messages, and a photograph viewed on her computer. 5T. at 841.
{¶49} None of the expert witnesses was present during the delivery of Cayden or
at any time thereafter. None of the expert witnesses observed Cayden’s body in person.
Each expert witness relied upon reports, photographs, medical records, x-rays, and
autopsy slides that the expert himself or herself did not generate or in person observe
being generated. It is obvious that expert witnesses could not testify if they did not rely
upon historical records.
{¶50} Dr. Logan was not testifying about the results of a scientific test. Therefore,
there was no procedure, test, or experiment involved. Dr. Logan testified that this is the
first time he opined about determining cardiac output from a photograph. However, his
past experience evidenced the fact that he has been involved in the births of infants born
between the gestational age of 27 to 28 to 30 weeks “several hundred times,” and he has
resuscitated babies with the same color depicted in Cayden’s photograph “hundreds of
times.” T. Oral Hearing, May 11, 2021 at 10; 19; 33. According to his testimony, color
is a reliable indicator, which he has observed hundreds of times in a hospital
setting. Dr. Collins, who the defense called as an expert witness during Gillum’s jury
trial, agreed that it is useful to assess a child’s color in a live birth. 4T. at 766.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 19
{¶51} Clearly, Dr. Logan was qualified as an expert neonatologist. We agree with
the trial judge. The fact Dr. Logan based his opinion on his review of a photograph taken
by a cell phone, rather than seeing the child in person at the hospital, goes to the weight,
not the admissibility of Dr. Logan’s testimony.
{¶52} The jury was given the photograph of Cayden. The defense was able to
attack the opinion of Dr. Logan on cross-examination and through the presentation of two
expert witnesses retained by the defense.
{¶53} Having painstakingly reviewed the record, we conclude that the trial judge's
decision to permit Dr. Logan’s expert testimony, based on the photograph of Cayden
shortly after his birth, that Cayden was born alive was not untenable, legally incorrect
and did not amount to a denial of justice, or reach an end or purpose not justified by
reason and the evidence.
{¶54} The trial judge correctly denied Gillum’s motion to exclude the testimony of
Dr. Logan.
{¶55} Gillum’s Second Assignment of Error is overruled.
III.
{¶56} In her Third Assignment of Error, Gillum argues that the trial court erred by
denying her request to present an expert on intimate partner violence.
Standard of Appellate Review
{¶57} “[A] trial court is vested with broad discretion in determining the admissibility
of evidence in any particular case, so long as such discretion is exercised in line with the
rules of procedure and evidence.” Rigby v. Lake Cty., 58 Ohio St.3d 269, 271, 569 N.E.2d
1056 (1991). An abuse of discretion can be found where the reasons given by the court
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 20
for its action are clearly untenable, legally incorrect, or amount to a denial of justice, or
where the judgment reaches an end or purpose not justified by reason and the evidence.
Tennant v. Gallick, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26827, 2014-Ohio-477, ¶35; In re Guardianship
of S .H., 9th Dist. Medina No. 13CA0066–M, 2013–Ohio–4380, ¶ 9; State v. Firouzmandi,
5th Dist. Licking No. 2006–CA–41, 2006–Ohio–5823, ¶54.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the trial judge’s decision denying
Gillum’s request to present an expert on intimate partner violence is clearly
untenable, legally incorrect or amounts to a denial of justice, or whether the judgment
reaches an end or purpose not justified by reason and the evidence.
{¶58} Gillum specifically appeals the trial court's denial of her request to call Dr.
Fischer as an expert on intimate partner violence. This matter was initially addressed
by the trial court at an oral hearing held on May 10, 2021. After hearing arguments on
the matter, the trial court stated it was going to reserve a ruling until the state had
concluded its case. T. Oral Hearing, May 10, 2021 at 11-12. At the conclusion of the
state's case, the issue was brought to the court's attention. 4T. at 690. After hearing
arguments from the state and Gillum, the trial court stated,
All right. Well, at this point I’m gonna grant the State’s motion to keep
it out...It’s an in limine ruling, so if things change I’ll re-evaluate.
4T. at 694-695.
{¶59} The granting or denial of a motion in limine is a tentative, interlocutory,
precautionary ruling reflecting the trial court's anticipatory treatment of an evidentiary
issue. State v. Grubb, 28 Ohio St.3d 199, 201, 503 N.E.2d 142(1986). In Grubb, the
Ohio Supreme Court further stated,
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 21
The effect of the granting of a motion in limine in favor of the state in
a criminal proceeding is to temporarily prohibit the defendant from making
reference to evidence which is the subject of the motion. At trial it is
incumbent upon a defendant, who has been temporarily restricted from
introducing evidence by virtue of a motion in limine, to seek the introduction
of the evidence by proffer or otherwise in order to enable the court to make
a final determination as to its admissibility and to preserve any objection on
the record for purposes of appeal. Cf. State v. Gilmore, supra. In the case
at bar, appellant failed to make any such proffer and therefore we conclude,
consistent with Evid.R. 103, that he waived his right to object to the
evidentiary issue on appeal.
28 Ohio St.3d at 203, 503 N.E.2d 142.
{¶60} In the case at bar, the defense did not, prior to resting its case, attempt to
call Dr. Fischer, request the trial judge revisit the issue of the admissibility of Dr. Fischer’s
testimony, or make a proffer on the record out of the jury’s presence of Dr. Fischer’s
testimony. Accordingly, Gillum has waived her right to object to the evidentiary issue on
appeal. As the trial judge never made a final determination that Dr. Fischer’s testimony
was inadmissible, the trial judge could not have abused his discretion.
{¶61} Gillum’s Third Assignment of Error is overruled.
IV. & V.
{¶62} In her Fourth Assignment of Error, Gillum argues that there is insufficient
evidence to support her conviction for endangering children and abuse of a human
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 22
corpse3. Further, in her Fifth Assignment of Error, Gillum contends that these convictions
are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Standard of Appellate Review– Sufficiency of the Evidence
{¶63} 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. 99, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L.Ed.2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 577 U.S. 92,
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.
{¶64} 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, 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); Walker, 150 Ohio St.3d at ¶30. “The relevant inquiry is whether,
after viewing the evidence in the 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.” 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
3 Gillum does not challenge her conviction for Tampering with Evidence.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 23
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; Walker 150 Ohio St.3d 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 Appellate Review: Whether, after viewing the evidence in the
light most favorable to the prosecution, the evidence, if believed, would convince the
average mind that Gillum was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of Endangering
Children and Abuse of a Human Corpse.
Endangering Children
{¶65} Endangering Children, R.C. 2919.22, provides,
(A) No person, who is the parent, guardian, custodian, person having
custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child under eighteen years
of age or a mentally or physically handicapped child under twenty-one years
of age, shall create a substantial risk to the health or safety of the child, by
violating a duty of care, protection, or support. It is not a violation of a duty
of care, protection, or support under this division when the parent, guardian,
custodian, or person having custody or control of a child treats the physical
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 24
or mental illness or defect of the child by spiritual means through prayer
alone, in accordance with the tenets of a recognized religious body.
***
(E)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of endangering children.
(2) If the offender violates division (A) or (B)(1) of this section,
endangering children is one of the following, and, in the circumstances
described in division (E)(2)(e) of this section, that division applies:
***
(c) If the violation is a violation of division (A) of this section and
results in serious physical harm to the child involved, a felony of the third
degree
{¶66} R.C. 2901.01(A)(5) provides,
(5) “Serious physical harm to persons” means any of the following:
(a) Any mental illness or condition of such gravity as would normally
require hospitalization or prolonged psychiatric treatment;
(b) Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;
(c) Any physical harm that involves some permanent incapacity,
whether partial or total, or that involves some temporary, substantial
incapacity;
(d) Any physical harm that involves some permanent disfigurement
or that involves some temporary, serious disfigurement;
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 25
(e) Any physical harm that involves acute pain of such duration as to
result in substantial suffering or that involves any degree of prolonged or
intractable pain.
{¶67} “Substantial risk” means a strong possibility, as contrasted with a remote or
significant possibility, that a certain result may occur, or that certain circumstances may
exist. R.C. 2901.01(A)(8).
{¶68} Dr. Logan testified that a baby born without a heartbeat is stillborn and
would typically be a blue-gray ashen color4. Id. at 406. Further, even live-born babies
are often born purple and take time to "pink up.” Id. at 417. Dr. Logan said he reviewed
the coroner's report and State’s Exhibit 6, the photograph taken by Gillum of Cayden. Id.
at 412-415. He opined that based on the "pink to purple color of the skin" and the
positioning of the baby's legs in the image, the baby had cardiac output and was born
alive. Id. at 415-416. He also opined that this baby could have been resuscitated and
survived. Id. at 426.
{¶69} Dr. Lee testified that Cayden did not have any of the conditions to indicate
that he had died in utero. Id. at 265. He also testified that Cayden's internal organs did
not appear in the condition that would have occurred if he had died in utero. Id. at 266.
Dr. Lee testified that he had not known of Gillum's text that Cayden had moved and, when
presented with Gillum's text message, he stated it would lean him "towards it being a live
birth versus not being a live birth.” Id. at 276. Dr. Lee further testified that a child could
receive oxygen through the umbilical cord and survive “a couple of minutes” outside of
the mother. 2T. at 276-277. Dr. Lee testified that a baby could take a couple of mouth
4We addressed the admissibility of Dr. Logan’s testimony in our disposition of Gillum’s Second
Assignment of Error.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 26
gasps and not fill any air in the lungs. Id. at 313-314. That is the reason that nurses and
doctors try to stimulate the baby to get the baby to cry, and get big cries and gasps, to
get air down into the lungs and airways. Id.
{¶70} Dr. Collins testified that a baby born alive could have voluntary movement
before drawing its first breath. 4T. at 761. Further, a child can live outside the womb for
a couple of minutes before it needs air. Id. at 761-762. Dr. Collins agreed that a live birth
could involve one of three things- a heartbeat, voluntary muscle movement, or breathing.
Id. at 766. It is not necessary to have all three in order to classify a birth as a live birth.
Id. Dr. Collins further agreed that it is useful to assess a child’s color in a live birth. Id. at
766. Dr. Collins testified that you could not determine evidence that a heart was beating
from an autopsy. Id. at 767.
{¶71} Gillum initially stated that, around 6:00 p.m. the day before, she had
cramping, heavy bleeding, and pain, but that she had not seen a baby. Id. at 48. A
deleted text from Gillum's phone read, "Braden, it's moving.” Id. at 552-553. At no time
did Gillum attempt to summon medical attention for the child.
{¶72} Paramedic Steven Gregory testified that he was asleep at 2:00 a.m. when
the station received an emergency call from law enforcement. Id. at 139-140. He
explained that it takes him about thirty seconds to get out of bed, get dressed, and be
ready to leave the station. Id. at 140. That morning, it took him just over five minutes
from dispatch to arrive at the apartment. Id. at 142. When he arrived, he checked the
baby and found neither a heartbeat nor chest movement. Id. at 1445.
5 Gillum contends that the trial judge found this testimony not to be credible because at the time of
night Gregory responded, traffic is substantially less than during normal daytime hours. However, the
testimony was not stricken nor was the jury advised to disregard the testimony. Therefore, the jury was
free to determine the credibility of Paramedic Gregory’s testimony among themselves.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 27
{¶73} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Gillum violated a duty of care, creating a substantial risk to the health or safety of her child
that resulted in serious physical harm to the child.
{¶74} We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding the
elements of endangering children; accordingly, there was sufficient evidence to support
Gillum’s conviction for endangering children.
Offenses against human corpse
{¶75} R.C. 2927.01 Offenses Against human corpse provides,
(A) No person, except as authorized by law, shall treat a human
corpse in a way that the person knows would outrage reasonable family
sensibilities.
(B) No person, except as authorized by law, shall treat a human
corpse in a way that would outrage reasonable community sensibilities.
(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of abuse of
a corpse, a misdemeanor of the second degree. Whoever violates division
(B) of this section is guilty of gross abuse of a corpse, a felony of the fifth
degree.
{¶76} Gillum was charged with complicity with Mull to a violation of R.C.
2927.01(B).
{¶77} R.C. 2923.03(A)(2) sets forth the elements for complicity and provides, in
relevant part:
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 28
(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;
***
(B) It is no defense to a charge under this section that no person with
whom the accused was in complicity has been convicted as a principal
offender.
(C) No person shall be convicted of complicity under this section
unless an offense is actually committed, but a person may be convicted of
complicity in an attempt to commit an offense in violation of section 2923.02
of the Revised Code.
***
{¶78} It is true that a person's mere association with a principle offender is not
enough to sustain a conviction based on aiding and abetting. State v. Sims, 10 Ohio
App.3d 56, 58, 460 N.E.2d 672, 674-675 (8th Dist. 1983). In order to constitute aiding
and abetting, the accused must have taken some role in causing the commission of the
offense. Id. With respect to the requirements for a conviction for complicity by aiding and
abetting, the Supreme Court of Ohio has stated,
To support a conviction for complicity by aiding and abetting pursuant
to R.C. 2923.03(A)(2), the evidence must show that the defendant
supported, assisted, encouraged, cooperated with, advised, or incited the
principal in the commission of the crime, and that the defendant shared the
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 29
criminal intent of the principal. Such intent may be inferred from the
circumstances surrounding the crime.
State v. Johnson, 93 Ohio St.3d 240, 2001–Ohio–187, 749 N.E.2d 749, at syllabus.
{¶79} Aiding and abetting may be shown by both direct and circumstantial
evidence and participation may be inferred from presence, companionship, and conduct
before and after the offense is committed. State v. Cartellone, 3 Ohio App.3d 145, 150,
444 N.E.2d 68, (8th Dist. 1981), citing State v. Pruett, 28 Ohio App.2d 29, 34, 273 N.E.2d
884 (4th Dist. 1971); See also, State v. Mendoza, 137 Ohio App.3d 336, 342, 738 N.E.2d
822(3rd Dist. 2000), quoting State v. Stepp, 117 Ohio App.3d 561, 568–569, 690 N.E.2d
1342(4th Dist. 1997).
{¶80} Aiding and abetting may also be established by overt acts of assistance
such as driving a getaway car or serving as a lookout. State v. Cartellone, 3 Ohio App.3d
at 150, 444 N.E.2d 68. See also, State v. Trocodaro, 36 Ohio App.2d 1, 301 N.E.2d 898(10th Dist. 1973); State v. Lett, 160 Ohio App.3d 46, 52, 2005–Ohio–1308, 825 N.E.2d
1158, 1163 (8th Dist.); State v. Polite, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2017 CA 00129, 2018-Ohio-
1372, ¶56.
{¶81} Gillum arrived at the hospital with an exposed umbilical cord but no baby.
When asked at the hospital, Gillum told the nurse she did not remember seeing a baby.
1T. at 48. The nurse was unable to discern the whereabouts of the baby. Id.{¶82} Mull texted Gillum that the police had started an investigation. Gillum told
Detective Fisher that Mull told her he had put the baby in a box because he knew they
would have to go to the hospital. 3T. at 591. The baby’s body was found wrapped in a
bloody towel inside a shoebox that had been placed inside a garbage bag by the
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 30
bathroom area. 1T. at 123. Gillum deleted text messages between her and Mull from
her cell phone. Mull texted Gillum that he told the police that Gillum had put the baby’s
body in the box, “but when Heath decides to show up, I’m telling them I did it....” 3T. at
544-545.
{¶83} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Gillum aided and abetted Mull in disposing of the baby’s body.
{¶84} We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding the
elements of aiding and abetting in the abuse of a human corpse; accordingly, there was
sufficient evidence to support Gillum’s conviction for aiding and abetting in the abuse of
a human corpse.
Standard of Appellate Review – Manifest Weight.
{¶85} 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
reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the
finding of facts.
***
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 31
“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).
{¶86} 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.
{¶87} 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
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 32
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 Appellate Review: Whether the jury clearly lost their way and
created such a manifest miscarriage of justice, that the convictions must be reversed
and a new trial ordered.
{¶88} 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
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).
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 33
{¶89} In the case at bar, the jury heard the witnesses subjected to cross-
examination, heard Gillum’s recorded statement to the police, and viewed the evidence.
The jury heard Gillum’s attorneys’ arguments and explanations about the evidence and
her actions. Further, the jury was instructed concerning the definitions of the terms, "Live
Birth," "Fetal Death," and "Stillborn.” 5T. at 977- 978. The jury further made the special
finding that Cayden was born alive.
{¶90} 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 State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717(1st
Dist. 1983). Based upon the foregoing and the entire record in this matter we find Gillum’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 Gillum’s
guilt. The jury neither lost their way nor created a miscarriage of justice in convicting
Gillum of the offenses.
{¶91} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the
crimes for which Gillum was convicted.
{¶92} Gillum’s Fourth and Fifth Assignments of Error are overruled.
Licking County, Case No. 2021 CA 00063 34
{¶93} The judgment of the Licking County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J,
Hoffman, J., and
Wise, John, J., concur
[Cite as State v. Gillum, 2022-Ohio-2005.]