State Of Washington v. Daniel Alexander Threadgill ( 2016 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
No. 68662-3-
Respondent,
DIVISION ONE
v.
UNPUBLISHED OPINION
DANIEL ALEXANDER THREADGILL, est coo
Appellant, •—' -.' 1
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SYNAE ARAYA MCMILLON-COOPER
AKA ARAYA MCMILLON, -Jo
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Defendant. FILED: July 11, 2016
Trickey, J. — Daniel Threadgill appeals his judgment and sentence for his
conviction of first-degree murder. He contends that the trial court violated his right
to a speedy trial, the State violated his constitutional rights by presenting evidence
that he did not consent to a search of his cell phone, he received ineffective
assistance of counsel, WPIC 4.011 is constitutionally defective, and the sentencing
court failed to file the mandatory written findings of fact and conclusions of law in
support of his exceptional sentence. We reject all arguments and affirm.
FACTS
On August 31, 2010, police officers conducted a welfare check at a triplex
apartment building in Des Moines, Washington. Neighbors had called 911 after
becoming concerned about sounds coming from the center apartment. Upon
111 Washington Practice: Washington Pattern Jury Instructions: Criminal 4.01,
at 85 (3d ed. 2008) (WPIC).
No. 68662-3-1 / 2
arrival, the officers discovered the body of Jennifer Walstrand in a large pool of
blood just inside the door to her apartment.
Walstrand had been stabbed 65 times. She had scrapes on her face,
bruises on her arms and legs, a fractured jaw, and wounds on her head consistent
with blunt force trauma. Blood spatter evidence established that there had been
"a lot of violence and movement" and that Walstrand was upright and fighting for
a portion of the attack.2 None of Walstrand's wounds caused immediate death.
At the time of her death, Walstrand was working as a prostitute for a pimp
named Calvin Davis. Walstrand had known Davis for over 10 years. Davis
considered himself closer to Walstrand than any of the other women that worked
for him. As his longest serving prostitute, Walstrand had many responsibilities.
Walstrand's next door neighbor, Araya McMillon-Cooper, also worked as a
prostitute for Davis. Davis had arranged McMillon-Cooper's move into the triplex.
Walstrand had a key to McMillon-Cooper's apartment and occasionally collected
money from her on Davis's behalf. Walstrand also reported McMillon-Cooper's
activities to Davis.
McMillon-Cooper had been living in the triplex since around June 2010.
Shortly after she moved in, McMillon-Cooper met Threadgill, who worked in club
promotions. McMillon-Cooper began working as a club promoter for Threadgill in
addition to prostituting for Davis. During the next few months, McMillon-Cooper
and Threadgill developed a close friendship and started socializing outside of work.
Threadgill frequently spent time at the triplex. On occasion, he stayed overnight.
2 Report of Proceedings (RP) (Jan. 10, 2012) at 175.
2
No. 68662-3-1 / 3
In late August 2010, Threadgill and McMillon-Cooper's relationship became
sexual.
During that same period of time, McMillon-Cooper had a falling out with
Davis. In late July 2010, McMillon-Cooper stopped turning money over to Davis
because she needed it for her grandmother's funeral. In mid-August, Davis
confronted McMillon-Cooper at the triplex. After she refused to give him money,
Davis punched her in the mouth and kicked her. After this incident, and shortly
before Walstrand's murder, McMillon-Cooper told Threadgill that she was a
prostitute and that Davis had assaulted her. She also told him that she could not
go back to the triplex because Walstrand would tell Davis and she would get beat
up again. Threadgill assured her that no one would hurt her.
As part of their investigation into Walstrand's murder, detectives spoke with
Davis, McMillon-Cooper, and Threadgill. Threadgill was not a suspect at the time.
Detectives also submitted evidence to the Washington State Patrol Crime
Laboratory for testing. The crime laboratory conducted extensive DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) testing. Some of the evidence, including swabs from
Walstrand's neck, revealed partial male DNA profiles. Walstrand's homicide went
unsolved for approximately nine months.
In May 2011, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound got a break in the case when
they received an anonymous tip. The tip led police to Marian Kerow and Fardosa
Mohamed. Kerow worked as a club promoter for Threadgill. She introduced
Mohamed to Threadgill, and the three of them socialized together, often with
McMillon-Cooper.
No. 68662-3-1/4
Detectives questioned Mohamed and Kerow individually in June 2011.
Mohamed initially denied any knowledge of the murder but later admitted that she
was present when Walstrand died. Kerow also admitted that she was present and
had witnessed Walstrand's murder. Following these interviews, police began to
focus their investigation on McMillon-Cooper and Threadgill. Kerow and Mohamed
participated in the investigation by wearing wires and recording conversations with
McMillon-Cooper and Threadgill.
On June 24, 2011, the State charged McMillon-Cooper and Threadgill with
first-degree murder for the death of Walstrand. The charge included a deadly
weapon sentencing enhancement.
On August 2, 2011, the State obtained an order authorizing law
enforcement to collect a sample of Threadgill's DNA. The State collected
Threadgill's DNA on August 18, 2011.
At the case setting hearing on September 14, 2011, Threadgill indicated
that he wished to exercise his right to a speedy trial, which expired on November
12, 2011. The court scheduled the trial to begin on November 7, 2011.
The parties appeared in court again on September 23, 2011, when
Threadgill moved to sever his case from McMillon-Cooper's. The State did not
oppose this motion, which the trial court granted. McMillon-Cooper ultimately
pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder. During this
hearing, Threadgill reiterated that he wanted to exercise his right to a speedy trial
and try the case on November 7.
On October 17, 2011, the parties learned that Threadgill was excluded as
No. 68662-3-1 / 5
a contributor to the DNA found on Walstrand's body.
At the omnibus hearing on November 1, 2011, the State informed the court
that it had submitted additional DNA samples to the crime laboratory for testing.
In particular, it had submitted samples from Davis, McMillon-Cooper, and one of
Walstrand's customers. The State indicated that it did not know whether the
results would be available before the trial date of November 7. Nonetheless, the
State indicated that it was prepared to go forward without the results. Threadgill
again indicated that he was prepared to go to trial on November 7.
On November 2, 2011, Threadgill filed his trial brief. The next day, he filed
a motion to admit other suspect evidence, where he sought to admit evidence of
Davis's prior violent acts. In these materials, Threadgill indicated that he planned
to argue that Davis killed Walstrand.
On November 4, 2011, the State moved to continue the trial. It stated that
it was "unwilling to proceed to trial" without the results from the crime laboratory
comparing Davis's DNA to the unknown male DNA from the crime scene.3
Because the comparison would not be complete until the end of November, the
State asked for a continuance until December 1, 2011. Threadgill opposed the
continuance. He argued that the State's failure to obtain available evidence
showed a lack of due diligence and was not a good cause for a continuance.
The court held a hearing on the State's continuance motion on November
7, 2011. Over Threadgill's objection, the trial court granted the motion and
continued the trial until December 1, 2011. Prior to trial, the State amended the
3 Clerk's Papers (CP) at 778.
No. 68662-3-1 / 6
charge against Threadgill to add an aggravating factor of deliberate cruelty.
At trial, the State relied primarily on eyewitness testimony. McMillon-
Cooper, Mohamed, and Kerow all testified that they were present on the night of
the murder. They described in great detail how Threadgill killed Walstrand. They
testified that they watched Threadgill stab Walstrand repeatedly and stomp on her
head as she begged for her life. McMillon-Cooper testified that Threadgill told her
that he killed Walstrand because "[i]t was either [you] or her."4
The State also presented testimony from a forensic examiner who searched
cell phones belonging to Threadgill, McMillon-Cooper, and Davis. During his
testimony, the forensic examiner stated that he searched Threadgill's and
McMillon-Cooper's cell phones pursuant to a court order and that he searched
Davis's cell phone pursuant to his consent.
In general, the State argued that jurors should approach the case as an
eyewitness case rather than a DNA case. It argued that Threadgill stabbed and
stomped on Walstrand because he was "fed up" with the way McMillon-Cooper
was being treated by Walstrand and Davis.5
Threadgill maintained his innocence. He argued that McMillon-Cooper,
Mohamed, and Kerow were all lying. He focused on the fact that his DNA was
absent from the crime scene and that unidentified male DNA was found on
Walstrand's body.
A jury convicted Threadgill as charged. The trial court imposed an
exceptional sentence based on the jury's finding of deliberate cruelty.
4RP(Feb. 1,2012) at 16.
5RP(Feb. 2, 2012) at 3-4.
6
No. 68662-3-1 / 7
Threadgill appeals.
ANALYSIS
Criminal Rule (CrR) 3.3
Threadgill argues that the trial court violated his right to a speedy trial under
CrR 3.3. Specifically, he contends that the trial court abused its discretion "[b]y
continuing trial beyond the speedy trial deadline, over Threadgill's objection, and
without sufficient justification."6 We disagree.
"CrR 3.3 provides time limitations that must be observed for ensuring that
criminal defendants are brought to trial in a timely manner." State v. Greenwood,
120 Wn.2d 585, 588-89, 845 P.2d 971 (1993). The purpose of this rule is "to
protect the defendant's constitutional right to a speedy trial, and to prevent undue
and oppressive incarceration prior to trial." State v. Kinqen. 39 Wn. App. 124,127,
692 P.2d 215 (1984). A criminal charge not brought to trial within the time limits of
CrR 3.3 must be dismissed with prejudice. CrR 3.3(h); Greenwood, 120 Wn.2d at
591.
CrR 3.3(b)(1 )(i) provides that an individual held in custody pending trial must
be tried within 60 days of arraignment. Certain time periods are excluded from the
computation of time, including continuances granted by the trial court. CrR
3.3(e)(3). CrR 3.3(f)(2) provides a basis by which a trial court may validly continue
the start of trial:
On motion of the court or a party, the court may continue the trial
date to a specified date when such continuance is required in the
administration of justice and the defendant will not be prejudiced in
the presentation of his or her defense. The motion must be made
before the time for trial has expired. The court must state on the
6 Br. of Appellant at 22.
No. 68662-3-1 / 8
record or in writing the reasons for the continuance.
If a continuance is properly granted, the time for trial will not expire until 30
days after the new trial date. CrR 3.3(b)(5).
"'[I]n exercising its discretion to grant or deny a continuance, the trial court
is to consider all relevant factors.'" State v. Flinn. 154 Wn.2d 193, 199-200, 110
P.3d 748 (2005) (quoting State v. Heredia-Juarez. 119Wn.App. 150, 155, 79 P.3d
987 (2003)). These factors include "surprise, diligence, redundancy, due process,
materiality, and maintenance of orderly procedure." State v. Downing. 151 Wn.2d
265, 273, 87 P.3d 1169(2004).
A trial court may properly grant a continuance to permit the State time to
obtain evidence. State v. Cauthron. 120 Wn.2d 879, 910, 846 P.2d 502 (1993).
For example, in Cauthron. the Supreme Court held that Cauthron's right to a
speedy trial was not violated where "the continuances were necessary to obtain
the required evidence" and where Cauthron was not prejudiced by the delay in
starting trial. 120 Wn.2d at 910.
A trial court may also properly grant a continuance to allow counsel time to
prepare for trial. Flinn. 154 Wn.2d at 200-01. For example, in Flinn. the Supreme
Court concluded that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in granting a
continuance to allow the State to prepare for Flinn's diminished capacity defense.
154Wn.2dat196.
This court reviews an alleged violation of the speedy trial rule de novo.
State v. Kenvon. 167 Wn.2d 130, 135, 216 P.3d 1024 (2009). But the decision to
grant a continuance rests in the sound discretion of the trial court. Kenvon. 167
8
No. 68662-3-1 / 9
Wn.2d at 135. This court will not disturb the trial court's decision unless there is a
clear showing that it is manifestly unreasonable or exercised on untenable grounds
or for untenable reasons. Kenvon. 167 Wn.2d at 135.
Here, the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it granted the State's
request for a continuance. The trial court concluded that the continuance was
required in the administration of justice. In reaching this conclusion, the trial court
relied on the fact that the taking of [Davis's] DNA sample "could not have
reasonably occurred earlier."7 It also relied on the fact that the test results would
not be complete until the end of November and that itwas "necessary for the [S]tate
to have the results" to respond to Threadgill's defense that Davis committed the
murder.8
The trial court properly relied on these factors. As stated earlier, a trial court
may grant a continuance to permit the State time to obtain evidence. Cauthron.
120 Wn.2d at 910. Itmay also grant a continuance to allow counsel time to prepare
for trial. Flinn. 154 Wn.2d at 200. Both of those considerations are present here.
Threadgill filed his trial briefon November 2, 2011, and he moved to admit
other suspect evidence on November 3, 2011. These materials made it clear that
Threadgill planned to argue that Davis was another suspect in the murder. The
need for the DNA results greatly increased at that time, as the results were crucial
to rebut this theory. Because the results of Davis's DNA comparison would not be
complete until the end of November, a continuance was proper to allow the State
to obtain that evidence and to prepare for Threadgill's defense.
7RP(Nov. 7, 2011) at 20.
8 RP (Nov. 7, 2011) at 21; CP at 787.
No. 68662-3-1/10
Moreover, Threadgill did not argue to the trial court that he would be
prejudiced if the court granted the State's motion to continue. And he makes no
argument on appeal that the continuance of a few weeks caused him any prejudice
to the presentation of his defense. In short, under these circumstances, Threadgill
has failed to show that the trial court's decision was based on untenable grounds
or was for untenable reasons.
Threadgill asserts that "the State did not act with due diligence when itfailed
to timely request a DNA sample from Davis at any time between August 2010 and
October 2011 and failed to submit itfor comparison to evidence at the scene."9 He
relies on a declaration from Davis's attorney that states that prosecutors never
asked Davis for a DNA sample prior to October 28, 2011, and that he would have
advised Davis to provide a sample. Threadgill further asserts that "where the State
fails to exercise due diligence in obtaining evidence, it cannot rely on the absence
of that evidence as valid grounds for a continuance."10
But the trial court found that the State acted diligently in this case.
Specifically, it found that "the taking of [Davis's] DNA sample could not have
reasonably occurred earlier."11 And this finding is supported by substantial
evidence in the record.
In a declaration, the prosecutor explained that in March 2010, Davis was
charged in an unrelated case. In April 2011, Davis was convicted of all charges.
Davis subsequently moved for a new trial and that motion was pending when the
9 Br. of Appellant at 26.
10 Br. of Appellant at 23.
11 RP(Nov. 7, 2011) at 20.
10
No. 68662-3-1 /11
State filed charges against Threadgill. The State approached Davis about
assisting in the prosecution of Threadgill but, due to his pending motion for a new
trial, Davis's counsel advised Davis not to assist the State. Davis withdrew his
motion for a new trial on October 13, 2011, pursuant to an agreement with the
State, and the court sentenced Davis on October 19, 2011. After sentencing was
completed, Davis's counsel agreed to allow Davis to cooperate in Threadgill's
case. The State interviewed Davis on October 28, 2011, and obtained a DNA
sample at that time.
These facts support the trial court's determination that the taking of Davis's
DNA sample could not have reasonably occurred earlier. Based on Davis's earlier
representation that he would not assist in the prosecution of Threadgill, it is
reasonable to believe that a request for a DNA sample would not have been fruitful.
Under these circumstances, the fact that the State did not explicitly ask Davis for
a DNA sample prior to October 28, 2011, does not show a lack of diligence.
Forensic Examiner's Testimony
Threadgill next argues that the State violated his constitutional rights under
the Fourth Amendment and article I, section 7 of the Washington Constitution by
presenting evidence that he did not consent to a search of his cell phone.
Threadgill contends that the use of this evidence improperly penalized the lawful
exercise of a constitutional right. Because Threadgill fails to show manifest
constitutional error, he is precluded from raising this claim for the first time on
appeal.
To raise an error for the first time on appeal, an appellant must demonstrate
11
No. 68662-3-1/12
(1) the error is "truly of a constitutional magnitude" and (2) the error is manifest.
State v. Kalebaugh. 183 Wn.2d 578, 583, 355 P.3d 253 (2015). "Manifest"
requires a showing of actual prejudice. Kalebaugh. 183 Wn.2d at 584. "To
demonstrate actual prejudice, there must be a plausible showing by the [appellant]
that the asserted error had practical and identifiable consequences in the trial of
the case.'" Kalebaugh. 183 Wn.2d at 584 (alteration in original) (internal quotation
marks omitted) (quoting State v. O'Hara. 167 Wn.2d 91, 99, 217 P.3d 756 (2009)).
In State v. Gauthier. this court held that the prosecutor's use of Gauthier's
invocation of his constitutional right to refuse consent to a warrantless search as
substantive evidence of guilt was manifest constitutional error. 174 Wn. App. 257,
267, 298 P.3d 126 (2013), review denied. 185 Wn.2d 1010, 368 P.3d 171 (2016).
There, Gauthier was suspected of rape and declined to provide a DNA sample to
compare with evidence found on the victim. 174 Wn. App. at 261. At trial, the
prosecutor repeatedly questioned Gauthier during cross-examination about his
refusal to provide a DNA sample, elicited the testimony "for the primary purpose of
encouraging the jury to infer guilt based on Gauthier's refusal to provide a DNA
sample," and argued that Gauthier's refusal was consistent with the actions of a
guilty person. 174 Wn. App. at 262, 270.
Threadgill relies on Gauthier to argue that the "same violation occurred at
[his] trial"12 when the State elicited the following testimony from a forensic
examiner:
[Prosecutor]: Specifically, how many phones did you review with
respect to Ms. Araya McMillon-Cooper?
12 Br. of Appellant at 28.
12
No. 68662-3-1/13
[Forensic Examiner]: Two, an LG and a Samsung.
[Prosecutor]: And did you review a phone that purported to belong
to Daniel Threadgill?
[Forensic Examiner]: Yes, a Sanyo.
[Prosecutor]: All right. And one purporting to belong to Calvin Davis?
[Forensic Examiner]: Yes, Blackberry.
[Prosecutor]: Now, in reviewing the phone records or the phones for
Ms. McMillon-Cooper and Mr. Threadgill, was that pursuant to a court
order?
[Forensic Examiner]: Yes.
[Prosecutor]: What about the records or the phone for Mr. Davis?
[Forensic Examiner]: It was on consent.
[Prosecutor]: On Mr. Davis' consent?
[Forensic Examiner]: Correct.1131
Threadgill asserts, "As in Gauthier. at Threadgill's trial the prosecutor elicited his
lack of cooperation (the necessity of a court order to obtain his phone records) and
contrasted that exercise of his constitutional right to refuse a warrantless search
with the cooperation of another individual once suspected of involvement in the
crime (Davis'[s] consent)."14
But Threadgill fails to show that this testimony amounts to a manifest
constitutional error under RAP 2.5(a). In contrast to Gauthier. the prosecutor did
not use Threadgill's invocation of his constitutional right to refuse consent to a
search of his cell phone as substantive evidence of guilt. Nor did the prosecution
13 RP (Jan. 31, 2012) at 29-30.
14 Br. of Appellant at 29.
13
No. 68662-3-1/14
question Threadgill about his lack of consent or argue that Threadgill's actions
were consistent with a guilty person. Simply put, the forensic examiner's testimony
was a fleeting reference to Threadgill's exercise of a constitutional right. It does
not rise to the level of manifest constitutional error.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Threadgill argues in the alternative that his trial counsel's failure to object to
the forensic examiner's testimony deprived him of his constitutional right to
effective assistance of counsel. We disagree.
To establish an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, a defendant must
show both deficient performance and resulting prejudice. State v. McFarland. 127
Wn.2d 322, 334-35, 899 P.2d 1251 (1995). If a defendant cannot demonstrate
either prong, the ineffective assistance of counsel claim fails. State v. Foster. 140
Wn. App. 266, 273, 166 P.3d 726 (2007).
Counsel's performance is deficient if it falls "below an objective standard of
reasonableness." McFarland. 127 Wn.2d at 334. To establish deficient
performance, the defendant must show the absence of any "conceivable legitimate
tactic" supporting counsel's action. State v. Reichenbach. 153 Wn.2d 126, 130,
101 P.3d 80 (2004).
"The decision of when or whether to object is a classic example of trial
tactics." State v. Madison. 53 Wn. App. 754, 763, 770 P.2d 662 (1989). "Only in
egregious circumstances, on testimony central to the State's case, will the failure
to object constitute incompetence of counsel justifying reversal." Madison. 53 Wn.
App. at 763.
14
No. 68662-3-1/15
To establish prejudice, the defendant must show there is a reasonable
probability that, but for the deficient performance, the outcome would have been
different. McFarland. 127 Wn.2d at 335. "A reasonable probability is a probability
sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome." Strickland v. Washington. 466
U.S. 668, 694, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L Ed. 2d 674 (1984).
Here, Threadgill fails to show that he received ineffective assistance of
counsel. First, he fails to show that the decision not to object was not a legitimate
trial tactic. Second, even if the failure to object constituted deficient performance,
Threadgill fails to show prejudice. This testimony was not central to the State's
case. It was merely a fleeting reference to Threadgill's assertion ofa constitutional
right. Moreover, the evidence of guilt was overwhelming. In short, there is not a
reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different.
Reasonable Doubt Instruction
Threadgill argues that the reasonable doubt jury instruction that was used
at his trial is constitutionally defective. He contends that the instruction improperly
adds an articulation requirement and impermissibly undermines the presumption
of innocence. He further contends that the use of this instruction requires reversal.
We reject this claim.
The trial court gave a reasonable doubt jury instruction that was identical to
WPIC 4.01—the standard reasonable doubt instruction. In relevant part, that
instruction states: "A reasonable doubt is one for which a reason exists and may
arise from the evidence or lack of evidence."15
15 CP at 670.
15
No. 68662-3-1/16
In State v. Bennett, our Supreme Court directed trial courts to use WPIC
4.01 in all criminal cases. 161 Wn.2d 303, 318, 165 P.3d 1241 (2007). More
recently, in Kalebaugh. the Supreme Court reaffirmed that WPIC 4.01 was the
"proper" instruction and "the correct legal instruction on reasonable doubt." 183
Wn.2d at 585-86. This court recently noted the Supreme Court's directive and
upheld the use of WPIC 4.01 in State v. Lizarraga. 191 Wn. App. 530, 567, 364
P.3d 810 (2015), review denied. 185 Wn.2d 1022, 369 P.3d 501 (2016). Because
controlling case authority directs the use of this standard instruction, we reject
Threadgill's claim.
Sentencing
Finally, Threadgill argues the sentencing court erred when it failed to enter
written findings offact and conclusions of lawsupporting his exceptional sentence.
He asserts that a remand is necessary. We disagree.
"Whenever a sentence outside the standard range is imposed, the court
shall set forth the reasons for its decision in written findings of fact and conclusions
of law." RCW 9.94A.535.
Here, the judgment and sentence containsthe necessary written findings of
fact and conclusions of law. Section 2.5 of the judgment and sentence contains
preprinted findings offact and conclusions of law, which the trial court completed.
Section 2.5 states:
Finding of Fact: The jury found or the defendant stipulated to
aggravating circumstances as to Count(s) I .
Conclusion of Law: These aggravating circumstances constitute
substantial and compelling reasons that justify a sentence above the
16
No. 68662-3-1/17
standard range for Count(s)J_.[16]
In section 2.1 (j) of the judgment and sentence, the trial court identified the relevant
aggravating circumstance as deliberate cruelty.
Threadgill does not argue that these written findings of fact and conclusions
of law are insufficient. Instead, he appears to argue that the findings of fact and
conclusions of law must be contained in a separate document and that the trial
court may not rely on the preprinted language in the judgment and sentence to
meet its statutory requirement. But Threadgill cites no authority to support this
position. In the absence of such authority, we may presume that counsel found
none. Roberts v. Atlantic Richfield Co.. 88 Wn.2d 887, 895, 568 P.2d 764 (1977).
Accordingly, we reject this claim.
We affirm the judgment and sentence.
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WE CONCUR:
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16
CP at 756.
17