State of Washington v. Luis Guadalupe Rodriguez-Perez ( 2017 )

FILED
DECEMBER 7, 2017
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) No. 33571-2-111
) (consolidated with
Respondent, ) No. 33624-7-111)
)
V. )
)
LUIS GUADALUPE RODRIGUEZ- )
PEREZ, )
)
Appellant. ) OPINION PUBLISHED
) IN PART
STATE OF WASHINGTON, )
)
Respondent, )
)
v. )
)
WILLIAM ESCOBAR MARTINEZ, )
)
Appellant. )
LAWRENCE-BERREY, A.CJ. - Luis Guadalupe Rodriguez-Perez and William
Escobar Martinez, tried jointly, appeal their convictions. Both men were convicted of
second degree murder. Martinez was additionally convicted of unlawful possession of a
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
firearm.
Both men argue they are entitled to a new trial because of prosecutorial
misconduct and error in the reasonable doubt instruction. Martinez asserts two additional
arguments. He argues the trial court violated his right to present a defense when it
excluded evidence that the shooting was gang related, and that he was not a gang member
but Rodriguez-Perez was. He also argues the trial court erred by excluding testimony
from his expert that casts doubt on cross racial identification.
We disagree with appellants' arguments and generally affirm. We publish in part
to emphasize two aspects of our opinion. First, prosecutors should be very careful when
adding commentary to PowerPoint slides used during closing argument. Commentary
must be based on the evidence and assist the jury's understanding of it. Second, the right
to present a defense is not absolute and, in appropriate cases, gives way to other
legitimate interests, including a codefendant's right to a fair trial. Here, the trial court did
not err in protecting codefendant Rodriguez-Perez's right to a fair trial by excluding
evidence of his gang membership, even though such exclusion somewhat weakened
Martinez's defense.
2
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
FACTS
In the early evening of March 22, 2014, Rodriguez-Perez, Martinez, and Efren
Iniguez spent time together before attending a concert later that night at the Seasons
Performance Hall in Yakima, Washington. The concert promoted local rap artists and
singers. The trio got haircuts, returned to where Rodriguez-Perez and Iniguez lived,
showered and dressed. Martinez borrowed red clothes from Rodriguez-Perez to wear.
The trio enjoyed some tequila and smoked marijuana. Martinez noticed that Rodriguez-
Perez had a gun in his waistband, the same gun he always carried with him. Rodriguez-
Perez drove his friends to the event, and parked the car within two blocks of the venue.
As the men approached the Seasons, they could observe security at the door using a wand
to check concertgoers for weapons. Rodriguez-Perez turned away from the door and
walked away. Minutes later Rodriguez-Perez returned and entered.
At some point during the event, 40 to 50 people abruptly went outside and many of
them began to fight. An outside surveillance video showed Martinez running toward the
parked car with Rodriguez-Perez seconds behind, walking toward the parked car. The
video showed them, minutes later, walking back together toward the Seasons.
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No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
Back at the fight, Da'Marius Morgan punched Justin Navarro, also known as
"Klick Klack" 1 in the head. Navarro fell down, but got back up. The two continued
arguing. While they were arguing, three or more shots were fired by a third person at
Morgan. One of the bullets pierced Morgan's heart and he died. A bullet also struck
Isaiah Prince in the leg and wounded him. Prince could not identify who shot him or
Morgan.
Estevan Montero was working security at the event and witnessed the shooting
from inside the building. He saw three individuals near his truck, and one of them shot a
handgun toward Morgan four or five times. The three men later were identified as
Rodriguez-Perez, Martinez, and Iniguez. Montero saw Morgan collapse and fall, and the
three men run away, down an alley.
Aaron Adams was also at the event. He saw a fight break out between two groups.
Adams saw Morgan throw a punch and knock someone out. Adams saw two men run
behind a truck, pull out firearms, fire at Morgan, and then run down a nearby alley.
Daniel Cerda was watching his son perform at the event and saw the fight and
shooting. Cerda also saw the shooting, and saw the shooter run down the nearby alley.
1
The transcript spells the pseudonym "Klick Klack," but the prosecutor directed
multiple witnesses to designate the person as "CC" on illustrative diagrams.
4
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
William Telakish recorded much of the fight with his phone. The video showed
Rodriguez-Perez, Martinez, and Iniguez just before the shooting standing where
witnesses said the shooter or shooters stood. The Telakish video did not show who shot
Morgan.
A second surveillance video showed Rodriguez-Perez, Martinez, and Iniguez
running from the shooting toward an alley. It also showed Rodriguez-Perez tossing
something into a bush.
Law enforcement arrived and began questioning witnesses. They quickly
proceeded to the alley described by the witnesses, where they saw angry people yelling
and running toward a bush. Two individuals began kicking two men who were crouched
down and hiding in the bush. The officers pulled Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez out of
the bush and took them into custody. While canvassing the scene, law enforcement found
a black jacket, a white shirt, a red cap and a cell phone in the bushes where Rodriguez-
Perez and Martinez were hiding.
At a show-up near the crime scene, Montero and Adams identified Martinez as the
shooter, based on Martinez's distinctive hairstyle, hat, and clothing. But Adams also said
that Rodriguez-Perez might be the shooter if he had been wearing a hat and subsequently
discarded it. Cerda also identified Martinez as the shooter.
5
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
That night, law enforcement interviewed both suspects separately at the police
station. Martinez said that Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter, and that the gun belonged to
Rodriguez-Perez. Martinez played a video recording on his phone from one month earlier
that showed Rodriguez-Perez pointing a gun at the camera.
The next morning, a man walking his dog found a gun in a bush near where
officers had found Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez. Forensic tests established that the gun
was the murder weapon. In addition, the gun's magazine had a fingerprint that matched
Rodriguez-Perez's fingerprint.
PROCEDURE
The State charged Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez, both as principals and
accomplices, with second degree murder of Morgan and first degree assault of Prince.
The State also charged Martinez with first degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
On September 10, 2014, the State requested consolidation of the cases. At the
same hearing, Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez moved the court to sever their trials. In
their motions, the men argued that their defenses were mutually antagonistic. The State
responded that the defenses were not mutually antagonistic because Martinez would argue
Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter, while Rodriguez-Perez would argue the shooter was a
6
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
third person. The trial court agreed with the State that the defenses were not sufficiently
antagonistic for severance purposes, and granted consolidation.
On February 24, 2015, Rodriguez-Perez made motions in limine. One of the
motions asked the trial court to exclude gang evidence. The State agreed that gang
evidence was not relevant. Martinez reserved on the issue after indicating he might go
either direction.
During a later hearing, Martinez sought an order allowing Dr. Geoffrey Loftus to
testify about the unreliability of eyewitness identification. The trial court generally
allowed Dr. Loftus to testify, but did not allow him to testify on the narrow issue of cross
racial eyewitness identification.
Trial commenced with jury selection on March 5, 2015. Opening statements were
made on March 9, 2015. The State then began presenting its case.
On March 16, 2015, during a short break in the State's case, Martinez addressed
the gang evidence issue that he previously reserved. Martinez indicated he now wanted to
admit gang evidence. He argued that one security guard indicated the fight was between
two rival gangs, the Fun Boys and the West Side Hustlers. The guard indicated he saw
Morgan punch Navarro, a rapper affiliated with the Fun Boys, causing Navarro to fall to
the ground, and then someone from the Fun Boys fired shots at Morgan. Continuing,
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No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
Martinez added that Sergeant Cortez would testify that Rodriguez-Perez was a member of
the Fun Boys, and would also testify that he (Martinez) was not a known gang member.
Rodriguez-Perez objected, and said the security guard, who previously testified, did not
testify it was gang related. The trial court reserved ruling on the issue.
On March 27, 2015, the State rested. Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez renewed their
motions to sever. Pursuant to CrR 4.4(a)(2), their renewed motions were limited to the
grounds they previously argued. Both defendants generally argued that severance was
required because their defenses were mutually antagonistic. The trial court again denied
their motions to sever. 2
The trial court next addressed the outstanding motion in limine pertaining to the
admission of gang evidence. The trial court directed Martinez to make an offer of proof.
Martinez's offer of proof was similar to the previous offer, and is set out in detail later in
this opinion. After hearing the offer of proof, the trial court excluded gang evidence on
the basis that Martinez had failed "to establish that the shooting was to advance a
particular gang purpose or value." 15 Report of Proceedings (RP) (Mar. 27, 2015) at
2
Martinez very briefly argued a new reason for severance, that he wanted to admit
gang evidence that the shooting was gang related, and that Rodriguez-Perez was a Fun
Boys member. The trial court, perhaps aware of CrR 4.4(a)(2), separated the severance
issue from the newly raised gang evidence issue. Martinez does not assign error to this
nor does either defendant challenge the trial court's denial of their severance motions.
8
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
2861. The trial court additionally reasoned that admitting gang evidence would be
unfairly prejudicial to Rodriguez-Perez.
Martinez then testified in his own defense. He testified that Rodriguez-Perez
owned the gun that shot Morgan, and that Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter. Martinez
also testified he did not know that Rodriguez-Perez had a gun until he shot Morgan. He
further testified he did not do or say anything that encouraged or helped Rodriguez-Perez
shoot Morgan. In accordance with the trial court's ruling, Martinez did not testify about
Rodriguez-Perez's gang affiliation or about his own lack of gang affiliation.
The trial court then instructed the jury. The reasonable doubt instruction, objected
to by both Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez, stated:
A reasonable doubt is one for which a reason exists and may arise
from the evidence or lack of evidence. It is such a doubt as would exist in
the mind of a reasonable person after fully, fairly, and carefully considering
all of the evidence or lack of evidence. If, from such consideration, you
have an abiding belief in the truth of the charge, you are satisfied beyond a
reasonable doubt.
Clerk's Papers (CP) (Martinez) at 327.
In closing arguments, the State used a PowerPoint presentation to summarize the
evidence presented to the jury over the previous three weeks. The PowerPoint
presentation consisted of photographs, frames of videos, and summaries of Martinez's
testimony-all of which were admitted at trial. Each PowerPoint slide had a caption that
9
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
described the contents of the slide, and the slides that summarized Martinez's testimony
included editorial comments. Neither Rodriguez-Perez nor Martinez objected to these
captions or editorial comments during closing arguments.
The jury found both men guilty of second degree murder. The jury also found
Martinez guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm. At sentencing, the trial court told the
two men that it was waiving discretionary legal financial obligations because they both
were indigent. The trial court struck costs of incarceration for Martinez, but failed to
strike costs of incarceration for Rodriguez-Perez. Both men appealed, and we
consolidated their appeals.
ANALYSIS
A. PURPORTED PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT
Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez contend the prosecutor committed misconduct by
using inflammatory captions on his PowerPoint presentation during closing arguments.
Martinez separately contends that some of the slides improperly commented on his
credibility. Rodriguez-Perez also separately contends that the prosecutor committed
misconduct by improperly vouching for Martinez's testimony. We disagree with all of
these contentions.
10
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
To show prosecutorial misconduct, the defendant has the burden of establishing
that (1) the State acted improperly, and (2) the State's improper act prejudiced the
defendant. State v. Emery, 174 Wn.2d 741, 756, 278 P.3d 653 (2012). Misconduct is
prejudicial ifthere is a substantial likelihood it affected the verdict. Id. at 760-61. A
prosecutor commits misconduct by personally vouching for a witness's credibility. State
v. Brett, 126 Wn.2d 136,175,892 P.2d 29 (1995). The State has wide latitude in drawing
and expressing reasonable inferences from the evidence, including inferences about
credibility. State v. Thompson, 169 Wn. App. 436,496,290 P.3d 996 (2012). Courts
review allegations of prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument in light of the
entire argument, the issues in the case, the evidence discussed during closing argument,
and the court's instructions. State v. Sakellis, 164 Wn. App. 170,185,269 P.3d 1029(2011).
However, a defendant who fails to object to the State's improper act at trial waives
any error, unless the act was so flagrant and ill-intentioned that an instruction could not
have cured the resulting prejudice. State v. Thorgerson, 172 Wn.2d 438, 443, 258 P.3d
43 (2011 ). In making that determination, the courts "focus less on whether the
prosecutor's misconduct was flagrant or ill intentioned and more on whether the resulting
prejudice could have been cured." Emery, 174 Wn.2d at 762.
11
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
1. The prosecutor did not improperly vouch for Martinez
Improper vouching occurs if the prosecutor (1) places the prestige of the
government behind the witness, or (2) indicates that evidence not presented at trial
supports the witness's testimony. State v. Robinson, 189 Wn. App. 877, 892-93, 359 P.3d
874 (2015). Rodriguez-Perez contends the State vouched for Martinez because it claimed
in its opening statement that Martinez was the shooter, but during closing adopted one of
Martinez's contentions that Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter. Rodriguez-Perez's
argument is that by changing its theory and adopting one of Martinez's contentions, the
prosecutor placed the prestige of the government behind Martinez. The prosecutor's
closing, considered as a whole, does not support this argument.
During closing, the prosecutor argued two alternative theories. One theory was
based on witness identification and argued that Martinez was the shooter. The other
theory was based on the physical evidence that the gun belonged to Rodriguez-Perez, that
the gun's magazine had Rodriguez-Perez's fingerprint, and that Rodriguez-Perez
possessed the gun soon after the shooting and then threw it into a bush. This second
theory was buttressed by Martinez's testimony that Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter. In
arguing this second theory, the prosecutor emphasized that the jury should still find
Martinez guilty as an accomplice.
12
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
But the prosecutor did not put the prestige of the government behind Martinez.
Although the prosecutor's second alternative argument in closing was consistent with
Martinez's testimony that he was not the shooter, the prosecutor disagreed with
Martinez's testimony much more than he agreed with it. During closing, the prosecutor
repeatedly emphasized portions of Martinez's testimony that the jury should not believe.
For example, the prosecutor emphasized that Martinez was lying about not knowing why
Rodriguez-Perez delayed entering the Seasons, was lying about why he ran to the parked
car when the fight began, and was lying about his claimed ignorance that Rodriguez-
Perez had a gun with him before Rodriguez-Perez shot Morgan. Because the prosecutor's
argument did not put the weight of the government behind Martinez's testimony, we
conclude the prosecutor did not improperly vouch for Martinez.
2. The prosecutor did not improperly comment on Martinez's
credibility
A prosecutor may comment on a witness's veracity as long as a personal opinion is
not expressed and as long as the comments are not intended to incite the passion of the
jury. State v. Stith, 71 Wn. App. 14, 21, 856 P.2d 415 (1993). There is a difference
between the prosecutor's personal opinion, as an independent fact, and an opinion based
on or deduced from the evidence. State v. McKenzie, 157 Wn.2d 44, 53, 134 P.3d 221(2006) (quoting State v. Armstrong, 37 Wash. 51, 54-55, 79 P. 490 (1905)). Misconduct
13
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
occurs only when it is clear and unmistakable that the prosecutor is not arguing an
inference from the evidence, but is expressing a personal opinion. Id. at 54 (quoting State
v. Papadopoulos, 34 Wn. App. 397,400, 662 P.2d 59 (1983)). Martinez argues the
prosecutor improperly commented on his credibility in PowerPoint slides 44, 47, 50, and
56.
The slides, depicted below, contain Martinez's testimony in regular type, and the
State's editorial comments and contrary assertions in italics:
WILLIAM MARTINEZ
• [Rodriguez-Perez] had pistol in waistband at house before concert
• Drank tequila
• Smoked marijuana
• Drove to concert
• Parked car on Naches Avenue
• Wanded for weapons at door
• [Rodriguez-Perez] did not enter; left for 5 minutes
• Did not know why [Rodriguez-Perez] went back (not credible)
• Jury instruction: You are the sole judges of the credibility of each
witness .... In considering a witness's testimony, you may consider
these things: ... any personal interest that the witness might have in
the outcome or the issues; ... the reasonableness of the witness's
statements in the context of all of the other evidence;
• [Martinez] knew why [Rodriguez Perez] left-to put the pistol back
in the car!
Ex. SE-A at 44.
14
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
WILLIAM MARTINEZ
• Watched concert
• Went outside
• Saw fight
• Walked to car
• Ran to car! (video)
• Did not know where [Rodriguez-Perez] was
• [Rodriguez-Perez] was seconds behind [Martinez] heading/or car!
(video)
• Jury instruction: You are the sole judges of the credibility of each
witness .... In considering a witness's testimony, you may consider
these things: ... any personal interest that the witness might have in
the outcome or the issues; ... the reasonableness of the witness's
statements in the context of all of the other evidence;
• [Martinez] and [Rodriguez Perez] went together to get the pistol
from the car.
Ex. SE-A at 47.
WILLIAM MARTINEZ
• Car locked
• Talked with girls
• Heard car alarm
• Saw [Rodriguez-Perez] inside car
• Touched [Rodriguez-Perez] on shoulder
• [Rodriguez-Perez] (best friend) ignores [Martinez]; leaves the car
• [Martinez] calls out for [Rodriguez-Perez]
• [Rodriguez-Perez] doesn't answer or look back
• [Martinez]: Does not know that [Rodriguez-Perez] got gun
• Jury instruction: You are the sole judges of the credibility of each
witness .... In considering a witness's testimony, you may consider
these things: ... any personal interest that the witness might have in
the outcome or the issues; ... the reasonableness of the witness's
statements in the context of all the other evidence;
15
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
• IMartinez] knew that [Rodriguez Perez] got the pistol; [Martinez]
helped [Rodriguez-Perez] get pistol.
Ex. SE-A at 50.
WILLIAM MARTINEZ
• Best friends
• Saved money for [Rodriguez-Perez] at bank
• Wore [Rodriguez-Perez]' s red shirt and shoes
• [Rodriguez-Perez] carried pistol every time [Martinez] saw him
• Videoed [Rodriguez-Perez] pointing pistol ("Good times")
• [Rodriguez-Perez] has pistol in waistband earlier that night
• Ran back to car just ahead of [Rodriguez-Perez]
• Saw [Rodriguez-Perez] get something from backseat of car
• Went back to Pendleton Way with [Rodriguez-Perez]
• Stood behind orange [truck] with [Rodriguez-Perez]. "I was right up
front where that fool was."
• Didn't know that [Rodriguez-Perez] intended to fire?
Ex. SE-A at 56.
What is evident from the slides, combined with the prosecutor's arguments, is that
the prosecutor was arguing that portions of Martinez's testimony should not be believed
because of the existence of contrary evidence. The prosecutor repeatedly referred the jury
to Martinez's testimony and evidence that contradicted his testimony. And in doing so,
the prosecutor repeatedly emphasized that the jurors were the sole judges of credibility.
For example, with respect to slide 44, the prosecutor argued:
16
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
Mr. Martinez says he didn't know why [Rodriguez-Perez did not
initially enter the Seasons]. I would suggest to you that this part of Mr.
Martinez's testimony is not credible. You have a jury instruction that states
in part that you are the sole judges of the credibility of each witness. In
considering a witness' testimony, you may consider these things, and one of
those things is any personal interest that the witness might have in the
outcome of the issues, the reasonableness of the witness' statements in the
context of all the other evidence.
I suggest to you that this portion of Mr. Martinez's testimony where
he says that he did not know why [Rodriguez-Perez] went away from the
door is not credible. He has a personal interest in the outcome of this
proceeding. When you consider all the other evidence, the statement is not
reasonable.
Mr. Martinez knew exactly why [Rodriguez-Perez] left the door of
The Seasons Performance Hall because he couldn't get inside with the gun
that was in the waistband of his [pants], the gun he always carried, the gun
that was in the waistband of his pants just before they left ... the house.
17 RP (Mar. 31, 2015) at 3297. From the context, it is clear throughout closing argument
the prosecutor was asking the jury to doubt portions of Martinez's testimony because of
conflicting evidence. Because the prosecutor's comments about Martinez's credibility
were based on the evidence and not the prosecutor's personal opinion, we conclude the
prosecutor did not commit misconduct in this regard.
3. The captions on the PowerPoint slides generally reflected the
evidence or reasonable inferences therefrom
Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez argue the prosecutor committed prejudicial
misconduct when he used PowerPoint slides to add captions and various editorial
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No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
comments to evidence admitted at trial. They argue prosecutorial misconduct occurs
whenever the prosecutor uses PowerPoint slides to alter evidence. We disagree.
Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez rely heavily on In re the Personal Restraint of
Glasmann, 175 Wn.2d 696, 286 P.3d 673 (2012). In that case, the prosecutor used
PowerPoint slides to assist in closing arguments. Id. at 701. The slides contained
photographs and surveillance camera footage introduced at trial, altered to include
captions. Id. At least five slides showed Glasmann's battered face from his booking
photograph. Id. at 701-02. One booking photo slide had a caption which read, "'DO
YOU BELIEVE HIM?'" Id. at 701. Another booking photo slide had a caption which
read, "' WHY SHOULD YOU BELIEVE ANYTHING HE SAYS ABOUT THE
ASSAULT?"' Id. at 701-02. Toward the end of the PowerPoint, there was a series of
three booking photos. Id. at 702. The first had the word "'GUILTY'" in red emblazoned
diagonally across Glasmann's battered face. Id. The second had the word"' GUILTY"'
in red superimposed mirror-like over the previous slide so that the words formed an
"'X"' over Glasmann's face. Id. The third had the word '"GUILTY'" in red
superimposed horizontally over the previous slide, in effect, saying, "'GUILTY,
GUILTY, GUILTY."' Id. at 714. In a plurality decision, the court reversed all of
Glasmann's four convictions and granted him a new trial.
18
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
The four justices in the plurality seemingly agreed that altering evidence by adding
editorial comment to PowerPoint slides is prosecutorial misconduct. Id. at 705-07. The
four dissenting justices agreed that the PowerPoint captions were improper, but would
have affirmed three of the four convictions on the basis that the improper closing was not
prejudicial as to those convictions. Id. at 718. Of significance here, the fqur dissenting
justices did not construe the plurality's holding as prohibiting PowerPoint slides, provided
that the slides and arguments were proper. Id. at 724.
The pivotal vote for the plurality was the concurring opinion of Justice Chambers.
Justice Chambers described the line between proper and improper use of PowerPoint in
closing:
Certainly, lawyers may and should use technology to advance
advocacy and judges should permit and even encourage new techniques.
But we must all remember the only purpose of visual aids of any kind is to
enhance and assist the jury's understanding of the evidence. Technology
should never be permitted to dazzle, confuse, or obfuscate the truth. The
jury's deliberations must be based solely upon the evidence admitted and
the court's instructions, not upon whose lawyer does the best job of
manipulating, altering, shuffling, or distorting the evidence into some
persuasive visual kaleidoscope experience for the jury.
Id. at 715-16 (emphasis added). Thus, a majority of justices in Glasmann agreed that
counsel may use PowerPoint slides and editorialize, provided that in doing so, editorial
comments are based on the evidence and assist the jury's understanding of it.
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No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
Here, the prosecutor's PowerPoint slides contained editorial comments in the form
of captions. These captions were directly linked to the evidence and were helpful to the
jury's understanding ofit. Examples of captions include: "COBAN SHOWUP," "HAT
BEHIND BUSH," or "RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ WEARING HAT." Ex. SE-A at 30-36.
Other challenged captions described what was occurring in still-shots of the various
surveillance videos displayed to the jury: "MARTINEZ RUNS TO CAR FOR PISTOL,"
"RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ HEADING TO CAR FOR PISTOL," "MARTINEZ RETURNS
FROM CAR," or "BACK AT THE FIGHT." Ex. SE-A at 48-54. No slide has a caption
even remotely comparable to those in Glasmann.
But there is one slide that we do find disconcerting. Slide 43 is captioned, "GOOD
TIMES." Ex. SE-A at 43. The slide is an exhibit photograph of Martinez slumped in a
chair, with a dazed expression. It was taken at the same place and time as slide 42, which
depicts Rodriguez-Perez pointing the murder weapon at the camera. Ex. SE-A at 42.
Martinez argues the prosecutor deliberately designed the caption to prejudice him. The
State responds that the caption reflects Martinez's own description of those two
photographs.
Martinez testified that he took the photographs in slides 42 and 43, and also why
he saved them: "I just wanted to save it just for good times, just remember us three, just a
20
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
good time." 15 RP (Mar. 27, 2015) at 2964. Although the State's response has a basis in
fact, the prosecutor's choice of caption-Good Times-and Martinez's dazed expression,
combine to cause the State's response to ring hollow.
Although we find the caption improper, we do not find it prejudicial under the
applicable standard. The prejudice element of a defendant's claim of prosecutorial
misconduct requires the defendant to show a substantial likelihood that the misconduct
affected the jury's verdict. Glasmann, 175 Wn.2d at 704. The expression on Martinez's
face in the photograph was part of the record before the prosecutor called additional
attention to it with the caption. In addition, Martinez testified that he and his two friends
drank tequila and smoked marijuana before the concert. The caption "Good Times"
implies an irrelevant fact admitted by Martinez. We cannot find that the caption, itself,
affected the jury's verdict. Finally, the prosecutor's closing argument focused on the
evidence, not on Martinez's dazed expression. We are confident that the jury's
deliberations were similarly focused.
B. MARTINEZ'S RIGHT TO PRESENT A DEFENSE
Martinez separately contends the trial court violated his right to present a defense
by excluding evidence of gang affiliation and expert witness testimony about the
unreliability of cross racial eyewitness identification.
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No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
This court reviews a claim of a denial of Sixth Amendment to the United States
Constitution rights de novo. State v. Jones, 168 Wn.2d 713,719,230 P.3d 576 (2010).
"We continue to review most trial court evidentiary rulings for an abuse of discretion."
State v. Duarte Vela, 200 Wn. App. 306, 317, 402 P .3d 281 (2017). "But when a trial
court's discretionary ruling excludes relevant evidence, the more the exclusion of that
evidence prejudices an articulated defense theory, the more likely we will find that the
trial court abused its discretion." Id. (citing Jones, 168 Wn.2d at 720).
Both the United States and the Washington State Constitutions guarantee the right
to present testimony in one's defense. U.S. CONST. amend. VI; WASH. CONST. art. I,
§ 22; State v. Hudlow, 99 Wn.2d 1, 14, 659 P.2d 514 (1983). "The right of an accused in
a criminal trial to due process is, in essence, the right to a fair opportunity to defend
against the State's accusations." Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284, 294, 93 S. Ct.
1038, 35 L. Ed. 2d 297 (1973). A defendant's right to an opportunity to be heard in his
defense, including the rights to examine witnesses against him and to offer testimony, is
basic in our system of jurisprudence. Jones, 168 Wn.2d at 720. "Evidence that a
defendant seeks to introduce 'must be of at least minimal relevance.'" Id. (quoting State
v. Darden, 145 Wn.2d 612, 622, 41 P.3d 1189 (2002)). Defendants have a right to
present only relevant evidence, with no constitutional right to present irrelevant evidence.
22
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
State v. Gregory, 158 Wn.2d 759, 786 n.6, 147 P.3d 1201 (2006). If relevant, the burden
is on the State to show the evidence is so prejudicial as to disrupt the fairness of the fact-
finding process at trial. Darden, 145 Wn.2d at 622.
1. Gang affiliation evidence
a. The trial court did not consider judicial economy in limiting
gang evidence
One of Martinez's arguments is that the trial court erroneously prioritized judicial
economy over his right to present gang evidence. We disagree.
During the hearing on the initial motions to sever, the trial court denied the
motions after analyzing whether the two defenses were mutually antagonistic. Martinez's
theory of defense was Rodriguez-Perez was the shooter, while Rodriguez-Perez's theory
was neither he nor Martinez shot Morgan or Prince. The trial court concluded that these
defenses were not sufficiently antagonistic to warrant severance.
After the State rested, and pursuant to CrR 4.4(a)(2), the trial court considered the
defendants' renewed motions to sever on the same ground they previously argued. The
trial court analyzed the issue on the record, cited authorities that supported its ruling, and
reached the same conclusion that severance was not warranted.
23
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
After the trial court denied the motions to sever, it then addressed gang evidence.
Our review of the record shows no support for Martinez's contention that the trial court
considered judicial economy as a reason for excluding gang evidence.
b. Evidence ofgang affiliation was somewhat relevant, but
excludable on the basis that it was highly prejudicial to
Rodriguez-Perez
All relevant evidence is admissible. ER 401. However, before gang evidence is
relevant, the party seeking admission must show a nexus between gang membership and
the charged crime. State v. Scott, 151 Wn. App. 520, 526, 213 P .3d 71 (2009). After that
connection is shown, gang evidence still falls within the scope of ER 404(b ). State v.
Yarbrough, 151 Wn. App. 66, 81,210 P.3d 1029 (2009).
Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character
of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith, but it is admissible to
establish motive. ER 404(b). Here, a portion of Martinez's defense was that he did not
have a motive to shoot or participate in the shooting of Morgan, but Rodriguez-Perez, a
member of the Fun Boys, did have such a motive.
24
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
The trial court asked Martinez for an offer of proof on the gang affiliation
evidence he wished to introduce. The offer, based on Sergeant Cortez's police
report/interview with security guard Martin Gonzalez, 3 stated:
[The fight] began inside during the concert when several subjects began to
exchange words for an unknown reason but thought it had something to do
with gangs or rap. Gonzalez explained that there were several rap groups
playing [that night], that one of rap [groups] named DSB, Down Since
Birth, is affiliated with the FB's, Fun Boys, a Norteno gang in Yakima.
Gonzalez stated that two large groups that consisted of West Side
Hustlers and FB's, Fun Boys, went outside to rumble and square off.
Gonzalez stated that hewas standing at the entrance door, which they
locked to prevent the fight from going into the business, and was looking
through the glass when the two groups began to fight.
Gonzalez stated they fought for a moment and then stopped but
continued to exchange words. Gonzalez stated a short time later it appeared
to get started. A subject with the West Side Hustlers threw a punch at Klick
Klack, Justin Navarro, date of birth 6-30-91, who's an FB rapper.
Gonzalez stated as the fight was beginning again a subject that was
with the FB's brandished a pistol and shot about three times. Gonzalez
stated he did not know if the subject was shooting at anyone in particular or
just into the crowd.
So the significance from [Martinez's] perspective is that Mr.
Gonzalez specifically indicates that this was, at least as I interpret this
language, a gang-reported incident between West Side Hustlers and Fun
Boys, two rival gangs. He identified the person he saw as the shooter as
being somebody who was a Fun Boy.
3
Gonzalez testified that he attended a nearby university, was studying criminal
justice, and his prior work experience included working for two local security companies.
He further testified that a friend asked him to work security for the event, and that he
worked as a volunteer. The record says nothing about Gonzalez's training and
background for identifying gang affiliations.
25
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
15 RP (Mar. 27, 2015) at 2857-58. The offer also stated that Sergeant Cortez would
testify that Rodriguez-Perez was a high-ranking member of the Fun Boys, and that
Martinez was not known to be a gang member.
The trial court analyzed the issue under Scott and excluded the evidence for
lacking a nexus between gang values or purpose and the charged crime. Specifically, the
court noted, "[t]he evidence so far indicates that the shooting arose out of a conflict
between two groups, which started out as yelling and rose to the level of a fistfight.
There is simply not enough evidence in this case to establish that the shooting was to
advance a particular gang purpose or value." 15 RP (Mar. 27, 2015) at 2861. 4 As an
additional basis for its ruling, the trial court opined that admission of gang evidence was
unfairly prejudicial to Rodriguez-Perez. We agree with this alternative basis and limit our
disposition of the issue accordingly.
As previously explained, a defendant's right to present evidence is not absolute. It
may, "in appropriate cases, bow to accommodate other legitimate interests in the criminal
trial process." Chambers, 410 U.S. at 295. The First Amendment right of association
protects gang affiliation. Scott, 151 Wn. App. at 526 (citing Dawson v. Delaware, 503
4
Up to that point, the parties intentionally omitted gang evidence from the trial.
So the trial court's reasoning was a bit tautological. The trial court should have focused
on the offer of proof, not the evidence that it had already heard.
26
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
U.S. 159, 112 S. Ct. 1093, 117 L. Ed. 2d 309 (1992)). The admission of gang evidence is
highly prejudicial. State v. Asaeli, 150 Wn. App. 543, 579, 208 P.3d 1136 (2009).
Admitting gang evidence risks a jury convicting a person solely on the basis of gang
membership. See Scott, 151 Wn. App. at 529. Recognizing this danger, the State agreed
with Rodriguez-Perez that evidence of gang membership was not admissible. Martinez
equivocated on the admission of gang evidence until one week into the trial.
Martinez had a very good reason to equivocate. Had the trial court admitted gang
evidence, Martinez would have had an additional problem: how would he explain his
request to wear Rodriguez-Perez's red Fun Boys/Norteno-colored clothing to the concert.
Having an officer testify that Martinez was not a known gang member was of little help,
given Martinez's request of his high-ranking gang member friend to wear his gang-
colored clothing. Because admitting gang evidence would have jeopardized Rodriguez-
Perez's right to a fair trial, and might have hurt Martinez's case more than it helped it, we
cannot say that the trial court's exclusion of gang evidence was an abuse of discretion.
A majority of the panel having determined that only the foregoing portion of this
opinion will be printed in the Washington Appellate Reports and that the remainder shall
be filed for public record pursuant to RCW 2.06.040, it is so ordered.
27
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
2. Expert testimony on cross racial eyewitness identification
Martinez argues the trial court violated his right to present a defense by excluding
his expert, Dr. Geoffrey Loftus, from testifying about the unreliability of cross racial
identification.
All relevant evidence is admissible, absent some exceptions. ER 402. Relevant
evidence is "evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it
would be without the evidence." ER 401. "If scientific, technical, or other specialized
knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in
issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or
education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise." ER 702. In the
case of scientific testimony, the expert ( 1) must qualify as an expert, (2) the expert's
opinion must be based on a theory generally accepted in the relevant scientific
community, and (3) the testimony must be helpful to the trier of fact. State v. Allery, 101
Wn.2d 591,596,682 P.2d 312 (1984).
When "eyewitness identification of the defendant is a key element of the State's
case, the trial court must carefully consider whether expert testimony on the reliability of
eyewitness identification would assist the jury in assessing the reliability of eyewitness
28
No. 33571-2-111; No. 33624-7-111
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
testimony." State v. Cheatam, 150 Wn.2d 626, 649, 81 P.3d 830 (2003). "[T]he court
should consider the proposed testimony and the specific subjects involved in the
identification to which the testimony relates, such as whether the victim and the defendant
are of the same race, whether the defendant displayed a weapon, [and] the effect of
stress .... " Id.Martinez is Hispanic. The only non-Hispanic eyewitness who identified Martinez
as the shooter is Adams. Dr. Loftus generated a report, and the report noted Adams did
not identify Martinez to the police based on race, "he said that shooter ... had a red shirt
and a red hat, and, he had a sweater. [Adams] couldn't see the color of the sweater ....
He says he's 100% sure of the guy he picked (Martinez) because he had the 'exact same
color of hat.'" CP (Martinez) at 180-81. Martinez conceded in oral argument that
Adams "picked Mr. Martinez primarily because he was dressed all in red. So it was
based on clothing that he was making his identification." RP (Mar. 2-3, 2015) at 51.
The record is clear that Adams identified Martinez based on his clothing rather
than because of any racial characteristic. The trial court correctly concluded that expert
testimony on cross racial identification would not assist the jury. The trial court did not
violate Martinez's right to present a defense when it excluded irrelevant evidence.
Gregory, 158 Wn.2d at 786 n.6.
29
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
C. REASONABLE DOUBT JURY INSTRUCTION
Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez contend the trial court impermissibly lowered the
State's burden of proof by giving the jury a probable cause instruction that contained the
phrase "abiding belief in the truth of the charge." Each opposed the State's request for
this instruction. We disagree.
This court reviews a challenge to the language of jury instructions de novo,
considering the context of the instructions de novo. State v. Bennett, 161 Wn.2d 303,
307, 165 P.3d 1241 (2007). The language in question comes from the Washington
Pattern Instructions and has survived a number of similar challenges. 11 WASHINGTON
PRACTICE: WASHINGTON PATTERN JURY INSTRUCTIONS: CRIMINAL 4.01, at 93 (4th ed.
2016); see State v. Kinzle, 181 Wn. App. 774,784,326 P.3d 870 (2014); State v.
Fedorov, 181 Wn. App. 187, 200, 324 P.3d 784 (2014); State v. Pirtle, 127 Wn.2d 628,
658,904 P.2d 245 (1995); State v. Mabry, 51 Wn. App. 24, 25, 751 P.2d 882 (1988). The
United States Supreme Court has also upheld the use of an abiding belief instruction.
Victor v. Nebraska, 511 U.S. 1, 14-15, 114 S. Ct. 1239, 127 L. Ed. 2d 583 (1994).
Nonetheless, Rodriguez-Perez and Martinez argue the instruction is no longer
permissible after Emery. We disagree. Although the trial court gave the same
instruction, the issue in Emery was much narrower. In Emery, the prosecutor repeatedly
30
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
implored the jury during closing argument to speak the truth. Emery, 174 Wn.2d at 751.
Our Supreme Court found the statement improper and reasoned, "a jury's job is to
determine whether the State has proved the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt,"
not to speak or declare the truth. Id. at 760. Nothing in the holding disturbed prior
precedent pertaining to the phrase "abiding belief in the truth" or its use in a reasonable
doubt jury instruction. See State v. Giles, 185 Wn. App. 1038, review denied, 184 Wn.2d
1021, 361 P.3d 747 (2015). Here, the instruction correctly invited the jury to weigh the
evidence.
D. LEGAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Rodriguez-Perez contends that a scrivener's error in the judgment and sentence
obligated him to pay costs of incarceration, when the trial court intended to waive these
costs for both Martinez and him. The State concedes this point and agrees that remand is
appropriate for the trial court to correct this error. We accept the concession and remand
for the trial court to strike Rodriguez-Perez's costs of incarceration.
E. APPELLATE COSTS
Martinez and Rodriguez-Perez ask this court not to impose appellate costs in the
event they do not prevail. The State responds by agreeing not to seek appellate costs. We
therefore decline to impose costs. RAP 14.2.
31
No. 33571-2-III; No. 33624-7-III
State v. Rodriguez-Perez; State v. Martinez
Affirm, but remand to strike incarceration costs.
32