State v. Terry , 2014 Ohio 4804 ( 2014 )

[Cite as State v. Terry, 2014-Ohio-4804.]
Court of Appeals of Ohio
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
No. 100813
STATE OF OHIO
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE
vs.
CAMILIA TERRY
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT
JUDGMENT:
AFFIRMED
Criminal Appeal from the
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-12-569331-A
BEFORE: Kilbane, J., S. Gallagher, P.J., and Rocco, J.
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: October 30, 2014
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
Thomas A. Rein
526 Superior Avenue
Leader Building
Suite 940
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Timothy J. McGinty
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
Anna M. Faraglia
Ronni Ducoff
Assistant County Prosecutors
The Justice Center - 9th Floor
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, J.:
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Camilia Terry (“Terry”), appeals her convictions. For the
reasons set forth below, we affirm.
{¶2} In December 2012, Terry was charged in a ten-count indictment. Counts 1 and 2
charged her with the aggravated murder. Counts 3 and 4 charged her with murder. Count 5
charged her felonious assault. Counts 6 and 7 charged her with child endangering. Count 8
charged her with tampering with evidence. Count 9 charged her making false alarms, knowing
that said conduct resulted in economic harm of $7,500 or more, but less than $150,000. Count
10 charged Terry with gross abuse of a corpse. All of the charges stem from the tragic death of
Terry’s three-year-old son, Emilliano Terry (“Emilliano”).
{¶3} In November 2013, the matter proceeded to a jury trial, at which the following
evidence was adduced.
{¶4} On November 25, 2012, at 5:08 p.m., Cleveland police received a call from Terry
stating that her three-year-old son, Emilliano, was missing. Terry stated that she was at Kossuth
Park, located near the intersection of East 121st Street and Shaker Boulevard in Cleveland.
Cleveland Police Officer Robert Mangan (“Mangan”) and his partner Officer Kevin Walker
(“Walker”) immediately responded to the scene. They arrived within minutes of Terry’s call.
Upon arrival, Mangan observed Terry standing in the park with two small children, later
identified as her five-year-old son, K.T., and five-month-old son, R.T. The officers asked Terry
for any additional details that might assist them in their search for Emilliano. Kossuth Park is
very small in size and surrounded by a fence. Once the officers determined that Emilliano was
not in the park, they split up and searched nearby apartment buildings and surrounding side
streets. Mangan returned to Terry approximately five minutes later to gather more information
that would assist in the search process.
{¶5} Terry told Mangan that K.T. observed Emilliano get into a black car. Terry never
gave him a clear answer as to when K.T. told her that information. Mangan then spoke to K.T.,
but was unable to gather additional information related to the black car. Terry stated that she
also observed the black car, but she did not observe Emilliano enter the vehicle. Mangan
testified that Terry seemed upset, but not hysterical.
{¶6} Mangan relayed the information to his supervisor, Cleveland Police Sergeant Patrick
Petranek (“Petranek”), who arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Petranek instructed Mangan
to return Terry and her two children to Terry’s apartment at 13008 Buckeye Road in Cleveland.
Petranek further instructed Mangan to stay with Terry in her apartment and conduct a more
thorough search of her apartment building. While Walker searched the apartment complex,
Mangan began to fill out a missing person’s report. Mangan stayed with Terry until Cleveland
Police Detectives James Brooks (“Brooks”) and Michael Hale (“Hale”) arrived at Terry’s
apartment. Once the detectives arrived, Mangan exited Terry’s apartment and met up with
Walker. The two of them then searched the area surrounding the apartment building, including
a back alley that contained a large dumpster. Mangan testified that a dumpster was located
directly beneath the back balcony of Terry’s apartment.
{¶7} Brooks testified that he and Hale spoke to Terry in her apartment regarding
Emilliano’s disappearance. Terry told the detectives that after approximately 15 minutes of
playing with K.T., she noticed Emilliano was missing. The detectives then walked the route
Terry used as she walked to the park that afternoon. Before returning back to Terry’s apartment,
Cleveland Police Commander Deonne McCaulley and Deputy Chief Calvin Williams instructed
the detectives to take Terry and her children back to the Fourth District Precinct for additional
interviews.
{¶8} FBI Special Agent Joseph Callahan (“Special Agent Callahan”) testified that the FBI
became involved in the search for Emilliano on the evening of November 25, 2012. His
personal involvement in the case began on the morning of November 26, 2012. Special Agent
Callahan first assessed Kossuth Park and the surrounding area. Special Agent Callahan testified
that he then had a conversation with Terry while he was at her apartment building. Law
enforcement wished to transport Terry to the local FBI office in order to conduct an interview.
Terry was resistant and expressed a desire to speak with her attorney before going to the FBI
office for an interview. Terry insisted that she speak to her attorney, so Special Agent Callahan
relayed her attorney’s contact information to the FBI. Special Agent Callahan then made
arrangements for Terry to be transported to the local FBI office.
{¶9} FBI Special Agent Andrew Burke (“Special Agent Burke”) testified that he received
Terry’s consent to search her cell phone. Special Agent Burke generated a report documenting
the phone’s contents. The report contained text messages, call logs, and other relevant data.
Terry told Special Agent Burke that on November 25, 2012, she and her children woke up at
approximately 11:00 a.m., and stayed in her apartment until 4:15 p.m. The data extracted from
Terry’s cell phone, however, placed her phone near Tower City in downtown Cleveland at
approximately 2:30 p.m. on the afternoon of November 25, 2012. After being confronted with
this information, Terry then stated that she had lunch with her children at the McDonald’s in
Tower City that afternoon. She further stated they rode a bus downtown at approximately 1:00
p.m.
{¶10} At some point in the investigation, law enforcement determined that Terry had
visited other establishments while at Tower City. Shainna Bernard (“Bernard”), an employee of
The Children’s Place, a children’s clothing store located in Tower City, testified that she returned
clothes for Terry on November 25, 2012. Bernard testified that at approximately 2:30 p.m.,
Terry returned some shirts in size “3T” (Emilliano’s clothing size) in exchange for a store credit.
Bernard knew Terry through Terry’s sister and remembered her from high school. Terry did
not disclose this fact to law enforcement during her various interviews.
{¶11} The next day, on November 26, 2012, Special Agent Burke received a still photo
from a local business’s external surveillance video. The video depicts Terry pushing a stroller
past the business. Terry was accompanied by K.T., but the video did not show that Emilliano
was with Terry on the afternoon of November 25, 2012. That same day, Terry went to the
Cleveland FBI office, where she met with her attorney before being interviewed by FBI Special
Agent Lance Fragomeli (“Special Agent Fragomeli”). Prior to her interview, Terry was advised
of her rights and signed a Miranda waiver, which her attorney initialed.
{¶12} Special Agent Fragomeli testified about his interview with Terry. At first, he
questioned Terry about basic biographical information, to which Terry was “very amenable.”
Special Agent Fragomeli then asked her for information relating to Emilliano’s disappearance.
Terry stated that she and her three children walked to Kossuth Park at approximately 4:00 p.m.
on November 25, 2012. Terry stated that she placed her youngest child, R.T., in a stroller for the
walk to the park. She pushed the stroller, while K.T. and Emilliano walked along side her. At
some point while they were at the park, Terry stated that she lost sight of Emilliano. She spent
approximately fifteen to twenty minutes searching the park for Emilliano before she called her
friend, who advised her to call 911. Terry then called 911 and reported that Emilliano was
missing.
{¶13} Special Agent Fragomeli then showed Terry the surveillance photo depicting only
K.T. walking to the park with Terry, who was pushing a stroller. Terry responded that Emilliano
was hidden behind the stroller because of the camera’s angle. Fragomeli told Terry that FBI
agents had reviewed the entire video and did not see Emilliano anywhere in the vicinity of the
stroller. Terry did not respond to this statement. Special Agent Fragomeli informed Terry that
law enforcement spoke with a witness, who observed her on the day of Emilliano’s
disappearance. That witness had only seen Terry and K.T. walking in the vicinity of Kossuth
Park. Emilliano was not present. Terry replied that the witness “must have had something
against her.”
{¶14} Special Agent Fragomeli also showed Terry a computer printout of an internet
posting dated November 21, 2012, stating “I have a three-year-old toddler I want to put up for
adoption.” Terry admitted that she had created the posting because she had trouble raising
Emilliano and was considering giving him up for adoption. The posting states that Terry had
hesitations about giving birth to Emilliano, she had difficulty dealing with Emilliano’s
“problems,” and Emilliano’s father was not present to assist in raising the child.
{¶15} Special Agent Fragomeli then asked Terry if she could take them to Emilliano’s
whereabouts. Special Agent Fragomeli stated that it was possible that Emilliano’s death was an
accident. Terry responded that “she did not appreciate” his implication and asked to leave the
room. Terry then left the interview room and Special Agent Fragomeli went back to his desk.
{¶16} After Terry exited the interview room, she was taken into custody by Cleveland
police. Terry was Mirandized and acknowledged that she understood her rights. As officers
were preparing to transport Terry to central booking, Terry stated that she wished to speak to law
enforcement and “tell the truth.” Terry was then returned to the interview room in which she
had previously spoken with Special Agent Fragomeli.
{¶17} Meanwhile, another group of law enforcement officials were searching for
Emilliano at the park and Terry’s apartment building. FBI Agent Stacy Lough (“Agent Lough”)
was at Terry’s apartment complex, when she was directed by another FBI agent to go speak with
the driver of the trash collection truck who retrieved garbage from the dumpster underneath
Terry’s apartment. Agent Lough asked the driver if they could isolate the trash. The driver
referred Agent Lough to his supervisor, Kevin Fitzgerald (“Fiztgerald”). Agent Lough’s
supervisor spoke with Fitzgerald, who then instructed his driver to return to the waste
management facility. Fitzgerald testified that the truck was quarantined in Waste Management
Bay 5, and the trash was dumped for law enforcement officials to search.
{¶18} FBI Special Agent Christopher Garnett (“Special Agent Garnett”) responded to the
waste management facility at approximately 2:15 p.m. on November 26, 2012. Within minutes
of searching through the trash, Garnett picked up a garbage bag that felt heavy. He began
removing some of the external bags until he reached a blue nylon bag. Special Agent Garnett
rolled the contents out of the outer bags and began closely inspecting the object. Special Agent
Garnett testified that he felt something that “felt like a skull,” and then felt “kneecaps, leg bones,
and feet.” Special Agent Garnett smelled the stench of decomposition once he cut open the
bags.
{¶19} Special Agent Garnett further testified that Emilliano’s body was wrapped in
approximately seven different plastic bags, including bags from The Children’s Place and Target.
Once the agents determined that they had found a body, they contacted the Cleveland Police
Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office. The FBI agents at the waste management
facility relayed this information and their discovery of Emilliano’s body to the other law
enforcement officers interviewing Terry.
{¶20} After receiving notice that Emilliano’s body was found, Special Agent Fragomeli,
who was again interviewing Terry, informed her that Emilliano’s body was discovered. Special
Agent Fragomeli told Terry that Emilliano’s body had been recovered from a garbage truck that
collected trash from her apartment building. Special Agent Fragomeli testified that Terry began
to cry and stated that she did not intentionally kill her son. Terry stated that she, K.T., and
Emilliano went to sleep in the same bed on the night of November 23, 2012. When she woke up
on the morning of November 24, Emilliano was dead. Terry did not know how or why
Emilliano stopped breathing. She walked around the apartment for a number of hours, became
scared that others would blame her for Emilliano’s death, and decided to dispose of Emilliano’s
body.
{¶21} Terry told Special Agent Fragomeli that she wrapped Emilliano’s body in trash
bags and The Children’s Place shopping bag and placed it in the dumpster by her apartment
building. When asked if there were any injuries on Emilliano that she could explain, Terry
stated that Emilliano had sustained a head injury the day before when K.T. pushed Emilliano
from behind, causing Emilliano to strike his head on a car seat. She stated that Emilliano’s head
began bleeding and she cleaned up the wound. Terry then wiped the blood off of the car seat.
{¶22} Special Agent Fragomeli drew a diagram detailing the site of Emilliano’s injury.
Special Agent Fragomeli then wrote a summary of Terry’s statement, which Terry certified as an
accurate, truthful document by initialing beside each individual bullet point of the summary.
Special Agent Fragomeli witnessed the document, and Burke entered into the interview room.
Terry then certified the accuracy and truthfulness of Special Agent Fragomeli’s summary in
Special Agent Burke’s presence, and Burke witnessed the document.
{¶23} Andrea Wiens, M.D., (“Dr. Wiens”), a forensic pathologist, performed the autopsy
on Emilliano’s body. Dr. Wiens testified that Emilliano was small for his age. His height and
weight measurements were below the fifth percentile for his age. Her examination revealed that
Emilliano had multiple skull fractures, subgaleal hematomas (bruising underneath the scalp), and
lacerations and contusions to his head. Emilliano had intramuscular bruising on the back of his
shoulder blades and on the back of his right arm and a laceration to his liver. Dr. Wiens testified
that the laceration to his liver almost tore the liver in half and was caused by severe force to his
abdomen.
{¶24} Emilliano also had fractures in his left and right ribs, some of which had been
sustained at a time prior to Emilliano’s death. Dr. Wiens predicted that the old rib fractures
occurred sometime during the months preceding Emilliano’s death. The remaining described
injuries were all inflicted while Emilliano was alive and near the time of his death. Dr. Wiens
further testified that, based on the degree of decomposition, Emilliano had been dead for
approximately five to seven days prior to the time his body was discovered, making the time of
death on or around November 21, 2012. Dr. Wiens testified that the cause of Emilliano’s death
was blunt impacts to head, torso and extremities with skeletal soft tissue and visceral injuries
(injury to the liver and the brain). The manner of Emilliano’s tragic death was ruled a homicide.
{¶25} Curtiss Jones (“Jones”), supervisor of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s
Office Trace Evidence Department, testified about the evidence obtained in Terry’s apartment.
He testified that several locations in Terry’s apartment tested presumptively positive for blood,
including the radiator in the living room, a wall in Terry’s front bedroom, and the area
surrounding the sink in Terry’s kitchen. A pair of Terry’s boots also tested presumptively
positive for blood. He categorized the blood stains on the radiator as blood splatter. He did not
find any indication of blood on the car seat in Terry’s car.
{¶26} Lisa Moore (“Moore”), a forensic scientist employed with the Cuyahoga County
Medical Examiner’s Office, testified that she specializes in forensic DNA analysis. She testified
that the samples taken from the knot area of the outer bags used to dispose of Emilliano’s body
matched Terry’s DNA. Moore also testified that the blood samples collected from the knot area
of the bindings around Emilliano’s waist, Terry’s boots, and the baseboard in the bedroom all
matched Emilliano’s DNA.
{¶27} Cleveland Police Detective Joselito Sandoval (“Sandoval”) testified the he went to
the waste management facility with the FBI. He observed trash bags that were opened, partially
exposing the right side of Emilliano’s face. He viewed three pieces of mail surrounding the
body, two of which were addressed to Terry and one letter in Emilliano’s name. Sandoval
conducted a search of Terry’s apartment on November 27, 2012. During the search, he found a
letter dated November 21, 2012, from the First Call for Help Community Resources Adoption
Network in Cleveland, a Tower City McDonald’s receipt dated November 25, 2012, at 2:43 p.m.,
a HP laptop, two USB drives, and three cell phones belonging to Terry. Sandoval testified that
Terry had conducted internet searches on child adoption services around the time of Emilliano’s
death.
{¶28} Sandoval further testified that in October 2013, Terry’s attorney contacted him and
made arrangements for Terry to give him a statement in the presence of her attorney. Sandoval
interviewed Terry on October 21, 2013. During the interview, Terry implicated a male by the
name of “Red” as causing Emilliano’s death. Terry claimed that sometime before Emilliano’s
death, “Red” attacked and raped her in her apartment. She said that “Red” attacked her in front
of K.T. and Emilliano. According to Terry, K.T. left the room and Emilliano attempted to help
her. At that time, “Red” hit Emilliano and then kicked Emilliano down the hallway. Terry told
Sandoval that she then attempted to escape, but “Red” struck her in the head and then raped her.
After “Red” left the apartment, Terry found Emilliano asleep in a corner with a lump on his head.
Terry told Sandoval that “Red” told her not to implicate him or else he would kill Terry and her
children. On Thanksgiving 2012, Terry came back to her apartment to find “Red” sitting in the
living room with K.T. and Emilliano. “Red” then took Terry’s phone and chased Terry into her
bedroom. “Red” was dressed in all black and wore white gloves. “Red” pushed her down onto
her bed, inserted a needle into her arm, causing her to lose consciousness, and removed her
clothes. When Terry woke up, she found Emilliano in a closet bloody and beaten up with a note
pinned to his chest, stating that “[i]f you try to find me I’m going to kill you and your kids.”
Terry then told Sandoval that she removed Emilliano’s dead body from the closet, placed it in
trash bags, and placed the bags containing his body in the dumpster behind her apartment
building.
{¶29} After Terry’s statement, Sandoval began his investigation of her claims. He
identified “Red” as Rahsaan Lamar (“Lamar”), who testified at trial. Lamar testified that his
nickname is “Red.” He admitted to a criminal record, including convictions for robbery and
assault. Lamar met Terry in the summer of 2011. At that time, she lived in an apartment in the
area of South Moreland and Shaker Roads, which was near his cousin’s apartment. He visited
her at this apartment on two occasions. On the first occasion, Lamar was accompanied by his
cousin. The two men visited Terry’s apartment for approximately 30 minutes. On the second
occasion, Terry invited Lamar back to her apartment, at which time the two had consensual sex.
Lamar did not see Terry’s children during either visit to her apartment. Lamar testified that he
did not hit, slap, or otherwise inflict any physical harm upon Terry. Lamar testified that he
never knew that Terry had children, he never had any contact with Emilliano, nor did he have any
involvement in Emilliano’s tragic death. Lamar testified that he had never been inside Terry’s
apartment at 13008 Buckeye Road.
{¶30} Sandoval further testified that his investigation of Terry’s October 2013 interview
revealed a number of inconsistencies. Sandoval examined Terry’s cell phone records and
discovered 17 outgoing and 20 incoming text messages, as well as a 10 minute phone call, during
the time period Terry claimed to be unconscious because she was drugged by Lamar. There was
also internet activity on Terry’s computer, specifically searches pertaining to adoption
procedures, during the same time period.
{¶31} The state also called witnesses with regard to Terry’s relationship with Emilliano.
Adebowale Adedipe, M.D. (“Dr. Adedipe”) was Emilliano’s pediatrician. He began treating
Emilliano when he was seven months old. Emilliano was underweight and his weight continued
to drop further down the growth chart during Dr. Adedipe’s subsequent examinations. Dr.
Adedipe further testified that Terry never raised any concerns about Emilliano’s behavior or
childhood development.
{¶32} April Shepherd (“Shepherd”) is a licensed social worker and consultant at the
Positive Education Program, a group that provides support to referred parents and children.
Shepherd testified that Emilliano and Terry were two of her clients. Shepherd testified that
Emilliano was referred to her agency in May 2012 because Terry was concerned that Emilliano
suffered from “physical and communication delays.” Shepherd further testified that Terry
claimed to be “overwhelmed with Emilliano’s behaviors,” that he “wouldn’t listen to her,” and
that Emilliano “was defiant in that if [Terry] asked him to do something, he wouldn’t do it.”
Shepherd stated that Terry desired to obtain “parenting skills” from the program. Shepherd had
concerns about Terry. Specifically, Shepherd was concerned with Terry’s ability to bond with
Emilliano. Shepherd eventually contacted the Department of Children and Family Services after
she was aware that one of Emilliano’s doctors was seeking to contact Terry.
{¶33} Lateria Foster (“Foster”) testified that she has been a foster parent for 17 years.
Foster testified that she had been a foster parent to Terry and K.I. Terry and K.T. lived with her
when Terry was approximately 14 years old until she was 16 years old. Terry then moved to
Mississippi for a period of time and later returned to Ohio. Terry gave birth to Emilliano after
she returned to Ohio. Foster continued to assist Terry with day-to-day tasks, including buying
and delivering food and providing transportation.
{¶34} Foster was concerned about Emilliano because he would cry when Terry picked
him up from Foster’s care. Foster testified that Terry stated Emilliano always cried and he was
spoiled. Foster described Emilliano as “just a normal baby” that “liked to eat a lot.” Foster
testified that during the middle of 2012, she had a series of conversations with Terry pertaining to
Emilliano. During one conversation, Terry seemed “really frustrated” and referred to Emilliano
as the “bad one.” Foster then made arrangements for her daughter, “TJ,” to care for Emilliano.
Emilliano remained with “TJ” until August 2012, which was after Terry gave birth to her third
child, R.T. During this time, Foster testified that she noticed Emilliano was beginning to talk,
was learning his ABCs, and enjoyed singing along to music. Foster further testified that Terry
“felt pressured” to have Emilliano live with her, and that Terry had not “bonded” with Emilliano.
Foster lost contact with Terry after Emilliano was returned to her at the end of August 2012.
{¶35} Julia Shelvin (“Shelvin”) testified that she and Terry were best friends in high
school. She is R.T.’s godmother. Shelvin stated that about two weeks prior to Thanksgiving
2012, Terry told her she was thinking of giving up Emilliano for adoption because of his
behavioral problems. Terry called Shelvin after Emilliano went missing, asking if she could
assist in the search. Shelvin testified that Terry seemed worried, but she was not crying.
Shelvin posted notices pertaining to Emilliano’s disappearance and his picture on Facebook and
Instagram.
{¶36} Latrisha Harrison (“Harrison”) testified that her fiancé is the father of Terry’s
youngest son, R.T. Terry lived with them for approximately a month in early 2012, when she
was pregnant with R.T. Harrison assisted Terry in obtaining food stamps and welfare payments.
Harrison testified that Emilliano did not exhibit notable behavioral issues. She described the
child as “very fragile” and two or three times smaller than her own son of similar age. Harrison
further testified that Terry used to refer to Emilliano as “hard-head,” “b***h,” and “mother
f****r.” Harrison stated that on one occasion she and Terry caught Harrison’s son, Emilliano,
and K.T. drinking water out of a toilet. Terry proceeded to beat Emilliano and K.T. with a belt.
Harrison testified that both she and her fiancé were concerned about Terry’s discipline style and
asked Terry to move out of their home. Harrison learned of Emilliano’s disappearance and his
eventual death while watching the local news.
{¶37} At the end of the state’s case, Terry moved for an acquittal under Crim.R. 29,
which the trial court denied. 1 Terry rested without offering any evidence. Defense counsel
1 The
state conceded that it did not prove the economic harm required in
Count 9 (making false alarms), and therefore, dismissed the furthermore clause.
Count 9 then proceeded as a first-degree misdemeanor as opposed to a fourth-degree
felony.
requested a jury instruction on reckless homicide, a lesser included offense to aggravated murder.
The trial court denied Terry’s request. However, the trial court did give a jury instruction on
murder for Count 1 (aggravated murder).
{¶38} The jury found Terry not guilty of aggravated murder as originally charged in
Count 1, and instead, found her guilty of the lesser included offense of murder. The jury also
found Terry guilty of each of the remaining counts. The trial court sentenced Terry in December
2013. For purposes of sentencing, the trial court merged Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 with the
aggravated murder conviction in Count 2. The trial court sentenced Terry to a prison term of 30
years to life on Count 2. The trial court sentenced Terry to three years in prison on Count 8 —
tampering with evidence, six months in county jail on Count 9 — making false alarms (which the
trial court suspended), and one year in prison on Count 10 — gross abuse of a corpse. The trial
court ordered that Terry’s sentence on Count 8 be served concurrent to Count 2 and Terry’s
sentence on Count 10 be served consecutive to Count 2 for a total sentence of 31 years to life in
prison.
{¶39} Terry now appeals, raising the following the five assignments of error for review,
which shall be discussed together where appropriate.
Assignment of Error One
The State failed to present sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction against
[Terry].
Assignment of Error Two
[Terry’s] convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Assignment of Error Three
The trial court erred when it admitted other acts testimony in violation of R.C.
2945.59, Evid.R. 404(B), and [Terry’s] rights under Article I, Section 10 of the
Ohio Constitution and the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States
Constitution.
Assignment of Error Four
[Terry] was denied effective assistance of counsel as guaranteed by Section 10,
Article I, of the Ohio Constitution and the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments of
the U.S. Constitution.
Assignment of Error Five
The trial court erred by refusing to instruct the jury on the lesser included offense
of reckless homicide which denied [Terry’s] right to a fair trial.
Sufficiency of the Evidence
{¶40} In the first assignment of error, Terry argues there is insufficient evidence to
sustain her convictions. Specifically, she argues there is no evidence that proves she murdered
Emilliano.
{¶41} In State v. Diar, 120 Ohio St.3d 460, 2008-Ohio-6266, 900 N.E.2d 565, ¶ 113, the
Ohio Supreme Court explained the standard for sufficiency of the evidence as follows:
Raising the question of whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support the
jury verdict as a matter of law invokes a due process concern. State v.
Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 1997-Ohio-52, 678 N.E.2d 541. In
reviewing such a challenge, “[t]he relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the
evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact
could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt.” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two
of the syllabus, following Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61
L.Ed.2d 560 (1979).
{¶42} Terry was convicted of murder in violation of R.C. 2903.02(A), which provides
that: “[n]o person shall purposely cause the death of another[,]” and R.C. 2903.02(B), which
provides that: “[n]o person shall cause the death of another as a proximate result of the offender’s
committing or attempting to commit an offense of violence that is a felony of the first or second
degree[.]” Terry was also convicted of aggravated murder in violation of R.C. 2903.01(C),
which provides that: “[n]o person shall purposely cause the death of another who is under
thirteen years of age at the time of the commission of the offense.” Terry contends that there
was no evidence as to how the murder happened, who committed the murder, and when or where
the crime scene occurred.
{¶43} With the absence of eyewitness testimony to the murder, the state premised its case
against Terry on substantial circumstantial evidence. “Circumstantial evidence is defined as
‘[t]estimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy,
but of other facts from which deductions are drawn, showing indirectly the facts sought to be
proved[.]’” State v. Nicely, 39 Ohio St.3d 147, 150, 529 N.E.2d 1236 (1988), quoting Black’s
Law Dictionary 221 (5th Ed.1979). There is no difference, in terms of probative value, between
circumstantial evidence and direct evidence. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492,
paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶44} In the instant case, the state presented over 40 witnesses and approximately 500
exhibits during Terry’s trial. The state presented testimony from law enforcement officers who
interacted with Terry during the investigation into Emilliano’s disappearance, medical and trace
evidence, and testimony from individuals who had first-hand knowledge of Terry’s relationship
with Emilliano.
{¶45} Law enforcement officials testified as to Terry’s general lack of concern for
Emilliano during the period immediately following his disappearance. Law enforcement
officials also testified to the three different explanations Terry gave as to Emilliano’s
disappearance and tragic death, and how each was shown to be untrue. First, on November 25,
2012, Terry reported that Emilliano went missing while she was at Kossuth Park with her three
sons. She reported that he got into a black car. She also stated to officers that they stayed in
her apartment all day until they left for the park. Her interview with Fragomeli, however,
revealed several inconsistencies to this explanation. Surveillance photos from local businesses
depict only K.T. walking with Terry to the park on November 25, 2012. In addition, a witness
who observed Terry on the day of Emilliano’s disappearance only saw Terry and K.T. walking in
the vicinity of Kossuth Park. Furthermore, Terry’s cell phone placed her near Tower City at
approximately 2:30 p.m. on the afternoon of November 25, 2012. While at Tower City, Terry
went to McDonald’s and returned clothes in size “3T” at the Childrens Place. Fragomeli then
informed Terry that Emilliano’s body was recovered from a garbage truck that collected trash
from her apartment building. Terry began to cry and stated that she did not intentionally kill her
son.
{¶46} Terry’s second explanation was that when she woke up on the morning of
November 24, 2012, Emilliano was dead. Terry did not know how Emilliano died. She was
scared that others would blame her for Emilliano’s death, so she decided to dispose of
Emilliano’s body by wrapping him in trash bags and placing him in the dumpster by her
apartment building. Terry stated that the only injury Emilliano had was a head injury from the
day before when he struck his head on a car seat. The medical and trace evidence, however,
revealed otherwise.
{¶47} Dr. Wiens testified that all of Emilliano’s injuries, except the pelvic fracture, were
inflicted prior to or at the time of his death. During her examination, she observed multiple
skull fractures, rib fractures, subgaleal hematomas (bruising underneath the scalp), lacerations,
multiple contusions, and intramuscular bruising on Emilliano’s back and right arm. Emilliano’s
liver had sustained a severe laceration, to the point that the liver was nearly torn in half. This
injury was caused by severe impact to the Emilliano’s abdomen. Dr. Wiens further testified that
based on the degree of decomposition, Emilliano had been dead for approximately five to seven
days prior to the time his body was discovered, making his time of death on or around November
21, 2012. The cause of Emilliano’s death were blunt impacts to the head, torso, and extremities
with skeletal soft tissue and visceral injuries (injuries to the liver and the brain). The manner of
his death was ruled a homicide.
{¶48} Moreover, several locations in Terry’s apartment tested presumptively positive for
blood, including the radiator in the living room, a wall in Terry’s front bedroom, and the area
surrounding the sink in Terry’s kitchen. A pair of Terry’s boots also tested presumptively
positive for blood. The blood stains on the radiator were categorized as blood splatter. The
trace examiner did not find any indication of blood on the car seat in Terry’s car. In addition,
samples taken from the knot area of the outer bags used to dispose of Emilliano’s body matched
Terry’s DNA. The blood samples collected from Terry’s boots and the baseboard in the
bedroom all matched Emilliano’s DNA.
{¶49} In October 2013, Terry implicated Lamar, a.k.a. “Red,” as a third explanation for
Emilliano’s tragic death. Terry stated that Lamar entered her apartment, pushed her down onto
her bed, inserted a needle into her arm, causing her to lose consciousness, and removed her
clothes. When she woke up, she found Emilliano in a closet beaten up and bloody with a note
pinned to his chest, stating that “[i]f you try to find me I’m going to kill you and your kids.”
Terry then removed Emilliano from the closet, placed him in trash bags, and placed the bags in
the dumpster behind her apartment building. Sandoval’s investigation of Terry’s claims
revealed several inconsistencies.
{¶50} Terry’s cell phone had 17 outgoing and 20 incoming text messages, as well as a 10
minute phone call, during the time period Terry claimed to be unconscious because she was
drugged by Lamar. There was also internet activity on Terry’s computer, specifically searches
pertaining to adoption procedures, during the same time period. None of the physical or trace
evidence collected during the investigation connected Lamar to Emilliano’s death and
disappearance.
{¶51} Based on the foregoing, we find that the law enforcement officials’ testimony,
coupled with the medical and trace evidence, prove that Terry acted purposefully when she beat
Emilliano to death during the days preceding November 25, 2012. Thus, any rational trier of
fact could have found the essential elements of the murder and aggravated murder proven beyond
a doubt.
{¶52} Accordingly, the first assignment of error is overruled.
Manifest Weight
{¶53} In the second assignment of error, Terry argues there was no credible, reliable
evidence that she “purposely caused the death of her own child.”
{¶54} We note that in contrast to a sufficiency argument, a manifest weight challenge
questions whether the state met its burden of persuasion. State v. Bowden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 92266, 2009-Ohio-3598, ¶ 13, citing Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 390, 1997-Ohio-52, 678
N.E.2d 541. The Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202,
865 N.E.2d 1264, ¶ 25, has stated:
[T]he reviewing court asks whose evidence is more persuasive — the state’s or
the defendant’s? * * * “When a court of appeals reverses a judgment of a trial
court on the basis that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence, the
appellate court sits as a ‘thirteenth juror’ and disagrees with the factfinder’s
resolution of the conflicting testimony.” [Thompkins at 387], citing Tibbs v.
Florida (1982), 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102 S.Ct. 2211, 72 L.Ed.2d 652.
{¶55} Moreover, an appellate court may not merely substitute its view for that of the jury,
but must find that “‘in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created
such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial
ordered.’” Thompkins at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 485 N.E.2d 717(1st Dist.1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “‘the
exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.’” Id., quoting
Martin.
{¶56} Terry presented three different explanations as to Emilliano’s disappearance and
death, each of which had several inconsistencies. The jury chose to assign more weight and
credibility to the physical evidence and the testimony of the state’s witnesses, rather than to
Terry’s different explanations. Therefore, we find that the convictions are not against the
manifest weight of the evidence. We cannot say that the jury lost its way and created a manifest
injustice in convicting Terry.
{¶57} Accordingly, the second assignment of error is overruled.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel — Other-Acts Testimony
{¶58} In the third assignment of error, Terry argues the state relied on “other-acts”
evidence to prove she purposefully committed murder. In the fourth assignment of error, Terry
argues defense counsel was ineffective for failing to object to this evidence.
{¶59} To establish ineffective assistance of counsel, Terry must show: (1) counsel’s
representation was deficient in that it “fell below an objective standard of reasonableness” and
(2) there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the
proceeding would have been different. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687-688, 104
S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Sanders, 94 Ohio St.3d 150, 151, 2002-Ohio-350,
761 N.E.2d 18. In Ohio, an attorney properly licensed is presumed competent. State v. Lott, 51
Ohio St.3d 160, 174, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990). The defendant has the burden of proof and must
overcome the strong presumption that counsel’s performance was adequate or that counsel’s
action might be sound trial strategy. State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d 1128(1985).
{¶60} Terry argues that the testimony of Dr. Adedipe, Foster, Harrison, and Shepherd
should not have been admitted. Dr. Adedipe testified about Emilliano’s malnourished and
underdeveloped condition and Terry’s apparent inability to bring Emilliano up to a healthy body
weight. Foster, Harrison, and Shepherd each testified about their interactions with Terry and her
relationship with Emilliano. Foster testified that Emilliano would cry to the point of concern
whenever Terry would pick him up from Foster’s home. Terry referred to Emilliano as the “bad
one” and that Terry “felt pressured” to have Emilliano live with her. Harrison testified to
Terry’s behavior toward Emilliano and how she would call Emilliano “hard-head,” “b***h,” and
“mother f****r.” Harrison observed Terry beat Emilliano and K.T. with a belt, and
subsequently asked Terry to leave her home because of her extreme use of corporal punishment.
Shepherd, a social worker, testified she was concerned that Emilliano had “behavior attachment”
issues.
{¶61} Terry contends this evidence portrayed her as a bad mother and the purpose of this
testimony was to cause the jury to be biased against her. The state, on the other hand, contends
that the evidence was relevant and admissible under Evid.R. 404(B) and R.C. 2945.59, which
allow for the admission of other-acts evidence for the purpose of showing identity, intent,
motive, or lack of mistake or accident.
{¶62} We must first determine whether the testimony was inadmissible to warrant an
objection. We note that “‘[e]vidence that an accused committed a crime other than the one for
which he is on trial is not admissible when its sole purpose is to show the accused’s propensity or
inclination to commit crime or that he acted in conformity with bad character.’” State v. Ceron,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99388, 2013-Ohio-5241, ¶ 67, quoting State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St.3d
521, 2012-Ohio-5695, 983 N.E.2d 1278, ¶ 15, citing State v. Curry, 43 Ohio St.2d 66, 68, 330
N.E.2d 720 (1975).
{¶63} Certain exceptions, however, exist to this common law rule — R.C. 2945.59 and
Evid.R. 404(B). In R.C. 2945.59, the General Assembly “codified certain exceptions to the
common law regarding the admission of evidence of other acts of wrongdoing.” Id. This
statute provides that:
In any criminal case in which the defendant’s motive or intent, the absence of
mistake or accident on his part, or the defendant’s scheme, plan, or system in
doing an act is material, any acts of the defendant which tend to show his motive
or intent, the absence of mistake or accident on his part, or the defendant’s
scheme, plan, or system in doing the act in question may be proved, whether they
are contemporaneous with or prior or subsequent thereto, notwithstanding that
such proof may show or tend to show the commission of another crime by the
defendant.
{¶64} Evid.R. 404(B) is “in accord with R.C. 2945.59,” but some differences do exist.
Williams at ¶ 16-17. Evid.R. 404(B) provides that:
Evidence of other crimes, wrong, or acts is not admissible to prove the character
of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith. It may, however, be
admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent,
preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. In
criminal cases, the proponent of evidence to be offered under this rule shall
provide reasonable notice in advance of trial, or during trial if the court excuses
pretrial notice on good cause shown, of the general nature of any such evidence it
intends to introduce at trial.
{¶65} The Ohio Supreme Court has explained that: “[t]he statute affords the trial court
discretion to admit evidence of any other acts of a defendant in cases where motive or intent,
absence of mistake or accident, or scheme, plan, or system in doing an act is material.”
(Emphasis sic.) Williams at ¶ 17. (“[M]aterial means ‘[h]aving some logical connection with the
consequential facts.’”) Id., quoting Black’s Law Dictionary 1066 (9th Ed.2009). Whereas,
Evid.R. 404(B) contains no reference to materiality. Rather, Evid.R. 404(B) “affords the trial
court discretion to admit evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts for ‘other purposes,’
including, but not limited to, those set forth in the rule. Hence, the rule affords broad discretion
to the trial judge regarding the admission of other acts evidence.” Williams at ¶ 17.
{¶66} In determining whether to permit other-acts evidence to be admitted, trial courts
should conduct the following three-step analysis:
(1) determine if the other-acts evidence “is relevant to making any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more or less probable than it
would be without the evidence” under Evid.R. 401; (2) determine if the other acts
“is presented to prove the character of the accused in order to show activity in
conformity therewith or whether the other acts evidence is presented for a
legitimate purpose, such as those stated in Evid.R. 404(B)”; and (3) consider
“whether the probative value of the other acts evidence is substantially
outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.”
Ceron, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99388, 2013-Ohio-5241, ¶ 70, citing Williams at ¶ 20.
{¶67} With regard to the first and second steps of the Williams test, we find the
challenged testimony was relevant and was offered for a legitimate purpose because it shows
Terry’s motive and intent. The testimony regarding Emilliano’s medical issues that were
unattended, Terry’s reference to Emilliano as “hard-head,” “b***h,” and “mother f****r,” and
the pressure Terry felt to have Emilliano live with her, if believed by the jury, provided the
context for the murder and made Terry’s actions more understandable to the jurors. Diar, 120
Ohio St.3d 460, 2008-Ohio-6266, 900 N.E.2d 565, at ¶ 70, citing State v. Drummond, 111 Ohio
St.3d 14, 2006-Ohio-5084, 854 N.E.2d 1038, ¶ 76; see also State v. Thompson, 10th Dist.
Franklin No. 96APA12-1660, 1997 Ohio App. LEXIS 4351 (Sept. 23, 1997) (defendant’s lack of
effort to properly bond with her daughter and her inability to cope with the pressures of single
motherhood were part of the immediate background of the crime and admissible in proving
defendant’s motive and intent to kill her daughter).
{¶68} This evidence was offered as part of the background of the crimes alleged and to
prove that Terry was so ill-equipped to cope with the pressures and stresses involved in providing
and caring for Emilliano. See Thompson at *23. The testimony is relevant to the crimes for
which Terry was charged to demonstrate that she had both a motive and the intent to purposely
cause Emilliano’s tragic death. As a result, the first and second steps in Williams are satisfied.
{¶69} With regard to the last step of the Williams test, we find that the danger of unfair
prejudice did not substantially outweigh the probative value of the challenged testimony.
Unfairly prejudicial evidence is that which might result in an improper basis for a jury decision.
Oberlin v. Akron Gen. Med. Ctr., 91 Ohio St.3d 169, 172, 2001-Ohio-248, 743 N.E.2d 890.
Generally, “‘unfairly prejudicial evidence appeals to the jury’s emotions rather than intellect.’
Weissenberger, Ohio Evidence (2000) 85-87, Section 403.3.” Id. The challenged evidence, in
the instant case, does not meet this standard. As we previously stated, this testimony was
properly admitted to prove Terry’s motive and intent. Moreover, it is apparent from the record
that the trial court gave a thoughtful and deliberate review of the evidence in question, concluded
it was admissible for other purposes, and concluded that the probative value of the evidence
substantially outweighed the danger of unfair prejudice.2
2 Prior
to trial, Terry filed a motion to exclude evidence related to other
crimes, wrongs, or acts and the state filed a notice of intent to use Evid.R. 404(B)
{¶70} Therefore, we find that the trial court properly admitted the challenged evidence.
{¶71} We note that even if the other-acts evidence was improperly admitted, its
admission would be harmless because it is our view that the outcome of the trial would have
been the same even if this evidence had not been admitted. This is because the state presented
substantial other evidence of Terry’s guilt. State v. Marquand, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99869,
2014-Ohio-698, ¶ 59, citing Crim.R. 52(A) and State v. McKnight, 107 Ohio St.3d 101,
2005-Ohio-6046, 837 N.E.2d 315, ¶ 88.
{¶72} Having found that the challenged testimony was proper Evid.R. 404(B) evidence
and relevant, we further find that an objection by defense counsel to this testimony would have
been futile.
{¶73} Therefore, the third and fourth assignments of error are overruled.
Jury Instructions — Lesser Included Offense
{¶74} In the fifth assignment of error, Terry argues that the trial court erred by refusing to
instruct the jury on the lesser included offense of reckless homicide.
{¶75} The question of whether a particular offense should be submitted to the finder of
fact as a lesser included offense involves a two-tiered analysis. State v. Evans, 122 Ohio St.3d
evidence of prior acts. Specifically, the state intended to introduce evidence of
other injuries Emilliano sustained prior to his death, the systematic abuse by Terry,
and the fact that Terry had researched adoption and discussed with others her
desire not to live with Emilliano. Terry also filed a motion in limine, seeking to
exclude the testimony of Dr. Feingold from MetroHealth Hospital because his
medical report was not provided by the state with the time constraints of Crim.R.
21(K). A review of the record reflects that Dr. Feingold never testified at trial.
Additionally, another witness for the state, Harold Brown (“Brown”), was not
permitted to testify. Brown was a social worker who supervised Terry while she
was under the foster care system. After hearing arguments relating to the
admissibility of Brown’s testimony, the trial court excluded Brown as a witness,
finding that his testimony was extrinsic evidence.
381, 2009-Ohio-2974, 911 N.E.2d 889, ¶ 13. “The first tier, also called the ‘statutory-elements
step,’ is a purely legal question, wherein we determine whether one offense is generally a lesser
included offense of the charged offense.” State v. Deanda, 136 Ohio St.3d 18,
2013-Ohio-1722, 989 N.E.2d 986, ¶ 6, citing State v. Kidder, 32 Ohio St.3d 279, 281, 513
N.E.2d 311 (1987). The second tier looks to the evidence in a particular case and determines
whether “‘a jury could reasonably find the defendant not guilty of the charged offense, but could
convict the defendant of the lesser included offense.”’ Evans at ¶ 13, quoting Shaker Hts. v.
Mosely, 113 Ohio St.3d 329, 2007-Ohio-2072, 865 N.E.2d 859, at ¶ 11. “Only in the second
tier of the analysis do the facts of a particular case become relevant.” Deanda at ¶ 6.
{¶76} In the first tier, the trial court shall consider whether (1) “one offense carries a
greater penalty than the other,” (2) “some element of the greater offense is not required to prove
commission of the lesser offense,” and (3) “the greater offense as statutorily defined cannot be
committed without the lesser offense as statutorily defined also being committed.” Evans at
paragraph two of the syllabus, clarifying State v. Deem, 40 Ohio St.3d 205, 533 N.E.2d 294(1988).
{¶77} After it has been determined that the offense is a lesser included offense, the
second tier mandates that courts look to the evidence in a particular case and determine whether
“‘a jury could reasonably find the defendant not guilty of the charged offense, but could convict
the defendant of the lesser included offense.’” Deanda at ¶ 6, quoting Evans at ¶ 13. See also
State v. Thomas, 40 Ohio St.3d 213, 216, 533 N.E.2d 286 (1988). Moreover, in State v. Wine,
Slip Opinion No. 2014-Ohio-3948, ¶ 34, the Ohio Supreme Court recently stated that: “[t]he
trial court, after reviewing the evidence, determines whether an instruction on lesser included
offenses is appropriate. The trial court must give an instruction on a lesser included offense if
under any reasonable view of the evidence it is possible for the trier of fact to find the defendant
not guilty of the greater offense and guilty of the lesser offense.”
{¶78} With respect to the first issue, we must first determine if the reckless homicide is a
lesser included offense of aggravated murder.3 The Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Trimble,
122 Ohio St.3d 297, 2009-Ohio-2961, 911 N.E.2d 242, already determined that it is. Id. at ¶
190.
{¶79} Therefore, we must next look to the evidence in this case and determine whether
the “‘jury could reasonably find the defendant not guilty of the charged offense, but could convict
the defendant of the lesser included offense.”’ Evans at ¶ 13. Here, Dr. Wiens described the
nature and extent of Emilliano’s injuries to the jury. Emilliano sustained multiple skull
fractures, subgaleal hematomas, and lacerations and contusions to the head. Dr. Wiens also
testified to intramuscular bruising on the back of Emilliano’s shoulder blades and on the back of
the his right arm, fractures to Emilliano’s ribs, as well as a laceration to the his liver. The
laceration to Emilliano’s liver was severe enough to cut all the way through and nearly split the
liver in half. Taking all of the evidence into consideration, no trier of fact could reasonably
reject the greater offense of aggravated murder and find Terry guilty of the lesser included
offense of reckless homicide. Rather, the jury concluded that Terry acted purposely when she
beat Emilliano to death.
{¶80} Therefore, the fifth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶81} Judgment is affirmed.
3 R.C. 2903.041(A) provides that: “[n]o person shall recklessly cause the death of
another[.]” “A person acts recklessly when, with heedless indifference to the consequences, he
perversely disregards a known risk that his conduct is likely to cause a certain result or is likely to be
of a certain nature.” R.C. 2901.22(C).
It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the common pleas
court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant’s conviction having been affirmed,
any bail pending appeal is terminated.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, JUDGE
SEAN C. GALLAGHER, P.J., and
KENNETH A. ROCCO, J., CONCUR