State Of Washington v. Eric N. Mayer

• Court: Court of Appeals of Washington
• Decided: April 21, 2020
• Docket: 52320-5
• Status: Unpublished

Opinion

Filed Washington State Court of Appeals Division Two IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON April 21, 2020 DIVISION II STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 52320-5-II

Respondent,

v.

ERIC NICHOLAS MAYER, UNPUBLISHED OPINION

Appellant.

WORSWICK, J. — A jury found Eric N. Mayer guilty of first degree robbery, conspiracy

to commit first degree robbery, and second degree assault. The jury also found that Mayer

committed these crimes while armed with a deadly weapon. At sentencing, the trial court

imposed legal financial obligations (LFOs), namely a criminal filing fee and a court appointed

attorney fee. The trial court also imposed an interest accrual provision. Mayer appeals his

conspiracy conviction and sentence, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support that

conviction or any of the deadly weapon enhancements. He also argues that the trial court

improperly imposed an interest accrual provision, a criminal filing fee, and a court appointed

attorney fee.

We hold that there was sufficient evidence to support the conspiracy to commit first

degree robbery conviction and to impose all deadly weapon sentence enhancements. We also

hold that the interest accrual provision was improper. Further, we hold that because Mayer was

found indigent, the trial court erred in either imposing the LFOs, or imposing the LFOs without a

proper inquiry into his ability to pay. Accordingly, we affirm Mayer’s conviction and sentence

enhancements, but remand to amend the interest accrual provision, to determine the category of No. 52320-5-II

Mayer’s indigency, and to reconsider the imposition of the criminal filing fee and the court

appointed attorney fee.

FACTS

Mayer, Kindra McMillan, and Christian Blair took a drive in Blair’s truck. Because she

was “couch surfing,” McMillan had all her belongings with her. 2 Verbatim Report of

Proceedings (VRP) at 30. McMillan fell asleep during the drive. It was dark when she awoke,

and the truck was parked in a remote location. After Mayer, McMillan, and Blair exited the

truck, Mayer’s two friends arrived, Robert Lewis and Alexis Kilger. Mayer and his friends beat

McMillan with a flashlight, and took the shoes and sweater she was wearing. After the beating,

someone told McMillan, “This is what you get for stealing from my family.” 2 VRP at 26.

Mayer and his friends then drove away, taking all of McMillan’s belongings with them.

The State charged Mayer with first degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first degree

robbery, and two counts of second degree assault. The case proceeded to a jury trial.

At trial, McMillan testified that, as it was starting to get dark, she, Mayer, and Blair

decided to take a drive. At the time, McMillan did not have a place to live, so she placed

approximately four bags filled with her personal items in the back of Blair’s truck. McMillan

fell asleep. When Mayer and Blair woke her up to get out of the truck, they were in a remote

park, it was dark, and her cell phone was missing. After Mayer’s other two friends showed up,

Mayer began shining the flashlight into the woods.

McMillan also testified that she was hit on the back of her head. She fell, and while she

was on the ground she reached out her hand for Mayer’s help. Instead of helping, Mayer took a

large, metal flashlight, and struck McMillan across her forehead. McMillan fell backward. She

stood up, and then Kilger “tased” her. 2 VRP at 24. While McMillan was lying on the ground,

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one of Mayer’s friends took off the sweater and shoes McMillan was wearing. Someone told

McMillan, “This is what you get for stealing from my family.” 2 VRP at 26. Then Mayer and

Blair drove away with McMillan’s cell phone, her purse with $100 in it, and four bags filled with

McMillan’s personal items.

Mayer and his friends left McMillan losing consciousness and bleeding on the ground.

McMillan struggled to stand up. She was barefoot, bleeding, and had no way of calling 911.

McMillan eventually wandered to a nearby house for medical assistance. McMillan sustained

multiple injuries, including two scalp lacerations requiring sutures and staples.

Dr. Jason Stone, the emergency room physician who treated McMillan, testified about the

extent of McMillan’s injuries. He testified that McMillan had two lacerations on her head, her

scalp was swollen, and she was experiencing back and neck pain. The first laceration was on the

right side of her forehead and the second laceration was on the back of her scalp. Each

laceration was about an inch long, and because of their length, Dr. Stone had to suture and staple

the lacerations closed. Because of the severity and placement of her injuries Dr. Stone ordered a

CT (computed tomography) scan of McMillan’s brain, X-rays of her neck and back, and a

neurological exam. Dr. Stone diagnosed McMillan with a mild concussion.

The trial court dismissed one count of second degree assault after the State rested. The

jury found Mayer guilty of the remaining charges of first degree robbery, conspiracy to commit

first degree robbery, and one count of second degree assault. The jury also found that Mayer

was armed with a deadly weapon for all convictions.

At sentencing, the trial court asked Mayer whether he owned any real estate or vehicles

and whether he had any cash on hand. Mayer responded that he owned two cars, a boat, and that

he had some cash. After the inquiry, the trial court concluded that Mayer had the ability to pay

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some costs. On Mayer’s judgement and sentence, the trial court checked a box stating that the

imposition of nonmandatory LFOs was inappropriate. However, under the checked box, the trial

court wrote, “Defendant has a reduced ability to pay.” Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 157. As a result,

the trial court imposed an interest accrual provision, a $200 criminal filing fee, and a $200 court

appointed attorney fee. The trial court found Mayer indigent for the purposes of an appeal.

Mayer appeals his conspiracy to commit first degree robbery conviction, the deadly

weapon sentence enhancements, and the imposition of LFOs.

ANALYSIS

I. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE

Mayer argues that there was insufficient evidence to support his conspiracy to commit a

first degree robbery conviction because the State failed to prove an agreement or plan to commit

a robbery. Mayer also argues that there was insufficient evidence to support any of the deadly

weapon sentence enhancements because the State failed to prove that the flashlight was a deadly

weapon, and also failed to prove that he was armed with a flashlight during the alleged

conspiracy. We disagree.

Evidence is sufficient to support a conviction if, after viewing the evidence in the light

most favorable to the State, any rational jury could find that all of the elements of the crime

charged were proven beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Cardenas-Flores, 189 Wn.2d 243,

265, 401 P.3d 19 (2017). When a defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, he

admits the truth of the State’s evidence, and all reasonable inferences drawn from that evidence

are to be construed in favor of the State. Cardenas-Flores, 189 Wn.2d at 265-66. In a

sufficiency of the evidence determination, both circumstantial and direct evidence are equally

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reliable. Cardenas-Flores, 189 Wn.2d at 266. We review the sufficiency of the evidence de

novo. State v. Rich, 184 Wn.2d 897, 903, 365 P.3d 746 (2016).

A. Conspiracy To Commit First Degree Robbery

A person commits conspiracy to commit first degree robbery if he intends to commit the

crime of first degree robbery with the assistance of one or more individuals, and one individual

takes a substantial step toward the commission of the robbery. RCW 9A.28.040 (1); RCW

9A.56.200(1)(a). Multiple acts over a period of time can qualify as a conspiracy as long as the

acts are committed with a single objective. State v. Love, 80 Wn. App. 357, 361, 908 P.2d 395

(1996). A formal agreement is not needed to support the crime of conspiracy, but rather an

agreement may be inferred from evidence of individuals working together to accomplish a

common purpose. State v. Barnes, 85 Wn. App. 638, 664, 932 P.2d 669 (1997).

Here, the State presented sufficient evidence for a rational trier of fact to conclude that all

of the elements of conspiracy to commit first degree robbery were proven beyond a reasonable

doubt. On appeal, Mayer does not contest his conviction of first degree robbery. As a result, we

need only consider whether (1) Mayer intended to commit the crime of first degree robbery with

the assistance of other individuals and (2) one of the individuals took a substantial step toward

robbing McMillan.

At trial, McMillan testified that she rode with Mayer and Blair to a remote location.

Shortly after they arrived, Mayer’s other two friends showed up and one of them hit McMillan

on the head with a heavy object. As she struggled to stand up, Mayer struck McMillan in the

forehead with a flashlight. When she stood up again one of Mayer’s friends “tased” her. 2 VRP

at 24. Then, Mayer and his friends removed her sweater and shoes, and drove away with her cell

phone, her purse with $100 in it, and four bags filled with the rest of her belongings. Someone

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told McMillan, “This is what you get for stealing from my family.” 2 VRP 26. From this

evidence, a rational jury could infer that Mayer committed the crime of conspiracy to commit

first degree robbery.

Mayer argues that the evidence is sufficient to support only a conspiracy to commit

second degree assault, not robbery. He argues that the State failed to prove that he and his

friends intended to rob McMillan. “Although the crime of conspiracy does require proof of

agreement, that proof may come in the form of circumstantial evidence.” State v. Frahm, 3 Wn.

App. 2d 812, 824, 418 P.3d 215 (2018) (citing Barnes, 85 Wn. App. at 664), aff’d 193 Wn.2d

590 (2018). “‘A formal agreement is not necessary.’” Frahm, 3 Wn. App. 2d at 824 (quoting

State v. Israel, 113 Wn. App. 243, 284, 54 P.3d 1218 (2002)). Viewing the evidence in the light

most favorable to the State, we hold that a rational jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt

that Mayer and his friends planned to rob McMillan. Thus, there was sufficient evidence to

support the jury’s verdict of conspiracy to commit first degree robbery.

B. Deadly Weapon Enhancements

A person who is armed with a deadly weapon at the time of the commission of their

crimes can receive a sentence enhancement. RCW 9.94A.825; RCW 9.94A.533(3), (4). A

“deadly weapon” is an “implement or instrument which has the capacity to inflict death and from

the manner in which it is used, is likely to produce or may easily and readily produce death.”

RCW 9.94A.825. In determining whether an item is a deadly weapon, a trier of fact can consider

(1) the area of the victim’s body targeted, (2) the degree of force used by the defendant, (3) the

defendant’s stated intent, and (4) the injuries suffered by the victim. State v. Shilling, 77 Wn.

App. 166, 171-72, 889 P.2d 948 (1995).

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1. The Flashlight Was Used in a Manner that Could Have Resulted in Death

Here, the State presented sufficient evidence for a rational jury to find beyond a

reasonable doubt that the flashlight was used in a manner that had the capacity to inflict death

and from the manner it was used could have easily and readily produced death. At trial,

McMillan testified that Mayer and his friends struck her in the head repeatedly with a heavy

metal flashlight. As a result, McMillan suffered a blow to the back of her head and to her

forehead. She was also rendered unconscious for a period of time.

Dr. Stone testified that McMillan suffered two scalp lacerations which had to be sutured

and stapled closed. Due to the severity and placement of her injuries, Dr. Stone ordered a CT

scan of McMillan’s brain, X-rays of her neck and back, and a neurological exam. Dr. Stone also

diagnosed McMillan with a mild concussion.

Mayer and his friends targeted McMillan’s head, they used enough force to render her

partially unconscious after two blows, and as a result, McMillan suffered two lacerations to her

head and a concussion. Therefore, a rational jury could conclude that the flashlight was used in a

manner that was capable of producing death. Accordingly, there was sufficient evidence to

support the jury’s finding that Mayer was armed with a deadly weapon.

Mayer argues that the flashlight did not qualify as a deadly weapon because Mayer and

his friends did not intend to kill McMillan. But the State is not required to prove intent to kill in

order for the jury to find deadly weapon sentence enhancements. Instead, the key inquiry is

whether the way in which the object was used could have resulted in death. Shilling, 77 Wn.

App. at 171. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we hold that there is

sufficient evidence for a rational jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that the flashlight was

used in a manner that could have easily and readily resulted in death.

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2. Mayer Was in Possession of the Flashlight During the Commission of the Conspiracy

To prove a deadly weapon sentence enhancement on a conspiracy charge, the State must

establish a nexus between the defendant, the weapon, and the crime committed. State v.

Houston-Sconiers, 188 Wn.2d 1, 17, 391 P.3d 409 (2017). Sufficient evidence of nexus exists

“‘[s]o long as the facts and circumstances support an inference of a connection between the

weapon, the crime, and the defendant.’” Houston-Sconiers, 188 Wn.2d at 17 (alteration in

original) (quoting State v. Easterlin, 159 Wn.2d 203, 210, 149 P.3d 366 (2006)).

Here, the State presented sufficient evidence for a rational trier of fact to conclude that

Mayer was armed with the flashlight during the commission of the conspiracy.

As explained above, there was sufficient evidence to support Mayer’s conviction for

conspiracy. Thus, the State need only show that Mayer was armed with the flashlight during that

conspiracy. Viewing the evidence here in the light most favorable to the State, there is sufficient

evidence for a rational jury to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that Mayer was armed with

the flashlight during the commission of the conspiracy. At trial, McMillan testified after they

arrived to the remote location, Mayer was shining a flashlight into the woods. Soon after,

McMillan was hit on the back of the head and fell to the ground. Mayer took the flashlight and

struck McMillan across her forehead. Therefore, there was sufficient evidence to support the

jury’s finding that Mayer was in possession of the flashlight during the commission of the

conspiracy.

II. LFOS

Mayer argues that the interest accrual provision must be stricken from the judgment and sentence

in light of State v. Ramirez, 191 Wn.2d 732, 747, 426 P.3d 714 (2018). Mayer also argues that

the criminal filing fee and the court appointed attorney fee should be stricken from the judgment

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and sentence because the amended LFO statutes do not authorize the imposition of

nonmandatory LFOs on indigent defendants.

The State argues that even though the language used in the interest accrual provision is

outdated, we should not remand to the trial court to strike the interest accrual provision because

Mayer was not at risk of the interest accrual provision being enforced. The State further argues

that the criminal filing fee and the court appointed attorney fee should not be stricken from the

judgment and sentence because Mayer was not found indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(a)

through (c).

We hold that the trial court improperly imposed interest accrual on nonrestitution LFOs.

We further hold that the record is insufficient for us to determine the nature of Mayer’s

indigency.

A. Interest Accrual Provision

Recent legislative amendments prohibit trial courts from imposing interest accrual

provisions on nonrestitution LFOs. RCW 10.82.090(2)(a); Ramirez, 191 Wn.2d at 746-47.

Here, the trial court imposed an interest accrual provision on all LFOs in Mayer’s judgment and

sentence. We hold that the trial court erred in imposing an interest accrual provision on

nonrestitution LFOs.

B. Nonmandatory Costs

Recent legislative amendments prohibit trial courts from imposing costs on a defendant

who is found indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(a) through (c). RCW 10.01.160(3). However,

if a defendant is found indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(d) the trial court may impose costs in

accordance with State v. Blazina, 182 Wn.2d 827, 838, 344 P.3d 680 (2015). Criminal filing

fees and attorney fees are costs. RCW 10.01.160(2). The record must show that the trial court

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made an individualized inquiry into the defendant’s current and future ability to pay, the

defendant’s other debts, and the amount of time the defendant has spent incarcerated. Blazina,

182 Wn.2d at 838.

Here, Mayer’s indigency is contested. The record does not state whether the trial court

found Mayer indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(a) through (c) or whether the trial court found

him indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(d).

Mayer argues that he was found indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(a) through (c).

Mayer supports this claim by (1) citing the order stating that he was found indigent for purposes

of appeal, and (2) citing his judgment and sentence in which the trial court checked a box which

stated, “The following extraordinary circumstances exist that make payment of nonmandatory

legal financial obligations inappropriate.” CP at 157. However, neither the order stating that

Mayer was found indigent for the purposes of appeal nor the checked box which stated that the

imposition of nonmandatory LFOs were inappropriate reveal whether the trial court found Mayer

indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(a) through (c).

The State contends that Mayer was found indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(d). In

support of this argument, the State asks us to interpret the checked box as a mistake because the

trial court inquired into Mayer’s ability to pay LFOs.

At sentencing, the trial court asked Mayer about his ownership of property and the cash

he had on hand. Further, on Mayer’s judgment and sentence the trial court wrote, “Defendant

has a reduced ability to pay.” CP at 157. According to the State, the conversation at sentencing,

supports the conclusion that the trial court meant the written statement on Mayer’s judgment and

sentence to override the checked box. However, neither the colloquy at sentencing nor the

information listed on the judgment and sentence reveal whether the trial court found Mayer

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indigent under RCW 10.101.010(3)(d). Further, even if the trial court found Mayer indigent

under RCW 10.101.010(3)(d), the trial court’s inquiry into the defendant’s current and future

ability to pay falls short of Blazina’s requirements.

Accordingly, we affirm Mayer’s conviction, but remand to the trial court to determine the

category of Mayer’s indigency under RCW 10.101.010(3) and to reconsider the imposition of the

criminal filing fee and the court appointed attorney fee in accordance with Blazina, if

appropriate.

A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW

2.06.040, it is so ordered.

______________________________ Worswick, J.

______________________________ Lee, C.J.

______________________________ Sutton, J.