State v. Bodenbach ( 2019 )

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Docket No. 45599
STATE OF IDAHO, )
)
Plaintiff-Respondent, )
Boise, May 2019 Term
v. )
)
Filed: September 3, 2019
ADAM DAVID BODENBACH, )
)
Karel A. Lehrman, Clerk
Defendant-Appellant. )
)
)
Appeal from the District Court of the Fourth Judicial District of the State of
Idaho, Ada County. Steven J. Hippler, District Judge.
The judgment of the district court is affirmed.
Ferguson Durham, PLLC, Boise, for appellant Adam David Bodenbach. Craig H.
Durham argued.
Lawrence G. Wasden, Idaho Attorney General, Boise, for respondent State of Idaho.
Kenneth K. Jorgensen argued.
_____________________
STEGNER, Justice.
Adam David Bodenbach (Bodenbach) appeals from the judgment of conviction entered
against him in Ada County District Court for first-degree murder and possession of cocaine.
First, Bodenbach argues that the district court’s “initial aggressor” jury instruction created
reversible error because the instruction was unnecessary, confusing, and misstated Idaho law.
Second, Bodenbach appeals the denial of his motion to suppress statements he made shortly after
the shooting during a police interview. He argues that he did not knowingly and intelligently 1
waive his Miranda rights because he was under the influence of drugs. Finally, Bodenbach
argues that the district court abused its discretion when it sentenced him. For the reasons set forth
in this opinion, we affirm Bodenbach’s judgment of conviction and sentence.
1
Ordinarily, in order to waive one’s Miranda rights, the waiver must be made knowingly, intelligently, and
voluntarily. However, in this case, Bodenbach’s counsel has conceded that the waiver was voluntary. Consequently,
the analysis is limited to whether Bodenbach’s waiver was knowing and intelligent.
1
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
In the early morning of January 6, 2017, Bodenbach shot and killed Ryan Harrison Banks
(Banks) at the Park Village Apartments in Boise, Idaho. At the time of the killing, Bodenbach
resided in a two-bedroom apartment that he shared with Jacob Kimsey (Kimsey). Banks lived in
the same complex as Bodenbach and Kimsey but in an apartment that was across the courtyard
from theirs.
On January 5, 2017, sometime between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m., Bodenbach purchased and
injected himself with cocaine. Bodenbach claimed that Kimsey also injected himself with
cocaine around that time. Kimsey and Banks then drove to a convenience store to purchase
alcohol before the two of them returned to the apartment Kimsey shared with Bodenbach.
Around 10:00 p.m., Bodenbach and Kimsey began arguing about whether Bodenbach could
borrow Kimsey’s car. The argument escalated and Kimsey shoved Bodenbach away from him.
Banks intervened and pushed Bodenbach back into Bodenbach’s bedroom and onto the bed.
Banks was on top of Bodenbach pinning him to the bed. Bodenbach testified that Banks was
choking him. 2
Kimsey pulled Banks off Bodenbach and walked him back to Banks’ apartment across
the courtyard. Kimsey testified that Banks was emotional after the altercation with Bodenbach.
Kimsey stayed with Banks for approximately five minutes attempting to calm him down.
Once he believed that Banks was no longer agitated, Kimsey went to check on
Bodenbach. When Kimsey arrived at the apartment, he saw Bodenbach flipping his mattress over
and throwing clothes around in an effort to locate his pistol. Bodenbach accused Banks of
stealing his gun. Kimsey decided to return to Banks’ apartment, assuming Bodenbach would
calm down.
According to Kimsey, Banks was still emotional upon his return. There is conflicting
evidence as to whether Banks had a knife on him at this time. Kimsey testified during trial that
he did not see a knife on Banks at any time that night. However, during his interview with the
police the night of Banks’ death, Kimsey stated that Banks had been carrying a knife before he
was shot.
2
There was a considerable difference in size between Bodenbach and Banks. Bodenbach is 5’9” tall and weighed
150 pounds. Banks was over six feet tall and weighed more than 200 pounds.
2
Bodenbach eventually found his gun. He testified he decided to go to Banks’ apartment
to check on Kimsey, as he was worried Banks might harm him. Bodenbach took his pistol and
walked across the courtyard to Banks’ apartment.
Kimsey’s and Bodenbach’s stories diverge at this point. Bodenbach testified at trial that
he knocked on Banks’ door, identifying himself and falsely saying that the police were with him.
Bodenbach claimed that he stated this because he was concerned about what Banks might do.
However, Kimsey testified as follows: He did not hear Bodenbach knocking. Rather, he and
Banks had decided to go outside to smoke cigarettes. Kimsey opened the door for Banks and
Banks walked out first, pausing after walking through the door. Once Kimsey walked through
the door, he could see Bodenbach pointing a gun in their direction and heard Bodenbach yell at
Banks, “You thought I was fucking kidding. You think I’m a fucking punk.” Bodenbach testified
that he never raised the gun but rather had it in his jacket pocket.
Banks said nothing in response to Bodenbach but lunged towards him. Once Banks
moved towards Bodenbach, Kimsey could not see Bank’s front or Bodenbach’s gun. Bodenbach
claimed that prior to Banks lunging at him, Banks reached down to his waistband and pulled out
a knife. Banks pushed Bodenbach into a pillar. Bodenbach claimed it was at this time that he
reached for his gun and shot Banks. Banks fell down. Bodenbach ran off. The shooting occurred
shortly after midnight.
As he was returning to his apartment, Bodenbach called 911 and told the operator he had
shot someone in the leg. (Banks had been shot in the chest.) Bodenbach then returned to his
apartment and set his gun on a table. He testified that he was agitated and decided to take some
Xanax to calm down. After purportedly taking the medication, Bodenbach went to check on
Banks.
The Boise Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls. The officers encountered
Bodenbach talking on a phone and holding a knife, which he later claimed to have found on the
ground near where he shot Banks. He was ordered to drop the knife and was handcuffed. Banks
was located in a neighbor’s apartment. He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.
Once Bodenbach was arrested, Bodenbach complained of pain in his neck and back. He
was transported to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center where he was examined and held for
several hours. Around 2:00 a.m. on January 6, 2017, Boise Police Detective Jason Pietrzak
(Pietrzak) came to the hospital to interview Bodenbach. Bodenbach later testified he did not
3
remember being interrogated by Pietrzak. After the interview, Bodenbach was discharged from
the hospital and booked into the Ada County Jail.
The State charged Bodenbach with first-degree murder, the commission of a crime with a
firearm, 3 and possession of cocaine. Before trial, Bodenbach filed a motion to suppress
statements he made during the police interview at the hospital, arguing that he did not knowingly
and intelligently waive his Miranda rights because he was under the influence of Xanax. The
district court denied the motion, finding that Bodenbach was not under the influence of Xanax,
and, even if he were, he knowingly and intelligently waived his Miranda rights.
The case proceeded to trial. The State and Bodenbach presented their cases, during which
Bodenbach did not testify. After both parties had rested, the district court stated it was
considering giving an instruction to the jury that would not allow Bodenbach to claim self-
defense if he had been the “initial aggressor.” Neither party had offered such a proposed
instruction, nor is such an instruction contained in the Idaho Criminal Jury Instructions (ICJI).
The district court ruled that it intended to give an “initial aggressor” jury instruction, but
it allowed the defense to reopen its case to allow Bodenbach the opportunity to testify in his own
defense. Bodenbach took the stand and testified. During the instruction conference, Bodenbach’s
counsel made a general objection to the district court giving an “initial aggressor” instruction.
The district court asked defense counsel if he objected to the language contained in the proposed
instruction, to which he replied “no.” Over the objection of defense counsel, the district court
provided the jury with an instruction outlining when an initial aggressor is entitled to claim self-
defense—Instruction No. 28.
The jury found Bodenbach guilty of first-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the
commission of a crime, and possession of cocaine. The district court sentenced Bodenbach to life
in prison with twenty-five years fixed for the murder (including the sentencing enhancement for
use of a firearm) and to a concurrent seven years with three years fixed for the possession of a
controlled substance. Bodenbach timely appealed. 4
3
Violation of Idaho Code section 19-2520, use of a firearm or deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, is
not a substantive crime; rather, it is a sentencing enhancement if the defendant is found guilty of the underlying
crime. However, pursuant to the statute, it must be charged separately in the information.
4
Bodenbach has not appealed his conviction or sentence for possession of cocaine.
4
II. ANALYSIS
A. There was no reversible error in the district court’s giving of the initial aggressor
jury instruction.
After the defense reopened its case and Bodenbach testified, the district court provided to
counsel a proposed jury instruction regarding what an initial aggressor needed to do in order to
claim self-defense. Bodenbach’s counsel gave a general objection to the initial aggressor
instruction. The district court overruled the general objection and provided the instruction to the
jury.
On appeal, Bodenbach argues that the district court erred in instructing the jury that a
defendant was not entitled to claim self-defense if the defendant was the initial aggressor.
Bodenbach further argues that the initial aggressor instruction misstated Idaho law, was unclear
and vague, and improperly reduced the State’s burden to prove that the homicide was unlawful.
The State argues that the issue was not preserved below because Bodenbach failed to
make any of these arguments to the district court. The State contends that making a general
objection to the instruction as a whole, but not objecting on a specific ground, was not enough to
preserve the issue on appeal. Further, the State argues that Bodenbach failed to properly claim,
let alone prove, fundamental error.
1. The only issue preserved is whether an initial aggressor instruction is appropriate
under Idaho law.
The threshold issue is whether Bodenbach properly preserved the argument regarding the
initial aggressor jury instruction. “This Court will not consider issues raised for the first time on
appeal.” State v. Garcia-Rodriguez, 162 Idaho 271, 275, 396 P.3d 700, 704 (2017) (quoting
Mickelsen Constr., Inc. v. Horrocks, 154 Idaho 396, 405, 299 P.3d 203, 212 (2013)).
Here, Bodenbach’s counsel specifically objected to the giving of the instruction.
However, the discussion between the district court and Bodenbach’s counsel is informative.
THE COURT: [I]f I do give a first aggressor instruction, do you have a problem
with the language of this one?
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: No.
....
THE COURT: Okay. I’ll let you be heard on the initial aggressor law.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Well, I’m just going to raise a general objection.
....
5
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: . . . [T]his law dates back to 1953 or something, and I
haven’t seen a pattern instruction, I haven’t seen a statute, I haven’t seen
anything that talks about it. So that’s my objection.
THE COURT: Just the oldness of the cases that do talk about it, the antiquity of
those?
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Yeah, and that our Supreme Court hasn’t seen fit to gin
up a pattern instruction that deals with it. I don’t know that they think it’s
therefore applicable, but…
....
THE COURT: Okay. Well, I think it is the law.
Thus, the question remains whether the general objection above is sufficient to preserve
the issue of whether the language of the instruction misstated Idaho law. This Court recently
expounded on the preservation of issues in State v. Gonzalez, 165 Idaho 95, 98, 439 P.3d 1267,
1270 (2019), reh’g denied (May 17, 2019). In that case, this Court held that an appellant may
polish an argument made at the district court as long as he is putting forth the same legal issue
and same position on the issue.
Here, the only issue preserved is whether a jury instruction regarding an initial
aggressor’s right to claim self-defense is appropriate under Idaho law. The discussion between
defense counsel and the district court illustrates that the only issue before the court was whether
the instruction, as a whole, was in accord with Idaho law. However, issues regarding specific
language used in the jury instruction, whether the language was confusing and vague, and
whether it improperly reduced the burden for the State were not preserved. These issues were not
argued below to the district court. In fact, defense counsel specifically stated that he had no issue
with the language used in the instruction. This is not the “polishing” envisioned under Gonzalez.
Accordingly, the issue of whether an initial aggressor instruction is appropriate has been
preserved, but the remaining arguments made on appeal have not. Consequently, those issues
would only be reviewable under the fundamental error test because defense counsel did not
preserve an objection to the instruction on those grounds. State v. Perry, 150 Idaho 209, 228, 245
P.3d 961, 980 (2010).
2. In order for an initial aggressor to claim self-defense he must show he “endeavored to
decline any further struggle before the homicide was committed.”
This Court exercises free review over the propriety of jury instructions. Hennefer v.
Blaine Cty. Sch. Dist., 158 Idaho 242, 253, 346 P.3d 259, 270 (2015). The standard for whether a
6
particular instruction “should or should not have been given is whether there is evidence at trial
to support the instruction[.]” Id.
At the time of Bodenbach’s trial, the justifiable-homicide statute read, in relevant part:
Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person in either of the
following cases:
....
3. When committed in the lawful defense of such person . . . but such person . . . if
he was the assailant or engaged in mortal combat, must really and in good faith
have endeavored to decline any further struggle before the homicide was
committed[.]
I.C. § 18-4009.3 (1972) (italics added) (amended 2018). 5 Pursuant to this statute, the Court of
Appeals has held that a defendant “is not entitled to claim self-defense or justify a homicide
when he or she was the aggressor or the one who provoked the altercation in which another
person is killed, unless such person in good faith first withdraws from further aggressive action.”
State v. Turner, 136 Idaho 629, 634–35, 38 P.3d 1285, 1290–91 (Ct. App. 2001) (citing State v.
Owen, 73 Idaho 394, 413–14, 253 P.2d 203, 213–14 (1953), overruled on other grounds by State
v. Shepard, 94 Idaho 227, 486 P.2d 82 (1971)). Although it is generally true that there is no
requirement to retreat in order to claim self-defense (see ICJI 1519; see generally State v.
McGreevey, 17 Idaho 453, 105 P. 1047 (1909)), section 18-4009.3 establishes an exception when
one is the initial aggressor. See I.C. § 18-4009.3. Therefore, it is clear under Idaho law that an
initial aggressor is only entitled to self-defense if he withdraws from further aggressive action.
The facts of this case support the district court’s decision to provide an initial aggressor
instruction. Bodenbach crossed the courtyard to Banks’ apartment with a gun. Kimsey testified
that when he and Banks walked out of Banks’ apartment, Bodenbach had his gun raised in their
direction and Bodenbach yelled obscene and threatening statements at Banks. If a jury were to
find these facts to be true, Bodenbach would be considered the initial aggressor. Therefore, the
district court did not err in instructing the jury that an initial aggressor is not entitled to self-
defense unless he withdraws from further aggressive action.
5
The statute was amended in 2018; the subsections were renumbered but the relevant language remains unchanged.
2018 Idaho Sess. Laws 500. The language formerly contained in Idaho Code section 18-4009.3 is now contained in
Idaho Code section 18-4009(1)(c).
7
3. Instruction No. 28 does not rise to the level of fundamental error.
“When a defendant fails to object to a jury instruction, [this Court] review[s] the jury
instruction for fundamental error.” State v. Adamcik, 152 Idaho 445, 472, 272 P.3d 417, 444
(2012). The fundamental error test requires:
(1) the defendant must demonstrate that one or more of the defendant’s unwaived
constitutional rights were violated; (2) the error must be clear or obvious, without
the need for any additional information not contained in the appellate record,
including information as to whether the failure to object was a tactical decision;
and (3) the defendant must demonstrate that the error affected the defendant’s
substantial rights, meaning (in most instances) that it must have affected the
outcome of the trial proceedings.
Perry, 150 Idaho at 226, 245 P.3d at 978.
The initial inquiry is whether the jury instruction was erroneous at all. State v. Skunkcap,
157 Idaho 221, 227, 335 P.3d 561, 567 (2014); State v. Carver, 155 Idaho 489, 493, 314 P.3d
171, 175 (2013). This Court reviews “the trial court’s jury instructions de novo to determine
‘whether, when considered as a whole, they fairly and adequately present the issues and state the
applicable law.’” State v. Dunlap, 155 Idaho 345, 364, 313 P.3d 1, 20 (2013) (quoting Adamcik,
152 Idaho at 472, 272 P.3d at 444). “Whether the instruction was erroneous will depend upon
how a reasonable juror would have interpreted the instruction.” Skunkcap, 157 Idaho at 227-28,
335 P.3d at 567-68 (citing State v. Hairston, 133 Idaho 496, 515, 988 P.2d 1170, 1189 (1999)).
Bodenbach argues that Instruction No. 28 was unnecessary, confusing, misstated Idaho
law, and violated his due process rights by reducing the State’s burden of proof. Instruction No.
28 states, in relevant part,
To have the benefit of self-defense or the defense of another, the circumstances
justifying a killing must be such as to render it unavoidable. If you believe from
the evidence, and beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant was the initial
aggressor to raise the threat or specter of deadly force with the apparent intent to
take the life of the said deceased or to do him such serious bodily injury as might
result in death, then he would not be permitted to excuse the killing on the ground
of self-defense or the defense of another, even though he should thereafter have
been compelled to act in his own defense or the defense of another, unless you
find all of the following occurred:
1. The defendant, in good faith first, withdraws from further
aggressive action, and;
2. The defendant communicates his withdrawal from further
aggressive action to the victim by word or act.
8
The instruction imposes a requirement to withdraw and to communicate that withdrawal
to the victim. It is clear under the justifiable-homicide statute that some type of withdrawal is
necessary for an initial aggressor to claim self-defense. What is not clear is to what extent that
“withdrawal” must be communicated. Bodenbach argues that Idaho Code section 18-4009.3 does
not contain a communication requirement; rather, it merely requires that an initial aggressor
attempt to stop the initial assault.
As a starting point, there is no pattern jury instruction regarding an “initial aggressor.”
The closest example is the instruction for participants in mutual combat. ICJI 1521. That pattern
jury instruction states that for a participant in mutual combat to claim self-defense, the person
must have “really and in good faith endeavored to decline further combat, and has fairly and
clearly informed the adversary of a desire for peace and that the person has abandoned the
contest.” ICJI 1521. This model instruction cites Idaho Code section 18-4009.3 as its authority.
Given the close proximity of “assailant” and “mortal combat” in section 18-4009.3, it logically
follows that the same requirements to withdraw from mutual combat (or “mortal combat”) would
apply to the conduct of an initial aggressor. However, section 18-4009.3 contains no explicit
requirement to communicate the withdrawal. Nevertheless, the model instruction for mutual
combat (ICJI 1521) imposes a communication requirement. As pattern jury instructions are
presumptively correct, we presume this to be an accurate statement of Idaho law. State v. Mann,
162 Idaho 36, 42, 394 P.3d 79, 86 (citing McKay v. State, 148 Idaho 567, 571 n.2, 225 P.3d 700,
704 n.2 (2010)). Given that the elements provided by the district court mirror the approved
language, the district court did not err.
As further support, a communication requirement can be derived from the language of the
statute. When interpreting statutes, the primary goal
is to derive the intent of the legislative body that adopted the
act. Statutory interpretation begins with the literal language of the
statute. Provisions should not be read in isolation, but must be interpreted in the
context of the entire document. The statute should be considered as a whole, and
words should be given their plain, usual, and ordinary meanings. It should be
noted that the Court must give effect to all the words and provisions of the statute
so that none will be void, superfluous, or redundant. When the statutory language
is unambiguous, the clearly expressed intent of the legislative body must be given
effect, and the Court need not consider rules of statutory construction.
State v. Amstad, 164 Idaho 403, 405, 431 P.3d 238, 240 (2018) (quoting State v. Dunlap, 155
Idaho 345, 361–62, 313 P.3d 1, 17–18 (2013)). This Court often turns to dictionary definitions
9
“[t]o ascertain the ordinary meaning of an undefined term in a statute . . . .” Arnold v. City of
Stanley, 158 Idaho 218, 221, 345 P.3d 1008, 1011 (2015) (citing Hap Taylor & Sons, Inc. v.
Summerwind Partners, LLC, 157 Idaho 600, 614, 338 P.3d 1204, 1218 (2014)). The statute need
not be ambiguous to resort to dictionaries to determine the ordinary meaning of a term. See State
v. Schulz, 151 Idaho 863, 867, 264 P.3d 970, 974 (2011).
One word that implies a communication requirement in the statute is “decline.”
According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, to decline is “to refuse to undertake, undergo,
engage in, or comply with.” Decline, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 299 (10th ed.
1993). Further, “to refuse” is “to show or express an unwillingness to do or comply[.]” Refuse,
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 983–84 (10th ed. 1993). When considering these
definitions, it appears there is a requirement to “show or express” an unwillingness to engage in
further struggle.
In addition, the requirement to communicate the withdrawal may also be inferred from
the word “endeavor.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “endeavor” as “to attempt
(something, such as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort.” Endeavor, Merriam-
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 381 (10th ed. 1993). Coupling the definitions “endeavor” and
“decline” yields the following: “an effort to show or express a refusal to engage in.”
Accordingly, the district court did not err in instructing the jury regarding a communication
element for an initial aggressor to claim self-defense.
Finally, requiring an initial aggressor to communicate his withdrawal from further
aggressive action promotes the intended purpose of the statute. The language of the statute is
based on the principle that a defendant cannot claim self-defense when the victim of the
aggressive act is entitled to respond with lawful force. The defendant should not be able to claim
self-defense for creating the necessity for the victim’s use of self-defense.
However, this does not mean the instruction is without problems. First, the instruction is
overly wordy and not the model of clarity. The second sentence contains roughly one hundred
words and does not flow in a smooth fashion. The jury was expected to untangle the lengthy
sentence as to the requirements of self-defense for an initial aggressor.
Second, the instruction stated, “the circumstances justifying a killing must be such as to
render it unavoidable.” This Court has previously rejected a similar instruction that stated that a
defendant is only entitled to self-defense if he “has done everything in his power to avoid [the
10
killing].” McGreevey, 17 Idaho at 467, 105 P. at 1051. This Court held that the test to be applied
is whether the person acted “as a reasonable and prudent man would be likely to act under
similar conditions and circumstances[.]” Id. Therefore, the first sentence of the jury instruction
was in error.
Nevertheless, the fundamental error test has not been satisfied. The first prong of Perry
requires the error to be a constitutional violation. Perry, 150 Idaho at 228, 245 P.3d at 980. An
erroneous jury instruction violates due process if it relieves the State of the burden of proving
every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Draper, 151 Idaho 576, 588, 261
P.3d 853, 865 (2011).
Bodenbach argues that the jury instruction violated his due process rights because it
impermissibly reduced the State’s burden to prove that the killing was unlawful. Bodenbach
recognizes that the Court of Appeals has held that it is not a constitutional requirement for a
State to disprove a defendant’s affirmative defenses. State v. Jimenez, 159 Idaho 466, 470–71,
362 P.3d 541, 545–46 (Ct. App. 2015). Although not explicitly, this Court held similarly in State
v. Mubita, 145 Idaho 925, 942, 188 P.3d 867, 884 (2008). This holding also appears to be
supported by decisions from the United States Supreme Court. See, e.g., Martin v. Ohio, 480
U.S. 228, 236 (1987) (holding that Ohio’s practice of requiring defendants to prove self-defense
did not unconstitutionally shift the burden of proof from the state to the defendant).
Notably, neither of the cases by this Court or the Court of Appeals concerned a murder
conviction. Under the definition of murder, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
the killing was not justified. I.C. § 18-4001; ICJI 701. Therefore, the lack of justification, i.e.,
whether the defendant killed in self-defense, is an essential element for a murder conviction.
Accordingly, the general rule announced in Jimenez and Mubita does not apply to cases
concerning murder convictions; the first prong of Perry is satisfied, as the erroneous language in
the instruction would have reduced the State’s burden of proving the “unlawful” element for a
murder conviction. Middleton v. McNeil, 541 U.S. 433, 437 (2004).
Bodenbach easily satisfied the second prong of Perry. The error is clear from the record
and was not a tactical decision because defense counsel attempted to prevent the jury from being
instructed regarding an initial aggressor.
Nonetheless, Bodenbach has not satisfied the third prong. Given our recent clarification
in State v. Miller, 165 Idaho 115, 120, 443 P.3d 129, 134 (2019), a defendant must demonstrate
11
that the error actually affected the outcome of the trial proceedings. Here, it is unlikely that the
single sentence in the jury instruction actually affected the outcome of the trial proceedings.
Other instructions given by the district court clearly outlined the law that the jury was required to
apply. In order for the jury instruction to have been applicable, the jury would have had to find
that Bodenbach was the initial aggressor. Then, in order to have the benefit of self-defense, the
facts would have had to establish that Bodenbach’s conduct satisfied the elements for an initial
aggressor to claim self-defense. There is no evidence that Bodenbach attempted to withdraw
from further struggle, let alone communicate that withdrawal to Banks. Therefore, Bodenbach
failed to establish that the error actually affected the outcome of the trial. Accordingly, the jury
instruction did not rise to the level of fundamental error.
B. The district court did not err in denying Bodenbach’s motion to suppress evidence
because his waiver was knowing and intelligent.
Bodenbach claimed he took Xanax to calm his nerves shortly after shooting and killing
Banks. Once Bodenbach was arrested, he complained of pain in his neck and back, purportedly
due to his earlier altercation with Banks. He was transported to the hospital because of his
complaints. When the paramedics arrived, they described Bodenbach as alert to time, place,
event, and person. In addition, Bodenbach was “anxious and agitated but not aggressive” and his
vital signs were stable. Further, he scored a fifteen on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the
highest score available, indicating “no obvious impairment” and that Bodenbach was “at the
highest level of function.”
Officer Devin Ellis accompanied Bodenbach to the hospital. She testified that Bodenbach
was capable of (1) answering the paramedic’s questions promptly and appropriately, (2)
articulating where he was in regard to pain, and (3) requesting medication. He was able to give
his name and spell it and give his detailed health history, date of birth, addresses, and social
security number.
Bodenbach arrived at the hospital around 12:55 a.m., approximately one hour after he
claims to have ingested Xanax. The hospital reports indicated that Bodenbach was alert and
oriented and that his GCS score was still fifteen. There is one moment that Bodenbach asks
Officer Ellis whether he was in a hospital or a “jail med room,” but he quickly clarified that the
reason he was asking was that the rooms looked similar in his experience. When reviewing the
audio, it does not appear that Bodenbach had trouble speaking, nor was his speech slurred.
However, Bodenbach was not given a toxicology screen at the hospital.
12
Around 2:00 a.m., approximately two hours after Bodenbach claimed to have ingested
Xanax, Detective Pietrzak arrived to interview Bodenbach. According to Dr. Dawson, the State’s
pharmacology expert, any signs of intoxication from the Xanax would have been “very obvious”
at this time. Dr. Dawson testified that the common signs of intoxication from Xanax include
“central nervous system depression, lethargy, cognitive impairment, inability to form thought or
to respond appropriately to questions, [and] problems with balance.” After reviewing the audio
recording of the interview, paramedic records, and hospital records, Dr. Dawson testified in his
opinion that Bodenbach was not exhibiting signs of someone who was impaired by any
intoxicant.
Upon making contact with Pietrzak, Bodenbach stated that he wanted to tell Pietrzak the
events of the night. At that time, Pietrzak recited the Miranda warnings to Bodenbach. When
Pietrzak stated that Bodenbach had the right not to answer any questions, Bodenbach responded,
“Fifth Amendment thing” and “Plead the Fifth.” Bodenbach indicated that he still wished to
speak with Pietrzak. Pietrzak asked if Bodenbach understood the rights that had been read to him
and Bodenbach replied, “Yeah . . . Anything I say will incriminate me.” At that time, Bodenbach
began to tell his version of the night’s events.
Prior to trial, Bodenbach moved to suppress the statements he had made while he was
purportedly under the influence of Xanax. The district court denied his motion to suppress. On
appeal, Bodenbach argues that he made those statements under an invalid waiver of his Miranda
rights due to him being under the influence of Xanax.
“The standard of review of a suppression motion is bifurcated. When a decision on a
motion to suppress is challenged, the Court accepts the trial court’s findings of fact that are
supported by substantial evidence, but freely reviews the application of constitutional principles
to the facts as found.” State v. Moore, 164 Idaho 379, 381, 430 P.3d 1278, 1280 (2018) (quoting
State v. Page, 140 Idaho 841, 843, 103 P.3d 454, 456 (2004)).
In Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444 (1966), the United States Supreme Court held
that police must inform individuals of their Fifth Amendment rights prior to conducting custodial
interrogations. State v. Doe, 137 Idaho 519, 523, 50 P.3d 1014, 1018 (2002). These rights may be
waived, but waiver “must be knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.” Adamcik, 152 Idaho at 468,
272 P.3d at 440. “In determining whether a defendant has voluntarily, knowingly and
intelligently waived his Miranda rights, this Court must consider the totality of the
13
circumstances.” Id. The totality of the circumstances may include a review of “the background,
experience, and conduct of the accused.” See State v. Brennan, 123 Idaho 553, 556, 850 P.2d
202, 205 (Ct. App. 1993) (quoting Edwards v. Arizona, 451 U.S. 477, 482 (1981)). “The trial
court’s conclusion that a defendant made a knowing and voluntary waiver of his Miranda rights
will not be disturbed on appeal where it is supported by substantial and competent evidence.”
State v. Luke, 134 Idaho 294, 297, 1 P.3d 795, 798 (2000).
Here, there is no dispute that Bodenbach was in custody at the time of the interview.
Further, it appears that Bodenbach’s counsel conceded that the waiver was “voluntary,” meaning
that there was no coercion. Therefore, the issue is limited to whether Bodenbach knowingly and
intelligently waived his rights.
There were numerous facts found by the district court that support a finding that
Bodenbach knowingly and intelligently waived his Miranda rights. First, he was thirty-years-old
at the time of the interview. In addition, he had two prior arrests so he was familiar with the
criminal process. This type of background and experience supports the district court’s finding of
a knowing and intelligent waiver.
Another factor to consider was Bodenbach’s purported ingestion of Xanax prior to the
interview. Although there is minimal case law from this Court describing how intoxication is to
be treated concerning waiver, we have previously stated that intoxication does not make
statements per se involuntary; rather, it is just one factor to consider in the totality of the
circumstances. State v. Mitchell, 104 Idaho 493, 499, 660 P.2d 1336, 1342 (1983). Although the
issue in this case is not whether the statements were involuntary, the treatment of intoxication
would likely apply to whether a waiver was knowing and intelligent as well.
For example, in State v. Custodio, 136 Idaho 197, 202, 30 P.3d 975, 980 (Ct. App. 2001),
the Court of Appeals held that, even though the defendant was under the influence of alcohol, he
was not so impaired as to invalidate his waiver of his Miranda rights. In that case, the district
court relied on evidence that the defendant was fully responsive to questioning; his answers
were coherent and understandable; and he was capable of a substantial amount of motor
coordination. Id. Although, the defendant in Custodio was found to be “very intoxicated,” his
conduct during the interview demonstrated that he was not so impaired as to invalidate his
waiver. Id.
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Here, the district court specifically found that Bodenbach was not under the influence
of Xanax. This finding is supported by substantial and competent evidence. The only evidence
to support that Bodenbach had taken Xanax was his own statement. There was no Xanax
located during the search of his residence, and there is no indication in his medical records that
he reported his consumption of Xanax to the hospital. Further, Dr. Dawson testified that, given
the amount Bodenbach claimed to have ingested, it would have been obvious that he was
impaired. Tellingly, the paramedics, Officer Ellis, and Pietrzak all testified that Bodenbach did
not exhibit any obvious impairment. In addition, at the hospital Bodenbach complained of being
anxious and requested Xanax. The district court appropriately inferred that if Bodenbach’s
anxiety had been so high as to request Xanax, it was unlikely that he was under the influence of
Xanax at the time of his request.
Despite its finding that Bodenbach was not under the influence of Xanax, the district
court also found that, assuming Bodenbach had ingested Xanax, Bodenbach still knowingly and
intelligently waived his Miranda rights. This finding is also supported by substantial and
competent evidence and the totality of the circumstances. There is an audio recording of
Bodenbach’s conversations with paramedics, Officer Ellis, and Pietrzak, spanning approximately
four hours after Bodenbach had purportedly ingested Xanax. During Bodenbach’s many
conversations, Bodenbach was alert, clear, responsive, and able to answer questions
appropriately. There is no evidence of slurred speech or worsening speech as time progressed.
Bodenbach was able to give linear answers to questions and recite medical history and personal
information, such as addresses and phone numbers, with ease and speed. Similar to the defendant
in Custodio, even if Bodenbach were impaired, he was not so impaired as to make his waiver
invalid.
In addition, the district court found that Bodenbach expressed understanding of the
criminal consequences of his actions, including the consequences of his waiver. Bodenbach
made several comments during his interview that demonstrated this understanding. He accurately
identified one of the Miranda rights read to him as the “Fifth Amendment thing.” Further, when
asked whether he understood his Miranda rights, Bodenbach responded, “Yeah. . . Anything I
say will incriminate me.” 6 Additional comments that shed light on his understanding of the
6
Rarely does a defendant as cogently or succinctly identify the pitfalls of speaking to the police. Bodenbach clearly
understood the purpose of the Miranda warning.
15
criminal process include Bodenbach stating he was “going to lawyer up” if Pietrzak twisted his
words. He also tellingly refused to give consent to the search of his apartment without a warrant.
The district court noted certain times in which Bodenbach sounded tired and experienced
some confusion during the interview. However, the district court found that these minor
instances were not enough to find that Bodenbach was so impaired as to invalidate his waiver.
The district court relied on testimony from Dr. Dawson, who stated that the “extreme stress of
the evening likely released a significant amount of adrenaline which, as it wore off, caused
sedation which, combined with the early hour of the morning, resulted in some confusion.”
Further, whenever Bodenbach experienced moments of confusion, he was quickly reoriented.
The existence of conflicting evidence does not invalidate the district court’s findings that
Bodenbach was not so impaired that he could not have waived his Miranda rights.
Finally, the medical records support the district court’s findings. Bodenbach’s GCS score
was a fifteen, demonstrating that there was no apparent impairment. Reports from the
paramedics and the hospital indicate that Bodenbach was aware of time, place, situation, and
person.
Given the totality of circumstances, including Bodenbach’s age, familiarity with the
criminal process and Miranda rights, and cogent discussions, Bodenbach made a knowing and
intelligent waiver of his Miranda rights. Therefore, the district court did not err in denying
Bodenbach’s motion to suppress.
C. The district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Bodenbach to a term of
not less than twenty-five years, followed by an indeterminate life sentence.
The district court sentenced Bodenbach to life in prison, with twenty-five years fixed for
the first-degree murder charge, which included the firearm sentencing enhancement. On appeal,
Bodenbach alleges the district court abused its discretion because it ignored or discounted
significant mitigating factors before imposing what he argues is an unreasonable sentence. The
State responds that Bodenbach’s argument is based on facts other than those found by the district
court and that Bodenbach failed to claim that the district court’s other findings were erroneous.
“When reviewing whether a sentence is excessive, [this Court] review[s] all the facts and
circumstances in the case and focus[es] on whether the trial court abused its discretion in fixing
the sentence.” State v. Baker, 136 Idaho 576, 577, 38 P.3d 614, 615 (2001). “Where the sentence
imposed by a trial court is within statutory limits, the appellant bears the burden of
demonstrating that it is a clear abuse of discretion.” State v. Miller, 151 Idaho 828, 834, 264 P.3d
16
935, 941 (2011) (quoting State v. Windom, 150 Idaho 873, 875, 253 P.3d 310, 312 (2011)).
When reviewing a lower court’s decision for an abuse of discretion, this Court must analyze
“whether the trial court: (1) correctly perceived the issue as one of discretion; (2) acted within
the outer boundaries of its discretion; (3) acted consistently with the legal standards applicable to
the specific choices available to it; and (4) reached its decision by the exercise of reason.”
Lunneborg v. My Fun Life, 163 Idaho 856, 863, 421 P.3d 187, 194 (2018). “In deference to the
trial judge, this Court will not substitute its view of a reasonable sentence where reasonable
minds might differ.” State v. Stevens, 146 Idaho 139, 148–49, 191 P.3d 217, 226–27 (2008).
“When appealing a sentence as an abuse of discretion, the appellant ‘must establish that,
under any reasonable view of the facts, the sentence was excessive considering the objectives of
criminal punishment.’” State v. Matthews, 164 Idaho 605, 608, 434 P.3d 209, 212 (2019)
(quoting State v. Varie, 135 Idaho 848, 856, 26 P.3d 31, 39 (2001)). “Those objectives are (1)
protection of society; (2) deterrence of the individual and the public generally; (3) the possibility
of rehabilitation; and (4) punishment or retribution for wrong-doing.” Id.
Here, the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Bodenbach in the way
that it did. First, it is clear from the record that the district court appropriately perceived
sentencing as a matter of discretion and that it acted consistently with the legal standards before
it. Specifically, the district court stated:
In an exercise of my discretion in sentencing, I have considered the
Toohill factors, including the nature of the offense and the character of the
offender, as well as the information in mitigation and in aggravation. I’ve also
considered the objectives of sentencing to include the protection of society, first
and foremost, but also achieving deterrence, the potential for rehabilitation and
the need for retribution or punishment.
Further, the district court acted within the boundaries of its discretion. Idaho Code section
18-4004 states that the punishment for first-degree murder is imprisonment for life, with a
minimum ten years fixed. The life sentence, with twenty-five years fixed, is obviously within
that boundary.
The remainder of the transcript from the sentencing hearing illustrates that the district
court made its decision by an exercise of reason and proper consideration of the objectives of
criminal punishment. In describing Bodenbach’s actions, the district court stated that the killing
was “senseless, needless, based and fueled on emotion, drugs and the culmination of a lifetime
spent in that mix, in that lifestyle, that somehow made it seem okay to carry a loaded pistol
17
across that apartment compound with extra bullets in his pocket and killing on his mind.” The
district court noted that Bodenbach grew up in a loving and stable home environment. Further,
the district court noted Bodenbach’s issues with drugs and his actions when he was under the
influence of them, including instances of violence involving his mother and destruction of
property. It discussed opportunities afforded to Bodenbach by the State of California to obtain
treatment for his addiction, which Bodenbach failed to take advantage of. The district court
found that Bodenbach never showed remorse or guilt for the killing.
The district court thoroughly considered each objective of criminal punishment including
the safety of the public, the possibility of rehabilitation, the punishment for the seriousness of the
crime, and deterrence. This demonstrates the district court exercised reason in reaching its
conclusion and considered the objectives of criminal punishment in its sentencing decision.
Therefore, the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Bodenbach to life in prison,
with twenty-five years fixed.
Many of the arguments made by Bodenbach on appeal merely ask this Court to reweigh
the district court’s factual findings or that the district court mistook certain facts as aggravating,
rather than mitigating. However, “the determination of whether a factor is mitigating or
aggravating in a specific case is a factual one.” State v. Porter, 130 Idaho 772, 789, 948 P.2d
127, 144 (1997). “Therefore, in reviewing a sentencing court’s consideration of a factor as
aggravating or mitigating, this Court employs the clearly erroneous standard applicable to factual
determinations.” Id.
Here, the district court determined that Bodenbach’s actions, while under the influence of
drugs, included aggressive, paranoid, and dangerous behavior. Further, it found that Bodenbach’s
previous efforts to regain sobriety had failed. Bodenbach does not contend that these findings are
clearly erroneous. Rather, he argues that the district court failed to appreciate his addiction as a
mitigating factor. Addiction, by itself, can be either or both a mitigating factor and aggravating
factor at sentencing. However, as noted above, this is a factual determination for the district court
and the district court’s determination was not clearly erroneous. Therefore, the arguments put
forth by Bodenbach are unavailing. Accordingly, the district court did not abuse its discretion in
sentencing Bodenbach.
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III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the district court’s judgment of conviction and the
sentence imposed. In sum, Bodenbach failed to demonstrate the jury instruction amounted to
fundamental error. The district court did not err in denying Bodenbach’s motion to suppress.
And, the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing the sentence it did.
Chief Justice BURDICK, Justices BRODY, BEVAN and MOELLER CONCUR.
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