State Of Washington, V. Nga Ngoeung

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
November 9, 2021
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 54110-6-II
Respondent,
v. ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR
RECONSIDERATION AND
NGA NGOEUNG, WITHDRAWING OPINION
Appellant.
Respondent, State of Washington, moves this court to reconsider its August 31, 2021
opinion. After consideration, we grant the motion. The court’s August 31, 2021 opinion is
hereby withdrawn and a new opinion will be filed in due course. It is
SO ORDERED.
Panel: Jj. Maxa, Cruser, Veljacic
FOR THE COURT:
Veljacic, J.
Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
August 31, 2021
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 54110-6-II
Respondent,
v.
NGA NGOEUNG, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
VELJACIC, J. — In 1995, a jury convicted Nga Ngoeung of two counts of aggravated murder
in the first degree, two counts of aggravated assault in the first degree, and one count of taking a
motor vehicle without the owner’s permission. The trial court resentenced Ngoeung in 2015 under
the “Miller1 fix” statutes, RCW 10.95.035 and .030(3). He appeals the sentence he received in
2019 on remand from this court’s decision in State v. Nga (NMI) Ngoeung,2 his second
resentencing under the Miller fix.
Ngoeung argues that the sentencing court erred in denying his motion to recuse the
sentencing judge. He also argues that the court failed to meaningfully consider all of the Miller
factors, failed to take into account his history when evaluating his potential for rehabilitation, and
failed to explain why it imposed standard range consecutive sentences for his two assault
1
Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 183 L. Ed. 2d 407 (2012).
2
No. 47157-4-II (Wash. Ct. App. Dec. 27, 2018) (unpublished),
https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/D2%2047157-4-II%20Order%20Amending.pdf.
54110-6-II
convictions. Finally, he asserts that the court improperly placed the burden to prove his youth as
a mitigating factor on him, and that the burden of proof should instead have been on the State.
We do not reach Ngoeung’s argument regarding recusal because he failed to provide us
with an adequate record on which to review the issue. While recognizing the rapidly changing
area of law related to life sentences in our state,3 we conclude that the trial court both failed to
meaningfully consider the Miller factors and failed to explain its reasoning in imposing Ngoeung’s
sentence. Accordingly, we reverse the sentence previously imposed and remand for resentencing.
FACTS
I. THE CRIME 4
In August 1994, four high school boys drove down a Tacoma street throwing eggs. Some
of the eggs hit a house that turned out to be a hangout for a local gang. Ngoeung, then age 17,
Oloth Insyxiengmay, age 15, and Soutthanom Misaengsay, age 13, were associated with the gang
and were outside the house during the egging. Believing the attack was gang related,
Insyxiengmay entered the house and took the owner’s rifle. The three boys got in a car, and with
Ngoeung driving, followed the other car. Insyxiengmay put the rifle out the window and shot at
the other boys’ car. Two of the boys in the other car were killed.
3
During the pendency of this appeal, our state Supreme Court has issued several new opinions
impacting sentencing of juveniles, one of which squarely impacts this very case: State v.
Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d 106, 456 P.3d 806 (2020).
4
The facts from this section are taken in part from the Ninth Circuit’s opinion in Insyxiengmay v.
Morgan, 403 F.3d 657 (9th Cir. 2005).
3
54110-6-II
Insyxiengmay, Ngoeung, and Misaengsay then returned to the house and Insyxiengmay
handed the rifle to someone inside the house, told her to get rid of it, and said, “[w]e shot them up.
We shot them up. They threw eggs at us, the Rickets.[5] We shot them up.” Insyxiengmay v.
Morgan, 403 F.3d 657, 661 (9th Cir. 2005). Ngoeung was arrested on September 3, 1994 and
confessed to police that he drove the car during the shooting.
In 1995, the court tried Ngoeung as an adult and a jury found him guilty of two counts of
aggravated murder in the first degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, and one count of
taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission (TMVWP). The court sentenced Ngoeung
to two consecutive terms of the then-mandatory sentence of life without possibility of parole
(LWOP) for the two aggravated murder in the first degree convictions. Former RCW 10.95.030(1)
(1993). The court also sentenced him to 136 months and 123 months for the two assaults, and 8
months for the TMVWP count, all to be served consecutively following his aggravated murder
sentences.
II. FIRST RESENTENCING
Pursuant to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S.
460, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 183 L. Ed. 2d 407 (2012), and the subsequent “Miller fix”6 implemented by
the legislature in 2014, the trial court resentenced Ngoeung in January 2015. At that hearing, the
court again sentenced Ngoeung to two LWOP sentences on the aggravated murder in the first
degree convictions and ordered that the sentences run consecutively. It left the sentences for the
assaults and TMVWP unchanged.
5
A slang term for certain rival gang members.
6
RCW 10.95.030 and .035.
4
54110-6-II
III. FIRST APPEAL
Ngoeung appealed his sentence, arguing in part that his LWOP sentences were
unconstitutional and that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Ngoeung, No.
47157-4-II, slip op. at 1-2 (Wash. Ct. App. Dec. 27, 2018) (unpublished),
https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/D2%2047157-4-II%20Order%20Amending.pdf. While
the appeal was pending, the Washington Supreme Court held that a LWOP sentence for a juvenile
was categorically barred by the state constitution. State v. Bassett, 192 Wn.2d 67, 91, 428 P.3d
343 (2018).
Accordingly, in an unpublished opinion, this court held that Ngoeung’s sentences for
LWOP were unconstitutional under Bassett and remanded to the trial court for resentencing.
Ngoeung, No. 47157-4-II, slip op. at 9, 12.
IV. SECOND RESENTENCING
Pursuant to the remand, in September 2019, Ngoeung appeared before the same judge who
had sentenced him in 2015, for a second Miller resentencing. Prior to the hearing, Ngoeung filed
a motion to have the judge recuse himself. He argued that the judge made statements during the
first resentencing in 2015 that would make a reasonably prudent, disinterested observer conclude
the hearing was not fair and impartial.7 The judge denied Ngoeung’s motion.
At the second sentencing hearing, the court considered the parties’ sentencing memoranda
and appended materials, the testimony and report of defense expert Dr. Michael Stanfill, other
expert reports, the testimony of and letters from Ngoeung’s family, the testimony of the victim’s
families, and the prior submitted materials considered at the sentencing in January 2015.
7
The transcript of the 2015 resentencing is not in the record.
5
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A. Mitigation Materials
The mitigation evidence included a report by a mitigation specialist, summarizing the
circumstances in Ngoeung’s life and included the following:
Ngoeung’s parents fled from the Cambodian genocide to a refugee camp in Thailand where
Ngoeung was born prematurely. Eventually in 1980, the family migrated to the United States.
Ngoeung began school at age 6 and repeated first grade three times. His education ended
after fourth grade due to his difficulty learning English and paying attention, frequent absences,
and no significant involvement by his parents in his education. At age 16, Ngoeung was “jumped”
into a gang by his cousins. Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 135. The report stated that joining a gang was
not a choice in Ngoeung’s neighborhood and at that time there were no other resources available
to gain acceptance, safety, and money. His family also stated that Ngoeung as a young man was
“gullible and could be easily manipulated.” CP at 135.
Dr. Terry Lee’s 2014 report stated Ngoeung’s cognitive and psychosocial functioning at
the time of his offense was different than that of an adult and was delayed relative to other 17 year
olds. Lee opined that Ngoeung’s experiences as a refugee and immigrant, acculturation problems,
cognitive and language delays, developmental immaturity, poverty, life in a high crime area,
limited education, exposure to domestic violence and harsh parenting, lack of positive role models,
socializing with antisocial and assertive peers, and his untreated mental health problems all
rendered him less culpable than an adult. Dr. Lee further concluded that at age 17, Ngoeung’s
decision-making and problem-solving skills were not fully developed and left him vulnerable to
impulsivity and poor choices.
6
54110-6-II
The mitigation packet also included a letter from Insyxiengmay, Ngoeung’s codefendant.
Insyxiengmay discussed Ngoeung at the time of the crime, stating that he “rarely said no to what
others asked him to do or wanted to do. Although we were all teenagers, cognitively, Mr. Ngoeung
seem[ed] to be the youngest among our group.” CP at 119. Additionally, their relationship “was
one where he took guidance and direction from me although he was my senior by a couple years.”
CP at 119.
During the years of his incarceration, Ngoeung participated in relatively little
“programming.” The mitigation report and Insyxiengmay’s letter noted a Department of
Corrections (DOC) policy “that ‘lifers’ and those in the custody [of the] DOC with ICE detainers,
will be placed on the ‘lowest priority’ for programming opportunities.” CP at 120. However, the
report noted that since his 2015 resentencing to LWOP, Ngoeung had attempted to engage in the
“little programming [that had] been available to him,” including “Aggression Replacement
Therapy . . . , Advanced Skills Building, Motivation Engagement, and Anger Control Therapy.”
CP at 143-44.
The State’s sentencing information included records showing Ngoeung’s continuing
involvement with gangs as well as 50 serious prison infractions. The most serious of which
included aggravated assault on another inmate in 2018 and participation in a riot in 2016. Since
2001, Ngoeung was involved in five separate incidents that resulted in sanctions of a minimum of
nine months in administrative segregation for each incident.
Dr. Stanfill testified at the resentencing hearing and submitted a report consistent with his
testimony. He discussed Ngoeung’s record of infractions while incarcerated. He opined that the
incidents of violence or aggression “were in direct response to Mr. Ngoeung living in a very
dangerous setting for the past 24 years where there were strong values associated with violence
7
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and abiding by a ‘code’ was required to maintain one’s sense of safety, regardless of consequence.”
CP at 256. Dr. Stanfill concluded that Ngoeung’s prison infraction history stemmed from his
arrested development and the high rate of violence in the prison that he had to negotiate.
The State recommended two mandatory 25-year terms for the aggravated murder in the
first degree convictions and terms at the low end of standard ranges for the two convictions for
assault in the first degree and the conviction for TMVWP. The recommendation included a request
to run the assault and TMVWP terms consecutive to the aggravated murder terms for a total of
66.5 years.
B. The Court’s Oral Ruling
The court discussed the evolution of case law covering the consideration of youth at
sentencing. The court stated that it found Bassett “instructional because it’s factually similar to
the case at bar. Bassett was convicted at age 16 of three counts of aggravated murder in the first
degree for killing his parents and a brother.” Report of Proceedings (RP) (Sept. 6, 2019) at 90.
However, the court noted that unlike Ngoeung, “Bassett had taken multiple steps toward
rehabilitation.” RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 91.
The court acknowledged the evidence relating to Ngoeung’s cognitive delay and mental
health and concluded: “there is no doubt that at the time of the crime that was committed, the
murders and assaults that were committed in this case, Mr. Ngoeung was operating at a level of
cognitive function which was certainly well below normal.” RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 92. Also, “there
is considerable evidence of psychological damage, something not behaviorally driven, but indeed
part of an organic brain issue, whether that is genetic, related to earlier brain trauma or whatever.”
RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 93.
8
54110-6-II
The court continued by discussing rehabilitation, stating, “At the 2015 resentencing, the
Court observed that Mr. Ngoeung had made no effort perceptively to engage in rehabilitative type
of conduct, that being no further educational attainment, no skills acquisition. He eschewed mental
health treatment, empathy training and the like.” RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 94.
The court noted that at the 2015 remand hearing Ngoeung’s attorney argued “that with the
prospect of a lifetime of imprisonment, there was no motivation for Mr. Ngoeung to rehabilitate
since he needed to focus on adaption to survival in the penitentiary.” RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 94.
The court continued:
While that was an explanation for the choices Mr. Ngoeung made, it misses
the point of what rehabilitation actually is.
Rehabilitation must be internally driven and those efforts undertaken for
their own sake to make the individual being rehabilitated a better functioning
person, to make behavioral adjustments because it’s the right thing to do,
irrespective of the duration of a person’s incarceration.
....
It is a matter of judgment, and my judgment comes down to this:
Mr. Ngoeung will be resentenced to two 25 year to life terms of
imprisonment that will be served concurrently. And then they will be followed
consecutively [with the two convictions for assault in the first degree] by 102
months []and 93 months[, respectively].
By my rough calculation, that comes to 195 months that will be consecutive
to the 25 years to life sentence for the murders.
After all of that time is done, then the ISRB [Indeterminate Sentence
Review Board] will be able to make its determinations.
The eight months on the [conviction for TMVWP] can be served concurrent
with all of the rest of this.
RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 94-97.
9
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C. Findings of Fact
The court entered findings of fact that stated in relevant part:8
10. [The] mitigation report on Mr. Ngoeung’s family and social history
detailed many instances and examples of seizures, head trauma, developmental
delays, and difficulties in school while growing up suffered by Mr. Ngoeung.
11. Dr. Stanfill’s report and testimony indicating that Mr. Ngoeung was
immature, less cognitively complex, overly compliant to antisocial peers, and
directly impacted by numerous socioeconomic, geographic, and other social factors
outside his control.
12. Dr. Terry Lee’s mental health report dated November 5[], 2014, was
reviewed by the Court and was consistent with Dr. Stanfill’s findings.
13. Dr. Kathleen Mayers’s 1990 report found that [] Ngoeung was
disabled for the purposes of social security. Mr. Ngoeung’s Wechsler Intelligence
test for children, taken during that evaluation and in widespread usage across the
United States, yielded a full-scale IQ of 55, placing Mr. Ngoeung in the mildly
retarded range of mental functioning.
14. At the time the crimes were committed in this case, Mr. Ngoeung
was likely in a borderline range for mental retardation and certainly well below
normal intellectual functioning.
....
17. The reports from DOC highlight that the deficits that were observed
in 1995 have persisted longitudinally and add credibility to those initial findings.
18. There is considerable evidence of Mr. Ngoeung’s psychological
damage; it is likely some organic brain issue that is not behaviorally driven. It is
unknown if the etiology is genetic or related to some earlier trauma to the brain.
CP at 517-18.
The court concluded:
There are substantial and compelling reasons involving the attributes of youth and
Mr. Ngoeung’s personal attributes in this case to justify an exceptional sentence of
running counts 1 and 2 concurrently (each a 25 years to life sentence) to each other
under State v. Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d 169, 438 P.3d 133 (2019), and the non-exclusive
mitigating factors of RCW 9.94A.535(1).
8
The findings of fact regarding the crime and Ngoeung’s general history are verities on appeal
and are incorporated into the facts section above. State v. O’Neill, 148 Wn.2d 564, 571, 62 P.3d
489 (2003) (unchallenged findings of fact are verities on appeal).
10
54110-6-II
CP at 519. Ngoeung appeals.9
ANALYSIS
I. JUDICIAL BIAS
Ngoeung argues that the sentencing judge erred in denying his motion to recuse.
Under the state and federal constitutions, a criminal defendant has the right to be tried and
sentenced by an impartial court. U.S. CONST. amends. VI, XIV; WASH. CONST. art. I, § 22. The
law requires more than an impartial judge; it requires that the judge also appear to be impartial.
State v. Gamble, 168 Wn.2d 161, 187, 225 P.3d 973 (2010). The party asserting a violation of the
appearance of fairness doctrine must show a judge’s actual or potential bias. Id. at 187-88.
A party seeking review has the burden of perfecting the record so that the appellate court
has before it all the evidence relevant to the issue. State v. Garcia, 45 Wn. App. 132, 140, 724
P.2d 412 (1986). Ngoeung’s argument below was based on statements made by the trial court at
the 2015 resentencing. Although Ngoeung quotes various statements in his briefing on appeal and
in his motion to recuse following the last remand, the transcript of that resentencing is not in the
record. We cannot determine if the challenged statements show evidence of bias without the
context that they appear in. Because Ngoeung has failed to provide an adequate record for review,
we decline to address the argument.
Ngoeung also requests a new judge on remand. Reassignment may be sought on appeal in
limited circumstances, but is “generally not available as an appellate remedy if an appellate opinion
offers sufficient guidance to effectively limit trial court discretion on remand.” State v. Solis-Diaz,
187 Wn.2d 535, 540, 387 P.3d 703 (2017). We decline to reassign because there has been no
9
On November 18, 2020, after this appeal was filed the ISRB conducted a release hearing pursuant
to RCW 10.95.030(3)(f) and RCW 9.94A.730. It declined to release Ngoeung. ISRB (Final
Decision Date Dec. 14, 2020).
11
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showing that the sentencing judge is unable to apply the law from this opinion while otherwise
exercising the discretion allowed.
II. CONSIDERATION UNDER MILLER
Ngoeung requests that we reverse and remand for resentencing. He argues that the
sentencing court (1) failed to meaningfully consider all of the Miller factors, including the extent
of his participation in the crime and whether his youth and intellectual disability impacted his legal
defense; (2) failed to take into account his history when evaluating his potential for rehabilitation;
and (3) failed to explain why it imposed a standard range, consecutive sentence for his assault
convictions, despite finding that he was entitled to a minimum, concurrent sentence for the
aggravated murder convictions. Before addressing each of these arguments in turn, we discuss
general principles related to this subject matter.
A. General Legal Principles
Prior to Miller,10 Washington imposed a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility
of parole for an offender convicted of aggravated murder in the first degree, regardless of the
offender’s age. Bassett, 192 Wn.2d at 73-74. In response to Miller, our legislature enacted the
“Miller fix” statute, which provides:
(ii) Any person convicted of the crime of aggravated first degree murder for an
offense committed when the person is at least sixteen years old but less than
eighteen years old shall be sentenced to a maximum term of life imprisonment and
a minimum term of total confinement of no less than twenty-five years. A
10
In Miller, the United States Supreme Court held that it was unconstitutional to impose mandatory
life without parole sentences for juvenile homicide offenders. 567 U.S. at 489. The Court based
its determination on the fact that juvenile offenders have diminished culpability and are “‘less
deserving of the most severe punishments’” because they lack maturity and have an
underdeveloped sense of responsibility, they are more vulnerable to outside pressures and negative
influences, and their traits are less likely to be evidence of irretrievable depravity. Id. at 471(quoting Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48, 68, 130 S. Ct. 2011, 176 L. Ed. 2d 825 (2010)).
12
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minimum term of life may be imposed, in which case the person will be ineligible
for parole or early release.
(b) In setting a minimum term, the court must take into account mitigating factors
that account for the diminished culpability of youth as provided in [Miller, 132 U.S.
460] including, but not limited to, the age of the individual, the youth's childhood
and life experience, the degree of responsibility the youth was capable of
exercising, and the youth's chances of becoming rehabilitated.
RCW 10.95.030(3).11
Subsequently, the Washington Supreme Court held that, even if not mandatory, a sentence
of life without parole for juvenile offenders was unconstitutional and, therefore, RCW
10.95.030(3)(a)(ii) was unconstitutional to the extent that it allowed such a sentence. Bassett, 192
Wn.2d. at 91.
Later, in applying Miller to a de-facto life sentence, the Washington Supreme Court held
that if a sentencing court finds that an exceptional sentence is warranted, it has the discretion to
“adjust the standard sentence to provide for a reduced term of years, for concurrent rather than
consecutive sentences, or for both.” Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176-77.
We glean from these authorities that any life sentence without the possibility of parole for
a juvenile is unconstitutional. Further, a sentencing court has discretion to depart from any
statutory guidance for sentencing to provide for a lower sentence. Additional recent authorities
require the sentencing court to consider several factors and to explain its reasoning. Those
authorities are discussed below.
11
The “Miller fix” bill also created RCW 10.95.035, which required resentencing for any juvenile
offender sentenced to life without parole prior to passage of the bill (SSSB 5064). RCW
10.95.035(1) requires resentencing of these offenders to be performed consistent with the amended
RCW 10.95.030. The bill also enacted RCW 9.94A.730, which allows most juvenile offenders to
petition the ISRB for release once they have served 20 years in prison, excluding sentences for
aggravated murder in the first degree under RCW 10.95.030. RCW 9.94A.730(1).
13
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B. Standard of Review
An appeal from a resentencing under RCW 10.95.030 is a direct appeal of the newly-
imposed sentence. State v. Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d 106, 128, 456 P.3d 806 (2020). We will reverse
a sentencing court’s decision only if we find “‘a clear abuse of discretion or misapplication of the
law.’” Id. at 116 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Blair, 191 Wn.2d 155, 159,
421 P.3d 937 (2018)). A trial court abuses its discretion when “‘its decision is manifestly
unreasonable or based upon untenable grounds.’” Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d at 116 (internal
quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Lamb, 175 Wn.2d 121, 127, 285 P.3d 27 (2012)).
Significantly, a trial court “lacks the discretion to impose a standard range sentence without first
considering the mitigating circumstances of youth where the defendant committed the crime as a
juvenile.” State v. Backstrom, 15 Wn. App. 2d 103, 106, 476 P.3d 201 (2020). We next address
Ngoeung’s arguments in turn.
C. Requirement of “Meaningful Consideration” of Youth Under RCW 10.35.030,
Gilbert, and Delbosque.
In exercising its discretion in sentencing a juvenile, the court must consider
the mitigating circumstances related to the defendant’s youth, including, but not
limited to, the juvenile’s immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks
and consequences—the nature of the juvenile’s surrounding environment and
family circumstances, the extent of the juvenile’s participation in the crime, the way
familial and peer pressures may have affected him or her, how youth impacted any
legal defense, and any factors suggesting that the juvenile might be successfully
rehabilitated.
Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176.
Trial courts, whether sentencing a juvenile pursuant to RCW 10.95.035 or whether
sentencing under title 9.94A RCW, have the affirmative duty to “‘meaningfully consider’” the
individual circumstances of the particular youthful offender and the offense. Delbosque, 195
14
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Wn.2d at 121 (quoting State v. Ramos, 187 Wn.2d 420, 434-35, 387 P.3d 650 (2017)). In doing
so, the court must “tak[e] care to thoroughly explain its reasoning.” Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176;
see also Ramos, 187 Wn.2d at 443-44 (“[A] court conducting a Miller hearing must do far more
than simply recite the differences between juveniles and adults and make conclusory statements
that the offender has not shown an exceptional downward sentence is justified. . . . The sentencing
court must thoroughly explain its reasoning, specifically considering the differences between
juveniles and adults identified by the Miller Court and how those differences apply to the case
presented.”).12
1. Factors Relating to Culpability at the Time of the Offense
The Supreme Court has not mandated that sentencing courts address on the record a
specific number of factors in order to have “meaningfully” considered a defendant’s youth.
Nonetheless, the trial court was required at the very least to meaningfully consider whether youth
diminished Ngoeung’s culpability. RCW 10.95.030(3)(b); Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d at 115, 121.
Demonstrating a thorough study and understanding of the legal framework at the time, the
court here outlined the case law covering Miller sentencings and discussed the findings of the
reports in the mitigation package. The court acknowledged in its oral ruling that “there is no doubt
that at the time of the crime that was committed, . . . Ngoeung was operating at a level of cognitive
function which was certainly well below normal.” RP (Sept. 6, 2019) at 92. Additionally, the
court’s written findings of fact focus primarily on Ngoeung’s impaired cognitive functioning.
12
Although Ramos and Basset did not involve a Miller resentencing as is the case here, the
Supreme Court noted “although neither case directly applied RCW 10.95.035, both discuss issues
that are highly relevant to what is required when setting a minimum term pursuant to the Miller-
fix statute. Much of their analysis therefore applies to this case and to Miller hearings pursuant to
RCW 10.95.030.” Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d at 120.
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However, and despite these findings, the court did not explain how Ngoeung’s cognitive
delay related to the attributes of youth like immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks
and consequences. Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176. More importantly, as required by Delbosque, it
did not discuss whether Ngoeung’s youth diminished his culpability.
The court did not, on the record, discuss “the degree of responsibility that [Ngoeung] was
capable of exercising.” RCW 10.95.030(3)(b). Thus, it failed to account for “the way familial and
peer pressures may have affected [Ngoeung]” despite mitigation evidence that due to his age and
cognitive delay he was “easily manipulated” and “gullible.” Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176; CP at
135. According to the record, the court also did not consider the extent of Ngoeung’s participation
in the crime, as the driver rather than the shooter.
Defense counsel addressed Ngoeung’s lack of education, cognitive delay, and language
barrier, and how that affected his decision whether to plead guilty and testify against his friends
like Misaengsay did. However, the court did not discuss how Ngoeung’s youth “impacted any
legal defense.” Gilbert, 193 Wn.2d at 176.
The sentencing court here did not have the benefit of the Delbosque decision, which issued
several months after the sentencing at issue here. In Delbosque, the Supreme Court noted its
concern that the trial court had “oversimplified and sometimes disregarded Delbosque’s mitigation
evidence.” 195 Wn.2d at 118-19. The Supreme Court also expressed concern that the sentencing
court’s ruling did “little to acknowledge Delbosque’s mitigation evidence demonstrating his
capacity for change.” Id. at 119. The trial court heard testimony regarding Delbosque’s
qualification for lower security levels, his minimal number of infractions while incarcerated, and
his low risk for future dangerousness. Id. This testimony was “not addressed” in the sentencing
16
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court’s analysis, which suggested to the Supreme Court that the sentencing court “did not
adequately consider” it. Id. at 119-20.
Similarly here, Ngoeung submitted mitigation evidence and testimony demonstrating his
lack of culpability due to his immaturity, the nature of his surrounding environment and family
circumstances, the extent of his participation in the crime, the way peer pressure may have affected
him. However, this evidence was not addressed in the sentencing court’s analysis, suggesting that
the sentencing court “did not adequately consider” it. Id. at 119-20.13
If the court did “specifically consider[] the differences between juveniles and adults
identified by the Miller Court and how those differences apply to [Ngoeung’s case,]” it failed to
thoroughly explain its reasoning on the record. Ramos, 187 Wn.2d at 444. So, although we could
infer that the concurrent sentences for these horrible murders reflected some diminished
culpability, a sentencing court must expressly consider the impact of youth on culpability so that
this consideration appears on the record.
2. Potential for Rehabilitation
The court also failed to meaningfully consider all of Ngoeung’s evidence regarding his
potential for rehabilitation because it did not address how the evidence related to Ngoeung’s
capacity to change. Its oral ruling focused primarily on Ngoeung’s pre-2015 incarceration record
and his failure to engage in programming; the court discussed this in relation to the requirement
that “sentencing courts [] meaningfully consider ‘mitigating factors that account for the diminished
culpability of youth,’ including ‘the youth’s chances of becoming rehabilitated.’” Delbosque, 195
Wn.2d at 120 (quoting RCW 10.95.030(3)(b)). The court found the explanation for Ngoeung’s
13
Delbosque challenged the court’s factual findings and the court reversed because substantial
evidence did not support findings of fact, however, the requirement that a sentencing court
adequately consider mitigation evidence applies here regardless.
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apparent lack of effort in engaging in rehabilitation unpersuasive, stating, “[r]ehabilitation must
be internally driven . . . because it’s the right thing to do, irrespective of the duration of a person’s
incarceration.” RP (Sept.6, 2019) at 94.14
The court was well within its discretion to consider evidence of lack of rehabilitation.
Ramos, 187 Wn.2d at 449. Indeed, “‘[t]he key question is whether the defendant is capable of
change.’” Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d at 122 (quoting United States v. Briones, 929 F.3d 1057, 1066
(9th Cir. 2019)). But, the court also should have considered the evidence of rehabilitation since
Ngoeung’s 2015 hearing, and addressed how it related to Ngoeung’s capacity for change given the
crucial role such information plays in juvenile sentencing.15 Specifically, the court here failed to
mention that, according to the mitigation report, since his 2015 resentencing to LWOP, Ngoeung
had attempted to engage in the “little programming [that] had been available to him,” including
“Aggression Replacement Therapy . . . , Advanced Skills Building, Motivation Engagement, and
Anger Control Therapy.” CP at 143-44. Under Delbosque, the court is required to meaningfully
consider such evidence. 195 Wn.2d at 120 (the trial court must engage in a meaningful, forward
looking assessment of the individual’s capacity for change).
14
But, the Supreme Court has recognized the impact that a life sentence alone has on a juvenile’s
rehabilitation, stating, “A young person who knows that he or she has no chance to leave prison
before life’s end has little incentive to become a responsible individual.” Graham v. Florida, 560
U.S. 48, 79, 130 S. Ct. 2011, 176 L. Ed. 2d 825 (2010).
15
“In clarifying what is required in a Miller hearing, the Ninth Circuit declared that sentencing
courts ‘must reorient the sentencing analysis to a forward-looking assessment of the defendant’s
capacity for change or propensity for incorrigibility, rather than a backward-focused review of the
defendant’s criminal history.’” Delbosque, 195 Wn.2d at 1222 (quoting Briones, 929 F.3d at
1066).
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The Delbosque sentencing court similarly omitted favorable rehabilitation evidence in its
analysis:
Similarly, the oral ruling does little to acknowledge Delbosque’s mitigation
evidence demonstrating his capacity for change. The Court of Appeals highlighted
testimony that Delbosque “would qualify for minimum security except for the term
of his sentence and an immigration detainer.” [State v.] Delbosque, 6 Wn. App. 2d
[407,] 410, 430 P.3d 1153 [(2018)]. In addition, Dr. Saint Martin testified that
Delbosque’s relatively few infractions over a 23-year period, coupled with his
progressive decrease in security level, were proof that he was not irreparable and
in fact could safely be released. He further opined that Delbosque’s risk for future
dangerousness would be low. This evidence, however, was not addressed in the
trial court’s analysis.
195 Wn.2d at 119.
The sentencing court here erred in not addressing all favorable evidence of rehabilitation
in its analysis and in not explaining how it relates to Ngoeung’s potential for rehabilitation.
Next, Ngoeung argues that the sentencing court failed to consider how his cognitive
disability diminished his opportunity for rehabilitation. He asserts that this failure provides an
independent basis for reversal. Because we remand for resentencing, we do not address this
argument.
D. Failure to Explain Standard Sentence Range for Assault Charges
Ngoeung argues that the court failed to explain why it imposed a standard range,
consecutive sentence for his assault convictions, despite finding that he was entitled to a minimum,
concurrent sentence for aggravated murder convictions.
In Gilbert, the court held that the sentencing court could consider the mitigating
circumstances related to the defendant’s youth, “the convictions at issue, the standard sentencing
ranges, and any other relevant factors—and should then determine whether to impose an
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exceptional sentence, taking care to thoroughly explain its reasoning.” 193 Wn.2d at 176
(emphasis added).
We also note that after oral argument on this case, Division I of this court decided State v.
Rogers, 17 Wn. App. 2d 466, 487 P.3d 177 (2021). In that case, the court addressed the State’s
appeal of an exceptional sentence below the standard range based on youth as a mitigating factor.
Id. at 468. In response to the State’s argument that the sentence was too lenient and thus unlawful,
Rogers argued that an exceptional sentence based on youth cannot be reviewed on appeal. Id.Judge Dwyer wrote for the court, which rejected Rogers’s argument, noting the importance of
meaningful appellate review to prevent arbitrary sentencing decisions. Id. Accordingly, it held
that when a sentencing judge determines that youth is a mitigating factor and exercises their
discretion to impose an appropriate sentence, they “(1) must explain the reasons for their
determination, and (2) those reasons must be rationally related to evidence adduced at trial or
present at sentencing.” Id. at 480. The court continued, “We do not require that sentencing courts
explain the calculation leading to the precise length of the sentence imposed. Instead, the court
must provide sufficient reasoning to allow for meaningful appellate review as to whether any
reasonable judge could make the same decision based on the evidence and information before the
sentencing judge.” Id. at 481. We adopt the approach of the Rogers court.
In resentencing Ngoeung, the court did not explain why it imposed the particular sentence
it did. It did not explain why the mitigating factors of youthfulness warranted an exceptional
sentence in the form of running the aggravated murder charges concurrently, while still imposing
standard sentence ranges for the assaults and simultaneously running those consecutively.
The trial court has broad discretion in imposing an appropriate sentence. However, here
the trial court abused its discretion by failing to articulate a full and meaningful consideration of
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Ngoeung’s youth as a mitigating factor during sentencing and by failing to explain its reasoning
in imposing a sentence seemingly inconsistent with its findings of fact. Therefore, we reverse and
remand for the trial court to resentence Ngoeung consistent with this opinion.
E. Eligibility for Release as a “Sufficient Remedy”
The State appears to argue that because he is eligible for release by the ISRB, Ngoeung has
received a “sufficient remedy.” Br. of Resp’t at 32. At oral argument, the State also asserted that
this case is now moot for the same reason. Wash. Court of Appeals, State of Washington v. Nga
Ngoeung, No. 54110-6-II (April 8, 2021), at 9 min., 31 sec. through 9 min., 53 sec. (on file with
court). But the State’s argument is inapposite. In Houston-Sconiers, the Supreme Court
recognized that the existence of a statute that “may offer the possibility of another remedy in the
future, or on collateral review, does not resolve whether petitioners’ sentences are unconstitutional
and in need of correction now. . . . Statutes like RCW 9.94A.730 may provide a remedy on
collateral review . . . but they do not provide sentencing courts with the necessary discretion to
comply with constitutional requirements in the first instance.” 188 Wn.2d at 22-23 (emphasis
added).
III. BURDEN OF PROOF
Ngoeung argues that the court erroneously applied the Sentencing Reform Act of 1981’s
exceptional sentencing provision, and thus improperly placed the burden on Ngoeung to prove that
an exceptional sentence of concurrent terms was warranted. Because we remand for resentencing,
we do not address this argument.
IV. PRESUMPTION OF EXCEPTIONAL SENTENCE
Ngoeung also argues that the authorities necessitate that the court presume his youth
required an exceptional sentence. He further asserts that given this presumption, the prosecution
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“failed to show by any standard of proof that [Ngoeung]’s sentence should exceed the presumptive
minimum.” Br. of Appellant at 54.
In State v. Gregg, which was decided after the parties submitted briefing, the Washington
Supreme Court expressly rejected the argument that when sentencing a juvenile, the court “must
start with a general presumption that a mitigated sentence is required unless the State proves
otherwise.” 196 Wn.2d 473, 482, 474 P.3d 539 (2020). Ngoeung’s argument is without merit
because it is contrary to law.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, we reverse the sentence previously imposed and remand for resentencing
consistent with this opinion and current authority.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
Veljacic, J.
We concur:
Maxa, P.J.
Cruser, J.
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