Luper v. State , 501 S.W.3d 812 ( 2016 )

Cite as 2016 Ark. 371
SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS
No. CR-16-244
Opinion Delivered: November 3, 2016
MARK AARON LUPER
APPELLANT
V. APPEAL FROM THE BENTON
COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
STATE OF ARKANSAS [NO. 04-CR-761]
APPELLEE
HONORABLE ROBIN F. GREEN,
JUDGE
AFFIRMED.
HOWARD W. BRILL, Chief Justice
Appellant Mark Aaron Luper appeals the order denying his petition for
postconviction relief. Luper was convicted by a Benton County jury of the rape of his
former stepdaughter, S.H., and sentenced to twenty-three years’ imprisonment in the
Arkansas Department of Correction. Luper appealed, and the court of appeals affirmed. See
Luper v. State, 2015 Ark. App. 440, 468 S.W.3d 289.1 Thereafter, Luper filed a petition for
1
The underlying facts leading to Luper’s conviction were set forth in detail in Luper,
2015 Ark. App. 440, 468 S.W.3d 289. Briefly, S.H. testified that late on the evening of June
11, 2012, or early in the morning on June 12, she had fallen asleep on the couch while she
and Luper watched a movie. She stated that she awoke with an intense pain in her vagina
and abdomen, that she felt Luper’s hand on the inside of her leg, and that her inner thigh
was wet. Although she had initially told her mother and investigators that Luper had inserted
his finger into her vagina that night, she later revealed and testified that she believed he had
actually inserted his penis. Seminal fluid was found on S.H.’s sleeping shorts, the underwear
she was wearing that night, and the underwear she was wearing the next day. Sperm cells
were found on the inner crotch area of both pairs of underwear, and semen was found on
the thigh area of the shorts. Testing revealed that Luper was a major DNA contributor to
the sperm cells and the semen.
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postconviction relief pursuant to Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 37.1, in which he
asserted eleven claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel. The circuit court denied the
petition without a hearing. For reversal, Luper contends that he was entitled to an
evidentiary hearing on five of the claims in his petition.2 Luper asserts that trial counsel was
ineffective (1) for failing to call a witness to corroborate his defense that the “false” allegation
of rape was a means for Robin Luper,3 the victim’s mother, to obtain leverage in her divorce
action against him, (2) for not adequately exploring Robin’s “financial demands and
obligations,” (3) for failing to show the jury videos depicting S.H. and him at Walmart the
day after the rape, (4) for failing to obtain S.H.’s phone records, and (5) for failing to dispute
S.H.’s claim that her sister, H.H., had never attended car shows with him. We affirm the
circuit court’s order.
This court does not reverse a denial of postconviction relief unless the circuit court’s
findings are clearly erroneous. E.g., Turner v. State, 2016 Ark. 96, 486 S.W.3d 757. A finding
is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence to support it, after reviewing the entire
evidence, we are left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been
committed. Id., 486 S.W.3d 757. In making a determination on a claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel, this court considers the totality of the evidence. E.g., State v. Harrison,
2012 Ark. 198, 404 S.W.3d 830.
2
Luper does not challenge the circuit court’s rulings on the six other claims raised in
his petition. Claims raised below but not argued on appeal are considered abandoned. E.g.,
Hayes v. State, 2011 Ark. 327, 383 S.W.3d 824 (per curiam).
3
To avoid confusion, we will refer to Robin Luper by her first name.
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On review of claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, this court follows the
standard set forth by the Supreme Court of the United States in Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668 (1984). To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the petitioner
must show that (1) counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) the deficient performance
prejudiced his defense. E.g., Doty v. State, 2016 Ark. 341.
Under the performance prong of the Strickland test, the petitioner must show that
counsel’s performance was deficient. E.g., Decay v. State, 2014 Ark. 387, 441 S.W.3d 899.
This factor requires a showing that trial counsel made errors so serious that counsel was not
functioning as the “counsel” guaranteed the petitioner by the Sixth Amendment to the
United States Constitution. Id., 441 S.W.3d 899. The courts acknowledge a strong
presumption that counsel’s conduct fell within the wide range of reasonable professional
assistance. See, e.g., Henington v. State, 2012 Ark. 181, 403 S.W.3d 55. Accordingly, the
petitioner has the burden of overcoming this presumption by identifying specific acts or
omissions of counsel, which, when viewed from counsel’s perspective at the time of trial,
could not have been the result of reasonable professional judgment. Id., 403 S.W.3d 55.
Under the prejudice prong of Strickland, even if counsel’s conduct is shown to be
professionally unreasonable, the judgment will stand unless the petitioner can demonstrate
that the error had an actual prejudicial effect on the outcome of the proceeding. E.g., Lee
v. State, 2009 Ark. 255, 308 S.W.3d 596. In short, the petitioner must show “a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would
have been different.” See id., 308 S.W.3d 596 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694). A
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reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome of
the trial. E.g., Doty, 2016 Ark. 341.
“Failure to make the required showing of either deficient performance or sufficient
prejudice defeats the ineffectiveness claim.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 700. Accordingly, we
need not address the Strickland components in a particular order or even address both
components of the inquiry if the petitioner makes an insufficient showing on one. See
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697. The Court has stated that “[i]f it is easier to dispose of an
ineffectiveness claim on the ground of lack of sufficient prejudice, which we expect will
often be so, that course should be followed.” Id.
I. Financial Motive
Luper first contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to call Charles Mayhew
to testify during the guilt phase of the trial. 4 According to Luper, Mayhew would have
testified that Robin “had made a statement concerning the sale of Luper’s 1967 Camaro to
the effect that when it sold, she would ‘have everything I need.’” Luper contends that this
testimony would have bolstered his assertion that the “false” allegation of rape was a means
for Robin to “obtain leverage” in her divorce action against him.
Robin testified that, since 2005, she and Luper had lived together with her three
children, Luper’s youngest son from a previous marriage, and a child that she and Luper had
together. She stated that she and Luper divorced in 2013 and that she was not better off
financially after the divorce than she was when she and Luper were married. She testified
4
Mayhew testified for Luper in the sentencing phase of the trial.
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that their furniture, televisions, and appliances were sold at auction and that she and Luper
split the proceeds from the auction evenly.
Robin stated that the house was in both her name and Luper’s name. She testified
that she will live in the home until the child she and Luper have together turns eighteen.
Robin stated when that child turns eighteen, the house will be sold, and she and Luper will
split the proceeds equally. She also stated that, because she lives in the home rent-free, Luper
is not obligated to pay child support for their child. Robin denied that the rape charge had
benefited her family.
Robin testified that Luper’s oldest son died in December 2010 while in the Army
and that Luper was the beneficiary of his son’s $500,000 military life insurance policy. She
stated that, with that money, she and Luper paid off their mortgage, bought a new Yukon
vehicle, bought her parents a car, bought cars for S.H. and Luper’s teenaged son, and gave
money to the widow of Luper’s deceased son and to his sons’ grandparents. Robin testified
that she and Luper had built an addition to their house and installed an above-ground
swimming pool. She denied that she thought that “things might be different if [Luper] was
in prison for 30 or 40 years rather than going through the divorce process as a free man.”
Robin stated that Luper’s incarceration “didn’t get me anything . . . and actually made it
harder.”
Luper testified and confirmed Robin’s testimony about how the insurance money
had been spent. He further testified that he had bought himself a 1967 Camaro for $28,500.
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S.H. testified that Luper’s arrest did not help her financially. She said that, when
Luper left the household, he took the car he had given her. According to S.H., she no
longer had money to pay for college as she had before Luper was arrested.
Luper maintains that Mayhew’s testimony would have disputed Robin’s testimony
that there was no financial motive for S.H. to claim that Luper had raped her. The State
points out that Mayhew testified on Luper’s behalf during the sentencing phase of the trial
and said that he is a friend of Luper’s. The State contends that Mayhew would be biased
because of his friendship with Luper and that anything Robin might have said to Mayhew
about selling the Camaro would not prove that she expected her financial issues to be
resolved from the sale of the vehicle.
The jury determines not only the credibility of witnesses, but also the weight and
value of their testimony. See, e.g., Jones v. State, 2014 Ark. 448, 486 S.W.3d 743. Mayhew’s
testimony may have had an adverse effect on Robin’s credibility. On the other hand, the
jury might have dismissed Mayhew’s testimony, given his friendship with Luper. In short,
the jury might not have resolved the credibility determination in Luper’s favor.
When assessing counsel’s decision not to call a witness, we must take into account
that the decision is largely a matter of professional judgment that experienced advocates
could endlessly debate. E.g., Williams v. State, 2011 Ark. 489, 385 S.W.3d 228. The fact
that there was a witness who could have offered beneficial testimony is not, in and of itself,
proof of counsel’s ineffectiveness. Id., 385 S.W.3d 228. Luper has failed to show that, had
counsel presented Mayhew’s testimony, the outcome of the trial would have been different.
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See Moten v. State, 2013 Ark. 503 (per curiam). Thus, he has failed to satisfy the prejudice
prong of Strickland. The circuit court did not err in denying relief on this claim.
II. Financial Demands
In a corollary argument, Luper contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to
adequately explore Robin’s “financial demands.” He claims that, had counsel asked Robin
about her demands that he sign over the house and automobiles to her, there is a reasonable
probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different. We disagree.
Luper testified that the day after the rape allegation had been made, he and Robin
began negotiations for their divorce. He stated that he refused to sign over the house, cars,
and household furnishings to Robin. He further stated that he refused to pay the household
debts. Robin testified that the household furnishings were auctioned with the proceeds split
equally between Luper and her. She also testified that when the house is sold, she and Luper
will split the proceeds evenly.
Robin testified at length about financial matters on both direct and cross-
examination. Luper’s attorney specifically asked Robin if she “thought that things might be
different if [Luper] was in prison for 30 or 40 years rather than going through the divorce
process as a free man,” and she responded that she had not benefited financially from Luper’s
being in jail.
Trial counsel told the jury in opening statement that the case was not about rape
allegations but was about money. In closing argument, trial counsel stated that the allegations
were a “money motivator” for Robin. The jury heard testimony about the Lupers’ finances
and divorce. Luper has failed to demonstrate that additional questioning about Robin’s
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“demands” would have had any effect on the outcome of the trial. The circuit court did
not err in denying relief on this claim.
III. Walmart Videos
Luper’s remaining arguments involve evidentiary matters. He asserts that counsel was
ineffective for failing to present at trial videos from Walmart showing that Luper and S.H.
were together the day after the rape. Luper acknowledges that both he and S.H. testified
that they went to Walmart together that day, but he asserts that the videos should have been
presented to show S.H.’s demeanor. The State responds that neither S.H. nor Luper testified
that S.H.’s demeanor was other than normal, and that in the absence of testimony that S.H.
displayed fear or emotion while at Walmart, there was nothing for the videos to rebut.
This court will not grant an evidentiary hearing on an allegation that is not supported
by specific facts from which it can be concluded that the petitioner suffered some actual
prejudice. E.g., McDaniels v. State, 2014 Ark. 181, 432 S.W.3d 644. Here, the video
evidence would have been cumulative to testimony about the trip to Walmart. Luper has
failed to show that the outcome of the trial would have been different if counsel had
presented the videos. See, e.g., Simpson v. State, 355 Ark. 294, 138 S.W.3d 671 (2003)
(stating that the omission of cumulative evidence does not deprive the defense of vital
evidence). The circuit court did not err in denying relief on this claim without a hearing.
IV. Phone Records
Luper contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to obtain S.H.’s phone records.
He claims that, if counsel had procured the records, he could have shown the jury that S.H.
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was using her phone when the rape occurred and that the phone contained text messages
in which Robin had encouraged S.H. to falsely allege that he had raped her.
Luper does not offer any proof that exculpatory evidence could have been found in
the phone records. Nevertheless, he claims that if a hearing is held, he will have subpoena
power to obtain and present the records. The strong presumption in favor of counsel’s
effectiveness cannot be overcome by a mere possibility that an evidentiary hearing might
produce evidence to bolster an allegation contained in a petition for postconviction relief.
E.g., McDaniels, 2014 Ark. 181, 432 S.W.3d 644; see also Hayes v. State, 280 Ark. 509, 660
S.W.2d 648 (1983) (per curiam) (stating that Rule 37 is not available to the petitioner who
wishes to have a hearing in the hopes of finding some ground for relief). The circuit court
did not err in denying relief on this claim without a hearing.
V. Car Shows
Finally, Luper contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to ask H.H., S.H.’s
sister, if he ever took her to car shows and for not calling his aunt and his brother to testify
that he had taken H.H. to car shows. He states that this testimony would rebut the
implications that he was singling out and isolating S.H. so that he could molest her.
H.H. testified and was excused before S.H. was called. H.H. was not asked whether
she had attended car shows with Luper. S.H. testified that she did not “think” H.H. had
ever gone to car shows with Luper. Luper testified that he had taken H.H. to at least four
car shows. Any additional testimony would have been cumulative to Luper’s assertion that
he had taken H.H. to car shows. The failure to call witnesses whose testimony would be
cumulative to testimony already presented does not deprive the defense of vital evidence.
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E.g., Bond v. State, 2013 Ark. 298, 429 S.W.3d 185 (per curiam). Luper’s failure to
demonstrate prejudice precludes relief under Rule 37. E.g., Dansby v. State, 350 Ark. 60,
84 S.W.3d 857 (2002). The circuit court did not err in denying Luper relief on this claim.
VI. Hearing
In conclusion, we disagree with Luper’s contention that he was entitled to a hearing.
An evidentiary hearing is required unless the petition and the files and records of the case
conclusively show that the petitioner is not entitled to relief. Ark. R. Crim. P. 37.3(a).
Having reviewed the petition and the files and records of the case, we conclude that Luper
is not entitled to postconviction relief. The circuit court did not err in denying Luper’s
petition without a hearing.
Affirmed.
Jeff Rosenzweig, for appellant.
Leslie Rutledge, Att’y Gen., by: Brad Newman, Ass’t Att’y Gen., for appellee
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