TRAYLOR, Justice.
On March 14, 2002, a Caddo Parish grand jury indicted the defendant, LaDerrick
The defendant now brings the direct appeal of his conviction and sentence to this court pursuant to La. Const. art. 5, § 5(D).
TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
As will be discussed in more detail later in this opinion, during the fifth day of jury selection, the defendant requested that he be permitted to waive appointed counsel and represent himself for the remainder of voir dire and during trial. After a full Faretta colloquy, and a hearing closed to the state, the trial court granted the defendant's request and allowed him to represent himself. The following day, the defendant conducted the remainder of voir dire and a jury was selected. Trial began on September 20, 2004.
The state relied upon testimonial and physical evidence, including a video surveillance tape, to show that on the evening of February 11, 2002, shortly after 9:00 p.m., the defendant and James Washington entered the Magnolia Liquor Club (hereinafter "Magnolia Club") in Rodessa, Louisiana.
At trial, Ovid Melvin Parker, Jr., the victim's husband, testified that he was at the Magnolia Club with his wife on the night of her murder. Parker identified a diagram of the Magnolia Club and explained that the club was both a package liquor store and a bar. Parker placed the victim at the time of the shooting as behind the counter, at the cash register closest to the front door of the Magnolia Club. Parker also confirmed that the Magnolia Club had video surveillance equipment operating on the night of the murder which captured an accurate representation of the events of February 11, 2002. The defendant did not cross-examine Parker.
Cardell Jackson testified that he grew up in Rodessa, Louisiana, a very small town. He was present at the Magnolia
Jackson did not recall seeing a weapon, but from his vantage point at a video poker machine, he saw someone make a motion as if he had a weapon and was pointing at the victim. Jackson then explained that he was able to identify both the defendant and Washington because they are both from Rodessa, he has known them both since they were small children, and he was friends with their families.
On cross-examination, Jackson agreed that music was playing in the club that night. Jackson also admitted that in his initial statement to police, he denied seeing anything. He then explained that he got in touch with a detective and told the detective that he saw Washington in the club and heard the defendant's voice. Upon prompting by the defendant, Jackson admitted again that he did not see the defendant's face, but only heard his voice. Jackson explained, however, that he saw, in general, the features of the shooter and as a result "I saw something about him that I knew it was LaDerrick Campbell." Jackson admitted to having glaucoma and that he did not have 20-20 vision.
On redirect, Jackson explained that he initially failed to report to police what he saw that night because "[t]hese young men, they had already taken a life. They know where I lived, they know where my family live, they know where my children live, they know where my grandchildren live and I was scared and I didn't know which way they had went." Jackson confirmed that he did not see Washington with a gun that night. On recross, the defendant elicited from Jackson that Jackson had been drinking beer that night, and that noise was being made by both the video poker machines and music being played on the jukebox throughout the encounter.
Sandy Neighbors testified that she was at the Magnolia Club on the night of February 11, 2002. She was in the women's bathroom when she heard a loud noise and then heard a lady say "don't shoot." She did not see the defendant or Washington. The defendant elected not to cross-examine Neighbors.
Dennis Duree was also at the Magnolia Club on the night of February 11, 2002. He was standing next to the juke box when he saw the defendant, along with a shorter man at the counter. Duree recalled that the shooter was wearing a white shirt. Duree admitted that he did not get a very good look at the defendant; rather, he just saw his profile. Duree testified that he heard the defendant tell the victim to give him the money and the victim replied that she would give him everything she had. At that point, Duree stepped back from the juke box in an attempt to see the events unfolding at the counter. He could not see the victim, who was crouched behind the counter, but he heard her say "please don't shoot me, please don't kill me." Duree turned and headed to the farther end of the bar, and then heard a shot.
Roger Rhyne was also at the Magnolia Club on the night of the shooting. Rhyne was at the pool table when he saw a tall black man with what looked like black mesh on his head enter the Magnolia Club, carrying a shotgun. Rhyne heard the victim say in a high-pitched voice, "[d]on't kill me" and "[w]hatever you want, just please don't kill me." The man carrying the gun was standing at the counter and raised up so that he could shoot the victim behind the counter where she had fallen on her knees. Because he did not have his glasses on, Rhyne was unable to see the shooter clearly. The defendant did not cross-examine Rhyne.
Also at the Magnolia Club on February 11, 2002, was Barbara Forte. At trial, Forte testified that she had been playing video poker and drinking that night and approached the victim at the counter to get change when two black men came into the store and also approached the counter. Forte moved away to return to her seat, thinking the two men were customers and that she would wait until they were finished. One man was tall and one man was short. She recalled that the tall one was yelling, "this is a holdup. Don't nobody move." Forte remembered one of the men ordering the victim to open the cash register. She heard the victim say "You can have anything I got, just don't shoot me." Forte did not hear a gunshot but rather heard a sound that sounded like "somebody hit up against something real hard." Forte was unable to identify the perpetrators.
On cross-examination, Forte explained that she was 100% sure that the taller of the two men who entered the club was wearing a long coat, but that she could not make a positive identification of either of the men.
Detective Charles Bradford of the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office testified that he was assigned to investigate the murder of Kathy Parker on February 11, 2002 at the Magnolia Club. He conducted witness interviews and collected information when he arrived on the scene that evening. He also viewed the club's surveillance videotape and concluded that "after I viewed the tape of both individuals going into the store and then as they exited the store it appeared that I did recognize both individuals. Like I stated in my report, they had similar features to two subjects that I've known for a while." Detective Bradford identified the suspects as James Washington and LaDerrick Campbell. After an investigation and obtaining an arrest warrant, the defendant and Washington were arrested at the same house in Cass County, Texas. After waiving extradition, the pair was returned to Louisiana and Detective Bradford conducted an interview of Washington. Detective Bradford explained that after he informed Washington of his constitutional rights, Washington waived them and admitted to taking part in the robbery of the Magnolia Club and the shooting. Washington stated that he knew where the shotgun used in the shooting was hidden and that he was willing to take police to it. Washington took police to the gun, which Detective Bradford identified in court.
The defendant cross-examined Detective Bradford and attempted to undermine the officer's initial identification of the defendant from his viewing of the videotape. Detective Bradford admitted that the recovered shotgun did not have any identifiable fingerprints. He also admitted that the car used by the two men to flee the
Sgt. Owen McDonnell of the crime scene investigation division of the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, testified as to how he captured the individual images of the Magnolia Club's surveillance camera onto a second tape, which was shown to the jury. Sgt. McDonnell testified the original surveillance tapes captured images from four separate cameras set up at different angles in the Magnolia Club and that the videotape he made for the jury contained only the images recorded from approximately 9 p.m. on February 11, 2002, the time frame immediately preceding when the persons entered the Magnolia Club to perpetrate the armed robbery and shooting, and for a short time after.
In addition to copying the surveillance videotape which was played for the jury, Sgt. McDonnell examined the weapon believed to be used in the shooting. At the time he examined the weapon, Sgt. McDonnell noted that the 12-gauge shotgun still had a shotgun shell inside the chamber. In other words, the weapon had not expelled the spent shell when it was fired. Sgt. McDonnell testified that no identifiable fingerprints were recovered from the shotgun or found in the Magnolia Club.
On cross-examination, the defendant had Sgt. McDonnell reiterate the point that no fingerprints were found in the investigation of this matter which pertained to him.
Richard Beighley, a criminalist at the North Louisiana Crime Lab in Shreveport, qualified without objection as an expert in firearms identification. Beighley testified that he examined the shotgun identified as the murder weapon. The gun operated normally when Beighley conducted a test fire and had a functional safety mechanism. The victim's clothes were also examined. Based upon the type of gun recovered and the holes in the victim's shirt, Beighley gave his opinion that the evidence was consistent with a shot being fired from a distance of two to five feet. Beighley also testified that the single-action trigger pull on the shotgun was 7.68 pounds, meaning a person would have to apply that much force on the trigger to fire the weapon. By contrast, a "light trigger" or a "hair trigger" would only require under three pounds. Beighley's expert report was introduced into evidence without objection from the defendant.
When asked by the court if he intended to cross-examine Beighley, the defendant replied, "Your Honor, I don't have any questions because he didn't receive a gun off me, and it didn't have my fingerprints on it. So I don't have any questions."
Dr. George McCormack, the coroner for Caddo Parish, was accepted as an expert in forensic pathology without objection. Dr. McCormack testified that his autopsy of the victim revealed that she died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. The pellets of the shotgun tore through the left side of the victim's breast plate, the heart, the left lung, and some ribs on the left side of her chest. Dr. McCormack concluded that the victim died of internal and probably external hemorrhage from the gunshot wound. The State introduced two photographs of the chest of the victim taken at the autopsy showing the shotgun entrance wound in the center of her chest.
Because the victim's wound had smooth edges and a round shape, it was Dr. McCormack's opinion that the gun was fired close to the victim's chest. However, Dr. McCormack also explained that nothing about the wound indicated that it was a "contact wound" such that the gun was held directly against the skin. Instead, the location of the wound and the path of the wound inside the victim's body were
Lakischa Holloway and Virginia Burkette, two of the twelve witnesses called by the prosecution, provided the jury with comprehensive details of the events leading up to, and immediately following the shooting. Burkette testified that, at the time of the shooting, she had been romantically involved with Washington for a couple of months, and that through Washington, she met the defendant.
On the afternoon of February 11, 2002, Washington telephoned Burkette at her mother's house in Domino, Texas. Washington asked Burkette to give him a ride to the Magnolia Club that evening. Burkette agreed and drove from Domino to Atlanta, Texas, where she met Washington and the defendant at Holloway's apartment. However, by the time Burkette reached Atlanta, medication she took earlier that evening had begun to make her sleepy, and, as a result, she was unwilling to continue driving her car. Washington suggested that Burkette could stay at Holloway's apartment while he used her car, but Burkette was unwilling to relinquish her car to Washington. At that point, Washington and the defendant suggested that Holloway drive the vehicle, with Burkette, Washington, and the defendant riding along as passengers. Burkette agreed and got into the passenger side front seat and immediately fell asleep.
Burkette testified that when she first awoke, the group had arrived at the home of a woman she did not know, later identified as Diane Cooper. According to Burkette, Cooper had "problems" with Holloway and the two women did not get along. Burkette, Holloway, the defendant and Washington left Cooper's residence and went to another house in Rodessa. Cooper followed the four to the house and attempted to start a fight with Holloway by beating on Burkette's car. The fight was subsequently broken up. Burkette explained that at some point during this time period, the defendant retrieved a long shotgun, which he placed in her car. The four then drove to the Magnolia Club where Holloway parked the car in the front entrance parking lot. Burkette watched the defendant, carrying the gun, and Washington get out of the car and enter the Magnolia Club. Shortly thereafter, the pair ran out of the Magnolia Club and jumped into Burkette's car. Burkette recalled that, when the defendant entered the car, he announced: "I just blew that white bitch's head off." With Holloway still at the wheel, the four quickly exited the parking lot and traveled on the back roads of Rodessa. At some point, Holloway stopped the car and Washington and the defendant got out of the car, taking the gun with them. After stopping for gas in Linden, Texas, Holloway and Burkette drove back to Holloway's apartment, and Burkette returned to her mother's house in Domino, Texas. The following day, Burkette drove to a police station in Louisiana and asked to talk to the police about the events of the night before.
Burkette admitted that on the night in question, she was taking medication for depression, but denied that it affected her memory. Upon prompting by the district attorney, she reiterated her certainty that it was the defendant whom she saw enter and exit the Magnolia Club with a gun that evening.
On cross-examination, the defendant attempted to point out inconsistencies in
The defendant also tried to elicit testimony from Burkette that she was unable to identify him in a photographic lineup shown to her by police prior to trial, and that she had actually picked out someone else. However, Burkette, when questioned about this, only replied "not that I know of." The defendant elicited from Burkette that she only learned his name from the news because she knew him as "Cuz." Burkette agreed that the defendant was wearing a camouflage jacket that night. She also admitted that she was on medication at the time of trial and that she no longer drove.
Lakischa Holloway testified that on February 11, 2002, she was at her apartment in Atlanta, Texas, along with her cousin Carla, the defendant, Washington, and a woman named Pam. That afternoon, Holloway received a call from Burkette instructing her to ask the defendant and Washington if they were ready to be picked up by Burkette. In response, the defendant and Washington instructed Holloway to tell Burkette that they would be ready to be picked up at 8:00 p.m. A few minutes before 8:00 p.m., Burkette arrived at Holloway's apartment. Holloway then asked the defendant and Washington where they were going, and they informed her that they were going to the beer store and asked if she would like to come along. At first, Holloway declined, but the pair told her that if she accompanied them, they could take her to the home of a man who owed Holloway money. At that point, Holloway agreed to ride along with Burkette, the defendant, and Washington.
Holloway explained that the defendant and Washington did not want Burkette to drive, so Holloway took the wheel. The group first went to the home of Diane Cooper. Holloway and Cooper had a history of fighting with one another. Washington and the defendant entered Cooper's home for only a short period of time before they exited, and Holloway, Burkette, Washington, and the defendant moved on. Holloway recalled that the four then went to a house in Rodessa and Cooper followed them there, intent on fighting with Holloway. Holloway denied knowing why the group went to the house in Rodessa. Upon leaving the house in Rodessa, Washington and the defendant indicated that they wanted to stop at the liquor store.
Holloway drove the group to the Magnolia Club. She recalled that Washington was wearing a black sweater and the defendant was wearing a long camouflage
On cross-examination, Holloway admitted that she never saw the defendant with a gun nor did she see him shoot anyone. Holloway also testified that she was 100% sure that the defendant was wearing the camouflage jacket that night. At that point, the defendant replayed the Magnolia Club's video surveillance tape from February 11, 2002. Holloway admitted that the perpetrator on the videotape was not wearing a camouflage jacket.
On re-direct, Holloway agreed that the jacket she recalled the defendant wearing was one that could be taken off easily. The state and the defendant then went back and forth questioning Holloway about the jacket. However, on further re-cross examination, the defendant initiated a line of questioning which resulted in Holloway testifying that, although she was not 100% certain, she heard the defendant say something like "I think I gun a white person in the neck." The defendant then confronted Holloway with an earlier statement she made to police in which she stated that she was not certain what she had heard the defendant say that evening. Holloway agreed with the defendant that she made the earlier statement to police about not being sure, however, she testified that the statement the defendant actually made "sounded something like that."
After presenting this evidence, the state rested. The defendant also rested, without calling any witnesses. Following closing arguments, the trial court instructed the jury. After deliberating for two hours, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty of first degree murder.
The following day, the defendant announced that he wanted appointed counsel to represent him for the remainder of the trial. At the sentencing hearing, the state called four witnesses, the victim's husband, daughter, mother and employer. The defense called eleven witnesses, including the defendant's mother, brother, three aunts, and school employees who knew the defendant. The defense presented evidence of the defendant's age,
After denying post-verdict motions, the trial court formally sentenced the defendant to death on February 25, 2005. The defendant now appeals his conviction and sentence, raising 48 assignments of error.
LAW AND DISCUSSION
Mental Health and Competency Issues
Assignments of Error 1-25 and 47
The defense makes interrelated arguments for the court to consider which raise
Mental Retardation Claim
The defense contends that reasonable grounds exist to suggest that the defendant is mentally retarded; thus, his sentence of death violates the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
In Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304, 321, 122 S.Ct. 2242, 2252, 153 L.Ed.2d 335 (2002), the Supreme Court held that the execution of mentally retarded persons constitutes an excessive punishment, and, thus, violates the Eighth Amendment. However, the Supreme Court provided no implementation guidelines, but rather, left to the individual States "the task of developing appropriate ways to enforce the constitutional restriction upon [its] execution of sentences." Atkins, 536 U.S. at 317, 122 S.Ct. at 2250. In Atkins, the Supreme Court suggested factors to consider for the determination of mental retardation:
Atkins, 536 U.S. at 318, 122 S.Ct. at 2250-2251.
In response to Atkins, the Louisiana Legislature enacted La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1, which prohibits the execution of the mentally retarded, defines mental retardation for the purpose of exemption from capital punishment, and provides procedures for raising and trying the issue in a capital case.
La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1(H)(1). The article concludes with an advisory list of several medical and/or mental health conditions which do not necessarily constitute mental retardation, and thus, would not fall within the constitutional exemption from capital punishment. La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1(H)(2). Included on the list are mental illness, learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, and personality disorders. Id. Under the article, a defendant raising the issue of his exemption from capital punishment has the burden of proving mental retardation by a preponderance of the evidence. La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1(C)(1).
This court has previously held that "the determination of whether a defendant sentenced to death has shown reasonable grounds to put at issue the fact of mental retardation ordinarily rests in the first instance with the trial court." State v. Dunn, 2003-0821 p. 1 (La.5/9/03), 847 So.2d 1183; State v. Williams, 2001-1650
The record reveals that no evidence of the defendant's possible mental retardation was presented at trial. Instead, during the penalty phase, newly-restored defense counsel
As to the evidence presented pertaining to the defendant himself, the defense called the assistant principal of the middle school attended by the defendant, Verne Henderson, to testify that the defendant was in special education classes in the seventh grade. A teacher's aide from the same school, Glenda Abraham, confirmed that the defendant was a special education student, so placed due to his classification as emotionally and behaviorally disturbed. Otherwise, the defense called as witnesses the defendant's mother, aunts and brother, who all testified generally that the defendant had been a "good kid" and respectful. None of these witnesses testified that the defendant was mentally retarded.
Our review of the record shows that there is no definitive evidence of the defendant's possible mental retardation, mainly due to the defendant's refusal to participate in any evaluation. The record reveals the defense obtained a continuance of the trial setting, from June 21, 2004 until September 13, 2004, to investigate the defendant's possible mental retardation based on the preliminary findings of Dr. Vigen, a defense expert. Dr. Vigen reported a preliminary finding showing the defendant had a full-scale I.Q. score of 67, which would place the defendant in the category of mild mental retardation. The defendant, however, was not in accord with his counsel's desire for further testing. At the hearing on the motion for continuance, held June 15, 2004, the defendant stated unequivocally that he did not want to talk to the defense's expert witnesses: "I haven't talked to no [sic] experts, I refused to talk to all of them cause I didn't want to
The record reflects that the defendant's recalcitrance was not a new development. Dr. Vigen indicated in correspondence to defense counsel, dated June 11, 2004, that the defendant refused to be interviewed or refused testing nearly every time he was asked to participate, between August 23, 2002 (six months after the murder) through June 1, 2004 (less than three weeks before his trial date).
Both the state and the defense agree that there is no conclusive evidence of the defendant's possible mental retardation. However, the evidence relied upon by the defense on appeal in support of its claim can be found in the record as discovery responses provided by the defense in compliance with La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1(D).
The state counters the defense's presentation on appeal with its own arguments, based on the same evidence in the record. The state argues that, while the evidence may show evidence of emotional or behavioral problems, or even learning disabilities, the evidence does not raise the possibility that the defendant is mentally retarded. The state notes that defense counsel requested, and received, a continuance in order to further investigate this issue, based on Dr. Vigen's preliminary findings. Yet even after further investigation,
In a second report compiled by Dr. Vigen, dated August 24, 2004,
Dr. Vigen commented on a previous interview conducted by Dr. Williams, who found that the defendant was guarded and suspicious, with a constricted affect and poor eye contact. Dr. Vigen reported that Dr. Williams found the defendant's memory to be intact, his judgments to hypothetical situations to be fair, and his general fund of knowledge to be limited. Dr. Vigen noted that Dr. Williams found the defendant both competent to stand trial and possessing the ability to comprehend right from wrong at the time of the crime.
Dr. Vigen concluded his findings by admitting he had "questions about the validity of my data in that Mr. Campbell was easily distracted and less than fully cooperative in the assessment process." Dr. Vigen found the defendant uncooperative, but theorized the uncooperativeness could be seen as an adaptive mechanism intended to hide the defendant's deficiencies. Further, Dr. Vigen noted the defendant "has stated that the tests are a method for the prosecutor to gather information about him. Finally, it is my opinion that Mr. Campbell is a scared and angry man . . . He is an emotionally troubled person, which can manifest itself in resistance to others."
In its analysis of this evidence, the state maintains that the defendant was entirely correct in the statement he reportedly made to Dr. Vigen. Any reports generated by mental health experts would be provided to the state in discovery under the law. The state contends that Dr. Vigen's report of the defendant's resistance, anger and fear are hardly diagnostic, nor are they confined to the mentally retarded, and are not unanticipated reactions to being charged with first degree murder.
Turning to the defendant's school records, the state argues that despite numerous evaluations, the defendant was never diagnosed as mentally retarded.
The state maintains that the penalty phase witnesses' testimony of the defendant's performance in school is consistent with the assessments made. Verne Henderson, the assistant principal for discipline from the defendant's middle school, testified that, despite the defendant's discipline problems, he was "a good student overall."
The state urges that the defendant's special education classification was due to his emotional and behavioral problems, not to a lack of mental acuity. While the school records filed in pretrial discovery certainly indicate behavioral difficulties, emotional problems, and a defiance of authority, the state argues that there is no indication that the defendant's learning problems were related to mental retardation.
With regard to the testimony from the defendant's family members, the state points out that no one mentioned the defendant's possible mental retardation. In fact, the state contends that, when the defendant
After reviewing the small amount of psychiatric testing in the record, which was not presented at trial, the large volume of school records, the testimony of the witnesses and the defendant's conduct and demeanor both prior to and during trial, we find that on the present record the defense fails to show a reasonable likelihood that the defendant qualifies as mentally retarded. See State v. Manning, 2003-1982 p. 74 (La. 10/19/04), 885 So.2d 1044, 1107, cert. denied, 544 U.S. 967, 125 S.Ct. 1745, 161 L.Ed.2d 612 (2005)(evidence in the record insufficient to warrant remand for consideration of Atkins claim). Although the record contains much evidence to consider, unlike Manning, supra, where evidence was presented to this court in an appendix not submitted to the trial court, we conclude that the information contained in the documents upon which the defense relies does not support a reasonable likelihood of the defendant's possible mental retardation.
Preliminary test results showed the defendant may have a low I.Q., but even the expert who conducted the testing could not place reliance on the results. A low I.Q. score, alone, does not equate to a finding of mental retardation.
Although the evidence the defense relies upon here might provide support for a finding that the defendant may suffer from behavioral disorders, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, or some type of mental illness, we find that none of these conditions necessarily constitute mental retardation. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1(H)(2). Accordingly, we find a remand to the trial court for consideration of this issue is unwarranted at this time and on this record.
Eligibility for Death Penalty Considering "Mental Age"
In a related argument, the defense contends that his mental age places him in the category of persons for whom a death penalty is unconstitutional under Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551, 125 S.Ct. 1183, 161 L.Ed.2d 1 (2005). In Roper, the Supreme Court held that the Eighth Amendment prohibits capital punishment for offenders who are under the age of 18 when they commit their crimes. The defense argues that, since the defendant consistently performed on tests well below his grade level and chronological age, and since the defendant was only 18 years of age at the time he committed the instant offense, the death penalty prohibition in Roper should be extended to the defendant.
However, Roper established a bright-line demarcation for application of the standard announced therein, rather than a standard which could be applied to a defendant's "mental age" on a case-by-case basis:
Roper, 543 U.S. at 574, 125 S.Ct. at 1197-1198. Because the defendant was 18 years old when he committed the first degree murder of Kathy Parker during the commission of an armed robbery, despite his alleged "mental age," we hold that he is not eligible to benefit from the death penalty exemption set forth in Roper.
Competency
In these assignments of error, the defense contends that the trial court erred in
Although the defense's assignments of error concern alleged errors which occurred during voir dire and trial, the following background facts are important for a full understanding of the issues presented.
Pre-trial Matters
After the defendant's arrest, counsel was appointed to represent him. During pretrial proceedings, defense counsel retained expert witnesses who performed psychological evaluations of the defendant. The defendant passed two court competency tests.
The record also reflects that, prior to trial, the defendant filed several pro se motions, including two motions seeking the appointment of new counsel. The defendant stated that the basis of the motions to appoint new counsel was that appointed counsel did not believe in the defendant's innocence. The defendant questioned how he could be represented properly under that circumstance.
At a hearing held November 19, 2003, however, the defendant indicated to the court that he was "okay" with counsel now and that the court need not go further on the motions for new counsel.
On March 18, 2004, the defendant filed a pro se motion for speedy trial, seeking that his trial date be set without further delay.
On June 9, 2004, the trial court took up some outstanding defense motions regarding the conducting of voir dire and trial, and some supplemental discovery.
When the trial court addressed the defendant about the continuance, the defendant indicated that he did not understand why his case was being continued. When the trial court stated the continuance was based on the fact that the defense experts were not ready to go forward, the defendant bluntly told the court that he had not spoken to any experts and refused to speak to defense counsel's experts.
Voir Dire
First Day of Voir Dire
Apparently, timing was not the only conflict between the defendant and his appointed counsel. On the first day of trial, September 13, 2004, defense counsel placed on the record that the state had indicated that a guilty plea in return for a life sentence was acceptable to the victim's family and the state. Defense counsel stated that he had spoken to the defendant about this offer at length, but that the defendant did not wish to plead guilty in
At this time, the defendant, who had been indicating by his raised hand that he wished to speak to the court,
After the state and the defense announced ready for trial, jury selection began. Immediately prior to jury selection, the trial court obtained the defendant's specific denial on the record of the state's proposal that he plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of life imprisonment.
Second Day of Voir Dire
The next day, September 14, 2004, voir dire continued. At the end of the day, and outside the presence of the prospective jurors, the defendant indicated to the court that he wished to speak to the trial judge. At that time, the defendant stated that he had seen defense counsel and the prosecutor talk to the jurors and make hand signals. The defendant indicated that the attorneys had been doing this all day, but that he had not interrupted, preferring to place his observations on the record at the end of the day. The trial court stated that he would give the defendant until first thing in the morning to indicate how the defendant wished the court to address these observations, and that the trial court would ask for responses from counsel at that time.
Third Day of Voir Dire
The next morning, on September 15, 2004, the third day of jury selection, the defendant reiterated that he had seen the attorneys pointing and trying to "coerce" the prospective jurors. The trial court elicited from the defendant that when he said "coerce," he was referring to the attorneys speaking to the prospective jurors. When asked what the defendant thought the attorneys were doing that was improper, the defendant responded that he thought they were trying "to persuade
When asked to respond to these observations, defense counsel stated, "I don't know what to say, Your Honor, it sounds like nonsense to me."
Instead, the trial judge delivered a lecture to the defendant encompassing six and a half pages of the record. In this lecture, the trial judge acknowledged that the defendant was having difficulties getting along with his counsel, first one and then the other, even to the extent of telling the court that he filed a complaint against one of them. The trial judge indicated that he was troubled because he did not think the defendant was focusing on the seriousness and importance of the trial, which was for a very serious crime and for which the state was seeking, as the trial judge bluntly stated, to kill him. The trial judge stated: "All the laughter, all the gestures, all the observations bothers me."
The trial judge instructed the defendant that, if at any time the defendant believed anyone in the courtroom was acting improperly, including the trial judge, then all the defendant needed to do was obtain the court's attention and, at an appropriate time, the trial judge would address the defendant's concerns. The trial judge then gave the defendant and his counsel fifteen minutes time to "bridge the gap and make certain that they are comfortable and you are comfortable and we're going to proceed."
After speaking with the defendant for about half an hour, defense counsel placed on the record that the two defense counsel had, again, urged the defendant to reconsider his position of proceeding to trial. Counsel indicated that, against the advice of both defense counsel, the defendant wished to continue to trial.
Jury questioning continued that day. At the end of the morning's questioning, after the prospective jurors had been dismissed for the lunch recess, the defendant asked the trial court if he could be moved to another courtroom "because I feel like this whole case has been coerced."
The defendant next asked if he could obtain the transcripts of the voir dire and asked which day the actual guilt phase of the trial would start. The trial court told the defendant that the transcripts of voir dire had not yet been prepared, that the transcripts would not be prepared on a daily basis, that the defendant would receive a transcript if he were found guilty, and that if he were not found guilty the defendant would have to pay to receive the transcripts. The trial court told the defendant he anticipated that the jury would be picked that week. The defendant then indicated he had no further questions.
After the defendant finished with his observations and questions, defense counsel indicated he had several observations to make. First, defense counsel stated that the defendant had accused a person identified as Ms. Pope of signaling to the jury. Defense counsel informed the court that the defense had requested that Ms. Pope help the defense take notes. Defense counsel stated Ms. Pope was sitting where she had a clear sight line with the jury and was not working against the defendant. Second, the defendant had informed defense counsel that the prosecutor was making hand signals and communicating with the prospective jurors while questioning them. Defense counsel informed the court that the prosecutor was making hand gestures while he talked, like a lot of people do, and that there was nothing unusual going on. Third, the defendant had informed defense counsel that two prospective jurors were pointing and making signals to
Finally, out of an abundance of caution, defense counsel asked the trial court for the appointment of a sanity commission. Defense counsel maintained, "I understand if the Court denies that and regards that as foolishness. I understand if the State objects to it considering we're in the trial and says it's foolishness. We may well be dealing with foolishness, but frankly I don't know if Mr. Campbell is losing his mind or this is a lot of foolishness."
In response, the state objected to the appointment of a sanity commission. The prosecutor pointed out that they were in the middle of trial and that the evidence from the defense's own expert ran counter to defense counsel's request, having found that the defendant was competent to stand trial. The state urged that there had been no adequate showing other than defense counsel's observations, which the prosecutor felt were accurate, but which did not speak to the defendant's sanity. From a simple policy standpoint, the state argued that a defendant who did not obtain a requested continuance, as had happened in this case when the defense sought continuance immediately prior to trial, could nevertheless make questionable observations during trial which would result in the appointment of a sanity commission, and the requested continuance would therefore be obtained.
The trial court denied the motion for a sanity commission or to have the defendant examined without further comment.
Fourth Day of Voir Dire
On September 16, 2004, after the attorneys had completed the voir dire of several jury panels, the trial court stopped counsels' questioning because the defendant signaled that he would like to speak to the judge. Outside of the prospective jurors' presence, the defendant told the trial court that he had been observing the attorneys, both prosecution and defense counsel, making hand gestures and pointing among themselves and with prospective jurors. The defendant maintained that two of the prospective jurors on the panel currently being questioned may have seen the actions
A little while later, the defendant again indicated to the trial court that he had something to say. Outside of the prospective jurors' presence, the defendant told the court that he had seen one of his attorneys talking to two women who were prospective jurors. When the defendant was asked if he heard what defense counsel was allegedly saying, the defendant then stated counsel was not talking out loud, but was pointing at him. Defense counsel denied that he was doing anything other than taking notes and listening to the prosecutor's voir dire questioning. One of the two prosecutors placed on the record the fact that he was physically sitting between defense counsel and the prospective jurors and indicated his inability to imagine defense counsel being able to communicate with a juror through him, especially since defense counsel was well within his field of vision and the prosecutor had not seen defense counsel gesture, speak or do anything but organize his paperwork. The trial court indicated he had not seen the actions to which the defendant referred and indicated his concern whether or not the defendant was observing something that was real or not real. When asked by the trial court if he had anything else for the record, the defendant indicated he did not.
At the end of the prosecutor's questioning of that panel, the record shows that the defendant had raised his hand several times to indicate to the trial court various actions the defendant wished the court to note. In detailing the defendant's concerns, the trial court chronicled separate events observed by the defendant. First, defense counsel moved his left hand behind his ear and made a kind of hand gesture as he sat. The defendant indicated that this is when he believed defense counsel was pointing at him. Second, the defendant claimed defense counsel leaned back and gestured at him. Third, the defendant saw one of his defense counsel turn and look at two people. The defendant claimed counsel was blocking his view of the prospective jurors. Finally, the defendant saw the prosecutor who was engaged in voir dire questioning turn and whisper in the other prosecutor's ear. At this time, the defendant saw several prospective jurors look at that. The trial court noted that he had seen most of the movements that the defendant commented upon, including one time when the defendant obtained the court's attention as one of the prosecutors turned toward one of defense counsel.
After successfully chronicling these movements to the defendant's satisfaction, the trial court asked the defendant what the defendant wanted the court to appreciate or understand by making these observations. The defendant replied that he did not believe he was having a fair trial. The
At that time, defense counsel placed on the record his recollection of having made the movements described by the defendant. According to defense counsel, he may not have even been conscious of making the gestures at the time that he made them.
When asked if he needed to place a final comment on the record, the defendant told the trial court, "I'm going to leave it to you."
Defense counsel then questioned the panel of prospective jurors. At the completion of defense counsel's questioning, and outside the presence of the prospective jurors, the defendant told the court that he had seen one of the prosecutors talking to female members of the panel while defense counsel was questioning them. The defendant reiterated that he did not think he was receiving a fair trial. He then indicated to the trial court that, if he were found guilty, he wanted the trial court "to do the death penalty."
In response, the prosecutors denied speaking to panel members while defense counsel questioned them, and denied communicating with them through gestures, sign language or body language. Co-counsel confirmed that no communication was made with the jurors during defense counsel questioning.
Although asked if he wanted to make a final comment on his observation, the defendant told the trial court, "leave it to you."
In giving instructions for the end of the day, the trial court indicated he would afford the defendant the opportunity the next day to place final comments on the record based upon his observations of the day.
Fifth Day of Voir Dire
The next day, September 17, 2004, the trial court asked the defendant, in follow-up to the concerns expressed by the defendant on the day before, whether the defendant wanted to say anything else to the court based on his observations of the previous day. The defendant responded: "No, sir. I thought about it and—I said I thought about it . . . and I'm all right."
After the lunch recess, the defendant complained to the court that his counsel had a problem explaining intent to the jury. When the trial court asked if defense counsel had the opportunity to address the prospective jurors about that issue yet, which he had not, the defendant claimed defense counsel told him he was not going to do it. At this point, the trial court asked the defendant to hold that objection or comment in abeyance, because the objection was premature. Defense counsel had not yet questioned prospective jurors, and until he had, the defendant could then make a record that he objected to counsel's actions. Upon hearing the trial court's ruling, the defendant replied, "Yes, sir."
When defense counsel finished voir dire questioning of the panel, and before the trial court proceeded with any individual voir dire, the trial court noted that the defendant had indicated on certain occasions during the questioning that the defendant wanted the court's attention. Upon being questioned as to his concern, the defendant, for the first time, indicated that he wanted to represent himself. "I wanted to know could I represent myself?"
When the trial court tried to ascertain what the defendant meant, the defendant made clear that he meant he wanted to represent himself at trial, fighting his case and cross-examining witnesses.
In trying to determine why the defendant raised his hand to obtain the court's attention several times during his counsel's questioning of prospective jurors, the defendant indicated he was dissatisfied by the manner in which counsel questioned the panel about circumstantial evidence and intent. According to the defendant, counsel was not questioning panel members about these subjects the way that the topics were covered in books read by the defendant. In addition, the defendant accused his counsel of "coercing the whole case to the jury," which he further explained meant letting the panel know everything that happened in the case. In the trial court's attempts to understand precisely what the defendant was complaining about, the trial court told the defendant that coercing, persuading or manipulating the prospective jurors, or whatever term the defendant used, in order to obtain a jury most favorable to the defendant, was precisely what defense counsel was supposed to be doing. The trial court indicated that, if the defendant meant anything other than that by his statements to the court, the trial court did not understand and had not seen defense counsel do anything inappropriate. Although the trial court believed that he and the defendant experienced a miscommunication at this point, the record is clear that the defendant felt that defense counsel's actions were "bad."
The defendant then asked the court if he would be allowed to speak to the jury. When the trial court tried to ascertain at what point the defendant wished to speak to the jury, the defendant indicated that he would like to take over the voir dire questioning so that he could explain to prospective jurors what the concepts of intent and burden of proof were. At this point, the trial court decided that he would have to confer with counsel because the defendant was expressing a desire to represent himself from that point forward.
After taking a lunch recess, the trial court allowed counsel to undertake individual voir dire questioning of the previous panel, heard cause challenges as to that panel, and dismissed the prospective jurors still waiting for questioning.
The trial court also informed the defendant that a defendant has the right to represent himself. Although the trial court could not influence the defendant's decision in this regard, the trial court had to make certain the defendant understood the consequences and ramifications of self-representation. The trial court stated that the defendant would be faced with rules of evidence, court procedures, techniques for cross-examination and direct examination, summoning witnesses, objections, case law, and statutes. The trial court told the defendant that, if he represented himself, the defendant would, in the trial court's estimation, be making "a very grave mistake." The trial court indicated that the defendant should have made the request to represent himself before the trial started, and not in its middle, and that the court's advice would be to continue with counsel and start working with counsel for his defense.
After having stated the foregoing, the trial court ascertained through questioning that the defendant was 21 years of age.
When asked by the trial court if he had ever lived by himself or supported himself, the defendant indicated that he had lived with a woman and he had supported her. He answered affirmatively when asked by the trial court whether he had had the wherewithal to manage a household and take care of himself.
The defendant admitted that he had been in court before, and in front of the same judge. Although he had been in court before, he admitted he had never seen a jury trial. The defendant also admitted he had never read legal books prior to his incarceration. However, his reading during incarceration included reading about jury trials, the law of evidence, the law of criminal procedure, and court cases on first degree murder, armed robbery and the death penalty. He stated that he knew about objections, which he described as being made "whenever you disagree
The defendant affirmed that he understood he would have to rely on his own knowledge, education, skills and familiarity with the law with regard to how to handle himself in a jury trial; that the best the court could do would be to appoint stand-by counsel, which would be a limited role in his trial; that there were risks and negative consequences in self-representation; that he was at a disadvantage in not having the experience, formal education or knowledge of the law; and that the persons representing the State of Louisiana, which was seeking the death penalty, had such knowledge, skill and experience, as well as support staff and resources.
The defendant asked the court, "If I need any like — if I need just like a little assistance or some help with a word or something, that's what the standby counsel is for?"
After asking the defendant if he had any questions or information he wanted to provide to the court to persuade the court that he could handle self-representation, the defendant told the court that the only things he needed were some legal books, including the evidence code.
The defendant responded, "Yes, sir. I would like to know would I be provided a book?"
Closed Hearing118
In the closed hearing, the trial court explained to the defendant the purpose of the hearing. The trial court explained that, if there was a conflict between the defendant and his appointed counsel as to what the defense strategy should be, that conflict would be a factor that the trial court would consider in determining whether the trial court found the defendant competent to waive his right to counsel.
When the trial court asked the defendant to clarify in what way the situation had worsened, the defendant indicated that counsel was not representing him appropriately in that counsel was not presenting the defense that the defendant wanted. Instead, according to the defendant, counsel was ". . . trying to get me convicted of second degree murder. He going on that I'm guilty of second degree murder."
Lead appointed counsel stated that, after considering the discovery and investigating the matter, counsel's defense strategy was to argue that the defendant was guilty of second degree murder, so as not to present a frivolous defense and in order to have credibility before the jury in the event there was a penalty phase where counsel would have to argue for mercy. In support of that strategy, counsel considered that the state's evidence was "so strong," including an eyewitness (Jackson), who had known the defendant since he was a child, and who could place the defendant in the store with the gun, and if not in the act of shooting, then leaving the store just after the shooting. In addition, counsel considered that the state had two witnesses who had been in the getaway car with the defendant, who would testify about the defendant admitting to the shooting or at least the consciousness that he had committed the shooting. Defense counsel also anticipated that the state would have other witnesses who would place the defendant in the hours and days after the offense saying either that he had been the shooter or thought he committed the crime. Defense counsel believed that there were issues regarding the condition of the murder weapon and the defendant's knowledge of the weapon that could arguably support a conviction for second degree murder, but basically maintained that they wanted to pursue a defense of admitting to second degree murder in order to save the defendant's life.
The defendant disagreed with his counsel's appreciation of the evidence and told the trial court that he had stated his disagreement to his attorneys. However, according to the defendant, his counsel maintained their belief that the defendant was guilty of second degree murder, and that was the defense which they intended to present. The defendant clearly informed the trial court that he did not want his counsel to present that defense and, if he represented himself, he would not present that defense. When asked by the trial court whether he felt he had the wherewithal to represent himself against the court's advice and his counsel's advice, the defendant replied, "Yes, sir, better than they can."
The trial court cautioned the defendant that the question was not necessarily which defense was better, but that his appointed counsel had a position which the defendant did not agree with and did not want presented versus the defendant's own skills to present the defense he did want presented. The trial court also questioned the defendant as to his understanding that, if he was convicted, or even if he received the death penalty, this was his decision to
The trial court then, again, stated his opinion that the defendant should not make the decision to self-represent, but that he understood the defendant's right to do so. He asked the defendant if there was anything he could say that would change the defendant's mind. The defendant indicated his mind was made up. The trial court then asked counsel if there was anything they could say to the defendant to persuade him to change his mind. Both counsel indicated they could not persuade the defendant otherwise; one counsel indicating that the basis for his opinion was his almost two year representation of the defendant.
The trial court reiterated that the prosecutors and defense counsel knew the case best, that the trial court did not know the case, but that if the defendant decided to represent himself, the trial court would allow that, noting that the defendant had been obedient to the court's instructions and very determined in his presentation of his position to the court.
When asked by the defendant if the trial court would rule in his favor on objections if he could support them with law, the trial court indicated that he would, but reiterated that the defendant would ultimately have to convince the jurors and not the judge.
In concluding the closed hearing, the trial court indicated he would bring in the prosecutors and inform them of his initial determination. However, the trial court stated he would "sleep on this," and hoped that the defendant would give further consideration to his request, too. The trial court indicated his initial determination was to grant the defendant's request to waive counsel:
The defendant indicated his agreement with the trial court's statements and the hearing concluded with the defendant discussing which legal books he wanted in order to facilitate his defense.
Back in open court, and in the presence of the state, the trial court stated that it was the court's intention to accommodate the defendant's request to represent himself with standby counsel, but that the matter would be taken under advisement until the next morning.
Sixth Day of Voir Dire
The next day, on September 18, 2004, defense counsel presented a motion, requesting
Before making a ruling on defense counsel's motion, the trial court again addressed some questions to the defendant. In response to the trial court's questions, the defendant indicated he still wanted to represent himself. The defendant informed the court that he had been told he would be allowed to obtain additional books he wanted from the library that day; the trial court indicated the court had sent the defendant three books already. The trial court stated again his opinion that, even with the help of these books, the court felt it was not in the defendant's best interest to represent himself. However, the defendant indicated he had thought and prayed about his decision the night before and that he still thought it was in his best interest to forego counsel and represent himself.
In answer to the trial court's questions, the defendant affirmed his understanding that the state had the burden of proof and that he was not required to present a defense, call witnesses or testify. When the trial court asked the defendant if he had thought about the mechanics of how to present a defense, the defendant asked whether he would have standby counsel. The trial court assured the defendant he would have standby counsel. The defendant affirmed his understanding that there were risks and disadvantages to representing himself, but that he still wanted to do so. After some discussion, the defendant evinced his understanding that, if he were found guilty, there would be a penalty phase. He indicated to the court that, while he wanted to represent himself in the guilt phase, he did not want to represent himself in a possible penalty phase.
Once again, the trial court obtained the defendant's affirmance of his understanding that he would be confronted by the state and all its resources, that the trial court did not think that he was making the right decision; that he still wanted to represent himself; that there were dangers, risks and disadvantages to representing himself; that he felt that he knew what he
The trial court decided to grant, in part, defense counsel's motion, and requested that the defendant select something from legal books that he felt pertained to his case. The trial court made clear that this was not a test. In response, the defendant referred to criminal procedure articles regarding the state's burden of proof and the definition of first degree murder.
Returning after a recess, the trial court made his ruling:
Subsequent to the trial court's ruling, the defendant conducted the remainder of the voir dire and picked the jury. Several of the defendant's challenges for cause were granted and the defendant successfully blocked one of the state's challenges.
Trial Proceedings
During the guilt phase of trial, the defendant gave an opening statement, cross-examined the state's witnesses, made objections, and gave a closing argument. During the state's questioning of the expert who examined the murder weapon, the defendant objected and the jury was cleared from the courtroom. At that time, the defendant made allegations that his standby counsel was pointing to the jury and the judge, which he interpreted as an attempt by standby counsel to convince the jurors of his guilt. The defendant did not ask the trial court for any specific relief, but indicated his satisfaction with having his observations placed on the record, with having the trial court pay close attention to standby counsel's actions, and with the court's reassurance that he could continue to place his observations on the record.
After the jury returned with a verdict of guilty of first degree murder, standby counsel filed a motion to re-enroll as counsel for the penalty phase of the trial. Standby counsel provided the defendant with a copy of the motion, asked him to read it overnight, and to think about whether he wanted to continue to self-represent during the penalty phase. Standby counsel informed the court that if the defendant wanted counsel to re-enroll and represent him, then counsel would ask the court to do so. Standby counsel told the court, "I'm familiar with his case, and I'll be ready to proceed in the morning."
With this detailed factual background of the defendant's actions and observations both pre-trial and during trial, we turn to the defense's assignments of error raising as issues the competency of the defendant.
Competency to Stand Trial
The defense contends that the trial court abused its discretion in failing to appoint a sanity commission as required by law when, during voir dire, defense counsel raised the issue of the defendant's capacity to proceed. In addition, the defense claims that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to appoint a sanity commission on its own motion, given the defendant's actions during jury selection.
The proper legal standard for determining whether a criminal defendant is competent to stand trial was set forth in State v. Carmouche, 2001-0405 p. 29-31 (La.5/14/02), 872 So.2d 1020, 1041-1042, as follows:
The trial court alone has the ultimate decision on the defendant's competence, and that decision is committed to the court's discretion. La.C.Cr.P. art. 647; see Carmouche, supra. Thus, in order to determine whether the trial court in this
In evaluating the legal capacity of the criminally accused, we have stated that the considerations in determining whether the defendant is fully aware of the nature of the proceedings include:
This court has stated that the facts to consider in determining the defendant's ability to assist in his defense include:
Here, the defendant passed two court competency tests prior to trial. In addition, Dr. Williams made a detailed assessment of the defendant which considered fully the Bennett factors. However, the language of La.C.Cr.P. art. 641 speaks to present capacity to proceed. Thus, the law would require a re-evaluation of the defendant if there had been a significant change in the defendant's condition between the sanity hearing and trial.
After consideration of the record of the defendant's actions during voir dire, and thereafter, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in failing to grant defense counsel's motion for a sanity commission. We also find that the trial court did not abuse his discretion by failing to order another competency evaluation on its own motion.
In addition to the pre-trial determinations by experts that the defendant was competent to proceed, the court had the benefit of its own interactions with the defendant through his presentation and argument of his pro se motions. Moreover, we find that defense counsel himself, in raising the issue of the defendant's competence "in an abundance of caution," was not convinced of the necessity for making the motion. Defense counsel did not know how to characterize the defendant's actions, whether they were examples of mental illness or just plain "foolishness." The trial court had recently delivered a lecture to the defendant to stop "playing around" and to focus on the proceedings.
We have previously stated that the evidence in the record would support the inference that the defendant has emotional and behavioral problems. We note that the assessments of the defendant while in school noted his disruptive outbursts, problems with authority, and inattention to
The record shows that the defendant, until he asked to represent himself due to the conflict he had with defense strategy, did not ask for relief based on his "observations." Instead, he merely placed his "observations" on the record. This behavior stopped almost entirely after he began to represent himself.
We find that the record supports the conclusion that the defendant was fully aware of his surroundings and the proceedings in which he was participating. His concerns revolved around what he viewed as efforts by the attorneys to "coerce" the jurors or to manipulate them. The defendant understood the charges against him and the consequences of these charges. The defendant's self-representation demonstrated that he was competent to assist his counsel in his defense. Thus, the record fully supports the conclusion that the defendant was competent to stand trial and that trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying defense counsel's motion to appoint a sanity commission or to do so on its own motion.
Competency to Waive Counsel
The defense contends that the defendant was not competent to waive counsel, that the trial court did not conduct a sufficient colloquy under Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975), and that the trial court therefore erred in permitting the defendant to represent himself.
The proper legal standard for determining whether a criminal defendant is competent to waive representation by counsel was set forth in State v. Brown, 2003-0897 p. 28-29 (La.4/12/05), 907 So.2d 1, 21-22:
Our inquiry, therefore, must be to determine whether the record reflects that the defendant knowingly and intelligently chose to represent himself, and whether his assertion of that choice was clear and unequivocal. Whether a defendant has knowingly, intelligently, and unequivocally asserted the right to self-representation must be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the facts and circumstances of each. State v. Leger, 2005-0011 p. 53 (La.7/10/06), 936 So.2d 108, 147, cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 127 S.Ct. 1279, 167 L.Ed.2d 100 (2007).
In this regard, the record shows that the trial court did not engage the defendant in only a single colloquy concerning his request to waive counsel and to proceed with self-representation. Instead the record shows three colloquies, two of which were on the record and one in a closed hearing, over two days' time, during which the trial court satisfied itself that the defendant's waiver of his right to counsel and assertion of his right to represent himself was made knowingly, voluntarily and unequivocally.
Here, it was apparent from the record that the defendant had conflicts with appointed counsel, resulting in the filing of pro se motions, none of which were adopted by counsel, including a motion for speedy trial that was in direct opposition to counsel's strategy. Once jury selection began, the conflict between appointed counsel and the defendant became pronounced, with the defendant complaining of counsel's actions and performance. The record reflects that the defendant's request to represent himself and to dismiss appointed counsel during voir dire was clear and unequivocal.
The record also affirmatively reflects that the trial court repeatedly informed the defendant of the pitfalls, risks and consequences of self-representation. Nevertheless, through the three separate colloquies held by the trial court with the defendant, the defendant steadfastly maintained his desire to represent himself and to represent the defense that he wanted.
Although defense counsel contends that the defendant lacked competency to waive counsel, the Supreme Court has rejected any notion that a defendant's competence to waive counsel must be measured by a standard that is higher than a defendant's competence to stand trial. Godinez v. Moran, 509 U.S. 389, 398, 113 S.Ct. 2680, 2686, 125 L.Ed.2d 321 (1993).
As long as the record supports the trial court's conclusions that the defendant's waiver of the right to counsel was knowing, intelligent, and unequivocal, we do not review the record for a determination of the defendant's ability to represent himself. "[T]he competence that is required of a defendant seeking to waive his right to counsel is the competence to waive the right, not the competence to represent himself." Godinez, 509 U.S. at 399, 113 S.Ct. at 2687 (emphasis in original). Therefore, "a criminal defendant's ability to represent himself has no bearing upon his competence to choose self-representation." Id. (emphasis in original).
This court has held, in State v. Santos, that where a trial judge is confronted with an accused's unequivocal request to represent himself, the judge need determine only whether the accused is competent to waive counsel and is "voluntarily exercising his informed free will." State v. Santos, 99-1897, p. 3 (La.9/15/00), 770 So.2d 319, 321 (quoting Faretta, 422 U.S. at 835, 95 S.Ct. at 2541). Although the defendant's ability to represent himself is not a part of our determination, we note that, while perhaps not as articulate or polished as a lawyer may have been, the defendant nevertheless presented a relevant defense. The defendant successfully challenged prospective jurors and succeeded in blocking a state challenge. He presented an opening statement which challenged the state's case. For state witnesses who could not present direct evidence linking him to the crime, he made the decision to forego cross-examination or, if he did question these witnesses, he pointed out that the evidence they presented did not directly implicate him. For state witnesses who presented direct or eyewitness testimony, he questioned their identification of him due to the witnesses' intoxication or ability. He made and argued objections, some of which were sustained. His closing argument challenged each aspect of the state's evidence against him. While we do not imply that the defendant was as skilled as an attorney, we merely note that the defense did not at any time descend into a
Our review of the record convinces us that the defendant was competent to waive counsel and that the Faretta colloquies held by the trial judge were sufficient for the trial judge to find that the defendant's waiver of his right to counsel and to represent himself was knowing, intelligent, and unequivocal. Therefore, we find no error in the trial court's decision to grant the defendant's request to waive counsel and to proceed to represent himself for the remainder of voir dire and throughout the guilt phase of trial.
Hearsay Issues
Assignments of Error 26-28
The defense contends that the prosecutor introduced impermissible hearsay through the testimony of Detective Bradford when the prosecutor questioned the officer about his investigation. In particular, the defendant complains that, through Detective Bradford's testimony, the state introduced the substance of co-perpetrator James Washington's statement to police, in violation of Bruton v. United States, 391 U.S. 123, 88 S.Ct. 1620, 20 L.Ed.2d 476 (1968). Finally, the defendant asserts that the prosecutor used this information, coupled with the testimony of other witnesses, to make improper closing argument in the guilt and penalty phases.
In Bruton, the Supreme Court held that a defendant is deprived of his rights under the Confrontation Clause when his co-defendant's incriminating confession is introduced at their joint trial, finding that the statements of unavailable co-defendants are inherently suspect and presumptively unreliable as substantive evidence against a defendant. See State v. Taylor, 2001-1638 (La.1/14/03), 838 So.2d 729, 747-748 n. 12, cert. denied, 540 U.S. 1103, 124 S.Ct. 1036, 157 L.Ed.2d 886 (2004). In addition to Bruton, the defense in brief relies also on Lee v. Illinois, 476 U.S. 530, 545, 106 S.Ct. 2056, 90 L.Ed.2d 514 (1986), in which the Supreme Court held that a codefendant's confession is presumptively unreliable "as to the passages detailing the defendant's conduct or culpability because those passages may well be the product of the codefendant's desire to shift or spread blame, curry favor, avenge himself, or divert attention to another."
The record shows that the defense failed to contemporaneously object to any of the errors alleged in these assignments of error. Thus, the issue is not properly preserved for review. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 841;
Although we decide this issue on procedural grounds, we note that the record does not support the defense's contentions. We find that Detective Bradford's testimony, which generally summarized the facts the police discovered through their investigation, did not serve as a passkey to bring before the jury the substance of the out-of-court information that would otherwise be barred by the hearsay rule. Instead, the officer's testimony, which summarized in a very general sense the statements of eyewitnesses and his own personal knowledge of the defendant,
Insofar as Detective Bradford related his interview with James Washington, the record shows that the officer testified that Washington was arrested with the defendant, that Washington admitted his involvement in the robbery and shooting, and that Washington led police to the murder weapon. At no time did the officer testify that Washington implicated the defendant in the robbery and shooting or that the defendant was the person who used the murder weapon to kill the victim. Detective Bradford testified only as to Washington's own admissions of guilt.
Instead, the officer testified that he believed the defendant was the individual with the gun who shot and killed the victim based on interviews and his own viewing of the surveillance videotape. Appellate defense counsel's argument that the officer's use of the word "interviews" applied solely to Washington's interview with police ignores the fact that there were several eyewitnesses to the defendant's actions that evening in the Magnolia Club and in the
Insofar as the defendant complains that the prosecutor in closing argument combined Detective Bradford's testimony regarding Washington's admitted involvement in the crime with the testimony of other witnesses who identified Washington as the other perpetrator, there was no error. The argument was confined to properly admitted evidence and conclusions which the state was allowed to draw therefrom. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 774.
Voir Dire Issues
Assignments of Error 29-38
By his next assignments of error, the defendant challenges several rulings by the trial court pertaining to voir dire on the question of the prospective jurors' ability to consider both a sentence of death and a life sentence.
La. Const. art. 1, § 17 guarantees that "[t]he accused shall have the right to full voir dire examination of prospective jurors and to challenge jurors peremptorily. The number of challenges shall be fixed by law." La.C.Cr.P. art. 799 provides the defendant in a capital case with twelve peremptory challenges. "Therefore, when a defendant uses all of his peremptory challenges, a trial court's erroneous ruling depriving him of one of his peremptory challenges constitutes a substantial violation of his constitutional and statutory rights, requiring reversal of the conviction and sentence." State v. Cross, 1993-1189 p. 7 (La.6/30/95), 658 So.2d 683, 686. Prejudice is presumed when a challenge for cause is denied erroneously by a trial court and the defendant exhausts his peremptory challenges. State v. Robertson, 1992-2660 p. 3 (La.1/14/94), 630 So.2d 1278, 1280; State v. Ross, 623 So.2d 643, 644 (La.1993).
However, as recent decisions of this court have emphasized, an erroneous ruling on a challenge for cause which does not deprive a defendant of one of his peremptory challenges does not provide grounds for reversing his conviction and sentence. A defendant thus must use one of his remaining peremptory challenges curatively to remove the juror or waive the complaint on appeal, even in a case in which he ultimately exhausts his peremptory challenges. See State v. Blank, 04-0204 p. 25 (La.4/11/07), 955 So.2d 90, 113, cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 128 S.Ct. 494, 169 L.Ed.2d 346 (2007) ("In Louisiana, a defendant must use one of his peremptory challenges curatively to remove the juror, thus reducing his remaining peremptory challenges, or waive any complaint on appeal.")(citing State v. Connolly, 96-1680, p. 8 (La.7/1/97), 700 So.2d 810, 818; State v. Bourque, 622 So.2d 198, 229-30 (La.1993); State v. Fallon, 290 So.2d 273, 282 (La. 1974)).
The defendant asserts that the trial court failed to grant defense challenges for cause on the basis of the views regarding capital punishment of certain prospective jurors. Additionally, the defendant contends that two of the state challenges for cause were improperly granted.
The proper standard for determining when a prospective juror may be excluded for cause because of his views on capital punishment is whether the juror's views would "prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath." Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. 412, 424, 105 S.Ct. 844, 852, 83 L.Ed.2d 841 (1985); State v. Manning, 2003-1982 p. 38 (La.10/19/04), 885 So.2d 1044, 1082, cert. denied, 544 U.S. 967, 125 S.Ct. 1745, 161 L.Ed.2d 612 (2005). Witt clarified the earlier Supreme Court pronouncement in Witherspoon v. Illinois, 391 U.S. 510, 88 S.Ct. 1770, 20 L.Ed.2d 776 (1968), that a prospective juror who would vote automatically for a life sentence was properly excluded by the trial court. La. C.Cr.P. art. 798(2)(a) and (b) incorporate the standard of Witherspoon, as clarified by Witt, and provide:
In a "reverse-Witherspoon " situation, the basis of the exclusion is that a prospective juror "will not consider a life sentence and . . . will automatically vote for the death penalty under the factual circumstances of the case before him . . .". Robertson, 1992-2660 p. 8, 630 So.2d at 1284. The "substantial impairment" standard applies equally to "reverse-Witherspoon " challenges. Manning, 2003-1982 p. 38 n. 22, 885 So.2d at 1083 n. 22. Thus, if a potential juror's views on the death penalty are such that they would prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties in accordance with his instructions or oaths, whether those views are for or against the death penalty, he should be excused for cause.
Debra Roberts
The defendant claims that Debra Roberts, who ultimately did not serve on the jury, indicated that she would be rigid in her decision to impose the death penalty in the context of a murder with specific intent to kill during an armed robbery. Specifically, when asked by the district attorney to express how she felt about the death penalty, Roberts stated:
Roberts went on to explain, after being asked if it would be hard or difficult for her to return a verdict of death, that "I think if it wasn't hard or difficult I wouldn't be a person, you know, that's a really big decision, takes a lot of soul searching."
During questioning by defense counsel, Roberts stated that, in general, she could consider imposing a sentence of life imprisonment. However, in the case of an intentional killing of someone during an armed robbery, she agreed that she would "lean more towards the death penalty."
The record reflects that the trial court denied defense counsel's challenge for cause as to Roberts because her belief that it would be "difficult" to impose a life sentence in a case involving specific intent to kill and armed robbery does not rise to the standard of "substantially impaired" as set forth in Witherspoon, supra. The trial court's reasoning appears correct. Roberts did not express an intention to vote "automatically" for death; nor, when viewed in its entirety, did her responses indicate that she had opinions that would prevent or substantially impair the performance of her duties as a juror. Rather, she expressed her sentiment that a decision to vote for the death penalty would be both "hard" and "difficult", and would require "soul searching." Her responses did not indicate that she would refuse to perform her duties as a juror in accord with her oath. Thus, the trial court properly denied the defense challenge for cause as to Roberts.
Jerry Payne
The defendant next complains of the trial court's denial of a cause challenge exercised against Jerry Payne, who subsequently served on the jury. Specifically, the defendant argues that Payne indicated that he would refuse to consider mitigating circumstances and would only consider a life sentence when the murder was "justified." When asked his feelings about the death penalty, Payne responded:
When the prosecutor asked further questions about Payne's ability to consider the mitigating circumstances that might be presented, Payne replied:
The prosecutor continued, reiterating that Payne had just said that the mitigating factor "may or may not" have significance. Payne responded "absolutely" and indicated that he would still consider the information.
Defense counsel engaged in an extended colloquy with Payne. When defense counsel asked Payne to describe several aspects of his feelings about the death penalty, Payne responded:
When defense counsel inquired further as to what type of situation would justify a death penalty, Payne responded "if it's brutal" or "they meant to do it." He further explained "[i]f they have enough faculties about them and their thought process to know that they're intending to do it, then I think the death penalty is appropriate."
Defense counsel asked Payne if he leaned one way or the other as far as imposing the death penalty or a life sentence for an armed robbery and an intentional killing. Payne replied "[t]hat's fully hard to answer that because I don't know the real facts of the case."
When defense counsel asked whether Payne could consider mitigating circumstance if instructed to do so by the judge, even if the mitigating evidence was far less than beyond a reasonable doubt, he answered, "Yes, I would consider it."
When asked to describe his feelings about a life sentence, Payne indicated:
Defense counsel then asked if a life sentence was nevertheless an extremely severe punishment. Payne replied "[m]ost definitely, particularly if there's no parole," and "that's a real punishment," although acknowledging a life sentence was "not quite as tough as death, the death penalty, of course."
When asked later whether religious ideas about redemption were valid considerations for a life sentence, Payne replied:
Finally, Payne indicated that anger was not an excuse for a first degree murder.
Defense counsel challenged Payne for cause arguing that he would require the defense to prove mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt; thus, holding the defense to a higher burden than was required by law.
Considering the whole of Payne's voir dire testimony, we do not find any abuse of the trial court's discretion in denying the challenge for cause. Payne's willingness to follow the court's instructions combined with his willingness to impose life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances, negated the defense's inference that Payne was biased, prejudiced, or unable to render a judgment according to law. Thus, the trial court properly denied the defense challenge for cause.
Daniel Jarosek
The defendant asserts that Daniel Jarosek, who ultimately sat on the jury, would presume that the defendant has specific intent to kill if the defendant participated in a robbery with a weapon, during which someone was killed. The defense argues that Jarosek was unwilling to follow the law and should have been removed from the jury on the defense's cause challenge.
In response to defense counsel's question whether ". . . simply because a robber uses a gun during a robbery, you necessarily assume that he had the intent to kill," Jarosek responded affirmatively.
Defense counsel relied upon this same question to elicit a response from Jarosek, who agreed that his answer would be second degree murder.
The defense raised a challenge for cause as to prospective juror Jarosek.
Mary Bolin
The defendant contends that the trial court improperly granted the state's challenge for cause as to prospective juror Mary Bolin on the ground that she could not impose the death penalty. However, a review of the record reveals that the defense did not contemporaneously object to the trial court's ruling. Indeed, the record reflects that defense counsel
We hold that this issue was not properly preserved for review by this court. Taylor, 93-2201 p. 7, 669 So.2d at 369. Moreover, the above exchange illustrates a separate and sufficient basis for Bolin's exclusion, as it appears she experienced some sort of emotional episode when faced with the responsibility of potentially imposing the death penalty. Accordingly, the trial court properly granted the state's challenge for cause as to this prospective juror.
Rosie Lee
The defendant challenges the trial court's decision to grant the state's challenge for cause as to Rosie Lee. When the prosecutor asked the group of prospective jurors if there was anyone among them who could not impose the death penalty because of personal or religious beliefs, Lee answered that she could not. She explained: ". . . it's against my religion. I don't believe you should take a person's life. I think they should be put up in a place where they can be rehabilitated or life in prison."
Later, the district attorney returned to Lee, who acknowledged that it would not be fair to the other jurors if someone who was opposed to the death penalty under any circumstance sat on the jury. Taking that sentiment into consideration, the district attorney then asked her again if she could consider the death penalty. Lee answered, "No, I could not decide to take a man['s] life"
Upon questioning by defense counsel, Lee acknowledged her "strong feelings" against the death penalty. When pushed to articulate circumstances where she would impose the death penalty, Lee concluded that she would only do so if it was "outright evil" such that "[the defendant] had no compassion, beat to death, really angry, then after that killed and all that, like they was tortured or something."
When asked by defense counsel if she could sit on the jury, even with her strong feelings, and consider the death penalty
After the state challenged Lee for cause, the trial court acknowledged that her answers to the state had been forthright in her inability to consider the death penalty under any circumstances. Although the trial court was aware of Lee's admission that she would consider the death penalty if it were a case of "outright evil," the trial court indicated his satisfaction that the totality of Lee's responses indicated an inability to impose the death penalty.
We find no abuse of the trial court's discretion in granting the state's cause challenge as to prospective juror Lee. Much deference "must be afforded to a trial court's first-hand observation of tone of voice, body language, facial expression, eye contact, or juror attention." State v. Leger, 2005-11 p. 90 (La.7/10/06), 936 So.2d 108, 169, cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 127 S.Ct. 1279, 167 L.Ed.2d 100 (2007). This court has previously held "significantly, it is in the determination of substantial impairment that the trial judge's broad discretion plays the critical role." Id., citing State v. Lucky, 1996-1687 p. 7 (La.4/13/99), 755 So.2d 845, 850, cert. denied, 529 U.S. 1023, 120 S.Ct. 1429, 146 L.Ed.2d 319 (2000). Lee's admission that she would consider the death penalty under certain extreme circumstances is outweighed by her consistent statements during the majority of voir dire that she would not impose the death penalty under any circumstance. As a result, the trial court properly granted the state's challenge.
Twenty Named Prospective Jurors
The defendant argues, generally, that the trial court improperly granted the state's challenges for cause as to twenty jurors simply "based upon their opposition to the death penalty."
Partial Jury
The defendant also generally asserts that he was tried by a partial jury.
Prospective juror Claude Johnson, when asked how he felt about the death penalty, stated, "I'm for the death penalty."
Prospective juror Anita White gave equally balanced responses to questioning by both the prosecutor and defense counsel, indicating that although it may be difficult for her, she could consider a life sentence for someone convicted of first degree murder.
Finally, although prospective juror Leroy Jett articulated a belief that "if you take someone's life, then you shouldn't have a right to live no way,"
Motion to Suppress Identification
Assignment of Error 39
The defendant argues that the trial court erroneously denied his motions to suppress the pretrial identifications made by Burkette, Holloway, and Jackson. Specifically, the defendant maintains that the identifications were made as a result of suggestive procedures, and are, therefore, unreliable.
The record show that defense counsel filed a pretrial motion to suppress identification on August 16, 2002, and an amended motion to suppress identification on November 27, 2002. These counseled motions challenged the identifications made by Burkette and Holloway, suggesting that they were made "under circumstances that suggested that he [the defendant] was the perpetrator of the crime."
In State v. Higgins, 2003-1980 (La.4/1/05), 898 So.2d 1219, cert. denied, 546 U.S. 883, 126 S.Ct. 182, 163 L.Ed.2d 187 (2005), this court held:
Id., 2003-1980 p. 19, 898 So.2d at 1232-1233.
In Manson v. Brathwaite, 432 U.S. 98, 116, 97 S.Ct. 2243, 2254, 53 L.Ed.2d 140 (1977), the Supreme Court held that despite the existence of a suggestive pretrial identification, an identification may be permissible if there does not exist a "very substantial likelihood of irreparable misidentification." Under Manson, the factors which courts must examine to determine, from the totality of the circumstances, whether the suggestiveness presents a substantial likelihood of misidentification include: 1) the witness' opportunity to view the criminal at the time of the crime; 2) the witness' degree of attention; 3) the accuracy of his prior description of the criminal; 4) the level of certainty demonstrated at the confrontation; and 5) the time between the crime and the confrontation. Manson, 432 U.S. at 114-15, 97 S.Ct. at 2254.
Virginia Burkette's Identification
At the hearing of defense counsel's motion to suppress held February 13, 2003, Burkette testified that she had known the defendant and Washington for approximately "two or three" weeks before the shooting. Burkette speculated that she saw the defendant nearly every day for about two weeks. Burkette explained that she had occasion to come into frequent contact with the defendant because he and Washington were assisting her as she moved residences. In fact, both men slept at her house on occasion during the time that they were helping her move.
Burkette testified that on February 11, 2003, she came into contact with the defendant after receiving a call from Washington asking her to pick him and the defendant up in her car and "take them to the Line to get something to drink." Burkette agreed and met Washington and the defendant at Holloway's apartment that evening.
Upon arriving at the Magnolia Club later that evening, after several other stops, Burkette watched the defendant, carrying a shotgun, and accompanied by Washington, walk into the Magnolia Club. Burkette recalled that when the men returned to the car, they both had money in their
Burkette admitted at the suppression hearing that she was unable to identify the defendant in a photographic lineup presented to her by police. She explained that the pictures shown to her were too dark and that she told the officers that during the lineup procedure. Burkette denied that the police ever suggested to her that the defendant was involved in the shooting. Burkette made in-person identifications of the defendant at the motion to suppress as well as at trial.
The defendant suggests that Burkette was coached by police during the pretrial photographic lineup, thus tainting her in-court identification. In support, the defendant points to an exchange between Burkette and Detective Long during Burkette's initial statement to police on February 13, 2002. The statement shows that Burkette immediately identified Washington but was unable to identify the defendant from a photographic lineup. During the portion of the exchange indicated by defense counsel, Detective Long suggested to Burkette that she may recognize the No. 2 photo, but Burkette rebuffs the suggestion, saying: "Number two's too dark. He was more light skinned. He was light skinneder [sic] than Peanut. I mean, I just really never paid attention to him but he was light skinneder [sic] than Peanut. And I always saw him with a Army Jacket."
The transcript of the entirety of Burkette's initial statement to police puts the portion of the exchange referred to by defense counsel in context. Earlier in the exchange, Burkette had referenced the photograph in the No. 2 position as possibly being that of the defendant, Washington's cousin and the person she saw in the surveillance videotape.
We find that Burkette's suppression hearing testimony and trial testimony supports the authenticity of her in-court identification at trial. Further, we find her inability to earlier identify the defendant from a photographic lineup to be inconsequential. Nothing in the exchange relied upon by the defense supports the conclusion that Burkette was coached into identifying the defendant or that her subsequent identification was made as the result of suggestive police procedure. The trial court did not err by refusing to suppress Burkette's testimony.
Cardell Jackson's Identification
The defendant challenges the reliability of Jackson's in-court identification of the defendant as the shooter, characterizing his testimony as "weak and inconsistent with regard to how he actually identified
At the suppression hearing, Jackson testified that he had known the defendant and his family since the defendant's birth. Because the town of Rodessa is so small, Jackson explained that he would see the defendant regularly, whether at "his aunty house or at the store or standing on the side of the road. . . ."
Jackson testified at the hearing that on the evening of February 11, 2002, he was playing video poker at the Magnolia Club. He explained that he did not initially know that a robbery was taking place, but he suspected as much when he heard a voice say "give me all the money." Jackson immediately recognized the voice as that of the defendant. He agreed that the words spoken by the defendant were uttered in a somewhat loud fashion and were clear, so that he could distinctly recognize whose voice it was. Jackson was certain the voice he heard was that of the defendant.
After hearing the defendant's voice, Jackson turned from the video poker machine toward the unfolding robbery. Jackson did not see the features of the person who spoke; instead, he saw the man's back and a side of the profile of his face. In addition, Jackson saw the man's posture, height and "the way he [was] built."
Jackson gave Detective Bradford two names, James Washington and LaDerrick Campbell. He was not shown a photograph of the defendant by Detective Bradford. Jackson denied that the Sheriff's Department ever told him who the suspects were in the matter or that he was influenced in any way to suggest that it may have been the defendant or Washington in the Magnolia Club that evening.
The defendant offers no suggestion that Jackson's testimony was influenced by the police or was induced by suggestive identification procedures. Instead, the defendant merely maintains that Jackson's identification lacked certainty. To the contrary, the record shows that Jackson's testimony and statement to police were unequivocal. He recalled knowing the defendant for all of the defendant's life, recognizing his voice that night at the Magnolia Club, and recognizing certain features of the defendant during the robbery. The defendant fails to show how Jackson's testimony is unreliable and subject to suppression. The trial court properly denied any motion to suppress his identification of the defendant.
Lakischa Holloway's Identification
The defendant states that Holloway's identification was made as a result of suggestive identification procedures, but fails to brief the issue or point to any specific instance that he believes tainted her identification.
A review of the record reveals that, at the suppression hearing, Holloway positively identified the defendant. Holloway explained that on the night in question, she, Burkette, Washington, and the defendant drove to the Magnolia Club in Burkette's
We find that nothing in Holloway's testimony indicates that she was coached or subject to suggestive identification procedures. Indeed, the record shows that she was unequivocal in her identification of the defendant and Washington as the men in the car with her that evening and that the defendant was the man who told her, upon his return from the Magnolia Club, that he shot the white lady. The trial court properly denied the motion to suppress Holloway's identification.
Even assuming the line-ups shown to Burkette and Holloway were suggestive, however, the defendant fails to demonstrate that Burkette or Holloway misidentified him. Burkette and Holloway were unwavering in their positive identifications of the defendant. Although not shown a photographic line-up, Jackson was positive with his voice identification. None of these witnesses was attempting to identify a stranger that they had seen only for the short time of the robbery and shooting. Instead, Jackson had known the defendant for all of the defendant's life. Holloway had known the defendant for a number of years. Even Burkette had known the defendant for some weeks before she made her identification. Based on the totality of the circumstances, we find no substantial likelihood of misidentification. The trial court did not err in denying the motions to suppress the identifications.
Indictment Issues
Assignments of Error 40-42
The defendant challenges the jurisdiction of this Court to entertain his appeal based on two alleged errors in the grand jury indictment which charged him with first degree murder. Specifically, the defendant maintains that the bill of indictment fails to contain a true bill endorsement by the grand jury foreperson, resulting in an invalid indictment, and that the short form indictment used in this matter is constitutionally insufficient under Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584, 122 S.Ct. 2428, 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002).
With regard to the defense's claims that the record does not contain an indictment signed by the grand jury foreperson, we note that the record was supplemented subsequent to the submission of this case to the court. The back of the original grand jury indictment contained in the trial court record, which was signed by the grand jury foreperson and indicates that a true bill was returned, is now a part of the appellate record.
Insofar as the defendant complains that the short form indictment is constitutionally insufficient because it fails to list aggravating factors necessary to a first degree murder or the aggravating circumstances necessary to impose a death sentence, this court has addressed this argument before in capital cases and rejected it:
State v. Draughn, 2005-1825 p. 60-61 (La.1/17/07), 950 So.2d 583, 623-624, cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 128 S.Ct. 537, 169 L.Ed.2d 377 (2007).
As in Draughn, the record in this case shows that the defense failed to file a pretrial motion to quash which complained of the short form indictment.
Jury Instruction Issues
Assignments of Error 43-45
The defendant argues that the trial court's instructions to the jury on reasonable doubt, specific intent and the gubernatorial power of commutation invited the jury to consider arbitrary factors in
Although we decide this issue on procedural grounds, we note that the record does not support the defendant's argument. The reasonable doubt instruction, given prior to the jury's deliberations on guilt, did not allow the jury to convict without satisfying the reasonable doubt requirement. Thus, the instruction passes constitutional muster, and the defendant's argument fails. State v. Williams, 1996-1023, p. 18 (La.1/21/98), 708 So.2d 703, 718, cert. denied, 525 U.S. 838, 119 S.Ct. 99, 142 L.Ed.2d 79 (1998) (upholding a similar instruction which equated reasonable doubt with "a serious doubt for which you could give good reason").
The instruction on specific intent, given before the jury deliberated on the defendant's guilt, did not set out a prohibited conclusive presumption, but rather instructed that the jury "may infer" specific intent from the defendant's actions. The permissive language used in this case has been previously sanctioned by this Court. See State v. Mitchell, 1994-2078, p. 5 (La.5/21/96), 674 So.2d 250, 255, cert. denied, 519 U.S. 1043, 117 S.Ct. 614, 136 L.Ed.2d 538 (1996); State v. Copeland, 530 So.2d 526, 539 (La. 1988), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1091, 109 S.Ct. 1558, 103 L.Ed.2d 860 (1989).
Finally, the defendant contends that the constitutionally and statutorily mandated instruction regarding the governor's commutation power, given prior to the jury's deliberation on the appropriate sentence, introduced an arbitrary and capricious factor into the jury's sentencing decision. The defendant requests that this Court reconsider its ruling in State v. Loyd, 96-1805 (La.2/13/97), 689 So.2d 1321, which upheld as constitutional the application of LSA-.C.Cr.P. art. 905.2(B).
Death Penalty Issue
Assignment of Error 46
The defendant claims that the trial court's failure to instruct jurors that they must unanimously determine beyond a reasonable doubt that death is the appropriate punishment violates Ring v. Arizona, supra. As previously noted, defense counsel lodged no objection to the penalty phase jury instructions; thus, this issue is not preserved for review. La. C.Cr.P. art. 841; Wessinger, 98-1234 p. 20, 736 So.2d at 181.
Although we decide the issue on procedural grounds, we note that the court has recently rejected this same argument in Blank, 2004-204 p. 26, 955 So.2d at 140:
Appellate Record Completeness
Assignment of Error 48
The defendant asserts that the lack of a complete appellate record requires reversal of his conviction and death sentence. Specifically, he claims that transcripts of numerous court appearances, hearings and bench conferences are omitted from the appellate record. He also suggests that record omissions during voir dire render it difficult to establish the viability of cause challenges.
La. Const. art. I § 19 guarantees defendants a right of appeal "based upon a complete record of all the evidence upon which the judgment is based." Additionally, La.C.Cr.P. art. 843 provides in pertinent part:
In support of his argument, appellate counsel cites State v. Landry, 1997-0499 (La.6/29/99), 751 So.2d 214. In Landry, this Court reversed a conviction and death sentence because the appellate record was so deficient that the Court could not properly review the case for error. Landry, 1997-0499, pp. 1-4, 751 So.2d at 214-16. Even though this Court has found reversible error when material portions of the trial record were unavailable or incomplete, a "slight inaccuracy in a record or an inconsequential omission from it which is immaterial to a proper determination of the appeal" does not require reversal of a conviction. Draughn, 2005-1825 p. 63, 950 So.2d at 625; State v. Castleberry, 1998-1388 p. 29 (La.4/13/99), 758 So.2d 749, 773, cert. denied, 528 U.S. 893, 120 S.Ct. 220, 145 L.Ed.2d 185 (1999), quoting State v. Allen, 1995-1754 (La.9/5/96), 682 So.2d 713 (internal citation omitted). An incomplete record may be
Defense counsel contends that the fact that the defendant represented himself at trial, coupled with the issues raised regarding the defendant's competency, necessitate a complete and accurate record since the defendant lacks the ability to provide important information to his appellate counsel. However, the defense offers no suggestion or argument that the defendant was prejudiced by the record omissions.
With regard to unrecorded bench conferences, the court has previously stated:
Draughn, 2005-1825 p. 63-64, 950 So.2d at 625, citing State v. Hoffman, 1998-3118 p. 50 (La.4/11/00), 768 So.2d 542, 586-587, cert. denied, 531 U.S. 946, 121 S.Ct. 345, 148 L.Ed.2d 277 (2000). As in Draughn, the record shows that the trial court placed on the record, outside of the jury's presence, the substance of certain bench conferences for objections which the trial court deemed substantive. As for other bench conferences, not all of them were placed on the record. In one instance, the trial judge noted "because they were objections by defense counsel which were sustained and the State agreed, then the Court just felt that we didn't need to put them on the record. . . ."
With regard to missing transcripts or pretrial proceedings, the defense points to court dates which have no corresponding transcription in the appellate record. This court has previously held that where minute entries show relatively minor events, or where there are "gaps" in the record, such inconsequential omissions merit no relief. State v. LaCaze, 1999-0584 p. 17 (La.1/25/02), 824 So.2d 1063, 1076-1077, cert. denied, 537 U.S. 865, 123 S.Ct. 263, 154 L.Ed.2d 110 (2002). We note that defense counsel has had the appellate record supplemented with the transcripts of certain pretrial hearings. Otherwise, appellate counsel does no more than raise
With regard to the transcription of the voir dire proceedings, we found no difficulty in determining the appropriateness of the cause challenges, which were the issues raised by the defendant on appeal.
Finding that none of the assignments of error raised by the defendant on appeal show reversible error, we now review the record to determine if the sentence of death imposed in this case is constitutionally excessive.
CAPITAL SENTENCE REVIEW
Under La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.9 and La. Sup.Ct. Rule 28, this court reviews every sentence of death imposed by the courts of this state to determine if it is constitutionally excessive. In making this determination, the court considers whether the jury imposed the sentence under the influence of passion, prejudice or other arbitrary factors; whether the evidence supports the jury's findings with respect to a statutory aggravating circumstance; and whether the sentence is disproportionate, considering both the offense and the offender.
In this case, the trial court submitted a Uniform Capital Sentence Report ("UCSR") and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections has submitted a Capital Sentence Investigation ("CSI"). In addition, the state filed a Sentence Review Memorandum and the defendant has filed a corresponding Reply Memorandum.
These documents, along with the penalty phase testimony of the defendant's relatives, indicate that the defendant is an African-American man who was born on February 21, 1983. The defendant grew up in Rodessa, Louisiana, and was ten days short of his 19
The records disagree as to the defendant's education. According to the UCSR, the highest grade the defendant completed in school was the 9
As for the defendant's work history, the defendant related several prior jobs in his Faretta colloquy, including working at a paper mill, saw mill and truck stop. The UCSR indicates the defendant never held a job. The CSI indicates the defendant never had full-time employment and was unemployed at the time of the offense.
The UCSR shows that the defendant had a prior criminal record. With regard to an aggravated battery occurring on February 11, 2001, the defendant pleaded guilty to simple battery and received a suspended sentence, unsupervised probation, and a fine. With regard to a misdemeanor theft charge, the defendant pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence, unsupervised probation and a fine. The CSI confirms these prior adult convictions, and indicates that the defendant has a juvenile record, reporting arrests for the offenses of purse snatching, truancy, entering and remaining, driving without a license, and aggravated and simple criminal damage to property. The CSI shows, however, that the disposition
According to the UCSR, the defendant's I.Q. is below 70, although that indication bears an asterisk with the further information that this is the result of preliminary testing and that the defendant refused further testing.
Passion, Prejudice, Arbitrary Factors
The defendant contends that his sentence is constitutionally excessive because: (1) substantial evidence indicates that the defendant suffers from mental retardation; (2) there were violations of his right to due process and a fair trial; and (3) the defendant bears reduced moral culpability arising from his age and mental deficiencies. All of these factors were treated in depth in the individual assignments of error raised by the defendant.
Otherwise, we note that this was a trial of a young, African-American man accused of killing a 51-year old Caucasian woman during an armed robbery. The record reveals no evidence of prejudice, as race was not raised as an issue at trial. Both the defendant and the victim were local residents in a small community. The UCSR indicates that the jury which unanimously found the defendant guilty of first degree murder and sentenced him to death was composed of eleven white jurors and one black juror. The UCSR states that there was no extensive publicity in the community concerning this case.
We find no evidence that the sentence was imposed due to passion, prejudice or other arbitrary factors.
Aggravating Circumstance
At trial, the state argued one aggravating circumstance: that the defendant was engaged in the perpetration of an armed robbery when he murdered the victim. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.4(1). The jury found the existence of this circumstance. The state's evidence was so strong that sufficiency of the evidence has not been raised on appeal. Nevertheless, we find that the state's evidence, consisting as it did of a surveillance videotape and eyewitness testimony was sufficient beyond a reasonable doubt to support the jury's determination in this regard.
Proportionality
Although the federal constitution does not require a proportionality review, Pulley v. Harris, 465 U.S. 37, 104 S.Ct. 871, 79 L.Ed.2d 29 (1984), comparative proportionality review remains a relevant consideration in determining the issue of excessiveness in Louisiana. State v. Burrell, 561 So.2d 692, 710 (La.1990), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1074, 111 S.Ct. 799, 112 L.Ed.2d 861 (1991). This court reviews death sentences to determine whether the sentence is disproportionate to the penalty imposed in other cases, considering both the offense and the offender. If the jury's recommendation of death is inconsistent with sentences imposed in similar cases in the same jurisdiction, an inference of arbitrariness arises. State v. Sonnier, 380 So.2d 1, 7 (La.1979).
The state's Sentence Review Memorandum reveals that since 1976, jurors in the First Judicial District have returned a guilty verdict in 41 capital cases, including the defendant's case, and of those, juries have recommended imposition of the death penalty 16 times.
A comparison of this case with other first degree murder cases in the First Judicial District where death was imposed, as well as with other first degree murder cases in Louisiana as a whole where the same aggravating circumstance was found, convinces this court that the death sentence imposed in this case is not a disproportionately harsh sentence, considering the offense and the offender.
DECREE
For the reasons assigned herein, the defendant's conviction and sentence are affirmed. In the event this judgment becomes final on direct review when either: (1) the defendant fails to petition timely the United States Supreme Court for certiorari; or (2) that Court denies his petition for certiorari; and either (a) the defendant, having filed for and been denied certiorari, fails to petition the United States Supreme Court timely, under their prevailing rules, for rehearing of denial of certiorari; or (b) that Court denies his petition for rehearing, the trial judge shall, upon receiving notice from this court under La.C.Cr.P. art. 923 of finality of direct appeal, and before signing the warrant of execution, as provided by La. R.S. 15:567(B), immediately notify the Louisiana
CALOGERO, Chief Justice, dissents and assigns reasons.
JOHNSON, Justice, dissents and assigns reasons.
CALOGERO, Chief Justice, dissents and assigns reasons.
I respectfully dissent from the majority decision affirming the conviction and sentence of death. I disagree with the majority's resolution of the defendant's claim that the trial court abused its discretion in denying a challenge for cause against juror Jerry Payne, who was empaneled on the petit jury, on the basis that Payne would place upon the defense the improper burden of proving the existence of mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt. The record of the voir dire examination does not expose any rational basis for a finding that this juror could, under any particular circumstances, set aside his acknowledged presumption in favor of the death penalty and fairly consider imposing a sentence of life imprisonment. The majority thus errs in finding that this juror was not substantially impaired in the performance of his duties.
Although the majority opinion does not cite it in the discussion regarding juror Payne, the only Louisiana case that might arguably support the majority's rather facile conclusion that Payne's answers "negated the defense's inference that Payne was biased, prejudiced, or unable to render a judgment according to law," ante, p. 862, is State v. Lucky, 96-1687 (La.4/13/99), 755 So.2d 845. In Lucky, the prospective juror would have required "some pretty heavy evidence" in mitigation to merit consideration of a sentence other than death. The Lucky court found no error in the denial of the challenge for cause because, the court opined, the trial judge there had "perceived [the juror's] responses to mean that his predisposition toward the death penalty, balanced with his willingness to consider mitigating circumstances and to credit those that he deemed `pretty heavy,' did not significantly impair [the juror's] performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath." 96-1687, p. 8, 755 So.2d at 851.
I believe Lucky was wrongly decided, as I explained in my dissent to the denial of the rehearing in that case. Lucky, 96-1687, 755 So.2d at 861, Calogero, C.J., dissenting from the denial of rehearing. Because the legislature did not provide any presumptions or fixed standards for a capital sentencing jury to use in considering aggravating and mitigating circumstances, that body intended that a qualified juror not enter the penalty phase of trial with a presumption that death is the appropriate penalty, a presumption the defendant would necessarily bear the burden of overcoming. Id. In Lucky, I stated that any juror who would begin the penalty phase with a presumption of death, unless "heavy" evidence in mitigation were presented, is unfit to serve on a capital jury, just as would a juror who would begin the penalty phase of the trial with a presumption that life is the appropriate penalty. Id.
In my view, the instant case presents a juror even less willing to consider mitigating circumstances than was found in Lucky. Here, when Payne was first asked about his willingness to consider mitigating
When told again that guilt of armed robbery and an intentional killing will be a foregone conclusion when the penalty phase is reached and then asked if he would consider himself "in the middle" with regard to the sentences of death or life, the following exchange occurred:
R. vol. 6, pp. 43-44.
Mr. Payne was never rehabilitated after this exchange on the burden of proof that he would impose on the defendant before he would consider a life sentence, nor was he even questioned about the burden of proof. See R. vol. 6, pp. 44-46, 48-49, and
Furthermore, while the juror could easily describe the situations in which he would impose the death penalty, see R. vol. 6, pp. 41-43 and 44-45, he could not state with any particularity under what circumstances he might consider a life sentence. He indicated that, where there was intent to kill and a single gunshot, it would be "hard" to overcome the death penalty. See Id., pp. 41-42. He also indicated that if the killing were "brutal," he would have "no reservations" in imposing the death penalty, stating that "it's very hard to be reasonable when it's a brutal situation." Id., pp. 41 and 42. Payne then referred with approval to the statement of another prospective juror, Leland McNabb, who was eventually removed for cause, who had described as brutal every murder he had seen in his 25 years as a paramedic.
Defense counsel challenged Mr. Payne for cause on the basis that he would require the defense to prove mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, a burden of proof not provided by law. The State argued that Payne did not say such evidence would have to be proven beyond
Moreover, I believe there should be a level playing field for the accused and the state in jury selection in capital cases. In this case, the majority found that the trial judge had properly excused on the state's challenge for cause prospective juror Rosie Lee. The majority reasons, "Lee's admission that she would consider the death penalty under certain extreme circumstances is outweighed by her consistent statements during the majority of voir dire that she would not impose the death penalty under any circumstance." Ante, p. 864. That same rationale should have applied to the majority's treatment of the defendant's challenge for cause of juror Payne. Payne repeatedly expressed his presumption in favor of the death penalty and his unwillingness to even consider a life sentence unless the defendant proved the existence of mitigating circumstances "beyond a really reasonable doubt." Therefore, this juror's mere acknowledgment that he could consider a life sentence was surely "outweighed" by his consistently strong statements during the majority of voir dire that the death penalty was the "appropriate" sentence for this crime and that he would hold the defendant to an improperly onerous burden of proof to overcome that presumption. Thus, had the trial judge and the majority today applied the law evenhandedly, in my view, both would have found that juror Payne was no more qualified to sit on the jury than was prospective juror Lee.
For these reasons, I believe the trial court abused its admittedly broad discretion in denying the defendant's challenge for cause against juror Payne, resulting in reversible error. Accordingly, I would order a new trial.
JOHNSON, J., dissents and assigns reasons:
I respectfully dissent. This trial was conducted by an experienced trial judge, who, after the jury was sworn, and on the third day of voir dire, was faced with the issue of whether the defendant was competent to proceed. On the fifth day of voir dire, the defendant asserted his Sixth Amendment right to self representation and the court was forced to determine the issue of whether defendant was competent to make a knowing waiver of his right to counsel.
Defendant made three substantial and interrelated arguments regarding his mental competency. The first issue was whether the trial judge was presented with evidence that defendant lacked the capacity to proceed, and whether the court failed to take adequate steps to determine the defendant's competency. One could argue that defendant's behavior before and during the trial indicated that his competence to stand trial was questionable. Specifically, the defendant exhibited a seemingly paranoid and delusional fixation that his court appointed attorneys, along with the district attorney, and other individuals present in the courtroom were making hand gestures and facial expressions to prospective jurors and jury members in an attempt to "coerce" them, or turn them against him. Had defendant exhibited the same delusions or paranoia pre-trial, the trial court would have had ample opportunity
The procedure for raising the issue of a defendant's competency is set forth in LSA-C.Cr.P. art. 642:
In State v. Bickham, 404 So.2d 929, 934 (La.1981), this Court stated:
Heretofore, the standard of competency for waiving the right to counsel has been the same as the standard of competency to stand trial. The trial court must satisfy itself that the waiver of rights is knowing and voluntary. The assertion of the right must also be clear and unequivocal. Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 835, 95 S.Ct. 2525, 2541, 45 L.Ed.2d 562 (1975); State v. Hegwood, 345 So.2d 1179, 1181-82 (La.1977). "Whether an accused has knowingly and intelligently waived his right to counsel depends on the facts and circumstances of each case." State v. Strain, 585 So.2d 540, 542 (La.1991)(citing Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938)).
In Faretta, the Supreme Court recognized that a trial court may not force a lawyer upon a defendant when the defendant insists he wants to conduct his own defense, and voluntarily, and intelligently elects to proceed without counsel. However, defendant must assert his right clearly and unequivocally to proceed, pro se, and he must also make his request in a timely manner. Id., 422 U.S. at 835, 95 S.Ct. at 2541 ("Here, weeks before trial, Faretta clearly and unequivocally declared to the trial judge that he wanted to represent himself and did not want counsel.") Faretta made clear that the accused's "technical legal knowledge, as such, [is] not relevant to an assessment of his knowing exercise of the right to defend himself." Faretta, 422 U.S. at 836, 95 S.Ct. at 2541; see also State v. Santos, 99-1897, p. 3 (La.9/15/00), 770 So.2d 319, 321 ("A trial judge confronted with an accused's unequivocal request to represent himself need determine only
In Indiana v. Ahmad Edwards, ___ U.S. ___, 128 S.Ct. 741, 169 L.Ed.2d 579, (2007), a case recently argued before the United States Supreme, but still undecided, the parties suggest that Faretta and its progeny, has resulted in a lack of clarity in the trial courts.
The current rule seems to require the trial court to allow self-representation, then "wait and see" whether a defendant, who has total ignorance of evidentiary rules, or details for conducting a trial, can actually formulate a coherent defense. The public is entitled to see a judicial system that is adversarial, yet reliable. The court's role is to ensure that what plays out before a jury does not become a farce. The appointment of stand-by counsel does not seem to be effective; by the time the defendant evokes his right to counsel, the damage has been done. Standby counsel cannot effectively take over the remainder of the trial. The usual recourse is a mistrial.
The current Faretta rule often results in a waste of the court's resources. Competency is not a unitary concept. A defendant may be competent to understand and assist appointed counsel, but may not be competent to represent himself.
In Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304, 122 S.Ct. 2242, 153 L.Ed.2d 335 (2002), the United States Supreme Court held that execution of mentally retarded persons constitutes an excessive punishment, and thus violates the Eighth Amendment. In the present case, the defendant contends that the record provides reasonable grounds to suspect that he is mentally retarded and exempt from execution. Based upon the limited medical and psychological information in the record, due partly to the defendant's refusal to cooperate with evaluators, the defendant requests that the issue be remanded to the trial court for a determination of whether he is mentally retarded. The State also concedes that this record, alone, is insufficient to make a determination of mental retardation.
It would be premature for this Court to make a determination of whether this defendant is mentally retarded and exempt from capital punishment based solely upon the record in this appeal. Although Atkins prohibits the States from executing mentally retarded persons, Atkins left to the States the task of developing guidelines for implementation. This Court responded to the Atkins mandate in State v. Williams, 2001-1650 (La.11/1/02), 831 So.2d 835, where we held that the determination of a defendant's mental retardation was an issue for the court to decide. We noted that the specifics of remanding a case on an Atkins claim was res nova in Louisiana, and in the interim between our decision in Williams and legislative action on the subject, we instructed trial courts to treat the issue procedurally as they would
Following Williams, the Louisiana legislature enacted LSA-C Cr. P. art. 905.5.1, which prohibits the execution of the mentally retarded, provides procedures for raising and trying the issue, and defines mental retardation for the purpose of exemption from capital punishment. LSA-C. Cr. P. art. 905.5.1 reflects the legislature's preference that a jury determine all issues relevant to a capital sentencing determination in a single proceeding.
In State v. Dunn, 2007-0878 (La.1/25/08), 974 So.2d 658, this Court held that La. C. Cr. P. art. 905.5.1 does not apply to cases in a post-verdict, post-conviction posture. We held that because the legislature has not established a procedure to be used for Atkins hearings conducted post-trial and/or post-sentencing, the state of the law for cases in a post-verdict posture is the same as it was at the time we issued our decision in Williams.
In Williams, this Court gave the following instructions to the trial courts:
Like Dunn, this case is in a post-verdict procedural posture. Thus, the procedure outlined in Williams must be used by the trial court to determine whether Mr. Campbell is mentally retarded.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons assigned, I am unable to affirm the defendant's conviction and sentence. I would order this case remanded to the district court to conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the defendant is mentally retarded and whether the defendant was competent to waive his right to counsel.
FootNotes
A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, no person who is mentally retarded shall be subjected to a sentence of death.
B. Any capital defendant who claims to be mentally retarded shall file written notice thereof within the time period for filing of pretrial motions as provided by Code of Criminal Procedure Article 521.
C. (1) Any defendant in a capital case making a claim of mental retardation shall prove the allegation by a preponderance of the evidence. The jury shall try the issue of mental retardation of a capital defendant during the capital sentencing hearing unless the state and the defendant agree that the issue is to be tried by the judge. If the state and the defendant agree, the issue of mental retardation of a capital defendant may be tried prior to trial by the judge alone.
(2) Any pretrial determination by the judge that a defendant is not mentally retarded shall not preclude the defendant from raising the issue at the penalty phase, nor shall it preclude any instruction to the jury pursuant to this Section.
D. Once the issue of mental retardation is raised by the defendant, and upon written motion of the district attorney, the defendant shall provide the state, within time limits set by the court, any and all medical, correctional, educational, and military records, raw data, tests, test scores, notes, behavioral observations, reports, evaluations, and any other information of any kind reviewed by any defense expert in forming the basis of his opinion that the defendant is mentally retarded.
E. By filing a notice relative to a claim of mental retardation under this Article, the defendant waives all claims of confidentiality and privilege to, and is deemed to have consented to the release of, any and all medical, correctional, educational, and military records, raw data, tests, test scores, notes, behavioral observations, reports, evaluations, expert opinions, and any other such information of any kind or other records relevant or necessary to an examination or determination under this Article.
F. When a defendant makes a claim of mental retardation under this Article, the state shall have the right to an independent psychological and psychiatric examination of the defendant. A psychologist conducting such examination must be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. If the state exercises this right, and upon written motion of the defendant, the state shall provide the defendant, within time limits set by the court, any and all medical, correctional, educational, and military records, and all raw data, tests, test scores, notes, behavioral observations, reports, evaluations, and any other information of any kind reviewed by any state expert in forming the basis of his opinion that the defendant is not mentally retarded. If the state fails to comply with any such order, the court may impose sanctions as provided by Article 729.5.
G. If the defendant making a claim of mental retardation fails to comply with any order issued pursuant to Paragraph D of this Article, or refuses to submit to or fully cooperate in any examination by experts for the state pursuant to either Paragraph D or F of this Article, upon motion by the district attorney, the court shall neither conduct a pretrial hearing concerning the issue of mental retardation nor instruct the jury of the prohibition of executing mentally retarded defendants.
H. (1) "Mental retardation" means a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. The onset must occur before the age of eighteen years.
(2) A diagnosis of one or more of the following conditions does not necessarily constitute mental retardation:
(a) Autism.
(b) Behavioral disorders.
(c) Cerebral palsy and other motor deficits.
(d) Difficulty in adjusting to school.
(e) Emotional disturbance.
(f) Emotional stress in home or school.
(g) Environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.
(h) Epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
(i) Lack of educational opportunities.
(j) Learning disabilities.
(k) Mental illness.
(l) Neurological disorders.
(m) Organic brain damage occurring after age eighteen.
(n) Other handicapping conditions.
(o) Personality disorders.
(p) Sensory impairments.
(q) Speech and language disorders.
(r) A temporary crisis situation.
(s) Traumatic brain damage occurring after age eighteen.
Thereafter, on August 29, 2006, appellate defense counsel filed a motion to have the defendant examined with regard to his competency to proceed on appeal. The court denied the motion on September 1, 2006.
R. vol. 6, p. 10.
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