State v. May

235 S.E.2d 178, 292 N.C. 644, 1977 N.C. LEXIS 1167

• Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
• Decided: June 13, 1977
• Docket: 62
• Status: Published

Opinions

MOORE, Justice.

Defendant first contends that the evidence of his participation in the robbery of the XL Cleaners on 8 February 1975 was improperly admitted and that the. admission of such evidence constitutes reversible error. This contention is based upon defendant’s assertion that the evidence was not probative of any issue in the case and was introduced solely to inflame the jury, to the prejudice of defendant.

In the oft-cited case of State v. McClain, 240 N.C. 171, 173, 81 S.E. 2d 364, 365 (1954), Justice Ervin set forth the well established rule “that in a prosecution for a particular crime, the State cannot offer evidence tending to show that the accused has committed another distinct, independent, or separate offense. [Citations omitted.]” There are, however, certain equally well established exceptions which permit the admission of evidence of the commission of other offenses. State v. McClain, supra, and cases cited therein. See also 1 Stansbury, N. C. Evidence §§ 91, 92 (Brandis rev. 1973) ; 1 Wharton, Criminal Evidence §§ 240-264 (13th ed. 1972). In present case, one exception which is set out in State v. McClain, supra, at 175, 81 S.E. 2d at 366, is relevant to defendant’s appeal:

“2. Where a specific mental intent or state is an essential element of the crime charged, evidence may be offered of such acts or declarations of the accused as tend to establish the requisite mental intent or state, even though the evidence discloses the commission of another offense by the accused. [Citations omitted.]”

As stated in State v. Fowler, 230 N.C. 470, 473, 53 S.E. 2d 853, 855 (1949) :

“[P]roof of the commission of other like offenses is competent to show the quo animo, intent, design, guilty knowledge or scienter, or to make out the res gestae, or to exhibit a chain of circumstances in respect of the matter on trial, when such crimes are so connected with the offense charged as to throw light upon one or more of these questions. [Citations omitted.] ”

In determining whether another offense is properly admitted into evidence, we are guided by the following principle:

“ ‘ . . . The acid test is its logical relevancy to the particular excepted purpose or purposes for which it is sought to be introduced. If it is logically pertinent in that it reasonably tends to prove a material fact in issue, it is not to be rejected merely because it incidentally proves the defendant guilty of another crime. . . . Whether the requisite degree of relevancy exists is a judicial question to be resolved in the light of the consideration that the inevitable tendency of such evidence is to raise a legally spurious presumption of guilt in the minds of the jurors.’ ” State v. McClain, supra, at 177, 81 S.E. 2d at 368.

In the case at bar, defendant was convicted of murder committed in the perpetration of a felony under G.S. 14-17, which, in pertinent part, provides:

“A murder which shall be . . . committed in the perpetration or attempt to perpetrate any . . . robbery ... or other felony . . . shall be deemed to be murder in the first degree and shall be punished with death. ...”

Thus, in present case, the State had the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant murdered Elijah Jones during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of an armed robbery. See State v. Simmons, 286 N.C. 681, 213 S.E. 2d 280 (1975) ; State v. Haynes, 276 N.C. 150, 171 S.E. 2d 435 (1970); State v. Lane, 166 N.C. 333, 81 S.E. 620 (1914).

Under G.S. 14-87, an armed robbery is defined as the taking of the personal property of another in his presence or from his person without his consent by endangering or threatening his life with a firearm, with the taker knowing that he is not entitled to the property and the taker intending to permanently deprive the owner of the property. An attempted armed robbery occurs when a defendant “with the requisite intent to rob, does some overt act calculated and designed to bring about the robbery, thereby endangering or threatening the life of a person.” State v. Price, 280 N.C. 154, 157-58, 184 S.E. 2d 866, 869 (1971). By the terms of G.S. 14-87, the offense is complete if there is an attempt to take personal property by use of firearms or other dangerous weapons. State v. Rogers, 273 N.C. 208, 159 S.E. 2d 525 (1968). The attempt itself is a violation of the statute and is a felony. To sustain its burden of proof that defendant was involved in perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate a robbery, the State was required to show that defendant possessed a specific intent to rob Elijah Jones.

In State v. Long, 280 N.C. 633, 187 S.E. 2d 47 (1972), the State introduced evidence that defendant and two cohorts entered a Gulf station in Charlotte and endeavored to rob the attendant by the threatened use of a pearl-handled pistol. The attendant began to “tussle” with one of the would-be robbers and successfully foiled the robbery. Defendant testified that the “tussle” was not caused by an attempted robbery, but rather was caused by a dispute over a refund alleged to be due from a vending machine. In rebuttal, the State introduced testimony concerning the defendant’s participation in the robbery of a convenience store, which occurred about three weeks prior to the robbery of the Gulf station. It appeared that during the .convenience store robbery defendant had acquired the pearl-handled pistol which was used in the Gulf station robbery. In upholding the admission of the evidence concerning the robbery of the convenience store, this Court held that the convenience store robbery was competent as substantive evidence of defendant’s intent at the time he entered the Gulf station. The Court further held that this intent was a critical disputed element of the State’s attempted robbery case, and that the evidence of the prior robbery clearly tended to prove intent. See State v: Humphrey, 283 N.C. 570, 196 S.E. 2d 516 (1973) ; State v. Jenerett, 281 N.C. 81, 187 S.E. 2d 735 (1972) ; State v. Fowler, supra; State v. Beam, 184 N.C. 730, 115 S.E. 176 (1922) ; State v. Pannil, 182 N.C. 838, 109 S.E. 1 (1921) ; State v. Simons, 178 N.C. 679, 100 S.E. 239 (1919) ; State v. Parish, 104 N.C. 679, 10 S.E. 457 (1889) ; State v. Murphy, 84 N.C. 742 (1881), for similar cases. See also Annot., 42 A.L.R. 2d 854, 858 (1955), and later case service for a compilation of cases admitting evidence of other offenses to show intent.

In the case at bar, we are of the opinion that the evidence of defendant’s participation in the robbery at the XL Cleaners was admissible. At trial, there was evidence of overt acts designed to bring about the robbery and endanger human life. Defendant entered Jones’ Confectionery carrying a sawed-off shotgun concealed in his trousers. While in the store, defendant shot the proprietor at close range and then fled on foot. When he was apprehended, he was found to possess a fresh pack of cigarettes but no money or identification. Further, defendant lied as to his name and address when questioned by police officers. These acts furnish a sufficient basis for an inquiry into defendant’s state of mind when he entered the store. The evidence of the robbery at the XL Cleaners, during which defendant used the same sawed-off shotgun as in present case, sheds light upon defendant’s intent and quo animo. The XL Cleaners evidence clearly tends to prove a material, hotly contested and crucial issue in the State’s case. Thus, under the facts of this case, we hold that the requisite connection between the extraneous criminal transaction and the crime charged exists and makes the evidence of the XL Cleaners robbery admissible on the question of intent.

In his charge, the trial judge limited the use of the XL Cleaners robbery to the issues of intent and identity. Because of our disposition of the case on the issue of intent, we do not deem it necessary to decide whether the admission of the evidence to show identity was proper. But see State v. Perry, 275 N.C. 565, 169 S.E. 2d 839 (1969). See also 2 Stansbury, N. C. Evidence § 166 (Brandis rev. 1973). There was never any issue concerning identity raised during trial. In fact, defendant openly admitted that he shot Jones. Hence, if any error was committed by instructing the jury to use the evidence on the issue of identity, it could not have reasonably affected the verdict and was harmless. State v. Turner, 268 N.C. 225, 150 S.E. 2d 406 (1966).

Defendant further contends that the admission of the evidence of the robbery at the XL Cleaners violated due process by denying him a fair trial. To support his position, he cites Boyd v. United States, 142 U.S. 450, 35 L.Ed. 1077, 12 S.Ct. 292 (1892), wherein the United States Supreme Court held that, under the facts of that case, evidence of five prior robberies committed by one or both defendants was inadmissible because the evidence “did not, in the slightest degree, elucidate the issue before the jury, namely, whether the defendants murdered John Dansby_” 142 U.S. at 454, 35 L.Ed. at 1078, 12 S.Ct. at 294. The Court, however, further stated:

“If the evidence as to crimes committed by the defendants, other than the murder of Dansby, had been limited to the robberies of Rigsby and Taylor, it may be, in view of the peculiar circumstances disclosed by the record, and the specific directions by the court as to the purpose for which the proof of those two robberies might be considered, that the judgment would not be disturbed, although that proof, in the multiplied details of the facts connected with the Rigsby and Taylor robberies, went beyond the objects for which it was allowed by the court. ...” 142 U.S. at 457-58, 35 L.Ed. at 1080, 12 S.Ct. at 295.

We feel that defendant’s contention may not be sustained under the holding in Boyd. In Wood v. United States, 41 U.S. , 10 L.Ed. 987, 994 (1842), the United States Supreme Court stated:

“[W]here the intent of the party is matter in issue, it has always been deemed allowable, as well in criminal as in civil cases, to introduce evidence of other acts and doings of the party of a kindred character, in order to illustrate or establish his intent, or motive in the particular act, directly in judgment. Indeed, in no other way would it be practicable, in many cases, to establish such intent or motive, for the single act taken by itself may not be decisive either way; but when taken in connection with others of the like character and nature, the intent and motive may be demonstrated almost with a conclusive certainty.”

The United States Supreme Court has permitted the introduction of evidence of other crimes to prove intent and motive in numerous cases. See Annot., 93 L.Ed. 185 (1950), for a sampling of these decisions. That Court has further held that the states are free to promulgate rules concerning relevance, and that evidence of other crimes may be admitted to establish intent if done in accordance with those rules of relevance. Lisenba v. California, 314 U.S. 219, 86 L.Ed. 166, 62 S.Ct. 280 (1941). Cf. Spencer v. Texas, 385 U.S. 554, 17 L.Ed. 2d 606, 87 S.Ct. 648 (1967), (upholding the admission of evidence of other crimes in the trial of a recidivist). Accordingly, we do not find any decision from the United States Supreme Court which would bar the admission of the evidence of the XL Cleaners robbery. Thus, we overrule this assignment.

Defendant next contends that the trial judge violated G.S. 1-180 by expressing an opinion during the course of the trial and during his charge. In the record there appears an ex parte entry by the trial judge concerning a discussion he had with a juror. The juror approached the judge and stated that she had heard outside of court that defendant was seventeen years of age. The juror indicated to the judge that had she known of defendant’s age during jury selection “her opinion concerning the death penalty might have been different.” The judge instructed the juror not to disclose this information to any of the other jurors and stated that he would rule upon whether to remove her from the jury after all the evidence was received. During the course of the trial, defendant’s age was received in evidence. In his entry, the trial judge found “that the out-of-court information received by [the juror] was non-prejudicial to either the State or the defense.”

After the trial judge had completed his instruction to the jury, the following transpired:

“Are there any requests for further instructions other than those — I believe there is one request from the State here that I have not covered.

Mr. Yeatts: Your Honor, may I approach the bench prior to giving you that instruction?

The Court: Yes.

(Mr. Hough and Mr. Yeatts approach the bench.)

The Court: Members of the jury, the State has requested that I instruct you that the age of the defendant is not material to the issue of his guilt. Sympathy or pity or prejudice based on age should not influence your findings in this case.”

Defendant contends that by permitting the juror to continue to serve, and then granting the State’s request for a supplemental instruction concerning defendant’s age, an opinion was expressed adverse to defendant.

G.S. 1-180 requires that a judge “declare and explain the law arising on the evidence given in the case” and prohibits any expression of opinion by the judge. As was stated in State v. Canipe, 240 N.C. 60, 65, 81 S.E. 2d 173, 177 (1954) :

“Whether the conduct or the language of the judge amounts to an expressison of his opinion on the facts is to be determined by its probable meaning to the jury. . . . ” See also State v. Carriker, 287 N.C. 530, 215 S.E. 2d 134 (1975); State v. McEachem, 283 N.C. 57, 194 S.E. 2d 787 (1973) ; State v. Williamson, 250 N.C. 204, 108 S.E. 2d 443 (1959).

We are unable to conclude that the actions of the trial judge conveyed to the jury any expression of opinion as to defendant’s guilt or innocence. There is no evidence that the juror who was permitted to remain on the jury after having spoken to the trial judge ever conveyed her concern or knowledge to the other jurors. Her statement to the judge was in all probability favorable to defendant. Further, the trial judge expressly found that the juror could continue to serve on the jury without prejudice to the State or defendant. The instruction with respect to defendant’s age could not be construed as an expression of opinion. In response to a request by the State, the trial judge was simply explaining the law as it applied to the case. This assignment is overruled.

Defendant next contends that the following portion of the charge was erroneous:

“Now, if you believe this evidence, you may consider it — that is, if you believe the evidence relating to the alleged robbery of XL Cleaners, you may consider that evidence for one purpose only, or for these two purposes only, that is tending to show the identity of the person who may have committed the alleged homicide and that the defendant intended to rob Jones’ Confectionery on the date in question. You may not consider the evidence relating to any robbery of XL Cleaners for any other purpose other than these limited purposes.”

Under this assignment, defendant contends that by not requiring the jury to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant committed the robbery at the XL Cleaners, the State was relieved of its burden of proving each element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

In State v. Crane, 110 N.C. 530, 15 S.E. 231 (1892), the defendant requested that the court charge the jury as follows:

“In this case the State relies in a large measure upon evidence of circumstances, and it is incumbent on the State, therefore, to prove all the circumstances on which it relies, beyond a reasonable doubt, and it is the duty of the jury in passing upon the guilt or innocence of the defendant to discard any and all circumstances that are not so proven.”

The trial judge declined to give this instruction and the defendant excepted. In upholding the trial judge, this Court stated:

“The prayer for instruction was properly refused. When the State relies upon a chain of circumstances, such that each circumstance is a necessary link in the chain, it would then be proper to charge that ‘a chain is no stronger than its weakest link’; but when various facts and circumstances are relied on, as in this case, to prove a fact, it would not be correct to charge, as asked, that ‘It was incumbent upon the State to prove all the circumstances on which it relies, beyond a reásonable doubt.’ . . . ‘upon the whole evidence,’ the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of defendant’s guilt, ánd if not, they must acquit him.” State v. Crane, supra, at 536-37, 15 S.E. at 232. See also State v. Shook, 224 N.C. 728, 32 S.E. 2d 329 (1944) ; State v. Trull, 169 N.C. 363, 85 S.E. 133 (1915) ; 2 Stansbury, N. C. Evidence § 211 (Brandis rev. 1973).

From these authorities, we are of the opinion that every fact or circumstance relied upon by the State need not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Each element, of which the facts and circumstances of a case are a part, must be so proved. Thus, it is sufficient for conviction that the jury is satisfied upon the whole evidence that each element of the crime has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other jurisdictions have taken a similar approach where evidence of other crimes has been offered on the question of intent. In Scott v. State, 141 N.E. 19 (Ohio 1923), defendant was convicted of soliciting and accepting a bribe. During trial, evidence of defendant’s commission of other similar offenses was introduced on the issue of intent. During the trial court’s charge, the jury was instructed: “In determining the intent . . . you may consider the testimony as to other [crimes] ... by the defendant, if any you find from the evidence has been [committed].” 141 N.E. at 25. Defendant assigned as error the omission from the charge that the other crimes must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. In rejecting this contention, the court reasoned that, in order to convict, the State must prove each material element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The State was not, however, required to prove every fact beyond a reasonable doubt. In conclusion, the court stated:

“Now, the intent is one of the elements that must be established to prove the crime of bribery. The testimony as to other similar previous offenses committed by the defendant, not too remote in period of time, is admissible in a bribery case to prove intent. Intent, the ultimate material fact of intent, must be established beyond a reasonable doubt, and the court must so charge. To hold, however, that other similar crimes which tend to establish intent must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt is to extend the rule far beyond all reason. If carried to its logical conclusion such a doctrine would require that every probative fact offered in the case be established beyond a reasonable doubt, which is certainly not the law.” 141 N.E. at 26.

The reasoning and holding of the court in Scott v. State, supra, appears to represent the majority view of other jurisdictions. See People v. Allen, 88 N.W. 2d 433 (Mich. 1958) ; State v. Everett, 302 N.E. 2d 723 (Ill. App. 1973) ; State v. Drews, 144 N.W. 2d 251 (Minn. 1966); State v. Mitchell, 545 P. 2d 49 (Ariz. 1976) ; Territory v. Awana, 28 Haw. 546 (1925) ; 1 Wharton, Criminal Evidence § 263 (13th ed. 1972). But see Curry v. State, 333 S.W. 2d 375 (Tex. Crim. App. 1960), for the minority view.

Throughout the charge in present case, the trial judge emphasized that the State bore the burden of proving each element of the crime beyond a reasonab'e doubt in order for the jury to find the defendant guilty. Intent was one of the elements of the crime charged. The defendant’s participation in the XL Cleaners robbery was but a fact which was probative of the element of intent and, under our decisions, was not required to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Reading the charge as a whole, the jury was fully and properly instructed on the burden and quantum of proof necessary for conviction. State v. Henderson, 276 N.C. 430, 173 S.E. 2d 291 (1970) ; State v. Cannon, 227 N.C. 338, 42 S.E. 2d 344 (1947) ; State v. Jones, 227 N.C. 402, 42 S.E. 2d 465 (1947). We find no merit in this contention.

Under this same assignment of error, defendant further contends that the jury should have been instructed that it must find a “causal relation or logical and natural connection between the two acts [the robbery of the XL Cleaners and the murder at Jones’ Confectionery] . . . . ” For this proposition he cites State v. Beam, 184 N.C. 730, 115 S.E. 176 (1922). The cited portion from State v. Beam, supra, dealt with the factors to be used by the trial judge in determining whether the proffered testimony is admissible and competent to be introduced at trial. As was stated in State v. McClain, supra, at 177, 81 S.E. 2d at 368:

“ ‘. . . Whether the requisite degree of relevancy exists is a judicial question .... Hence, if the court does not clearly perceive the connection between the extraneous criminal transaction and the crime charged, that is, its logical relevancy, the accused should be given the benefit of the doubt, and the evidence should be rejected.’ [Cita^ tions omitted.]”

Accordingly, the determination of the connection between the XL Cleaners robbery and the Jones’ Confectionery murder was for the trial judge in making his determination of the admissibility. Having properly admitted this testimony, the weight and probative force of the evidence was for the jury. See 1 Stansbury, N. C. Evidence § 8 (Brandis rev. 1978).

Prior to trial, defendant made a request for voluntary discovery pursuant to G.S. 15A-902. In his request for information, defendant asked for all information which “would in any manner and to any degree (no matter how slight) tend to exculpate the Defendant in this case.” The State responded by giving defense counsel the opportunity to “inspect and copy or photograph any of the material or physical evidence in question.”

At trial, Ms. Ferguson, the person robbed at the XL Cleaners, testified: “The police officers came to my premises after this particular incident and dusted the counter for fingerprints.” Later, Ms. Ferguson also testified that she had looked at three stacks of photographs furnished by police in an attempt to identify defendant. Officer L. T. Cann stated: “I did take some fingerprints, dusted some Coca-Cola bottles that were there in [Jones’ Confectionery], I dusted one that was on the counter. I made two latent lifts from that particular bottle, meaning lifts of fingerprints.” Cann further testified that the fingerprints did not match those of defendant. There was also evidence that a “gunshot test” was performed on the victim, Elijah Jones. No objection was lodged at trial to the admission of the evidence outlined above. However, defendant contends that this evidence was exculpatory and that its suppression violated Giles v. Maryland, 386 U.S. 66, 17 L.Ed. 2d 737, 87 S.Ct. 793 (1967), and Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 10 L.Ed. 2d 215, 83 S.Ct. 1194 (1963).

In State v. Gaines, 283 N.C. 33, 45, 194 S.E. 2d 839, 847 (1973), this Court stated:

“The standards enunciated in Brady by which the solicitor’s conduct in this case is to be measured require us to determine whether there was (a) suppresssion by the prosecution after a request by the defense (b) of material evidence (c) favorable to the defense. Obviously, under Brady a refusal to grant a pretrial motion for discovery is not reversible error unless the movant shows that evidence favorable to him was suppressed. In order to dp so, he must certainly show what that evidence was. Defendant has made no such showing here. The solicitor stated he had no evidence favorable to the defendant and nothing in this record contradicts him. ‘We know of no constitutional requirement that the prosecution make a complete and detailed accounting to the defense of all police investigatory work on a case.’ Moore v. Illinois, 408 U.S. 786, 83 L.Ed. 2d 706, 92 S.Ct. 2562 (1972) ; State v. Davis, 282 N.C. 107, 191 S.E. 2d 664 (1972).” See also State v. Branch, 288 N.C. 514, 220 S.E. 2d 495 (1975).

In the case at bar, there is no indication that the fingerprints, photographs and “gunshot test” were material or exculpatory. Defendant was afforded the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses regarding the evidence and to place in the record how the evidence would have been material and favorable to the defense. In the absence of any such showing, this assignment must be overruled.

Defendant assigns as error the failure of the trial court to enter judgment as of nonsuit at the close of all the evidence. Specifically, the defendant contends that he comes within the purview of the rule stated in State v. Carter, 254 N.C. 475, 479, 119 S.E. 2d 461, 464 (1961), that “[w]hen the State, introduces in evidence exculpatory statements of the defendant which are not contradicted or shown to be false by any other facts or circumstances in evidence, the State is bound by these statements.” See also State v. Bolin, 281 N.C. 415, 189 S.E. 2d 235 (1972). However, the introduction by the State oí an exculpatory statement made by a defendant does not preclude the State from showing the facts concerning the crime to be different, and does not necessitate a nonsuit if the State contradicts or rebuts defendant’s exculpatory statement. State v. Bolin, supra; State v. McKnight, 279 N.C. 148, 181 S.E. 2d 415 (1971) ; State v. Cooper, 273 N.C. 51, 159 S.E. 2d 305 (1968) ; State v. Bright, 237 N.C. 475, 75 S.E. 2d 407 (1953).

On motion for judgment as of nonsuit, all of the admitted evidence must be considered in the light most favorable to the State and the State must be given the benefit of every reasonable intendment thereon and every reasonable inference to be drawn therefrom. Contradictions and discrepancies even in the State’s evidence are matters for the jury and do not warrant nonsuit. State v. Bolin, supra; State v. Murphy, 280 N.C. 1, 184 S.E. 2d 845 (1971) ; State v. McKnight, supra; State v. Cutler, 271 N. C. 379, 156 S.E. 2d 679 (1967).

In the case at bar, the State’s evidence tended to show that on 8 February 1975, defendant had possession of the weapon (a sawed-off shotgun wrapped in black electrical tape) used in the shooting of Elijah Jones and that defendant used this weapon to rob the XL Cleaners on 8 February. Thereafter, on 11 February 1975, defendant secreted the weapon in some bushes adjacent to his house. On 13 February, defendant entered Jones’ Confectionery with the murder weapon concealed in his trousers. While in the store, defendant shot the proprietor, Elijah Jones, apparently at close range. Following the shooting, defendant fled the scene of the crime. See State v. Bolin, supra. Defendant then lied to a police investigator about his name and address.

Defendant’s statement was to the effect that he had entered Jones’ Confectionery to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Defendant purchased the cigarettes — giving the proprietor Jones fifty cents and receiving two cents in change. As he was walking out the door, defendant turned and was shot by Jones with a pistol. Defendant then pulled a sawed-off shotgun from his right hip pocket and shot Jones.

Defendant offered no explanation as to why Jones, the stepfather of defendant’s close friend and a man who had never been known by his neighbors to cause trouble, would shoot the defendant. Defendant stated that he purchased cigarettes and received two cents in change. Yet, defendant was found with a package of cigarettes and no change. Defendant stated that he shot Jones with a sawed-off shotgun while standing at the door of the store — approximately twelve to fifteen feet by defendant’s estimation. Yet, Jones’s wound was only 4.8 centimeters in diameter — indicating he was shot at close range. The State’s evidence is sufficient to contradict and rebut defendant’s exculpatory statement, and casts great doubt upon the credibility of defendant’s statement.

Considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, the evidence is sufficient to carry the case to the jury. As we have previously discussed in this opinion, the State introduced evidence on each element of murder in the perpetration of a felony. With respect to defendant’s exculpatory statement, we turn to the words of Justice Exum in State v. Hankerson, 288 N.C. 632, 638, 220 S.E. 2d 575, 581 (1975) :

“While none of these circumstances taken individually flatly contradicts defendant’s statement, taken together they are sufficient to 'throw a different light on the circumstances of the homicide’ and to impeach the defendant’s version of the incident. The State is not bound, therefore, by the exculpatory portions of defendant’s statement. The case is for the jury.”

Hence, it was for the jury to say whether defendant’s guilt was established beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury has spoken.

Mrs. Etta Ross, a witness for the State, testified without objection that she had never seen any trouble in the deceased’s store in her life. On recross-examination, Mrs. Ross further testified without objection: “I never saw him give any trouble to anybody in that store. I have never heard of him giving any trouble, never seen him giving any trouble in that store. I have not heard him give any trouble to anybody, anywhere at all.” Mrs. Ross was then asked by defendant’s lawyer: “Mrs. Ross, were you aware of the fact that Mr. Jones had been arrested and convicted on four different occasions of assault with a deadly weapon?” The State objected to this question and the objection was sustained. Mrs. Ross was allowed to answer for the record: “No, I don’t know nothing about it.”

Defendant contends that prejudicial error was committed by denying him the opportunity to place before the jury the response of Mrs. Ross to the question concerning Elijah Jones’s past criminal activities. Assuming for the sake of argument that such matters could be brought out in this case, we find no prejudicial error in the exclusion of the evidence. The excluded testimony of Mrs. Ross was of no probative value and added nothing to defendant’s contention that he acted in self-defense. Mrs. Ross stated that she did not know of any criminal record Elijah Jones may have had. As was stated in State v. Mundy, 182 N.C. 907, 910, 110 S.E. 93, 94 (1921), “it is clear that the excluded evidence added nothing . . . and that if the same had been admitted it could have had no appreciable effect on the result.” Mrs. Ross’s testimony could not have affected the result of this case. Hence, we overrule this assignment.

Defendant next insists that the trial court erred in instructing the jury on the doctrine of felony-murder since the bill of indictment only charged:

“The Jurors for the State Upon Their Oath Do Present, That Michael Anthony May, late of the County of Forsyth, on the 13th day of February, 1975, with force and arms, at and in the said County, feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought, did kill and murder Elijah Whitaker Jones contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State.”

The indictment set out above is in the form expressly authorized by G.S. 15-144. In numerous cases, this Court has held that an indictment drawn in accordance with G.S. 15-144 is sufficient to sustain a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree based upon a finding that defendant killed with malice, premeditation and deliberation, or that defendant killed in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of any arson, rape, robbery, burglary or other felony. See, e.g., State v. McLaughlin, 286 N.C. 597, 213 S.E. 2d 238 (1975) ; State v. Frazier, 280 N.C. 181, 185 S.E. 2d 652 (1972) ; State v. Lee, 277 N.C. 205, 176 S.E. 2d 765 (1970) ; State v. Haynes, 276 N.C. 150, 171 S.E. 2d 435 (1970). If defendant had deemed it necessary, he could have moved for a bill of particulars to ascertain the theory which the State intended to rely upon at trial. State v. Haynes, 276 N.C. 150, 171 S.E. 2d 435 (1970) ; G.S. 15A-924, 925. This was not done. Hence, we find no merit in this assignment.

In Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280, 49 L.Ed. 2d 944, 96 S.Ct. 2978 (1976), the United States Supreme Court invalidated the death penalty provisions of G.S. 14-17 (Cum. Supp. 1975) — the statute under which defendant was indicted, convicted and sentenced. Thus, by authority of the provisions of Section 7, Chapter 1201 of the 1973 Session Laws (1974 Session), a sentence of life imprisonment must be substituted for the death sentence.

Our examination of the entire record discloses no error affecting the validity of the verdict returned by the jury. Defendant’s conviction must therefore be upheld. The sentence of death imposed upon defendant must be vacated, however, and life imprisonment imposed. To the end that a sentence of life imprisonment may be substituted, the case is remanded to the Superior Court of Forsyth County with directions (1) that the presiding judge, without requiring the presence of defendant, enter a judgment imposing life imprisonment for the first degree murder of which defendant has been convicted; and (2) that in accordance with said judgment the clerk of superior court issue a commitment in substitution for the commitment heretofore issued. It is further ordered that the clerk of superior court furnish to defendant and his counsel a copy of the judgment and commitment as revised in accordance with this opinion.

No error in the verdict;

Death sentence vacated.