State v. Blevins

2019 Ohio 2744

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: June 26, 2019
• Docket: 18CA2
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as State v. Blevins, 2019-Ohio-2744.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT PICKAWAY COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO, : : Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 18CA2 : vs. : : DECISION AND : JUDGMENT ENTRY JUSTIN RAY BLEVINS, : : Defendant-Appellant. : _____________________________________________________________ APPEARANCES:

Dennis C. Belli, Columbus, Ohio, for Appellant.

Judy C. Wolford, Pickaway County Prosecutor, and Heather MJ Carter, Assistant Pickaway County Prosecutor, Circleville, Ohio, for Appellee. _____________________________________________________________

Smith, P.J.

{¶1} Appellant, Justin Ray Blevins, appeals his convictions and

sentences for aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault. On appeal,

Appellant contends that 1) his conviction for aggravated murder is not

supported by sufficient evidence of prior calculation and design; 2) a

defective voluntary manslaughter instruction rose to the level of plain error

and deprived him of his constitutional right to a jury determination of his

guilt of a less serious offense than the aggravated murder and murder counts

of the indictment; 3) his exclusion from the proceedings involving responses Pickaway 18CA2 2

to the jury’s questions violated his Crim.R. 43 and constitutional rights to be

present for all critical stages of the proceedings; 4) the trial court’s incorrect,

incomplete, and confusing responses to the jury’s questions amounted to an

abuse of discretion and deprived him of his right to a fundamentally fair trial

and reliable jury verdict; 5) he was denied his right to the effective

assistance of counsel due to the combined prejudicial impact of multiple

instances of deficient performance; 6) the jury’s verdicts of guilty for

aggravated murder, murder and felonious assault are against the manifest

weight of the evidence; and 7) the record clearly and convincingly does not

support the imposition of a life prison term with parole eligibility after

serving thirty years.

{¶2} Because we conclude Appellant’s conviction for aggravated

murder was supported by sufficient evidence of prior calculation and design,

we find no merit to Appellant’s first assignment of error and it is overruled.

In light of our conclusion that Appellant was not entitled to a jury instruction

on voluntary manslaughter, he cannot demonstrate that he was prejudiced by

the trial court’s alleged error. Thus, we find no merit to Appellant’s second

assignment of error and it is also overruled. Likewise, because we find that

that the trial court’s provision of written answers to the jury in response to

the jury’s written questions did not constitute a critical stage of the Pickaway 18CA2 3

proceedings, Appellant’s statutory and constitutional rights to be present

were not violated. As such, Appellant’s third assignment of error is also

overruled.

{¶3} With regard to Appellant’s fourth assignment of error, because

the jury’s first question dealt with the voluntary manslaughter instruction

and because we have found Appellant was not entitled to that instruction,

any error by the court in answering the question was harmless. Further, as

we find no error in the answer provided by the trial court in response to the

jury’s second question, we find no merit to Appellant’s fourth assignment of

error and it is likewise overruled. Additionally, in light of our conclusion

that trial counsel did not provide ineffective assistance and that Appellant

failed to show cumulative error affected the outcome of the proceedings,

Appellant’s fifth assignment of error is overruled. Likewise, Appellant’s

sixth assignment of error is overruled because we have found his convictions

were not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Finally, because

Appellant’s sentence is supported by the record and is not clearly and

convincingly contrary to law, Appellant’s seventh assignment of error has no

merit and is also overruled.

{¶4} Having found no merit in any of the assignments of error raised

by Appellant, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Pickaway 18CA2 4

FACTS

{¶5} Appellant, Justin Ray Blevins, was indicted on July 7, 2017, on

four felony counts which included: 1) aggravated murder in violation of R.C.

2903.01(A); 2) murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(A); 3) murder in

violation of R.C. 2903.02(B); and felonious assault in violation of R.C.

2903.11(A)(2). Counts one through three were unspecified felonies and

count four was a second-degree felony. Additionally, counts one through

four all contained firearm specifications which specified the use of a .40

caliber handgun. The indictment stemmed from an investigation relating to

the death of the Samuel Nicholson, the victim herein, a sixteen-year-old

male residing in an apartment rented by Darrell Arnett.

{¶6} The investigation into Nicholson’s death began with a 911 call at

approximately 5:30 a.m. on the morning of June 11, 2017, from Arnett’s

sister, who lived in the same apartment complex as Arnett and Nicholson.

The call initially reported a burglary and a fight. When law enforcement

arrived at the scene they found Arnett waiting outside and subsequently

found the victim inside the apartment, deceased, from what appeared to be

multiple gunshot wounds. Once the scene was secured and evidence

gathered, Arnett was taken to the police station for questioning where he was

cooperative and voluntarily gave a statement. Pickaway 18CA2 5

{¶7} Arnett reported that he had known the victim since they were

children and that he had allowed the victim to live with him because he had

nowhere else to stay. He reported he went to bed the night before and the

apartment was empty with the exception of the victim. He stated he awoke

in the early morning to the sound of gunshots and then heard the victim yell

“What the fuck?” He then heard additional gunshots. He reported he got

up, grabbed his hatchet and ran downstairs where he saw the victim lying in

the floor. He stated he caught a glimpse of someone exiting the apartment

wearing red shorts and a red shirt. He reported that he kicked the victim and

told him to get up but he didn’t respond. He reported that the assailant

returned to the apartment and an altercation ensued. He reported that he

scratched the assailant and that the assailant placed him in a headlock. He

explained that when he was finally able to free himself, he ran out of the

apartment to his sister’s apartment and asked her to call for help. Arnett

advised law enforcement he believed the assailant was Appellant, Justin

Blevins. DNA samples were taken from underneath Arnett’s fingernails

which ultimately matched Appellant’s DNA. Arnett’s statements along with

law enforcement’s subsequent investigation led to Appellant’s arrest and

subsequent indictment. Pickaway 18CA2 6

{¶8} The matter proceeded to a jury a trial on December 11, 2017.

The State introduced several witnesses, including: 1) Darrell Arnett, the

victim’s roommate; 2) Sergeant James Zimmerman, who first arrived at the

scene and confirmed the victim was deceased; 3) Dr. John Ellis, the county

coroner; 4) Special Agent Todd Fortner, who took photographs and helped

process the evidence; 5) Logan Schepeler, a forensic scientist in the DNA

section of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (hereinafter “BCI”) who

confirmed the Appellant’s DNA matched the sample taken from under

Arnett’s fingernails; 6) Andrew McClelland, a forensic scientist and firearms

examiner with BCI, who examined the gun recovered from the scene, along

with the spent and unspent bullets and cartridge cases recovered as a result

of the investigation; 7) Lieutenant Detective Jeffrey George, the lead

detective on the case from the Ashville Police Department; 8) Chloe Brady,

a mutual friend of the victim and Appellant; 9) Dwight Haddox, the

boyfriend of Appellant’s mother, who had contact with Appellant in the days

following the murder; and 10) Detective Phil Roar, who conducted a search

of the cell phones pertinent to the investigation. Appellant introduced five

witnesses, and also testified on his own behalf.

{¶9} Pertinent to this appeal, Darrell Arnett testified at trial that he

was able to identify Appellant by his voice because he had viewed several Pickaway 18CA2 7

videos Appellant had placed on the internet. He also testified he had seen

Appellant on prior occasions. Sergeant James Zimmerman testified that

when he responded to the scene he found the apartment in a disheveled state

with furniture knocked over. He also testified he found a hatchet and a

semi-automatic pistol near the couch. Dr. John Ellis, the county coroner,

testified that the apartment was a mess when he observed it. He testified that

when he encountered the victim, it appeared he had been rolled over by

someone. Dr. Ellis testified that the victim sustained three bullet wounds to

his head, three bullet wounds to his torso, four bullet wounds to his upper

left extremities, and four bullet wounds to his upper right extremities. Dr.

Ellis went over each entrance and exit wound and testified that he suspected

some of the bullets created more than one entrance and exit wound. He

testified that in his opinion ten or eleven shots were fired. Importantly, Dr.

Ellis testified that several of the shots entered posteriorly and exited

anteriorly, which indicates the victim was shot from behind. Dr. Ellis also

testified that the trajectory of a shot that entered the victim’s jaw and exited

his chin was in a downward motion, rather than an upward motion, as

testified to later by Appellant. Further, Dr. Ellis testified that the shots to the

victim’s upper extremities suggested “defensive wounds” from where the

victim was likely holding his arms up to defend himself. Dr. Ellis testified Pickaway 18CA2 8

that one of the shots to the victim’s head had a gunpowder burn, suggesting

it was a contact wound. Lastly, Dr. Ellis testified that the victim died from

multiple gunshot wounds.

{¶10} Special Agent Todd Fortner testified that the condition of the

apartment showed obvious signs of a struggle. He testified that he recovered

the murder weapon, which was a Daewoo .40 caliber Smith and Wesson

(hereinafter “S&W”) semi-automatic pistol, which is rare.1 He testified that

he found the gun with an empty magazine seated in it, with the slide locked

and pulled back, as you would find when a gun is completely expended. He

testified it was easy to conclude that whoever had the gun emptied it. He

further testified that he recovered several spent bullets and cartridge cases.

He explained that all of the cartridge cases were on one side of the room and

all of the fired bullets were found on the opposite side of the room where the

victim was located. He testified he found bullets in the wall, baseboard,

carpet and in a game controller, indicating all the shots that were fired were

fired in the direction of the victim. He also testified that he subsequently

executed a search warrant of Bret Taylor’s vehicle, which was determined to

the be the vehicle Appellant drove that night, and that he recovered an

1 “Smith & Wesson (S&W) is an American manufacturer of firearms, ammunition and restraints.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson Pickaway 18CA2 9

unspent bullet, or cartridge case, with a .40 S&W with a headstamp N.F.C.R.

on it, which matched the other cartridge cases found at the scene.

{¶11} Andrew McClelland testified regarding his forensic

examination of the murder weapon. He confirmed the gun recovered was a

Daewoo model DH40 .40 caliber S&W semi-automatic pistol bearing serial

number DA100522 with one magazine. He testified that the gun had a

capacity of ten cartridges and was able to hold one bullet before firing,

explaining that “it can hold what’s referred to as ten plus one, meaning one

in the chamber of the firearm plus ten additional cartridges in the magazine.”

He further testified that as part of examination he was able to conclude that

the firearm was discharged and that the eight recovered, fired .40 caliber

S&W cartridges were identified as having been fired from that firearm. He

also testified that the unspent bullet, or unfired cartridge, that was recovered

had been cycled through the submitted magazine and bore the same

markings as the fired cartridges.

{¶12} Lieutenant Detective Jeffery George also testified as part of the

State’s case. He served as the lead detective and interviewed multiple

individuals identified as friends or acquaintances of Appellant and the

victim, who had been with or spoken with Appellant or the victim just

before the murder. Some of these individuals included Chloe Brady, Bryce Pickaway 18CA2 10

Sparks, Autumn Leach, Halee Hilton and Dwight Haddox. He testified that

he learned during his investigation that Chloe Brady, Halee Hilton and

Autumn Leach had all seen a Facebook message sent from Appellant the day

prior to the murder, which included a photo of the gun used in the murder

along with the comment “I gotta go take care of some b.s.” The message

was sent by Appellant through Facebook messenger to Halee Hilton, and

also possibly Autumn Leach. Chloe Brady testified as well, regarding the

photo sent to Hilton from Appellant.

{¶13} Dwight Haddox testified that he was called to go pick up

Appellant in Londonderry the day after the murder. He testified that while

in the car with Appellant, as well as Appellant’s sister and mother, Appellant

made a loud outburst, almost a cry, and stated he had killed Sammy. He

stated Appellant and his sister were in the car with him the next day as well

and that he heard a comment made about the gun being emptied. He

testified that at that point he figured Appellant was on the run and that he

dropped Appellant off on the side of the road and subsequently went to the

Sheriff’s station to make a report.

{¶14} Finally, Detective Phil Roar testified for the State. He testified

that he examined cell phones and phone records as part of the investigation.

He testified to a series of text messages between Appellant and the victim Pickaway 18CA2 11

leading up to the day of the murder which suggested a disagreement was

beginning to develop over drug transactions and money owed to the victim.

He recited several threatening messages between the two, indicating the

victim told Appellant he was “strapped” and that both of them may lose their

lives over $700.00. The last text communication between the two took place

around 11:00 p.m. the night before the murder.

{¶15} Appellant testified on his own behalf at trial. He did not deny

going to the victim’s house with a loaded gun, nor did he deny shooting the

victim to death. Although he suggested Darrell Arnett may have been the

one to empty the gun and ultimately kill the victim, there was absolutely no

evidence introduced to support this theory. Further, Appellant’s main theory

at trial seemed to be that he was justified in killing the victim, either based

upon a theory of provocation or self-defense. Appellant testified that he

owed the victim $700.00 for marijuana that the victim had fronted him and

that the victim had been threatening to kill him if he didn’t pay. He admitted

to sending the message with the photo of the gun but stated it was in

reference to a dispute with another person. He testified that he borrowed

Bret Taylor’s car and drove it to the victim’s apartment at 5:10 in the

morning on June 11, 2017, knocked on the door and entered with permission

of the victim. He stated he advised he had the $700.00 but that the victim Pickaway 18CA2 12

began arguing with him. He stated they began cussing at one another and

that the victim pushed him down to the ground. Appellant testified that his

gun fell out of his pants when he was shoved to the ground. He testified that

the victim began to reach for a gun so he grabbed his own gun and began

shooting the victim from his position on the floor in an upward direction.

He testified he didn’t know if the victim’s gun was loaded, but that he fired

three or four shots. He testified that he ran out of the apartment, vomited

and then returned to the apartment because he realized he left his gun. When

he returned, he encountered Darrell Arnett with a hatchet and fought with

him. He testified he got away from Arnett and ran out of the apartment,

leaving Arnett there.

{¶16} The matter was eventually submitted to the jury for

deliberations after the trial court instructed the jury on the indicted offenses,

as well as voluntary manslaughter, without objection by the State. The jury

submitted two questions in writing to the trial court during their

deliberations, which were answered in writing by the trial court. These

questions will be discussed further below. The jury ultimately returned

verdicts finding Appellant guilty of all the counts contained in the

indictment. The trial court merged counts two through four for purposes of

sentencing and sentenced Appellant to life in prison with eligibility for Pickaway 18CA2 13

parole after thirty years for the aggravated murder of Samuel Nicholson.

Appellant now brings his timely appeal, setting forth the following

assignments of error for our review.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

I. “DEFENDANT-APPELLANT’S CONVICTION FOR AGGRAVATED MURDER IS NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF ‘PRIOR CALCULATION AND DESIGN’ TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.”

II. “A DEFECTIVE VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER INSTRUCTION ROSE TO THE LEVEL OF PLAIN ERROR AND DEPRIVED DEFENDANT-APPELLANT OF HIS RIGHT, UNDER THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, TO A JURY DETERMINATION OF HIS GUILT OF A LESS SERIOUS OFFENSE THAN THE AGGRAVATED MURDER AND MURDER COUNTS OF THE INDICTMENT.”

III. “THE EXCLUSION OF DEFENDANT-APPELLANT FROM THE PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING RESPONSES TO THE JURY’S QUESTIONS VIOLATED CRIM. R. 43 AND DEPRIVED HIM OF HIS RIGHT TO BE PRESENT FOR ALL CRITICAL PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE I, SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.”

IV. “THE TRIAL COURT’S INCORRECT, INCOMPLETE, AND CONFUSING RESPONSES TO THE JURY’S QUESTIONS AMOUNTED TO AN ABUSE OF DISCRETION AND DEPRIVED DEFENDANT-APPELLANT OF HIS RIGHT TO A FUNDAMENTALLY FAIR TRIAL AND RELIABLE JURY VERDICT UNDER THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.” Pickaway 18CA2 14

V. “DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL, AS GUARANTEED BY THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, DUE TO THE COMBINED PREJUDICIAL IMPACT OF MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF DEFICIENT PERFORMANCE.”

VI. “THE JURY’S VERDICTS OF GUILTY FOR AGGRAVATED MURDER, MURDER AND FELONIOUS ASSAULT ARE AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.”

VII. “THE RECORD CLEARLY AND CONVINCINGLY DOES NOT SUPPORT THE IMPOSITION OF A LIFE PRISON TERM WITH PAROLE ELIGIBILITY AFTER SERVING 30 YEARS.”

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR I

{¶17} In his first assignment of error, Appellant contends his

conviction for aggravated murder is not supported by sufficient evidence of

“prior calculation and design” to satisfy the requirements of the due process

clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Appellant argues that the fact he armed himself with a gun for his own

protection because he anticipated a possibility of violence does not equate to

“a scheme designed to implement a calculated decision to kill[,]” and that

the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt this element of

aggravated murder. The State contends the jury verdict, including the

finding of prior calculation and design, was supported by the testimony

introduced at trial. Pickaway 18CA2 15

{¶18} A claim of insufficient evidence invokes a due process concern

and raises the question whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support

the verdict as a matter of law. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386,

678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an

appellate court's inquiry focuses primarily upon the adequacy of the

evidence; that is, whether the evidence, if believed, reasonably could support

a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Thompkins, syllabus. The

standard of review is whether, after viewing the probative evidence and

inferences reasonably drawn therefrom in the light most favorable to the

prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found all the essential

elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. E.g., Jackson v.

Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781 (1979); State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio

St.3d 259, 273, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991). Furthermore, a reviewing court is

not to assess “whether the state's evidence is to be believed, but whether, if

believed, the evidence against a defendant would support a conviction.”

Thompkins at 390.

{¶19} Thus, when reviewing a sufficiency of the evidence claim, an

appellate court must construe the evidence in a light most favorable to the

prosecution. E.g., State v. Hill, 75 Ohio St.3d 195, 205, 661 N.E.2d 1068

(1996); State v. Grant, 67 Ohio St.3d 465, 477, 620 N.E.2d 50 (1993). A Pickaway 18CA2 16

reviewing court will not overturn a conviction on a sufficiency of the

evidence claim unless reasonable minds could not reach the conclusion that

the trier of fact did. State v. Tibbetts, 92 Ohio St.3d 146, 162, 749 N.E.2d

226 (2001); State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St.3d 460, 484, 739 N.E.2d 749 (2001).

Here, after our review of the record, we believe the State presented sufficient

evidence to support the finding of prior calculation and design.

{¶20} The jury convicted Appellant of aggravated murder in violation

of R.C. 2923.01(A), which provides that “[n]o person shall purposely, and

with prior calculation and design, cause the death of another * * *.”

Appellant does not contest, under this assignment of error, that the State

established that he purposely caused the death of the victim, Sammy

Nicholson. Instead, he limits his argument to a claim that the State did not

introduce sufficient evidence that he acted with prior calculation and design.

{¶21} “The phrase ‘prior calculation and design’ by its own terms

suggests advance reasoning to formulate the purpose to kill. Evidence of an

act committed on the spur of the moment or after momentary consideration

is not evidence of a premeditated decision or a studied consideration of the

method and the means to cause a death.” State v. Walker, 150 Ohio St.3rd

409, 2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.2d 1124, ¶18; see also State v. Wilks, 154

Ohio St.3d 359, 2018-Ohio-1562, 114 N.E.3d 1092, ¶151. As this Court Pickaway 18CA2 17

recently observed in State v. Phillips, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 18CA3832, 2018-

Ohio-5432, at ¶28, “[t]here are three factors courts generally consider to

determine whether a defendant acted with prior calculation and design: (1)

Did the accused and victim know each other, and if so, was that relationship

strained? (2) Did the accused give thought or preparation to choosing the

murder weapon or murder site? and (3) Was the act drawn out or an almost

instantaneous eruption of events? Walker at ¶20. Although these factors

provide guidelines, there is no bright-line test for prior calculation and

design, and each case instead turns upon the particular evidence introduced

at trial. Walker at ¶19; State v. McWay, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-17-42, 2018-

Ohio-3618, ¶16.

{¶22} Here, regarding the first factor, the State presented evidence

that established Appellant and the victim knew one another and had a

“business relationship” to the extent they cooperated with one another in the

illegal sale of drugs. Further, the State introduced evidence indicating their

relationship had recently become strained because Appellant owed the

victim $700.00 for drugs that were “fronted” to him to sell.

{¶23} Regarding the second factor, the State introduced evidence in

the form of a text message that included a photo of Appellant’s gun (the gun

used in the murder), along with a comment stating Appellant needed to go Pickaway 18CA2 18

“take care of some b.s.” The evidence introduced at trial indicated

Appellant sent this message from his phone to more than one individual the

evening prior to the murder. The record further reveals that Appellant

borrowed a vehicle to drive to the victim’s residence at 5:00 in the morning,

allegedly to pay him the money that was owed. However, instead of leaving

the money in a grill outside the victim’s apartment, as had been customary in

the past, Appellant went into the victim’s apartment with a loaded gun on his

person. Additional evidence indicated an unspent bullet, of the same type

used in the murder, was found in the vehicle Appellant drove, which

supports an inference that he loaded the gun just prior to either driving to, or

entering, the victim’s residence.

{¶24} Finally, with respect to the final factor which considers the

duration of the events at issue, the State argued Appellant went to the

victim’s residence with a mission and that he walked in and shot the victim

without a struggle. As such, the State argued the incident was an

“instantaneous eruption of events” which, in the State’s view, mitigated in

favor of a finding of prior calculation and design. Appellant argued that

there was a struggle and that he shot the victim in self-defense after the

victim shoved him to the ground. Appellant further argues that the State’s

theory that the murder occurred as part of an “instantaneous eruption of Pickaway 18CA2 19

events” mitigates against, rather than in favor of, a finding of prior

calculation and design.

{¶25} In truth, it cannot be discerned from the record whether this

incident was a drawn-out struggle, or whether it was an instantaneous

eruption of events. The crime scene certainly indicated a struggle had taken

place, but that could have been a result of the struggle between Appellant

and Darrell Arnett (the victim’s roommate) after the victim was murdered.

In any event the first two factors indicate Appellant planned to murder the

victim, rather than simply go to his apartment in the middle of the night to

pay him the money that was owed. As set forth above, the factors are only

guidelines and there is no bright-line test. Based upon the evidence before

it, we believe the jury could justifiably conclude that Appellant was

determined to complete a specific course of action. Thus, the jury's

aggravated murder conviction, including their finding of prior calculation

and design, was supported by sufficient evidence. Accordingly, Appellant’s

first assignment of error is overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR II

{¶26} In his second assignment of error, Appellant contends the trial

court provided the jury with a defective voluntary manslaughter instruction Pickaway 18CA2 20

that rose to the level of plain error and deprived him of his rights under the

Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution to a

jury determination of his guilt of a less serious offense than the aggravated

murder and murder counts of the indictment. The State concedes the

voluntary manslaughter instructions were erroneous to the extent the

instructions treated voluntary manslaughter as a lesser included offense,

rather than an inferior degree offense. However, the State argues the error

was harmless, reasoning that Appellant was arguably not entitled to the

provision of a voluntary manslaughter instruction based upon the absence of

evidence Appellant acted as a result of a sudden fit of rage or passion.

{¶27} Generally, our review of “whether jury instructions correctly

state the law is de novo.” State v. Kulchar, 4th Dist. Athens No. 10CA6,

2015–Ohio–3703, ¶15; citing State v. Brown, 4th Dist. Athens No. 09CA3,

2009-Ohio-5390, ¶34. “[R]eversible error should not be predicated upon

one phrase or one sentence in a jury charge; instead, a reviewing court must

consider the jury charge in its entirety.” Id.; citing State v. Porter, 14 Ohio

St.2d 10, 13, 235 N.E.2d 520 (1968). “[I]f an instruction correctly states the

law, its precise wording and format are within the trial court's discretion.”

Kulchar at ¶15. Pickaway 18CA2 21

{¶28} However, implicit in Appellant’s argument is the fact that he

failed to object to the voluntary manslaughter instruction given by the trial

court. Thus, he has waived all but plain error. “‘To constitute plain error, a

reviewing court must find (1) an error in the proceedings, (2) the error must

be a plain, obvious or clear defect in the trial proceedings, and (3) the error

must have affected “substantial rights” (i.e., the trial court's error must have

affected the trial's outcome).’” State v. Blanton, 4th Dist. Adams No.

16CA1031, 2018-Ohio-1275, ¶85; quoting State v. Dickess, 174 Ohio

App.3d 658, 2008–Ohio–39, 884 N.E.2d 92, ¶31 (4th Dist.); citing State v.

Hill, 92 Ohio St.3d 191, 749 N.E.2d 274 (2001), and State v. Barnes, 94

Ohio St.3d 21, 27, 2002–Ohio–68, 759 N.E.2d 1240.

{¶29} “‘Furthermore, notice of plain error must be taken with the

utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances, and only to prevent a

manifest miscarriage of justice.’” Blanton at ¶85; citing State v. Landrum,

53 Ohio St.3d 107, 111, 559 N.E.2d 710 (1990), and State v. Long, 53 Ohio

St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978), paragraph three of the syllabus. “A

reviewing court should notice plain error only if the error seriously affects

the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings.” Id. “‘A

defective jury instruction does not rise to the level of plain error unless the

defendant shows that the outcome of the trial clearly would have been Pickaway 18CA2 22

different but for the alleged erroneous instruction.’” Blanton at ¶87; quoting

Dickess at ¶32; citing State v. Campbell, 69 Ohio St.3d 38, 41, 630 N.E.2d

339 (1994), and Cleveland v. Buckley, 67 Ohio App.3d 799, 805, 588 N.E.2d

912 (8th Dist.1990).

{¶29} Appellant argues the jury instructions provided by the trial

court improperly foreclosed the jurors from considering voluntary

manslaughter in the event they found that the prosecution had proven the

elements of aggravated murder and murder. Appellant further argues that

the defective instructions deprived him of his constitutional right to a jury

finding as to the presence of sudden passion or sudden fit of rage, as a

circumstance mitigating aggravated murder and murder to voluntary

manslaughter. Appellant argues the trial court further confused the jury by

providing a lesser included offense instruction, when voluntary

manslaughter is, instead, an inferior degree offense of aggravated murder

and murder.

{¶30} The trial court instructed the jury as follows:

“If the defendant failed to establish the defense of voluntary

manslaughter, the State still must prove to you beyond a

reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly caused the death

of Samuel Nicholson, II. Pickaway 18CA2 23

***

If you find that the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt all

the essential elements of any one or more of the offenses

charged in the separate counts in the indictment, your verdict

must be guilty as to such offense or offenses according to your

finding. If you find that the State failed to prove beyond a

reasonable doubt any one of the essential elements of any one

or more of the offenses charged in the separate counts of the

indictment, your verdict must be not guilty as to such offense or

offenses according to your findings. You will then continue

your deliberations to decide whether the State has proved

beyond a reasonable doubt all the essential elements of the

inferior degree offense of voluntary manslaughter. If all of you

are unable to agree on a verdict of either guilty or not guilty of

any or all of the charged offenses, then you will continue your

deliberations to decide whether the State has proved beyond a

reasonable doubt all the essential elements of the inferior

degree offense of voluntary manslaughter. If the evidence

warrants it, you may find the defendant guilty of an offense

lesser than that charged in the indictment; however, Pickaway 18CA2 24

notwithstanding this right, it is your duty to accept the law as

given to you by the court, and if the facts and law warrant a

conviction of the offense charged in the indictment, then it is

your duty to make such a finding uninfluenced by your power

to find a lesser offense.

Next page is the inferior degree of voluntary manslaughter.

This charge shall only be considered if either of the following

apply:

One: The defendant has been found not guilty of aggravated

murder, murder, and felony murder;

Or Two: You are unable to reach a verdict with respect to

aggravated murder, murder, and felony murder.

Thus, the trial court instructed the jury that voluntary manslaughter was (1)

an inferior degree offense; (2) a lesser included offense; and (3) also a

defense. It further instructed the jury that the burden of proving the

elements of voluntary manslaughter was upon the State, rather than the

defendant, and that it must be proven by proof beyond a reasonable doubt,

rather than by a preponderance of the evidence. Pickaway 18CA2 25

{¶31} As this Court noted in State v. Goff, 4th Dist. Lawrence No.

11CA20, 2013-Ohio-42, ¶46, “‘[v]oluntary manslaughter is an inferior

degree of murder.” Quoting State v. Alexander, 4th Dist. Scioto No.

08CA3221, 2009-Ohio-1401, ¶62; accord State v. Shane, 63 Ohio St.3d 630,

632, 590 N.E.2d 272 (1992); see also State v. Deem, 40 Ohio St.3d 205, 533

N.E.2d 294, paragraphs two and three of the syllabus.2 As further set forth

in Goff at ¶46:

“A defendant on trial for murder or aggravated murder bears the

burden of persuading the fact finder, by a preponderance of the

evidence, that he or she acted under the influence of sudden

passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which was brought

on by serious provocation occasioned by the victim that was

reasonably sufficient to incite the defendant into using deadly

force, R.C. 2903.03(A), in order for the defendant to be

convicted of voluntary manslaughter rather than murder or

2 According to State v. Deem, “[a]n offense is an ‘inferior degree’ of the indicted offense where its elements are identical to or contained within the indicted offense, except for one or more additional mitigating elements.” Deem at paragraph two of the syllabus. Deem further explains that “[a]n offense may be a lesser included offense of another if (i) the offense carries a lesser penalty than the other; (ii) the greater offense cannot, as statutorily defined, ever be committed without the lesser offense, as statutorily defined, also being committed; and (iii) some element of the greater offense is not required to prove the commission of the lesser offense.” Deem at paragraph three of the syllabus; citing State v. Kidder, 32 Ohio St.3d 279, 513 N.E.2d 311 (1987), modified. Pickaway 18CA2 26

aggravated murder. State v. Rhodes, 63 Ohio St.3d 613, 590

N.E.2d 261 (1992), syllabus.”

Additionally, as explained in Goff at ¶47, “when a voluntary manslaughter

instruction is appropriate, a trial court should instruct the jury ‘to consider

the mitigating evidence to determine whether [the defendant] proved

voluntary manslaughter.’” Citing State v. Benge, 75 Ohio St.3d 136, 140–

141, 661 N.E.2d 1019 (1996).

{¶32} As set forth above, the State conceded the jury instructions

were erroneous to a certain extent. Thus, we will assume the trial court’s

instructions, as they pertained to the consideration of voluntary

manslaughter as an inferior degree offense, were defective and prevented the

jury from considering the voluntary manslaughter charge. However, as

observed in Goff, “in order for there to be reversible error, there must be

prejudice to the appellant.” Goff at ¶48 (internal citations omitted). In the

case sub judice, as was the situation in Goff, Appellant cannot demonstrate

prejudice because the evidence introduced at trial did not warrant a

voluntary manslaughter instruction.

{¶33} In order for a voluntary manslaughter instruction to be given,

there is a requirement of both objective and subjective evidence. Goff at

¶50. Appellant first had to show “evidence of reasonably sufficient Pickaway 18CA2 27

provocation occasioned by the victim * * * to warrant such an instruction.

Id.; quoting Shane at 630. This determination is to be made using an

objective standard. Goff at ¶50. For example, we have explained that “‘[f]or

provocation to be reasonably sufficient, it must be sufficient to arouse the

passions of an ordinary person beyond the power of his or her control.’” Id.;

quoting State v. Elmore, 111 Ohio St.3d 515, 2006-Ohio-6207, 857 N.E.2d

547, ¶81; in turn quoting Shane at 635. If the objective component is

satisfied, the inquiry then “shifts to the subjective component, which

considers whether this particular actor, in this particular case, was actually

under the influence of sudden passion, or was in a sudden fit of rage. Goff at

¶51; citing Shane at 634.

{¶34} We explained analysis of the subjective component in Goff as

follows:

“When analyzing the subjective component, ‘evidence

supporting the privilege of self-defense, i.e., that the defendant

feared for [her] own and [others'] personal safety, does not

constitute sudden passion or a fit of rage as contemplated by the

voluntary manslaughter statute.’ State v. Harris, 129 Ohio

App.3d 527, 535, 718 N.E.2d 488 (10th Dist.1998). ‘While

self-defense requires a showing of fear, voluntary manslaughter Pickaway 18CA2 28

requires a showing of rage, with emotions of “anger, hatred,

jealously, and/or furious resentment.”’ State v. Levett, 1st Dist.

No. C–040537, 2006–Ohio–2222, ¶29, quoting State v. Perdue,

153 Ohio App.3d 213, 2003–Ohio–3481, 792 N.E.2d 747, ¶12

(7th Dist.), in turn quoting Harris at 535; accord State v.

Sudderth, 4th Dist. No. 07CA38, 2008–Ohio–5115, ¶14; see

also [State v.Hendrickson, 4th Dist. Athens No. 08CA12, 2009–

Ohio–4416, ¶45–46]; State v. Caldwell, 10th Dist. No. 98AP–

165, 1998 WL 890232, *7 (Dec. 17, 1998).” Goff at ¶52.

{¶35} Assuming arguendo the objective component was met, the

record before us reveals that Appellant introduced no subjective evidence

that he killed the victim while he was under the influence of sudden passion

or in a sudden fit of rage. Therefore, Appellant cannot demonstrate that he

was prejudiced if the trial court’s jury instructions did, in fact, prevent the

jury from considering the voluntary manslaughter instruction. As set forth

above, Appellant argued theories of voluntary manslaughter, as a result of

provocation. He also raised the affirmative defense of self-defense. In his

trial testimony, Appellant alleged he was frightened by threats made by the

victim towards him in the days leading up to the incident. He also testified

that in shooting the victim, he acted out of fear because he was afraid if he Pickaway 18CA2 29

didn’t shoot, the victim would shoot him first. There is no evidence, after a

thorough review of Appellant’s trial testimony, that he was actually under

the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage when he shot the

victim. Thus, there was insufficient evidence introduced at trial to warrant a

voluntary manslaughter instruction. As such, assuming the manner in which

the trial court instructed the jury prevented the jury from considering the

voluntary manslaughter charge, Appellant cannot demonstrate he was

prejudiced by the alleged error. Accordingly, we find no merit to

Appellant’s second assignment of error and it is overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR III

{¶36} In his third assignment of error, Appellant contends that his

exclusion from the proceedings involving responses to the jury’s questions

violated Crim.R. 43, which governs the presence of defendants at every

stage of the criminal proceedings and at trial, with certain exceptions. He

also contends he was deprived of his constitutional right to be present for all

critical stages of the proceedings. “An accused has a fundamental right to be

present at all critical stages of his criminal trial.” State v. Hale, 119 Ohio

St.3d 118, 2008–Ohio–3426, 892 N.E.2d 864, ¶100. “An accused's absence,

however, does not necessarily result in prejudicial or constitutional error.”

State v. Davis, 116 Ohio St.3d 404, 2008–Ohio–2, 880 N.E.2d 31, ¶90. Pickaway 18CA2 30

“‘[T]he presence of a defendant is a condition of due process to the extent

that a fair and just hearing would be thwarted by his absence, and to that

extent only.’” Hale at ¶100; quoting Snyder v. Massachusetts, 291 U.S. 97,

107–108, 54 S.Ct. 330 (1934), overruled on other grounds by Malloy v.

Hogan, 378 U.S. 1, 17, 84 S.Ct. 1489, (1964). The question is whether his

presence has a “reasonably substantial” relationship to “the fullness of his

opportunity to defend against the charge.” Id.; quoting Snyder at 105–106.

{¶37} In his brief, Appellant appears to contend that neither he, nor

his counsel were present when the trial court considered and responded in

writing to written questions submitted by the jury during their deliberations.

For instance, Appellant argues that Volume 4 of the trial transcript indicates

there were no proceedings held in open court in which he was present during

the time in between the jury being released for deliberations and the

announcement of the verdict nearly five hours later. A review of the

transcript indicates no proceedings were held in open court during that time.

However, the State represents that the written questions submitted by the

jury were reviewed by the court and counsel, and then “returned to the jury

following an agreed upon answer by all parties.” Further, our review of the

record indicates Appellant’s trial counsel filed a post-trial motion for a new Pickaway 18CA2 31

trial in which he referenced the fact that he was surprised by a statement

contained in one of the jury’s questions.

{¶38} Thus, contrary to Appellant’s suggestion on appeal, it appears

counsel was present and participated in a review of the jury’s questions and

may have even approved the answers provided to the jury by the trial court.

We are unable to confirm this, however, as there is no reference to the jury’s

questions other than the fact that the jury’s handwritten notes, along with the

trial court’s written answers, are taped onto a paper in the trial transcript.

What is clear, however, is that there were no proceedings held in open court

in response to the jury’s submission of questions. Instead, it appears the trial

court simply communicated with the jury via written answers to their written

questions.

{¶39} In State v. Lee, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104682, 2017-Ohio-

1449, ¶66, the Eighth District Court of Appeals recently held that a court’s

“written response sent to the jury room was not a critical phase of the trial

that required [the defendant’s] presence.” In Lee, much like in the case sub

judice, the jury submitted written questions during their deliberations. Id. at

¶63. In response, the court met with the attorneys and drafted a written

response that was provided to the jurors. Id. In reaching its decision, the

Lee court relied upon the reasoning of State v. Campbell, 90 Ohio St.3d 320, Pickaway 18CA2 32

346738 N.E.2d 1178 (2000), which found no error “‘where a capital murder

defendant was absent from an in-chambers discussion between the court and

counsel regarding the trial court’s response to a jury question.’” The Lee

court noted that Campbell held as follows on this particular issue:

“‘Campbell had no right to be present at the legal discussion of

how the question should be answered. Nor did he have a right

to be present when the judge sent the note to the jury room.

Although the oral delivery of jury instructions in open court is a

critical stage of trial, the trial court here did not instruct the jury

in open court; instead, he sent a note. A defendant benefits

from his presence, and may be harmed by his absence, when

instructions are given in open court. But these potential

benefits and harms do not exist when the judge merely sends a

note to the jury room. We therefore hold that the sending of the

note was not a critical stage of the trial. (Citations omitted.) Id.

at 346. See also State v. Ferguson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

86439, 2006-Ohio-799, ¶56 (concluding that “the discussion

regarding the jury question was not a critical stage of the

trial.”).’” Lee at ¶61. Pickaway 18CA2 33

{¶41} In light of the foregoing case law and consistent with the

reasoning of the Supreme Court of Ohio in State v. Campbell, supra, we find

the trial court’s provision of written answers to written questions from the

jury cannot be considered a critical stage of the proceedings to which

Appellant had statutory and constitutional rights to be present. Accordingly,

we find no merit to Appellant’s third assignment of error and it is overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IV

{¶42} In his fourth assignment of error, Appellant contends the trial

court’s incorrect, incomplete, and confusing responses to the jury’s

questions amounted to an abuse of discretion and deprived him of his right

to a fundamentally fair trial and reliable jury verdict. More specifically,

Appellant argues the trial court abused its discretion in providing answers to

questions posed by the jury during deliberations regarding (1) the voluntary

manslaughter instruction; and (2) a request for a copy of the transcript

containing a portion of Dwight Haddox’s testimony. Appellant further

argues the second question posed by the jury stemmed from a misleading

argument made by the prosecutor during closing arguments, which

Appellant contends rose to the level of prosecutorial misconduct. The State

responds by arguing that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in

answering the jury’s questions in the manner that it did, and that any error in Pickaway 18CA2 34

the statements made by the prosecutor did not rise to the level of

prosecutorial misconduct.

{¶43} As recently observed by the Third District Court of Appeals in

State v. Robinson, 3rd Dist. Hancock No. 5-16-13, 2017-Ohio-2703, ¶17:

“‘When a jury during its deliberation requests “clarification of

instructions previously given, a trial court has discretion to

determine its response to that request.”’ State v. Juntunen, 10th

Dist. Franklin Nos. 09AP–1108 and 09AP–1109, 2010–Ohio–

5625, ¶19, quoting State v. Carter, 72 Ohio St.3d 545 (1995),

paragraph one of the syllabus. ‘A reversal of a conviction based

upon a trial court's response to such a request requires a

showing that the trial court abused its discretion.’ State v.

Castile, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 13AP–10, 2014–Ohio–1918,

¶23, citing Carter at 553 and State v. Young, 10th Dist. Franklin

No. 04AP–797, 2005–Ohio–5489, ¶35. An abuse of discretion

implies that the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily, or

unconscionably. State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157

(1980).”

The Robinson court further explained that: Pickaway 18CA2 35

“‘A trial court's response to a jury's question “when viewed in

its entirety, must constitute a correct statement of the law and

be consistent with or properly supplement the jury instructions

that have already been given.”’ Juntunen at ¶19, quoting State

v. Preston–Glenn, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 09AP–92, 2009–

Ohio–6771, ¶28. ‘“An appellate court will only find reversible

error where a jury instruction has, in effect, misled the jury.”’

Id., quoting State v. Hull, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 04 MA 2,

2005–Ohio–1659, ¶45, citing Sharp v. Norfolk & W. Ry. Co., 72

Ohio St.3d 307, 312 (1995), and citing Carter at 553.”

{¶44} Appellant first contends the trial court abused its discretion

responding to the jury’s request for a clarification on the aggravated murder,

murder and voluntary manslaughter instructions. The trial transcript

includes the handwritten notes from the jury containing questions for the

trial court. The first question asked by the jury contained two parts and

stated as follows:

“1. If found not guilty on Aggravated Murder Count 1, do we

continue to counts 2-4 and Involuntary Manslaughter or

just stop at counts 1-4? Pickaway 18CA2 36

2. If found not guilty on count one, do counts 2-4 still

apply?”

The trial court provided the following response to those questions:

“First proceed through counts 1-4. Then, read the Involuntary

Manslaughter instructions on the Involuntary Manslaughter

verdict form and use those as a guide to decide if Involuntary

Manslaughter should be considered.”3

{¶45} Appellant argues the question posed by the jury indicated “the

juror’s confusion over its authority to consider mitigating circumstances as

laid out in voluntary manslaughter.” Appellant further argues the answer

provided by the trial court “contributed to the confusion and was, therefore,

prejudicial error.” However, as we explained in our analysis of Appellant’s

second assignment of error, even assuming the trial court erred in instructing

the jury on voluntary manslaughter, because Appellant was not entitled to an

instruction on voluntary manslaughter we found no prejudice and therefore

determined the error was harmless. The same reasoning applies to this

argument. Because Appellant was not entitled to an instruction on voluntary

3 We note that the jury’s question mistakenly referred to “Involuntary Manslaughter” rather than voluntary manslaughter, and the trial court’s response also used the term “Involuntary” as opposed to voluntary. Whether the use of the term “involuntary” stemmed from a substantive misunderstanding by the jury or was simply a transcription error is unknown. However, in light of our disposition of this assignment of error, we find this mistaken reference to be harmless. Pickaway 18CA2 37

manslaughter, it cannot be argued that any error in the original instruction or

in the trial court’s answer to the jury’s question was prejudicial. Thus, the

error does not constitute reversible error.

{¶46} Next, Appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion

when it denied the jury’s request for a copy of a portion of the transcript

containing the testimony of Dwight Haddox. The record indicates the jury

sent a written question to the trial court as follows:

“Can we see the transcript of where Dwight Haddox (sp?) said

that Justin admitted he emptied the clip?”

The trial court provided the following response to the request:

“No. You will have to use your collective memories on this

issue.”

Appellant argues the trial court abused its discretion in not providing a

transcript of Haddox’s testimony to the jury.

{¶47} In State v. Carter, the Supreme Court of Ohio considered an

argument that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to provide the

jury with a transcript of the testimony of a trial witness. State v. Carter, 72

Ohio St.3d 545, 560, 651 N.E.2d 965 (1995). In reaching its decision, the

Court noted that because trial counsel did not object to the trial court’s

refusal to provide the transcript, reversal would require a finding of plain Pickaway 18CA2 38

error. Id. The Carter Court ultimately found neither plain error nor an

abuse of discretion in the trial court’s denial of the transcript to the jury. Id.

{¶48} Further, in State v. Dingus, 26 Ohio App.2d 131, 269 N.E.2d

923 (4th Dist. 1970), this Court was presented with an argument that the trial

court erred in refusing to allow the testimony of a witness to be read to the

jury, as requested by the jury during deliberations. Id. at 132. It appears

that the court did not have the requested testimony and did not state its

recollection of the witness’s testimony for jury. Id. at 134. Instead, the

court instructed the jury “to apply testimony from its recollection.” Finding

no mandatory or statutory requirement that testimony be read to a jury, this

Court found no abuse of discretion. Id. at 135.

{¶49} Again, as set forth above, the State has represented to this

Court that both counsel and the court reviewed the jury’s questions and

agreed upon answers to be provided to the jury. Further, post-trial filings by

Appellant’s trial counsel indicate counsel was aware of the questions posed

by the jury. Additionally, Appellant’s motion for a new trial does not

reference any objection to the answers provided by the trial court to the jury.

Thus, in line with Carter, only a finding of plain error will result in reversal

on this assigned error. Pickaway 18CA2 39

{¶50} Here, a review of the record reveals that Haddox testified at

trial regarding contact he had with Appellant in the days after the offenses at

issue herein were committed. Haddox testified that while Appellant was

riding in the car with him on the afternoon after the victim was murdered,

Appellant stated he had killed the victim. He further testified that Appellant

was in the car with him again the next day and was talking with his sister.

The following exchange appears in the transcript:

“Q: Did he tell you anything about pulling the trigger?

A: Something I heard, I don’t know the exact words, but

something about emptied the gun.”

There were no follow-up questions on direct examination and no cross-

examination regarding this testimony. Subsequently, during closing

arguments, the prosecutor made the following statement in reference to

Haddox’s testimony:

“Now the next day the defendant finally returned to Pickaway

County when he asked Dwight Haddox for a ride to Hagerty

Road. And he again had his head down in the car saying, “I

emptied the clip. I killed him.”

{¶51} Appellant contends this statement by the prosecutor was a

misstatement and exaggeration of the Haddox’s testimony and the trial court Pickaway 18CA2 40

had a duty to give the jury instructions to neutralize the prejudice caused by

the prosecutor’s conduct. We initially note that, in our view, the statement

by the prosecutor was similar to the testimony of Haddox and did not

constitute a misrepresentation or an exaggeration of his testimony. Further,

the jury heard the testimony in full and was also instructed that statements

by counsel during opening and closing arguments are not evidence.

Moreover, reviewing Haddox’s testimony as a whole, we find no substantive

distinction between Haddox’s testimony that Appellant said something to the

effect that he “emptied the gun” versus the State’s comment in closing that

he “emptied the clip.” Thus, based upon the facts presently before us as well

as our prior reasoning in Dingus, supra, we cannot conclude the trial court

plainly erred or abused its discretion in denying the jury’s request for the

transcript and instead instructing them that they must rely on their collective

memories.

{¶52} Finally, with respect to Appellant’s additional argument that

the jury’s second question stemmed from a misleading argument made by

the prosecutor regarding Haddox’s testimony during closing arguments, we

conclude that an argument raising a claim of prosecutorial misconduct

should have been separately assigned and argued, as required by App.R.

16(A). Instead, Appellant has raised a detailed claim of prosecutorial Pickaway 18CA2 41

misconduct as part of an assignment of error alleging an abuse of discretion

on the part of the trial court in providing written answers to questions

submitted by the jury during deliberations. As such, disregard this portion

of Appellant’s argument in accordance with the discretion provided us in

App.R. 12(A)(2).

{¶53} Accordingly, having found no merit under Appellant’s fourth

assignment of error, it is overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR V

{¶54} In his fifth assignment of error, Appellant contends he was

denied his constitutional right to the effective assistance of counsel due to

the combined prejudicial impact of instances of deficient performance.

Thus, Appellant essentially contends that cumulative errors by defense

counsel affected the outcome of his trial. The State contends there is no

evidence that but for the alleged deficiencies of defense counsel the trial

would have had a different outcome, in light of the significant amount of

other evidence which led to the conclusion Appellant was guilty of the

indicted offenses.

{¶55} To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a

criminal appellant must establish (1) deficient performance by counsel, i.e.,

performance falling below an objective standard of reasonable Pickaway 18CA2 42

representation, and (2) prejudice, i.e., a reasonable probability that, but for

counsel's errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.

State v. Short, 129 Ohio St.3d 360, 2011-Ohio-3641, 952 N.E.2d 1121,

¶113; Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80

L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Knauff, 4th Dist. Adams No. 13CA976, 2014-

Ohio-308, ¶23. In Ohio a properly licensed attorney is presumed competent.

State v. Gondor, 112 Ohio St.3d 377, 2006-Ohio-6679, 860 N.E.2d 77, ¶62.

Thus, in reviewing a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, we must

indulge in “a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide

range of reasonable professional assistance; that is, the defendant must

overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged

action ‘might be considered sound trial strategy.’” Strickland at 697.

Failure to satisfy either part of the test is fatal to the claim. Id.; State v.

Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 143, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989).

{¶56} Appellant alleges five instances of ineffective assistance by his

trial counsel as follows:

“1. Defense counsel’s inept cross-examination of the lead

detective resulted in the jury learning about Blevin’s post-arrest

exercise of his privilege against self-incrimination.” Pickaway 18CA2 43

“2. Defense counsel’s inept cross-examination of the lead

detective regarding his theory of the case resulted in the jury

hearing his opinion that Blevins is guilty of murder.”

“3. Defense counsel failed to object to blatantly inadmissible

‘other acts’ testimony that portrayed Blevins as an individual

having a propensity for violence involving the use of firearms.”

“4. Defense counsel failed to effectively impeach Dwight

Haddox’s testimony regarding his recollection of statements

relating to the shooting, failed to object to the prosecutor’s

misrepresentation of his testimony, and failed to object to the

trial judge’s inadequate response to the jury’s questions

regarding the testimony.”

“5. Defense counsel failed to object to a defective voluntary

manslaughter instructions [sic] and to the judge’s erroneous

response to the jury’s questions expressing confusion regarding

the instructions.”

{¶57} Appellant’s first and second allegations of ineffective

assistance both claim that his trial counsel ineptly cross-examined Detective

Jeffery George. First, Appellant argues his trial counsel’s inept cross

examination of Detective George led to the jury learning about his post- Pickaway 18CA2 44

arrest exercise of his privilege against self-incrimination. A review of the

record reveals the following exchange during trial between defense counsel

and the detective:

“Q: Were you aware of the fact that my client went to Bret

Taylor’s immediately after this murder?

A: I was not aware of that. No.

Q: You weren’t aware of that until today?

A: Today is the first I heard that your client – your client nor

Bret Taylor would not speak with me.

Q: Okay. So Bret wouldn’t cooperate?

A: No. He asked for a lawyer.”

Another exchange took place during later cross-examination as follows:

“Q: Were you present when Mr. Blevins was arrested?

A: Yes, I was.

Q: And what was he wearing?

A: I don’t remember.

Q: He wasn’t wearing red basketball shorts, was he?

A: No.

Q: So do you have an explanation of how a guy that wears

red basketball shorts – when did you arrest him? Pickaway 18CA2 45

A: It was like a week later after the murder.

Q: After the murder, a week?

A: Yea. Approximately a couple days to a week.

Q: All right. Do you know where my client went?

A: No. Again, your client wouldn’t speak with me.

Q: Well, I understand that. But in the end here you’ve never

investigated where Mr. Blevins ended up within an hour or so

after the shooting?

A: Right after the shooting, no. All I know is he had went to

McArthur after that.

Q: Well that’s the point I’m making. Do you have any

indication that my client left the Arnett apartment driving Bret

– do you know if Bret Taylor’s car was there?

A: That I do not know.”

Thus, two different times, in response to two different questions, the

detective referenced the fact that Appellant would not speak with him, and

thus had exercised his constitutional right against self-incrimination.

{¶58} Appellant concedes that the detective’s answers were not

responsive to the questions asked by counsel, but he argues the open-ended

manner in which counsel framed his questions allowed the detective to slip Pickaway 18CA2 46

his post-arrest silence into his answers. Appellant cites this Court’s prior

reasoning in State v. Harper, 4th Dist. Vinton No. 11CA684, 2012-Ohio-

4527, for the proposition that an attorney’s failure to take measures to

prevent the jury form hearing testimony regarding his client’s post-arrest

silence may constitute deficient performance. We noted in Harper as

follows at ¶16:

“‘An accused who asserts his Fifth Amendment right to silence

should not have the assertion of that constitutional right used

against him.’ State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St.3d 460, 479, 739

N.E.2d 749 (2001), citing Doyle v. Ohio, 426 U.S. 610, 96 S.Ct.

2240, 49 L.Ed.2d 91 (1976). ‘[E]vidence introduced by the state

during its case in chief regarding the defendant's exercise of his

right to remain silent during interrogation violates the Due

Process Clause of both the state and federal constitutions.’

State v. Perez, 3d Dist. No. 4–03–49, 2004–Ohio–4007, ¶10,

citing Leach, 102 Ohio St.3d 135, 2004–Ohio–2147, 807

N.E.2d 335, at ¶16–18. ‘This rule enforces one of the

underlying policies of the Fifth Amendment, which is to avoid

having the jury assume that a defendant's silence equates with

guilt.’ Id., citing Leach, 2004–Ohio–2147, at ¶30; Murphy v. Pickaway 18CA2 47

Waterfront Comm. of New York Harbor, 378 U.S. 52, 55, 84

S.Ct. 1594, 12 L.Ed.2d 678 (1964).”

{¶59} Harper involved an allegation that defense counsel failed to

object to repeated instances of the State eliciting testimony that the

defendant had invoked his right against self-incrimination. Id. at ¶28. Here,

however, it was not the State that elicited the problematic testimony, it was

defense counsel while cross-examining the State’s witness. Further, the case

at bar does not involve a situation where the State was attempting to use

Appellant’s silence against him. As noted by Appellant in his brief, the

detective’s answers were not responsive to the question asked by defense

counsel. Moreover, Harper involved repeated instances of the State drawing

the juror’s attention to the defendant’s post-arrest silence, constitutional

violations which this Court stated “pervaded the entire trial.” Id. at ¶33.

Here, there were two quick references to Appellant’s post-arrest silence that

were unintentionally elicited during cross-examination, which can hardly be

described as pervading the entire trial. Thus, we cannot conclude, based

upon the facts before us, that defense counsel should have anticipated the

detective’s answer to the question would have included a reference to

Appellant’s post-arrest silence. As such, Appellant has not demonstrated Pickaway 18CA2 48

deficient performance by his counsel in this regard and, as a result, we find

no merit to this portion of Appellant’s argument.

{¶60} Second, Appellant argues his trial counsel’s inept cross

examination of Detective George regarding his theory of the case resulted in

the jury hearing his opinion that Appellant was guilty of murder. A review

of the trial transcript reveals the following exchange during defense

counsel’s cross examination of Detective George:

“Q: All right. Now, let’s go through the stage of the

proceeding here. So you determined that prolifically [sic] what

the relationship was between Sammy Nicholson, Darrell Arnett,

Chloe, my client, so you understand those people were

involved?

A: Yes.

Q: All right. Now, what’s your theory of what happened

here?

A: Honestly, my theory, I believe your client committed the

murder of Sammy Nicholson.

Q: Well, tell me what your theory is, why he was there?

A: I have no reason. Possibly the drugs that everybody

talked about. Pickaway 18CA2 49

Q: Well, were you aware of the fact that there was [sic]

mutual threats:

A: Briefly I might have heard that.”

{¶61} The State contends that defense counsel was attempting to elicit

testimony from the detective indicating the condition of the apartment

showed signs of a struggle, which would lend support to Appellant’s self-

defense argument. As such, the State argues defense counsel’s question falls

within the gambit of trial strategy. However, we tend to agree with

Appellant’s argument that “[t]here can be no conceivable strategic reason for

a defense attorney to ask the lead detective in a homicide investigation an

open-ended question that invites, or even encourages, the witness to offer a

damaging opinion regarding the defendant’s guilt.” Thus, we agree with

Appellant’s argument that this action constituted deficient performance by

trial counsel.

{¶62} Despite this finding, based upon the record before us we find

no prejudice within the meaning of the Strickland test because the result of

the trial would have been no different. Here, Appellant’s only arguments on

appeal regarding his culpability for the charged crimes are 1) he did not act

with prior calculation and design; and 2) although he killed the victim, he

did so as a result of provocation or in self-defense. As we have referenced Pickaway 18CA2 50

multiple times herein, Appellant was not entitled a voluntary manslaughter

instruction. Thus, his only viable theory at trial was one of self-defense,

which is an affirmative defense. An affirmative defense does not negate the

legal adequacy of the state's proof for purposes of submitting it to the jury.

An affirmative defense involves an excuse or justification for doing an

otherwise illegal act. See R.C. 2901.05(C)(2). It does not deny the

existence of the act; it simply provides a legal justification for it. Thus,

eliciting the detective’s theory of the case did not place any testimony before

the jury Appellant had not already conceded. Accordingly, Appellant cannot

demonstrate prejudice as a result of counsel’s actions and we therefore find

no merit to this portion of his argument.

{¶63} Appellant’s third allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel

argues defense counsel failed to object to blatantly inadmissible “other acts”

testimony that portrayed him as an individual having a propensity for

violence involving the use of firearms. More specifically, Appellant argues

that defense counsel failed to object to testimony from Chloe Brady

indicating she stopped living with Appellant because she “overheard him

behind a closed door and he said he was going to put a bullet in [her] head.”

The State does not respond to this allegation of ineffective assistance of

counsel in its appellate brief. Pickaway 18CA2 51

{¶64} Again, Appellant admitted at trial that he went to the victim’s

house armed with a loaded gun and shot the victim multiple times. Further,

he does not dispute that he caused the victim’s death, but only that he acted

in self-defense. The State introduced evidence that the victim died from

multiple gun shot wounds. Additionally, expert testimony indicated several

of the gunshot wounds were sustained while the victim was in a defensive

position with his arms up trying to shield himself, and in a downward

trajectory, contrary to Appellant’s argument that he shot the victim after the

victim knocked him to the floor. Other evidence demonstrated all of the

bullet holes and recovered bullets were on the side of the room where the

victim was found deceased, and none were found anywhere else, indicating

the victim did not shoot first or shoot back. Finally, Appellant admitted he

sent a message stating he needed to “take care of some b.s” along with a

photo of his gun to a friend, thus demonstrating a propensity for violence by

his own actions and testimony. In light of the foregoing, even assuming

there was no sound trial strategy that permitted defense counsel’s failure to

object, and to instead to ask further questions about Appellant’s alleged

statements on cross examination, Appellant cannot demonstrate the result of

the trial would have been different. Therefore, he cannot establish Pickaway 18CA2 52

ineffective assistance of counsel in this regard and we find no merit to this

portion of his argument.

{¶65} Appellant’s fourth allegation of ineffective assistance of

counsel claims trial counsel 1) failed to effectively impeach Dwight

Haddox’s testimony regarding his recollection of statements relating to the

shooting; 2) failed to object to the prosecutor’s misrepresentation of his

testimony; and 3) failed to object to the trial judge’s inadequate response to

the jury’s question.

Appellant first argues that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to

effectively impeach Dwight Haddox in response to the following testimony:

“Q: Did he [Appellant] tell you anything about pulling the

trigger?

Q: Did he tell you anything about being on the run?

A: I kind of figured after that that he was on the run. I

didn’t know. I mean like I said, after all that, and I was by

myself, like I say, after it all happened, then it sinks in and

started thinking about everything and I thought well, I think that

I better go to the Sheriff’s station.” Pickaway 18CA2 53

Appellant argues his trial counsel admitted in a motion for new trial that had

he heard the statement by Haddox about the gun being emptied that he

would have objected and then impeached the witness with a recording of his

police interview and also called Appellant’s mother to testify to contradict

Haddox. Appellant points to the affidavit of Appellant’s mother that was

attached in support of the motion for new trial, in which Mrs. Blevins avers

that she and Haddox had a falling out and that he made threats that her son

would “[go] down.”

{¶66} Considering Appellant’s trial counsel represented to the trial

court that his failure to object was not trial strategy, and that he would have

objected to Haddox’s testimony had he heard it, we conclude Appellant has

demonstrated deficient performance by his trial counsel. However, in light

of the fact that Appellant admitted to shooting the victim multiple times, as

well as testimony from Special Agent Todd Fortner that when Appellant’s

gun was found it was kicked back and open, indicating the gun was

“completely expended,” we cannot conclude trial counsel’s failure to object

to Haddox’s testimony affected the outcome of the trial. Thus, because

Appellant cannot demonstrate prejudice, he has failed to demonstrate

ineffective assistance of counsel. Pickaway 18CA2 54

{¶67} Turning our attention now to Appellant’s second and third

claims, which allege trial counsel failed to make proper objections, we

observe that “[a] trial counsel's failure to object is generally viewed as trial

strategy and does not establish ineffective assistance.” State v. Teets, 4th

Dist. Pickaway No. 16CA3, 2017-Ohio-7372, ¶71; citing State v. Roby, 3rd

Dist. Putnam No. 12–09–09, 2010–Ohio–1498, ¶44 (additional internal

citations omitted). Appellant notes that in a post-trial motion for new trial

filed by Appellant’s trial counsel, counsel stated the failure to object here

was not trial strategy. Trial counsel instead attributed his failure to object to

“physical inattention.” However, we have already determined under

Appellant’s fourth assignment of error that the prosecutor’s reference to

Haddox’s statement during closing arguments was generally consistent with

Haddox’s testimony and was not a gross exaggeration or misrepresentation.

We also determined under Appellant’s fourth assignment of error that the

trial court did not plainly err or abuse its discretion in responding to the

jury’s request for a transcript of Haddox’s trial testimony with a denial and

an instruction that the jury must rely on its collective memories regarding

the testimony. Thus, assuming arguendo Appellant has demonstrated

deficient performance, we cannot conclude he has demonstrated he has Pickaway 18CA2 55

suffered any prejudice as a result. Thus, we find no merit to this portion of

Appellant’s argument.

{¶68} Finally, in light of our determination that Appellant was not

entitled to a jury instruction on voluntary manslaughter, we summarily reject

Appellant’s fifth claim of ineffective of counsel, which alleges trial counsel

was ineffective based upon his failure to object to defective voluntary

manslaughter instructions.

{¶69} Under the cumulative-error doctrine, “a conviction will be

reversed where the cumulative effect of errors in a trial deprives a defendant

of the constitutional right to a fair trial even though each of numerous

instances of trial court error does not individually constitute cause for

reversal.” State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64, 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995);

citing State v. DeMarco, 31 Ohio St.3d 191, 509 N.E.2d 1256 (1987),

paragraph two of the syllabus; State v. Ruble, 2017-Ohio-7259, 96 N.E.3d

792, ¶75 (4th Dist.). “Before we consider whether ‘cumulative errors’ are

present, we must first find that the trial court committed multiple errors.”

State v. Smith, 2016-Ohio-5062, 70 N.E.3d 150, ¶106 (4th Dist.); citing State

v. Harrington, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 05CA3038, 2006-Ohio-4388, ¶57. The

cumulative error doctrine does not apply where the defendant “cannot point

to ‘multiple instances of harmless error.’” See State v. Mammone, 139 Ohio Pickaway 18CA2 56

St.3d 467, 2014-Ohio-1942, 13 N.E.3d 1051, ¶148 (2014) (“And to the

extent that Mammone more broadly invokes the doctrine of cumulative

error, that doctrine does not apply because he cannot point to ‘multiple

instances of harmless error.’” State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64, 656

N.E.2d 623 (1995).). Based upon our analysis of the arguments raised under

this assignment of error, we conclude the doctrine of cumulative error does

not apply here. Accordingly, Appellant’s fifth assignment of error is

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VI

{¶70} In his sixth assignment of error, Appellant contends that the

jury’s verdicts of guilty for aggravated murder, murder, and felonious

assault are against the manifest weight of the evidence. The State contends

the evidence taken as a whole clearly pointed to the jury’s finding of guilt on

all counts, and that there is nothing in the record to suggest the jury lost its

way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice. We begin with a look at

the proper standard of review for manifest weight challenges.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

{¶71} When an appellate court considers a claim that a conviction is

against the manifest weight of the evidence, the court must dutifully

examine the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, Pickaway 18CA2 57

and consider the witness credibility. State v. Dean, 146 Ohio St.3d 106,

2015–Ohio–4347, 54 N.E.3d 80, ¶151; citing State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio

St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). A reviewing court must bear in

mind, however, that credibility generally is an issue for the trier of fact to

resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001); State v.

Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶31. “‘Because

the trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to

decide “whether, and to what extent, to credit the testimony of particular

witnesses,” we must afford substantial deference to its determinations of

credibility.’” Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St.3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420, 929

N.E.2d 1047, ¶20; quoting State v. Konya, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No.

21434, 2006–Ohio–6312, ¶6; quoting State v. Lawson, 2nd Dist.

Montgomery No. 16288, 1997 WL 476684 (Aug. 22, 1997). As the court

explained in Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012–Ohio–2179, 972

N.E.2d 517, at ¶21:

“‘[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly

against the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment

must be made in favor of the judgment and the finding of facts.

*** Pickaway 18CA2 58

If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the

reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is

consistent with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to

sustaining the verdict and judgment.’ Id. at ¶21, 972 N.E.2d

517, quoting Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio

St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.3, quoting 5 Ohio

Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192

(1978).”

Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the

evidence to the fact-finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for

its decision. State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–

Ohio–1282, ¶24; accord State v. Howard, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2948,

2007–Ohio–6331, ¶6 (“We will not intercede as long as the trier of fact has

some factual and rational basis for its determination of credibility and

weight.”).

{¶72} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, the court

may reverse the judgment of conviction only if it appears that the fact-finder,

when resolving the conflicts in evidence, “‘clearly lost its way and created

such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed

and a new trial ordered .’” Thompkins at 387; quoting State v. Martin, 20 Pickaway 18CA2 59

Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). If the prosecution

presented substantial credible evidence upon which the trier of fact

reasonably could conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the essential

elements of the offense had been established, the judgment of conviction is

not against the manifest weight of the evidence. E.g., State v. Eley, 56 Ohio

St.2d 169, 383 N.E.2d 132, syllabus (1978), superseded by state

constitutional amendment on other grounds in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d

89, 684 N.E.2d 668 (1997). Accord Eastley at ¶12; quoting Thompkins, 78

Ohio St.3d at 387; quoting Black's Law Dictionary 1594 (6th ed.1990)

(explaining that a judgment is not against the manifest weight of the

evidence when “‘the greater amount of credible evidence”’ supports it).

Thus, “‘[w]hen conflicting evidence is presented at trial, a conviction is not

against the manifest weight of the evidence simply because the jury believed

the prosecution testimony.’” State v. Cooper, 170 Ohio App.3d 418, 2007–

Ohio–1186, 867 N.E.2d 493, ¶17; quoting State v. Mason, 9th Dist. Summit

No. 21397, 2003–Ohio–5785, ¶17; quoting State v. Gilliam, 9th Dist. Lorain

No. 97CA006757 (Aug. 12, 1998). Instead, a reviewing court should find a

conviction against the manifest weight of the evidence only in the

“‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the Pickaway 18CA2 60

conviction.’” Thompkins at 387; quoting Martin at 175. Accord State v.

Lindsey, 87 Ohio St.3d 479, 483, 721 N.E.2d 995 (2000).

{¶73} In the case presently before us, Appellant has disputed the

jury’s determination he murdered the victim with prior calculation and

design. However, we have already rejected Appellant’s argument that the

finding of prior calculation and design was not supported by sufficient

evidence. Further, Appellant does not dispute that he purposely killed the

victim, which serves as the basis for his aggravated murder, murder and

felonious assault convictions. Instead, he argues that the jury committed a

manifest miscarriage of justice by rejecting his claim of self-defense. He

also argues the jury created a manifest miscarriage of justice by rejecting his

argument that he acted in a fit of sudden passion or rage as a result of

provocation. However, as set forth above, we have already determined that

Appellant was not entitled to a voluntary manslaughter instruction, even

based upon his own version of events. Thus, we limit our review to whether

the jury committed a manifest miscarriage of justice by rejecting his claim of

self-defense.

SELF-DEFENSE

{¶74} “Self-defense is an affirmative defense that, if proved, relieves

a defendant of criminal liability for the force that the defendant used.” State Pickaway 18CA2 61

v. Kozlosky, 195 Ohio App.3d 343, 2011–Ohio–4814, 959 N.E.2d 1097, ¶22.

“‘The burden of going forward with the evidence of an affirmative defense,

and the burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, for an

affirmative defense, is upon the accused.’” State v. Nucklos, 121 Ohio St.3d

332, 2009–Ohio–792, 904 N.E.2d 512, ¶7; quoting R.C. 2901.05(A). We

observe that affirmative defenses such as self-defense “‘do not seek to

negate any of the elements of the offense which the State is required to

prove’ but rather they ‘admit[ ] the facts claimed by the prosecution and then

rel[y] on independent facts or circumstances which the defendant claims

exempt him from liability.’” State v. Smith, 3rd Dist. Logan No. 8–12–05,

2013–Ohio–746, ¶32; quoting State v. Martin, 21 Ohio St.3d 91, 94, 488

N.E.2d 166 (1986).

{¶75} To establish self-defense, a defendant must establish, by a

preponderance of the evidence, the following three circumstances:

“‘(1) the defendant was not at fault in creating the violent

situation, (2) the defendant had a bona fide belief that she was

in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that her

only means of escape was the use of force, and (3) that the

defendant did not violate any duty to retreat or avoid the

danger.’” State v. Goff, 128 Ohio St.3d 169, 2010–Ohio–6317, Pickaway 18CA2 62

942 N.E.2d 1075, ¶36; quoting State v. Thomas, 77 Ohio St.3d

323, 326, 673 N.E.2d 1339 (1997).

The “elements of self-defense are cumulative. * * * [Thus, i]f the defendant

fails to prove any one of these elements by a preponderance of the evidence

he has failed to demonstrate that he acted in self-defense.” State v. Jackson,

22 Ohio St.3d 281, 284, 490 N.E.2d 893 (1986). Accord State v. Cassano,

96 Ohio St.3d 94, 2002–Ohio–3751, 772 N.E.2d 81, ¶73; State v. Hargrave,

4th Dist. Adams No. 11CA907, 2012–Ohio–798, ¶16.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

{¶76} With regard to the first element, which considers whether

Appellant was at fault in creating the violent situation, the State’s theory at

trial was that Appellant entered the victim’s residence by force and shot him

to death with prior calculation and design. In support of its theory the State

relied upon evidence of prior text messages sent by Appellant that included a

photo of a gun in his possession, which was later identified as the murder

weapon. We have already determined the jury’s finding of prior calculation

and design was supported by sufficient evidence. Appellant contends, on the

other hand, that he simply went to the victim’s residence at 5:00 in the

morning to pay him $700.00 worth of money he owed, armed with a gun he

usually carried for his own protection, and that the victim initiated a physical Pickaway 18CA2 63

confrontation and pushed Appellant to the ground. Believing the victim to

be armed, based upon prior threats made by the victim, Appellant claims he

shot first lest he be shot. Appellant argues the text messages and witness

testimony introduced at trial “affirmatively established threatening,

provocative behavior on the part of the decedent” towards Appellant. He

also alleged the text messages that included the photo of his gun were sent in

reference to a disagreement with someone else, not the victim, and thus had

no bearing on the actions he took on the night in question. Appellant settles

upon an argument that the “real issue” is whether the shooting was fully

justified as an act of self-defense or partially justified as an act committed in

a sudden fit of rage due to provocation.”

{¶77} We initially note that Appellant’s arguments that he acted both

1) in self-defense out of fear; and 2) in a sudden fit of rage due to

provocation, seem to be somewhat contradictory, as the underlying

motivations for actions resulting from fear versus provocation differ. Other

courts have reasoned that, at a minimum, fear is insufficient to demonstrate

the emotional states of passion or sudden fit of rage. See State v. Ramey, 2nd

Dist. Montgomery No. 27636, 2018-Ohio-3072, ¶36 (concluding the

appellant was not overcome by sudden passion or a sudden fit of rage, based

upon the testimony, because “fear is insufficient to demonstrate the Pickaway 18CA2 64

emotional states of sudden passion or a fit of rage.”); quoting State v.

Williams, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 11 JE 7, 2012-Ohio-5256, ¶24; Accord

State v. Beatty-Jones, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 24245, 2011-Ohio-3719,

¶30. Further, this Court has held that “evidence supporting the privilege of

self-defense, i.e., that the defendant feared for [her] own and [others']

personal safety, does not constitute sudden passion or a fit of rage as

contemplated by the voluntary manslaughter statute.” State v. Goff, 4th Dist.

Lawrence No. 11CA20, 2013-Ohio-42, ¶52; citing State v. Harris, 129 Ohio

App.3d 527, 535, 718 N.E.2d 488 (10th Dist.1998). As further explained in

Goff, “‘While self-defense requires a showing of fear, voluntary

manslaughter requires a showing of rage, with emotions of “anger, hatred,

jealously, and/or furious resentment.’” Goff at ¶52; quoting State v. Levett,

1st Dist. Hamilton No. C–040537, 2006–Ohio–2222, ¶29; in turn quoting

State v. Perdue, 153 Ohio App.3d 213, 2003–Ohio–3481, 792 N.E.2d 747,

¶12 (7th Dist.); in turn quoting Harris at 535 (additional internal citations

omitted).

{¶78} Again, as we have already concluded Appellant was not

entitled to a jury instruction on voluntary manslaughter, we limit our

analysis to his self-defense argument. We do not believe, based upon the

evidence in the record, that Appellant demonstrated by a preponderance of Pickaway 18CA2 65

the evidence that he was not at fault in creating the violent situation.

Accepting Appellant’s testimony as true, Appellant went to the victim’s

residence in what was essentially the middle of the night, armed with a gun

and anticipating a shootout. Considering the evidence presented at trial, and

interpreting that evidence in favor of the guilty, as we are required to do

when considering a manifest weight of the evidence argument, the evidence

reveals that Appellant went to the victim’s residence after texting a

photograph of his gun, along with a comment that he needed to go “take care

of some b.s.,” to various other individuals, where he proceeded to shoot the

victim multiple times, resulting in his death. Based upon the foregoing, we

cannot conclude Appellant has met his burden with respect to the first

element of self-defense.

{¶79} However, assuming arguendo that Appellant demonstrated the

first element of the affirmative defense of self-defense by a preponderance

of the evidence, we move on to a review of the second, cumulative element

required to be proven. In a deadly force case, the second element of self-

defense requires a defendant to show that the defendant had a bona fide

belief that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that

his only means of escape was the use of deadly force. See State v. Cassano,

96 Ohio St.3d 94, 2002–Ohio–3751, 772 N.E.2d 81, ¶76; quoting State v. Pickaway 18CA2 66

Robbins, 58 Ohio St.2d 74, 388 N.E.2d 755, paragraph two of the syllabus

(1979) (determining that defendant had “no basis for a ‘bona fide belief that

he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm’ and could ‘escape

from such danger’ only by using deadly force”). This second element “is a

combined subjective and objective test.” Thomas at 330. The defendant's

belief must be objectively reasonable under the circumstances, and he must

subjectively believe he needed to resort to deadly force to defend himself.

Id. at 330–331. “Thus, the jury first must consider the defendant's situation

objectively, that is, whether, considering all of the defendant's particular

characteristics, knowledge, or lack of knowledge, circumstances, history,

and conditions at the time of the attack, she reasonably believed she was in

imminent danger.” Id. at 330; accord State v. Hendrickson, 4th Dist. Athens

No. 08CA12, 2009–Ohio–4416, 2009 WL 2682158, ¶30. “Then, if the

objective standard is met, the jury must determine if, subjectively, this

particular defendant had an honest belief that she was in imminent danger.”

Thomas at 331.

{¶80} Another component contained within the second element is the

defendant's bona fide belief that the use of force was “reasonably necessary

to repel the attack.” Hendrickson at ¶29; citing State v. Williford, 49 Ohio

St.3d 247, 249, 551 N.E.2d 1279 (1990); citing State v. McLeod, 82 Ohio Pickaway 18CA2 67

App. 155, 157, 80 N.E.2d 699 (9th Dist.1948). In other words, a defendant

must show that “that the degree of force used was ‘warranted’ under the

circumstances and ‘proportionate’ to the perceived threat.” Hendrickson at

¶31; citing State v. Palmer, 80 Ohio St.3d 543, 564, 687 N.E.2d 685 (1997).

“If * * * the amount of force used is so disproportionate that it shows an

‘unreasonable purpose to injure,’ the defense of self-defense is unavailable.”

State v. Macklin, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 94482, 2011–Ohio–87, ¶27;

quoting State v. Speakman, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 00CA035, 2001 WL

315198 (Mar. 27, 2001). Accord State v. Kimmell, 3rd Dist. Wyandot No.

16–10–06, 2011–Ohio–660, ¶20; quoting Hendrickson at ¶33 (“Self-defense

* * * is inappropriate if the force used is ‘so grossly disproportionate as to

show revenge or as [a] criminal purpose.’”). “[I]t is only when one uses a

greater degree of force than is necessary under all the circumstances that it is

not justifiable on the ground of self-defense.” McLeod at 157. As we

explained in State v. Bundy, 2012–Ohio–3934, 974 N.E.2d 139, 156–58,

¶56:

“‘Any civilized system of law recognizes the supreme value of

human life, and excuses or justifies its taking only in cases of

apparent absolute necessity. ‘“[State v.] Pellegrino, 577 N.W

.2d [590,] 596, quoting People v. Jones, 191 Cal.App.2d 478, Pickaway 18CA2 68

12 Cal.Rptr. 777, 780 (1961). Thus, when “‘the character and

manner of the [attack] do not reasonably create a fear of great

bodily harm, there is no cause for the exaction of human life.’”

Id., quoting People v. Ceballos, 12 Cal.3d 470, 116 Cal.Rptr.

233, 238, 526 P.2d 241, 246 (1974).

{¶81} As set forth above, we believe Appellant’s claims that he both

acted in self-defense out of fear, but also acted in a fit of rage or sudden

passion as a result of provocation are somewhat incompatible from a logical

standpoint. Although we are limiting our analysis to the question of whether

Appellant demonstrated he acted in self-defense by a preponderance of the

evidence, we take this opportunity to note that case law tells us, at least with

regard to the mitigating claim of provocation, that a “‘victim [is] within his

rights in using reasonable force to repel [a] defendant from his home. Thus,

his act of [shoving] the defendant could not provide the “serious

provocation” to reduce the defendant's conduct from [murder] to

manslaughter.’” State v. Ramey, supra, at ¶35; quoting State v. Johnston,

2rd Dist. Montgomery No. 19019, 2002 WL 1393988, *3 (June 28, 2002).

{¶82} Here, the State introduced evidence at trial indicating the victim

received multiple gunshot wounds to his arms which were received in a

defensive position, with his arms up trying to shield himself. Additionally, Pickaway 18CA2 69

the State introduced evidence that the victim sustained multiple gunshot

wounds that entered his body from the back and at close range, indicating he

was not the aggressor. Further, evidence introduced at trial demonstrated

that all of the bullet holes and recovered bullets were found on the side of

the apartment where the victim was found, and none were found in any other

area of the apartment, permitting an inference that the victim was shot at, but

did not shoot first or shoot back.

{¶83} After a review of the record we conclude that here, the jury

could have justifiably determined that the character and manner of the

victim's attack upon Appellant did not warrant the use of deadly force.

Although Appellant may have anticipated the victim intended to eventually

use deadly force upon him, Appellant’s own version of events fails to

demonstrate that the victim actually used such force upon him that it

threatened Appellant's life or placed him in danger of great bodily harm.

Instead, even accepting Appellant’s own version of events as true, the

evidence shows that the victim pushed, or shoved Appellant to the ground,

which led Appellant to fire multiple shots, not just one shot to injure.

{¶84} Further, rejecting Appellant’s version of the events and instead

accepting the State’s version of events, which the jury was free to do, the

evidence demonstrated Appellant murdered the victim with prior calculation Pickaway 18CA2 70

and design, with the victim sustaining multiple lethal gunshot wounds, some

even from behind. Thus, we do not believe Appellant has proven the

second, cumulative element of the affirmative defense of self-defense by a

preponderance of the evidence, and as such he has failed to demonstrate that

he acted in self-defense. See State v. Jackson, supra, at 284. Accordingly,

the jury had a sound basis to reject Appellant’s claim of self-defense.

{¶85} In light of our conclusion that the evidence supports a finding

that Appellant used more force than necessary to “repel the attack,” any

argument concerning the remaining element of self-defense has been

rendered moot. See Jackson, supra (explaining that failure on any element

means defendant did not act in self-defense). Therefore, we do not address

it. See App.R. 12(A)(1)(c). Further, after our review, based upon the totality

of the evidence contained in the record, we are unable to conclude that

Appellant's convictions for aggravated murder, murder and felonious assault

are against the manifest weight of the evidence. Accordingly, based upon

the foregoing reasons, we hereby overrule Appellant's sixth assignment of

error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VII

{¶86} In his seventh assignment of error, Appellant contends the

record clearly and convincingly does not support the imposition of a life Pickaway 18CA2 71

prison term with parole eligibility after serving thirty years. More

specifically, Appellant argues the trial court “failed to give any consideration

to [his] youth at the time of the homicide, when making the parole eligibility

determination.” Appellant also argues the trial court did not properly

consider the “less serious” factors when balancing the seriousness and

recidivism factors before imposing sentence. The State contends, however,

the record clearly and convincingly supports Appellant’s sentence.

{¶87} When reviewing felony sentences, appellate courts must apply

the standard of review set forth in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). State v. Marcum,

146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶1, 22-23. Under

R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), “[t]he appellate court's standard for review is not

whether the sentencing court abused its discretion.” Instead, R.C.

2953.08(G)(2) provides that an appellate court may increase, reduce,

modify, or vacate and remand a challenged felony sentence if the court

clearly and convincingly finds either:

“(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court's

findings under division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division

(B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of section 2929.14, or division (I) of section

2929.20 of the Revised Code, whichever, if any, is relevant;

(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.” Pickaway 18CA2 72

{¶88} Although R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) does not mention R.C.

2929.11 and 2929.12, the Supreme Court of Ohio has determined that the

same standard of review applies to those statutes. Marcum at ¶23 (although

“some sentences do not require the findings that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a)

specifically addresses[,] * * * it is fully consistent for appellate courts to

review those sentences that are imposed solely after consideration of the

factors in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 under a standard that is equally

deferential to the sentencing court”); State v. Butcher, 4th Dist. Athens No.

15CA33, 2017-Ohio-1544, ¶84. Consequently, “an appellate court may

vacate or modify any sentence that is not clearly and convincingly contrary

to law only if the appellate court finds by clear and convincing evidence that

the record does not support the sentence.” Marcum at ¶23; Butcher at ¶84.

{¶89} “Once the trial court considers R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12, the

burden is on the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence

that the record does not support his sentence.” State v. Akins-Daniels, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103817, 2016-Ohio-7048, ¶9; State v. O'Neill, 3rd Dist.

Allen No. 1-09-27, 2009-Ohio-6156, fn. 1. “Clear and convincing evidence

is ‘that measure or degree of proof which is more than a mere

“preponderance of the evidence,” but not to the extent of such certainty as is

required “beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases, and which will Pickaway 18CA2 73

produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the

facts sought to be established.’” State ex rel. Husted v. Brunner, 123 Ohio

St.3d 288, 2009-Ohio-5327, 915 N.E.2d 1215, ¶18; quoting Cross v.

Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118, paragraph three of the syllabus

(1954).

{¶90} We initially conclude that Appellant's sentence is not clearly

and convincingly contrary to law. The trial court imposed a life prison term

with parole eligibility after serving thirty years. R.C. 2929.03 permits the

imposition of a life prison term with parole eligibility after serving either,

twenty, twenty-five, or thirty years, for the offense of aggravated murder.

That statute also permits the imposition of a life sentence without parole.

Thus, the sentence imposed by the trial court here did not constitute the

maximum sentence for the offense and was provided for by the statute.

Further, Appellant does not argue that his sentence is contrary to law.

Instead, as set forth above, Appellant essentially argues his sentence is not

supported by the record because the trial court did not properly consider the

“less serious” factors contained in R.C. 2929.12(C)(1)(3) and (4) and did not

properly take into consideration his age as a mitigating factor when

imposing sentence. Pickaway 18CA2 74

{¶91} We first address Appellant’s argument that the trial court failed

to take into consideration the fact that he was only nineteen years old at the

time the homicide occurred. Appellant cites State v. Wade, 2018-Ohio-976,

108 N.E.3d 744 in support of his argument. The Wade court noted that “[a]

court, in exercising its [sentencing] discretion under R.C. 2929.03(A), must

separately consider the youth of a juvenile offender as a mitigating factor

before imposing a sentence of life without parole.” Wade at ¶60; quoting

State v. Long, 138 Ohio St.3d 478, 2014-Ohio-849, 8 N.E.3d 890, paragraph

one of the syllabus. In State v. Long, the Supreme Court of Ohio held in its

syllabus as follows with respect to the consideration of youth as a factor in

sentencing:

“1. A court, in exercising its discretion under R.C. 2929.03(A),

must separately consider the youth of a juvenile offender as a

mitigating factor before imposing a sentence of life without

parole. (Miller v. Alabama, –––U.S. ––––, 132 S.Ct. 2455, 183

L.Ed.2d 407 (2012), followed.)

2. The record must reflect that the court specifically considered

the juvenile offender's youth as a mitigating factor at sentencing

when a prison term of life without parole is imposed.” Pickaway 18CA2 75

{¶92} However, we find the holdings of both Wade and Long to be

inapplicable to the case presently before us for two reasons. First, Appellant

was nineteen years old at the time of the offenses. Thus, he was an adult

rather than a juvenile offender. Second, Appellant was not sentenced to a

term of life in prison without parole. He was sentenced to life in prison with

the possibility of parole after thirty years. As such, Appellant, who was

twenty at the time the sentence was imposed, may be entitled to parole at age

fifty. Moreover, in Wade, the State conceded that a prison sentence of “172

and one-half years to life in prison” was the “functional equivalent’ of a life-

without-parole sentence because it consists of consecutive prison terms

exceeding a juvenile's life expectancy.” Wade at ¶60. This concern is not

present in the case sub judice.

{¶93} Further, although the trial court was not required to consider

Appellant’s age before imposing sentence, a review of the sentencing

hearing transcript reveals that the trial court specifically referenced

Appellant’s age during the sentencing hearing when describing the

unfortunate situation of a twenty-year-old being convicted of the aggravated

murder of a sixteen-year-old. Thus, the trial court was well-aware of the

Appellant’s age when it was considering and weighing the sentencing Pickaway 18CA2 76

factors. Based upon the foregoing, we find no merit to this portion of

Appellant’s final assignment of error.

{¶94} Next, we consider Appellant’s argument that the trial court

failed to properly consider the “less serious” factors when balancing the

seriousness and recidivism factors under R.C. 2929.12. Appellant

specifically argues the trial court did not properly consider the factors

contained in R.C. 2929.12(C)(1)(2)4 and (4), which are as follows:

“(C) The sentencing court shall consider all of the following

that apply regarding the offender, the offense, or the victim, and

any other relevant factors, as indicating that the offender's

conduct is less serious than conduct normally constituting the

offense:

(1) The victim induced or facilitated the offense.

(2) In committing the offense, the offender acted under strong

provocation.

(3) In committing the offense, the offender did not cause or

expect to cause physical harm to any person or property.

4 Appellant’s brief actually argues the trial court failed to consider the factors contained in R.C. 2929.12(C)(1)(3) and (4), and references that those provisions relate to whether the “victim induced or facilitated the offense,” whether “the offender acted under strong provocation,” and whether substantial grounds exist “to mitigate the offender’s conduct * * *.” However, R.C. 2929.12(C)(2) relates to whether the offender acted under strong provocation, not R.C. 2929.12(C)(3), which has no application here. Pickaway 18CA2 77

(4) There are substantial grounds to mitigate the offender's

conduct, although the grounds are not enough to constitute a

defense.”

{¶95} Appellant argues the trial court did not consider the “less

serious” factors based upon its stated reasoning that “the jury didn’t buy it,

self-defense defense.” In Appellant’s view, this statement by the trial court

“reflects a misunderstanding of the distinction between the role of the jury in

the guilt phase of the criminal prosecution, and the judge’s role in the

sentencing phase[,] primarily that the “less serious” factors contained in the

statute “presume the offender has been convicted, but contemplate the

presence of circumstances sufficient to mitigate the penalty for the offense

of conviction.” However, Appellant concedes in his brief that “[a] sentence

is not illegal solely because the trial judge did not balance the statutory

factors in the manner desired by the defendant.” Citing State v. Butcher, 4th

Dist. Athens Nos. 15CA33, 15CA34, 2017-Ohio-1544, ¶87.

{¶96} In State v. Yost, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 17CA10, 2018-Ohio-2719,

¶3, an argument was made that the trial court improperly balanced and

weighed the seriousness and recidivism factors in imposing sentence. This

Court reasoned, in response to that argument, as follows: Pickaway 18CA2 78

“Although other factors cited by Yost's counsel at the

sentencing hearing supported a finding that the offense was less

serious or that she would be less likely to commit a future

crime, see R.C. 2929.12(C) and (E), the trial court did not need

to—as Yost appears to implicitly claim—assign equal weight to

each applicable factor. Instead, precedent refutes any

contention that each statutory or other relevant factor is entitled

to equal or a certain weight in the balancing process. See State

v. Graham, 4th Dist. Adams No. 17CA1046, 2018-Ohio-1277,

¶25, rejecting the argument that because each of the statutory

sentencing factors are mandatory, each is entitled to equal

weight on balance, citing State v. Bailey, 4th Dist. Highland No.

11CA7, 2011-Ohio-6526, ¶34, quoting State v. Arnett, 88 Ohio

St.3d 208, 215, 724 N.E.2d 793 (2000) (“in considering the

factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12, the trial court has ‘the

discretion to determine the weight to assign a particular

statutory factor”). Yost at ¶19.

{¶97} Here, the trial court considered all of the evidence before it,

including the information contained in the pre-sentence investigation, and

ultimately weighed the seriousness and recidivism, and other sentencing Pickaway 18CA2 79

factors, in favor of a longer prison term before the possibility of parole. We

find the fact that the trial court did not consider provocation to be a

mitigating factor to be supported by the record in light of our finding

Appellant was not entitled to jury instruction on voluntary manslaughter.

Further, the trial court’s refusal to consider Appellant’s claim of self-defense

as a mitigating factor, based in part or even wholly upon the jury’s rejection

of that theory, also finds support in the record in light of testimony

introduced by the State contradicting Appellant’s claim. Although

Appellant’s version of events supported a claim of self-defense, the jury

rejected it and the trial court was free to reject it as well during the

sentencing phase.

{¶98} Ultimately, it has been determined that Appellant’s convictions

for aggravated murder, murder and felonious assault were not against the

manifest weight of the evidence and that the jury’s finding of prior

calculation and design was supported by sufficient evidence, with no

mitigating factors. Thus, based upon the record before us, we cannot

conclude that the trial court failed to properly consider or analyze the

seriousness and recidivism factors, or that Appellant’s sentence was not

supported by the record. As a result, we find no merit to the argument raised Pickaway 18CA2 80

under this portion of Appellant’s final assignment of error and it is,

therefore, overruled.

{¶99} Accordingly, having found no merit in any of the assignments

of error raised by Appellant, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway 18CA2 81

JUDGMENT ENTRY

It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed to Appellant. The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal. It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution. IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal. A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Abele, J. and McFarland, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion. For the Court, BY: __________________________________ Jason P. Smith, Presiding Judge Pickaway 18CA2 82

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.