LaFevers v. State
LaFevers v. State
Opinion of the Court
OPINION
Loyd Winford LaFevers was tried by jury before the Honorable Thomas C. Smith in the District Court of Oklahoma County. In Case No. CRF-85-3254 he was convicted of First Degree Malice Aforethought Murder in violation of 21 O.S.1991, § 701.7, and Third Degree Arson in violation of 21 O.S.1981, § 1403(A), After Former Conviction of a Felony. At the conclusion of the first stage of trial, the jury returned a verdict of guilty.
Around 10 p.m. on June 24, 1985, LaFev-ers and Randall Cannon
PRETRIAL ISSUES
LaFevers argues in Proposition III that the trial court erred in overruling his motion to suppress his pretrial custodial statements and admitting these statements over his objection because he invoked his right to counsel. Where evidence taken in camera is sufficient to support a trial court’s ruling that a defendant’s statements are voluntary and admissible, that ruling will not be disturbed on appeal.
LaFevers was arrested at about 8:00 a.m. on June 26, 1985, and Officer Mitchell began his initial questioning about 8:30 a.m. La-Fevers waived his Miranda rights, answered questions for about fifteen minutes, and surrendered his shirt and shoes. Mitchell asked LaFevers if he would give the police body samples, and LaFevers said yes, as soon as he spoke to a lawyer. Mitchell assured La-Fevers he had that right. LaFevers told Mitchell that he did not have a lawyer and that Mitchell would have to get him one. Mitchell asked whether he wanted the lawyer just for the body samples before talking further and LaFevers said he just needed to talk to one. Mitchell then asked if LaFevers wanted to terminate their interview; LaFev-ers said no, they could leave “this” on, gesturing at the tape recorder.
LaFevers argues that the trial court erroneously considered the totality of the circumstances, that LaFevers unequivocally invoked his right to counsel, that he equivocally invoked the right, that his final statement did not waive the right, and that admission of the statement was not harmless. A confession must be the product of an essentially free and unconstrained choice. When determining the voluntariness of a confession the court must consider the totality of the circumstances, including the character of
After a defendant asks for counsel he is not subject to further questioning unless he has counsel or reinitiates interrogation with law enforcement personnel.
LaFevers first argues that his statement, “Yeah, as soon as I talk to a lawyer”, was an unequivocal expression of the desire for the assistance of an attorney in dealing with a custodial police interrogation.
LaFevers then suggests that his initial statement may have been ambiguous but says his next two comments — that Mitchell would have to get him an attorney and that he just needed to talk to one — clarified his intentions. Courts must give a broad interpretation to requests for counsel where a defendant’s words, understood as ordinary people would understand them, are ambiguous.
LaFevers’ contention that his final statement, “No, I’ll talk to you”, was not a valid waiver, presupposes that this Court agrees LaFevers invoked his Fifth Amendment right. In fact LaFevers did not invoke his right to counsel prior to agreeing to continue talking. He made an ambiguous statement requesting counsel for some purpose which Mitchell went to considerable trouble to clarify. LaFevers’ final statement, “No, I’ll talk to you”, was not a waiver of a previously invoked right but a clarification of an ambiguous request for counsel.
There was no error in admitting the statement. If there were, LaFevers’ argument that its admission prejudiced him in both the first and second stages would fail. LaFevers’ claim that the other evidence failed to connect him to the crime disregards the testimony of: Sam Cannon, who observed LaFevers just after the crimes and said LaFevers admitted the crime to him; Madden and Parkey, who testified regarding LaFevers’ appearance and demeanor immediately after the crimes as well as his possession of Hawley’s jewelry; several witnesses who saw men resembling LaFevers and Cannon (with the brown-haired man dressed like LaFevers) near Hawley’s Buick where it was found; Goolsby, who confirmed how LaFev-ers was dressed, observed him after the crimes, and heard his comments to Sam Cannon; Ryan and Collins, who identified La-Fevers at Hawley’s house and the car arson scene respectively; and Hawkins, whose testimony from the first trial presented LaFev-ers’ jailhouse confession. The jury could have relied on this evidence in voting to convict.
In the second stage, LaFevers’ second statement admitting involvement in the Pa-den crimes
JURY SELECTION
In Proposition IX, LaFevers argues his constitutional rights were violated by the use of “death qualification” voir dire questions. LaFevers cites no cases for this proposition, relying only on the Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. LaFevers’ pretrial motion challenging “death qualifying” questions was overruled. He claims that this violated his right to an impartial jury drawn from a cross-section of the community and created a State-prone jury likely to discount
ISSUES RELATING TO GUILT AND INNOCENCE
In his first proposition LaFevers claims that his prosecution under the alternative count of felony murder-kidnapping violated his fundamental rights of protection from double jeopardy and due process. La-Fevers here correctly complains that he should not have been charged with the alternative count of felony murder, since the predicate felony relied on was the kidnap charge of which he was convicted in 1986 and which was affirmed by this Court in LaFev-ers 1. The State essentially concedes this point, as they should.
LaFevers argues that this error was not harmless and requires reversal. La-Fevers tirelessly and fruitlessly argued this issue pretrial and throughout the proceedings and objected on these grounds, thoroughly preserving the issue for review. Where a constitutional question is concerned, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to the jury’s verdict.
LaFevers also argues that his prosecution alone caused prejudice enough for reversal, apparently on the grounds that he was subjected to multiple punishment and that the State had the chance to rehearse its presentation and make it more effective. It is true that, but for the fortuitous separate verdict forms, he would have been subjected to multiple punishments. However, that does not end our inquiry. The issues are subject to a harmless error analysis. Even if LaFevers were charged only with malice murder on retrial, the evidence regarding the kidnapping would have come in under res gestae. Otherwise, the jury would be told LaFevers
In Proposition II, LaFevers claims that the trial court erred in denying LaFevers’ plea of former jeopardy and collateral estoppel and subsequent motions to quash and dismiss based on these grounds. LaFevers argues here that this Court’s opinion in LaFevers 1, while ostensibly a reversal and remand for separate trials, was actually a reversal based on insufficiency of the evidence, double jeopardy attached, and a retrial was barred. The only accurate statement in this proposition acknowledges the principle that double jeopardy bars retrial only where a conviction is reversed on appeal for insufficient evidence.
LaFevers argues that the dissent in La-Fevers 1 criticized the majority’s use of a sufficiency of evidence test, thus proving that the reversal was based on a finding of insufficient evidence of intent. In fact, the dissent focused on the majority’s analysis of the mutually antagonistic defenses presented, suggesting the focus should be on principals, culpability, and an Enmund-like
LaFevers argues in his fourth proposition that the trial court erred in declaring David Hawkins unavailable and permitting the State to read his testimony from LaFev-ers’ first trial. While in jail, LaFevers confessed to David Hawkins, describing his role in the crimes and specifically confessing rape, sodomy, ransacking the house, beating, and setting afire Hawley and her car. Hawkins testified to this at the first trial and was subject to extensive cross-examination and impeachment efforts. Between the first and second trial Hawkins recanted his testimony by filing, in LaFevers’ case, a lengthy document entitled “Application for Citation — Indirect and Direct Contempt”, which charged that Oklahoma County District Attorney Robert Macy and other district attorneys involved in the case had kidnapped him and forced him to give false testimony in the first trial.
At an in-camera hearing during this trial Hawkins stated he wished to consult an attorney before speaking under oath, as he felt his statements might be inculpatory and might be used against him in the future. Hawkins did not mention perjury. The trial court thoroughly questioned Hawkins and established that he knew why he was there, and, while he believed he would be willing to
Trial Court: “I want to be sure that you know what you’re doing, that you don’t want to answer any questions here because, in your opinion, if you do answer, it might tend to incriminate you; is that right?”
Hawkins: “Yes, sir, that is correct.”
Trial Court: “The Court finds that this witness is unavailable.”
The history above clearly shows that Hawkins was declared unavailable under 12 O.S. 1991, § 2804(A)(2), refusal to obey a court order to testify, rather than § 2804(A)(1), refusal on claim of valid privilege, as LaFev-ers contends. The trial court never found that Hawkins was unavailable because he had claimed a valid Fifth Amendment privilege; Hawkins was unavailable because he directly, twice, disobeyed a court order to testify. LaFevers argues that Hawkins was willing to testify in the case but just wanted to check with a lawyer first. This is not supported by the record, in which Hawkins flatly refuses to testify. His statement that he might if he could talk to an attorney is speculative at best, not an expression of intent.
LaFevers argues that Hawkins was concerned, rightly or wrongly, about potential prosecution for perjury. The only statements in the record supporting this come not from the evidence, but from LaFevers’ attorney’s arguments to the trial court. Even if the assertions of perjury were proper matters for this Court’s consideration, the whole perjury issue is a giant red herring. Hawkins disobeyed a court order and refused to testify. A trial court judge need neither argue with a witness and persuade him he has no Fifth Amendment privilege, nor ascertain specific reasons why a witness refuses to testify; the State has no affirmative duty to elicit reasons, and the witness’s reasons need not be good or valuable.
LaFevers also argues his Sixth Amendment right to confrontation and cross-examination was violated. Although Hawkins was subject to extensive cross-examination and impeachment in the first trial, La-Fevers was denied the chance to question him about his recantation of that testimony. LaFevers was able to enter into evidence pleadings in which Hawkins recanted his testimony, along with the subsequent several felony convictions he received. LaFevers used the recantation and convictions in argument, and the jury had this evidence to consider, along with testimony of several witnesses.
LaFevers argues any error in admitting this testimony cannot be harmless as without this testimony the evidence was insufficient to convict LaFevers of murder or arson. On the contrary, other evidence existed regarding both those crimes.
In Proposition V, LaFevers argues that the trial court erred in permitting the State to read the transcript of Bessie Madden’s testimony from the first trial, claiming Madden was not properly unavailable under 12 O.S.1991, § 2804(A)(5). Madden was a dancer at the Check Mate Club and observed both LaFevers and Cannon when they returned to the club after the crimes. LaFev-ers talked with Madden and gave her two rings, saying they were from an old friend and she might as well take them or he’d throw them away. One ring was identified as Hawley’s wedding ring and the other, her “mother’s” ring, contained the birthstones of her sons.
By the time of the first trial Madden was married, had taken her husband’s name of McIntyre, and stated she lived in Tulia, Texas (she did not provide an address). The second trial began on March 1,1992. Before the trial a counselor for the District Attorney’s victim-witness coordinator office attempted to find Madden without success. The coordinator determined that the address and phone number on the 1985 Information were incorrect, spoke to Parkey (Madden’s former employer at the Check Mate) about possible name changes, and found no Oklahoma driver’s license listing for Madden under any known name. The coordinator did not recall any mention of Texas.
On February 22 the District Attorney’s investigator began a search for Madden. He had a date of birth but no certain name, last known address or social security number. Using several names, the investigator ran utility checks in Oklahoma City, looked for a sheriffs record in Oklahoma County and with the OSBI, and checked with the Departments of Human Services, Corrections and Public Safety with no luck. The investigator also contacted Parkey, who thought Madden might be remarried, in Florida, and who knew of no Oklahoma relatives. He ran a Florida public safety check as well as an NCIC check, all without success. The investigator did not check the 1985 address as the coordinator had told him it was not good. He had no information suggesting that Madden would be in Texas. After hearing this litany of failure the trial court declared Madden unavailable and allowed her previous testimony to be read to the jury.
To introduce a witness’s prior testimony, the State must prove both 1) the witness’s actual unavailability despite good faith efforts and due diligence to secure the witness’s presence, and 2) that the prior tes
In Proposition VI, LaFevers contends the trial court erred in admitting a photograph of Hawley taken during the autopsy. This proposition has a somewhat confusing title. No photographs showed any autopsy procedures. In all photographs the body had been cleaned with saline solution pre-mortem and may have been cleaned by the medical examiner. One photograph, showing the burns on Hawley’s side, appears to have had a view of the Y-incision redacted, but this would not be apparent to a person unfamiliar with autopsy photos. No photograph depicts anything other than LaFevers’ handiwork. Photographs may be admitted if they are relevant and their probative value is not substantially outweighed by their potential for prejudice.
LaFevers contends in Proposition XI that the trial court committed fundamental error when it did not provide the jury with an instruction defining the term “reasonable doubt”. LaFevers did not request such an instruction at trial. LaFevers admits that this Court has consistently held that “reasonable doubt” is self-explanatory and any instruction on it is error,
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
In Proposition VIII, LaFevers claims he was denied effective assistance of counsel. The test for ineffective assistance of counsel is whether (1) an attorney’s performance is so deficient that the defendant did not have counsel as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, and (2) counsel’s deficient performance created errors so serious as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial with reliable results. In capital cases, there must be a reasonable probability that, absent errors, the sentencer would have concluded the balance of aggravating and mitigating circumstances did not equal a death sentence.
LaFevers claims that trial counsel failed to advocate his cause by failing to present relevant mitigating evidence that probably would have altered the outcome of the case. LaFevers contends counsel had (1) available evidence that he was suffering from drug-induced psychosis at the time of the crime, along with (2) drug-abuse and psychological profiles taken about the time of the second trial, which could have been presented in either first or second stage as mitigating evidence. Upon examination these allegations fail to meet the standard set forth above.
LaFevers argues “ample” evidence showed he suffered from drug-induced psychosis. The only evidence introduced at trial which supports this claim is Hawkins’ testimony that LaFevers said he’d been on crystal speed for three or four days before the crime. LaFevers’ contention that he told trial counsel he’d been using methamphet-amines, quaaludes, and marijuana, and had not slept for a week, is not reflected in the record before this Court. LaFevers 1 notes that before the first trial LaFevers requested a psychiatrist to testify regarding the effects of PCP on his mental state, but determines merely that he completely failed to show sanity would be an issue at trial and thus was not entitled to have a psychiatrist appointed.
LaFevers appends two documents to his brief to support this proposition. These documents are not part of the record on appeal but a cursory review offers LaFevers no relief. Exhibit “A” is the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) evaluation prepared in January 1993 before the second trial. This indicates chemical depen
Despite LaFevers’ arguments, it is impossible to read these exhibits and believe there is any reasonable probability they would have affected the outcome of the case. At best Exhibit “A” depicts LaFevers as a troubled addict since his early teens. The jury heard Hawkins’ evidence of “crystal speed” and evidence that LaFevers had been drinking at the Check Mate, and was specifically instructed that he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crime. Like Roach in Roach v. Martin, a psychologist examined LaFevers before trial and found he was immature, with poor judgment and a personality disorder, but sane. Given the evidence available to trial counsel, any failure to pursue a defense of drug-induced psychosis, or to offer that evidence in mitigation, appears to be the result of sound trial strategy. Although it might have been prudent to present Exhibits A and B in mitigation, counsel called seven witnesses in the first stage and thirteen witnesses in the second stage, including LaFevers’ mother and son. The record shows counsel filed forty-five motions, two formal objections, and a special “plea” of former jeopardy after formal arraignment and before trial. Counsel made numerous objections and motions throughout trial. LaFevers was acquitted of the charged sex offenses. This Court cannot say counsel’s performance was so deficient as to be professionally unreasonable or affect the jury s judgment.
ISSUES RELATING TO PUNISHMENT
LaFevers raises thirteen issues related exclusively to the second stage of his trial. Under Oklahoma law, the death penalty may be imposed only if certain limited aggravating circumstances are found. Unless a murder, or the person who committed the murder, falls within one or more of the carefully circumscribed statutory aggravating circumstances, the death penalty may not be considered among the possible sentencing options. In LaFevers’ case, the State alleged and the jury found three aggravating circumstances: (1) the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel; (2) there existed a probability that LaFevers would commit criminal acts of violence constituting a continuing threat to society; and (3) the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution.
LaFevers argues in Proposition VII that the trial court erred in improperly allowing evidence of unadjudicated crimes and bad acts to be submitted to the jury. Second stage evidence admitted to show the aggravating circumstance of continuing threat included: prior to the crime LaFevers had been to Hawley’s house and threatened to return and rob her;
In Proposition X, LaFevers claims the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on the presumption of life, an instruction LaFevers unsuccessfully requested. Instruction No. 4 told the jury LaFevers was presumed innocent of the charges made in the Bill of Particulars, and that if they had a reasonable doubt as to his guilt they should return a noncapital sentence. Later instructions correctly set forth the burden of proof and the standards and procedures for weighing aggravating and mitigating evidence. LaFevers ignores the sizeable number of eases in which this Court has rejected this argument, and offers no reason for the Court to reconsider those decisions.
LaFevers argues in Proposition XII that Oklahoma’s death penalty scheme gives prosecutors unbridled discretion in seeking death sentences. LaFevers fails to address this Court’s previous thorough discussion and rejection of this argument.
In Proposition XIII, LaFevers contends the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that it had the option to return a life sentence regardless of its findings respecting aggravating and mitigating circumstances. LaFevers unsuccessfully requested an instruction that the jury did not have to impose death regardless of its findings. A life sentence may be given notwithstanding a jury finding of aggravating circumstances which outweigh mitigating circumstances, but such an instruction is not required.
In Proposition XIV, LaFevers claims that the trial court’s jury Instruction No. 12 improperly engendered sympathy for the decedent and denied LaFevers his right to the jury’s full and fair consideration of mitigating evidence. During the first stage the jury was instructed not to let sympathy enter into their deliberations. In the second stage, Instruction No. 12 told the jury that all first stage instructions would apply where appropriate and must be considered together with the second stage instructions. LaFev-ers unsuccessfully requested an instruction allowing sympathy for the accused. He relies on Parks v. Brown
LaFevers argues in Proposition XV that the jury instructions violated his constitutional rights by failing to inform the jury that its findings regarding mitigating circumstances did not have to be unanimous. La-Fevers unsuccessfully requested an instruction telling the jury their findings on mitigating circumstances did not have to be unanimous. Oklahoma law does not require a unanimous finding of mitigating circumstances, which would be unconstitutional.
In Proposition XVI, LaFevers claims that instructions given to the jury on the issue of mitigation permitted jurors to ignore mitigating evidence. LaFevers complains that Instruction No. 8 defined mitigating circumstances as those which “may be” considered as extenuating or reducing moral culpability or blame. He argues that this permissive language gave the jury discretion to ignore any potentially mitigating evidence. LaFevers fails to cite or distinguish the numerous cases in which this Court has determined that “may be” reflects the correct constitutional standard and avoids any infringement on the jury’s duty to determine individual punishment.
In Proposition XVII, LaFevers contends that the statutory requirement that a jury list aggravating circumstances as specific findings of fact before the death penalty may be imposed is unconstitutional. Oklahoma’s death penalty statutes require that 1) a list of statutory aggravating circumstances accompany the jury’s general verdict of death; 2) the jury must find the aggravating circumstances unanimously beyond a reasonable doubt; and 3) the jury must make specific findings of fact on particular questions of fact when determining the existence of each aggravating circumstance. 21 O.S.1991, § 701.11. LaFevers argues that this scheme conflicts with Article 7, § 15, of the Oklahoma Constitution, which requires general jury verdicts and prohibits any law from requiring trial courts to direct a jury to make findings of particular questions of fact. La-Fevers acknowledges that this Court has addressed this issue and determined that the constitutional provision goes to the determination of guilt or innocence while the death penalty scheme sets forth procedures the jury should use when determining punishment in a capital case.
Romano analogized to an Oklahoma Supreme Court ease construing a comparative negligence statute, where the ease turned on whether special jury forms precluded a general verdict.
In Proposition XVIII, LaFevers argues that the aggravating circumstance of “heinous, atrocious or cruel” is facially invalid in that the trial court’s instruction to the jury did not adequately channel the jury’s discretion, thereby depriving LaFevers of a fair and reliable sentence. Instruction No. 6, which exactly corresponded to OUJI-CR Instruction 436, defined “heinous, atrocious or cruel” and directed the jury to crimes where the victim’s death was preceded by torture or serious physical abuse. LaFevers again fails to cite or distinguish the numerous cases in
In Proposition XIX, LaFevers claims that the “continuing threat” aggravating circumstance as applied in Oklahoma is unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. La-Fevers claims that this Court has upheld this circumstance on evidence of the crime alone to support his contention that continuing threat is standardless, vague and overbroad. This Court has held that the State must “present sufficient evidence concerning prior convictions or unadjudieated crimes to show a pattern of criminal conduct that will likely continue in the future” to support this aggravating circumstance.
In Proposition XX, LaFevers challenges any sentencing analysis by this Court if an aggravating circumstance on which the jury relied in imposing a death sentence is invalidated. LaFevers acknowledges that appellate reweighing is proper under certain circumstances, but claims that this Court cannot engage in the reweighing process using the aggravating circumstance of “continuing threat” without affording him notice and a right to be heard on the validity of such aggravating circumstance at the time of (re)sentencing. This is an interesting argument but, as all the aggravating circumstances found by the jury were proper, the issue is moot.
LaFevers argues in Proposition XXI that his death sentence must be vacated because the “avoid arrest or prosecution” aggravating circumstance is being applied and interpreted in an unconstitutionally vague and overbroad manner. LaFevers argues that this aggravating circumstance is standardless, ignoring authority which requires a predicate crime separate from the murder for which a defendant seeks to avoid arrest.
In Proposition XXII, LaFevers contends his death sentence must be vacated because it was imposed pursuant to a balancing scheme based solely upon unconstitutional aggravating circumstances in a state which affords a due process right to jury sentencing. LaFevers argues that, since Oklahoma
MANDATORY SENTENCE REVIEW
In accordance with 21 O.S.Supp.1985, § 701.13(C), we must determine (1) whether the sentence of death was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor, and (2) whether the evidence supports the jury’s finding of aggravating circumstances.
Upon review of the record, we cannot say the sentence of death was imposed because the jury was influenced by passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor contrary to 21 O.S.Supp.1987, § 701.13(C).
The jury was instructed on and found the existence of three aggravating circumstances: (1) the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel; (2) there was a probability that LaFevers would commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society; and (3) the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution. Upon our review of the record, we find the sentence of death to be factually substantiated and appropriate.
Finding no error warranting modification, the judgments and sentences of the District Court of Oklahoma County are AFFIRMED.
. Under Oklahoma law, capital trials are conducted in two stages. First, the jury determines the issue of guilt or innocence. If a jury finds a defendant guilty of first degree murder, the trial proceeds to a sentencing stage where the jury determines whether a sentence of life, life without the possibility of parole, or death is the appropriate punishment. 21 O.S.Supp.1989, § 701.10.
. LaFevers and Cannon were initially tried together in March, 1986, and convicted of first degree burglary, first degree robbery, kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle, malice murder, third degree arson, first degree rape, and forcible
. McGregor v. State, 885 P.2d 1366, 1377 n. 20 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Turner v. State, 803 P.2d 1152, 1158 (Okl.Cr. 1990), cert. denied, 501 U.S. 1233, 111 S.Ct. 2859, 115 L.Ed.2d 1026 (1991).
. Jackson v. Denno, 378 U.S. 368, 393, 84 S.Ct. 1774, 1790, 12 L.Ed.2d 908 (1964) (established a defendant's right to an in camera hearing on the voluntariness of his confession).
. LaFevers asserted at trial that in an inaudible statement just after this comment he again said that he wanted a lawyer. The trial court heard the statement differently. This Court's review of the tape does not support LaFevers' assertion.
. Castro v. State, 745 P.2d 394, 403 (Okl.Cr. 1987), cert. denied, 485 U.S. 971, 108 S.Ct. 1248, 99 L.Ed.2d 446 (1988).
. Edwards v. Arizona, 451 U.S. 477, 484-85, 101 S.Ct. 1880, 1885, 68 L.Ed.2d 378 (1981).
. Minnick v. Mississippi, 498 U.S. 146, 147, 111 S.Ct. 486, 488, 112 L.Ed.2d 489 (1990).
. Rhode Island v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291, 299-300, 100 S.Ct. 1682, 1689-90, 64 L.Ed.2d 297 (1980).
. Oregon v. Bradshaw, 462 U.S. 1039, 1045, 103 S.Ct. 2830, 2835, 77 L.Ed.2d 405 (1983).
. LaFevers cites McNeil v. Wisconsin, 501 U.S. 171, 111 S.Ct. 2204, 115 L.Ed.2d 158 (1991) (holding that the courts would not infer a Fifth Amendment assertion from the attachment of a Sixth Amendment right on another charge).
. 887 P.2d 1326 (Okl.Cr. 1994).
. 851 P.2d 544, 546 (Okl.Cr. 1993).
. Connecticut v. Barrett 479 U.S. 523, 529, 107 S.Ct. 828, 832, 93 L.Ed.2d 920 (1987).
. Davis v. State, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 2355, 129 L.Ed.2d 362 (1994).
. As we determine that admission of LaFevers' first statement was not error, we do not reach LaFevers’ contention that his second statement, made three days after the first and after waiving Miranda rights, was tainted by the first statement.
. After the crimes against Hawley and after the bars closed, LaFevers and Cannon broke into the home of Anna Paden, an elderly woman living near LaFevers’ half-brother or cousin. Paden and her granddaughter Tammy attempted to scare off the two by shooting; LaFevers and Cannon beat both women and stole a purse and the gun before leaving. Both women testified. LaFevers pled nolo contendere to several charges resulting from this episode. The jury was informed of the nolo plea, so these were adjudicated offenses offered as proof of the continuing threat aggravating circumstance.
. Duvall v. State, 825 P.2d 621, 630 (Okl.Cr. 1991), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 224, 121 L.Ed.2d 161 (1992); Banks v. State, 728 P.2d 497, 502 (Okl.Cr. 1986).
. Morgan v. Illinois, 504 U.S. 719, 112 S.Ct. 2222, 2232-33, 119 L.Ed.2d 492 (1992) (holding the trial court must, at defendant’s request, inquire sufficiently to discover jurors who would automatically impose the death penalty).
. The State attempts to argue that LaFevers waived any double jeopardy protection by successfully appealing his first convictions. This is creative but unpersuasive.
. Tibbs v. State, 819 P.2d 1372, 1375-76 (Okl.Cr. 1991); Zant v. Stephens, 462 U.S. 862, 869, 103 S.Ct. 2733, 2738, 77 L.Ed.2d 235 (1983).
. Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 23, 87 S.Ct. 824, 828, 17 L.Ed.2d 705 (1967); Bartell v. State, 881 P.2d 92 (Okl.Cr. 1994).
. Boyde v. California, 494 U.S. 370, 380, 110 S.Ct. 1190, 1198, 108 L.Ed.2d 316 (1990).
. Burks v. United States, 437 U.S. 1, 11, 98 S.Ct. 2141, 2147, 57 L.Ed.2d 1 (1978); Montana v. Hall, 481 U.S. 400, 402-03, 107 S.Ct. 1825, 1826, 95 L.Ed.2d 354 (1987); Edwards v. State, 815 P.2d 670, 672 (Okl.Cr. 1991).
. Enmund v. Florida, 458 U.S. 782, 801, 102 S.Ct. 3368, 3378-79, 73 L.Ed.2d 1140 (1982), (holding that a defendant cannot receive a death sentence for murder unless he intended or contemplated that the killing would take place, killed, or attempted the killing).
.This was filed in April 1991. It is perhaps coincidental that, by that time, LaFevers had been involved in two inmate stabbings on Death Row, including stabbing Cannon shortly after the end of the first trial.
. Williamson v. State, 812 P.2d 384, 402-03 (Okl.Cr. 1991), cert. denied, 503 U.S. 973, 112 S.Ct. 1592, 118 L.Ed.2d 308 (1992).
. Corroborating evidence includes:
—In his statement to police LaFevers said he, Cannon, and Goolsby went to the Crazy Horse and Check Mate; wrecked his car and decided to steal a car; went to Hawley’s house and broke open the screen door; kicked the front door; caught Hawley in the back yard and took her inside; pulled the telephone cord from the wall; took Hawley's keys and opened the garage; Cannon backed the car out and pulled Hawley into the car because she had seen his face; the two stopped and put Hawley in the trunk; then filled a 2-liter bottle with gas and drove to a vacant lot; took Hawley from the trunk after a passing truck left; La-Fevers then left, Cannon followed with the car, drove it to another lot and set it on fire; after-wards they returned to the Check Mate.
—Witnesses saw LaFevers, Cannon, and Gools-by at the Crazy Horse and Check Mate clubs before the crimes; the three left the Check Mate about 9:30 p.m.
—Witness Volz saw men similar to the three pushing LaFevers’ Camaro down the street on which it was abandoned, then one was seen*304 leaving as the other two walked away from the car.
—Goolsby said he left after the Camaro was abandoned, and the other two planned to steal a car; afterwards LaFevers smelled of smoke and his arms were singed; and he overheard LaFevers’ remarks to Sam Cannon.
—Hawley's neighbor Ryan saw LaFevers and a man resembling Cannon open Hawley’s garage door, put her in her Buick and drive off. He had seen the same men around the house on some previous day.
—While driving past, witnesses Gaither and Baker saw men resembling LaFevers and Cannon with a gas can near Hawley's Buick, and ran to the explosion and fire a few minutes later; witness Collins also saw this and identified LaFevers. Baker saw the men flee the scene.
—Later that evening after returning to the Check Mate, LaFevers gave Bessie Madden (McIntyre) two rings Hawley always wore, saying he got them from an old friend.
—Parkey, bartender at the Check Mate, confirmed that LaFevers returned there after 11:00 p.m., with cuts and scratches, and gave Madden the rings.
■ — Sam Cannon said LaFevers, Cannon and Goolsby came in the Crazy Horse early; that when they returned much later LaFevers had sooty deposits on his arms and face and smelled of gas; that LaFevers had previously said he would rob, kill and burn Hawley; that LaFevers afterwards reminded Cannon he said he'd "do it”; the next day LaFevers told the witness it all happened "just like the paper said”.
—Ms. Roady, LaFevers' mother-in-law, took him to retrieve the Camaro the next day near Hawley’s and Volz's houses, but let him off elsewhere when he saw police near the car.
—The medical examiner said Hawley died from burns and blunt head trauma.
. Davis v. State, 753 P.2d 388, 391 (Okl.Cr. 1988); Castro, 745 P.2d at 401; Ohio v. Roberts, 448 U.S. 56, 74-75, 100 S.Ct. 2531, 2543, 65 L.Ed.2d 597 (1980).
. Henderson v. State, 661 P.2d 68, 70 (Okl.Cr. 1983).
. Vuletich v. State, 735 P.2d 568, 570 (Okl.Cr. 1987); Lavicky v. State, 632 P.2d 1234, 1238 (Okl.Cr. 1981).
. 12 O.S.1991, § 2403; Mitchell v. State, 884 P.2d 1186, 1196 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Williamson, 812 P.2d at 400. LaFevers incorrectly suggests that probative value must substantially outweigh prejudice to a defendant.
. Underwood v. State, 659 P.2d 948, 950 (Okl.Cr. 1983); Templer v. State, 494 P.2d 667, 672 (Okl.Cr. 1972).
. Sullivan v. Louisiana, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 2078, 2081-83, 124 L.Ed.2d 182 (1993) (finding that courts are not required to instruct on meaning of reasonable doubt but constitutionally deficient instruction cannot be harmless). The Supreme Court recently became enmeshed in the tangled web of pattern jury instruction definitions in Nebraska and California, ultimately holding that there was not a reasonable likelihood that the juiy understood the instructions to allow conviction based on insufficient proof. Victor v. Nebraska and Sandoval v. California, - U.S. -, -, 114 S.Ct. 1239, 1248, 127 L.Ed.2d 583 (1994). A review of those opinions confirms this Court's wisdom in refusing to allow such definitional gyrations.
. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); Coleman v. State, 693 P.2d 4, 7-8 (Okl.Cr. 1984).
. Miller v. State, 751 P.2d 733, 740 (Okl.Cr. 1988).
. LaFevers 1 referred to PCP, which is not the same as crystal speed, methamphetamines, quaa-ludes, or marijuana.
. Foucha v. Louisiana, 504 U.S. 71, 112 S.Ct. 1780, 118 L.Ed.2d 437 (1992) (holding that in the context of hospital release of defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity, the State cannot commit defendant until he poses no danger if defendant determined to be no longer insane; defendant had recovered from temporary condition of probable drug-induced psychosis); Munn v. State, 658 P.2d 482 (Okl.Cr. 1983) (where defendant had drug-induced psychosis and personality disorder but was held sane, and where evidence of insanity plus State’s improper questioning on insanity compelled sentence modification); Roach v. Martin 757 F.2d 1463 (4th Cir. 1985) (where defendant was retarded, had personality disorder and pleaded guilty, counsel was not ineffective for failing to investigate drug-induced psychosis since expert examined defendant and declared him competent at time of offenses and at trial).
. LaFevers calls this "the most prejudicial” evidence presented, but the cites in his brief do not match any transcripts submitted to this Court.
. See, e.g., Malone v. State, 876 P.2d 707 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Berget v. State, 824 P.2d 364 (Okl.Cr. 1991), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 124, 121 L.Ed.2d 79 (1992); Sellers v. State, 809 P.2d 676 (Okl.Cr. 1991), cert. denied, 502 U.S. 912, 112 S.Ct. 310, 116 L.Ed.2d 252 (1991); Johnson v. State, 665 P.2d 815 (Okl.Cr. 1982). LaFevers cites my dissent in Paxton v. State, 867 P.2d 1309 (Okl.Cr. 1993), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 115 S.Ct. 227, 130 L.Ed.2d 153 (1994), which disagrees with the use of unadjudicated offenses to support continuing threat. While I continue to disagree with the use of such evidence, I have not yet been successful in converting my colleagues.
. LaFevers’ cited Supreme Court cases do not support his argument that the nature of the second stage proceedings prevented him from rebutting allegations of unadjudicated crimes. Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280, 96 S.Ct. 2978, 49 L.Ed.2d 944 (1976) (trier of fact must give particular consideration to the circumstances of the crime and character and propensities of the defendant); Gardner v. Florida, 430 U.S. 349, 97 S.Ct. 1197, 51 L.Ed.2d 393 (1977) (where the trial court disregarded jury recommendation and sentenced defendant to death based on a presentence report defendant did not have, depriving defendant of opportunity to deny or explain information which in part formed basis for death sentence).
. Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1206; Malone, 876 P.2d at 713; Allen v. State, 871 P.2d 79, 103 (Okl.Cr. 1994), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 115 S.Ct. 370, 130 L.Ed.2d 322 (1994); Brown v. State, 871 P.2d 56, 73 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Trice v. State, 853 P.2d 203, 215 (Okl.Cr. 1993), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 638, 126 L.Ed.2d 597 (1993); Johnson v. State, 731 P.2d 993, 1004 (Okl.Cr. 1987), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 878, 108 S.Ct. 35, 98 L.Ed.2d 167 (1987); Walker v. State, 723 P.2d 273, 284 (Okl.Cr. 1986), cert. denied, 479 U.S. 995, 107 S.Ct. 599, 93 L.Ed.2d 600 (1986).
. Romano v. State, 847 P.2d 368, 392-93 (Okl.Cr. 1993), aff'd, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 2004, 129 L.Ed.2d 1 (1994).
. Walker v. State, 887 P.2d 301, 320 (Okl.Cr. 1994) (determining U.S. ex rel. Silagy v. Peters, 713 F.Supp. 1246 (C.D.Ill. 1989), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1110, 111 S.Ct. 1024, 112 L.Ed.2d 1106 (1991), cited by LaFevers, is not persuasive because the Oklahoma and Illinois statutes differ).
. Parks v. State, 651 P.2d 686, 693-94 (Okl.Cr. 1982), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 1155, 103 S.Ct. 800, 74 L.Ed.2d 1003 (1983).
. See, e.g., Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1206; Malone, 876 P.2d at 713-14; Allen, 871 P.2d at 102; Brown, 871 P.2d at 73; Robedeaux v. State, 866 P.2d 417, 435 (Okl.Cr. 1993); Pickens v. State, 850 P.2d 328, 339 (Okl.Cr. 1993), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 942, 127 L.Ed.2d 232 (1994); Fisher v. State, 845 P.2d 1272, 1277-78 (Okl.Cr. 1992), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 3014, 125 L.Ed.2d 704 (1993).
. 860 F.2d 1545 (10th Cir. 1988), rev’d Saffle v. Parks, 494 U.S. 484, 110 S.Ct. 1257, 108 L.Ed.2d 415 (1990).
. Since victim-impact evidence has led to a common modification of this instruction allowing the jury to consider sympathy generally, La-Fevers' argument has become a standard complaint. The modified instruction was not given in this case. No issue of victim-impact evidence has been raised in this case, and no victim-impact evidence was presented at trial.
. Neill v. State, 896 P.2d 537, 557-58 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Revilla v. State, 877 P.2d 1143, 1153 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Boyd v. State, 839 P.2d 1363, 1372 (Okl.Cr. 1992), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 3005, 125 L.Ed.2d 697 (1993); Duvall, 825 P.2d at 635-36; Fox v. State, 779 P.2d 562, 578-79 (Lumpkin, J., specially concurring) (Okl.Cr. 1989), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1060, 110 S.Ct. 1538, 108 L.Ed.2d 111 (1990).
. Pickens, 850 P.2d at 339-40; Woodruff v. State, 846 P.2d 1124, 1148-49 (Okl.Cr. 1993) cert. denied, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 349, 126 L.Ed.2d 313 (1994); Castro v. State, 844 P.2d 159, 176 (Okl.Cr. 1992), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 135, 126 L.Ed.2d 98 (1993); Clayton v. State, 840 P.2d 18, 34 (Okl.Cr. 1992), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 113 S.Ct. 1655, 123 L.Ed.2d 275 (1993).
LaFevers argues that this instruction was sandwiched into the instructions for aggravating circumstances, all of which required unanimity. The record reveals that Instructions 3-6 do not touch on unanimity requirements; Instruction 7 defines aggravating circumstances and requires unanimity; Instruction 8 defines mitigating circumstances and does not discuss unanimity; Instruction 9 lists specific mitigating circumstances and does not discuss unanimity; Instruction 10 requires the jury to unanimously find at least one aggravator then unanimously find that it outweighs any mitigator before considering the death penalty; Instruction 11 requires jurors to unanimously find an aggravator and reduce that finding to writing, but does not require written or unanimous findings of any mitigators; Instruction 12 again requires a unanimous verdict for imposition of the death penalty, or life imprisonment with or without parole. The distinctions between aggravating factors and mitigating circumstances are clear and unambiguous.
. See, e.g., Malone, 876 P.2d at 715; Woodruff, 846 P.2d at 1149.
. Pickens, 850 P.2d at 339-340; Revilla, 877 P.2d at 1153-54; Brown, 871 P.2d at 74; Williamson, 812 P.2d at 409.
. Romano, 847 P.2d at 384-385; Carter v. State, 879 P.2d 1234, 1251 (Oki.Cr. 1994); Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1203.
. Romano, 847 P.2d at 385. See Smith v. Gizzi, 564 P.2d 1009 (Okl. 1977).
. Davis v. State, 665 P.2d 1186, 1203 (Okl.Cr. 1983).
. See, e.g., Stauffer v. State, 742 P.2d 562, 563 (Okl.Cr. 1987) (Opinion on Rehearing), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 1036, 108 S.Ct. 763, 98 L.Ed.2d 779 (1988); Hooks v. State, 862 P.2d 1273, 1282 (Okl.Cr. 1993), cert. denied, - U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 1870, 128 L.Ed.2d 490 (1994); Clayton v. State, 840 P.2d at 30; Stafford v. State, 832 P.2d 20, 23 (Okl.Cr. 1992); Rojem v. State, 753 P.2d 359, 369 (Okl.Cr. 1988), cert. denied, 488 U.S. 900, 109 S.Ct. 249, 102 L.Ed.2d 238 (1988). LaFevers does not complain that insufficient evidence supports this aggravating circumstance. Evidence showed that Hawley was beaten in her home, robbed, kidnapped, kept in the trunk of her car, dragged from the car, beaten again, set on fire, moved 10 to 15 feet while burning, and lived for approximately five more hours. Ample evidence supports this aggravating circumstance.
. Malone, 876 P.2d at 717.
. Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1207; Hogan v. State, 877 P.2d 1157, 1162 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Snow v. State, 876 P.2d 291, 298 (Okl.Cr. 1994); Revilla, 877 P.2d at 1152-53; Brown, 871 P.2d at 72-73; Ellis, 867 P.2d at 1301; Paxton, 867 P.2d at 1325; Trice, 853 P.2d at 220-221; Pickens, 850 P.2d at 339. LaFevers does not specifically argue insufficiency of the evidence, and adequate evidence supported this circumstance, including the prior threats to Hawley, the contemporaneous attack on the Padens, and the surrounding circumstances of the crime. Evidence of unadju-dicated prison stabbings also supported the jury's finding. I have consistently disagreed with the use of unadjudicated offenses to support this aggravating circumstance.
. Barnett v. State, 853 P.2d 226, 233-34 (Okl.Cr. 1993); Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1207; McGregor, 885 P.2d at 1385.
. Mitchell, 884 P.2d at 1207; Rojem, 753 P.2d at 368.
Concurring Opinion
concurring.
I concur in the Court’s decision but would hold that Appellant’s exhibits A & B, attached to his brief, are not a proper part of the record on appeal. The exhibits were not offered and admitted as a part of the trial court proceedings and should not be considered here.
ORDER DENYING PETITION FOR REHEARING AND DIRECTING ISSUANCE OF MANDATE
Loyd Winford LaFevers was tried by jury before the Honorable Thomas C. Smith in the District Court of Oklahoma County. In Case No. CRF-85-3254 he was convicted of First Degree Malice Aforethought Murder in violation of 21 O.S.1991, § 701.7, and Third Degree Arson in violation of 21 O.S.1981, § 1403(A), After Former Conviction of a Felony. At the conclusion of the first stage of trial, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. During sentencing, the jury found 1) the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel; 2) there was a probability that LaFev-ers would commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society; and 3) the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution. LaFevers was sentenced to death for the murder conviction and forty years incarceration for arson.
By its May 16,1995, published opinion, this Court affirmed LaFevers’ convictions and sentences. LaFevers is now before the Court on a Petition for Rehearing, Rule 3.14, Rules of the Court of Cnminal Appeals, 22 O.S.Supp.1995, Ch. 18, App. According to Rule 3.14, a Petition for Rehearing shall be filed for two reasons only:
(1) That some question decisive of the case and duly submitted by the attorney of record has been overlooked by the Court, or
(2) That the decision is in conflict with an express statute or controlling decision to which the attention of this Court was not called either in the brief or in oral argument.
LaFevers raises four propositions in his Petition for Rehearing which fail to meet the criteria set forth in Rule 3.14. Accordingly, these propositions will not be addressed.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
. LaFevers mistakenly suggests the Court's opinion is contrary to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Davis v. United States, — U.S. -, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 129 L.Ed.2d 362
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Loyd Winford LAFEVERS, Appellant, v. STATE of Oklahoma, Appellee
- Cited By
- 63 cases
- Status
- Published