State of Washington v. Russell Allen Harrington ( 2014 )

FILED
JULY 22, 2014
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
W A State Court of Appeals, Division III
COURT OF APPEALS, DIVISION III, STATE OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF WASHINGTON, ) No. 30834-1-III
)
Respondent, )
)
v. ) ORDER AMENDING OPINION
)
RUSSELL ALLEN HARRINGTON, )
)
Appellant )
The court hereby amends its opinion filed June 17, 2014, as follows:
Page 1 shall be amended to designate it is an opinion published in part.
Page 7, second line, shall be amended to reflect the initial M. in lieu of the minor's
name.
Page 26, second paragraph, the following line shall be added: We affirm the
conviction of Russell Harrington for first degree kidnapping.
Page 26, the third paragraph shall be deleted and replaced with: The remainder of
this opinion has no precedential value. Therefore, it will be filed for public record in
accordance with the rules governing unpublished opinions. RCW 2.06.040.
DATED: July 22, 2014
PANEL: Judges Fearing, Siddoway, Rawson, JPT
FOR THE COURT:
LA L H. SIDDOWAY, ChI Judge
FILED
JUNE 17,2014
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 TIIREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, )
) No. 30834-1-III
Respondent, )
)
v. )
)
RUSSELL ALLEN HARRINGTON, ) PUBLISHED OPINION
)
Appellant. )
FEARING, J. - A jury found Russell Harrington guilty of fIrst degree kidnapping
of his then wife Michelle Harrington. On appeal, Mr. Harrington contends (1)
insuffIcient evidence supports his conviction for fIrst degree kidnapping, and (2) the
statute defming first degree kidnapping is void for vagueness. Mr. Harrington also
contends in his statement of additional grounds that his counsel was ineffective. We
reject Mr. Harrington's contentions and affirm his conviction.
FACTS
Russell and Michelle Harrington were married for 21 years. They have two
children and had two guns, a .357 caliber handgun Russell always holstered at his hip and
Michelle's grandfather's old rifle. Russell and Michelle lived paycheck to paycheck on
Michelle's income. Despite marital troubles, the couple lived together at their Benton
City home until December 30, 2009, when Russell held Michelle at gunpoint.
No. 30834~1-Ill
State v. Harrington
In June 2003, Russell Harrington was severely electrocuted at work. The
electricity burned his nerves and myelin coating essential for the proper functioning of
the nervous system. Russell later suffered a stroke. Russell could no longer work, he
used a cane, and he increasingly ingested medications to combat chronic pain. Michelle
eventually concluded that Russell abused pain medications. Russell stayed home and
cared for his and Michelle's daughter and son. In 2009, their son was nine-years-old and
their daughter had graduated from high school and moved from the home. Michelle tried
to leave Russell mUltiple times, but stayed for their children's sake or because Russell
threatened suicide.
In November 2009, Michelle told Russell that she wanted to divorce. Michelle
testified at the criminal trial: "At this point the behavior from Russell was becoming more
and more unpredictable. He was becoming a little more violent and controlling and at
this point it was about my son ...." Report of Proceedings (RP) at 52. In response,
Russell expressed concerns about no longer receiving health insurance through
Michelle's work and his lack of income. Michelle and Russell agreed to continue living
together through the holidays. Russell again contemplated suicide.
On December 13,2009, Russell Harrington wrote a will, a burial plan, and letters
to loved ones and family. He attempted suicide the next day by grounding and liquefYing
different pills and placing the mixture into a livestock syringe. Russell parked his truck
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State v. Harrington
on the side of the road and phoned Michelle, their daughter, his sister, and his mother to
inform them of his intentions. Russell's mother called 911. In the meantime, Russell
injected the syringe into his arm, but, when he pressed the syringe's plunger, it would not
move. Russell reinserted the syringe and tried again. The plunger again would not
depress. His suicide attempt having been frustrated, Russell returned home.
A police officer responded to Russell Harrington's mother's emergency call by
journeying to the Harrington home. Russell lied to the officer, denying that he had just
tried to kill himself.
On December 17, 2009, Michelle and Russell Harrington and their son went to
Oregon to celebrate Christmas with their respective families. The couple did not discuss
divorce while in Oregon. On December 21, Russell purchased, in Oregon, a .40 caliber
handgun. While in The Dalles, Russell filtered his mixture of pain medications and
returned it to the syringe, by following instructions he found on the Internet.
On December 27, Michelle and Russell returned to their Benton City home. The
couple discussed divorce again. Russell suspected infidelity by Michelle b~sed on texts
he found on her cell phone. Michelle told Russell that she wanted custody of their son.
Russell asked Michelle to miss work on Wednesday, December 30, so they could
meet with a realtor about placing their home on the market. On December 30, Michelle
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left her son at daycare around 8 a.m. and immediately returned home. The trial testimony
of Michelle and Russell as to what thereafter occurred diverges.
According to Michelle Harrington, Russell met her as she parked her car at the
home. Russell told Michelle that his phone died while he talked to his grandmother.
Russell asked to borrow Michelle's phone to again call his grandmother. Russell said he
needed to retrieve the hospital's number from their bedroom, and Michelle followed
Russell inside and into the bedroom. Russell pretended to search for the phone number,
while Michelle helped.
Michelle Harrington testified that Russell abruptly shut the bedroom door, and he
ordered Michelle to sit. Russell said "1 have ten hours before anyone knows you're gone
before you are due to ... pick up [our son]." RP at 72. Russell told Michelle that no
realtor was coming, that their son would have two parents or no parents, and that "he has
got everything ready this time. He is going to do everything right." RP at 72. Russell
pulled down the bed's cover to reveal a syringe, bottle of scotch, shot glass, empty pill
bottles, can of Pepsi, and duct tape.
Michelle noticed that Russell wore a holster holding a gun. With one hand
pushing Russell away, Michelle slid a finger on her other hand across her iPhone in order
to make a call. Russell pulled his gun and aimed it at Michelle. Russell took Michelle's
phone and threw it across the room.
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Michelle Harrington's iPhone fortuitously dialed her coworker, Penny Bailey-
Shennan. Bailey-Shennan recognized Michelle's and Russell's voices and heard Russell
speaking angrily. Michelle sobbed hysterically. Bailey-Sherman heard Russell threaten
to kill Michelle. She also heard Russell tell Michelle to drink something. Bailey-
Shennan shared the call with another coworker and her supervisor by placing it on
speakerphone. The supervisor comprehended the gravity of the circumstances, obtained
Michelle's address from Human Resources, and called 911.
According to Michelle Harrington, she tried to break a window to escape, but
Russell pushed her back with his cane and forced her to sit. Russell ordered Michelle to
sit with her butt flush to the ground. Russell forced Michelle to drink a shot of the
scotch, while pointing the gun at her. The scotch was from their wedding, twenty years
earlier. Russell also gave Michelle the Pepsi as a chaser. He poured another shot, but
Michelle refused to drink it out of concern the alcohol would increase her vulnerability.
Michelle believed that Russell intended to kill her. Michelle testified: "He got really mad
because I wouldn't take another shot so he took me by my throat with his hand and
pushed me up against the wall and he had the gun shoved into my forehead right between
my [e]yes and he had me shoved up against the wall." RP at 76-77. Russell repeatedly
pushed Michelle toward the bedroom closet. She fell backwards into clothes.
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According to Michelle Harrington, Russell then yelled at Michelle, "what is that,
what is that, what did you do?" RP at 77. Michelle did not understand the question.
Russell hurriedly left their bedroom, but before Michelle could escape, Russell returned.
He told Michelle that police had arrived, and he repeated, "What did you do? Who did
you call?" RP at 77. Michelle, with greater fear, expected Russell would then kill her.
Instead, Russell put his gun in his mouth. Then, tossing the gun aside, Russell grabbed
the syringe and injected himself with his homemade stew of pain medications. Russell
collapsed, and Michelle ran past Russell and out of the home to safety.
The saga continued. Russell Harrington crawled out of the house and yelled for
police to shoot him. Russell then crawled back inside, but minutes later returned outside
the house with a shoe in his hand. Police restrained him. An ambulance transported him
to Kadlec Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma. Once awake,
Russell called Michelle to ask if she was "in trouble." RP at 489. Michelle responded
that they "probably shouldn't be talking" and hung up. RP at 489.
Russell Harrington testified that he only intended to kill himself. Russell admitted
to hiding a syringe, pills, notes, and other items under the bed's cover. But after he
pulled down the covers, Michelle pointed his .357 caliber handgun at him. Russell
claims he tried to calm his wife by offering her a drink, testifying, "I remember saying if
she took the drink the worst she would have was a hangover, something like that, trying
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to calm her down. I believe I said you have at least eight hours before you would have to
pick up Michael so you would be better by then," implying Michelle would be sober
enough to drive later that day. RP at 485. Russell left his handgun in the hallway,
concerned that police might shoot at him if he exited the house armed. Russell also
testified he was primarily concerned that Michelle might be shot in the cross fire.
Police photographed Michelle shortly after the December 30 assault. One photo
showed a faint mark on her forehead where Russell pressed the gun against her. A
forensic expert testified that he found multiple persons' deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on
the handgun Russell left in the hallway. But the expert testified that tests were
inconclusive as to whether any of the DNA came from Michelle.
During trial, Michelle testified concerning the conditions at the couple's home
after the December 30 confrontation:
I found several things over the next couple days and one of the things that I
found that came out was that our phone lines were cut or disabled in some
manner. The [I]nternet had been messed with in some way. All of the
passwords were changed. We found [Russell's] cell phone, the battery was
missing from his cell phone. I had no way to communicate except for my
cell phone.
RP at 81.
PROCEDURE
The State of Washington charged Russell Harrington with first degree kidnapping
in violation ofRCW 9A.40.020 and sentence enhancements for domestic violence, use of
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State v. Harrington
a firearm, and deliberate cruelty. Russell asserted a defense of diminished capacity. At
trial, expert psychologists disagreed about whether Russell had the ability to form intent.
The trial court instructed the jury that, to find Russell guilty of first degree
kidnapping, it must find "[t]hat the defendant abducted that person with intent (a) to
inflict bodily injury on the person; or (b) to inflict extreme mental distress on that
person." Clerk's Papers (CP) at 128. The trial court further defined "bodily injury" but
did not further define "extreme mental distress." CP at 126. During deliberations, the
jury asked the trial court to define the phrase "extreme mental distress." CP at 151. The
trial court responded: "You must depend on your collective memory of the evidence and
the Court's instructions." CP at 151. The jury found Russell Harrington guilty of first
degree kidnapping. By special verdicts, the jury found: Russell used a firearm; Russell
and Michelle were members of the same household, entailing domestic violence; but
Russell's conduct during the commission of the crime did not "manifest deliberate cruelty
to the victim." RP at 153-55. The trial court sentenced Russell to III months
confinement followed by 32 months community custody.
LA W AND ANALYSIS
ISSUE 1: SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE. Does sufficient evidence
support Mr. Harrington's conviction for first degree kidnapping?
ANSWER: Yes.
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Evidence is sufficient to convict a defendant of a crime if a rational trier of fact
could find each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Green, 94
Wn.2d 216,221,616 P.2d 628 (1980). Both direct and circumstantial evidence may
support the jury's verdict. State v. Brooks, 45 Wn. App. 824, 826, 727 P.2d 988 (1986).
When reviewing a claim of insufficiency of evidence, this court draws all reasonable
inferences in favor of the State. State v. Partin, 88 Wn.2d 899, 906-07, 567 P.2d 1136(1977). Only the trier of fact, the jury in this case, weighs the evidence and judges the
credibility of witnesses. State v. Carver, 113 Wn.2d 591, 781 P.2d 1308, 789 P.2d 306(1989).
The jury found Russell Harrington guilty of first degree kidnapping in violation of
RCW 9A.40.020. RCW 9A.40.020 reads:
(1) A person is guilty of kidnapping in the first degree ifhe or she
intentionally abducts another person with intent:
(a) To hold him or her for ransom or reward, or as a shield or
hostage; or
(b) To facilitate commission of any felony or tlight thereafter; or
(c) To inflict bodily injury on him or her; or
(d) To inflict extreme mental distress on him, her, or a third person;
or
(e) To interfere with the performance of any governmental function.
(2) Kidnapping in the first degree is a class A felony.
Kidnapping comes in two degrees. The lesser crime of kidnapping in the second
degree is defined as intentionally abducting another person under circumstances not
amounting to kidnapping in the first degree and is a class B felony. RCW 9A.40.030.
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The defendant's intent distinguishes the two degrees of kidnapping. State v. Garcia, 179
Wn.2d 828,838,318 P.3d 226 (2014). While kidnapping in the second degree requires
only an intentional abduction, kidnapping in the first degree requires an additional
specific intent. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 838.
The State claims Russell Harrington was guilty of first degree kidnapping under
either subsection (c) or (d) ofRCW 9AAO.020. According to the State, Mr. Harrington,
upon abducting Michelle, either wished to inflict bodily injury on her or intended to
inflict extreme mental distress on her. Mr. Harrington challenges the sufficiency of
evidence to find that he intentionally abducted Michelle. He also challenges the
sufficiency of evidence to conclude that he either intended to cause bodily injury or to
inflict extreme mental distress.
We first determine if there was sufficient evidence to convict Russell Harrington
of intentional abduction. A predicate statute, RCW 9AAO.01O(1), defines "abduct" as:
Abduct means to restrain a person by either (a) secreting or holding
the person in a place where that person is not likely to be found, or (b)
using or threatening to use deadly force.
In tum, the statute defines "restrain" as "to restrict another person's movements without
consent and without legal authority in a manner that interferes substantially with his or
her liberty." RCW 9AAO.OI0(6).
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No. 30834-1-111
State v. Harrington
Russell Harrington intentionally abducted Michelle. Russell restricted his wife's
movement by displaying deadly force when he shut the bedroom door, commanded her to
sit on the floor, forced her at gunpoint to drink alcohol, and shoved and held her against
the wall at gunpoint.
The abduction was planned and premeditated. Russell asked Michelle to place
their son in daycare and take the day off work to meet with a realtor. There was no
realtor. Russell orchestrated a window of ten hours before anyone would realize that
Michelle was missing. Russell cut phone lines in the home, asked to borrow Michelle's
phone, and lured her into their bedroom on the pretense of searching for a phone number.
Russell hid scotch, duct tape, and a syringe filled with liquefied pain medications in the
room.
Because RCW 9A.40.020 lists five distinct specific intentions sufficient for first
degree kidnapping, first degree kidnapping is an alternative means crime. An alternative
means crime categorizes distinct acts that amount to the same crime. State v. Peterson,
168 Wn.2d 763, 770, 230 P.3d 588 (2010). When a defendant challenges the sufficiency
of the evidence in an alternative means case, appellate review focuses on whether
sufficient evidence supports each alternative means. State v. Sweany, 174 Wn.2d 909,
914,281 P.3d 305 (2012); State v. Kintz, 169 Wn.2d 537,552,238 P.3d 470 (2010).
When alternative means of committing a single offense are presented to a jury, each
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alternative means must be supported by substantial evidence in order to safeguard a
defendant's right to a unanimous jury determination. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 836-37; State
v. Smith, 159 Wn.2d 778, 783, 154 P.3d 873 (2007). Here, the trial court instructed the
jury on two alternate means, requiring it to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Russell
Harrington abducted Michelle Harrington "with intent (a) to inflict bodily injury on the
person; or (b) to inflict extreme mental distress on that person." CP at 128. We review
the evidence supporting each alternative.
The first alternative charged is to inflict bodily injury on the kidnap victim. RCW
9AAO.020(1)(c). "Bodily injury" "means physical pain or injury, illness, or an
impairment of physical condition." RCW 9A.04.l10(4)(a). Mr. Harrington intentionally
impaired Michelle's physical condition when he forced her to consume scotch. Russell
intended to cause Michelle physical pain when he grabbed her by the throat and threw her
against a wall.
The second alternative charged is to act with intent to inflict extreme mental
distress. RCW 9AAO.020(l)(d). "Extreme mental distress" is not defined by statute.
Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 842. Second degree kidnapping involves abduction by use of
deadly force. Therefore, in order to distinguish between first and second degree
kidnapping, "extreme mental distress" must mean more mental distress than a reasonable
person would feel when restrained by deadly force. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 843. When
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No. 30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
measuring the distress, we focus on the mental state of mind of the defendant, not the
victim, and ask whether the defendant intended to inflict more distress than reasonably
attributed to an abduction by lethal force. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 843. This is a fact
specific determination. Garcia, at 843. In some cases, the threat of deadly force may be
so extreme as to evidence intent to cause extreme mental distress. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at
843. Nevertheless, we should not assume that the defendant intended to inflict extreme
mental dIstress in each instance in which the defendant showed a deadly weapon.
Garcia, 179 Wn.2d at 843.
We have no measuring device to determine when emotional distress becomes
"extreme." No Washington decision relates an example of extreme emotional distress for
purposes of first degree kidnapping.
Although the sufficiency of evidence as to intent to cause extreme mental distress
may be a close call, we conclude the jury heard sufficient evidence. The State needed to
prove Russell Harrington wanted to cause more mental distress than the distress normally
accompanying restraint by deadly force. We note that a victim can be restrained by
deadly force without the perpetrator actually threatening to kill the victim. The
perpetrator may restrain the victim by aiming the gun at the victim and telling the victim
not to move or leave a room without specifically telling the victim he intends to kill her.
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No. 30834-1-III
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Actually threatening to kill the victim under the circumstances where the victim believed
she would die immediately can add a layer to the mental distress.
Russell Harrington intended to inflict extreme mental distress by explicitly and
repeatedly threatening to kill his wife. Michelle's distress resulting from a reasonable
belief that she would die and never see her son again could be as extreme as distress can
reach. Mr. Harrington expressed his intent by threatening that the son would have two
parents or no parents. Russell spun a terrorist's web, tricked Michelle into it, and then
employed extreme mental distress to compel Michelle to remain married. Even assuming
Russell's story that he only threatened to kill himself, Michelle would have suffered
extreme mental distress. Severe distress follows from one announcing he will kill
himself in front of another.
Russell Harrington argues that he must not have intended to inflict extreme
emotional distress because the jury, by special verdict, declined to find that his "conduct
during the commission of the crime" "manifest[ed] deliberate cruelty to the victim." CP
at 155. The court instructed the jury, "'Deliberate cruelty' means gratuitous violence or
other conduct which inflicts physical, psychological, or emotional pain as an end in itself,
and which goes beyond what is inherent in the elements of the crime or is normally
associated with the commission of the crime." CP at 144. Thus, "deliberate cruelty"
includes "gratuitous violence;" whereas, inflicting "extreme emotional distress" need not
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No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
be gratuitous. We find no inconsistency in the general verdict and the special verdict and
any inconsistency would be irrelevant.
Inconsistent verdicts are not necessarily void. State v. Goins, 151 Wn.2d 728,
733,92 P.3d 181 (2004). As noted in State v. Goins, 151 Wn.2d at 733, juries return
inconsistent verdicts for various reasons, including mistake, compromise, and mercy.
Regardless, courts refrain from second guessing the jury where lenity provides a
plausible explanation for the inconsistency. Goins, 151 Wn.2d at 735. When
inconsistent verdicts call into question a gUilty verdict, the reviewing court must verify
that the guilty verdict was supported by sufficient evidence. Goins, 151 Wn.2d at 737;
State v. McNeal, 145 Wn.2d 352,359,37 P.3d 280 (2002). We have already verified the
sufficiency of the evidence. Thus this additional argument also fails.
ISSUE 2: VOID FOR VAGUENESS. Does the phrase "intent to inflict extreme
emotional distress" render RCW 9AAO.020 unconstitutionally vague?
ANSWER: No.
Russell Harrington complains about uncertainty in the crucial phrase "inflict
extreme mental distress" found in RCW 9AAO.020(l)(d), the statute upon which the jury
convicted him. According to Mr. Harrington,juries are left to wonder and guess at what
the term means and how to measure the word "extreme." Thus, he challenges the statute
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No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
as unconstitutionally vague. We undergo an amorphous examination of the phrase
"extreme mental distress" to determine its measure of firmness.
A tape measure can measure distances to a sixteenth of an inch. In between each
sixteenth of an inch, according to metrology, is "uncertainty." One may reduce that
uncertainty by the use of an electron microscope which can measure each 200
nanometers, a nanometer being a billionth of a meter.
Words, not numbers, are the material from which legislatures fabricate statutes
and by which statutes attempt to denote reality and identify, describe, and distinguish
human conduct. But words are funny things. We may use a word or phrase to convey
one meaning and the reader or listener may receive a different meaning. Or the reader
may question the meaning or not conceive any meaning. Thus, in order to place the
reader into our mind and our world, we must carefully choose our words wisely and
employ terms that convey a concrete meaning to the reader. Some words provide more
definity than other words. But since words are not geometrical objects, we may not
quantify the definity of words and terms or measure meaning with numerical precision.
Words are mere signs or symbols of meaning and thought and are never exact.
Uncertainty prowls in all words and phrases. This court's important task of determining
the line between permissible uncertainty and impermissible uncertainty in a statute, upon
which task a conviction will be affirmed or reversed, is problematic. Often we may not
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intelligently articulate why some words pass constitutional muster while other do not, and
we can only reaffinn and paraphrase the abiding words of Mr. Justice Stewart: "We know
it when we read it." Jacobellis v. State o/Ohio, 378 U.S. 184, 197,84 S. Ct. 1676, 12 L.
Ed. 2d 793 (1964) (Stewart, J., concurring).
Let us assume the state legislature adopts a law criminalizing the "possession of a
bad thing." Citizens would puzzle over what objects they may not possess. The word
"thing" is indefinite and the word "bad" is overladen with value judgments. A "thing"
could even include an "idea" such that one might be guilty of a crime by possessing a bad
thought. Some law enforcement officers might consider guns bad and others view
paintings of nudes evil, such that possessing one or both might lead to prosecution. We
could not know what the legislature intended to criminalize. This fictitious statute uses
esoteric and abstract words. In this appeal, we ask whether "inflict extreme mental
distress" is impaled with abstraction and whether the legislature could have better
expressed its intent.
The criminal law uses the tenn "vagueness" rather than "uncertainty" when
analyzing a word and seeks to reduce vagueness and promote specificity. The law
demands that a crime be described in specific, not vague, language, so that a citizen as
well as law enforcement may comprehend the variety of human conduct a legislature
intends to proscribe, prevent, and punish. City o/Spokane v. Douglass,. 115 Wn.2d 171,
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179, 795 P.2d 693 (1990). The legislature has a duty to set forth statutes with specificity.
State v. Richmond, 102 Wn.2d 242, 248, 683 P.2d 1093 (1984).
In the State of Washington, the basis of the demand for precision comes from
three constitutional provisions. Both the United States Constitution and the State of
Washington Constitution prohibit the government from depriving one of life, liberty, or
property without due process of law. U.S. CONST. amend. XIV, § 1; CONST. art. I, § 3.
In addition, article I, section 22 of the Washington Constitution, grants an accused, in a
criminal prosecution, "the right ... to demand the nature and cause of the accusation
against him." From these constitutional provisions arises the void for vagueness doctrine.
In his brief, Mr. Harrington relies solely upon the Fourteenth Amendment to the
United States Constitution. Thus, we will not address whether the Washington
Constitution provides him greater protection. Washington courts have never decided
whether the state constitution provides superior rights to the accused, in the context of
vague statutes, since no appellant has analyzed the question under the Gunwall analysis.
See State v. Gunwall, 106 Wn.2d 54, 720 P.2d 808 (1986) (for cases declining to apply
the Gunwall analysis in the context ofa vagueness challenge see City ofBellevue v.
Lorang, 140 Wn.2d 19,23 n.3, 992 P.2d 496 (2000); State v. Lee, l35 Wn.2d 369, 386­
87,957 P.2d 741 (1998); State v. Halstien, 122 Wn.2d 109, 116 n.3, 857 P.2d 270(1993); Spokane v. Douglass, 115 Wn.2d 171, 177, 795 P .2d 693 (1990). Despite
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No.30834-1-III
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resolving the issue under the United States Constitution, we review mostly Washington
decisions.
The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States
Constitution requires a statute to provide fair notice of the conduct it proscribes.
Papachristou v. City ofJacksonville, 405 U.S. 156, 162, 92 S. Ct. 839, 31 L. Ed. 2d 110(1972); State v. Watson, 160 Wn.2d 1,6, 154 P.3d 909 (2007). A statute is
unconstitutionally vague if it fails either of two requirements. Douglass, 115 Wn.2d at
178. A statute is void if either (1) the statute does not define the criminal offense with
sufficient definiteness that ordinary people can understand what conduct is proscribed, or
(2) the statute does not provide ascertainable standards of guilt to protect against arbitrary
enforcement. State v. Watson, 160 Wn.2d 1,6 (2007); State v. Williams, 144 Wn.2d 197,
203,26 P.3d 890 (2001). We wonder, but need not decide, if the two requirements are
redundant. We assume difficulty in some situations in applying the two standards
because they themselves employ abstract terms. When applying the requirements, courts
do not interview ordinary people or law enforcement officers to determine whether they
find concrete meaning in a statute. Indeed some commentators and courts have suggested
the void for vagueness doctrine is ironically itself void for vagueness. State v. Smith, 111
Wn.2d 1, 12, 759 P.2d 372 (1988); City ofSeattle v. Eze, 111 Wn.2d 22,27-28, 759 P.2d
366 (1988). In determining whether the phrase "inflict extreme mental distress" is void,
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we turn to more definite principles of law and compare the phrase to phrases employed
by other statutes and addressed in other decisions. Later we apply the term in the context
of the facts behind Russell Harrington's conviction.
Our courts do not apply the void for vagueness doctrine casually; rather, we
approach a vagueness challenge with a strong presumption in favor of the statute's
validity. State v. Smith, III Wn.2d at 5. One who challenges a statute's constitutionality
for vagueness bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that it is
unconstitutionally vague. Watson, 160 Wn.2d at 11. When assessing whether a statute is
void for vagueness, the context of the entire statute is evaluated, and the language of the
statute is afforded a sensible, meaningful, and practical interpretation. Douglass, 115
Wn.2d at 180. A statute is not void for vagueness merely because some terms are not
defined. Douglass, 115 Wn.2d at 180. If all words in a statute were defined there would
be no end to the definitions because we would need to define the defining words and the
definer's defining words. A statute is not unconstitutionally vague merely because a
person cannot predict with precise certainty the exact point at which his or her actions
may be classified as a recent overt act. In re Detention ofDanforth, 173 Wn.2d 59, 73,
264 P.3d 783 (2011); Eze, III Wn.2d at 26. Ifpersons of ordinary intelligence can
understand what the ordinance proscribes, notwithstanding some possible areas of
disagreement, the ordinance is sufficiently definite. Douglass, 115 Wn.2d at 179.
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Simply because the legislature could have drafted the statute with more prec'ision, we do
not invalidate the statute for vagueness. Watson, 160 Wn.2d at 11.
The statute must instead "provide 'minimal guidelines ... to guide law
enforcement.'" Danforth, 173 Wn.2d at 73. These determinations are not made in a
vacuum, but rather, the question is whether the terms are not inherently subjective in the
context in which they are used. Danforth, 173 Wn.2d at 74; Worrell, 111 Wn.2d 537,
544, 761 P.2d 56 (1988). Additionally, the mere fact that a statute may require some
degree of subjective evaluation by a police officer to determine whether the statute
applies does not mean the statute is unconstitutionally vague. Danforth, 173 Wn.2d at
74; Am. Dog Owners Ass 'n v. City ofYakima, 113 Wn.2d 213, 216, 777 P.2d 1046(1989). "Under the due process clause, the enactment is unconstitutional only if it invites
an inordinate amount of police discretion." Danforth, 173 Wn.2d at 74; Douglass, 115
Wn.2d at 181.
Washington courts have frequently addressed whether a criminal statute is void for
vagueness. A list of the cases and their rulings is placed in an appendix. The trend in the
Washington Supreme Court is to affirm the constitutionally of legislation against
vagueness challenges. The phrase "inflict extreme mental distress" in RCW
9AAO.020(1)(d), challenged by Russell Harrington, is no more esoteric than "loud and
raucous" found permissible in City ofSeattle v. Eze, 111 Wn.2d 22; "without lawful
21
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State v. Harrington
authority" held allowable in State v. Worrell, 111 Wn.2d 537; "interferes substantially
with his liberty" also found sufficient in Worrell; "lewd, lascivious, profane, indecent, or
obscene words or language" found constitutional in State v. Dyson, 74 Wn. App. 237,
872 P.2d 1115 (1994); "repeatedly harasses" approved in State v. Bradford, 175 Wn.
App. 912, 308 P.3d 736 (2013); or "intent to harass, intimidate or torment" held
permissible in City ofSeattle v. Huff, 111 Wn.2d 923, 767 P.2d 572 (1989). But then
again comparing the definity of one word or phrase to another word or phrase is
impossible.
In this context, the legislature would encounter difficulty using other words to
denote its intention. "Mental distress" may not be measured, so employing the word
"extreme" is a legitimate use of language. "Extreme mental distress" adequately
describes a state of mind to which the legislature wishes to assign criminal responsibility.
To determine if a statute is unconstitutionally vague, a court may read, into the
statute, court decisions which define the statute's terms. Douglass, 115 Wn.2d at 180.
After trial in this case, the state Supreme Court issued State v. Garcia, 179 Wn.2d 828,
which defines, in part, "extreme mental distress" as distress of a higher degree than that
distress normally accompanying a kidnapping under threat or use of deadly force. We do
not know if we can use this recent decision to analyze the constitutionality ofRCW
9AAO.020, since the definition was not available at trial. But we determine we need not
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No. 30834-1-111
State v. Harrington
rely on the Garcia definition.
Courts ignore the facts of the case if the challenger seeks to void a statute in its
entirety. City o/Bellevue v. Miller, 85 Wn.2d 539,541,536 P.2d 603 (1975).
Washington courts now limit a facial challenge to statutes that implicate free speech
rights. State v. Halstien, 122 Wn.2d 109, 117,857 P.2d 270 (1993). If the statute does
not implicate first amendment rights, the vagueness challenge is evaluated by examining
the statute as applied under the particular facts of the case. State v. Coria, 120 Wn.2d
156, 163,839 P.2d 890 (1992); Douglass, 115 Wn.2d at 182. The challenged law is
tested for unconstitutional vagueness by inspecting the actual conduct of the party who
challenges the ordinance and not by examining hypothetical situations at the periphery of
the ordinance's scope. Danforth, 173 Wn.2d at 72. This limitation is helpful in resolving
Russell Harrington's challenge, since he concedes that his case does not implicate the
First Amendment. We may examine RCW 9AAO.020 as it applies to facts of this case.
The jury, when deliberating, asked the trial court to define "extreme mental
distress." Our trial court declined. Russell Harrington contends the jury question
clinches his constitutional argument, but it does not necessarily follow that the phrase is
unconstitutionally vague. The jury may have desired a definition rather than needed a
definition. The trial court responded: "You must depend on your collective memory of
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No.30834-1-II1
State v. Harrington
the evidence and the court's instructions." CP at 151. The jury then found Mr.
Harrington guilty of first degree kidnapping.
Otherwise, Mr. Harrington relies on State v. Williams, 144 Wn.2d 197,26 P.3d
890 (2001) to argue that "extreme mental distress" is unconstitutionally vague. There,
Chris Williams threatened the supervisor that fired him, stating "Motherf ... you better
give me my check," referring to his final paycheck. A bystander mouthed: "He has a
gun." The state charged Williams with misdemeanor harassment under fonner RCW
9A.46.020 (1992), which provided, "Without lawful authority, the person knowingly
threatens ... [m]aliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially hann the
person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or
safety." The Williams court asked "does the statute prohibit a person from making
threats which cause others mere irritation or emotional discomfort or does it only prohibit
those threats which cause others to suffer a diagnosable mental condition?" Williams,
144 Wn.2d at 204. Finding that a plain reading of the statue provided no answer, the
court held RCW 9A.46.020(1)(a)(iv) as unconstitutionally vague to the extent of the
phrase "mental health." Williams, 144 Wn.2d at 204,212.
Williams does not provide us an answer to Russell Harrington's challenge.
"Extreme mental distress" is not subject to the same range of interpretation as "mental
health" at issue in Williams. "Extreme mental distress" lacks concreteness. "Ordinary
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No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
people" may disagree in particular instances as to what "mental distress" is "extreme."
But the extent of the phrase's indefiniteness is lesser than "mental health." Whereas
substantial harm to "mental health" might entail a diagnosable mental condition, best
assessed by a psychologist, most people have at least indirect experience with "extreme
mental distress" and can judge when it occurs. The term "health" may be more
subjective than the word "distress." "Mental distress" is a phrase of common meaning.
"Extreme" is a common word. The modifier "extreme" removes some of the subjectivity
of the term "mental distress."
The statute in Williams regulated the content of speech. The Williams court noted,
"'we are especially cautious in the interpretation of vague statutes when first amendment
interests are implicated.'" 144 Wn.2d at 204 (quoting State v. Lorang, 140 Wn.2d 19,31
(2000)). Again, Mr. Harrington agrees that RCW 9A.40.020 does not implicate the First
Amendment. This difference between the two cases is of prime importance.
Because RCW 9A.40.020(1)(d) does not implicate free speech, this court need not
examine RCW 9A.40.020's "extreme mental distress" in a vacuum but rather through the
lens of the kidnapping of Michelle Harrington. The meaning of "extreme mental
distress" reaches its zenith when applied to the facts of this case. Michelle believed
herself dead at the hand of the man who fathered her son, a son she would not see again.
A threat to kill someone, particularly when the threat is immediate and with a gun
25
No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
pressing on one's forehead, causes as much mental distress as any act can. As an extreme
male bully, Russell Harrington intended Michelle to suffer that distress in order to
compel her by the mouth of a gun to remain married. Admittedly "extreme mental
distress" carries some uncertainty, but little ambiguity in the context of the distress
imposed by Russell Harrington on his former wife.
In short, Russell Harrington fails to meet his burden of showing RCW 9AAO.020
unconstitutionally vague.
The panel has determined that the rest of the opinion should not be published.
ISSUE 3: INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL. Did Russell
Harrington receive ineffective assistance of counsel?
ANSWER: No.
Russell Harrington references three events that allegedly resulted in ineffective
assistance of counsel. First, Mr. Harrington alleges the State kept him in a condition that
impaired his ability to communicate during critical stages, citing United States v.
Stringer, 521 F.3d i 189 (9th Cir. 2008). This interference, Mr. Harrington claims,
caused defense counsel to pursue an objectively unreasonable trial strategy of admitting
guilt to argue "diminished capacity." Second, Russell Harrington assigns error to defense
counsel admitting, "At best, our defense is diminished capacity." RP at 2 (Aug. 18,
2010). According to Mr. Harrington, the mindset of counsel may have persuaded the jury
26
No.30834-1-II1
State v. Harrington
that he was guilty as charged. Third, Mr. Harrington contends that counsel failed to
investigate and prepare for trial.
Appellate courts strongly presume counsel was effective. State v. McFarland, 127
Wn.2d 322, 335, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995). To prevail on an ineffective assistance claim, a
defendant must show his attorney was not functioning as counsel as guaranteed by the
Sixth Amendment. In re Pers. Restraint ofGentry, 137 Wn.2d 379,400-01,972 P.2d
1250 (1999) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L.
Ed. 2d 674 (1984». Russell Harrington must show:
(1) defense counsel's representation was deficient, i.e., it fell below an
objective standard of reasonableness based on consideration of all the
circumstances; and (2) defense counsel's deficient representation
prejudiced the defendant, i.e., there is a reasonable probability that, except
for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different.
McFarland, 127 Wn.2d at 334-35. If trial counsel's conduct can be characterized as
legitimate trial strategy or tactics, it cannot serve as a basis for a claim that the defendant
received ineffective assistance of counsel. State V. McNeal, 145 Wn.2d 352,362,37 P.3d
280 (2002).
After our review of the trial record, we conclude that Russell Harrington's
contention that counsel performed deficiently fails. Mr. Harrington points to no instances
of the State "deliberately interfering" with his attorney-client relationship. His counsel
uttered the remark,"At best, our defense is diminished capacity," at a preliminary hearing
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No.30834-1-II1
State v. Harrington
when arguing that DNA evidence was unnecessary. RP at 2 (Aug. 18, 2010). Defense
counsel made no similar comment before the jury and the record shows counsel to be a
fervent advocate for his client.
Russell Harrington claims that his counsel failed to challenge Michelle's
testimony as inconsistent with regard to his use of a cane to walk and stand, but then he
cites the record where his counsel pursued this line of impeachment. Mr. Harrington
argues "it was objectively unreasonable for defense counsel not to demonstrate how that
version of the iPhone operate[s] to the jury," claiming a demonstration would have
undermined Michelle's credibility. Statement of Additional Grounds (SAG) at 24.
Again, defense counsel pursued this line of impeachment, questioning how Michelle
knew who her phone called. Mr. Harrington contends that defense counsel should have
obtained day care records showing that Michelle "had been taking their son to the
daycare." SAG at 27. When the State attempted to construe their son attending daycare
as unusual, defense counsel successfully objected. Later, defense counsel argued that, as
an alternate reason for their son being in daycare, Michelle was preparing for her
childcare needs following the divorce. In short, every allegation of ineffectiveness
conflicts with the trial record.
28
No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
CONCLUSION
We affinn the conviction of Russell Harrington for first degree kidnapping.
WE CONCUR:
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No.30834-1-II1
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APPENDIX
Courts have declared unconstitutional the following laws:
1. The Supreme Court struck as void for vagueness a Bellevue prowling statute
that declared anyone guilty "who wanders or prowls in a place ... under circumstances
which manifest an unlawful purpose." City ofBellevue v. Miller, 85 Wn.2d 539, 536
P.2d 603 (1975), impliedly overruled in State v. Smith, 111 Wn.2d 1, 14 n.3, 759 P.2d
372 (1988).
2. The term "without lawful order" in a city criminal trespass ordinance was
unconstitutionally vague. City ofSeattle v. Rice, 93 Wn.2d 728,612 P.2d 792 (1980)
impliedly overruled in State v. Smith, 111 Wn.2d 1, 14 n.3, 759 P.2d 372 (1988).
·3. Former RCW 9A.76.170, a State bail jumping statute that prohibited the
"knowingly" failure "without lawful excuse to appear," was unconstitutional because of
the phrase "lawful excuse." State v. Hilt, 99 Wn.2d 452,662 P.2d 52 (1983).
4. Former RCW 26.20.030(1)(b), which criminalized willfully failing to support
one's children "without lawful excuse," was unconstitutionally vague. State v.
Richmond, 102 Wn.2d 242, 683 P.2d 1093 (1984).
5. City ordinance making it a nuisance for a dog owner or occupant of a premises
on which a dog was kept to allow the dog to disturb or annoy any other person or
neighborhood by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, or barking did not provide
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No. 30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
adequate notice to citizens of unlawful conduct or adequate standards to prevent arbitrary
enforcement and thus was void for vagueness. City ofSpokane v. Fischer, 110 Wn.2d
541, 754 P.2d 1241 (1988).
6. The phrase "without purpose of legitimate communication" in city telephone
harassment ordinance unconstitutionally vague. City ofBellevue v. Lorang, 140 Wn.2d
19, 992 P.2d 496 (2000).
7. The phrase "mental health" in the former misdemeanor harassment statute,
RCW 9A.46.020, which provided: "Without lawful authority, the person knowingly
threatens ... [m]aliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the
person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or
safety ," is unconstitutionally vague. State v. Williams, 144 Wn.2d 197, 26 P.3d 890(2001).
Washington courts have held the following words and phrases, within various
statutes, constitutional despite a vagueness challenge:
1. The words "indecent" and "obscene" in the indecent liberties statute, RCW
9.79.080(2), are not unconstitutionally vague. State v. Galbreath, 69 Wn.2d 664, 419
P .2d 800 (1966).
2. Former RCW 9.69.080 pertaining to tampering with a witness with intent to
obstruct the course ofjustice is neither overbroad nor vague. State v. Hegge, 89 Wn.2d
31No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
584,574 P.2d 386 (1978).
3. The phrase "sexual or other intimate parts" found in RCW 9A.88.100 is not
unconstitutionally vague. Matter of Welfare ofAdams, 24 Wn. App. 517,601 P.2d 995(1979).
4. RCW 9.41.270 and a city ordinance proscribing intimidating another with a
weapon were not unconstitutionally vague despite a contention that the definitions of
"weapons" contained in each were not specific. State v. Maciolek, 101 Wn.2d 259, 676
P.2d 996 (1984).
5. Use of the term "lawful" in a harassment statute, former RCW 9A.46.020, does
not make statute unconstitutionally vague. State v. Smith, 111 Wn.2d 1, 759 P.2d 372(1988).
6. Terms "without legal authority" and "interferes substantially with his liberty,"
found in kidnaping statute, RCW 9A.40.010, are not unconstitutionally vague. State v.
Worrell, 111 Wn.2d537, 761 P.2d 56 (1988).
7. A municipal ordinance prohibiting naturally grown fences exceeding eight feet
in height was not unconstitutionally vague, as applied to property owner who had planted
large Douglas firs. within two to twelve feet of each other in close proximity to his
property line. Town ofClyde Hill v. Roisen, 111 Wn.2d 912, 767 P.2d 1375 (1989).
8. An ordinance criminalizing telephone calls threatening the listener or his
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No.30834-1-III
State v. Harrington
family with physical or property damage and made with "intent to harass, intimidate or
torment" was not unconstitutionally overbroad or vague. City ofSeattle v. Huff, 111
Wn.2d 923,924, 767 P.2d 572 (1989).
9. A City of Yakima ordinance that banned dogs "known by the owners to be pit
bulls, specifically the breeds Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull
Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier, as well as dogs 'identifiable' as having any
pit bull variety as an element of their breeding" passed constitutional muster despite a
challenge to the vagueness of the dog description. Am. Dog Owners Ass 'n v. City of
Yakima, 113 Wn.2d 213, 777 P.2d 1046 (1989).
10. RCW 9.68A.Ol1(3)(a), the sexual exploitation statute, which defines the
mental element of that offense as exhibition "for the purpose of sexual stimulation ofthe
viewer" is not void for vagueness. State v. Bohannon, 62 Wn. App. 462, 814 P.2d 694(1991).
II. Tacoma's drug loitering ordinance that declared it "unlawful for any person to
loiter ... in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose to engage in
drug-related activity" is not unconstitutional. City ofTacoma v. Luvene, 118 Wn.2d 826,
827 P.2d 1374 (1992).
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No. 30834-1-111
State v. Harrington
12. The term "sexual motivation" within the meaning ofRCW 13.40.135, the
juvenile sexual motivation statute, was not unconstitutionally vague. State v. Halstien,
122 Wn.2d 109, 857 P.2d 270 (1993).
13. Provisions in RCW 9.61.230, a telephone harassment statute, dealing with
"lewd, lascivious, profane, indecent, or obscene words or language" and dealing with
calls made at an "extremely inconvenient hour" or made "repeatedly" were not
unconstitutionally overbroad or vague. State v. Dyson, 74 Wn. App. 237, 247, 872 P.2d
1115 (1994).
14. RCW 9A.46.11 0, the statute defining the crime of "stalking," is not
unconstitutionally vague despite the term "without lawful authority." State v. Lee, 135
Wn.2d 369,957 P.2d 741 (1998).
15. The phrase "loud and raucous" found in city ordinance Was not
unconstitutionaL City ofSeattle v. Eze, 111 Wn.2d 22, 759 P .2d 366 (1988).
16. RCW 9A.44.130, a sex offender statute requiring registration with authorities
"at the time of release from custody," was not unconstitutionally vague. State v. Watson,
160 Wn.2d 1, 154 P.3d 909 (2007).
17. The phrase, in former RCW 71.09.030(5), the civil commitment statute, "has
committed a recent overt act," defined as "any act or threat that has either caused harm of
a sexually violent nature or creates a reasonable apprehension of such harm in the mind
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No.30834-1-II1
State v. Harrington
of an objective person who knows of the history and mental condition of the person
engaging in the act" and the word "threat" do not render the statute void for vagueness.
In re Detention ofDanforth, 173 Wn.2d 59, 264 PJd 783 (2011).
18. RCW 9A.46.0 10, the state stalking statute, which renders one guilty if he
"repeatedly harasses" another person during a "course of conduct" is not
unconstitutionally vague. State v. Bradford, 175 Wn. App. 912, 308 PJd 736 (2013).
35