NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION
STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
23-103
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VERSUS
RAYMOND CELESTINE, IV
**********
APPEAL FROM THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF ACADIA, NO. 85396 HONORABLE KRISTIAN DENNIS EARLES, DISTRICT JUDGE
CANDYCE G. PERRET JUDGE
Court composed of Candyce G. Perret, Jonathan W. Perry, and Wilbur L. Stiles, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
Mary Constance Hanes Louisiana Appellate Project Post Office Box 4015 New Orleans, LA 70178-4015 (504) 866-6652 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT: Raymond Celestine, IV Donald Dale Landry District Attorney Post Office Box 3306 Lafayette, LA 70502 (337) 232-5170 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana
Elliott C. Cassidy Assistant District Attorney Post Office Box 288 Crowley, LA 70526 (337) 788-8831 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana PERRET, Judge.
Defendant, Raymond Celestine, IV, appeals his thirty-year sentence for
manslaughter, arguing that it is unconstitutionally excessive. For the following
reasons, we affirm the trial court’s sentence.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY AND FACTS:
In April 2016, Defendant shot and killed the victim, Anthony Citizen, at
Vautrot’s Store, a gas station located in Acadia Parish. Following the shooting,
Defendant turned himself into the authorities, where he was arrested for second
degree murder. Thereafter, a grand jury of Acadia Parish indicted Defendant on the
charge of second-degree murder, a violation of La.R.S. 14:30.1. On May 24, 2021,
Defendant withdrew his previous plea of not guilty and entered a plea of “no contest”
to the amended charge of manslaughter, a violation of La.R.S. 14:31. Thereafter,
the trial court ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
On October 27, 2022, the trial court sentenced Defendant to thirty years at
hard labor with the Department of Corrections. Defense counsel objected to the
imposed sentence and made an oral motion to reconsider sentence due to its
excessiveness. The court subsequently denied the motion.
On November 2, 2022, Defendant separately filed a motion to reconsider the
sentence and a notice of appeal with the court. On November 3, 2022, the trial court
set a hearing for the motion to reconsider sentence and granted the notice of appeal.
On January 12, 2023, the trial court held a hearing on Defendant’s motion to
reconsider sentence, at which time defense counsel asserted the court failed to
consider the aggravating and mitigating circumstances in the case. The trial court
subsequently denied the motion, noting that “it could have been considered second
degree murder” and “[it] thought that the shooting was merciless.” Defendant now appeals his sentence, arguing it is unconstitutionally
excessive.1
DISCUSSION:
In his sole assignment of error, Defendant alleges his thirty-year sentence for
manslaughter is excessive under the circumstances. Specifically, Defendant claims
the trial judge abused his discretion in imposing such a severe sentence considering
the facts of the case and the fact that he was only eighteen years old at the time of
the shooting and had no criminal history.
In State v. Soileau, 13-770, pp. 4–5 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/12/14), 153 So.3d 1002,
1005–06 (alterations in original), writ denied, 14-452 (La. 9/26/14), 149 So.3d 261,
this court addressed the following guidelines regarding an excessive sentence
review:
Sentences within the statutory sentencing range can be reviewed for constitutional excessiveness. State v. Sepulvado, 367 So.2d 762 (La.1979). In State v. Barling, 00-1241, 00-1591, p. 12 (La.App. 3 Cir. 1/31/01), 779 So.2d 1035, 1042-43, writ denied, 01-838 (La. 2/1/02), 808 So.2d 331, a panel of this court discussed the review of excessive sentence claims, stating:
La.Const. art. I, § 20 guarantees that, “[n]o law shall subject any person to cruel or unusual punishment.” To constitute an excessive sentence, the reviewing court must find the penalty so grossly disproportionate to the severity of the crime as to shock our sense of justice or that the sentence makes no measurable contribution to acceptable penal goals and is, therefore, nothing more than a needless imposition of pain and suffering. State v. Campbell, 404 So.2d 1205 (La.1981). The trial court has wide discretion in the imposition of sentence within the statutory limits and such sentence shall not be set aside as excessive absent a manifest abuse of discretion. State v. Etienne, 99-192 (La.App. 3 Cir. 10/13/99); 746 So.2d 124, writ denied, 00- 0165 (La. 6/30/00); 765 So.2d 1067. The relevant
1 In accordance with La.Code Crim.P. art. 920, all appeals are reviewed for errors patent on the face of the record. After reviewing the record, we find there are no errors patent.
2 question is whether the trial court abused its broad sentencing discretion, not whether another sentence might have been more appropriate. State v. Cook, 95-2784 (La. 5/31/96); 674 So.2d 957, cert. denied, 519 U.S. 1043, 117 S.Ct. 615, 136 L.Ed.2d 539 (1996).
Further, in reviewing the defendant’s sentences, the appellate court should consider the nature of the crime, the nature and background of the offender, and the sentences imposed for similar crimes. State v. Lisotta, 98-648 (La.App. 5 Cir. 12/16/98), 726 So.2d 57 (citing State v. Telsee, 425 So.2d 1251 (La.1983)), writ denied, 99- 433 (La. 6/25/99), 745 So.2d 1183. In State v. Smith, 02-719, p. 4 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/12/03), 846 So.2d 786, 789, writ denied, 03-562 (La. 5/30/03), 845 So.2d 1061, a panel of this court observed that:
While a comparison of sentences imposed for similar crimes may provide some insight, “it is well settled that sentences must be individualized to the particular offender and to the particular offense committed.” State v. Batiste, 594 So.2d 1 (La.App. 1 Cir. 1991). Additionally, it is within the purview of the trial court to particularize the sentence because the trial judge “remains in the best position to assess the aggravating and mitigating circumstances presented by each case.” State v. Cook, 95- 2784 (La. 5/31/96); 674 So.2d 957, 958.
Additionally, in State v. Wortham, 47,431, pp. 4–5 (La.App. 2 Cir. 11/14/12), 107
So.3d 132, 135–36 (emphasis added), the second circuit provided a useful recitation
of the law:
Where the record shows an adequate factual basis for the sentence imposed, remand is unnecessary even where the trial court has not fully complied with the sentencing guidelines of La.C.Cr.P. art. 894.1. State v. Lanclos, 419 So.2d 475 (La.1982); State v. McGraw, [616 So.2d 262 (La.App. 2 Cir. 1993)]. The important elements which should be considered are the defendant’s personal history, prior criminal record, seriousness of offense, and the likelihood of rehabilitation. State v. McGraw, supra. The trial court is not required to weigh any specific matters over other matters. State v. Moton, 46,607 (La.App. 2 Cir. 9/21/11), 73 So.3d 503, writ denied, 11-2288 (La. 3/30/12), 85 So.3d 113; State v. Caldwell, 46,645 (La.App. 2 Cir. 9/21/11), 74 So.3d 248, writ denied, 11-2348 (La. 4/27/12), 86 So.3d 625.
....
3 When a defendant has received a significant reduction in potential exposure to confinement through a plea bargain, the trial court has great discretion in imposing even the maximum sentence possible for the pled offense. State v. Fatheree, [46,686 (La.App. 2 Cir. 11/2/11), 77 So.3d 1047]; State v. Germany, 42,239 (La.App. 2 Cir. 4/30/08), 981 So.2d 792.
Originally, the grand jury indicted Defendant on the charge of second-degree
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NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION
STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
23-103
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VERSUS
RAYMOND CELESTINE, IV
**********
APPEAL FROM THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF ACADIA, NO. 85396 HONORABLE KRISTIAN DENNIS EARLES, DISTRICT JUDGE
CANDYCE G. PERRET JUDGE
Court composed of Candyce G. Perret, Jonathan W. Perry, and Wilbur L. Stiles, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
Mary Constance Hanes Louisiana Appellate Project Post Office Box 4015 New Orleans, LA 70178-4015 (504) 866-6652 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT: Raymond Celestine, IV Donald Dale Landry District Attorney Post Office Box 3306 Lafayette, LA 70502 (337) 232-5170 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana
Elliott C. Cassidy Assistant District Attorney Post Office Box 288 Crowley, LA 70526 (337) 788-8831 COUNSEL FOR APPELLEE: State of Louisiana PERRET, Judge.
Defendant, Raymond Celestine, IV, appeals his thirty-year sentence for
manslaughter, arguing that it is unconstitutionally excessive. For the following
reasons, we affirm the trial court’s sentence.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY AND FACTS:
In April 2016, Defendant shot and killed the victim, Anthony Citizen, at
Vautrot’s Store, a gas station located in Acadia Parish. Following the shooting,
Defendant turned himself into the authorities, where he was arrested for second
degree murder. Thereafter, a grand jury of Acadia Parish indicted Defendant on the
charge of second-degree murder, a violation of La.R.S. 14:30.1. On May 24, 2021,
Defendant withdrew his previous plea of not guilty and entered a plea of “no contest”
to the amended charge of manslaughter, a violation of La.R.S. 14:31. Thereafter,
the trial court ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
On October 27, 2022, the trial court sentenced Defendant to thirty years at
hard labor with the Department of Corrections. Defense counsel objected to the
imposed sentence and made an oral motion to reconsider sentence due to its
excessiveness. The court subsequently denied the motion.
On November 2, 2022, Defendant separately filed a motion to reconsider the
sentence and a notice of appeal with the court. On November 3, 2022, the trial court
set a hearing for the motion to reconsider sentence and granted the notice of appeal.
On January 12, 2023, the trial court held a hearing on Defendant’s motion to
reconsider sentence, at which time defense counsel asserted the court failed to
consider the aggravating and mitigating circumstances in the case. The trial court
subsequently denied the motion, noting that “it could have been considered second
degree murder” and “[it] thought that the shooting was merciless.” Defendant now appeals his sentence, arguing it is unconstitutionally
excessive.1
DISCUSSION:
In his sole assignment of error, Defendant alleges his thirty-year sentence for
manslaughter is excessive under the circumstances. Specifically, Defendant claims
the trial judge abused his discretion in imposing such a severe sentence considering
the facts of the case and the fact that he was only eighteen years old at the time of
the shooting and had no criminal history.
In State v. Soileau, 13-770, pp. 4–5 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/12/14), 153 So.3d 1002,
1005–06 (alterations in original), writ denied, 14-452 (La. 9/26/14), 149 So.3d 261,
this court addressed the following guidelines regarding an excessive sentence
review:
Sentences within the statutory sentencing range can be reviewed for constitutional excessiveness. State v. Sepulvado, 367 So.2d 762 (La.1979). In State v. Barling, 00-1241, 00-1591, p. 12 (La.App. 3 Cir. 1/31/01), 779 So.2d 1035, 1042-43, writ denied, 01-838 (La. 2/1/02), 808 So.2d 331, a panel of this court discussed the review of excessive sentence claims, stating:
La.Const. art. I, § 20 guarantees that, “[n]o law shall subject any person to cruel or unusual punishment.” To constitute an excessive sentence, the reviewing court must find the penalty so grossly disproportionate to the severity of the crime as to shock our sense of justice or that the sentence makes no measurable contribution to acceptable penal goals and is, therefore, nothing more than a needless imposition of pain and suffering. State v. Campbell, 404 So.2d 1205 (La.1981). The trial court has wide discretion in the imposition of sentence within the statutory limits and such sentence shall not be set aside as excessive absent a manifest abuse of discretion. State v. Etienne, 99-192 (La.App. 3 Cir. 10/13/99); 746 So.2d 124, writ denied, 00- 0165 (La. 6/30/00); 765 So.2d 1067. The relevant
1 In accordance with La.Code Crim.P. art. 920, all appeals are reviewed for errors patent on the face of the record. After reviewing the record, we find there are no errors patent.
2 question is whether the trial court abused its broad sentencing discretion, not whether another sentence might have been more appropriate. State v. Cook, 95-2784 (La. 5/31/96); 674 So.2d 957, cert. denied, 519 U.S. 1043, 117 S.Ct. 615, 136 L.Ed.2d 539 (1996).
Further, in reviewing the defendant’s sentences, the appellate court should consider the nature of the crime, the nature and background of the offender, and the sentences imposed for similar crimes. State v. Lisotta, 98-648 (La.App. 5 Cir. 12/16/98), 726 So.2d 57 (citing State v. Telsee, 425 So.2d 1251 (La.1983)), writ denied, 99- 433 (La. 6/25/99), 745 So.2d 1183. In State v. Smith, 02-719, p. 4 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/12/03), 846 So.2d 786, 789, writ denied, 03-562 (La. 5/30/03), 845 So.2d 1061, a panel of this court observed that:
While a comparison of sentences imposed for similar crimes may provide some insight, “it is well settled that sentences must be individualized to the particular offender and to the particular offense committed.” State v. Batiste, 594 So.2d 1 (La.App. 1 Cir. 1991). Additionally, it is within the purview of the trial court to particularize the sentence because the trial judge “remains in the best position to assess the aggravating and mitigating circumstances presented by each case.” State v. Cook, 95- 2784 (La. 5/31/96); 674 So.2d 957, 958.
Additionally, in State v. Wortham, 47,431, pp. 4–5 (La.App. 2 Cir. 11/14/12), 107
So.3d 132, 135–36 (emphasis added), the second circuit provided a useful recitation
of the law:
Where the record shows an adequate factual basis for the sentence imposed, remand is unnecessary even where the trial court has not fully complied with the sentencing guidelines of La.C.Cr.P. art. 894.1. State v. Lanclos, 419 So.2d 475 (La.1982); State v. McGraw, [616 So.2d 262 (La.App. 2 Cir. 1993)]. The important elements which should be considered are the defendant’s personal history, prior criminal record, seriousness of offense, and the likelihood of rehabilitation. State v. McGraw, supra. The trial court is not required to weigh any specific matters over other matters. State v. Moton, 46,607 (La.App. 2 Cir. 9/21/11), 73 So.3d 503, writ denied, 11-2288 (La. 3/30/12), 85 So.3d 113; State v. Caldwell, 46,645 (La.App. 2 Cir. 9/21/11), 74 So.3d 248, writ denied, 11-2348 (La. 4/27/12), 86 So.3d 625.
....
3 When a defendant has received a significant reduction in potential exposure to confinement through a plea bargain, the trial court has great discretion in imposing even the maximum sentence possible for the pled offense. State v. Fatheree, [46,686 (La.App. 2 Cir. 11/2/11), 77 So.3d 1047]; State v. Germany, 42,239 (La.App. 2 Cir. 4/30/08), 981 So.2d 792.
Originally, the grand jury indicted Defendant on the charge of second-degree
murder. Second degree murder refers to the killing of a human being “[w]hen the
offender has a specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm[.]” La.R.S.
14:30.1(A)(1). Second degree murder requires “life imprisonment at hard labor
without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.” La.R.S.
14:30.1(B).
However, Defendant pled “no contest” to the lesser charge of manslaughter,
a crime “which would be murder . . . but the offense is committed in sudden passion
or heat of blood immediately caused by provocation sufficient to deprive an average
person of his self-control and cool reflection.” La.R.S. 14:31(A)(1). As noted by
the trial judge, manslaughter requires imprisonment at hard labor for no more than
forty years without the restriction on parole eligibility. La.R.S. 14:31(B). Defendant
was sentenced to thirty years. Thus, Defendant received a higher range sentence but
less than the maximum.
On October 27, 2022, a sentencing hearing was held where the State and
defense had witnesses testify. The State first called Michael Citizen, the brother of
the victim, to testify on behalf of himself and his family as to their grief and sense
of loss following the victim’s death. Mr. Citizen stated that his mother had not been
the same since the night of the shooting and that a part of her died with the victim.
Mr. Citizen also stated that the victim’s death left the family empty inside and even
4 affected the victim’s children. At the conclusion of his testimony, Mr. Citizen asked
the court to impose the maximum sentence possible for Defendant.
Following Mr. Citizen’s testimony, defense counsel called several factual
witnesses to discuss the history between the victim, Defendant, and Defendant’s
family. First, defense counsel called Kantarisse Lazaro, Defendant’s older brother,
to testify as to the association between Mr. Lazaro and the victim. Mr. Lazaro stated
that he knew the victim due to Mr. Lazaro’s involvement with another individual,
Mr. Nicholas Dupuis. Mr. Lazaro further indicated that following a dispute between
him and Mr. Dupuis, the victim took Mr. Dupuis’ side. Mr. Lazaro also testified
that the victim pulled a gun on him and his family, and on another occasion, the
victim got into an altercation with Defendant.
Then, defense counsel called Courtney Thibodeaux, the mother of Lazaro’s
children, to testify as to her background with the victim. Ms. Thibodeaux stated that
she had received threats from people regarding her involvement with Mr. Lazaro and
his involvement with Mr. Dupuis. Ms. Thibodeaux indicated that the victim did not
threaten her directly; however, she did recall an incident where Mr. Lazaro and the
victim got into an altercation where she was scared for her and her kids’ lives. Ms.
Thibodeaux stated a gun was possibly involved during the confrontation between
Mr. Lazaro and the victim at that time.
Following Ms. Thibodeaux’s testimony, defense counsel called Joseph
“Tyler” Boudreaux, Ms. Thibodeaux’s brother, to the stand. Mr. Boudreaux stated
that he had been with Defendant the night of the shooting. Mr. Boudreaux testified
regarding the first encounter between the victim and Defendant, where the victim
punched Defendant several times at a nightclub. Mr. Boudreaux also stated that the
victim had a gun with him.
5 At the conclusion of the fact witnesses’ testimonies, defense counsel asked
the trial court to take judicial notice of a statement made by Latasha Mouton
regarding the victim’s involvement in threats and possible retaliation against Mr.
Lazaro and his family. According to Ms. Mouton’s statement, Mr. Dupuis wanted
the victim to kill Mr. Lazaro.2
Defense counsel also called Dr. Sasha Lambert, a clinical psychologist, to
testify. Dr. Lambert testified regarding Defendant’s mental state during the night of
the shooting as well as his intellectual ability for his age. Dr. Lambert stated that
due to Defendant’s age and emotional state that night, he probably had a difficult
time making a well-reasoned decision in the moment of the shooting.
Following Dr. Lambert’s testimony, Defendant made a statement to the
victim’s family, apologizing for his actions. Defendant explained that after watching
the video of the shooting, he determined his perception had been wrong because he
believed the victim had been chasing him. Defendant also apologized to his family
for leaving them.
In argument to the trial court, defense counsel noted Defendant was eighteen
years old at the time of the shooting, and Defendant had reason to believe his life
was threatened due to the history between himself and the victim. Defense counsel
requested the trial court impose a lower range sentence for Defendant.
At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, the trial judge stated:
All right. Mr. Celestine, it says here that your date of birth is 6/22/95. And the offense date is April 16, 2016. And you are classified as a first felony offender in this case. Manslaughter 14:31: “Whoever commits the crime of manslaughter shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 40 years.” And, I tell you what, this is a terrible case. You know, I watched the video, and certainly there is no justification.
2 Defense counsel introduced Ms. Mouton’s written statement into evidence at the sentencing hearing.
6 Let’s just say there’s no claim of self-defense here, because obviously they drove up on the scene looking for Mr. Anthony Citizen. And so, I don’t think you were justified in any kind of way in doing it. I will say that I do see that there was some history between your brother and Mr. Anthony, but I don’t see any kind of justification.
And then, after watching the video, and I apologize for having to say it, but the eight (8) shots chasing behind someone, running him down after they have fallen on the ground continuing to shoot him is just certainly an aggravating circumstance at the very least. Because had you shot him and he fell on the ground and shouldn’t have continued to shoot, it would have been over, and he would have lived through the whole thing. But anyway, I think the fatal shots were fired on the ground as best I can tell from watching the video.
And I am going to sentence you to thirty (30) years hard labor. I will say that I’m giving you just that little bit because you are a young man. I could have gave [sic] you the whole 40, but I’m going to give you 30 because you’re a young man, and you may have a chance to come out and do something good to make up for the bad things you’ve done. But, you know, that’s something you will have to live with.
Defense counsel objected to Defendant’s sentence and moved for
reconsideration of the sentence, asserting the sentence was excessive and there was
no indication in discovery that showed Mr. Citizen was shot on the ground. The
court denied the motion. Defense counsel also filed a written motion to reconsider
sentence. At the hearing thereon, the trial court reiterated that the only mitigating
factor was Defendant’s young age. The court also stated it took into consideration
Defendant’s age when it took ten years off the maximum sentence of forty years.
However, the court noted the shooting was merciless and could have been
considered second degree murder. Thus, the trial judge upheld the thirty-year
sentence.
Defendant’s appellate counsel argues Defendant’s sentence is excessive
because he was eighteen years old at the time of the shooting and had no criminal
7 history.3 Moreover, Defendant’s appellate counsel argues the trial judge minimized
the fraught circumstances leading up to the shooting and failed to consider that
Defendant believed the victim had a gun and Defendant had been a victim of an
unprovoked beating of the deceased.
This court has previously upheld near maximum sentences for youthful
offenders with no prior criminal history in manslaughter cases. In State v. Banks,
16-34 (La.App. 3 Cir. 6/1/16), 194 So.3d 1224, this court upheld a twenty-five-year
sentence for a seventeen-year-old juvenile who did not have a criminal record. The
defendant, along with the co-defendants, intended to rob the victim. During their
invasion of the victim’s home, a confrontation arose, and one of the defendants
stabbed the victim multiple times. The victim succumbed to his injuries. The
defendant was originally charged with first degree murder, criminal conspiracy to
commit armed robbery, and armed robbery. The defendant ultimately pled guilty to
the lesser charge of manslaughter. Following a presentence investigation and
sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the defendant to twenty-five years
because there were not any grounds or excuses for his conduct. The court also stated
that the defendant needed correctional treatment for his actions. The defendant
appealed, asserting his imposed sentence was excessive due to his age and lack of
prior criminal record. This court held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion
since the defendant could have helped save the victim after he saw him crawling on
the ground, and he benefited from a twenty-five-year sentence instead of life
imprisonment.
3 According to Defendant’s date of birth, he was twenty years old at the time of the shooting, not eighteen years old.
8 In State v. Cedars, 16-1044 (La.App. 3 Cir. 7/19/17) (unpublished opinion)
(2017 WL 3334872), writ denied, 17-1343 (La. 4/27/18), 239 So.3d 838, this court
upheld a thirty year sentence for a conviction of manslaughter for a seventeen-year-
old offender who lacked a criminal record. On the day of the shooting, the victim
had a dispute with the defendant’s mother and the defendant’s girlfriend. Later that
day, the victim and the defendant’s co-defendant got into an altercation, wherein the
co-defendant shot the victim in the buttocks. The defendant then shot the victim six
times. The trial court sentenced the defendant to thirty years at hard labor because
the defendant shot the victim in the face at close range. The defendant appealed and
alleged the sentence was excessive because he was seventeen years old at the time
of the offense and believed he was protecting his family from domestic violence.
This court held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing the
defendant to thirty years at hard labor because the defendant shot the victim, who
was already wounded, six times with one shot being fired at point-blank range.
In this case, the trial court verbally indicated which factors were applicable to
Defendant’s case. The trial court considered mitigating factors, including
Defendant’s age and lack of criminal history, as well as aggravating factors,
including Defendant shooting the victim eight times. Even with the witnesses
describing the history between the victim and Defendant, the trial court did not see
any justification for Defendant’s actions. As stated by the trial court, Defendant
could have been found guilty of second-degree murder; however, he received a
significant reduction in criminal penalties by pleading guilty to the lesser charge of
manslaughter. Even though Defendant contends his thirty-year sentence is excessive
due to his age, this court has previously recognized in State v. Miller, 12-1401
9 (La.App. 3 Cir. 6/5/13), 114 So.3d 670, that youth alone does not justify the
imposition of a lesser sentence.
Therefore, we find appellate counsel failed to prove the trial court abused its
discretion in sentencing Defendant to thirty years for the offense of manslaughter.
Moreover, Defendant’s sentence is not so disproportionate to the severity of the
offense as to shock the sense of justice.
Due to the reasons discussed, we hereby affirm Defendant’s sentence.
This opinion is NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION. Uniform Rules—Courts of Appeal, Rule 2–16.3.