David Lee Seaton v. State, 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 6775

Seaton was convicted of manslaughter and aggravated assault by a public servant, with concurrent 15‑year and 10‑year sentences.
The victim Officer Robert Davis died after Seaton's patrol car collided with another vehicle in San Antonio.
Lampkin, the other motorist, was injured and had entered the intersection during a red signal.
Seaton was en route to a shoplifting call, speeding over 100 mph, without activating lights or siren.
Evidence showed red light at impact, no braking, and speeds over 90–100 mph; witnesses corroborated reckless driving.
Seaton challenged (1) charged status under color of office, (2) sufficiency of evidence, (3) jury misconduct ruling; all issues were upheld by affirmance.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether Aggravated Assault by Public Servant was proper	Seaton contends not acting under color.	State argues Seaton acted under color of office.	No error; Seaton acted under color.
Legal sufficiency of manslaughter and aggravated assault	Lampkin credibility undermines proof beyond reasonable doubt.	Evidence, including speeds and red light, supports guilt.	Evidence legally sufficient; rational jury could convict.
Trial court ruling on jury misconduct motion	Juror affidavits showed outside influence and misconduct.	Exclusions proper; no outside influence established.	Ruling not an abuse of discretion; error harmless; motion denied.

Tapps v. State, 294 S.W.3d 175 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) (statutory interpretation de novo)
Brooks v. State, 323 S.W.3d 893 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010) (credibility and weight resolved by jury)
Easly v. State, 163 S.W.3d 839 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005) (outside influence evidence restricted)
Fenoglio v. State, 252 S.W.3d 468 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2008) (outside information suppression in deliberations)
Rosell v. Cent. W. Motor Stages, Inc., 89 S.W.3d 643 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2002) (bailiff comment not outside influence)