Armendariz, Emmanuel

PD-0646-15
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Transmitted 7/8/2015 7:46:48 PM
Accepted 7/9/2015 4:37:55 PM
ABEL ACOSTA
PD-0646-15 CLERK
IN THE
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS
EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ,
Appellant
v.
THE STATE OF TEXAS,
Appellee
On Appeal from
Court of Appeal Number 08-13-00125-CR
PETITION FOR DISCRETIONARY REVIEW
Veronica Teresa Lerma Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
SBOT No. 24062846 SBOT No. 12221300
vtlerma@gmail.com enl1417@aol.com
1417 Montana Avenue Law Offices of Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
El Paso, Texas 79902 1417 Montana Avenue
Tel.: 915.533.4779 El Paso, Texas 79902
Fax: 915.533.7236 T: 915.533.0177
F: 915.533.7236
Attorneys for Appellant Emmanuel Armendariz
July 9, 2015
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ Appellant
Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr. Appellant’s Attorney at Trial and on Appeal
1417 Montana Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79902
Veronica Teresa Lerma Appellant’s Attorney on Appeal
1417 Montana Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79902
STATE OF TEXAS Appellee
Jaime Esparza Attorney for Appellee at Trial and on Appeal
District Attorney
34th Judicial District
SBOT No. 06666450
Penny J. Hamilton Attorney for Appellee at Trial
SBOT No. 00793887
Assistant District Attorney
Lisa Lynn Clausen Attorney at Appellee Trial
SBOT No. 24027931
Assistant District Attorney
500 E. San Antonio, 2nd Floor
El Paso, Texas 79901
Tel. 915.546.2059
Fax. 915.533.5520
The Hon. Sam Medrano Trial Court
409th Judicial District Court
APPELLATE COURT
The Hon. A. McClure, C.J., Presiding Justices
Rodriguez and Hughes, JJ.
Eighth Court of Criminal Appeals
500 E. San Antonio Street
El Paso, Texas 79902
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Identity of Parties and Counsel..................................................................................2
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................3
Index of Authorities ...................................................................................................4
Statement of the Case ................................................................................................5
Question Presented for Review .................................................................................6
The appellate court erred when it failed to apply the standard of
review required for suppression issues in considering a totality
of the circumstances analysis on whether Armendariz
effectively waived his rights prior to providing a recorded
statement.
Statement of Jurisdiction ...........................................................................................7
Statement of Fact and Procedural History .................................................................8
Grounds for Review ................................................................................................12
Summary of The Argument .....................................................................................13
Standard Of Review ................................................................................................14
Arguments And Authorities ....................................................................................16
I. The appellate court erred when it failed to apply the standard of
review required for suppression issues in considering a totality of the
circumstances analysis on whether Armendariz effectively waived his
rights prior to providing a recorded statement.
Prayer .......................................................................................................................21
Certificate of Service ...............................................................................................22
Certificate of Compliance........................................................................................23
Appendix .................................................................................................................24
3
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
FEDERAL CASES
Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707 (1979) ................................................................ 18, 20
Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458 (1938) ........................................................................ 20
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966) ......................................................... 17, 18, 20
North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S. 369 (1979) ........................................................... ..20
STATE CASES
Amador v. State, 221 S.W.3d 666 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) ....................................15
Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015 WL 2174481,
at *1 (Tex. App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015) ............................................... passim
Gately v. State, 321 S.W.3d 72 (Tex. App. Eastland 2010) ....................................20
Guzman v. State, 955 S.W.2d 85 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997) ......................................15
Hill v. State, 429 S.W.2d 481 (Tex. Crim. App. 1968) ...........................................17
Joseph v. State, 309 S.W.3d 20 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) ........................................18
Romero v. State, 800 S.W.2d 539 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990). ....................................15
State v. Elias, 08-08-00085-CR (Tex. App – El Paso 2012) .................................5, 6
State v. Elias, 339 S.W.3d 667 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011) .........................5, 13, 15, 18
State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006) .........................................16
Watson v. State, 762 S.W.2d 591 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988) .....................................19
Wiede v. State, 214 S.W.3d 17 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) .........................................15
RULES
Tex. R. App. Proc. 66.3 ...........................................................................................13
4
STATEMENT OF THE CASE1
Appellant Emmanuel Armendariz pled guilty to a two-count indictment
charging him with injury to a child and manslaughter.2 The trial court sentenced
Armendariz to three years confinement for each count, to run concurrent.3
On appeal, the Eighth Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s ruling on
Armendariz’s motion to suppress his recorded statement.4 The appellate court
issued an unpublished opinion in Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015
WL 2174481, at *1 (Tex. App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015). Armendariz appeals to the
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals by this Petition for Discretionary Review.
1 References to the record are cited as follows:
Original Clerk’s Record, is cited as “CR” with the pinpoint page number (CR
page number);
Reporter’s Record (single-volume) is cited as “RR” with the pinpoint page
number (RR page number), excerpts of cited portions of Reporter’s
Record attached as Exhibit C in the Appendix.
2 Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1 (Tex. App.
– El Paso, May 8, 2015).
3 Id.
4 Id.
5
QUESTION PRESENTED FOR REVIEW
The appellate court erred when it failed to apply the standard of review
required for suppression issues in considering a totality of the
circumstances analysis on whether Armendariz effectively waived his
rights prior to providing a recorded statement.
6
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
The Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas has jurisdiction over this appeal
pursuant to Rule 68 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
7
STATEMENT OF FACT AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Nature of the Case.
Statement of Procedure
Appellant Emmanuel Armendariz pled guilty to a two-count indictment
charging him with injury to a child and manslaughter.5 The trial court sentenced
Armendariz to three years confinement for each count, to run concurrent.6
On appeal, the Eighth Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s ruling on
Armendariz’s motion to suppress his recorded statement.7 The appellate court
issued an unpublished opinion in Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015
WL 2174481, at *1 (Tex. App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015). Armendariz appeals to
the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals by this Petition for Discretionary Review.
Statement of Facts.
Armendariz picked up his two-year-old son from his mother-in-law before
noon on August 27, 2010.8 After arriving home, Appellant forgot his son was in
the truck and left him there while he prepared for an upcoming trip and ran some
errands with his father-in-law.9 Several hours later, Armendariz discovered his
5 Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1 (Tex. App.
– El Paso, May 8, 2015).
6 Id.
7 Id.
8 Id.
9 Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1, 2 (Tex.
8
son was still in the truck.10 The child died.11 That evening around 9 p.m., the
police obtained a video-recorded statement.12
The trial court held a suppression hearing to determine, among other things,
whether Armendariz’s recorded statement should be suppressed.13 Following the
hearing, the trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law, including a
finding that when the police detective met with Armendariz to take his recorded
statement, “at the time the defendant was not under arrest.”14 The trial court
entered a related conclusion of law stating: “The Court finds that [Armendariz]
was not under arrest when he provided the recorded statement to Detective
Varela.”15
At the suppression hearing, Socorro Police Department Detective Javier
Varela testified he recorded the interrogation and testified that during interrogation
Armendariz was under arrest.16 Detective Varela was the only State’s witness
who testified to having any participation with the interrogation, the other
witnesses, Detective Rafael Chavez III and Detective Santibanez, of the El Paso
App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015).
10 Id.
11 Id.
12 Id.
13 Id.
14 Id.
15 Id.
16 2 RR 39:16-21.
9
Sherriff’s Department, did not testify to any participation in the interrogation.
Detective Varela testified he approached Armendariz to “mirandize him and
then take a statement from him” at the police substation17 “at 9:10 p.m. of that
same day”18 (referencing August 27, 2010). Shortly after the interrogation, the
El Paso Sherriff’s department took charge of the case.19
Facts and Conclusions of Law Before the Trial Court.
The trial court made the following pertinent findings of fact and conclusion
of law (in pertinent part):
5. The affidavit in support of probable cause to issue the warrant
for the defendant’s home was based on information provided to
Detective Chavez on August 27, 2010[,] from an investigation
conducted by Socorro Police Department and The El Paso
Sherriff’s Department in which the defendant provided a
statement that he has left the deceased child in the vehicle after
picking him up at his mother-in-laws house. The defendant
stated that he was at Speaking Rock and then went to his
mother-in-law's house. The defendant then went home and
says he forgot the deceased child was in the vehicle. The
father found the deceased child inside the vehicle at
approximately 1800 hours. Evidence in plain view of the
vehicle indicates the deceased child attempted to open the rear
left door and window of the vehicle. [sic]
...
10. Detective Varela met with defendant Emmanuel Armendariz
and at the time the defendant was not under arrest.
17 2 RR 32:1-9.
18 2 RR 36:23-25.
19 2 RR 37:8-10.
10
11. Detective Varela was in a room containing audio and video
equipment. Emanuel Armendariz provided a statement to
Detective Varela that was both audio and visually recorded.
12. Detective Varela read the defendant Emmanuel Armendariz his
rights and asked if he was willing to waive his rights and speak
with him. Defendant Emmanuel Armendariz elected to waive
his rights and speak with Detective Varela.
...
LEGAL CONCLUSIONS
...
10. The [trial court] finds that Emmanuel Armendariz was not
under arrest when he provided the recorded statement to
Detective Varela.
11. The [trial court] finds that Emmanuel Armendariz intentionally,
knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights when he provided
the recorded statement to Detective Varela.
12. The [trial court] finds that the statement made by Emmanuel
Armendariz was voluntary and complies with the provisions of
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 38.22.
13.
The [trial court] find that the arrest of the defendant Emmanuel
Armendariz was pursuant to a valid arrest warrant.”20
20 CR 015-018.
11
GROUNDS FOR REVIEW
The Eighth Court of Appeals decision conflicts with established Texas
Criminal Appeals Court precedent. Here, the appellate court’s resolution of the
suppression issue is not “based on the reality of what happened at the trial court
level, but rather on appellate assumptions that may be entirely fictitious.”21 The
Court of Criminal Appeals’ intervention is necessary to apply the appropriate
standard of review.
This Court should GRANT this petition for discretionary review because the
appellate court should afford almost total deference to a trial court’s determination
of the historical facts that the record supports.22
21 State v. Elias, 339 S.W.3d 667, 673-74 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011).
22 State v. Elias, 339 S.W.3d 667, 673-74 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011). See also
Tex. R. App. Proc. 66.3.
12
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
The appellate court erred when it failed to apply the standard of review
required for suppression issues in considering a totality of the circumstances
analysis on whether Armendariz effectively waived his rights prior to providing a
recorded statement.
The appellate court abused its discretion by failing to review the “totality of
the circumstances” or make a determination as to the requisite level of
Armendariz’s comprehension of his rights prior to waiver. The appellate court
conducted a limited review of the video entered into evidence and noted their
review of the video recording is “limited because in answering the issue of a
knowing and voluntary waiver, [the appellate court] must analyze Detective
Varela’s demeanor in asking the questions and [Armendariz’s] demeanor in
answering those questions.”23
23 Armendariz, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1.
13
STANDARD OF REVIEW
An appellate court will review a trial court’s ruling on a motion to suppress
evidence under a bifurcated standard of review.24 The appellate court must view
the evidence in light most favorable to the trial court’s ruling.25 In reviewing the
trial court’s decision, the appellate court does not engage in its own factual
review.26 The trial judge is the sole trier of fact and judge of the credibility of the
witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony.27 The reviewing court,
therefore will give almost total deference to the trial court’s ruling on (1) questions
of historical fact, even if the trial court’s determination of those facts was not based
on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor; and, (2) application-of-law-to-fact
questions that turn on an evaluation of credibility and demeanor.28 But when
application-of-law-to-fact questions do not turn on the credibility and demeanor of
24 Amador v. State, 221 S.W.3d 666, 673 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007); Guzman v.
State, 955 S.W.2d 85, 89 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997).
25 Wiede v. State, 214 S.W.3d 17, 24 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007).
26 Romero v. State, 800 S.W.2d 539, 543 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990).
27 Wiede, 214 S.W.3d at 24; Elias, 339 S.W.3d at 673 (“Upon request of the
losing party on a motion to suppress evidence, the trial court shall state its
‘essential findings’ we mean ‘findings of fact and conclusions of law adequate to
provide an appellate court with a basis upon which to review the trial court’s
application of the law to the facts.” This requirement assures that appellate
resolution of the suppression issue ‘is based on the reality of what happened [at the
trial court level] rather than on [appellate] assumptions that may be entirely
fictitious.’).
28 Amador, 221 S.W.3d at 673.
14
the witnesses, the trial court’s rulings on those questions are reviewed de novo.29
When the trial court makes explicit findings, the reviewing court will
determine whether the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the
trial court’s ruling, supports those fact-findings.30
29 Id.
30 State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808, 818-819 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006).
15
ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES
I. The appellate court erred when it failed to apply the standard of
review required for suppression issues in considering a totality of the
circumstances analysis on whether Armendariz effectively waived his
rights prior to providing a recorded statement.
The appellate court abused its discretion by failing to review the “totality of
the circumstances” or make a determination as to the requisite level of
Armendariz’s comprehension of his rights prior to waiver. The appellate court
conducted a limited review of the video entered into evidence and noted that their
review of the video recording is “limited because in answering the issue of a
knowing and voluntary waiver, [the appellate court] must analyze Detective
Varela’s demeanor in asking the questions and [Armendariz’s] demeanor in
answering those questions.”31
After review of the video, the appellate court found that “the totality of the
circumstances surrounding the interrogation shows [Armendariz’s] waiver was
voluntary. [Armendariz] nodded in the affirmative when asked whether he was
giving his statement of his own free will.”
It is the State’s burden of showing a defendant knowingly, intelligently, and
31 Armendariz, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1, 2.
16
voluntarily waived his Miranda rights.32 The standard is not to determine
whether there is an explicit waiver of the Miranda rights, but whether a person
does so knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.33 First, the relinquishment of
the right must be voluntary in the sense that it is the product of a free and
deliberate choice rather than intimidation, coercion, or deception. Second, the
waiver must have been made with full awareness of both the nature of the right
being abandoned and the consequences of the decision to abandon it.34 Only if
the “totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation” reveals both an
uncoerced choice and the requisite level of comprehension may a court properly
conclude the Miranda rights have been waived.35 The
“totality-of-the-circumstances approach” requires the consideration of “all the
circumstances surrounding the interrogation,” including the defendant’s
experience, background, and conduct.36
In the present case, Armendariz did not knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily waive his Miranda rights. Here, the appellate court’s resolution of the
suppression issue is not “based on the reality of what happened at the trial court
32 Miranda, 384 U.S. at 444; Hill v. State, 429 S.W.2d 481, 486 (Tex. Crim. App.
1968).
33 Joseph v. State, 309 S.W.3d 20 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010).
34 Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S. 412, 421 (1986); Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25.
35 Moran, 475 U.S. at 421; Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25 (quoting Fare v. Michael
C., 442 U.S. 707, 725 (1979)).
36 Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25.
17
level, but rather on appellate assumptions that may be entirely fictitious.”37 The
appellate court assumes:
“[W]e can assume the trial court concluded that there was
nothing about Detective Varela’s tone or manner that was
so overbearing as to render [Armendariz’s] statement
involuntary. Further, we can assume the trial court
concluded that [Armendariz’s] demeanor indicated that
he understood what was going on and knowingly and
intelligently waived his rights.”38
In its totality of the circumstances analysis, the appellate court stands on
assumptions for which it does not have a factual basis.
At the suppression hearing, the State entered into evidence the recorded
statement. In that recorded statement, Armendariz does not verbally
acknowledge he understood his rights,39 rather the questions continue by the
police interrogator.40 Nor was there any written acknowledgement entered into
evidence such as a written waiver or Miranda card. Of course, waivers can be
express or implied,41 but “a valid waiver will not be presumed simply from the
silence of the accused after warnings are given or simply from the fact that a
confession was in fact eventually obtained.”42 The question to determine if an
37 State v. Elias, 339 S.W.3d 667, 673-74 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011).
38 Armendariz, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1 (emphasis added).
39 2 RR 41:12-24.
40 Id.
41 Watson v. State, 762 S.W.2d 591, 601 (Tex. Crim. App. 1988).
42 Miranda, 384 U.S. at 475.
18
accused waived his Miranda rights is not whether he made an explicit waiver, but
whether he did so knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.43 The State did not
prove that Armendariz possessed the requisite level of comprehension prior to
waiver.
Other circumstances demonstrate the coercive nature of Armendariz’s
recorded statement. For instance, the police interrogator conducted the
interrogation on the same date, only hours from when Armendariz learned his child
died. Armendariz’s state of mind to make such a waiver and understand his
decision only hours from learning his child died is severely coercive in nature.
Armendariz, during this period of time, was not free to leave the police station and,
according to Detective Varela, Armendariz was under arrest.44
The appellate court must inquire into the totality of the circumstances
surrounding the interrogation, to ascertain whether the accused in fact knowingly
and voluntarily decided to forego his rights to remain silent and to have the
assistance of counsel.45 There is a heavy burden upon the State to demonstrate
waiver,46 and any evidence that the accused was threatened, tricked, or cajoled into
43 Gately v. State, 321 S.W.3d 72 (Tex. App. Eastland 2010).
44 2 RR 39:16-23.
45 Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. at 725,. see North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S.
369, 374-375 (1979); Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 464 (1938).
46 See Miranda, 384 U.S at 475.
19
a waiver will . . . show that a defendant did not voluntarily waive his privilege.47
The stark and disturbing facts show that Armendariz was relatively inexperienced,
grieving, and in an emotional state of mind. These factors demonstrate how
easily experienced police offices can overbear a citizen’s free will and the
significant risk it poses.
The appellate court was without the benefit of such findings and without
guidance to make a totality of circumstances review. The trial court’s findings of
fact are devoid of any totality of the circumstances inquiry, and the State failed to
prove an effective waiver.
After assessing its own limited review, the appellate court abused its
discretion in failing to consider the totality of the circumstances. This Court
should reverse the trial court’s ruling and reform the trial court’s judgment.
47 Id. at 476.
20
PRAYER
Because the appellate court erred in its review, Appellant Emmanuel
Armendariz seeks that this Court reverse the appellate court’s decision, and reverse
the appellate court’s judgment. Appellant Armendariz respectfully requests this
Court to GRANT review of his petition.
Respectfully submitted
/s/ Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
SBOT No. 12221300
enl1417@aol.com
Law Offices of Eduardo N. Lerma
1417 Montana Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79902-5016
Tel.: (915) 533-0177
Fax: (915) 533-7236
Veronica Teresa Lerma
SBOT No. 24062846
vtlerma@gmail.com
1417 Montana Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79902-5016
Tel.: (915) 533-4779
Fax: (915) 533-7236
Attorneys for Appellant
Emmanuel Armendariz
21
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on July 8, 2015, a true and correct copy of Appellant’s Petition
for Discretionary Review was served on counsel as listed below pursuant to Texas
Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.5.
Jaime E. Esparza, District Attorney
500 E. San Antonio, Ste. 201
El Paso, TX 79901
via personal delivery
State Prosecuting Attorney
P.O. Box 12405
Austin, Texas 78711
via regular first-class mail
Emmanuel Armendariz
via personal delivery
/s/ Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
Eduardo N. Lerma, Sr.
SBOT No. 12221300
enl1417@aol.com
22
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
I certify that this document was produced on a computer using Microsoft
Mac 2012 and contains 1660 words, as determined by the computer software’s
word-count function, excluding the sections of the document listed in Texas Rule
of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i)(1). A brief and response filed in the court of
appeals must not exceed 15,000 words. TRAP 9.1(i)(2)(B).
The parts of the documents that are excluded are:
[1] The caption
[2] The identity of parties and counsel.
[3] The statement regarding oral argument.
[4] The table of contents.
[5] The index of authorities.
[6] The statement of the case.
[7] The statement of the issues presented.
[8] The statement of jurisdiction.
[9] The statement of procedural history.
[10] The signature block
[11] The proof of service
[12] The certification.
[13] The certificate of compliance.
[14] The appendix
The Font used in this document is Times New Roman, and the size of the
font for the body and footnote is 14.
/s/ Veronica Teresa Lerma
Veronica Teresa Lerma
Texas Bar No. 24062846
Attorney for Appellant
23
APPENDIX
Exhibit A: Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR, 2015 WL 2174481, at *1
(Tex. App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015).
Exhibit B: Trial Court’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
Exhibit C: Selected Reporter’s Record Excerpts
Exhibit D: Judgment and Opinion by the Court of Appeals, Eighth District
Exhibit E: Judgment and Conviction by the trial court
24
Exhibit A
Armendariz v. State, No. 08-13-00125-CR
2015 WL 2174481, at *1 (Tex. App. – El Paso, May 8, 2015).
P a g e | 25
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
manslaughter. The trial court sentenced
2015 WL 2174481 Appellant to three years' confinement for
Only the Westlaw citation each count, to run concurrently. Appellant
is currently available. appeals the trial court's refusal to suppress
his recorded statement. He asserts the
SEE TX R RAP RULE 47.2 trial court erroneously found that he was
FOR DESIGNATION AND not in custody at the time he provided
SIGNING OF OPINIONS. his recorded statement, and complains the
trial court failed to conduct a totality-
(DO NOT PUBLISH) of-the-circumstances review and hold the
Court of Appeals of Texas, State to its burden to prove he effectively
El Paso. waived his rights. We conclude there is no
reversible error and affirm.
Emmanuel Armendariz, Appellant,
v.
The State of Texas, Appellee.
BACKGROUND
No. 08–13–00125–
CR | May 8, 2015 Appellant picked up his two-year-old son
from his mother-in-law before noon on
Appeal from the 409th District Court of El August 27, 2010. After arriving home,
Paso County, Texas (TC#20100D06116) Appellant forgot his son was in the truck
and left him there while he prepared for an
Attorneys and Law Firms upcoming trip to Las Vegas and ran some
errands with his father-in-law. Several
Eduardo N. Lerma, for Emmanuel
hours later, Appellant discovered his son
Armendariz.
was still in the truck. The child had died.
John L. Davis, Jaime E. Esparza, for The That evening around 9 p.m., Appellant
State of Texas. provided a video-recorded statement to
the police.
Before McClure, C.J., Rodriguez, and
Hughes, JJ. The trial court held a suppression hearing
to determine, among other things, whether
Appellant's recorded statement should be
suppressed. Following the hearing, the
OPINION
trial court entered findings of fact and
STEVEN L. HUGHES, Justice conclusions of law, including a finding
that when the police detective met with
*1 Appellant Emmanuel Armendariz Appellant to take his recorded statement,
pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment “at the time the defendant was not
charging him with injury to a child and under arrest.” The court entered a related
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
conclusion of law stating: “The Court on the credibility and demeanor of
finds that [Appellant] was not under arrest witnesses. Alford, 358 S.W.3d at 652.
when he provided the recorded statement However, if credibility and demeanor
to Detective Varela.” Ultimately, the are not necessary to the resolution of
trial court concluded “that Emmanuel a mixed question of law and fact,
Armendariz intentionally, knowingly and we review the question de novo. See
voluntarily waived his rights when id.; Young v. State, 283 S.W.3d 854,
he provided the recorded statement to 873 (Tex.Crim.App.2009). This same
Detective Varela[,]” and that Appellant's deferential standard of review applies to
recorded statement was voluntary and a trial court's determination of historical
“complies with the provisions of Texas facts, demeanor, and credibility even
Code of Criminal Procedure Section when that determination is based on a
38.22.” video recording. State v. Duran, 396
S.W.3d 563, 570 (Tex.Crim.App.2013).
The trial court's ruling will be upheld if
it is reasonably supported by the record
DISCUSSION
and is correct under any theory of law
applicable to the case. Ramos, 245 S.W.3d
Standard of Review at 418.
We review a trial court's ruling refusing
to suppress evidence for an abuse of
discretion. Crain v. State, 315 S.W.3d Finding and Conclusion that
43, 48 (Tex.Crim.App.2010); Ramos Appellant was Not Under Arrest
v. State, 245 S.W.3d 410, 417–18
*2 In Issue One, Appellant contends the
(Tex.Crim.App.2008). In reviewing the
trial court abused its discretion in finding
trial court's decision, we review the
and concluding he was not under arrest
evidence in the light most favorable to
when he gave his recorded statement.
the trial court's ruling. State v. Kelly, 204
S.W.3d 808, 818 (Tex.Crim.App.2006).
At the suppression hearing, Detective
We afford almost total deference to a
Varela of the Socorro Police Department
trial court's determination of historical
testified that Appellant was under arrest
facts, but review pure questions of law
at the time he took Appellant's recorded
de novo. Alford v. State, 358 S.W.3d
statement. Detective Chavez of the El
647, 652 (Tex.Crim.App. 2012); see
Paso Sheriff's Department also testified
Montanez v. State, 195 S.W.3d 101,
that Appellant was under arrest at the
109 (Tex.Crim.App.2006). Likewise, we
Socorro Police station when he first
give almost total deference to a trial
contacted Appellant. Moreover, Detective
court's resolution of mixed questions of
Chavez's partner, Detective Santibanez,
law and fact if those questions turn
testified Appellant was under arrest when
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
he arrived at the Socorro Police station record, we do not defer to those findings.
after 9 p.m. Despite this testimony, the See Garcia v. State, 919 S.W.2d 370,
trial court entered a finding of fact 379 (Tex.Crim.App.1994) (deference not
that when Detective Varela met with given to trial court's suppression-hearing
Appellant, he “was not under arrest,” findings that were not supported by record
and entered a conclusion of law that on appeal); Derichsweiler v. State, 301
Appellant “was not under arrest when S.W.3d 803, 812 (Tex.App.–Fort Worth
he provided the recorded statement to 2009) (trial court's finding of fact after
Detective Varela.” The trial court also suppression hearing was not supported
concluded Appellant's recorded statement by the record and was not entitled
was voluntary and complied with Article to deference), rev'd on other grounds,
38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal 348 S.W.3d 906 (Tex.Crim.App.2011).
Procedure. Because there is no evidence to support
the trial court's finding and conclusion
that Appellant was not under arrest at
the time he provided his oral statement,
Analysis
we give the finding and conclusion no
The State concedes the trial court's legal deference.
conclusion that Appellant was “not under
arrest” has no basis in the record and The real question then is the impact,
is without support. We agree with the if any, of this erroneous finding and
State there is no basis in the record for conclusion. Appellant's reasoning is hard
the finding and conclusion that Appellant to follow in this regard, but it hinges
was not under arrest when he gave his on Article 38.22 and its requirements. 1
statement. Detectives Varela, Chavez, and Appellant appears to contend that because
Santibanez each testified that Appellant Article 38.22 applies only to statements
was under arrest when they met with him. made as a result of a custodial
interrogation, 2 the trial court's finding
The State also argues, however, that and conclusion that he was not under
the trial court's erroneous finding is not arrest at the time he gave his statement
dispositive; it is merely entitled to no somehow conflict with the trial court's
deference. We agree. Normally if the conclusion that his recorded statement
court's findings are supported by the was voluntary and complied with Article
record, we are not at liberty to disturb 38.22. Appellant apparently asserts that
them, and we will only address whether this conflict somehow invalidates the trial
the trial court improperly applied the court's conclusion that he knowingly and
law to the facts. State v. Wood, 828 voluntarily waived his rights. On this
S.W.2d 471, 474 (Tex.App.–El Paso basis, Appellant requests that we reverse
1992, no pet.). When, however, a trial and reform the judgment.
court's findings are not supported by the
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
*3 We are at a loss to see how and to hold the State to its burden to prove
the trial court's determination had any he effectively waived his rights.
effect on Appellant's rights. If Appellant
was in custody, he was entitled to At the suppression hearing, Detective
all the protections provided by Article Varela testified he advised Appellant of
38.22, and his recorded statement was his rights during Appellant's recorded
admissible only if it was made knowingly statement, and that Appellant indicated
and voluntarily. But, even if Appellant that he understood his rights and agreed to
was not in custody, he was still waive them. Detective Varela explained
entitled to a determination whether that he did not threaten or coerce
his statement was voluntary, since the Appellant to provide a statement nor
mandate in Article 38.22 that statements promise Appellant anything in return.
be voluntary applies to both an accused's Detective Varela stated that Appellant did
custodial and noncustodial statements. not appear to be under the influence of any
Oursbourn v. State, 259 S.W.3d 159, 171 drug or alcohol at the time of his recorded
(Tex.Crim.App.2008). statement, and that Appellant never asked
for an attorney or that the interview be
In any event, we conclude that because stopped. Appellant was never denied the
the uncontroverted evidence establishes use of a restroom, or food, or cigarettes.
Appellant was under arrest at the time
of his statement, he was entitled to the Appellant's recorded statement was
Article 38.22 protections. Consequently, admitted into evidence for purposes of the
there is no conflict with the trial court's suppression hearing. The recording shows
conclusion that Appellant's recorded Detective Varela informing Appellant
statement was voluntary and complies he is going to read him his rights
with Article 38.22. Appellant is not and asking Appellant to inform him if
entitled to reversal or reformation of he has any questions about his rights.
the judgment. We simply proceed to In response, Appellant nods his head
determine if the evidence supports the up and down. Detective Varela then
trial court's conclusion that Appellant's proceeds to inform Appellant of his right
statement was made voluntarily. to remain silent and that anything he
says can be used against him, and the
video shows Appellant indicating his
understanding of this right by nodding his
Knowing, Intelligent,
head in assent and stating “yeah.” When
and Voluntary Waiver
Varela informs Appellant of his right
In Issue Two, Appellant contends the trial to counsel and to have counsel present
court erroneously failed to consider the during questioning, Appellant interrupts
totality of the circumstances in its review and asks “What are you guys doing right
now?” Detective Varela explains they
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
will soon be talking about the case but “I can't answer you that.” After another
that now he is reading Appellant his lengthy narrative from Appellant, Officer
rights “so that that way you'll know”; Juarez explains: “We've ... pretty much
Appellant again interjects “But you guys asked you whatever questions we needed
are going to start asking questions, right?” to find out. Is there something that you
Appellant states, “I mean, there's nothing think we need to know ... something
wrong but I'm just saying, I don't want that we haven't asked? Something you
to say something that's going to fuck may want to say at this time?” Appellant
my shit up.” Detective Varela responds shakes his head back and forth in the
that he understands and explains “What negative, and the interview is concluded.
I want to know is if you understand The entire recorded interview lasted
that right to counsel.” Appellant nods slightly under fifteen minutes. During this
his head up and down, and states “I time, Appellant never requested counsel
understand.” Detective Varela continues and never asked that the interview be
the warnings and informs Appellant of stopped. During the interview, Appellant
his right to have an attorney appointed is seated and not restrained in any
prior to questioning if Appellant is unable way. Appellant and the officers speak
to afford an attorney. Appellant again in English, and on a few occasions,
affirmatively nods his head up and down. Appellant uses Spanish terminology.
When Detective Varela asks Appellant
whether he understands that he can stop
the interview at any time if he decides
Limited Review of Video Recording
to answer questions without an attorney,
Appellant nods his head up and down, We note that our review of the video
puts his head in hands, and answers, “Yes, recording in particular is somewhat
sir.” Finally, when Appellant is asked limited because in answering the issue of
whether he is making this statement “out a knowing and voluntary waiver, we must
of your own free will,” Appellant again analyze Detective Varela's demeanor in
affirmatively nods his head up and down. asking the questions and Appellant's
demeanor in answering those questions.
*4 Appellant then proceeds to respond The trial court concluded from its review
to questions about the incident, often of the video recording that Appellant's
speaking in the narrative for extended waiver was voluntary. And we can assume
periods of time, so much so that Detective the trial court concluded that there was
Varela at times informs Appellant “I nothing about Detective Varela's tone or
might stop and ask you some questions.” manner that was so overbearing as to
At one point, after speaking in the render Appellant's statement involuntary.
narrative for a time, Appellant asks, Further, we can assume the trial court
“What do I do now?” The other officer concluded that Appellant's demeanor
in the room, Officer Juarez, responds, indicated that he understood what was
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 5
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
going on and knowingly and intelligently Barefield v. State, 784 S.W.2d 38, 40–
waived his rights. We are required to give 41 (Tex.Crim.App.1989)(noting that the
almost total deference to the trial court's oral confession statute does not require
determination of demeanor even when an “express verbal statement from an
that determination is based on a video accused that he waives his rights prior
recording. See Duran, 396 S.W.3d at 570. to giving the statement”), overruled on
Applying this “almost total deference” other grounds, Zimmerman v. State, 860
standard, we conclude that the trial court S.W.2d 89, 94 (Tex.Crim.App.1993).
did not abuse its discretion in finding and Rather, a waiver of one's Article 38.22
concluding that Appellant's statement was rights may be “ ‘inferred from the actions
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily and words of the person interrogated.’ ”
given. Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 24–25 (quoting
North Carolina v. Butler, 441 U.S. 369,
373, 99 S. Ct. 1755, 60 L. Ed. 2d 286
(1979)). But that waiver must still be
Analysis
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily
As a general rule, a determination made. Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25.
whether a statement was voluntarily
rendered is analyzed by examining the *5 In evaluating whether a waiver is
totality of the circumstances. Arizona knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily
v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279, 285–86, made, we employ a two-part test, asking:
111 S. Ct. 1246, 1252, 113 L. Ed. 2d 302 (1) whether the relinquishment of the right
(1991); see Delao v. State, 235 S.W.3d was voluntary by determining whether it
235, 239 (Tex.Crim.App.2007). It is the was the product of a free and deliberate
State's burden to show that a defendant choice rather than intimidation, coercion,
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily or deception; and (2) whether the waiver
waived his rights under Miranda v. was made with full awareness of the
Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444–45, 86 S.Ct. nature of the rights being abandoned
and the consequences of the decision
1602, 1612, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966), 3
to abandon it. Id. at 25 (citing Moran
and Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of
v. Burbine, 475 U.S. 412, 421, 106
Criminal Procedure. Joseph v. State, 309
S. Ct. 1135, 89 L. Ed. 2d 410 (1986)).
S.W.3d 20, 24 (Tex.Crim.App.2010).
“Only if the ‘totality of the circumstances
surrounding the interrogation’ reveal both
In this regard, the Court of Criminal
an uncoerced choice and the requisite
Appeals has reiterated “ ‘that neither
level of comprehension may a court
a written nor an oral express waiver
properly conclude that the Miranda rights
is required’ ” before a statement is
have been waived.” Moran, 475 U.S.
admissible under the mandates of Article
at 421. In reviewing the totality of
38.22. Id. (quoting Watson v. State, 762
the circumstances, we may consider the
S.W.2d 591, 601 (Tex.Crim.App.1988));
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 6
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
defendant's background, experience, and We also conclude that the totality of the
conduct. Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25 (citing circumstances demonstrates Appellant's
Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707, 725, 99 waiver was made with full awareness
S.Ct. 2560, 61 L. Ed. 2d 197 (1979)). of both the nature of the rights being
abandoned and the consequences of the
The totality of the circumstances decision to abandon them. Appellant was
surrounding the interrogation shows given all the required warnings mandated
Appellant's waiver was voluntary. by Article 38.22, including that Appellant
Appellant nodded in the affirmative when was not required to say anything and
asked whether he was giving his statement could stop the interview at any time, and
of his own free will. Immediately after after each question Appellant was asked
Detective Varela informed Appellant of if he understood his rights. Appellant
his rights, Appellant repeatedly indicated consistently answered in the affirmative,
that he understood those rights and either by nodding his head up and
immediately and willingly participated down or through an affirmative statement
in the fifteen-minute interrogation. In indicating his understanding. Appellant
fact, Appellant was eager to tell then freely answered all the questions
his story, forcing Detective Varela posed, and provided extensive narratives
to advise Appellant he may have to on occasion without any prompting for
interrupt Appellant to pose questions. him to do so. With the exception of a few
The recording shows that Appellant never Spanish terms uttered by Appellant, all
asked to stop the interrogation. At the questions, answers, and narratives were
suppression hearing, Detective Varela stated in English.
testified that he did not threaten or
coerce Appellant's statement, nor promise As the Court of Criminal Appeals
anything to Appellant in return. Further, noted in Joseph, “[t]he warnings read
the record does not show any evidence of to Appellant made him fully aware of
intimidation or coercion, such as resorting the rights set forth in Miranda and
to physical or psychological pressure to Article 38.22, as well as the consequences
elicit statements, or making promises of abandoning those rights.” Joseph,
that could have possibly jeopardized the 309 S.W.3d at 27 (citations omitted).
voluntariness of Appellant's statement. By indicating his understanding of
The parties remained calm throughout the rights and then freely answering
the entire interrogation process, and the questions without ever asking the
Appellant freely explained the events of interview to cease, Appellant's conduct
the day, how he found his son, and why undoubtedly demonstrated his awareness
he thought he had forgotten about his son of his rights and his knowing waiver
in his truck. of those rights. Based on the totality of
the circumstances, the trial court could
reasonably infer a knowing waiver from
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 7
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
Appellant's words and actions. Both the the testimony from the hearing and the
testimony at the suppression hearing content of Appellant's recorded statement.
and the recorded interview establish that
Appellant knowingly, intelligently, and The recorded statement contained the
voluntarily waived his rights. requisite warnings informing Appellant
of his rights, and the record
*6 Appellant contends the trial court demonstrates that Appellant knowingly,
did not conduct a totality-of-the- intelligently, and voluntarily waived
circumstances review and asserts that those rights. Consequently, Appellant's
the trial court did not enter a proper recorded statement was admissible, and
finding. We observe, however, that the the trial court did not abuse its
trial court indicated it was going to review discretion in denying Appellant's motion
the recorded interrogation carefully to suppress. Issues One and Two are
and then included among its legal overruled.
conclusions “that Emmanuel Armendariz
intentionally, knowingly and voluntarily
waived his rights when he provided the CONCLUSION
recorded statement to Detective Varela
[,]” and “that the statement made by The trial court's judgment is affirmed.
Emmanuel Armendariz was voluntary and
complies with the provisions of Texas
Code of Criminal Procedure Section All Citations
38.22.” This demonstrates that in making
Not Reported in S.W.3d, 2015 WL
its decision, the trial court considered both
2174481
Footnotes
1 Article 38.22 provides that no oral statement of an accused made as a result of a custodial interrogation shall
be admissible against the accused in a criminal proceeding unless certain requirements have been satisfied,
including that prior to the statement, but during the recording, the accused is given his Miranda warnings and
the accused knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waives those rights. See TEX.CODE CRIM.PROC.ANN.
art. 38.22, §§ 2(a), 3 (West Supp. 2014).
2 Article 38.22 applies only to oral statements made as a result of a custodial interrogation. TEX.CODE CRIM.
PROC.ANN. art. 38.22, § 3; see also id. at § 5 (nothing in Article 38.22 precludes the admission of a
statement “that does not stem from custodial interrogation”).
3 “Prior to any questioning, the person must be warned that he has a right to remain silent, that any statement
he does make may be used as evidence against him, and that he has a right to the presence of an attorney,
either retained or appointed. The defendant may waive effectuation of these rights, provided the waiver is
made voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently. If, however, he indicates in any manner and at any stage of the
process that he wishes to consult with an attorney before speaking there can be no questioning. Likewise,
if the individual is alone and indicates in any manner that he does not wish to be interrogated, the police
may not question him. The mere fact that he may have answered some questions or volunteered some
statements on his own does not deprive him of the right to refrain from answering any further inquiries until
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 8
Armendariz v. State, Not Reported in S.W.3d (2015)
he has consulted with an attorney and thereafter consents to be questioned.” Miranda, 384 U.S. at 444–
45, 86 S. Ct. at 1612.
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 9
Exhibit B
Trial Court’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
P a g e | 26
- ··---·- - - - - - - - -- - - -----..
' ·-··•I '\.•
IN THE 409TH DISTRICT COURT t .·.~: . • J
·-..: ..'\
EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS ···
``. · ? fl ~i :::J ')'1
t ' ~ •.~ .. ,, t_ I
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
§
vs. §
§
EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ §
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
FACTUAL FINDINGS
I. The defendant was charged by indictment with manslaughter and injury to a
child December 15, 2010, in El Paso County, Texas.
2. El Paso Sheriff Department Detective Rafael Chavez III prepared applications
for search warrants for Manny Malique Armendariz. .
3. The search warrant for the vehicle was issued by Judge David Bonilla on
September 2, 2010 and authorized both the search of the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder
bearing Texas registration V68FK.R, VIN #:JN8AR05Y1TW028713, and the
seizure of Latent prints from the interior and exterior of the vehicle; Biological
evidence to include bodily fluids from the interior and exterior of the vehicle;
DNA swabbings; Narcotics/Narcotic Paraphemelia; Photographs of the vehicle.
4. The search warrant for the vehicle was executed on September 4, 2010. The
items seized at that location were: Baby car seat; Red 'BeBe' sweater with
possible vomit stains; Baby white sock; Rolling Zig-Zag papers; Two packets
with white Mexican brand pills; White envelope with card and a one folded
dollar bill with white powdery substance; grey shirt with possible vomit stains;
empty liquor bottle; Baby white NIKE shoes; DNA swab of left rear door
interior; DNA swab ofleft rear door window interior; DNA swab ofleft rear
floorboard; DNA swab of right rear door window interior; DNA swab right rear
door window interior; Latent palm print from left rear interior window; Latent
prints from right rear interior window; Photograph of adult female and male
child; Photographs of interior and exterior of vehicle.
5. The affidavit in support of probable cause to issue the warrant for the
defendant's home was based on information provided to Detective Chavez on
August 27, 2010 from an investigation conducted by Socorro Police Department
and The El Paso Sherriff's Department in which the defendant provided a
statement that he had left the deceased child in the vehicle after picking him up
at his mother-in-laws house. The defendant stated that he was at Speaking Rock
and then went to his mother-in-laws house to pick up the deceased child. The
defendant then went home and says he forgot the deceased child was in the
vehicle. The deceased child was found inside the vehicle by the father at
oc 015
approximately 1800 hours. Evidence in plain view ofthe vehicle indicates the
deceased child attempted to open the rear left door and window of the vehicle.
6. The search warrant for Manny Malique Annendariz, date of birth 10/16/07 was
issued by Judge David Bonilla on September 2, 20 l 0.
7. The search warrant Manny Malique Annendariz was executed on September 2,
2010. The items seized at that location were: Right hand palm print; Left hand
palm print; Fingerprints of right hand.
8. The affidavit in support of probable cause to issue the warrant for the
defendant's home was based on information provided to Detective Chavez on
August 27,2010 from an investigation conducted by Socorro Police Department
and The El Paso Sherriff s Department in which the defendant provided a
statement that he had left the deceased child in the vehicle after picking him up
at his mother-in-laws house. The defendant stated that he was at Speaking Rock
and then went to his mother-in-laws house to pick up the deceased child. The
defendant then went home and says he forgot the deceased child was in the
vehicle. The deceased child was found inside the vehicle by the father at
approximately 1800 hours. A palm print and smeared fmgerprints were located
in the interior of the rear left window of the vehicle the defendant stated he had
left the deceased child in.
9. A written consent to search person and remove body substances was obtained
by Detective Louis Santibanez from the defendant on August 27, 2010.
10. Detective Varela met with defendant Emmanuel Armendariz and at the time the
defendant was not under arrest.
I 1. Detective Vare! a was in a room containing audio and video equipment.
Emmanuel Armendariz provided a statement to Detective Varela that was both
audio and visually recorded.
12. Detective Varela read the defendant Emmanuel Armendariz his rights and asked
if he was willing to waive his rights and speak with him. Defendant Emmanuel
Armendariz elected to waive his rights and speak with Detective Varela.
13. The State and the defense have agreed to not use any evidence collected from
the residence.
14. The State and the defense have agreed not to use blood draw evidence.
J5. The State and the defense have agreed not to use any statements made by the
defendant prior to the DVD statement made to Detective Varela.
16. Detective Chavez testified at the motion to suppress hearing on April 8, 201 1
that he obtained the search warrants for the vehicle and Manny Malique
Armendariz.
17. Detective Santibanez testified at the motion to suppress hearing on AprilS,
20 t 1 that he obtained the written consent to search person and remove body
substances from the defendant on August 27,2010.
18. Detective Varela testified in the motion to suppress hearing on AprilS, 201 I
that he and Officer Juarez were present when the recorded statement from the
defendant was obtained on August 27, 2010.
19. The defendant Emmanuel Armendariz was arrested pursuant to warrant number
Ml OW7083 for the offense of Injury to a Child on the 28th day of August, 2010.
LEGAL CONCLUSIONS
1. The Court has reviewed the application and affidavit for the search warrant for
the vehicle. The Court finds that sufficient probable cause existed for the
issuance of the search warrant for the vehicle.
2. The Court finds that the search warrant for the vehicle is not a general search
warrant and it complies with Article \8.0\ of the TEXAS CODE OF
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.
3. The Court finds that the search warrant for the vehicle falls under both Article
18.02 (9) and Article 18.02 (10) ofthe TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL
PROCEDURE.
4. The Court finds that Judge David Bonilla was authorized to issue the search
warrant for the vehicle as the judge of a statutory created court; The El Paso
Criminal Law Magistrate Court.
5. The Court has reviewed the application and affidavit for the search warrant for
Manny Malique Armendariz. The Court fmds that sufficient probable cause
existed for the issuance of the search warrant for Manny Mali que Armendariz.
6. The Court finds that the search warrant for Manny Malique Annendariz is not
a general search warrant and it complies with Article 18.01 of the TEXAS
CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.
7. The Court finds that the search warrant for Manny Malique Armendariz falls
under both Article 18.02 (9) and Article 18.02 (10) of the TEXAS CODE OF
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.
8. The Court finds that Judge David Bonilla was authorized to issue the search
warrant for the vehicle as the judge of a statutory created court; The El Paso
Criminal Law Magistrate Court.
9. The Court finds that the searches of the vehicle and Manny Mali que
Annendariz were pursuant to valid warrants and were legal.
l 0. The Court fmds that Emmanuel Armendariz was not Wlder arrest when he
provided the recorded statement to Detective Varela.
11. The Court finds that Emmanuel Armendariz intentionally, knowingly and
voluntarily waived his rights when he provided the recorded statement to
Detective Varela.
I 2. The Court finds that the statement made by Emmanuel Armendariz was
voluntary and complies with the provisions of Texas Code of Criminal
Procedure Section 38.22.
13. The Court finds that the arrest of the defendant Emmanuel Armendariz was
pursuant to a valid arrest warrant.
:.,.; f'
I') L'
1,1"'.:_ 7
1-
· ~-------------------------------------------------
Signed on this the ;) 7 day of April, 2012
cF7fz2
Honorable Sam Medrano
Judge 409th Judicial District
~ .....
·.; \.'
f,'J..._• 8
Exhibit D.l
Court's Notice of Defendant's Right to Appeal
Exhibit C
Selected Reporter’s Record Excerpts
P a g e | 27
1
1 REPORTER'S RECORD
VOLUME 2 OF 5 VOLUMES
2 COURT OF APPEALS CAUSE NUMBER 08-13-00125-CR
TRIAL COURT CAUSE NO. 20100D06116
3
4 THE STATE OF TEXAS ) IN THE DISTRICT COURT
5 )
6 )
7 )
8 vs. )
9 ) EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS
10 )
11 )
12 EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ )
13 )
14 ) 409TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
15
16 ---------------------------------------
17 MOTION TO SUPPRESS
18 ---------------------------------------
19 On the 8th day of April, 2011, the following
20 proceedings came on to be heard in the above-entitled
21 and numbered cause before the Honorable SAM MEDRANO,
22 JR., Judge presiding, held in El Paso, El Paso County,
23 Texas:
24 Proceedings reported by machine shorthand utilizing
25 computer-assisted realtime transcription.
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
32
1 Q. Where did you first have contact with him?
2 A. At our substation.
3 Q. What was the purpose of your contact with the
4 defendant?
5 A. Initially to Mirandize him and then take a
6 statement from him.
7 Q. So am I understanding you gave him his Miranda
8 rights?
9 A. Yes.
10 Q. And did you, in fact, take a statement from the
11 defendant?
12 A. Yes.
13 Q. Do you see the individual that you took the
14 statement from in the courtroom today?
15 A. Yes.
16 Q. Can you please point to him and identify
17 something he is wearing?
18 A. The gentleman to my right wearing the striped
19 shirt -- blue with red stripes.
20 MS. CLAUSEN: May the record reflect that
21 the witness has identified the defendant?
22 THE COURT: Yes, ma'am.
23 Q. (BY MS. CLAUSEN) Where did you meet with him?
24 Was it in an office or was it just out with everybody
25 else?
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
36
1 A. No.
2 Q. To your knowledge was he under the influence of
3 any narcotic drug or alcohol to where he could not
4 communicate with you or could not understand you?
5 A. No.
6 Q. To your knowledge was the vehicle ever
7 searched?
8 A. No.
9 MS. CLAUSEN: Pass the witness.
10 THE COURT: Mr. Lerma.
11 MR. LERMA: Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.
12 CROSS-EXAMINATION
13 BY MR. LERMA:
14 Q. What time did you -- state your name again,
15 sir.
16 A. Javier Varela.
17 Q. And where are you employed?
18 A. Socorro Police Department.
19 Q. Did you respond initially at 1803 -- to the
20 alleged crime scene?
21 A. I was at home so initially I go to the station
22 to pick up my unit and then I head out to the scene.
23 Q. And when was it -- what specific time did you
24 interrogate Mr. Armendariz?
25 A. 9:10 p.m. of that same day.
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
37
1 Q. Is this before the sheriff's department got
2 there?
3 A. Yes, sir.
4 Q. And you were the only one present during the
5 interrogation?
6 A. No, sir. There was -- Officer Juarez was in
7 the same room during the interrogation.
8 Q. After you finished your interrogation did the
9 sheriff's department then take over the case?
10 A. Shortly after, yes, sir.
11 Q. Why was that, sir?
12 A. I would not know. That's determined by our
13 chief of police.
14 Q. Is there some type of policy that the sheriff's
15 department takes over a major crime -- incident?
16 MS. CLAUSEN: Object to relevance,
17 Your Honor.
18 THE COURT: Overruled. Answer if you
19 know.
20 A. I don't know the exact policy. I do know that
21 in certain types of cases they are called out to assist
22 us. In some cases they take the case.
23 Q. Who called the sheriff's department?
24 A. I would not know.
25 Q. So it could have been your chief?
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
39
1 A. It just varies on the case. I mean, it's not
2 for every type of case. Like I said, it's not a
3 specific criteria that I know of, but I investigate the
4 case and if somebody in our management decides then they
5 call the sheriff.
6 Q. Do you feel you have the capacity to
7 investigate this type of case?
8 MS. CLAUSEN: Objection, relevance.
9 THE COURT: Sustained.
10 Q. (BY MR. LERMA) Were you present during the
11 blood draw?
12 A. No, sir.
13 Q. In fact you didn't participate in that, did
14 you, sir?
15 A. No, sir.
16 Q. So that your only participation was that you
17 interrogated him and you videotaped the interrogation?
18 A. Yes, sir.
19 Q. And all during this time Mr. Armendariz was
20 under arrest?
21 A. Yes, sir, he was detained.
22 Q. Was he under arrest?
23 A. Yes.
24 MR. LERMA: That's all I have, Your Honor.
25 THE COURT: Any other questions?
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
44
1 STATE OF TEXAS )
2 COUNTY OF EL PASO )
3
4 I, Natalie A. Martinez, Official Court Reporter in
5 and for the 409th District Court of El Paso County,
6 State of Texas, do hereby certify that the above and
7 foregoing contains a true and correct transcription of
8 all portions of evidence and other proceedings requested
9 in writing by counsel for the parties to be included in
10 this volume of the Reporter's Record, in the
11 above-styled and numbered cause, all of which occurred
12 in open court or in chambers and were reported by me.
13 I further certify that this Reporter's Record of
14 the proceedings truly and correctly reflects the
15 exhibits, if any, offered by the respective parties.
16 I further certify that the total cost for the
17 preparation of this Reporter's Record is $ and was
18 paid/will be paid by .
19 WITNESS MY OFFICIAL HAND this the day of
20 _ , 2013.
21
22
23
NATALIE MARTINEZ, Texas CSR# 8352
24 409th District Court
El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
25 Expires: December 31, 2014
NATALIE A. MARTINEZ; OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER
409TH DISTRICT COURT; 500 E. SAN ANTONIO, RM. 459
EL PASO, TX 79901 (915) 834-8209
Exhibit D
Judgment and Opinion by the Court of Appeals, Eighth District
P a g e | 28
COURT OF APPEALS
EIGHTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
EL PASO, TEXAS
EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ, §
No. 08-13-00125-CR
Appellant, §
Appeal from the
v. §
409th District Court
THE STATE OF TEXAS, §
of El Paso County, Texas
Appellee. §
(TC#20100D06116)
§
JUDGMENT
The Court has considered this cause on the record and concludes there was no error in the
judgment. We therefore affirm the judgment of the court below. This decision shall be certified
below for observance.
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS 8TH DAY OF MAY, 2015.
STEVEN L. HUGHES, Justice
Before McClure, C.J., Rodriguez, and Hughes, JJ.
COURT OF APPEALS
EIGHTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
EL PASO, TEXAS
EMMANUEL ARMENDARIZ, §
No. 08-13-00125-CR
Appellant, §
Appeal from the
v. §
409th District Court
THE STATE OF TEXAS, §
of El Paso County, Texas
Appellee. §
(TC#20100D06116)
§
OPINION
Appellant Emmanuel Armendariz pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him
with injury to a child and manslaughter. The trial court sentenced Appellant to three years’
confinement for each count, to run concurrently. Appellant appeals the trial court’s refusal to
suppress his recorded statement. He asserts the trial court erroneously found that he was not in
custody at the time he provided his recorded statement, and complains the trial court failed to
conduct a totality-of-the-circumstances review and hold the State to its burden to prove he
effectively waived his rights. We conclude there is no reversible error and affirm.
BACKGROUND
Appellant picked up his two-year-old son from his mother-in-law before noon on August
27, 2010. After arriving home, Appellant forgot his son was in the truck and left him there while
he prepared for an upcoming trip to Las Vegas and ran some errands with his father-in-law.
Several hours later, Appellant discovered his son was still in the truck. The child had died. That
evening around 9 p.m., Appellant provided a video-recorded statement to the police.
The trial court held a suppression hearing to determine, among other things, whether
Appellant’s recorded statement should be suppressed. Following the hearing, the trial court
entered findings of fact and conclusions of law, including a finding that when the police detective
met with Appellant to take his recorded statement, “at the time the defendant was not under arrest.”
The court entered a related conclusion of law stating: “The Court finds that [Appellant] was not
under arrest when he provided the recorded statement to Detective Varela.” Ultimately, the trial
court concluded “that Emmanuel Armendariz intentionally, knowingly and voluntarily waived his
rights when he provided the recorded statement to Detective Varela[,]” and that Appellant’s
recorded statement was voluntary and “complies with the provisions of Texas Code of Criminal
Procedure Section 38.22.”
DISCUSSION
Standard of Review
We review a trial court’s ruling refusing to suppress evidence for an abuse of discretion.
Crain v. State, 315 S.W.3d 43, 48 (Tex.Crim.App. 2010); Ramos v. State, 245 S.W.3d 410, 417–18
(Tex.Crim.App. 2008). In reviewing the trial court’s decision, we review the evidence in the light
most favorable to the trial court’s ruling. State v. Kelly, 204 S.W.3d 808, 818 (Tex.Crim.App.
2006). We afford almost total deference to a trial court’s determination of historical facts, but
review pure questions of law de novo. Alford v. State, 358 S.W.3d 647, 652 (Tex.Crim.App.
2
2012); see Montanez v. State, 195 S.W.3d 101, 109 (Tex.Crim.App. 2006). Likewise, we give
almost total deference to a trial court’s resolution of mixed questions of law and fact if those
questions turn on the credibility and demeanor of witnesses. Alford, 358 S.W.3d at 652.
However, if credibility and demeanor are not necessary to the resolution of a mixed question of
law and fact, we review the question de novo. See id.; Young v. State, 283 S.W.3d 854, 873
(Tex.Crim.App. 2009). This same deferential standard of review applies to a trial court’s
determination of historical facts, demeanor, and credibility even when that determination is based
on a video recording. State v. Duran, 396 S.W.3d 563, 570 (Tex.Crim.App. 2013). The trial
court’s ruling will be upheld if it is reasonably supported by the record and is correct under any
theory of law applicable to the case. Ramos, 245 S.W.3d at 418.
Finding and Conclusion that Appellant was Not Under Arrest
In Issue One, Appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion in finding and
concluding he was not under arrest when he gave his recorded statement.
At the suppression hearing, Detective Varela of the Socorro Police Department testified
that Appellant was under arrest at the time he took Appellant’s recorded statement. Detective
Chavez of the El Paso Sheriff’s Department also testified that Appellant was under arrest at the
Socorro Police station when he first contacted Appellant. Moreover, Detective Chavez’s partner,
Detective Santibanez, testified Appellant was under arrest when he arrived at the Socorro Police
station after 9 p.m. Despite this testimony, the trial court entered a finding of fact that when
Detective Varela met with Appellant, he “was not under arrest,” and entered a conclusion of law
that Appellant “was not under arrest when he provided the recorded statement to Detective
Varela.” The trial court also concluded Appellant’s recorded statement was voluntary and
3
complied with Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Analysis
The State concedes the trial court’s legal conclusion that Appellant was “not under arrest”
has no basis in the record and is without support. We agree with the State there is no basis in the
record for the finding and conclusion that Appellant was not under arrest when he gave his
statement. Detectives Varela, Chavez, and Santibanez each testified that Appellant was under
arrest when they met with him.
The State also argues, however, that the trial court’s erroneous finding is not dispositive; it
is merely entitled to no deference. We agree. Normally if the court’s findings are supported by
the record, we are not at liberty to disturb them, and we will only address whether the trial court
improperly applied the law to the facts. State v. Wood, 828 S.W.2d 471, 474 (Tex.App. – El Paso
1992, no pet.). When, however, a trial court’s findings are not supported by the record, we do not
defer to those findings. See Garcia v. State, 919 S.W.2d 370, 379 (Tex.Crim.App. 1994)
(deference not given to trial court’s suppression-hearing findings that were not supported by
record on appeal); Derichsweiler v. State, 301 S.W.3d 803, 812 (Tex.App. –Fort Worth 2009)
(trial court’s finding of fact after suppression hearing was not supported by the record and was not
entitled to deference), rev’d on other grounds, 348 S.W.3d 906 (Tex.Crim.App. 2011). Because
there is no evidence to support the trial court’s finding and conclusion that Appellant was not
under arrest at the time he provided his oral statement, we give the finding and conclusion no
deference.
The real question then is the impact, if any, of this erroneous finding and conclusion.
Appellant’s reasoning is hard to follow in this regard, but it hinges on Article 38.22 and its
4
requirements.1 Appellant appears to contend that because Article 38.22 applies only to statements
made as a result of a custodial interrogation,2 the trial court’s finding and conclusion that he was
not under arrest at the time he gave his statement somehow conflict with the trial court’s
conclusion that his recorded statement was voluntary and complied with Article 38.22. Appellant
apparently asserts that this conflict somehow invalidates the trial court’s conclusion that he
knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights. On this basis, Appellant requests that we reverse
and reform the judgment.
We are at a loss to see how the trial court’s determination had any effect on Appellant’s
rights. If Appellant was in custody, he was entitled to all the protections provided by Article
38.22, and his recorded statement was admissible only if it was made knowingly and voluntarily.
But, even if Appellant was not in custody, he was still entitled to a determination whether his
statement was voluntary, since the mandate in Article 38.22 that statements be voluntary applies to
both an accused’s custodial and noncustodial statements. Oursbourn v. State, 259 S.W.3d 159,
171 (Tex.Crim.App. 2008).
In any event, we conclude that because the uncontroverted evidence establishes Appellant
was under arrest at the time of his statement, he was entitled to the Article 38.22 protections.
Consequently, there is no conflict with the trial court’s conclusion that Appellant’s recorded
statement was voluntary and complies with Article 38.22. Appellant is not entitled to reversal or
reformation of the judgment. We simply proceed to determine if the evidence supports the trial
1
Article 38.22 provides that no oral statement of an accused made as a result of a custodial interrogation shall be
admissible against the accused in a criminal proceeding unless certain requirements have been satisfied, including that
prior to the statement, but during the recording, the accused is given his Miranda warnings and the accused knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily waives those rights. See TEX.CODE CRIM.PROC.ANN. art. 38.22, §§ 2(a), 3 (West Supp.
2014).
2
Article 38.22 applies only to oral statements made as a result of a custodial interrogation. TEX.CODE CRIM.
PROC.ANN. art. 38.22, § 3; see also id. at § 5 (nothing in Article 38.22 precludes the admission of a statement “that
does not stem from custodial interrogation”).
5
court’s conclusion that Appellant’s statement was made voluntarily.
Knowing, Intelligent, and Voluntary Waiver
In Issue Two, Appellant contends the trial court erroneously failed to consider the totality
of the circumstances in its review and to hold the State to its burden to prove he effectively waived
his rights.
At the suppression hearing, Detective Varela testified he advised Appellant of his rights
during Appellant’s recorded statement, and that Appellant indicated that he understood his rights
and agreed to waive them. Detective Varela explained that he did not threaten or coerce
Appellant to provide a statement nor promise Appellant anything in return. Detective Varela
stated that Appellant did not appear to be under the influence of any drug or alcohol at the time of
his recorded statement, and that Appellant never asked for an attorney or that the interview be
stopped. Appellant was never denied the use of a restroom, or food, or cigarettes.
Appellant’s recorded statement was admitted into evidence for purposes of the suppression
hearing. The recording shows Detective Varela informing Appellant he is going to read him his
rights and asking Appellant to inform him if he has any questions about his rights. In response,
Appellant nods his head up and down. Detective Varela then proceeds to inform Appellant of his
right to remain silent and that anything he says can be used against him, and the video shows
Appellant indicating his understanding of this right by nodding his head in assent and stating
“yeah.” When Varela informs Appellant of his right to counsel and to have counsel present
during questioning, Appellant interrupts and asks “What are you guys doing right now?”
Detective Varela explains they will soon be talking about the case but that now he is reading
Appellant his rights “so that that way you’ll know”; Appellant again interjects “But you guys are
6
going to start asking questions, right?” Appellant states, “I mean, there’s nothing wrong but I’m
just saying, I don’t want to say something that’s going to fuck my shit up.” Detective Varela
responds that he understands and explains “What I want to know is if you understand that right to
counsel.” Appellant nods his head up and down, and states “I understand.” Detective Varela
continues the warnings and informs Appellant of his right to have an attorney appointed prior to
questioning if Appellant is unable to afford an attorney. Appellant again affirmatively nods his
head up and down. When Detective Varela asks Appellant whether he understands that he can
stop the interview at any time if he decides to answer questions without an attorney, Appellant
nods his head up and down, puts his head in hands, and answers, “Yes, sir.” Finally, when
Appellant is asked whether he is making this statement “out of your own free will,” Appellant
again affirmatively nods his head up and down.
Appellant then proceeds to respond to questions about the incident, often speaking in the
narrative for extended periods of time, so much so that Detective Varela at times informs
Appellant “I might stop and ask you some questions.” At one point, after speaking in the
narrative for a time, Appellant asks, “What do I do now?” The other officer in the room, Officer
Juarez, responds, “I can’t answer you that.” After another lengthy narrative from Appellant,
Officer Juarez explains: “We’ve . . . pretty much asked you whatever questions we needed to find
out. Is there something that you think we need to know . . . something that we haven’t asked?
Something you may want to say at this time?” Appellant shakes his head back and forth in the
negative, and the interview is concluded. The entire recorded interview lasted slightly under
fifteen minutes. During this time, Appellant never requested counsel and never asked that the
interview be stopped. During the interview, Appellant is seated and not restrained in any way.
7
Appellant and the officers speak in English, and on a few occasions, Appellant uses Spanish
terminology.
Limited Review of Video Recording
We note that our review of the video recording in particular is somewhat limited because in
answering the issue of a knowing and voluntary waiver, we must analyze Detective Varela’s
demeanor in asking the questions and Appellant’s demeanor in answering those questions. The
trial court concluded from its review of the video recording that Appellant’s waiver was voluntary.
And we can assume the trial court concluded that there was nothing about Detective Varela’s tone
or manner that was so overbearing as to render Appellant’s statement involuntary. Further, we
can assume the trial court concluded that Appellant’s demeanor indicated that he understood what
was going on and knowingly and intelligently waived his rights. We are required to give almost
total deference to the trial court’s determination of demeanor even when that determination is
based on a video recording. See Duran, 396 S.W.3d at 570. Applying this “almost total
deference” standard, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding and
concluding that Appellant’s statement was knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily given.
Analysis
As a general rule, a determination whether a statement was voluntarily rendered is
analyzed by examining the totality of the circumstances. Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279,
285–86, 111 S. Ct. 1246, 1252, 113 L. Ed. 2d 302 (1991); see Delao v. State, 235 S.W.3d 235, 239
(Tex.Crim.App. 2007). It is the State’s burden to show that a defendant knowingly, intelligently,
and voluntarily waived his rights under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444-45, 86 S. Ct. 1602,
8
1612, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966), 3 and Article 38.22 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Joseph v. State, 309 S.W.3d 20, 24 (Tex.Crim.App. 2010).
In this regard, the Court of Criminal Appeals has reiterated “‘that neither a written nor an
oral express waiver is required”’ before a statement is admissible under the mandates of Article
38.22. Id. (quoting Watson v. State, 762 S.W.2d 591, 601 (Tex.Crim.App. 1988)); Barefield v.
State, 784 S.W.2d 38, 40-41 (Tex.Crim.App. 1989)(noting that the oral confession statute does not
require an “express verbal statement from an accused that he waives his rights prior to giving the
statement”), overruled on other grounds, Zimmerman v. State, 860 S.W.2d 89, 94 (Tex.Crim.App.
1993). Rather, a waiver of one’s Article 38.22 rights may be “‘inferred from the actions and
words of the person interrogated.’” Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 24-25 (quoting North Carolina v.
Butler, 441 U.S. 369, 373, 99 S. Ct. 1755, 60 L. Ed. 2d 286 (1979)). But that waiver must still be
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily made. Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25.
In evaluating whether a waiver is knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily made, we
employ a two-part test, asking: (1) whether the relinquishment of the right was voluntary by
determining whether it was the product of a free and deliberate choice rather than intimidation,
coercion, or deception; and (2) whether the waiver was made with full awareness of the nature of
the rights being abandoned and the consequences of the decision to abandon it. Id. at 25 (citing
Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S. 412, 421, 106 S. Ct. 1135, 89 L. Ed. 2d 410 (1986)). “Only if the
3
“ Prior to any questioning, the person must be warned that he has a right to remain silent, that any statement he does
make may be used as evidence against him, and that he has a right to the presence of an attorney, either retained or
appointed. The defendant may waive effectuation of these rights, provided the waiver is made voluntarily, knowingly
and intelligently. If, however, he indicates in any manner and at any stage of the process that he wishes to consult
with an attorney before speaking there can be no questioning. Likewise, if the individual is alone and indicates in any
manner that he does not wish to be interrogated, the police may not question him. The mere fact that he may have
answered some questions or volunteered some statements on his own does not deprive him of the right to refrain from
answering any further inquiries until he has consulted with an attorney and thereafter consents to be questioned.”
Miranda, 384 U.S. at 444-45, 86 S. Ct. at 1612.
9
‘totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation’ reveal both an uncoerced choice and
the requisite level of comprehension may a court properly conclude that the Miranda rights have
been waived.” Moran, 475 U.S. at 421. In reviewing the totality of the circumstances, we may
consider the defendant’s background, experience, and conduct. Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 25 (citing
Fare v. Michael C., 442 U.S. 707, 725, 99 S. Ct. 2560, 61 L. Ed. 2d 197 (1979)).
The totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation shows Appellant’s waiver
was voluntary. Appellant nodded in the affirmative when asked whether he was giving his
statement of his own free will. Immediately after Detective Varela informed Appellant of his
rights, Appellant repeatedly indicated that he understood those rights and immediately and
willingly participated in the fifteen-minute interrogation. In fact, Appellant was eager to tell his
story, forcing Detective Varela to advise Appellant he may have to interrupt Appellant to pose
questions. The recording shows that Appellant never asked to stop the interrogation. At the
suppression hearing, Detective Varela testified that he did not threaten or coerce Appellant’s
statement, nor promise anything to Appellant in return. Further, the record does not show any
evidence of intimidation or coercion, such as resorting to physical or psychological pressure to
elicit statements, or making promises that could have possibly jeopardized the voluntariness of
Appellant’s statement. The parties remained calm throughout the entire interrogation process,
and Appellant freely explained the events of the day, how he found his son, and why he thought he
had forgotten about his son in his truck.
We also conclude that the totality of the circumstances demonstrates Appellant’s waiver
was made with full awareness of both the nature of the rights being abandoned and the
consequences of the decision to abandon them. Appellant was given all the required warnings
10
mandated by Article 38.22, including that Appellant was not required to say anything and could
stop the interview at any time, and after each question Appellant was asked if he understood his
rights. Appellant consistently answered in the affirmative, either by nodding his head up and
down or through an affirmative statement indicating his understanding. Appellant then freely
answered all the questions posed, and provided extensive narratives on occasion without any
prompting for him to do so. With the exception of a few Spanish terms uttered by Appellant, all
questions, answers, and narratives were stated in English.
As the Court of Criminal Appeals noted in Joseph, “[t]he warnings read to Appellant made
him fully aware of the rights set forth in Miranda and Article 38.22, as well as the consequences of
abandoning those rights.” Joseph, 309 S.W.3d at 27 (citations omitted). By indicating his
understanding of the rights and then freely answering the questions without ever asking the
interview to cease, Appellant’s conduct undoubtedly demonstrated his awareness of his rights and
his knowing waiver of those rights. Based on the totality of the circumstances, the trial court
could reasonably infer a knowing waiver from Appellant’s words and actions. Both the
testimony at the suppression hearing and the recorded interview establish that Appellant
knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his rights.
Appellant contends the trial court did not conduct a totality-of-the-circumstances review
and asserts that the trial court did not enter a proper finding. We observe, however, that the trial
court indicated it was going to review the recorded interrogation carefully and then included
among its legal conclusions “that Emmanuel Armendariz intentionally, knowingly and voluntarily
waived his rights when he provided the recorded statement to Detective Varela[,]” and “that the
statement made by Emmanuel Armendariz was voluntary and complies with the provisions of
11
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 38.22.” This demonstrates that in making its decision,
the trial court considered both the testimony from the hearing and the content of Appellant’s
recorded statement.
The recorded statement contained the requisite warnings informing Appellant of his rights,
and the record demonstrates that Appellant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived those
rights. Consequently, Appellant’s recorded statement was admissible, and the trial court did not
abuse its discretion in denying Appellant’s motion to suppress. Issues One and Two are
overruled.
CONCLUSION
The trial court’s judgment is affirmed.
STEVEN L. HUGHES, Justice
May 8, 2015
Before McClure, C.J., Rodriguez, and Hughes, JJ.
(Do Not Publish)
12
Exhibit E
Judgment and Conviction by the trial court
P a g e | 29
CASE No. 201 OOD06116 couNT I of II
INCIDENT NO.ITRN: 9051930852
§
IN THE 409TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
THE STATE OF TEXAS
COURT
§
v. §
§
Armendariz, Emmanuel § EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS
§
STATE ID No.: 07021556 §
JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION BY COURT-WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
Date Judgment
Judge Presiding: HON. SAM MEDRANO JR. 04/12/lS
Entered:
Attorney for
Attorney for State: PENNY HAMILTON Defendant: EDUARDO LERMA
Offen&e for which Defendant Convicted:
INJ CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLED RECKLESS BIIMENTAL
Charging Instrument: Statute for Offense:
INDICTMENT 22.04 (E) PC
Date of Offense:
08/27/10
Degree of Offen``e: Plea to Offense: Findings on Deadly Weapon:
2nd Degree Felony GUILTY N/A
Terms of Plea Bargain:
STATE'S RECOMMENDATION
Plea to 1'' Enhancement Plea to 2nd Enhancement/Habitual
Paragraph: N/A Paragraph: N/A
Findings on 1•1 Enhancement Findings on 2•d
Paragraph: N/A Enhancement/Habitual Paragr~tph : N/A
Date Sentence Imposed: 04125/lS Date Sentence to Commence: 04125/13
Punishment and Place
of Confinement:
THREE (3) YEARS INSTITUTIONAL DIVISION, TDCJ
THIS SENTENCE SHALL RUN N/A
D SENTENCE OF CONFINEMENT SUSPENDED, DEFENDANT PLACED ON COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR
NIA.
Fjno: Court Costs: Restitution; Restitution Payable to;
N/A $N/A
$231.00 0 VICTIM (see below) 0 AGENCY/AGENT (see below)
Sex Offender Registration Requirements do not apply to the Defendant. TEX. CODE CittM. PROC. chapter 62
The age of the victim at the time of the offense was N/A_
If Defendant is to serve sentence in TDCJ, onter incar-.E!ration pl!rio:
t"';l
~(j
t'J'(2
'-'
ie CASE NO. 20100006116 COUNT II ofll
INCIDENT NO.ITRN: N/A
lN THE 409TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
COURT
§
v. §
§
Armendariz, Emmanuel § EL PASO COUNTY, TExAS
§
STAT~ lD NO.: 07021556 §
JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION BY COURT-WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
Date Judcment
Judge Presiding: HoN. SAM MEDRANO JR. 04/12118
Entered:
Attorney for
Attorney for State: PENNY HAMILTON Defendant:
EDUARDO LERMA
Offen§e for which Defepdant Convicted:
MANSLAUGHTER
Chaminc Instrument; Statute for Otfen88;
INDICTMENT 19.04 PC
Date of Offense:
08/27/10
Degrt?e of Offense; Plea to Offen!H!: Findinca on Deadly Weapon:
2nd Degree Felony GUILTY N/A
Torms of Plea Bargain:
STATE'S RECOMMENDATION
Plea to 1" Enhancement Plea to 2"d Enhancement/Habitual
Parap-aph: N/A ParaJI'apb: N/A
Findings on 1" Enhancemeot Findincs on 2•d
Paragraph: NIA EnhancementJHabitual ParaiJ'aph: N/A
Date Sentence Imposed: 04/26/13 Date Sentence to Commence: 04125/13
Purushment and Place
of Confinement:
THREE (3) YEARS INSTITUTIONAL DMSION, TDCJ
THIS SENTENCE SHALL RUN N/A
0 SENTENCE OF CONFiNEMENT SUSPENDED. DEFENDANT PLACED ON COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR
N/A.
Fine: Court Costa; Restitution Payable t.o:
Restitution:
N/A $231.00 $N/A 0 VICTIM (see below) 0 AGENCY/AGENT (see bolow)
Sex Offender Reaistrat.lon Requirement& do not apply to the Defendant. TEX. ConK CRIM. PROC. chapter 62
The age of the victim at the time of the offense wae NIA.
If Def~tndi!Qt je to !I!!Tve Mntence in TQCJ. enter incarcerMtjun neriode in chronolociC!II order
From 08/28/10 to 08/28110 From 06/13/11 to 06/24/11
Time
Credited: If Defendant " to aerve snwm:e jn county jaU or ja ¥inn cl'l!djt toward fine and coKtv enter doya credited below.
N/A DAYS NOTES: N/A
All p•rtlneDt iaformation,narnee otnd ......,.,.au indicated above are incorporated into thelaa&ua&e ohhejudrmeat below by refuenc~.
This cause was called for trial in El Paso County, Texu. The State appeared by her District Attorney.
Counsel I Walyer of Counsel (solgqt one)
~ Defendant appeared in person with Counsel.
0 Defendant knowinJiy, intellicently, and voluntarily wajved the right to representation by countcl in writing in open court.
· - - - -·- -·- - - ·------·-
Both parties announced ready for trial. Defendant waived the right of trial by jury and entered the plea indicated above.
The Court then admonished Defendant as required by law. It appeared to the Court that Defendant was mentally competent to
stand trial, made the plea freely and voluntarily, and waa aware of the consequences of this plea. The Court received the plea and
entered it of record . Raving heard the evidence submitted, the Court found Defendant guilty ofthe offense indicated above. In the
presence of Defendant, the Court pronounced sentence against Defendant.
The Court FINDS Defendant committed the above offense and ORDERS, ADJUDGES AND DECREES that Defendant is
GUlLTY of the above offense. The Court FINDS the Presentence Investigation, if so ordered, waa done accordinc to the applicable
provisions of TEX. CoDE CRIM. PRo c. art. 42.12 § 9.
The Court ORDERS Defendant punished as indicated above. The Court ORDERS Defendant to pay all fines, court costa, and
restitution as indicated above.
Punithment Options (seJect one)
~ Confinement in State Jail or Institutional Division. The Court ORDERS the authorized &ient of the State of Texas or the
Sheriff of this County to take, safely convey, and deliver Defendant to the Director, Institutional Division, TDCJ. The Court
ORDERS Defendant to be confined for the period and in the manner i11dicated above. The Court ORDIIKS Defendant remanded to the
custody of the Sheriff of this county until the She-riff can obey the directions of thia sentence. The Court O&DERS that upon release
from confinement, Defendant proceed immediately to the Institutional Division, TDCJ. Once there, the Court ORDERS Defendant
to pay, or make arranrements to pay, any remaining unpaid fines, court costs, and restitution as ordered by the Court above.
0 County Jail-Confinement I Confinement in Lieu of Payment. The Court ORDERS Defendant immediately committed to
the cuetody of the Sheriff of El Pa.o County, Texu on the date the sentence is to commence. Defendant shall be confined in the El
Paso County Detention Facility for the period indicated above. The Court ORDERS that upon release from confinement, Defendant
shall proceed immediately to the El Paso County Detention Facility, Once there, the Court 0Rl>ERS Defendant to pay, or make
arrangements to pay, any remaining unpaid fines, court costs, and restitution as ordered by the Court above.
0 Fine Only Payment. The punishment assessed against Defendant is for a FINE ONLY. The Court ORDERS Defendant to proceed
immediately to the Office of the El Paso County Collections Department. Once there, the Court ORDERS Defendant to pay or
make arrangement& to pay all fines and court costs as ordered by the Court in this cause.
Execution I Susvension of Sentence (select one)
1:81 The Court ORDERS Defendant's sentence EXECUTED.
0 The Court ORDERS Defendant's sentence of confinement SUSPENDED. The Court ORDERS Defendant placed on community
supervision for the adjudged period (above) so long as Defendant abides by and does not violate the terms and conditions of
community supervision. The order setting forth the terms and conditions of community supervision is incorporated into this
judgment by reference.
The Court ORDERS that Defendant is riven credit noted above on this sentence fo.r the time spent incarcerated.
Furthermore. the followin& special findings or orders apply:
Signed and entered on 04/ '2? I 2013
JUDGE PRESlDING
Right Thumbprint
Clerk: Rosemary Cruz
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