State v. Swafford , 88 Wash. 659 ( 1915 )

Holcomb, J.

Appellant was prosecuted upon a charge of carnal knowledge of a female child, and convicted. He unsuccessfully moved for a new trial, and from the judgment and sentence on the verdict, he appeals.

There is error. Juror Jasperson qualified on his voir dire as a fair and unbiased juror to try the cause. On the motion for new trial, it was shown by affidavits that this juror, prior to his being called as a juror, had talked of the charge involved herein and of the defendant, and had used an opprobrious epithet concerning defendant, and said: “If I was on the jury that tried him I’ll bet he’d never get loose,” or words to that effect. This statement is shown by the affidavit of one Carroll. Carroll later made a counter-affidavit which the prosecution presented, wherein, although he reiterates that the juror made the statement first mentioned, he attempts to interpret it himself by saying that “he did not intend to convey the meaning that Jasperson meant by such statement to convict Swafford regardless of the testimony. Affiant believes that the statement made by Jasper-son, as well as expressions of others working in the gravel pit [where the statement was made by Jasperson] were all based upon the assumption that if Swafford were guilty of the crime charged he ought to be punished.” But these qualifying words did not go with the statement of belief and intention charged to Jasperson, and the affiant was not competent to interpret plain, unequivocal language, making an unqualified statement, otherwise than as the words plainly imported.

If this man made such unconditional statement of belief and intention, he was not a qualified, fair, and impartial juror to try the cause. He himself does not unequivocally deny' having made the statement imputed to him, but, in a counter affidavit, says only, that “he does not recall having made the statement imputed to him, but that if he did, such statement was based upon the supposition of his being proven guilty.” Another person, who worked in the same gravel pit at the same time, makes affidavit that he did not hear Jasperson make such statement; another makes affidavit that he heard the conversation alluded to, but that he cannot remember the exact words used and will not attempt to make any statement regarding the same. It is thus seen that the statement is not sufficiently denied, even by the juror himself, and is only attempted to be explained and interpreted by mental reservations not at the time expressed or even intimated.

In State v. Underwood, 35 Wash. 558, 77 Pac. 863, it was held by this court that it was proper to deny a motion for a new trial upon affidavits showing prejudice on the part of a juror and that he had wilfully qualified, when the charge is unequivocally denied, and is entirely overcome by other affidavits that the charge of wilful misconduct of the juror was either mistakenly or wrongfully made. The same, in effect, was held in State v. Moretti, 66 Wash. 537, 120 Pac. 102, where the assailed juror and one additional disinterested witness contradicted the assailing testimony and explained it away.

In Heasley v. Nichols, 38 Wash. 485, 80 Pac. 769, a civil case, a person, before he was called as a juror, had discussed the case, expressed an opinion, and then stated: “I would like to get on the jury, for I would give her all she sued for and . . . more.” These statements were not denied. This court said:

“It is plain that this juror was disqualified by reason of his bias and prejudice. He concealed the fact, and by reason of his misrepresentations was taken and permitted to sit upon the jury. Both sides to the controversy were entitled to twelve lawful and unbiased jurors to try the questions of fact in the case. When it was shown to the court that one of the twelve selected was unfit to sit as a juror, either party deeming himself aggrieved was entitled, as a matter of right, to a new trial.”

If that be true in a civil case, how much more true and more important in a criminal case, especially where the crime charged is of a most heinous nature.

Appellant whs entitled by the law of the land to a fair and impartial trial by twelve jurors who were indifferent and unbiased toward him and the charge against him individually. When it was shown by competent and positive testimony, and only partially denied and reservedly explained by the juror, that one juror was not indifferent and impartial, but had a positive and declared opinion and a disclosed intention regarding the case should he become a juror, it cannot be lightly passed or ignored. It is said by respondent that this is a question of fact which the trial court passed upon and determined as such, and the cases heretofore cited and others are relied upon to sustain the action. But it is not here a square conflict between the witnesses assailing the juror and a reasonable explanation or positive and unequivocal denial on his part, with some supporting evidence or circumstances, upon the determination of which by the trial court we would not interfere. As we have said, the statement showing bias on the part of this juror is not positively denied, and is only qualified by an explanation of what he really meant, in the face of his positive and unequivocal words. His prejudgment, bias, prejudice, and intention were, therefore, established; at least, to such an extent as to attaint the verdict.

Judgment reversed, and a new trial ordered.

Morris, C. J., Bausman, and Parker, JJ., concur.