State v. Goodman
This text of 257 S.E.2d 569 (State v. Goodman) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Supreme Court of North Carolina primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.
Opinions
BRITT, Justice.
Pursuant to G.S. 15A-2000 et seq., this case was tried in two phases: (1) to determine the guilt or innocence of defendant and (2) to determine his sentence for first-degree murder following his conviction of that charge. We will discuss the errors assigned under each phase.
Phase I - Guilt Determination
By his first assignment of error defendant contends that, in connection with the charge of first-degree murder, the court erred in failing to instruct the jury concerning the effect of voluntary intoxication upon the elements of intent, premeditation and deliberation. We find no merit in this assignment.
“It is well settled that voluntary drunkenness is not a legal excuse for crime; but where a specific intent, or premeditation and deliberation, is essential to constitute a crime or a degree of a crime, the fact of intoxication may negative its existence. Thus, while voluntary drunkenness is not, per se, an excuse for a criminal act, it may be sufficient in degree to prevent and, therefore, disprove the existence of a specific intent, such as the intent to kill.” 4 Strong’s N.C. Index 3d, Criminal Law § 6, p. 43, and cases cited therein. To reduce first-degree murder to second-degree murder the defendant’s intoxication must be so great that he is “utterly unable” to form a deliberate and premeditated purpose to kill. State v. Propst, 274 N.C. 62, 72, 161 S.E. 2d 560, 567 (1968); see also, State v. McLaughlin, 286 N.C. 597, 213 S.E. 2d 238 (1975), death sentence vacated, 428 U.S. 903, 96 S.Ct. 3206, 49 L.Ed. 2d 1208 (1976); State v. Bunn, 283 N.C. 444, 196 S.E. 2d 777 (1973); State v. Wilson, 280 N.C. 674, 187 S.E. 2d 22 (1972).
Whether intoxication and premeditation can coexist depends upon the degree of inebriety and its effect upon the mind and passions; no inference of the absence of deliberation and premeditation arises as a matter of law from intoxication. State v. Hamby, 276 N.C. 674, 174 S.E. 2d 385 (1970), vacated on other grounds, 408 [13]*13U.S. 937, 92 S.Ct. 2862, 33 L.Ed. 2d 754 (1972). Ordinarily, then, the degree of intoxication and its effect upon the elements of premeditation and deliberation is an issue for the jury unless the evidence is insufficient to warrant submission of the issue to them. Id. the evidence offered at the first phase of the trial in this case was, however, insufficient to raise the issue of intoxication to a degree precluding premeditation and deliberation, and the trial court did not err in refusing to charge thereon. State v. McLaughlin, supra-, State v. Fowler, 285 N.C. 90, 203 S.E. 2d 803 (1974), vacated on other grounds, 428 U.S. 904, 96 S.Ct. 3212, 49 L.Ed. 2d 1212 (1976); State v. Cureton, 218 N.C. 491, 11 S.E. 2d 469 (1940).
In McLaughlin there was ample evidence that the defendant had been drinking, but four witnesses who testified that defendant had been drinking prior to and at the time of the incident in question also testified that defendant was not drunk. In upholding the trial court’s refusal to instruct on intoxication as a defense, the court said that there was no “evidence that defendant’s mind was so intoxicated and his reason so overthrown that defendant could not form a specific intent to kill.” 286 N.C. 597 at 609.
In Fowler the court again upheld the trial court’s refusal to instruct on the defense of intoxication, noting that there was evidence of defendant’s drinking but that the only evidence of drunkenness was his own exculpatory statement.
In Cureton there was evidence that defendant was drinking at the time of the incident, but the record was “devoid of any suggestion that defendant’s mental processes were deranged.” 218 N.C. 491 at 496. Holding that absent such testimony there was no duty to instruct on the defense of intoxication, the court said, “there must be some evidence tending to show that the defendant’s mental processes were so overcome by the excessive use of liquor or other intoxicants that he had temporarily, at least, lost the capacity to think and plan.” Id. at 495.
We believe that the decision on this point in this case is controlled by the cases which we have cited and discussed. Admittedly, there is evidence in this record which tends to establish that defendant had been drinking. Lois testified that defendant had been drinking when he came home from work, but that she did not know how much, that he shared a six-pack of beer with two [14]*14other men on the afternoon of the murder, and that he had “some beer” at a bar at which they stopped for less than thirty minutes before decedent got into the car with them. She also testified that there was beer in the car when she, her brother, defendant and the victim were riding together, but that she did “not remember if Buck [defendant] was drinking while he was driving.” Her testimony fails to show that defendant’s mental capacities were affected in any way by the beer which he consumed. To the contrary, her testimony shows that defendant was capable of driving, gave her directions when she drove, led the group on a search through a neighborhood looking for a CB and scanner stolen from his car, and participated in planning a scheme for disposing of the victim’s body. Her testimony tends to show that defendant, despite the fact that he had been drinking, was capable of premeditation and deliberation and could form the specific intent to kill which is an essential element of first-degree murder.
The other state’s witness who made reference to defendant’s drinking clearly stated .that defendant was “not in a drunken condition.” Defendant himself presented no evidence at the first phase of the trial which tended to show that he was intoxicated. The only witness presented in his behalf testified that he did not see defendant on the day which the murder occurred. On this evidence we hold that the court was not required to charge the jury upon the defense of intoxication. There was no evidence which showed that defendant’s capacity to think and plan was affected by drunkenness.
By his second assignment of error defendant contends the court improperly required the jury to specify in its verdict the legal theory upon which they found defendant guilty of first-degree murder. He argues that the trial judge, by the manner in which he explained this procedure to the jury, inadvertently expressed an opinion as to defendant’s guilt. Further, he argues that instructing on both the theory of premeditation and deliberation and the theory of felony-murder was confusing to the jury.
Before examining the specific charge given the jury, we think it appropriate to restate two principles which clarify the rationale underlying the trial court’s decision to require that the jury specify in its verdict the theory upon which they found defendant guilty of first-degree murder. (1) Where the conviction [15]*15of a defendant for first-degree murder is based upon the felony-murder rule and there is no proof of malice, premeditation and deliberation, proof that the murder was committed in the perpetration of the felony is an “essential and indispensable element in the state’s proof,” and a verdict of guilty on the underlying felony cannot provide a basis for additional punishment. State v. Thompson, 280 N.C. 202, 185 S.E. 2d 666 (1972).
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
BRITT, Justice.
Pursuant to G.S. 15A-2000 et seq., this case was tried in two phases: (1) to determine the guilt or innocence of defendant and (2) to determine his sentence for first-degree murder following his conviction of that charge. We will discuss the errors assigned under each phase.
Phase I - Guilt Determination
By his first assignment of error defendant contends that, in connection with the charge of first-degree murder, the court erred in failing to instruct the jury concerning the effect of voluntary intoxication upon the elements of intent, premeditation and deliberation. We find no merit in this assignment.
“It is well settled that voluntary drunkenness is not a legal excuse for crime; but where a specific intent, or premeditation and deliberation, is essential to constitute a crime or a degree of a crime, the fact of intoxication may negative its existence. Thus, while voluntary drunkenness is not, per se, an excuse for a criminal act, it may be sufficient in degree to prevent and, therefore, disprove the existence of a specific intent, such as the intent to kill.” 4 Strong’s N.C. Index 3d, Criminal Law § 6, p. 43, and cases cited therein. To reduce first-degree murder to second-degree murder the defendant’s intoxication must be so great that he is “utterly unable” to form a deliberate and premeditated purpose to kill. State v. Propst, 274 N.C. 62, 72, 161 S.E. 2d 560, 567 (1968); see also, State v. McLaughlin, 286 N.C. 597, 213 S.E. 2d 238 (1975), death sentence vacated, 428 U.S. 903, 96 S.Ct. 3206, 49 L.Ed. 2d 1208 (1976); State v. Bunn, 283 N.C. 444, 196 S.E. 2d 777 (1973); State v. Wilson, 280 N.C. 674, 187 S.E. 2d 22 (1972).
Whether intoxication and premeditation can coexist depends upon the degree of inebriety and its effect upon the mind and passions; no inference of the absence of deliberation and premeditation arises as a matter of law from intoxication. State v. Hamby, 276 N.C. 674, 174 S.E. 2d 385 (1970), vacated on other grounds, 408 [13]*13U.S. 937, 92 S.Ct. 2862, 33 L.Ed. 2d 754 (1972). Ordinarily, then, the degree of intoxication and its effect upon the elements of premeditation and deliberation is an issue for the jury unless the evidence is insufficient to warrant submission of the issue to them. Id. the evidence offered at the first phase of the trial in this case was, however, insufficient to raise the issue of intoxication to a degree precluding premeditation and deliberation, and the trial court did not err in refusing to charge thereon. State v. McLaughlin, supra-, State v. Fowler, 285 N.C. 90, 203 S.E. 2d 803 (1974), vacated on other grounds, 428 U.S. 904, 96 S.Ct. 3212, 49 L.Ed. 2d 1212 (1976); State v. Cureton, 218 N.C. 491, 11 S.E. 2d 469 (1940).
In McLaughlin there was ample evidence that the defendant had been drinking, but four witnesses who testified that defendant had been drinking prior to and at the time of the incident in question also testified that defendant was not drunk. In upholding the trial court’s refusal to instruct on intoxication as a defense, the court said that there was no “evidence that defendant’s mind was so intoxicated and his reason so overthrown that defendant could not form a specific intent to kill.” 286 N.C. 597 at 609.
In Fowler the court again upheld the trial court’s refusal to instruct on the defense of intoxication, noting that there was evidence of defendant’s drinking but that the only evidence of drunkenness was his own exculpatory statement.
In Cureton there was evidence that defendant was drinking at the time of the incident, but the record was “devoid of any suggestion that defendant’s mental processes were deranged.” 218 N.C. 491 at 496. Holding that absent such testimony there was no duty to instruct on the defense of intoxication, the court said, “there must be some evidence tending to show that the defendant’s mental processes were so overcome by the excessive use of liquor or other intoxicants that he had temporarily, at least, lost the capacity to think and plan.” Id. at 495.
We believe that the decision on this point in this case is controlled by the cases which we have cited and discussed. Admittedly, there is evidence in this record which tends to establish that defendant had been drinking. Lois testified that defendant had been drinking when he came home from work, but that she did not know how much, that he shared a six-pack of beer with two [14]*14other men on the afternoon of the murder, and that he had “some beer” at a bar at which they stopped for less than thirty minutes before decedent got into the car with them. She also testified that there was beer in the car when she, her brother, defendant and the victim were riding together, but that she did “not remember if Buck [defendant] was drinking while he was driving.” Her testimony fails to show that defendant’s mental capacities were affected in any way by the beer which he consumed. To the contrary, her testimony shows that defendant was capable of driving, gave her directions when she drove, led the group on a search through a neighborhood looking for a CB and scanner stolen from his car, and participated in planning a scheme for disposing of the victim’s body. Her testimony tends to show that defendant, despite the fact that he had been drinking, was capable of premeditation and deliberation and could form the specific intent to kill which is an essential element of first-degree murder.
The other state’s witness who made reference to defendant’s drinking clearly stated .that defendant was “not in a drunken condition.” Defendant himself presented no evidence at the first phase of the trial which tended to show that he was intoxicated. The only witness presented in his behalf testified that he did not see defendant on the day which the murder occurred. On this evidence we hold that the court was not required to charge the jury upon the defense of intoxication. There was no evidence which showed that defendant’s capacity to think and plan was affected by drunkenness.
By his second assignment of error defendant contends the court improperly required the jury to specify in its verdict the legal theory upon which they found defendant guilty of first-degree murder. He argues that the trial judge, by the manner in which he explained this procedure to the jury, inadvertently expressed an opinion as to defendant’s guilt. Further, he argues that instructing on both the theory of premeditation and deliberation and the theory of felony-murder was confusing to the jury.
Before examining the specific charge given the jury, we think it appropriate to restate two principles which clarify the rationale underlying the trial court’s decision to require that the jury specify in its verdict the theory upon which they found defendant guilty of first-degree murder. (1) Where the conviction [15]*15of a defendant for first-degree murder is based upon the felony-murder rule and there is no proof of malice, premeditation and deliberation, proof that the murder was committed in the perpetration of the felony is an “essential and indispensable element in the state’s proof,” and a verdict of guilty on the underlying felony cannot provide a basis for additional punishment. State v. Thompson, 280 N.C. 202, 185 S.E. 2d 666 (1972). (2) Where the conviction of a defendant for first-degree murder is based upon proof of malice, premeditation and deliberation, proof of an underlying felony — although that felony be part of the same continuous transaction — is not an essential element of the state’s homicide case, and the defendant may therefore be sentenced upon both the murder conviction and the felony conviction. State v. Tatum, 291 N.C. 73, 229 S.E. 2d 562 (1976).
In the case at hand defendant was indicted for murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping. The murder indictment was drawn in the manner prescribed by G.S. 15-144 and would support a guilty verdict based upon the theory of premeditation and deliberation or upon the application of the felony-murder rule. State v. Bush, 289 N.C. 159, 221 S.E. 2d 333, death sentence vacated, 429 U.S. 809, 97 S.Ct. 46, 50 L.Ed. 2d 69 (1976); State v. Moore, 284 N.C. 485, 202 S.E. 2d 169 (1974); State v. Thompson, supra. The evidence at trial was sufficient to justify submission of the charge of first-degree murder under either theory. There was also sufficient evidence to submit to the jury the issue of defendant’s guilt or innocence of the armed robbery and kidnapping charges. If defendant were found guilty of first-degree murder solely by virtue of the felony-murder rule, the court would be precluded from imposing upon him additional punishment for the underlying felony; if defendant were found guilty of first-degree murder pursuant to premeditation and deliberation, and if the jury also found him guilty on one or more other felony charges, the court would not be so precluded. Thus, it was appropriate that the court determine the basis of the jury’s verdict so that defendant might be properly sentenced.
In addition, G.S. 15A-1237 authorizes the use of a written verdict. The jury’s verdict “must be in writing, signed by the foreman, and made a part of the record of the case.” "G.S. 15A-1237(a). This section is intended to aid the trial court in avoiding the taking of verdicts which are flawed by the inadver[16]*16tent omission of some essential element of the verdict itself. “It is contemplated that the jury will be given a verdict form setting out the permissible verdicts recited by the judge in his instructions.” Official Commentary, G.S. 15A-1237. As the court in this case explained to the jury, there were two permissible guilty verdicts to the charge of first-degree murder, guilty by reason of the felony-murder rule or guilty by reason of premeditation and deliberation. If the jury’s verdict were general, not specifying the theory upon which guilt was found, the court would have no way of knowing what theory the jury used and would not have proper basis for passing judgment. If, as the court required in this case, the jury’s verdict specified the theory, the court could sentence appropriately. We believe the required use of a specific written verdict in this case is consistent with the intent of G.S. 15A-1237 and that it enabled the trial court to avoid the difficulty which that provision seeks to alleviate.
Having decided that the procedure used by the trial court was appropriate and that there was good reason for its use, the remaining question is whether the court, in using this procedure, confused the jury or inadvertently expressed an opinion as to defendant’s guilt. We have carefully scrutinized this aspect of the court’s instructions to the jury, and we perceive no prejudicial error.
Defendant has assigned error to the following excerpt from the charge:
Members of the jury, I instruct you that if you should find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree, we also require you in this case, because there are two theories and two applications of the law, to write down that of which you have found the defendant guilty. If it should be that you have found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of both murder in the first degree by premeditation and deliberation and guilty of murder in the first degree by the felony murder rule, we would request that you so write in both of those as your verdict. Remembering all of the while there can only be one charge and one ultimate conviction, if any, of murder in the first degree. There are not two separate verdicts of murder in the first degree, but your return of a verdict in this elaborated form, if he be guilty at all, would then as a [17]*17matter of law let all know your particulars of your specific verdict. By having so instructed you, I do not mean to infer in any manner, whatsoever, what your verdict should be to this charge or to any of the other charges in the case. Below the space for your verdict is a space for the date and a line for the foreman of the jury to sign. Since the first of July of this year, it is the requirement of our law that jury verdicts shall be in writing and shall be signed by the foreman of the jury. The other members of the jury are not required to sign.
Apparently, his argument is that by linking the two theories with the word “and” rather than “or,” the court implied that defendant was guilty of first-degree murder. This argument finds no support when this portion of the charge is examined in context with the remainder.
When the judge began his instruction on the murder charge, he said:
Under the law and the evidence in this case on this charge, it is your duty to return one of the following three verdicts: that is to say, guilty of murder in the first degree or guilty of murder in the second degree or not guilty. Now, as you come to consider whether or not he is guilty or not guilty of murder in the first degree, there are two separate theories upon which the State has proceeded and under which evidence has been offered; and those theories are whether or not the defendant be guilty of murder in the first degree by premeditation and deliberation or whether or not he be guilty of murder in the first degree by the felony murder rule or any lesser included offense or not guilty. I will discuss this aspect of it with you further as I come at the close of the trial to discuss with you your actual return of a written verdict and the form which will be handed to you.
The judge then charged on each of the two theories, making it clear that, “[i]n the alternative,” the jury might find defendant guilty upon either of them alone or both of them together. We do not believe this instruction confused the jury, nor do we find any expression of opinion by the court in the charge. Twice during this portion of the instructions the judge told the jury that they were not to infer from the instruction, “in any manner, what[18]*18soever,” what their verdict should be. This assignment of error is overruled.
By his third assignment of error defendant contends the court improperly accepted an incomplete jury verdict at the conclusion of the first phase of the trial. He argues that the trial court asked questions of the jury which suggested a desired verdict to them. His contention is that the court should have reinstructed the jury upon the issues submitted to them and required them to return to the jury room for further deliberations. We do not agree.
When the jury concluded its deliberations and reconvened in open court to render the verdict, the following exchange occurred:
CLERK: Members of the jury, look upon the defendant. You say Buck Junior Goodman is guilty of murder in the first degree by premeditation and deliberation, or guilty of murder in the first degree by the felony murder rule. Is that your verdict?
FOREMAN: Yes.
CLERK: So say you all?
The jury answers affirmative.
COURT: For clarity, members of the jury, are you saying that you are returning as your verdict that he is guilty of murder by both of those propositions of law?
FOREMAN: Murder in the first degree.
COURT: By premeditation and deliberation, and guilty of murder in the first degree by the felony murder rule under both principles of law? Is that the verdict of the jury?
FOREMAN: It was murder in the first degree by premeditation, and it was our understanding that you also wanted us to put that other in there also.
COURT: If that was what you found beyond a reasonable doubt.
FOREMAN: If we reached premeditation, which we did.
[19]*19COURT: For clarity, am I to understand that the verdict of the jury in this charge is that the defendant is guilty of murder in the first degree by premeditation and deliberation?
FOREMAN: Yes sir.
COURT: For clarity, am I to understand that the verdict of the jury is guilty of murder in the first degree by the felony murder rule in addition to your finding of guilty of murder in the first degree by premeditation and deliberation?
FOREMAN: Yes.
COURT: Is that the verdict of the jury on this charge so say you all?
JURY: Yes.
The record also discloses the following:
The clerk polls the jury if the verdict of guilty of MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE BY PREMEDITATION AND DELIBERATION AND GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE BY THE FELONY MURDER RULE IS THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL VERDICT AND IF EACH JUROR STILL ASSENTS THERETO. ALL JURORS ANSWER IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.
We hold that this exchange was not improper and that the court was not required to return the jury to the jury room for additional deliberation. The court may make inquiry of the jury to ascertain the meaning of its verdict, thereby eliminating any ambiguity or uncertainty. Davis v. State, 273 N.C. 533, 160 S.E. 2d 697 (1968). In doing so the judge must not suggest to the jury what he believes to be the proper verdict. State v. Godwin, 260 N.C. 580, 133 S.E. 2d 166 (1963); State v. Gatlin, 241 N.C. 175, 84 S.E. 2d 880 (1954).
In this case the court was attempting to dispel the ambiguity which was created by the jury foreman’s response to the clerk’s first question. The judge made certain that the jury understood that his questions were asked “for clarity” and that they were not to respond affirmatively to any question he asked unless the issue about which he questioned them was one which they had themselves already resolved beyond a reasonable doubt. There was no need to return them to the jury room for further deliberation as they had already indicated that they found defendant guilty of [20]*20first-degree murder. The thrust of the court’s questions was directed at determining the basis for the verdict, a necessary determination upon which we have already commented. This assignment of error is overruled.
By his ninth assignment of error defendant contends that he was improperly sentenced for the offenses of kidnapping and armed robbery as those offenses merged with the murder conviction. As we have already said, no merger of the felony occurs when the homicide conviction is based upon the theory of premeditation and deliberation. State v. Thompson, supra. Defendant was found guilty by virtue of premeditation and deliberation as well as by application of the felony-murder rule. Thus, the court could disregard the felony-murder basis of the homicide verdict and impose additional punishment upon defendant for the crimes of armed robbery and kidnapping. State v. Tatum, supra. This assignment of error is overruled.
For the reasons stated, we find no error in the guilt determination phase of defendant’s trial and the judgments entered on the kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
Phase II — Sentence Determination
By his fourth assignment of error defendant contends that Article 100 of G.S. Chapter 15A (G.S. 15A-2000 et seq.) is unconstitutional. In accord with a well-established precept of appellate review, this court refrains from deciding constitutional questions when there is an alternative basis upon which a case may properly be decided. State v. Jones, 296 N.C. 495, 251 S.E. 2d 425 (1979); State v. Crabtree, 286 N.C. 541, 212 S.E. 2d 103 (1975); State v. Jones, 242 N.C. 563, 89 S.E. 2d 129 (1955). Because of our decision in the sentence determination phase of this case, it is not necessary that we rule upon the constitutionality of G.S. 15A-2000 et seq. at this time. We conclude that there was error in the instructions given to the jury at the sentencing phase of the trial.
The general scheme of our death penalty statute enacted by the 1977 General Assembly is: Upon conviction or adjudication of guilt of a defendant of a capital felony, the court conducts a separate sentencing proceeding to determine whether the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. G.S. 15A-2000(a)(l). Instructions determined by the trial judge to be warranted by the evidence are given in his charge to the jury [21]*21prior to its deliberation in determining the sentence. The judge should instruct that the jury must consider any aggravating circumstance or circumstances or mitigating circumstance or circumstances enumerated in G.S. 15A-2000(e) and (f) which are supported by the evidence, and he should furnish to the jury a written list of issues relating to such aggravating or mitigating circumstance or circumstances. After hearing the evidence, arguments of counsel and instructions of the court, the jury must deliberate and render a sentence recommendation based upon (1) whether any sufficient aggravating circumstance or circumstances as enumerated in the statute exist, (2) whether any sufficient mitigating circumstance or circumstances as enumerated in the statute which outweigh the aggravating circumstance or circumstances found, exist, and (3) based on these considerations, whether the defendant should be sentenced to death or to life imprisonment. G.S. 15A-2000(b).
G.S. 15A-2000(d) provides:
(d) Review of Judgment and Sentence.—
(1) The judgment of conviction and sentence of death shall be subject to automatic review by the Supreme Court of North Carolina pursuant to procedures established by the Rules of Appellate Procedure. In its review, the Supreme Court shall consider the punishment imposed as well as any errors assigned on appeal.
(2) The sentence of death shall be overturned and a sentence of life imprisonment imposed in lieu thereof by the Supreme Court upon a finding that the record does not support the jury’s findings of any aggravating circumstance or circumstances upon which the sentencing court based its sentence of death, or upon a finding that the sentence of death was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor, or upon a finding that the sentence of death is excessive or disproportionate to the penalty imposed in similar cases, considering both the crime and the defendant. The Supreme Court may suspend consideration of death penalty cases [22]*22until such time as the court determines it is prepared to make the comparisons required under the provisions of this section.
(3) If the sentence of death and the judgment of the trial court are reversed on appeal for error in the post-verdict sentencing proceeding, the Supreme Court shall order that a new sentencing hearing be conducted in conformity with the procedures of this Article.
Read together, G.S. 15A-2000(d)(l) and (d)(3) empower this court to review errors assigned in the trial and sentencing phases. When prejudicial error is found, the court must order a new sentencing hearing.
In the case at hand, after evidence and arguments were presented at the sentencing phase, the court submitted issues upon the aggravating circumstances enumerated in G.S. 15A-2000 (e)(3), (e)(4), (e)(5), (e)(7), and (e)(9). We think the court erred in submitting issues under both subsections (e)(4) and (e)(7) and that because thereof defendant should receive a new sentencing hearing. We will examine the various provisions on which issues of aggravating circumstances were submitted.
1.
G.S. 15A-2000(e)(3) states that one of the aggravating factors which may justify the imposition of the death penalty is the fact that the “defendant had been previously convicted of a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the person.” This section requires that there be evidence that (1) defendant had been convicted of a felony, that (2) the felony for which he was convicted involved the “use or threat of violence to the person,” and that (3) the conduct upon which this conviction was based was conduct which occurred prior to the events out of which the capital felony charge arose. If there is no such evidence, it would be improper for the court to instruct the jury on this subsection.
In State v. Rust, 197 Neb. 528, 250 N.W. 2d 867, cert. denied, 434 U.S. 912, 98 S.Ct. 313, 54 L.Ed. 2d 198 (1977), defendant contended that the sentencing authority’s finding that he had previously been convicted of a felony “involving the use or threat of violence to the person” was inconsistent with a finding that [23]*23this factor was not present in the case of State v. Ell, 196 Neb. 800, 246 N.W. 2d 594 (1976). In Rust the state offered as evidence a record of defendant’s 1969 felony conviction for assault with intent to do great bodily harm; in Ell the state’s evidence showed only that defendant had been charged with a similar offense. Overruling Rust’s contention, the Nebraska court held that the state must present “proof of actual guilt” to sustain a finding that this aggravating circumstance was present. When the state’s evidence showed only that a defendant had been charged with a felony as opposed to a conviction for that crime, it was not inconsistent to find that the aggravating factor set out in this provision had not been shown to exist. “Clearly the language of that subsection excludes the possibility of considering mere arrests or accusations as factors in aggravation.” Provence v. State, 337 So. 2d 783 (Fla. 1976) cert. denied, 431 U.S. 969, 97 S.Ct. 2929, 53 L.Ed. 2d 1065 (1977). It is improper to instruct the jury upon the factor enumerated in subsection (e)(3) when there is no evidence which tends to show a felony conviction. Also, the felony for which the defendant has been convicted must be one involving threat or use of violence to the person. It cannot, under this provision, be a crime against property.
Finally, we believe that the “previously convicted” language used by the legislature in subsection (e)(3) refers to “criminal activity conducted prior to the events out of which the charge of murder arose.” State v. Stewart, 197 Neb. 497, 250 N.W. 2d 849 (1977); see also, State v. Rust, supra; State v. Holtan, 197 Neb. 544, 250 N.W. 2d 876, cert. denied, 434 U.S. 912, 98 S.Ct. 313, 54 L.Ed. 2d 198 (1977). To decide otherwise would lead to unnecessary duplication within the statute, for G.S. 15A-2000(e)(5) enumerates those felonies which occur simultaneously with the capital felony which the legislature deems worthy of consideration by the jury. It would be improper, therefore, to instruct the jury that this subsection encompassed conduct which occurred contemporaneously with or after the capital felony with which the defendant is charged.
In the case sub judice defendant stipulated at the sentencing phase that he had been convicted on 31 January 1967 of three counts of armed robbery arising from a single incident which occurred on 4 January 1966. Armed robbery, by definition, involves the use or threat of violence to the person of the victim. Defend[24]*24ant was convicted of this crime, and the conduct upon which his conviction was based did not arise out of the incident upon which the capital felony was charged. The trial court properly refrained from instructing the jury that they might consider under this enumeration the convictions of defendant for armed robbery and kidnapping, which convictions were based upon the same events culminating in the murder of Lester Collins. The evidence in this case was clearly sufficient to justify instruction upon this subsection, and the court properly instructed the jury thereon.
2.
G.S. 15A-2000(e)(5) states that the jury may consider as an aggravating circumstance justifying the death penalty the fact that the capital felony “was committed while the defendant was engaged ... in the commission of . . . any robbery . . . [or] kidnapping . . .” (emphasis added) or other enumerated felony. In State v. Cherry, 298 N.C. 86, 257 S.E. 2d 551 (1979), we have limited the application of this subsection in felony murder cases. This section needs only brief additional comment, for it is otherwise reasonably free from ambiguity. This subsection differs from (e)(3), which we previously discussed, in that it guides the jury’s deliberation upon criminal conduct of the defendant which takes place “while” or during the same transaction as the one in which the capital felony occurs. The previous section, as we have already said, deals with prior conduct. Under the rule set forth in Cherry, instruction on this provision is appropriate only when the defendant is convicted for first-degree murder upon the theory of premeditation and deliberation.
In instant case, defendant was found guilty upon the theory of premeditation and deliberation as well as by virtue of the felony murder rule. There was ample evidence that Lester Collins was murdered during the course of a kidnapping and armed robbery, and the court was therefore correct in submitting to the jury the aggravating circumstance defined in subsection (e)(5).
3.
G.S. 15A-2000(e)(9) states that the jury may consider as an aggravating circumstance justifying the imposition of the death penalty the fact that the “capital felony was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.” While we recognize that every murder is, at [25]*25least arguably, heinous, atrocious, and cruel, we do not believe that this subsection is intended to apply to every homicide. By using the word “especially” the legislature indicated that there must be evidence that the brutality involved in the murder in question must exceed that normally present in any killing before the jury would be instructed upon this subsection. State v. Stewart, supra; State v. Rust, supra; State v. Simants, 197 Neb. 549, 250 N.W. 2d 881, cert. denied, 434 U.S. 878, 98 S.Ct. 231, 54 L.Ed. 2d 158 (1977).
The Florida provision concerning this aggravating factor is identical to ours. Florida’s Supreme Court has said that this provision is directed at “the conscienceless or pitiless crime which is unnecessarily torturous to the victim.” State v. Dixon, 283 So. 2d 1 (Fla. 1973), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 943, 94 S.Ct. 1950, 40 L.Ed. 2d 295 (1974); see also, State v. Alford, 307 So. 2d 433 (Fla. 1975), cert. denied, 428 U.S. 912, 96 S.Ct. 3227, 49 L.Ed. 2d 1221 (1976). Nebraska has also adopted the Florida construction of this subsection. Both Florida and Nebraska have limited the application of this subsection to acts done to the victim during the commission of the capital felony itself. State v. Rust, supra; Riley v. State, 366 So. 2d 19 (Fla.. 1979). We too believe that this is an appropriate construction of the language of this provision. Under this construction, subsection (e)(9) will not become a “catch all” provision which can always be employed in cases where there is no evidence of other aggravating circumstances. Harris v. State, 237 Ga. 718, 230 S.E. 2d 1 (1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 933, 97 S.Ct. 2642, 53 L.Ed. 2d 251 (1977).
In the case before us the court instructed as follows in his discussion of G.S. 15A-2000(e)(9):
You are instructed that the words “especially heinous, atrocious or cruel” means extremely or especially or particularly heinous or atrocious or cruel. You’re instructed that “heinous” means extremely wicked or shockingly evil. Atrocious means marked by or given to extreme wickedness, brutality or cruelty, marked by extreme violence or savagely fierce. It means outrageously wicked and vile. “Cruel” means designed to inflict a high degree of pain, utterly indifferent to or enjoyment of the suffering of others.
[26]*26We hold that this instruction is in accord with the construction of this subsection which we have adopted and that its submission to the jury was proper in light of the evidence in this case. The evidence reveals that decedent was shot several times and then cut repeatedly with a knife. Still living, he was placed in the trunk of a car where he remained for several hours. His struggle to escape from the trunk could be heard. Decedent, still in the trunk, was then driven into another county where he was taken from the car. He was placed upon the ground with his head resting upon a rock and then shot twice through the head. This murder is marked by extremely vicious brutality.
4.
G.S. 15A-2000(e)(4) states that the jury may consider as an aggravating circumstance justifying the imposition of the death penalty the fact that “the capital felony was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest. . . .” This provision, on its face, is unambiguoús, but it must also be construed properly so that instructions on this aggravating circumstance will only be given the jury in appropriate cases. In a broad sense every murder silences the victim, thus having the effect of aiding the criminal in the avoidance or prevention of his arrest. It is not accurate to say, however, that in every case this “purpose” motivates the killing.
This provision in the Florida statute, which is identical to North Carolina’s statute in this respect, was examined in Riley v. State, stcpra, a case in which the defendant in the course of an armed robbery at his place of employment shot a witness to the crime who was not a police officer. The Florida court gave this analysis of the provision:
Appellant urges us to limit this factor to cases where a police officer or other apprehending official is killed. He suggests that unless we do so, every murder could be characterized as an attempt to eliminate a witness, causing another automatic cumulation of factors. The state argues more narrowly, from the evidence in this case, that the only possible motive for the killing was to eliminate an identification witness.
[27]*27The record supports the state’s view, as the facts admit of only one interpretation. The victim, who well knew and could identify appellant, was immobilized and rendered helpless. He was then executed after one of the perpetrators expressed a concern for subsequent identification. Plainly appellant killed to avoid identification and arrest. Appellant concedes this view of the evidence in his brief.
Since the facts show this to be an execution-type killing to avoid lawful arrest, we necessarily reach the broader issue of whether the language of the applicable provision encompasses the murder of a witness to a crime as well as law enforcement personnel. We hold that it does. We caution, however, that the mere fact of a death is not enough to invoke this factor when the victim is not a law enforcement official. Proof of the requisite intent to avoid arrest and detection must be very strong in these cases. Here, of course, it was. 366 So. 2d 19 at 22. (Notes and citations omitted, emphasis added.)
We believe that the construction given this subsection by the Florida court is substantially correct. We add, by way of caution, that even the killing of a police officer or other law enforcement official will not automatically trigger this provision. If, for example, a deranged person began randomly firing a weapon into a crowd of people and fortuitously killed a law officer, it would not necessarily be true that this factor was present. Absent the existence of other evidence supporting instruction thereon, it would be improper to instruct the jury that they might find that one of the purposes for which the officer was killed under these circumstances was to avoid or prevent the defendant’s arrest. Before the trial court can instruct the jury on this aggravating circumstance there must be evidence from which the jury can infer that at least one of the purposes motivating the killing was defendant’s desire to avoid subsequent detection and apprehension for his crime. We repeat that “the mere fact of a death is not enough to invoke this factor.” Id.
In this case there was evidence from which the jury could infer that defendant killed Lester Collins to avoid or prevent his arrest. There was testimony that after Collins was shot and cut, but before he was killed, defendant stated that he “was afraid if the [28]*28police found Lester that he would tell what had been done to him. . . Defendant and Charles Goins then planned to bury Collins. At some later point they decided to shoot him and place him on a railroad track where his body would be mangled by a passing train. On this factual basis the court was correct in instructing the jury upon subsection (e)(4).
5.
Finally, we direct our attention to G.S. 15A-2000(e)(7). This subsection provides that the jury may consider as an aggravating circumstance the fact that the “capital felony was committed to disrupt or hinder the lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of laws.” This subsection, like subsection (e)(4), might be broadly construed so that its application would be proper in any homicide found to have been committed against a public official, for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest, or for the purpose of escaping from custody. See State v. Rust, supra at p. 875.
We can envision the difficulty this court is going to encounter in construing and applying subsections (e)(4) and (e)(7). We can also envision the difficulty the trial courts are having and will have in deciding which of the subsections would be applicable to the evidence in a particular case. Suffice it to say for the purposes of the case at hand, the trial court erred in submitting issues of aggravating circumstances pursuant to both subsections.
In submitting the issue under (e)(4), the court reviewed the evidence tending to show that on the night in question while defendant, Lois, Charles and Collins were on Rural Paved Road 2007 in Cumberland County, that Collins was shot and received some cuts to his body; that defendant and Charles then made statements to the effect that they did not want to be arrested for anything; and that they therefore proposed to take Collins to Robeson County so that he could not tell on them. The court then instructed the jury that if they found those to be the facts beyond a reasonable doubt, and believed that to be an aggravating circumstance, then they should answer the issue “yes”.
In submitting the issue under (e)(7), the trial court reviewed substantially the same evidence. The court then instructed the jury that if they found those to be the facts beyond a reasonable [29]*29doubt and believed that to be an aggravating circumstance, then they should answer the issue “yes”.
We think the submission of the two issues on the same evidence was improper. This amounted to an unnecessary duplication of the circumstances enumerated in the statute, resulting in an automatic cumulation of aggravating circumstances against the defendant. We now address the question whether the error was prejudicial.
Due to the brief time the statute in question has been in effect, we have no precedent of this court to guide us in answering the question. However, on the question of admitting incompetent evidence, we have held that the test of harmless error is whether there is a reasonable possibility that the evidence complained of might have contributed to the conviction. State v. Thacker, 291 N.C. 447, 189 S.E. 2d 145 (1972); State v. Fletcher, 279 N.C. 85, 181 S.E. 2d 405 (1971).
We believe a similar test should be applied when one of the aggravating circumstances listed in G.S. 15A-2000(e) is erroneously submitted by the court and answered by the jury against the defendant. It follows that in cases coming before us presenting this question we must answer the question based on the evidence in the particular case.
Of course, we have no way of knowing if submission of the erroneous issue in the case at hand tipped the scales in favor of the jury finding that the aggravating circumstances were “sufficiently substantial” to justify imposition of the death penalty. We note that the jury answered the issues submitted on five aggravating circumstances against defendant and only one issue on mitigating circumstances in his favor. Ordinarily, this might cause us to conclude that erroneous submission of one of the issues on aggravating circumstances could not have influenced the jury’s ultimate decision that defendant should receive the death penalty.
However, due to the highly questionable quality and credibility of the state’s primary evidence, we think there is a reasonable possibility that submission of the erroneous issue may have made the difference in the jury’s decision. Obviously, the terrible crimes in question were committed by defendant, Charles Goins or Lois Goins or a combination of two or all of them. Through [30]*30plea bargaining Lois became the key witness for the state and gave testimony damaging to defendant and favorable to her brother Charles. Her character was impeached and Charles’ record was shown to be no better than defendant’s. Having already received his six-year sentence for participation in the crimes, Charles testified for defendant and stated that he was the chief culprit. Certainly there was more reason for Charles to kill Collins: there was animosity by the Goins family against Collins because of his alleged mistreatment of his wife who was also Charles’ sister.
Considering all of the evidence in the case, and in particular the low quality and credibility of Lois’ testimony, we hold that submission of the erroneous issue was prejudicial. Therefore, defendant should have a new trial on the sentencing phase.
Before leaving this assignment of error we think that one additional comment needs to be made. We do not intend to imply that the aggravating circumstances enumerated in G.S. 15A-2000 (e) can never overlap or that more than one of them can never arise from a single incident. We realize that in some cases the same evidence will support inferences from which the jury might find that more than one of the enumerated aggravating circumstances is present. This duality will normally occur where the defendant’s motive is being examined rather than where the state relies upon a specific factual element of aggravation. In such cases it will be difficult for the trial court to decide which factors should be presented to the jury for their consideration. We believe that error in cases in which a person’s life is at stake, if there be any, should be made in the defendant’s favor, and that the jury should not be instructed upon one of the statutory circumstances in a doubtful case.
* * *
In view of the fact that, for the reason aforestated, there must be a retrial of the sentencing phase of this case, we will comment but briefly on defendant’s remaining assignments of error.
By his fifth assignment defendant contends the court erred in allowing the state to introduce illegally seized .380 caliber bullets at the sentencing hearing for the purpose of impeaching him. Defendant acknowledges that the rules set forth in Harris v. [31]*31New York, 401 U.S. 222, 91 S.Ct. 643, 28 L.Ed. 2d 1 (1971), and Walder v. United States, 347 U.S. 62, 74 S.Ct. 354, 98 L.Ed. 503 (1954), permit the admission of illegally seized evidence for impeachment purposes. He contends that the evidence admitted in this case did not impeach his testimony and was therefore improperly admitted.
It is clear from the record that defendant responded to a question from the prosecutor on cross-examination that he “never had any bullets for a .38.” It is not clear that the .380 Winchester-Western ammunition subsequently introduced by the state is ammunition which can be used in a .38 pistol. Absent such foundation for the introduction of this testimony, this evidence does not impeach defendant’s response to the prior question. The state argues that defendant not only denied having .38 bullets, but that he also denied having any bullets whatsoever. Under the state’s argument proof that defendant had any type of ammunition would impeach this broad denial. The state’s interpretation of defendant’s testimony finds only slight support in the record and is in direct conflict with defendant’s statement that he “did not say that [he] never had any bullets for any type of weapon.”
On the record before us we do not believe there was adequate foundation to support the introduction of the .380 caliber bullets into evidence to impeach defendant’s testimony. Because we have already determined, for other reasons, that there must be a retrial of the sentencing phase, it is not necessary that we decide whether this error alone would be so prejudicial as to require a new hearing.
By his sixth assignment of error defendant contends that the court erred in two respects in instructing the jury upon intoxication as a mitigating factor. Defendant’s first argument is that the court limited a finding of mitigation under G.S. 15A-200Q(f)(6) by requiring the jury to find that defendant was drunk before finding this circumstance present. Defendant’s second argument hereunder is that the court failed to instruct the jury that any intoxication, however slight, might be considered as a mitigating circumstance under G.S. 15A-2000(f)(9). We shall address these arguments separately.
G.S. 15A-2000(f)(6) provides that the jury may consider as a mitigating factor the fact that the “capacity of the defendant to [32]*32appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law was impaired.” With reference to this provision the court instructed the jury as follows:
. . . [Y]ou shall take up 2.b. which reads: “The capacity of the defendant to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law was impaired.” I instruct you that the defendant has offered evidence which tends to show that he drank approximately eight or more beers from the time he got home from work on that Saturday, July 2, 1977, until approximately 3 a.m. on the Sunday morning of July 3, when he was out on the road by the railroad tracks in Robeson County. The defendant contends that from his drinking beer, he became drunk or intoxicated and that this condition impaired him from having the mental or physical capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform to the requirements of the law.
The State contends that the defendant knew what he was doing and that his capacity was not impaired.
Generally, voluntary intoxication is not a legal excuse for crime. However, if you believe that he had been drinking and was drunk or intoxicated and that this impaired his mental and physical capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct, or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law, then you should answer this question 2.b. “yes”. On the other hand if you do not so find it would be your duty to answer 2.b. “no”.
We think the instruction adequately explains subsection (f)(6) in context with the evidence in this case.
Because there are a great many factors which might impair the defendant’s capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform it to the requirements of law, the language of this subsection is necessarily broad. Adequate instruction under this provision must be linked to the impairing factor or factors raised by the evidence. In instant case the only such factor was defendant’s consumption of alcohol. We do not think that the legislature intended, under this subsection, that the jury might find intoxication, however slight, to be a mitigating circumstance. If this were true, every murderer, conceivably, would consume [33]*33strong drink before taking his victim’s life. Nor is the degree of intoxication so great that it precludes the defendant from being found guilty of crime. When the defendant contends that his faculties were impaired by intoxication, such intoxication must be to a degree that it affects defendant’s ability to understand and control his actions before subsection (f)(6) is applicable. We think the instruction now under consideration makes it clear that this state of intoxication is required.
G.S. 15A-2000(f)(9) provides that the jury may consider as a mitigating factor “[a]ny other circumstance arising from the evidence which the jury deems to have mitigating value.” We are mindful that a death penalty statute may not restrict the jury’s consideration of any factor relevant to the circumstances of the crime or the character of the defendant. Lockett v. Ohio, — U.S. —, 98 S.Ct. 2954, 57 L.Ed. 2d 973 (1978). Even so, we do not believe the court is required to point to every factor arising from the evidence which might conceivably be considered by the jury under this provision. In the instant case the court instructed as follows:
Again, regardless of how you shall find as to 2.b., you would go and take up 2.c. which reads: “Do you find any other circumstance arising from the evidence which the jury deems to have mitigating value?” The defendant contends that at least you should find the following circumstances to have mitigating value.
First, he contends that the evidence that Charles Goins received a sentence of six years for the offense of accessory after the fact of murder in the first degree is a mitigating circumstance. On the other hand, the State contends that the evidence shows that Charles Goins pled guilty to the offense of accessory after the fact of murder in the first degree by Buck Junior Goodman, and that this was the offense charged against Charles Goins in the bill of information which was the charging instrument against Charles Goins and upon which he entered his plea of guilty.
Second, the defendant contends that he has a limited education and experience and that he stopped school in the 6th grade without completing the same.
[34]*34Third, he contends that he was attempting to protect the girl he loved, to wit: Annie Lois Goins, who was the mother of one of his children; and
Fourth, he contends that any other circumstance which you, the jury, find from the evidence is a mitigating value and circumstance ought to be considered by you.
If you simply believe that there are other mitigating circumstances in this case which have mitigating value, then you would answer 2.c. “yes”. On the other hand, if you are not so satisfied, it would be your duty to answer 2.c. “no”.
This instruction highlights some elements of the evidence which might not have been clearly brought to the attention of the jury. Although the court did not refer to defendant’s intoxication, the instruction in no way prevents the jury from considering that circumstance. For this reason we believe the charge is adequate. The court is not required to sift through the evidence and search out every possible circumstance which the jury might find to have mitigating value.
By his seventh assignment of error defendant contends the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that they might recommend a sentence of life imprisonment even though they found the aggravating circumstances outweighed those in mitigation. His argument is that without such instruction the jury will mathematically balance the two types of factors against each other and will impose the death penalty whenever aggravating circumstances outnumber mitigating ones. We do not agree that this is the manner in which a jury will reach its decision on this important question or that the instruction for which defendant contends is required by our statute.
It must be emphasized that the deliberative process of the jury envisioned by G.S. 15A-2000 is not a mere counting process. State v. Dixon, supra; State v. Stewart, supra. The jury is charged with the heavy responsibility of subjectively, within the parameters set out by the statute, assessing the appropriateness of imposing the death penalty upon a particular defendant for a particular crime. Nuances oí character and circumstance cannot be weighed in a precise mathematical formula.
[35]*35At the same time, we believe that it would be improper to instruct the jury that they may, as defendant suggests, disregard the procedure outlined by the legislature and impose the sanction of death at their own whim. To do so would be to revert to a system pervaded by arbitrariness and caprice. The exercise of such unbridled discretion by the jury under the court’s instruction would be contrary to the rules of Furman and the cases which have followed it. For these reasons defendant’s seventh assignment of error is overruled.
By his final assignment of error defendant contends that this court should review the sentence in this case to determine if it is disproportionate to the sentences imposed in similar cases. We recognize that this authority is given to us by G.S. 15A-2000 (d)(2). However, we believe that this review function should be employed only in cases where both phases of the trial of a defendant have been found to be without error. Only then can we have before us the true decision of the jury to which we feel great deference should be accorded. For this reason we express no opinion upon the propriety of any sentence in this case.
In connection with one of his assignments of error, defendant criticizes the wording of the third issue, namely: Do you find beyond a reasonable doubt that the mitigating circumstances are insufficient to outweigh the aggravating circumstances? Since a new trial on the sentencing phase is being awarded on other grounds, we do not pass upon the validity of defendant’s criticism. Suffice it to say, the able trial judge followed the statute in forming this issue.
Nevertheless, at the retrial, we believe the following wording would be more appropriate: Do you find beyond a reasonable doubt that the aggravating circumstances found by you outweigh the mitigating circumstances found by you?
For the reasons stated, the verdict rendered at the sentencing phase of defendant’s trial, and the judgment of death predicated thereon, are vacated, and this cause is remanded to the superior court for a new trial on the sentencing phase.
New trial on sentencing phase.
[36]*36Justice BROCK did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.
Related
Cite This Page — Counsel Stack
257 S.E.2d 569, 298 N.C. 1, 1979 N.C. LEXIS 1365, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/state-v-goodman-nc-1979.