STATE v. Ramon VIROLA

Supreme Court
No. 2013-365-C.A.
(P1/04-3981CG)
State :
v. :
Ramon Virola. :
NOTICE: This opinion is subject to formal revision before
publication in the Rhode Island Reporter. Readers are requested to
notify the Opinion Analyst, Supreme Court of Rhode Island, 250
Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, at Telephone 222-
3258 of any typographical or other formal errors in order that
corrections may be made before the opinion is published.
Supreme Court
No. 2013-365-C.A.
(P1/04-3981CG)
State :
v. :
Ramon Virola. :
Present: Suttell, C.J., Goldberg, Flaherty, Robinson, and Indeglia, JJ.
OPINION
Justice Robinson, for the Court. The defendant, Ramon Virola, appeals to this Court
from a “Judgment of Conviction and Commitment”1 dated July 3, 2013, which was entered after
a jury found him guilty of four criminal counts related to a murder committed during the course
of an attempted robbery. On appeal, the defendant contends that the trial justice erred in denying
his motion for a new trial and in admitting certain witness testimony. Specifically, he posits that
the testimony of three of the key witnesses at trial—David Mercado, Martin “Malik” White, and
Patricia “Vicky” Gallardo—was not credible. The defendant further argues that the trial justice
erred in admitting certain testimony by Ms. Gallardo because the testimony was not relevant and,
even if it were relevant, the unfairly prejudicial nature of that testimony greatly outweighed its
probative value, in violation of Rule 403 of the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence.
For the reasons set forth in this opinion, we affirm the Superior Court’s judgment of
conviction and its denial of defendant’s motion for a new trial.
1
Some of the documents referenced in this Court’s discussion have headings which use all
capital letters, are underlined, or employ bold-face type. We have conformed those headings to
our usual style throughout this opinion.
-1-
I
Facts and Travel
On August 16, 2004, Christopher Nelson, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, was
shot in his second floor apartment on Knight Street in Providence and died as a result. Following
an investigation of the murder, the Providence Police Department eventually took four men into
custody—David Mercado, Lazaro “Casper” Martinez, Martin “Malik” White, and Wayman
“Kevin” Turner. The police also issued an arrest warrant for defendant. Mr. Mercado
subsequently entered into a cooperation agreement with the state; and, on December 8, 2004, he
pled nolo contendere to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Thereafter, on December 10, 2004, a Providence County grand jury indicted defendant,
as well as Mr. Martinez, Mr. White, and Mr. Turner for the murder of Christopher Nelson, in
violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-23-1 and § 11-23-2. They were also indicted for assault with intent
to commit robbery, in violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-5-1; conspiracy to commit robbery, in
violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-1-6 and G.L. 1956 § 11-39-1(a); and discharge of a firearm during a
crime of violence, in violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-47-3.2(b)(3).
Mr. Martinez, Mr. White, and Mr. Turner all had the criminal charges against them
disposed of in due course.2 However, defendant was not apprehended for approximately seven
2
On November 14, 2005, Lazaro Martinez plead nolo contendere to second degree murder
in violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-23-1 and conspiracy to commit robbery in violation of G.L. 1956
§ 11-1-6. In exchange, the remaining counts in the indictment against him were dismissed in
accordance with Rule 48(a) of the Superior Court Rules of Criminal Procedure. Mr. Martinez
was eventually sentenced to fifty years to serve with twenty years suspended and twenty years of
probation on the second degree murder count; he was sentenced to ten years to serve on the
conspiracy to commit robbery count, to be served concurrently. On April 25, 2006, Wayman
Turner’s plea of guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to commit the crime of robbery
was filed. Mr. Turner also had the remaining charges against him dropped pursuant to Rule
48(a). Mr. Turner was sentenced to life on the second degree murder count and ten years to
-2-
years. It was not until November 16, 2011 that defendant was arrested in Glendale, Arizona,
where he was known by the name “Benny Delgado.” Subsequent to his arrest, on December 5,
2011, defendant was presented with a notice that the state would seek to have him adjudged as a
habitual criminal, pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 12-19-21.3
In February and March of 2013, a jury trial was held in Providence County Superior
Court. We summarize below the salient aspects of what transpired at that trial.
A
The Testimony at Trial
1. The Testimony of Floyd Johnson
Floyd Johnson, who was present at the time of the attempted robbery, testified at trial for
the prosecution. Mr. Johnson, who testified that he had been a friend of the decedent,
Christopher Nelson, testified that on August 16, 2004, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Nelson, and two mutual
friends, Courtenay Penn and Jerel James, were watching the Olympics on television and playing
video games in Mr. Nelson’s second floor Knight Street apartment in Providence. Mr. Johnson
testified that, after hearing a knock on the door, Mr. Nelson answered the door, but then appeared
to be “trying to close the door” as he “struggle[d]” with someone. It was the testimony of Mr.
Johnson that an intruder wearing a mask then stepped into the room, pointed a gun at Mr.
Nelson, and repeatedly asked: “Where is the money?” Mr. Johnson stated that, after Mr. Nelson
serve on the conspiracy to commit robbery count, to be served concurrently. Martin White’s
plea and sentencing are discussed infra.
3
The defendant was also an alleged probation violator, pursuant to Rule 32(f) of the
Superior Court Rules of Criminal Procedure. The alleged probation violation was heard at trial,
in conjunction with the other criminal allegations, but the witnesses from the Department of
Probation testified outside the presence of the jury. Although the trial justice ultimately
determined that defendant was a probation violator, defendant did not appeal that finding of
violation.
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replied that he did not have any money, “the gun went off[.]” According to Mr. Johnson, the
intruder was then “brandishing” the gun in the “general direction” of him, Mr. Penn, and Mr.
James, again demanding to know where the money was. Mr. Johnson testified that, after he, Mr.
Penn, and Mr. James stated that they did not have any money and did not live at the apartment,
the intruder left. It was the testimony of Mr. Johnson that during the encounter he saw Mr.
Nelson “leaning on the fridge” and “holding his chest.” He further stated that, after the intruder
left, he, Mr. Penn, and Mr. James called for help and attempted to assist Mr. Nelson. It is
undisputed that, although rescue services were called and arrived soon thereafter, Mr. Nelson
was later pronounced dead.
2. The Testimony of Christina Stanley, M.D.
Doctor Christina Stanley, the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Rhode Island,
testified at trial for the state. Doctor Stanley testified that the autopsy of Mr. Nelson had been
performed by assistant medical examiner Dr. Dorota Latuszynski, and Dr. Stanley acknowledged
that Dr. Latuszynski was no longer employed by the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office.
Doctor Stanley stated that Dr. Latuszynski had concluded that Mr. Nelson had “died of internal
hemorrhage due to injuries of the heart, aorta, and left lung” caused by a “single gunshot wound
that perforated his chest.” It was her testimony that Mr. Nelson’s death was a homicide.
3. The Testimony of David Mercado
David Mercado, one of the accomplices in the attempted robbery and the murder of Mr.
Nelson, testified at trial pursuant to a cooperation agreement, in which he agreed to assist in the
murder investigation and to testify for the state. Mr. Mercado testified that, in exchange for his
testimony, he pled nolo contendere to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and received a
ten year sentence, with four years to serve and the balance suspended with probation.
-4-
With respect to the events leading up to the murder of Mr. Nelson, Mr. Mercado testified
that, on August 16, 2004, the day of Mr. Nelson’s murder, Mr. Mercado’s childhood friend
Casper Martinez discussed with him a plan to rob Mr. Mercado’s former drug dealer, Jeff Keltz.
It was Mr. Mercado’s testimony that Jeff Keltz was the roommate of Mr. Nelson. He stated that
Mr. Nelson was not involved in Mr. Keltz’s drug activity; that fact is undisputed by the parties.
Mr. Mercado testified that, after Mr. Martinez taunted him about his reluctance to participate in
the robbery, he agreed to provide transportation to and from the crime scene.
It was further the testimony of Mr. Mercado that, later that night, before the robbery, he
drove Mr. Martinez to Almy Street in Providence. Mr. Mercado stated that, while they were
parked on Almy Street, he observed three men, whom Mr. Mercado had never seen before, arrive
on Almy Street. According to Mr. Mercado, Mr. Martinez introduced two of the men as “Malik”
and “Kev.” It is undisputed that the men who were introduced to Mr. Mercado as “Malik” and
“Kev” were Mr. White and Mr. Turner, respectively. Mr. Mercado testified that the third man,
whom Mr. Mercado later identified at trial as defendant, introduced himself to Mr. Mercado as
“R.” Mr. Mercado stated that he also heard Mr. Turner refer to defendant as “Ray.” It was the
further testimony of Mr. Mercado that, after lingering on Almy Street for ten to fifteen minutes,
he drove Mr. Martinez to the corner of Penn and Knight Streets while Mr. White, Mr. Turner,
and defendant drove separately to Penn Street in Mr. White’s vehicle. Mr. Mercado testified that
he drove away as the other four men started walking toward the apartment of Mr. Keltz and Mr.
Nelson.
It was next Mr. Mercado’s testimony that, after approximately ten to fifteen minutes, Mr.
Martinez called to ask Mr. Mercado to pick him up near the Knight Street apartment. Mr.
Mercado further testified that, once Mr. Martinez was in the car, he told Mr. Mercado that,
-5-
“Kevin [Turner] shot a guy.” Mr. Mercado stated that he eventually drove Mr. Martinez home
and then went “home to [his] mom’s.”
Mr. Mercado went on to testify that, the next day—August 17, 2004—he learned from a
news broadcast that Mr. Nelson had died. It was then Mr. Mercado’s testimony that, after he
learned that Mr. Nelson had been killed, he drove Mr. Martinez to meet with Mr. Turner on
Almy Street and that Mr. Turner gave Mr. Martinez the gun, telling Mr. Martinez to dispose of
the weapon.
It was Mr. Mercado’s testimony that, two days later, on August 19, 2004, in an attempt to
potentially dispose of the gun in Pawtucket, he was driving with Mr. Martinez while the gun was
in a shoebox on the floor of the front passenger seat. However, Mr. Mercado further testified
that, while he and Mr. Martinez were en route to Pawtucket, the police pulled his car over,
arrested them, and seized the weapon.
Mr. Mercado admitted during his testimony that, while he had initially denied
involvement in the crime, he eventually gave a statement implicating defendant, Mr. Martinez,
Mr. White, Mr. Turner, and himself in the murder of Mr. Nelson. Additionally, Mr. Mercado
testified that police detectives showed him several photographic arrays from which he identified
his accomplices.
On cross-examination, Mr. Mercado admitted that he had smoked marijuana multiple
times on August 16, 2004, the day of Mr. Nelson’s murder, and that he was “stoned” during the
planning and execution of the crime. Mr. Mercado further admitted that he had smoked
marijuana on the day of his arrest. He acknowledged that he decided to cooperate with the police
while he was being transported to the Providence police station, when the effects of the
marijuana that he had smoked earlier that day had “pretty much worn off.”
-6-
4. The Testimony of Martin “Malik” White
Like Mr. Mercado, Martin “Malik” White, another one of the accomplices in the
attempted robbery and the murder of Mr. Nelson, testified at trial pursuant to a cooperation
agreement with the state. In return for agreeing to testify for the state, Mr. White pled guilty to
charges of assault with intent to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was
sentenced to twenty years on the assault charge with fifteen years to serve, the balance suspended
with probation, and he was given a ten-year suspended sentence with ten years of probation on
the conspiracy charge, to be served consecutively.
Mr. White testified that, on August 16, 2004, Mr. Turner, whom Mr. White had known
for approximately twenty years, called to tell him about a “lick” that was planned for later that
day. Mr. White explained in his testimony that he understood a “lick” to mean a robbery. He
then testified that Mr. Turner had learned of the planned robbery from Mr. Martinez. According
to the testimony of Mr. White, he next met with Mr. Turner and Mr. Martinez later that day at
Mr. Turner’s house on Almy Street to further discuss the robbery. He stated that the group
decided that they needed a weapon for the robbery, and he volunteered to attempt to acquire one.
It was then Mr. White’s testimony that he called defendant in an attempt to obtain a gun
for the planned robbery. He stated that he then drove Mr. Turner and defendant to a rendezvous
with an unidentified individual. Mr. White testified that at that rendezvous Mr. Turner and
defendant obtained a “silver” “automatic” weapon from the unidentified individual, who was in a
dark-colored SUV.
With respect to the actual attempted robbery, Mr. White testified that, when the group of
men eventually arrived at the Knight Street apartment, Mr. Turner, followed by defendant and
Mr. White, entered the building through the back entrance. According to the testimony of Mr.
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White, Mr. Turner, who was wearing gloves as well as a brown “mask” composed of “a sock or
some kind of nylon,” went up the stairs to the second floor of the building while Mr. White and
defendant remained at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. White testified that he witnessed Mr. Turner
knock on the door and that he heard the door open. He stated that, before the door opened fully,
he heard a “scuffle.” He also stated that he then heard a gunshot. It was Mr. White’s testimony
that, after the gunshot, he saw Mr. Turner exit the apartment and that he, Mr. Turner, and
defendant all ran back to Mr. White’s car and fled the scene.
Mr. White stated that he eventually surrendered to the police because he “knew the police
were looking for [him].” He also stated that he learned that Mr. Turner had implicated him in the
attempted robbery and the murder of Mr. Nelson. It was Mr. White’s further testimony that,
after he was indicted for the murder of Mr. Nelson, among other charges, he entered into the
previously mentioned cooperation agreement with the state.
During cross-examination, Mr. White conceded that, when he gave his statement to the
police, he was aware of the contents of Mr. Mercado’s earlier statement to police implicating
defendant, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Turner, and Mr. White himself in the attempted robbery and the
murder of Mr. Nelson. Mr. White also conceded that, “in order to get the best deal,” he had to
“give consistent information to that which [Mr.] Mercado had provided.”
5. The Testimony of Detective Sergeant Michael Sweeney
Detective Sergeant Michael Sweeney testified for the prosecution that, in 2004, he was a
member of the Providence Police Department investigating the murder of Christopher Nelson.
Detective Sweeney further testified that he drafted an arrest warrant for defendant. It was then
his testimony that, after being unable to locate the defendant for several weeks, he contacted the
Rhode Island State Police, who had “a fugitive task force that strictly searches for individuals
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that are wanted for a period of time * * *.” Detective Sweeney stated that he provided the
“fugitive task force” with defendant’s “identifying information” and “photographs.”
6. The Testimony of Patricia “Vicky” Gallardo
Patricia “Vicky” Gallardo testified at trial for the state with respect to her relationship
with defendant while he was living in Arizona as “Benny Delgado.” Ms. Gallardo stated that, in
2008, she met defendant through an “online dating service” called “Mocospace.” Ms. Gallardo
testified that, during their online conversations, defendant told her that his name was “Benny;”
she further testified that she later learned that his last name was “Delgado.” Ms. Gallardo stated
that she eventually began a romantic relationship with defendant. It was her testimony, however,
that by 2009 she had temporarily ended her romantic relationship with defendant because he
“kind of became controlling.” She specified that defendant “wanted to know everything [she]
was doing” and “who [she] was talking to.” She also added that defendant “would not let [her]”
take his photograph.
Ms. Gallardo testified that she resumed her romantic relationship with defendant a few
months after the above-referenced hiatus, around the time when she discovered that she was
pregnant with their child. Ms. Gallardo stated that, when she was four months pregnant, she
moved into the house defendant was already sharing with a roommate and his roommate’s family
in Glendale, Arizona. According to Ms. Gallardo, during this time, she overheard defendant
identify himself as “Ray” during phone calls.
Ms. Gallardo testified that she and defendant eventually moved into a rented house in a
gated community in the Glendale area shortly before the birth of their son Aaron4 in January of
4
In order to respect the privacy of the child and of Ms. Gallardo’s subsequent significant
other (see infra), we have used pseudonyms in referring to them. For the same reason, we have
omitted their surnames. In doing so, we intend no disrespect.
-9-
2010. Ms. Gallardo stated that, a year later, in January of 2011, she learned that defendant’s first
name was “Ramon” and that he was “wanted” by law enforcement authorities in Rhode Island.
Ms. Gallardo indicated that, when she confronted defendant with that information, he initially
denied the allegations in their entirety.
It was the subsequent testimony of Ms. Gallardo that, in the Spring of 2011, her
relationship with defendant deteriorated due to the fact that she considered him to be
“controlling, possessive, [and] obsessive.” She testified that, when she confronted defendant
about his controlling behavior, he blamed his actions on being “wanted” by law enforcement.
According to Ms. Gallardo, in June of 2011, she and defendant ended their romantic relationship
and defendant moved out of their house in the Glendale area. Ms. Gallardo stated that, after
defendant moved out, she found an envelope of documents among his belongings and that one of
those documents bore the name “Ramon Virola.” She added that, when she told defendant that
she had those documents, he asked her to give them back. Ms. Gallardo testified that, after she
refused to give them back, he offered to pay her money in exchange for their return. However,
Ms. Gallardo stated that she refused defendant’s offer and eventually lost the documents when
she moved out of the house in the Glendale area shortly thereafter.
It was next Ms. Gallardo’s testimony that she moved to Chino Valley, Arizona, with her
son and her new significant other, Alice.5 She stated that she specifically did not tell defendant
where she was moving. Nonetheless, Ms. Gallardo further testified that, in November of 2011,
she came to believe that defendant knew where she was living. It was her testimony that, in that
month, defendant sent her a text message stating that he “knew where [she] was” and that “he
was coming;” according to Ms. Gallardo, defendant included a photograph of a “highway sign,”
5
See footnote 4, supra.
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which sign she testified she recognized. It was her testimony that the “highway sign” read
“Prescott, Arizona. Chino Valley.” It was the further testimony of Ms. Gallardo that she was
“really, really scared;” she added that, consequently, she contacted the Chino Valley Police
Department and told the police that defendant was wanted by law enforcement in Rhode Island.
Ms. Gallardo stated that she was then contacted by United States Marshals, and she eventually
learned that defendant had been apprehended.
On cross-examination, defense counsel questioned Ms. Gallardo as to why she had not
moved out of the rented home which she shared with defendant sooner if, in the words of defense
counsel, defendant “was preventing [Ms. Gallardo] from being independent and enjoying [her]
own life * * *.” Ms. Gallardo answered that she “wasn’t allowed” to move out because
defendant “blackmailed [her].” Ms. Gallardo further stated that she continued to live with
defendant because she felt that she “didn’t have a choice.” Additionally, in response to defense
counsel’s questioning, Ms. Gallardo stated that she had met her then-current significant other,
Alice, in 2011, “[a] little bit before the incident of where he -- where it got physical.” Ms.
Gallardo went on to state that defendant “moved out after he got physical with [her].”
On redirect examination, Ms. Gallardo clarified that defendant had struck her and that his
striking her was what caused both the end of their relationship and defendant’s move out of their
home in the Glendale area. She further stated that, after defendant had moved out but before she
moved out, she returned to the home one day to find that much of her property had been
vandalized.
7. The Testimony of Officer Jimmy Carlo
Jimmy Carlo, a police officer with the City of Glendale, testified for the state that, on
November 16, 2011, he participated in the arrest of defendant in Phoenix. Officer Carlo stated
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that, at the time of his arrest, defendant was carrying a driver’s license which bore the name
“Benny Delgado Martinez.” Officer Carlo testified that defendant initially denied that he was
Ramon Virola. However, Officer Carlo stated that, once he told defendant that “he was going to
get fingerprinted,” which would reveal his identity, defendant said: “‘You know who I am.’”
B
The Jury Verdict and Subsequent Motion for a New Trial
After the state rested, defendant opted to rest without calling any witnesses. On March 6,
2013, after approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury found defendant guilty of all four
counts of the indictment, including the first degree felony murder of Mr. Nelson.6 Subsequently,
defendant moved for a new trial; defendant argued that, Mr. Mercado, Mr. White, and Ms.
Gallardo were, in his view, all “compromised witnesses,” and that, therefore, the court should
refuse to credit their testimony; defendant consequently requested that “the [c]ourt grant the
motion for a new trial in the interest of justice * * *.” On April 23, 2013, the trial justice denied
the motion. The defendant filed a timely appeal to this Court.
II
Issues on Appeal
On appeal, defendant contends: (1) that, in denying his motion for a new trial, the trial
justice inappropriately credited the testimony of Mr. Mercado, Mr. White, and Ms. Gallardo; and
(2) that the trial justice erred in permitting Ms. Gallardo to testify as to defendant’s purportedly
“controlling” behavior during their romantic relationship.
6
After the jury found defendant guilty of the four criminal counts referenced in the text,
supra, defendant thereafter entered a plea of guilty to the charge of being a habitual criminal.
See G.L. 1956 § 12-19-21.
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III
Analysis
A
Defendant’s Motion for a New Trial
1. Standard of Review 7
As we have repeatedly stated, “[w]e accord great weight to a trial justice’s ruling on a
motion for a new trial if he or she has articulated sufficient reasoning in support of the ruling.”
State v. Hie, 93 A.3d 963, 975 (R.I. 2014) (internal quotation marks omitted); see State v. Lake,
90 A.3d 186, 193 (R.I. 2014); see also State v. Day, 925 A.2d 962, 983-84 (R.I. 2007). As such,
we shall not disturb a trial justice’s decision on a motion for a new trial “unless we determine
that the trial justice committed clear error or that he or she overlooked or misconceived material
and relevant evidence [relating] to a critical issue in the case.” State v. DiCarlo, 987 A.2d 867,
871 (R.I. 2010) (internal quotation marks omitted); see State v. Payette, 38 A.3d 1120, 1127 (R.I.
2012); see also State v. Harrison, 66 A.3d 432, 445 (R.I. 2013). When reviewing a trial justice’s
denial of a motion for a new trial, “we do not focus on whether this Court simply agrees or
7
It is important to note that, in addition to arguing that the verdict was against the weight
of the evidence, defendant states that the testimony at trial was “legally insufficient to support a
verdict of guilt * * *.” This Court has explained that there are important differences between a
motion for a new trial based on the insufficiency of the evidence and a motion for a new trial
based on the weight of the evidence. See State v. Clark, 974 A.2d 558, 569-71 (R.I. 2009); see
also State v. Karngar, 29 A.3d 1232, 1235 (R.I. 2011). However, the just-quoted statement by
defendant is his only reference to a motion for a new trial based upon the insufficiency of the
evidence. Moreover, he proceeds to provide the Court with only the standard of review relevant
to a motion for a new trial based on the weight of the evidence. Accordingly, this Court deems
any argument regarding the sufficiency of the evidence waived and will focus solely on whether
the trial justice properly denied defendant’s motion for a new trial based upon the weight of the
evidence. See Wilkinson v. State Crime Laboratory Commission, 788 A.2d 1129, 1131 n. 1 (R.I.
2002) (“Simply stating an issue for appellate review, without a meaningful discussion thereof or
legal briefing of the issues, does not assist the Court in focusing on the legal questions raised,
and therefore constitutes a waiver of that issue.”); see also Horton v. Portsmouth Police
Department, 22 A.3d 1115, 1130 (R.I. 2011); State v. Chase, 9 A.3d 1248, 1256 (R.I. 2010).
- 13 -
disagrees with the trial justice’s credibility determinations,” but rather we are “deferential to
those determinations[;] * * * we will not overturn that decision unless the trial justice has
overlooked or misconceived material evidence or was otherwise clearly wrong.” State v. Clay,
79 A.3d 832, 842 (R.I. 2013) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Hie, 93 A.3d at 975.
Especially relevant to the instant case, we note that “[t]his Court affords a great deal of respect to
the factual determinations and credibility assessments made by the judicial officer who has
actually observed the human drama that is part and parcel of every trial and who has had an
opportunity to appraise witness demeanor and to take into account other realities that cannot be
grasped from a reading of a cold record.” State v. Paola, 59 A.3d 99, 106 (R.I. 2013) (emphasis
added) (internal quotation marks omitted); see State v. Kizekai, 19 A.3d 583, 589 (R.I. 2011);
see also DiCarlo, 987 A.2d at 872.
When ruling on a motion for a new trial, the trial justice sits in the role of the
metaphorical “thirteenth juror;” and, in that role, the trial justice must “exercise[] independent
judgment on the credibility of witnesses and on the weight of the evidence.” State v. Barrios, 88
A.3d 1123, 1128 (R.I. 2014) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also State v. Baker, 79 A.3d
1267, 1273 (R.I. 2013); State v. Rosario, 35 A.3d 938, 947 (R.I. 2012); State v. Guerra, 12 A.3d
759, 765 (R.I. 2011). We have repeatedly recognized that “[i]n fulfilling his or her role as the
thirteenth juror and passing on a motion for a new trial, the trial justice must (1) consider the
evidence in light of the jury charge, (2) independently assess the credibility of the witnesses and
the weight of the evidence, and then (3) determine whether he or she would have reached a result
different from that reached by the jury.” Hie, 93 A.3d at 974 (internal quotation marks omitted);
see also State v. Silva, 84 A.3d 411, 416 (R.I. 2014); State v. Mitchell, 80 A.3d 19, 30 (R.I.
2013); State v. Espinal, 943 A.2d 1052, 1058 (R.I. 2008). After carrying out this three-step
- 14 -
analytical process, if “the trial justice agrees with the jury’s verdict or determines that reasonable
minds could differ, then the analysis is complete and the verdict should be affirmed.” Harrison,
66 A.3d at 445 (internal quotation marks omitted); see also State v. Bunnell, 47 A.3d 220, 232
(R.I. 2012); Kizekai, 19 A.3d at 590. However, if the trial justice “does not agree with the
verdict or does not agree that reasonable minds could differ, then the trial justice must determine
whether the verdict is against the fair preponderance of the evidence and fails to do substantial
justice.” Lake, 90 A.3d at 193 (internal quotation marks omitted); see Harrison, 66 A.3d at 445.
We have stated that, when ruling on a motion for a new trial, the “record should reflect a
few sentences of the justice’s reasoning on each point.” Rosario, 35 A.3d at 947 (internal
quotation marks omitted); see also Silva, 84 A.3d at 417. Nonetheless, we continually apply the
principle that, in providing the rationale for his or her decision, a trial justice need not “refer to
all the evidence supporting the decision; rather, he or she need only cite evidence sufficient to
allow this [C]ourt to discern whether the justice has applied the appropriate standards.” State v.
Robat, 49 A.3d 58, 71 (R.I. 2012) (emphasis in original) (internal quotation marks omitted); see
also DiCarlo, 987 A.2d at 870.
2. Discussion
Mr. Virola contends that the trial justice erred in denying his motion for a new trial
“because Patricia Gallardo, David Mercado and Martin White were all biased witnesses with
motivation to lie * * *.” With respect to Ms. Gallardo, he argues that “[i]t was clearly in her
interest to do anything to make sure Virola never again saw the light of day, as he was the one
impediment to her enjoying the rest of her life with [Alice] and [Aaron].” As for Mr. Mercado’s
testimony, defendant avers that Mr. Mercado’s testimony was not credible for two reasons: (1)
the fact that Mr. Mercado entered into a cooperation agreement with the state in exchange for a
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particularly light sentence; and (2) the fact that Mr. Mercado admitted to repeatedly using
marijuana on the day of the robbery and, according to defendant, being “stoned at the time of the
commission of the crime.” Moreover, defendant states that Mr. Mercado’s testimony was also
unreliable because he initially lied to the police about his own involvement in the crime and was
“coming off the effects of marijuana” when he finally told the police about the crime and
identified the other individuals involved, including defendant. Lastly, when addressing Mr.
White’s testimony, defendant claims that it too was unworthy of credence because Mr. White
entered into a cooperation agreement with the state. Moreover, according to defendant, Mr.
White had access to all of the discovery in the case, including Mr. Mercado’s statement, before
making his statement to police; defendant posits that it was in Mr. White’s best interest to be sure
his statement matched the other evidence and accounts of the crime. Thus, it is defendant’s
overall contention that “[n]one of these witnesses were worthy of belief.”
Our review begins by analyzing the decision of the trial justice to determine whether he
followed the proper procedure in addressing defendant’s motion for a new trial. The trial justice
began with the first step in a new trial analysis and analyzed the evidence in light of the jury
charge. After detailing the jury charge, the trial justice then discussed the fact that the state had
called twelve witnesses, and he added that the state had never set out to prove that defendant
personally shot Mr. Nelson; rather, it was the trial justice’s observation that “[w]hat the State
intended, and what the proof of the State targeted, was to prove that Defendant Virola was
vicariously responsible for the offenses, either as a co-conspirator or as an aider and abettor.”
The trial justice stated that there was “no question that the State easily proved that a felony
murder was committed during the course of the attempted robbery.” Moreover, he noted that
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there was also “no question that the State easily proved that a conspiracy was afoot in connection
with these individuals to commit that robbery.”
Next, the trial justice moved on to the second step in the analytical process relative to a
motion for a new trial and independently assessed the credibility of the witnesses and the weight
of the evidence. With respect to the three above-referenced witnesses, it was the opinion of the
trial justice that “[t]heir credibility was severely tested by cross-examination, and all of their
warts and wrinkles were clearly exposed.” He proceeded to state:
“It’s clear * * * that this jury accepted the testimony of all
three [of the witnesses at issue]. The credibility issues are, after
all, quintessentially entrusted to jurors. I cannot at all fault the
jurors for having found all three of these witnesses credible. As a
front-row observer, I did too. Frankly, the testimony of [Mr.]
White and [Mr.] Mercado was sufficient and credible by itself to
convict the defendant.
“When one adds to that Vicky Gallardo’s testimony, there
simply was no way that this defendant was going to escape
conviction[;] * * * and his later acknowledgment to Vicky that, ‘I
am the way I am because I’m wanted,’ was damning evidence
indeed.”
The trial justice went on to discuss the fact that evidence of defendant’s flight and living under
an assumed name was admissible as evidence of “consciousness of guilt.”
Finally, moving on to the third step in the new trial analysis, the trial justice concluded as
follows:
“There is no question in my mind that Defendant Ramon
Virola, aka Benny Delgado, was a key participant in this fatal
escapade that resulted in the shooting death of Christopher Nelson.
In fact, from the credible evidence before me, it was Defendant
Virola who orchestrated obtaining the pistol that ultimately caused
Mr. Nelson’s death. The evidence against Mr. Virola was indeed
overwhelming.
“The jury’s verdict, which was returned with alacrity, is not
a reflection of their giving short shrift to defendant’s interests in
this case. Rather, it is a testament to the mountainous credible
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evidence that proved Virola’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on
all counts.”
Thus, the trial justice agreed with the jury’s verdict and, consequently, denied defendant’s
motion for a new trial. See State v. Imbruglia, 913 A.2d 1022, 1028 (R.I. 2007) (“If the trial
justice concludes that he or she would have reached the same result as the jury did or that
reasonable minds could differ as to the result, the motion for a new trial must be denied.”).
On appeal, defendant is essentially asking this Court to second-guess the credibility
determinations of the trial justice. The defendant points specifically to the following: (1) the
fact that Ms. Gallardo had reason to want defendant out of her life and that of her son; (2) the
fact that Mr. Mercado testified in exchange for a light sentence and was under the influence of
marijuana when the crime occurred; and (3) the fact that, according to defendant, it was in Mr.
White’s best interest to make a statement consistent with that of Mr. Mercado. However, as the
trial justice aptly noted, all of those facts about the witnesses were known to the jury.
Ms. Gallardo acknowledged that she considered defendant to be a “bad guy,” but she also
testified to the fact that defendant loved his son and provided for both her and Aaron during the
time when she was living with defendant; she stated that she stayed with defendant despite his
“possessive” behavior and did not seek help from the police or family. She further testified that
she went to the police about defendant only after she and Aaron had moved in with her new
significant other in Chino Valley. In fact, on cross-examination, she acknowledged that she just
“wanted [defendant] to stay * * * far away from [her] happy family that [she was] developing.”
Thus, the jury was aware of the alleged credibility issues with respect to Ms. Gallardo’s
testimony that defendant raises on appeal.
Likewise, the jury was aware of the facts that defendant raises on appeal that weigh
against Mr. Mercado being found to be a credible witness. Mr. Mercado testified that he had
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smoked marijuana multiple times on the day of the crime and was “stoned” at the time the crime
took place. Moreover, he acknowledged in his testimony that, when he gave his statement to the
police and identified defendant as a participant in the crimes at issue, he was, in defendant’s
words, “coming off the effects of marijuana.” Additionally, not only did Mr. Mercado testify
regarding his agreement with the state and regarding the relatively lenient sentence that he
received, but also, on direct examination, the prosecutor took him through that agreement
paragraph by paragraph, asking whether he had agreed to each “paragraph.” Furthermore, on
cross-examination, Mr. Mercado acknowledged that he “agreed to cooperate ultimately to save
[his] own neck” and “minimize the harm” that would befall him.
Lastly, with respect to Mr. White’s testimony, the jury was aware of the fact that he was
testifying in exchange for a more lenient sentence pursuant to an agreement with the state. Just
as the prosecutor had done with Mr. Mercado, he walked Mr. White through every paragraph of
his agreement in front of the jury, asking him if it accurately reflected the agreement he had
made.8 On recross-examination, Mr. White testified that, prior to giving his statement, he had
the opportunity to review “supplemental discovery,” which included Mr. Mercado’s statements.
Mr. White then responded in the affirmative when he was asked: “And you decided that in order
to get the best deal, you better give consistent information to that which [Mr.] Mercado had
provided; right?” Thus, the jury was aware of all the information which defendant argues
demonstrated the lack of credibility of Mr. White’s testimony.
In spite of the just-discussed testimonial evidence that potentially could raise doubts in
the minds of the jurors as to the credibility of Ms. Gallardo, Mr. Mercado, and Mr. White, the
jury nonetheless convicted defendant. What is more, the trial justice found all three witnesses to
8
We further note that Mr. White’s extensive criminal record was also brought to the
attention of the jury.
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be credible and agreed with the jury’s verdict. We have “repeatedly stated that ‘[t]he mere fact
that [a] defendant disagrees with the trial justice’s conclusions about credibility is not a sufficient
basis to warrant the granting of a motion for [a] new trial.’” Silva, 84 A.3d at 418 (quoting State
v. Ferreira, 21 A.3d 355, 367 (R.I. 2011)). Accordingly, given the fact that we have no reason to
quarrel with the trial justice’s execution of the correct three-step analytical approach to a motion
for a new trial and his ultimate agreement with the jury’s verdict, it is clear to us that he did not
overlook or misconceive material evidence and was not otherwise clearly wrong in denying
defendant’s motion for a new trial.
B
The Admissibility of Ms. Gallardo’s Testimony
1. Standard of Review
As we have reiterated on numerous occasions, “[d]ecisions about the admissibility of
evidence on relevancy grounds are left to the sound discretion of the trial justice [and] this Court
will not disturb those decisions on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.” State v. Moreno, 996
A.2d 673, 683 (R.I. 2010) (internal quotation marks omitted); see State v. Thomas, 936 A.2d
1278, 1281 (R.I. 2007); State v. Grayhurst, 852 A.2d 491, 504 (R.I. 2004). Additionally, we
have stated that this Court “will not reverse a trial justice’s ruling admitting evidence over a Rule
403 objection unless it constitutes a clear abuse of discretion.” State v. Brown, 42 A.3d 1239,
1242 (R.I. 2012). Furthermore, it is well settled that we will not hold that a trial justice has
“abused his or her discretion as long as some grounds supporting his or her decision appear in
the record.” State v. Evans, 742 A.2d 715, 719 (R.I. 1999); see Thomas, 936 A.2d at 1283
(“Although [the abuse of discretion standard] is a stringent test, our jurisprudence illustrates that
it does not insulate every ruling made by a trial justice.”). When reviewing a ruling under the
- 20 -
abuse of discretion standard, we “examine the ruling to ensure that the trial justice’s discretion
has been soundly and judicially exercised, * * * with just regard to what is right and equitable
under the circumstances and the law.” Selwyn v. Ward, 879 A.2d 882, 887 (R.I. 2005) (internal
quotation marks omitted); see also State v. Kennedy, 814 A.2d 364, 365 (R.I. 2002) (mem.).
2. Discussion
The defendant contends that Ms. Gallardo’s testimony with respect to defendant’s
behavior during their relationship was admitted in error because “the unfair prejudice of [the]
testimony greatly outweighed its slight probative value.” The defendant has provided this Court
with a list of statements in which he contends Ms. Gallardo inappropriately testified to his
“controlling behavior;” specifically that she testified that defendant “wanted to know everything
she was doing and who she was talking to,” was “possessive,” and never let her take his
photograph.9 The defendant avers that the evidence was not relevant under Rule 401 of the
9
The following is the full list of statements by Ms. Gallardo which defendant, in his brief
to this Court, contends are at issue:
“(1) That Mr. Virola wanted to know everything she was doing and
who she was talking to * * * ;
“(2) That Mr. Virola never let Ms. Gallardo take a photograph of
him * * * ;
“(3) That Mr. Virola would not let Ms. Gallardo move out of their
home, and that he was blackmailing her to prevent this * * * ;
“(4) That Ms. Gallardo told Mr. Virola that she was ending their
relationship because he was being possessive and paranoid * * * ;
“(5) That the reason Mr. Virola moved out of their apartment
during the summer of 2011 was because he struck her during an
argument * * * ;
“(6) That she returned home to [the house she had previously
shared with defendant] one evening to find her property
destroyed * * * ; [and]
“(7) That on the night she decided to go to the police to reveal Mr.
Virola’s status as being ‘wanted,’ she was receiving text messages
and photographs from Mr. Virola indicating that he knew where
she lived and that he was coming for her * * *.”
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Rhode Island Rules of Evidence “as it did not make it more or less likely that [defendant]
participated in the conspiracy to rob” Mr. Nelson’s apartment. The defendant further posits that,
even if the testimony were relevant, its admission should have been barred by the provisions of
Rule 403 because “[t]he distinct possibility existed that the jurors would be so disturbed by
learning that Mr. Virola exhibited possessive, controlling or manipulative behaviors that they
would reach an impermissible conclusion about his character and find him guilty based on
improper character evidence.”10 The defendant claims that the only purpose served by the
statements at issue was “to depict Mr. Virola as a violent individual who engaged in a pattern of
domestic abuse during his relationship with Ms. Gallardo.” In response, the state argues that
Of the seven statements, the ones numbered (1), (2), and (4) were made during Ms.
Gallardo’s direct testimony; the statement numbered (3) was made on cross-examination; and the
statements numbered (5), (6), and (7) were made on redirect examination. The statements
numbered (1) and (2) were properly preserved, as was the use of the word “possessive” to
describe defendant in statement number (4). However, the remaining statements are not properly
before us. With respect to statement number (4), defendant objected to the use of the word
“paranoid” and that word was stricken from the record by the trial justice. See State v. Payano,
528 A.2d 721, 726 (R.I. 1987). After statement number (3), defendant did not move to strike
Ms. Gallardo’s response to his questions or request a cautionary instruction; therefore,
defendant’s appeal as to that statement was not properly preserved. See State v. Lyons, 725 A.2d
271, 275 (R.I. 1999) (holding that when, during cross-examination, “[d]efense counsel made no
motion to strike the response nor requested any cautionary instruction * * * the trial justice
committed no error” in allowing the testimony). Addressing statement number (5), defendant
specifically stated at trial: “I don’t object to this. It’s fine. I’m not raising an objection.” See
State v. Bettencourt, 723 A.2d 1101, 1107 (R.I. 1999) (“Another basic rule of our appellate
practice is that this [C]ourt will not review objections that were not raised at trial.”). With
respect to statement number (6), defendant did not object. See id. Therefore, part of statement
number (4) and the statements in numbers (3), (5), and (6) are not appropriately before us.
Accordingly, we shall address only those statements, referenced in the text (and reflected
in the statements numbered (1), (2), and (4)), which are properly before us for review. We shall
discuss the statement numbered (7) in more depth in the text, infra.
10
The above quotation contains the only passing reference in defendant’s brief to Rule
404(b) of the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, which rule governs the admission of character
evidence. The state, in its brief, does address a Rule 404(b) argument; however, defendant’s
mere reference to character evidence is not sufficient to raise the issue on appeal. Accordingly,
any argument with respect to Rule 404(b) is deemed to be waived. See Wilkinson, 788 A.2d at
1131 n. 1; see also Horton, 22 A.3d at 1130; Chase, 9 A.3d at 1256.
- 22 -
“the admission of [Ms.] Gallardo’s testimony represented a sound exercise of the trial justice’s
discretion.”
Rule 401 defines relevant evidence as “evidence having any tendency to make the
existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or
less probable than it would be without the evidence.” Rule 402 of the Rhode Island Rules of
Evidence further states that “[a]ll relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided
by * * * other rules applicable in the courts of this state.” Finally, Rule 403 sets forth the criteria
for the exclusion of relevant evidence; it provides as follows:
“Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative
value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice,
confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by
considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless
presentation of cumulative evidence.”
We shall address defendant’s contentions under Rule 401 and Rule 403 in turn.
i. Rule 401
The defendant first contends that the specific statements of Ms. Gallardo regarding his
controlling behavior and refusal to be photographed were not relevant under Rule 401. This
Court has stated that “[i]nherent in Rule 401 are two basic facets of relevant evidence-materiality
and probativeness * * * [and] [i]f the evidence is offered to help prove a proposition that is not a
matter in issue, the evidence is immaterial * * * [and] should be excluded.” Thomas, 936 A.2d
at 1282 (internal quotation marks omitted). We are unable to detect any abuse of discretion in
the trial justice’s decision to admit Ms. Gallardo’s testimony. Ms. Gallardo specifically stated
that defendant told her that his behavior was a result of being “wanted” by the State of Rhode
Island. That fact had an obvious tendency to show that the individual living as “Benny Delgado”
in Arizona was in fact defendant, Ramon Virola. Moreover, it helped illustrate defendant’s
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consciousness of guilt. Therefore, we hold that defendant’s contention that Ms. Gallardo’s
statements were not relevant is not persuasive.
ii. Rule 403
The defendant next contends that, even if Ms. Gallardo’s statements were relevant, the
trial justice erred in failing to exclude them pursuant to Rule 403. Rule 403 requires a balancing
test; the trial justice must weigh the probative value of the evidence against its prejudicial nature.
See Brown, 42 A.3d at 1244. However, “there exists no precise formula for determining the
prejudicial effect of a statement.” State v. Dyer, 813 A.2d 71, 74 (R.I. 2003). Moreover, the
discretion to exclude evidence pursuant to Rule 403 “must be exercised sparingly,” Brown, 42
A.3d at 1244 (internal quotation marks omitted), and “only when [the] evidence demonstrate[s]
mere marginal relevance and enormous unfair prejudice should the trial justice exclude it.” State
v. Bishop, 68 A.3d 409, 422 (R.I. 2013); see also State v. DeJesus, 947 A.2d 873, 883 (R.I.
2008); Wells v. Uvex Winter Optical, Inc., 635 A.2d 1188, 1193 (R.I. 1994). This Court has
applied a standard which “asks whether [the evidence] will inflame the jurors and therefore
prejudice them beyond the ordinary prejudice that is always sustained by the introduction of
relevant evidence intended to prove guilt.” State v. O’Brien, 774 A.2d 89, 107 (R.I. 2001)
(internal quotation marks omitted); see also Grayhurst, 852 A.2d at 507 (“Although the
testimony at issue was certainly prejudicial, [a]ll of the evidence that tends to prove that [the]
defendant is guilty of a crime might be said to be prejudicial.”) (internal quotation marks
omitted).
In the instant case, the trial justice stated on the record that some of the issues
surrounding Ms. Gallardo’s testimony about defendant’s purportedly controlling behavior had
been “air[ed]” in chambers, but he noted that Ms. Gallardo’s testimony, including the statements
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properly at issue on appeal, was admissible as it was evidence of flight. The trial justice
specifically pointed to the fact that Ms. Gallardo testified that defendant actually attributed his
controlling and possessive behavior to his being “wanted.” Finally, the trial justice stated: “This
is all evidence of guilty knowledge and very, very relevant. And to the extent that there’s any
prejudice involved, it is minimal, indeed, compared to the high relevance, and I will certainly
permit this kind of evidence to be adduced.” The trial justice cited to State v. Reyes, 705 A.2d
1375 (R.I. 1998), which supports the proposition that evidence of flight can be considered by a
jury, “not because it raises a legal presumption of guilt, but because it is a circumstance bearing
upon the question of the [defendant’s] guilt which may be presented for the consideration of the
jury.” Id. at 1375 n. 2 (quoting State v. Falcone, 41 R.I. 399, 401, 103 A. 961, 961 (1918)).
After reviewing the trial justice’s decision, we are satisfied that he soundly exercised his
discretion and properly articulated the grounds on which he was permitting the testimony. See
Selwyn, 879 A.2d at 887; Evans, 742 A.2d at 719. In addition to testifying that defendant
exhibited controlling, “possessive” behavior, Ms. Gallardo also testified that defendant stated
that the reason he behaved in such a way was because he was “wanted.” As evidence of flight,
consciousness of guilt, and the fact that “Benny Delgado” was Ramon Virola, this testimony was
extremely probative. Though there may have been some prejudice in portraying defendant as
“possessive” and as unwilling to be photographed, that possible prejudice could not outweigh
such high probative value; this is certainly not a situation where the evidence at issue exhibited
marginal relevance and enormous prejudice. See DeJesus, 947 A.2d at 883. Actually, it is quite
the opposite—the evidence in the instant case was enormously relevant and marginally
prejudicial. As such, we hold that the trial justice did not abuse his discretion under Rule 403
when he admitted Ms. Gallardo’s statements over defendant’s objections.
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iii. Statement Number (7) by Ms. Gallardo
The defendant lists the following as the seventh statement by Ms. Gallardo with which he
takes issue on appeal: “That on the night she decided to go to the police to reveal Mr. Virola’s
status as being ‘wanted,’ she was receiving text messages and photographs from Mr. Virola
indicating that he knew where she lived and that he was coming for her * * *.” See footnote 9,
supra. The defendant did object to Ms. Gallardo’s just-referenced testimony at trial; however, he
“opened the door” to the issue during his cross-examination of Ms. Gallardo. Consequently,
there was no abuse of discretion in the trial justice’s overruling of defendant’s objection.
On cross-examination, the defendant asked Ms. Gallardo questions regarding her reasons
for moving out of the home which she had shared with the defendant, without informing the
defendant, in order to move to Chino Valley with Alice. That questioning elicited the fact that
she acted in that way even though she had stated that the defendant loved and provided for his
son. It also elicited the fact that the defendant called and asked about their son and that she
continued to communicate with the defendant by text message regarding their son even after she
had moved. It is the contention of the state, with which this Court agrees, that the state was free,
on redirect examination, to elicit the testimony at issue in order to illustrate what the state was
contending was Ms. Gallardo’s reason for moving without informing the defendant—that she
was afraid of him. That testimony counteracted the attempts on cross-examination to suggest
that Ms. Gallardo’s motives in moving had to do solely with pursuing her new relationship.
Therefore, the defendant’s arguments on appeal with respect to statement number (7) are
unavailing. See, e.g., State v. Mastracchio, 112 R.I. 487, 495, 312 A.2d 190, 195 (1973)
(holding that “[o]nce [the] defendant opened up the door to [certain] evidence in an attempt to
impeach [a witness’s] credibility, he could not complain when the state followed with further
- 26 -
testimony of a like character in clarification of what had been brought up on cross-
examination”).
IV
Conclusion
For the reasons set forth in this opinion, we affirm the Superior Court’s judgment of
conviction and its denial of the defendant’s motion for a new trial. The record may be returned
to that tribunal.
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RHODE ISLAND SUPREME COURT CLERK’S OFFICE
Clerk’s Office Order/Opinion Cover Sheet
TITLE OF CASE: State v. Ramon Virola.
CASE NO: No. 2013-365-C.A.
(P1/04-3981CG)
COURT: Supreme Court
DATE OPINION FILED: June 4, 2015
JUSTICES: Suttell, C.J., Goldberg, Flaherty, Robinson, and Indeglia, JJ.
WRITTEN BY: Associate Justice William P. Robinson III
SOURCE OF APPEAL: Providence County Superior Court
JUDGE FROM LOWER COURT:
Associate Justice Robert D. Krause
ATTORNEYS ON APPEAL:
For State: Lauren S. Zurier
Department of Attorney General
For Defendant: Lara E. Montecalvo
Office of the Public Defender