State of Louisiana v. Garry Wayne McClinton, Jr.

NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION

STATE OF LOUISIANA
COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT

KA 11-396

STATE OF LOUISIANA

VERSUS

GARRY WAYNE MCCLINTON, JR.

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APPEAL FROM THE
NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PARISH OF RAPIDES, NO. 297,224
HONORABLE JOHN C. DAVIDSON, DISTRICT JUDGE

**********

BILLY HOWARD EZELL
JUDGE

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Court composed of Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, Chief Judge, Billy Howard Ezell, and J.
David Painter, Judges.

AFFIRMED.

Glenn G. Cortello
201 Johnston St., Ste. 400
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 445-0022
Counsel for Defendant/Appellant:
Garry Wayne McClinton, Jr.

James C. Downs
District Attorney
701 Murray Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 473-6650
Counsel for Plaintiff/Appellee:
State of Louisiana

Michael W. Shannon
P.O. Box 1792
Alexandria, LA 71309
Counsel for Plaintiff/Appellee:
State of Louisiana

EZELL, Judge.

The Defendant, Garry Wayne McClinton, Jr., was charged by bill of

information filed on June 25, 2009, with attempted second degree murder, in violation

of La.R.S. 14:30.1 and La.R.S. 14:27; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, in

violation of La.R.S. 14:68.4; and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, in

violation of La.R.S. 14:62.3. The Defendant entered a plea of not guilty to all charges

on July 10, 2009.

July selection commenced on May 18, 2010, and the Defendant was found

guilty of the responsive verdict of aggravated battery, in violation of La.R.S. 14:34;

guilty of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; and not guilty of unauthorized entry of

an inhabited dwelling. The Defendant was sentenced on June 14, 2010, to serve ten

years at hard labor for aggravated battery and ten years at hard labor for unauthorized

use of a motor vehicle. The sentences were to be served consecutively. On July 13,

2010, the Defendant filed a “MOTION TO AMEND MINUTES NUNC PRO TUNC

CORRECT SENTENCE, OR RECONSIDER SENTENCE.” A “SUPPLEMENTAL

MOTION TO RECONSIDER SENTENCE” was filed on July 27, 2010. A hearing

on the motions was held on March 24, 2011, and they were denied on September 1,

2010.

A pro se motion for appeal was filed on July 14, 2010, which was subsequently

granted. Counsel filed a motion for appeal on January 19, 2011, and that motion was

also granted. The Defendant is now before this court asserting forty-four assignments

of error.

FACTS

The Defendant dated Ruby Jones‟s daughter, Anlanette. Jones disapproved of

the relationship and told the Defendant he was not welcome at her home. On March

8, 2009, the Defendant entered Jones‟s home, stabbed her, took the keys to her

vehicle, and drove away in that vehicle.

The facts of the case are further discussed in assignments of error number four

and thirty-nine.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS ONE, TWO, AND THREE

The Defendant contends defense counsel filed no motions other than a motion

for preliminary examination. The remaining motions were filed pro se. Prior to trial,

the State filed a “768 Notice to Defendant” asserting its intent to use an inculpatory

statement made by him, allegedly taking the defense by surprise. The Defendant

contends the trial court erred by allowing the notice to be filed and the statement to be

used. The Defendant contends the statement should have been provided to him during

the discovery phase, although defense counsel relied on informal discovery.

The State contends it filed the Article 768 notice on the date trial commenced,

but prior to its opening statement. The State further contends that at the time of

arraignment, it provided defense counsel with a complete copy of the file to satisfy

anticipated discovery motions. Because defense counsel had a complete copy of the

State‟s file, there was no need for defense counsel to file discovery motions.

The State additionally asserts that in January 2010, five months prior to trial, it

sought a buccal sample from the Defendant so his DNA could be compared with DNA

found at the crime scene. The State contends that on January 25, 2010, Detective

Keith Fennell obtained a DNA buccal swab from the Defendant. At that time, the

Defendant stated, “I did it, I want to get it over with.”

The State contends the Defendant neglected to inform this court that, although

the State did file an Article 768 notice, it did not introduce the statement made by the

Defendant on January 25, 2010. Additionally, when the Defendant testified, he was

not asked about the statement.

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ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER ONE

In his first assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred by

allowing the State to file a La. Code Crim.P. art. 768 notice which alleged he stated “I

did it and I want to get it over with.”

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 768 states:

Unless the defendant has been granted pretrial discovery, if the
state intends to introduce a confession or inculpatory statement in
evidence, it shall so advise the defendant in writing prior to beginning the
state‟s opening statement. If it fails to do so a confession or inculpatory
statement shall not be admissible in evidence.

The State filed its Article 768 notice prior to giving its opening statement on

May 19, 2010. Defense counsel objected, stating the notice was untimely filed

because the Defendant‟s statement was made on January 25, 2010.

The notice was filed in accordance with La.Code Crim.P. art. 768.

Accordingly, the Defendant‟s first assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TWO

In his second assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel was
ineffective, as the Defendant filed a pro se motion for discovery and inspection
requesting any statements made by him, but was not provided the statement allegedly
made by him to Detective Keith Fennel at the time his DNA was taken.
A claim for ineffective assistance of counsel is properly raised in
an application for post-conviction relief because this allows the trial court
to order a full evidentiary hearing on the matter. State v. Burkhalter, 428
So.2d 449 (La.1983). However, where the record contains sufficient
evidence to decide the issue, and the issue is raised by an assignment of
error on appeal, it may be considered by the appellate court. State v.
Tapp, 08-1262 (La.App. 3 Cir. 4/1/09), 8 So.3d 804; See also State v.
James, 95-962 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/14/96), 670 So.2d 461.

State v. Christien, 09-890, p. 7 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/3/10), 29 So.3d 696, 701.

This court has held that ineffective assistance of counsel claims
must meet two separate criteria in order to have merit:

The right of a defendant in a criminal proceeding to
the effective assistance of counsel is constitutionally
mandated by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In order to prove that counsel was ineffective, the defendant
must meet the two-pronged test enunciated by the Supreme
Court. First, the defendant must show that counsel‟s
performance was deficient. Second, the defendant must
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show that this deficiency prejudiced the outcome of the trial.
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80
L.Ed.2d 674 (1984). To establish a claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel, a defendant must demonstrate that his
defense attorney failed to meet the level of competency
normally demanded of attorneys in criminal cases.

In considering allegations of ineffectiveness, defense
attorneys are entitled to a strong presumption that their
conduct fell within the broad range of reasonable
professional assistance. The United States Supreme Court
has held that the benchmark for judging a charge of
ineffectiveness is whether the attorney‟s conduct so
undermined the proper functioning of the adversarial
process that the trial cannot be considered to have produced
a just result.

It is not enough for an accused to make allegations of
ineffectiveness; the accused must couple these allegations
with a specific showing of prejudice. A claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel may be disposed of based upon a
failure to satisfy either criteria of the established two-
pronged test; if the accused‟s claim fails to satisfy one, the
reviewing court need not address the other. A brief review
of the defendant‟s complaints against his attorneys will
demonstrate the deficiency of his arguments.

State v. James, 95-962, pp. 4-5 (La.App. 3 Cir. 2/14/96), 670 So.2d 461,
465 (citations omitted). Moreover, “[i]t is not sufficient for the defendant
to show the error had some conceivable effect on the outcome of the
proceedings. Rather, he must show that but for counsel‟s unprofessional
errors, there is a reasonable probability the outcome of the trial would
have been different.” State v. Jones, 33,657, p. 11 (La.App. 2 Cir.
8/23/00), 765 So.2d 1191, 1199, writ denied, 00-2779 (La.6/29/01), 794
So.2d 825.

State v. Beaudion, 09-440, pp. 15-16 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/23/09), 27 So.3d 342, 352-

53(alteration in original).

The State gave a copy of its file to defense counsel on July 10, 2009. The

Defendant filed pro se motions for discovery on June 9, 2009, and September 22,

2009, and both motions were denied. The statement at issue was made by the

Defendant on January 25, 2010.

The record before this court is sufficient to review this assigned error.

However, “[t]o prove an allegation of ineffectiveness, Defendant must specifically

show prejudice.” State v. Doucet, 09-1065, p. 7 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/5/10), 36 So.3d

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1105, 1111, writ denied, 10-1195 (La. 12/17/10), 51 So.3d 19. The Defendant fails to

allege and make a showing of specific prejudice regarding the State‟s failure to

provide him with the statement he made to Detective Fennel. Accordingly, the

Defendant‟s second assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER THREE

In his third assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied effective

assistance, as defense counsel should have moved for a continuance when the trial

court allowed the filing of the Article 768 notice. Further, the Defendant claims the

admission of the inculpatory statement deprived him of his right not to take the stand

because he had to testify to “explain away the statement.”

There is no indication in the record that the statement at issue was introduced at

trial or that the Defendant was questioned about the statement. Furthermore, the

Defendant fails to point to pages in the record to support his claim as required by

Uniform Rules—Courts of Appeal, Rule 2-12.4. Where such reference is not made,

this court may disregard the arguments made in connection with the assigned error.

The record before this court is sufficient to review this assigned error.

However, the Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding defense counsel‟s failure to move for a continuance and his right not to

testify. Accordingly, we find the Defendant‟s third assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS FOUR AND THIRTY NINE

In his fourth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied the

right to effective assistance of counsel, as defense counsel did not request a jury

instruction on self-defense.

In his thirty-ninth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

effective assistance of counsel and due process when defense counsel failed to argue

self-defense without his permission.

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The Defendant contends the evidence clearly required an instruction regarding

self-defense and defense counsel and the trial court failed to give one. He contends

that if defense counsel had met with him, defense counsel would have known self-

defense applied. The Defendant also contends that defense counsel did not investigate

a claim of self-defense, discuss the facts of the case with him, or request a jury

instruction on self-defense when it was staring him in the face. He further contends

that defense counsel had no strategic reason to explain his failure to request the jury

instruction at issue. The Defendant asserts that defense counsel did not question him

regarding self-defense even when he testified that Jones must have mistaken him for

an intruder and attacked him with a knife.

The State asserts defense counsel questioned prospective jurors about

aggravated battery and, in his opening statement, said the following: “What I think

that the evidence is gonna prove, is that my client is guilty of an Aggravated Battery.”

The State contends the Defendant‟s testimony was unbelievable and perjured. The

State asserts that had trial counsel argued self-defense, he would have lost all

credibility with the jury and committed an ethical violation. The State contends

defense counsel‟s conduct was a strategic move.

Ruby Jones testified that she heard a noise in her home at approximately 5:30

a.m. and eventually exited her bedroom to find the Defendant walking toward here

with a butcher knife. He then stabbed her several times and beat her while saying:

“„Bitch, I‟mma [sic] kill you, I‟mma [sic] kill you.‟”

The Defendant testified that the door to the residence was left open for him by

Jones‟s daughter, whom he was dating. He further testified that Jones approached

him with a knife because she thought he was breaking into her home. The Defendant

stated he tried to stop Jones from cutting him, and they wrestled and struggled over

the knife. Jones was overpowering him, so he hit her with his fists. The Defendant

stated the wound to Jones‟s neck occurred when: “I grabbed her hand, and when I

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punched „er [sic], I was punchin‟ [sic] „er [sic] with the hand that had, ah the hand

with the knife in her hand. When I punched „er [sic] it hit „er [sic] neck too at the

same time.”

Anlanette Jones testified that she did not give the Defendant a key to her

mother‟s residence, did not tell him he could come into the house on the morning in

question, did not let him in, and did not leave the door open for him.

The record before this court is sufficient to review assignments of error four and

thirty-nine. The Defendant makes general claims that he did not receive a fair trial.

However, he fails to make a showing of specific prejudice regarding defense

counsel‟s failure to argue self-defense and to seek a jury instruction regarding same.

Accordingly, the Defendant‟s fourth and thirty-ninth assignments of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER FIVE

In his fifth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred in

failing to instruct the jury on self-defense when the evidence clearly required the

instruction be given to the jury.

La.Code Crim.P. art. 802(1) requires the court to instruct the jury as to
the law applicable to the case. When properly requested to do so, the
court is obligated to charge the jury as to the law applicable to any theory
of defense which the jurors could reasonably infer from the evidence.
State v. Jackson, 450 So.2d 621 (La.1984); State v. Campbell, 94-1140
(La.App. 3 Cir. 3/13/96); 673 So.2d 1061, writ denied, 96-1785
(La.1/10/97); 685 So.2d 140, cert. granted, [521] U.S. [1151], 118 S.Ct.
29, 138 L.Ed.2d 1059 (1997).

State v. Hardy, 97-1248, p. 11 (La.App. 3 Cir. 3/6/98), 711 So.2d 715, 720, writ

denied, 98-927 (La. 9/4/98), 723 So.2d 954.

Defense counsel did not request an instruction regarding self-defense. Thus,

the trial court did not err in failing to give such an instruction to the jury.

Accordingly, the Defendant‟s fifth assignment of error lacks merit.

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ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER SIX

In his sixth assignment of error, the Defendant contends that defense counsel

was ineffective because, in his opening statement, he admitted the Defendant was

guilty of aggravated battery and did not explore the plausible defense of self-defense.

During opening statements, defense counsel stated:

Gonna [sic] make is [sic] easy for you, it‟s gonna [sic] be real easy. My
client, the Defendant, is the cause of the injuries to the victim. Real
simple. I said it exactly as I meant to say it. My client is responsible for
the injuries to the victim. Simple enough. But, what is the evidence
gonna [sic] show of what crime was committed? I don‟t believe that the
evidence is going to show that there was an attempted murder committed.
There are those other two charges . . . Unauthorized Entry. I don‟t
believe that it‟s going to prove that my client was guilty of unauthorized
inju [sic], unauthorized entry. Theft of a car, I‟ll make that one simple
too. My client left in the car. Let‟s make it simple. But the point is,
what is he guilty of? That‟s gonna [sic] be the question that y‟all are
gonna [sic] have to answer.

. . . What I think that the evidence is gonna [sic] prove, is that my client
is guilty of an [a]ggravated [b]attery. Now, you‟ve been explained the
elements of the crime. Mr. Shannon has taken the responsibility of
proving beyond a reasonable doubt those elements. If he doesn‟t prove it
beyond a reasonable doubt, you just . . . that you will vote the appropriate
way.

The Defendant makes general claims that he did not receive a fair trial.

However, he fails to make a showing of specific prejudice regarding defense

counsel‟s statement that the Defendant committed aggravated battery. Accordingly,

the Defendant‟s sixth assignment of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHT

In his thirty-eighth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

effective assistance of counsel and due process when the State argued on three

occasions, “You may infer that the Defendant intended the natural and probable

consequences of his actions,” and counsel failed to object in closing arguments.

During its closing argument, the State told the jury the following(emphasis

added):

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And the Judge is gonna [sic] tell you: “Whether criminal intent is present
must be determined in light of what may be of ordinary experience.
Intent is a question of fact which may be inferred from the circumstances
and can be formed in an instant. You may infer that the Defendant
intended the natural and probable consequences of his actions.”
Now that‟s a simple way of saying . . . for instance, for example, if I take
a gun and I load it, and I point it at somebody and I fire it, and I‟m a poor
shot and I miss you, it‟s still attempted second degree murder. „Cause
[sic] defendant‟s intent to kill is inferred from the circumstances, it‟s
inferred from his actions, in picking up a gun, pointing, and firing. If the
bullet strikes, death may result. That is a natural and probable
consequence of that act, and you intend the natural and probable
consequences of your actions. Likewise, if you armed yourself with a
knife and you stab another in the chest, in the back, throat with nothing
more, nothing more, his intent to kill is inferred from his actions. A
natural and probable consequence of stabbing someone in the chest, in
the back or in the throat, is death. You intend the natural and probable
consequences of your actions. And that‟s his intent at the time of the act.
And that intent can be formed that quickly, just (snaps fingers) that fast.
You don‟t have to think about it a day, an hour; it‟s formed that quickly.
But you, you don‟t have to infer his intent, because Ms. Ruby testified
that while he‟s doing this, he is saying: “I am going to kill you, you
bitch”. You don‟t have to infer a thing. He has stated his intent. And
remember the Attempt Statute: “It is immaterial whether under the
circumstances he would have actually accomplished his purpose”. The
intent is what is important. The fact that the blade did not pierce the
heart makes no difference, his intent is what is important.

Defense counsel did not object to the State‟s comments.

The Defendant contends the State persistently argued “this jury instruction”

with the knowledge that the trial court would give this instruction “to the point of

causing an impermissible presumption or shifting of the burden of proof to the

Defendant.” He asserts defense counsel had no reason or strategy for failing to object

to this instruction and to correct the State‟s impermissible argument.

The State asserts this argument was proper.

The Defendant makes general claims that he did not receive a fair trial.

However, he fails to make a showing of specific prejudice regarding the State‟s

remarks. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s thirty-eighth assignment of error lack merit.

9

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER FORTY

In his fortieth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied effective

assistance of counsel and due process when defense counsel failed to object to the

State‟s argument that, “He (Defendant) doesn‟t deserve your consideration.”

During its closing argument, the State made the following remarks(emphasis

added):

Responsive verdicts. Defendant dun‟t [sic] deserve that break. Attempted
. . . and I‟m not even gonna [sic] talk about the other stuff. Attempted
Second Degree Murder or Attempted Manslaughter or Attempted
Aggravated Battery. What break did he, he give Ruby? He was going
over there against her will, he armed himself, he invaded the home of a
woman and her daughter with no one there to protect „em [sic]. And he
wants to tell us it‟s self-defense. He doesn’t deserve your
consideration. We have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he is
guilty of Attempted Second Degree Murder.

Defense counsel did not lodge an objection.

The Defendant makes general claims that he did not receive a fair trial.

However, he fails to make a showing of specific prejudice regarding the State‟s

remarks. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s fortieth assignment of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER FORTY-ONE

When instructing the jury, the trial court stated: “you may infer that the

Defendant intended the natural and probably consequences of his actions.” The

Defendant contends this instruction was improper.

Defense counsel did not object to this instruction; thus, the Defendant failed to

properly preserve the issue asserted in assignment of error number forty-one for

review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841. Accordingly, this issue is not considered by this

court.

The Defendant asserts defense counsel was ineffective for failing to object to

this instruction. The Defendant makes general claims that he did not receive a fair

10

trial. However, he fails to make a showing of specific prejudice regarding the jury

instructions. Accordingly, this issue lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS SEVEN AND EIGHT

In his seventh assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred

in allowing into evidence hearsay evidence of the 911 emergency call.

In his eighth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel was

ineffective in failing to object to the 911 tape being allowed into evidence when it

contained hearsay evidence and no foundation was established or laid for its

introduction into evidence.

The Defendant admits that 911 tapes are normally admissible. However, they

are not admissible when they contain hearsay evidence and deprive a defendant of the

right of confrontation. The Defendant “contends he was deprived of his right of

confrontation by allowing Ruby Jones, and other persons on the phones or tape.” The

Defendant notes that Sonya Wiley Gremillion testified as to the authenticity of the

tape, but he was not given the opportunity to cross-examine and confront the callers

on the tape. As an example, the Defendant sates that an “unidentified deputy got on

the phone . . . and no one can verify the validity of the statements of the 911 callers or

the truthfulness of the statements therein.” He then asserts he was unable to cross all

the witnesses to the 911 tape.

The Defendant is aware that defense counsel did not object to the admissibility

of the 911 tape and alleges that defense counsel was ineffective for failing to do so.

He then sets forth cases involving chain of custody and states:

In light of the law, trial counsel did not cross at all on the foundation in
order to keep out the admission of the 911 [t]ape. Further, he did not
bring out the areas of [h]earsay contained therein which would have
prohibited its admission on constitutional grounds of confrontation, cross
examination and violation of [d]ue [p]rocess of [l]aw since the 911 [t]ape
required both testimonial and demonstrative foundations be established.

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The 911 tape was played for the jury, and its content is contained in the

transcript found in the record. The Defendant fails to point out which portions of the

911 tape constitute hearsay and name the persons he could not confront or cross-

examine regarding the tape and its content. Furthermore, the Defendant fails to allege

and make a showing of specific prejudice regarding defense counsel‟s failure to object

to the admission of the 911 tape. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s eighth assignment of

error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER NINE

In his ninth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred in

allowing hearsay evidence from Deputy Chad Robinson as to the Defendant taking the

keys to Jones‟s Nissan Frontier.

There was no objection to Deputy Robinson‟s testimony at trial. Thus, the

Defendant failed to properly preserve the issue asserted in assignment of error number

nine for review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841. Accordingly, we do not consider this

assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TEN

In his tenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel was

ineffective for failing to object to hearsay testimony that he took the victim‟s keys.

Deputy Chad Robinson was questioned as follows:

Q. You know at . . . later on in the day, do you know that, ah . . . did
you obtain any information as to Ms. Ruby‟s vehicle?

A. Ahm, Ms. Ruby stated that she had a red Nissan Frontier, and that
he took the keys to it and left the residence.

The Defendant notes that defense counsel failed to object to this testimony. He

then contends the testimony constituted double hearsay and was “outside of Ruby

Jones[‟s] personal knowledge.”

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In addition to Deputy Robinson‟s testimony, Jones and her daughter both

testified that the Defendant took the keys to Jones‟s vehicle and drove away. Further,

on the 911 tape, Jones stated the offender left in her vehicle.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding defense counsel‟s failure to object to Deputy Robinson‟s testimony.

Accordingly, the Defendant‟s tenth assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS THIRTEEN AND FOURTEEN

In his thirteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel

was ineffective for failing to object to hearsay testimony from Detective Kenneth

Abate regarding the Defendant‟s whereabouts.

In his fourteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel

was ineffective for failing to object when he knew the subject of the Defendant‟s

whereabouts was hearsay.

The Defendant contends Detective Abate could not verify whether the

information concerning his whereabouts was obtained from Ruby Jones, Anlanette

Jones, or the radio dispatcher.

At trial, Detective Abate was questioned as follows:

Q. Did you obtain any information where he may be?

A. From the victim, yes sir. And I was told that he was gonna [sic] be
at, ah, 2122 Monroe Street.

Detective Abate later testified that he was not sure from whom he obtained the

address.

In addition to Detective Abate‟s testimony, Jones‟s daughter told the 911

dispatcher that the offender was the Defendant and where he resided.

Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice regarding

defense counsel‟s failure to object to Detective Abate‟s testimony. Accordingly, the

Defendant‟s thirteenth and fourteenth assignments of error lack merit.

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ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS ELEVEN AND FIFTEEN

In his eleventh assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred

in admitting into evidence S-2 without a proper foundation.

In his fifteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court erred

in admitting into evidence exhibits S-2 through S-8 when Deputy Fennell did not

arrive at the alleged crime scene until 7:15 a.m.

When the State offered S-2, a photograph of Jones; S-3, a photograph of a

laceration to her left shoulder; S-4, a photograph of a laceration to her upper chest; S-

5, a photograph of a laceration; S-6, a photograph of a laceration to her upper back or

shoulder area; S-7, a photograph of two lacerations to her throat; and S-8, a

photograph of Jones‟s mouth, defense counsel stated he had no objection. As defense

counsel failed to lodge an objection to the introduction of these exhibits, the

Defendant failed to properly preserve the issues asserted in assignments of error

number eleven and fifteen for review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS TWELVE AND SIXTEEN

In his twelfth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

effective assistance of counsel where defense counsel failed to make the State lay a

proper foundation as to date, time, place, and accuracy for the introduction of S-2, S-

3, S-4, S-5, S-7, and S-8 into evidence.

In his sixteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

effective assistance of counsel because counsel failed to object to the introduction of

S-2 through S-8 when no foundation was established for their admission “and crime

scene did not arrive until 7:15 a.m.”

In assignments of error twelve and sixteen, the Defendant contends defense

counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the introduction of S-2 through S-8,

when no foundation for their admission was established, and Deputy Fennell did not

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arrive at the crime scene until three hours after the offense was committed. The

Defendant further contends the photographs were taken hours after the crime scene

was altered or tainted and no one except the Victim could testify concerning the facts

to lay a proper foundation for their admission.

The Victim, Jones, agreed that the events at issue herein occurred at about 5:30

a.m. The call to 911 was received at 6:10 a.m. Furthermore, Deputy Abate testified

that the photographs, which depicted injuries suffered by Jones, were taken by him at

Jones‟s residence at approximately 6:13 a.m. on March 8, 2009. The photographs at

issue were not taken by Deputy Fennell as asserted by the Defendant in brief to this

court.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding the admissibility of S-2 through S-8. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s twelfth

and sixteenth assignments of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER SEVENTEEN

In his seventeenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

effective assistance of counsel because defense counsel failed to object to S-10 and S-

11. S-10 is a photograph of Jones‟s kitchen, and S-11 is a photograph of a suspected

blood smear on a tile floor.

Deputy Fennell testified that he arrived at Jones‟s residence at 7:15 a.m. and

took photographs between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. He also identified what was depicted in

the photographs.

However, the Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific

prejudice regarding the admissibility of S-10 and S-11. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s

seventeenth assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TWENTY

In his twentieth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court

erred in admitting S-9 through S-17 on grounds of failure to lay a proper foundation,

15

particularly where there was no testimony as to the condition of the “windows house”

prior to the alleged crimes, but only the condition three hours after the incident.

S-9 was a knife found inside the residence, S-10 is a photograph of Jones‟s

kitchen, and S-11 is a photograph of a suspected blood smear on a tile floor. At the

time these exhibits were introduced by the State, defense counsel failed to object to

their admission. As defense counsel failed to object to the admission of S-9, S-10,

and S-11, the Defendant failed to properly preserve the issue of their admissibility for

review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841.

Defense counsel objected after the State offered S-12, a photograph of a

suspected blood stain on carpet, stating the following: “I‟m gonna [sic] make an

objection, ah, based on my cross-examination of the witness that I might . . . the

condition of the windows and when exactly he took „em [sic], and where [sic] they in

exactly that condition.” S-12 was not covered by the objection, as it was not a

photograph of windows. Thus, defense counsel did not lodge an objection covering

S-12. Accordingly, the Defendant failed to properly preserve the issue of the

admissibility of S-12 for review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841.

When S-13, a photograph of a box fan with suspected blood on it, was

introduced, defense counsel stated he had no objection. Defense counsel did not

object to the admissibility of S-14, a photograph of the side of a heater, and S-15, a

photograph of a door, either. As defense counsel failed to lodge an objection to the

introduction of S-13, S-14, and S-15, the Defendant failed to properly preserve the

issue of their admissibility for review. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841.

Defense counsel did object to the admission of S-16, a photograph of a window

on the back of Jones‟s house, and S-17, a close up of the windows depicted in S-16.

The Defendant contends the trial court erred in admitting these exhibits because a

proper foundation for their admission was not established.

16

Generally, photographs are admissible if they illustrate any fact,
shed light upon any fact or issue in the case, or are relevant to describe
the person, place, or thing depicted, subject to the test that their probative
value outweighs any prejudicial effect. The proper foundation for the
admission of a photograph into evidence is laid when a witness having
personal knowledge of the subject depicted by the photograph identifies
it as such. It is well settled that a photograph need not be identified by
the person who took it to be admissible.

State v. Lanieux, 09-675, pp. 5-6 (La.App. 5 Cir. 3/9/10), 39 So.3d 606, 609

(footnotes omitted).

Deputy Fennell testified that he arrived at Jones‟s residence at 7:15 a.m. and

took the photographs between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. He also identified what was

depicted in the photographs. Accordingly, a proper foundation was laid for the

admissibility of S-16 and S-17.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER THIRTY-FOUR

In his thirty-fourth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court

erred in admitting Ruby Jones‟s medical records without a proper foundation when

neither the State nor the defense pointed out the superficial injuries suffered by Jones

as a result of the alleged crime. At the time Jones‟s medical records were introduced

by the State, defense counsel objected, stating: “I‟m going to object to the

introduction of the medical records. Not until you‟ve qualified „em [sic] with the

person that‟s here. I‟mma [sic] object to the admission of those records.” The trial

court overruled the objection.

The Defendant notes that defense counsel did not point out the nature of Jones‟s

wounds or whether they could have been self-inflicted by Jones, who attempted to

attack an intruder not realizing it was him who had just entered her home. Further, the

State stayed away from explaining the injuries “from the medical records” as well.

The State contends any error in the admission of the medical records was

harmless, as it was not disputed that Jones went to the hospital, and she testified about

her injuries.

17

Defense counsel did not object to the introduction of the medical records on the

basis that Jones‟s injuries were not pointed out by anyone. A new basis for an

objection may not be raised for the first time on appeal. La.Code Crim.P. art. 841.

Accordingly, we do not consider this assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS TWENTY-SIX AND THIRTY

In his twenty-sixth and thirtieth assignments of error, the Defendant contends

he was denied the right to effective assistance of counsel when counsel failed to object

on grounds of relevance to the admission of Ruby Jones‟s testimony as to why she

lost her house.

Ruby Jones testified that she had worked at Piccadilly but did not return to

work there after she broke her wrist on November 11, 2008. She subsequently

testified that she lost her home because she had no income from March through

October of 2009 because the doctor determined she was totally disabled. Defense

counsel did not object to this testimony.

Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice regarding

the relevancy of Jones‟s testimony regarding her home. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s

twenty-sixth and thirtieth assignments of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TWENTY-SEVEN

In his twenty-seventh assignment of error, the Defendant contends his right to

effective assistance of counsel was denied when defense counsel failed to object to

leading the witness.

Specifically, Defendant cites the testimony of Ruby Jones. The Defendant fails

to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice regarding leading questions

directed to Ruby Jones. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s twenty-seventh assignment of

error lacks merit.

18

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TWENTY-EIGHT

In his twenty-eighth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court

erred in overruling defense counsel‟s objection to leading.

The Defendant contends the trial court erred in denying the objection to leading

questions during Ruby Jones‟s testimony. The Defendant cites record pages 132 and

133 in his brief to this court. On page 132, the following occurred:

Q. During the early morning of March 8, 2009, about 5:30 or so, did
anything wake you up from your sleep?

A. Yes. I heard a noise and I thought it was my daughter, and I called
out her name. She, I didn‟t get a answer, so I, I got up out the bed and I
called her name again. And as I was walking to my, outta my
bedroom door, J. R. was coming towards me.

Q. Who‟s J. R.?

A. Ah, Garry.

Q. Why do y‟all . . . y‟all call „im [sic] (interrupted)

A. They called „im [sic], yeah, that was his nickname.

Q. All right.

A. And the first thing I see was the butcher knife.

Q. Where did you see it, Ms. Jones?

A. It was in his hand. He stabbed me here first, my left (interrupted)

Q. In your left, left (interrupted)

A. . . . shoulder, right here.

Q. . . . chest, shoulder.

A. Chest shoulder. And he beat me down to the floor, and he stabbed
me four times in my back shoulder. (Sobs)

Q. Did he say anything while he was doing this?

A. He kept saying: “Bitch, I‟mma [sic] kill you, I‟mma [sic] kill
you”. And I was screamin‟ [sic], he kicked me in my side several times,
and he left out the room, and I was steady screamin‟ [sic] and callin‟ [sic]
on the Lord.

19

Q. Before he left out of the room, did he cut you anywhere else? Did
he get you on the floor on your stomach?

A. I was on my stomach.

Q. Did you, were you fightin‟ [sic] at that point?

BY MR. WILLIAMS: Ah, Your Honor, I‟m going to object to the
leading.

BY THE COURT: Overruled.

Generally, a leading question should not be used in the
examination of a witness. LSA-C.E. art. 611(C). A leading question is
one that suggests the answer the witness is expected to give. State v.
Lynch, 94-0543 (La.App. 1st Cir.5/5/95), 655 So.2d 470, writ denied, 95-
1441 (La.11/13/95), 662 So.2d 466. The use of leading questions is
largely within the discretion of the trial judge, and only a clear abuse of
discretion which prejudices the defendant‟s rights will justify reversal of
a conviction. Lynch, 655 So.2d at 476.

State v. Odom, 03-1772, pp. 12-13 (La.App. 1 Cir. 4/2/04), 878 So.2d 582, 592, writ

denied, 04-1105 (La. 10/8/04), 883 So.2d 1026.

“Questions calling for yes or no answers do not constitute impermissible

leading questions where the questions do not suggest the answer that the witness is

expected to give.” State v. Moore, 38,444, p. 20 (La.App. 2 Cir. 6/23/04), 877 So.2d

1027, 1040, writ denied, 04-2316 (La. 2/4/05), 893 So.2d 83.

The Defendant fails to point out any questions that were leading. The question

asked by the State immediately before defense counsel objected was not a leading

question. Nevertheless, even if some of the questions the State asked Jones were

inappropriately leading, nothing in the Defendant‟s brief indicates how those

questions were the type of prosecutorial misconduct which diminishes the reliability

of the jury‟s verdict. Further, there is no indication that the questioning led Jones to

acquiesce to any false suggestions. See Moore, Id. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s

twenty-eighth assignment of error lacks merit.

20

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER TWENTY-NINE

In his twenty-ninth assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied

the right to effective assistance of counsel when defense counsel failed to object to

Ruby Jones‟s narrative testimony.

The Defendant references record page 133, which contains Ruby Jones‟s

testimony. He contends it was a narration and should have been challenged by

defense counsel. The State contends defense counsel did not object to this testimony.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding Jones‟s testimony. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s twenty-ninth assignment

of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBER THIRTY-ONE

In his thirty-first assignment of error, the Defendant contends he was denied the

right to effective assistance of counsel when defense counsel failed to object to

leading the witness, Anlanette Jones.

The Defendant contends the State was putting words into the mouths of its

witnesses, and defense counsel did not object. Later, when counsel objected, the trial

court erred in overruling defense counsel‟s objection to leading.

The Defendant contends Ruby Jones‟s testimony as to why she lost her home

was irrelevant. He asserts the State was making a play for sympathy, which is

prohibited, and emotion, passion, and sympathy should not be the basis of a verdict.

The State asserts there was no showing that any witness acquiesced to a false

suggestion. Further, defense counsel did not object to Jones‟s narration.

Anlanette Jones was questioned as follows:

Q. You didn‟t listen to your Mama?

A. No sir.

Q. Did you tell Garry McClinton that your Mama didn‟t want „im
[sic] at your house?

21

A. Yes sir.

She was further questioned as follows:

Q. In fact, you had told „im [sic] before he was not welcome in that
house.

A. Yes sir.
Defense counsel did not object to this testimony, and the Defendant contends he was

ineffective for failing to do so.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding the questioning of Anlanette. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s thirty-first

assignment of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NUMBERS THIRTY-TWO AND THIRTY-

THREE

In his thirty-second assignment of error, the Defendant contends his right to

effective assistance of counsel was denied when defense counsel failed to object to the

admission of speculation as to what Anlanette thought was going to happen to her

mother.

In his thirty-third assignment of error, the Defendant contends his right to

effective assistance of counsel was denied when defense counsel failed to object to the

admission of the State‟s speculative question on direct, “How do you (Anlanette) feel

now that, that you didn‟t listen to your Mama?”

Anlanette Jones was questioned by the State as follows:

Q. What‟d [sic] you think was gonna [sic] happen to your Mama that
night when, when you got on the 911 call?

A. I thought she was gonna [sic] die.

....

Q. How do you feel now that, that you didn‟t listen to your Mama?

A. That I should have.

Defense counsel did not object to this testimony.

22

The Defendant contends this line of questioning was completely irrelevant and

had no probative value. The State asserts the questions were proper and, if improper,

were harmless.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding the line of questioning at issue. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s thirty-second

and thirty-third assignments of error lacks merit.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS THIRTY-SEVEN AND FORTY-

FOUR

In his thirty-seventh and forty-second assignments of error, the Defendant

contends defense counsel was ineffective because he failed to object to improper

argument by the State that “I don‟t know if he had a key that he had from his previous

time there . . . It doesn‟t matter that Anlanette let him(Defendant) in when Ruby was

gone. . . . At that time, his entry was unauthorized.”

The Defendant notes the State had charged him with unauthorized entry of an

inhabited dwelling and, if he was let in, given a key, or invited in by someone in the

house, his entry was authorized.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice.

Furthermore, the Defendant cannot prove he was prejudiced by these remarks, as the

jury found him not guilty of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Accordingly, the Defendant‟s thirty-seventh and forty-second assignments of error

lack merit.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS FORTY-THREE AND FORTY-

FOUR

In his forty-third assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court

erred “where he abused his discretion and the alleged crimes, without question were

performed at the same time, by the same act or transaction and were, if defendant is

culpable, part of a common plan or scheme where concurrent sentencing is preferred

23

unless expressly directed by the trial court.” In his forty-fourth assignment of error,

the Defendant contends the trial court erred in sentencing him, a first felony offender,

to two ten year, hard labor sentences, to run consecutively.

The Defendant quotes the trial court‟s discussion of La.Code Crim.P. art. 883,

notes the trial court ordered his sentences to be served consecutively, and asserts the

Eighth Amendment prohibits the imposition of cruel and unusual punishment. He

then asserts the twenty-year sentence served at eighty-five percent with good time is

excessive and constitutes the needless and purposeless imposition of pain and

suffering. Further, Defendant contends his sentences should run concurrently

In his motion to reconsider sentence, the Defendant set forth arguments similar

to those made in brief to this court and cited the same case law. In that motion, he

merely asked the trial court to resentence him and order his sentences to run

concurrently. Thus, the Defendant is asserting, in brief to this court, his sentences are

excessive because they were ordered to run consecutively.

The Defendant was convicted of aggravated battery, which is punishable by a

fine of not more than five thousand dollars, imprisonment with or without hard labor

for not more than ten years, or both. La.R.S. 14:34. The Defendant was also

convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which is punishable by a fine of not

more than five thousand dollars, or imprisonment with or without hard labor for not

more than ten years, or both. La.R.S. 14:68.4. The Defendant was sentenced to serve

ten years at hard labor for each offense, and the sentences were ordered to run

consecutively.

In State v. Hawkins, 06-1599, pp. 1-2 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/2/07), 956
So.2d 146, 148-49, writ denied, 07-1156 (La.12/7/07), 969 So.2d 627,
this court discussed the appropriateness of ordering consecutive
sentences as follows:

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 883
states, in pertinent part, “If the defendant is convicted of two
or more offenses based on the same act or transaction, or
constituting parts of a common scheme or plan, the terms of

24

imprisonment shall be served concurrently unless the court
expressly directs that some or all be served consecutively.”
As noted by this court in State v. Vollm, 04-837, p. 6
(La.App. 3 Cir. 11/10/04), 887 So.2d 664, 669, “The
Louisiana Supreme Court has recognized that although
concurrent sentencing is favored, it is within the trial judge‟s
discretion to impose sentences consecutively based on
factors including the defendant‟s criminal record, the
severity or violent nature of the crimes, or the danger the
defendant poses to the public. State v. Thomas, 98-1144
(La.10/9/98), 719 So.2d 49.” See also State v. Walker, 00-
3200 (La.10/12/01), 799 So.2d 461.

The court in Hawkins also addressed the factors to be considered
in ordering consecutive sentences. First, the court noted that the
imposition of consecutive sentences requires particular justification
which must be articulated beyond the standard factors considered in the
sentencing guidelines set forth in La.Code Crim.P. art. 894.1. Next, the
court observed a host of factors identified by various courts across the
state to be considered in making such a determination. These factors
were compiled by the second circuit in State v. Coleman, 32,906, p. 42
(La.App. 2 Cir. 4/5/00), 756 So.2d 1218, 1247-48, writ denied, 00-1572
(La.3/23/01), 787 So.2d 1010 (citations omitted), as follows:

[T]he defendant‟s criminal history; the gravity or
dangerousness of the offense; the viciousness of the crimes;
the harm done to the victims; whether the defendant
constitutes an unusual risk of danger to the public; the
defendant‟s apparent disregard for the property of others;
the potential for the defendant‟s rehabilitation; and whether
the defendant has received a benefit from a plea bargain.

State v. Shepherd, 08-1556, pp. 3-4 (La.App. 3 Cir. 6/3/09), 11 So.3d 729, 731-

329(alteration in original).

When ordering the Defendant‟s sentences in the case at bar to be served

consecutively, the trial court stated:

Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 883: “If a
defendant is convicted of two or more offenses based upon the same act
or transaction or constituting parts of a common scheme or plan, the
terms of imprisonment shall be served concurrently unless the court
expressly directs that some or all be served consecutively. Other
sentences of imprisonment shall be served consecutively unless the court
expressly directs that some or all of them be served concurrently. In the
case of a concurrent sentence the judge shall specify and the court
minutes shall reflect the day from which the sentences are to run
concurrent. Louisiana courts have adhered to the general rule that
concurrent sentences are preferred for crimes that arise out of a single

25

course of criminal conduct. This rule will normally apply to a defendant
without a previous criminal record and in the absence of a showing that
public safety requires a harsher sentence. However consecutive
sentences are not necessarily exsex [sic], excessive when prescribed for
convictions arising out of a single course of conduct. The judge court
has wide discretion in sentencing a defendant and that discretion is not
abused when part of the sentence is to be concurrent but another sentence
or part of the other remainder is to run consecutively or it‟s run
consecutively under Louisiana law.” (As Read)

Under Article 883 and the general rule followed by Louisiana courts in
order to impose consecutive sentences there are certain factors that have
to be considered. Ah, one would be the Defendant‟s criminal history. In
this case the Defendant‟s criminal history is not as extensive as many of
the, ah, situations we deal with. I note for the record that there were,
according to the information I have available to me, there were, ah,
fifteen bookings. But I, I do not note any previous felony convictions.

Another factor is the gravity or dangerousness of the offense. As
discussed before, this is an absolutely brutal crime that completely
destroyed an older lady in our community. It damaged her both (sic)
physically, emotionally and financially. Another factor is the viciousness
of the crime. I heard Mrs. Jones‟s test, Ms. Jones‟s testimony that she
was stabbed repeatedly and her throat was cut, ah, the description of her
attack was absolutely horrifying. The harm done to the victim: It goes
without saying in this case Ms. Jones‟s life has been destroyed as a result
of this crime. Whether the Defendant constitutes an unusual risk of
danger to the public. While I respect the opinion of his family that he has
been a good young man, I have to judge on history, and clearly he‟s
demonstrated a propensity for violence. Another factor is the
Defendant‟s apparent disregard for the property of others. Ah, he
stabbed and cut Ms. Jones, cut her throat and then took her vehicle in
disregard for her rights in that property.

Another is the potential of the Defendant for rehabilitation. That‟s hard
to assess in this case due to the vicious nature of the attack. I am
troubled because the Defendant keeps referring to this vicious stabbing
and throat cutting as a misunderstanding. Ah, certainly this is was a
brutal crime of violence that could‟ve, that certainly could have killed
Mrs. Jones, Ms. Jones. The Defendant has not acknowledged the vicious
nature of the attack.

In Shepherd, the defendant entered the home of the “60-some-year-old” victim.

Id at 731. While in the victim‟s home, the defendant armed himself with the victim‟s

pistol and shot the victim in the chest. The defendant then fled from the victim‟s

home with the victim‟s pistol and wallet. He pled guilty to aggravated battery, armed

robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to

twenty-two years at hard labor without benefits for armed robbery and ten years at

26

hard labor without benefits for possession of a firearm. The sentences were ordered to

run concurrently. For aggravated battery, the defendant was sentenced to serve eight

years without benefits, to run consecutively to the other two sentences. On appeal, the

defendant argued the trial court erred in ordering his sentence for aggravated battery

to be served consecutively, thereby resulting in an excessive sentence.

When addressing the defendant‟s claim in Shepherd, this court discussed

several cases involving consecutive sentences, stating:

There are several cases in the jurisprudence wherein consecutive
sentences were ordered for offenses arising out of a common scheme or
plan. In State v. Leyva-Martinez, 07-1255 (La.App. 3 Cir. 4/30/08), 981
So.2d 276, writ denied, 08-1200 (La.1/30/09), 999 So.2d 747, the
defendant raped a woman and then stole her vehicle. He was later found
guilty of aggravated rape and carjacking and sentenced to life
imprisonment without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of
sentence for aggravated rape, and to ten years at hard labor for
carjacking, to run consecutively to his sentence for aggravated rape.

In Hawkins, 956 So.2d 146, the defendant burglarized two homes
during a single day. He pled guilty to two counts of simple burglary of
an inhabited dwelling and was sentenced to twelve years on each count to
run concurrently to one another. For the seventeen counts of theft of a
firearm, the defendant was sentenced to ten years at hard labor on each
count, the sentences to run concurrently to one another, but consecutively
to the sentences for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

In State v. Runyon, 06-823 (La.App. 3 Cir. 12/6/06), 944 So.2d
820, writ denied, 07-49 (La.9/21/07), 964 So.2d 330, the defendant
received consecutive sentences for his convictions for manslaughter and
aggravated battery, thirty years and ten years respectively, which arose
out of the same course of conduct. In affirming the consecutive
sentences, the court observed that the defendant initiated a violent attack
of four armed men against two unarmed men in which the first victim
was killed. Additionally, the court noted that the defendant exhibited
little or no remorse.

In the instant case, the trial court articulated several factors for
imposing consecutive sentences, including the dangerousness and
viciousness of the crime and the harm done to the victim. Additionally,
the trial court noted the fact that the Defendant derived a significant
benefit from his plea agreement, thereby greatly reducing his sentencing
exposure. Prior to his plea, the Defendant faced a maximum possible
sentence of fifty years without benefit of parole, probation or suspension
of sentence for attempted first degree murder. La.R.S. 14:27 and 14:30.
As such, we find that the trial court adequately and appropriately
expressed its reasons for imposing consecutive sentences and, thus, did
not abuse its discretion.

27

Id. at 732-33 (footnote omitted).

The convictions in the case at bar arose from the same act or transaction, or out

of a common scheme or plan, a situation in which concurrent sentences are favored.

However, the trial court adequately expressed its reasons for imposing consecutive

sentences. Accordingly, assignments of error forty-three and forty-four lack merit.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS THIRTY-FIVE AND THIRTY-SIX

In his thirty-fifth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel

was ineffective when he stipulated to the DNA test results without cross-examining on

lab foundation, protocols, mathematical calculations, and probabilities without

consulting him. In his thirty-sixth assignment of error, the Defendant contends

defense counsel was ineffective in that he failed to cross and point out to the jury the

expert‟s qualifications, that she did not know how the DNA got on the knife, and the

Defendant was continually inside the house for over a year.

The Defendant contends that defense counsel had no right to stipulate to the

expertise of Adriana Perez in the field of DNA analysis, laboratory protocols, and

handling of samples when he could have used her to testify that she did not know and

could not know how his DNA and that of Jones could be “in the same house, or on the

knife, or what the probabilities were when she was not present at the alleged crime

scene without Defendant‟s informed consent.”

At trial, the parties entered the following stipulations:

The State and Defense further stipulate that Ms. Perez was the scientist
assigned to perform the DNA analysis in the, on these items, okay?

We further stipulate that Ms. Perez performed the DNA extractions of
these above listed items using the North Louisiana Criminalistics
Laboratory protocols and that the DNA profiles were obtained from the
above listed items, from which Ms. Perez formed the following
professional and expert opinions. Her opinion as, was A) the DNA
profile obtained from the swab of suspected blood from the kitchen knife,
State‟s Exhibit Number Nine, was consistent with the DNA profile
obtained from the reference sample from Ruby Jones, State‟s Exhibit
Number Twenty-three. The probability of finding the same DNA profile

28

in the DNA had come from a randomly sel . . . the probability of finding
the same DNA profile if the DNA had come from a randomly selected
individual other than Ruby Jones was approximately one and four
hundred and eighty-nine quadrillion.

She would further testify as to expert opinion B) the DNA profile
obtained from the swab from the cuticles of Garry W. McClinton, State‟s
Exhibit Number Twenty-two (sic), was consistent with being a mixture
of DNA from at least two individuals. The DNA profile from the
cuticles from Garry McClinton was three hundred and forty-six trillion
times more likely to be a mixture of DNA from Garry W. McClinton and
Ruby Jones than a mixture of DNA from Garry W. McClinton and an
unknown, unrelated individual. We would offer that stipulation.

BY MR. SHANNON: Is that our agreement?

BY MR. WILLIAMS: That is our agreement.

The Defendant fails to allege and make a showing of specific prejudice

regarding the line of questioning at issue. Accordingly, the Defendant‟s thirty-fifth

and thirty-sixth assignments of error lack merit.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR NUMBERS EIGHTEEN, NINETEEN, TWENTY-

ONE, TWENTY-TWO, TWENTY-THREE, TWENTY-FOUR, AND TWENTY-

FIVE

In his eighteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends the trial court

erred in overruling defense counsel‟s objection to the admission of S-12. In his

nineteenth assignment of error, the Defendant contends defense counsel failed to

object to the admission of S-13, S-14, and S-15.

In assignments of error twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, and

twenty-five, the Defendant contends defense counsel was ineffective for failing to

object to the admission of S-18, S-20, S-22, S-23, and S-9 respectively.

These assignments of error have not been briefed. Accordingly, assignments of

error numbers eighteen, nineteen, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four,

and twenty-five have been abandoned. Uniform Rule—Courts of Appeal, Rule 2-

12.4.

29

DISPOSITION

The Defendant‟s sentences are hereby affirmed.

AFFIRMED.

This opinion is NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION. Uniform

Rules-Courts of Appeal. Rule 2-16.3.

30