STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. NICHOLAS ITALIANO, Defendant-Appellant.
Case No. 19 MA 0095
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT MAHONING COUNTY
March 31, 2021
[Cite as State v. Italiano, 2021-Ohio-1283.]
Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common Pleas of Mahoning County, Ohio Case No. 18 CR 899
BEFORE: Cheryl L. Waite, Gene Donofrio, Carol Ann Robb, Judges.
JUDGMENT: Affirmed.
Atty. Paul J. Gains, Mahoning County Prosecutor and Atty. Ralph M. Rivera, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 21 West Boardman Street, 6th Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, for Plaintiff-Appellee
Atty. James S. Gentile and Atty. Ronald D. Yarwood, 42 North Phelps Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, for Defendant-Appellant.
{¶1} Appellant Nicholas Italiano appeals from a judgment of the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas sentencing him to prison after a jury convicted him on one count of felonious assault with an accompanying firearm specification. For the following reasons, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Factual and Procedural History
{¶2} The following facts were presented at the trial. On September 1, 2018, Myeshia Traylor (“Traylor“) went to the Sami Quik Stop at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard in Youngstown. When Traylor pulled into the parking lot she noticed a red pickup truck parked “longways,” or horizontally across the front parking spaces rather than vertically in a parking spot. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 247.) She waited for the truck to move before she pulled into a parking space. After parking, she asked the driver, identified as Appellant, what he was doing and the situation apparently quickly escalated. She called him “rude” and proceeded into the store. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 267.) Appellant testified that Traylor also called him “an ignorant a** motherf*cker.” (6/10/19 Tr., p. 520.) Appellant responded, “f**k you, n*gg*r b*tch,” and threatened to ram into her car. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 249.)
{¶3} Once in the store, Traylor watched Appellant move his truck and block her car in its parking space. She called her fiancé, Michael Collins (“Collins“) because she was worried for her safety. Collins agreed to come to her aid, so Traylor waited in the store for him to arrive. While she waited she observed Appellant pacing back and forth
{¶4} Collins arrived a short time later with his friend, Keith Shaw (aka Keith Johnson.) Collins testified that neither he nor Shaw were carrying weapons. Collins confronted Appellant while Traylor waited in the store. She saw that Appellant had his right hand in his pocket during this confrontation. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 254.) The store manager, Thamer Abualganen, went out to speak to the pair and was followed out by Traylor. A few people who had been inside the store also began to gather around the scene. According to Collins, Appellant challenged Collins and Shaw to a fight. In an attempt to mediate the situation, Abualganen asked Appellant to apologize to Traylor. Appellant refused, saying “I ain‘t apologizing to that b*tch for s**t.” (6/10/19 Tr., p. 298.) Offended by this comment, Collins testified that he punched Appellant and “jumped back in a defensive stance” because he thought Appellant was going to strike him. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 300.) Appellant testified that after he was hit he “blacked out” and was “dazed.” (6/10/19 Tr., p. 498.) However, Collins and Abualganen both testified that they almost immediately heard a click and saw Appellant pull out a gun. Collins turned and fled. Abualganen testified that after Collins had begun to run and was only a short distance away Appellant shot Collins in the back. Appellant admitted that after he was hit he pulled out his gun and fired it at Collins. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 498.) According to Abualganen, Appellant then started pointing the gun at everyone in the parking lot. (6/10/19 Tr., pp. 354-357.) The crowd disbursed and Abualganen returned to the store.
{¶6} After fleeing the scene, Appellant drove to the intersection of Erie Street and Hollywood, where he stopped and called 911 to inform the operator that he shot someone. Once Appellant arrived at the police station, he admitted he shot Collins but alleged it was in self-defense. Appellant informed police he had a concealed carry license permit. Police reviewed the Sami Quik Stop security recording and then placed Appellant under arrest for felonious assault. A .380 Ruger handgun was recovered from his person at the time of his arrest.
{¶7} On October 4, 2018, Appellant was indicted on one count of felonious assault in violation of
{¶8} Appellant filed this timely appeal.
APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL AND DUE PROCESS WHEN THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY INCLUDED A FLIGHT INSTRUCTION IN THE JURY CHARGE. (Trial Transcript at 601.602, 672.673).
{¶9} In his first assignment of error Appellant argues the trial court erred when it instructed the jury regarding his consciousness of guilt by including a flight instruction in the jury charge. When trial counsel files a timely objection to jury instructions pursuant to
{¶10} A flight instruction is considered within the context of the entire set of jury instructions. State v. Price, 60 Ohio St.2d 136, 398 N.E.2d 772 (1979), paragraph four of the syllabus. A jury instruction is proper when: (1) the instruction is relevant to the facts presented; (2) it provides the correct statement of the relevant law; and (3) the instruction
{¶11} Here, the trial court instructed the jury:
Testimony has been admitted indicating that the defendant fled the scene. You are instructed that fleeing the scene alone does not raise a presumption of guilt. But it may tend to indicate the defendant‘s consciousness of guilt. If you find that the facts do not support the defendant fleeing the scene, or if you find that some other motive prompted the defendant‘s conduct, or if you‘re unable to decide what the defendant‘s motivation was, then you should not consider this evidence for any purpose.
However, if you find that the facts support that the defendant engaged in such conduct and you decide that the defendant was motivated by a consciousness of guilt, you may, but are not required to consider the evidence in deciding whether the defendant is guilty of the crime or crimes charged. You alone will determine what weight, if any, to give this evidence.
(6/10/19 Tr., pp. 672-673.)
{¶12} The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently held that the fact of the accused‘s flight is admissible as evidence of the accused‘s consciousness of guilt and, thus, of guilt itself. State v. Eaton, 19 Ohio St.2d 145, 160, 249 N.E.2d 897 (1969), vacated on other grounds, 408 U.S. 935, 92 S.Ct. 2857, 33 L.Ed.2d 750 (1972); holding reaffirmed by State v. Williams, 79 Ohio St.3d 1, 11, 679 N.E.2d 646 (1997). In this case, the evidence presented at trial showed that, after shooting Collins in the back as he was running from
{¶13} Appellant first contends that the flight instruction was not proper because he stopped only a short time later and a few blocks away and telephoned the police, and then waited for them to arrive. However, his call to the police came after he had already fled the scene. Appellant also attempts to characterize his leaving as necessary to protect his own safety, because he had been assaulted and feared that worse would follow. This is not borne out by the evidence at trial. The security video from the store was played at trial and is part of the record on appeal. It is undisputed that Collins struck Appellant first. However, Collins then turned and ran. Appellant proceeded to shoot Collins while he was fleeing and, for good measure, attempted to twice run Collins down before fleeing the scene. This does not comport with Appellant‘s assertion that he feared for his safety and left for his own protection. The instruction at issue is similar to one which has previously been upheld by this Court regarding flight as evidence of consciousness of guilt. State v. Green, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 01 CA 54, 2003-Ohio-3074. The evidence here established Appellant fled the scene after shooting Collins and the instruction contained a caution to the jury that flight does not create a presumption of guilt, but can be considered as evidence of consciousness of guilt. The trial court did not abuse its
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2
THE VERDICT FOR FELONIOUS ASSAULT, AND THE ACCOMPANYING GUILTY FINDING ON THE FIREARM SPECIFICATION WERE AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE. (Trial Transcript at 702).
{¶14} In his second assignment of error, Appellant contends his conviction for felonious assault and the accompanying firearm specification were against the manifest weight of the evidence. He contends the evidence reflects that he shot Collins in self-defense, out of a reasonable fear of imminent harm.
{¶15} Weight of the evidence focuses on “the inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one side of the issue rather than the other.” (Emphasis deleted.) State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). A review of the manifest weight of the evidence focuses on the state‘s burden of persuasion and the believability of the evidence presented. State v. Merritt, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 09 JE 26, 2011-Ohio-1468, ¶ 34. A reviewing court “weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether 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, 175, 484 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983).
{¶16} A reversal under a manifest weight review in a criminal matter should be granted only “in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the
{¶17} Appellant was convicted of felonious assault in violation of
{¶18} There are two types of self-defense in Ohio: (1) self-defense against danger of bodily harm, or non-deadly force self-defense; and (2) self-defense against danger of death or great bodily harm, or deadly force self-defense. Struthers v. Williams, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 07 MA 55, 2008-Ohio-6637, ¶ 13. When an accused raises self-defense, in order to convict on felonious assault the state now must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused: (1) was at fault in creating the situation giving rise to the incident; (2) did not have a bona fide belief that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that his only means of escape from such danger was the use of force; and (3) violated the duty to retreat or avoid danger. State v. Jackson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 108493, 2020-Ohio-1606, ¶ 17. Although the burden has shifted to the state, the elements remain cumulative. Id.
{¶19} Reviewing the first element, this incident began with an exchange that occurred between Appellant and Traylor in the parking lot. Traylor approached Appellant, who was blocking parking spaces, and a verbal altercation arose between the two parties. Once Traylor went into the store, Appellant moved his vehicle to block Traylor‘s car. Appellant chose to remain, although there was no physical obstruction preventing him from leaving and the contact with Traylor had concluded. Appellant testified that he remained to clear up a supposed “misunderstanding” with Traylor, the nature of which is unclear. He did not remain to apologize, as evidenced by his refusal to do so when asked by Abualganen. In fact, Appellant then further increased the tense nature of the situation by once again calling Traylor a “bitch” in front of Collins. It was only then that Collins struck Appellant. Based on this evidence, the state met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant was at fault for creating the situation which gave rise to the incident. While Traylor may have contributed to creating the situation with her initial comments to Appellant, once this initial verbal contact was clearly over, Appellant deliberately blocked Traylor‘s car and paced around outside of his truck, obviously waiting
{¶20} Regarding the second element, Appellant testified that after he was struck by Collins he was “dazed” from the hit and that he “blacked out.” Somewhat unbelievably, in this allegedly semi-conscious state, Appellant immediately reached for his gun and shot Collins. However, Collins was clearly in the process of retreating from the scene and this is reinforced by the evidence that Appellant shot him in the back. This scenario also is evident in the surveillance video shown to the jury. The testimony from Abualganen corroborated that once Collins struck Appellant, Appellant removed his gun, cocked it and aimed at Collins, shooting him while he was retreating. Therefore, Appellant‘s assertion that he was in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm when he used deadly force is not borne out by any evidence at trial. Appellant followed up the shooting by trying, not once but twice, to run Collins over with his truck rather than retreating. Certainly if Appellant feared he was in imminent danger of great bodily harm or death he would not seek out further altercation with his supposed aggressor as an act of self-defense. Lastly, Appellant admitted that Collins did not pose an immediate threat to him when Collins arrived at the scene. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 542.) Appellant said he was not “physically” threatened, but felt “mentally” threatened. (6/10/19 Tr., pp. 543-544.) There was also no evidence that Collins or any of the bystanders in the parking lot had a gun to support any claim of imminent danger of death or great bodily harm, and none except Collins
{¶21} Regarding the third element, the state was required to establish that Appellant had ample opportunity to retreat to avoid any danger. Abualganen testified that at the time Appellant seemed “angry” and refused to leave when asked. Once Collins got there, Abualganen asked Appellant to apologize to Traylor in an attempt to defuse tensions. Instead, Appellant refused and called Traylor a bitch. (6/10/19 Tr., p. 255.) This did cause Collins to strike Appellant, but then Collins immediately turned and fled. Appellant did not, himself, retreat. Instead, he pulled out his gun and shot Collins in the back. (6/10/19 Tr., pp. 300-301.)
{¶22} After a review of the record, Appellant‘s conviction for felonious assault with the accompanying firearm specification was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. The state established beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant did not act in self-defense. The jury was presented with two theories. The jury ultimately concluded the state‘s theory, supported by the testimony of several witnesses and a surveillance video, was more credible. The eyewitness testimony along with the physical evidence support a determination that a reasonable jury could have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant did not act in self-defense in shooting Collins.
{¶23} Appellant‘s second assignment of error is without merit and is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3
APPELLANT WAS DENIED HIS RIGHTS TO A FAIR TRIAL AND DUE PROCESS AS THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY INSTRUCTED THE JURY AS TO SELFDEFENSE. (Trial Transcript at 676-678).
{¶25} Here the trial court‘s jury instruction on self-defense reads:
The defendant is allowed to use non-deadly force in self defense. Evidence was presented that tends to support a finding that the defendant used non-deadly force in self defense. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not use non-deadly force in self defense. Self defense means, A, that the defendant was not at fault in creating the situation giving rise to the defendant shooting Michael Collins. And B, that the defendant had reasonable grounds to believe, and an honest belief, even if mistaken, that he was in eminent or immediate danger of harm.
(6/10/19 Tr., pp. 675-676.)
{¶27} Courts have found plain error when a trial court fails to properly instruct a jury on deadly rather than non-deadly force. State v. Ward, 168 Ohio App.3d 701, 2006-Ohio-4847, 861 N.E.2d 823 (4th Dist.). However, where the evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense, the incomplete jury instruction is harmless error. Here, the jury was presented with substantial evidence on which to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant did not act in self-defense. As discussed in the second assignment of error, Appellant was responsible for creating and
{¶28} Appellant‘s third assignment of error is without merit and is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND DENIED APPELLANT A FAIR TRIAL AND DUE PROCESS BY ALLOWING RACE TO BE A FACTOR IN THE CASE AND PERMITTING THE PROSECUTOR TO PRESENT TESTIMONY PREJUDICING APPELLANT. (Trial Transcript at 299).
{¶29} Appellant contends that the trial court erred in permitting the state to present race-based testimony in his trial. As he was not specifically charged for a hate crime, he claims this evidence constituted prejudice and denied him a fair trial. After Traylor testified that Appellant referred to her with the use of a racial slur, Collins testified about his encounter with Appellant. Appellant cites to the following direct testimony of the victim, Collins.
[PROSECUTOR]: What provoked you [into punching Appellant]?
[COLLINS]: Well, the store man asked [Appellant] to apologize to my fianc[é] for the things he had said.
[PROSECUTOR]: Okay.
[COLLINS]: And so I said yeah, you know, that‘s the least you can do.
[PROSECUTOR]: All right.
[COLLINS]: He said [Appellant] said I ain‘t apologizing to that bitch for shit.
* * *
[PROSECUTOR]: Okay. Now, when he responds using that term how does that make you feel?
[COLLINS]: It made me feel he ought to be slapped.
[PROSECUTOR]: Were you offended?
[COLLINS]: I was definitely offended.
[PROSECUTOR]: Okay. Now, it‘s unfortunate that I‘m going to have to ask the following questions. But I think it‘s important for the jury to understand. You are obviously African-American?
[COLLINS]: Yes.
[PROSECUTOR]: And you have had to deal with a very, very racism [sic] in the country, and specifically within the city of Youngstown?
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Objection, Your Honor.
[COLLINS]: Yes.
[THE COURT]: Overruled.
[PROSECUTOR]: Now, I understand that there are certain terms that are highly offensive to different races. What is a specific term that you as an African-American find very offensive?
[COLLINS]: Being called a n****r by a white person.
[PROSECUTOR]: It is different, and it‘s kind of used jovial between two African-Americans, correct?
[COLLINS]: Yes. When you put the e-r on the end and it comes from a white person that makes it offensive.
[PROSECUTOR]: Okay. And that makes you feel a certain way, doesn‘t it?
[COLLINS]: Yeah, I mean, you know.
(6/10/19 Tr., pp. 298-299.)
{¶31} Trial court decisions regarding the admissibility of evidence are reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 2006-Ohio-160, 840 N.E.2d 1032. Thus, an appellate court will not disturb a trial court‘s ruling on the admissibility of evidence absent a showing of abuse of discretion and material prejudice to the defendant. State v. Green, 184 Ohio App.3d 406, 2009-Ohio-5199, 921 N.E.2d 276 (4th Dist.), ¶ 14.
{¶32}
(D) Statements which are not hearsay. A statement is not hearsay if:
* * *
(2) Admission by party-opponent. The statement is offered against a party and is (a) the party‘s own statement, in either an individual or a representative capacity[.]
{¶33} Generally, testimony about a defendant‘s own prior statements is not hearsay when offered by the state pursuant to
{¶34} Appellant‘s fourth assignment is without merit and is overruled.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 5
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AND DENIED APPELLANT A FAIR TRIAL AND DUE PROCESS BY ALLOWING RACE TO BE A FACTOR IN THE CASE AND PERMITTING THE PROSECUTOR TO PRESENT TESTIMONY PREJUDICING APPELLANT. (Trial Transcript at 299).
{¶35} Appellant argues cumulative errors occurred regarding the jury instructions and Collins’ testimony, and that these collectively deprived him of a fair trial, warranting reversal. Under the doctrine of cumulative error, a conviction will be reversed when the
{¶36} Appellant has failed to show the trial court abused its discretion in giving a flight instruction and that any error with regard to the self-defense instruction is harmless. His convictions were not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Likewise, there was no error in admitting certain portions of the victim‘s testimony. Hence, Appellant cannot demonstrate cumulative error. For the foregoing reasons, all of Appellant‘s assignments of error are without merit and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Donofrio, P.J., concurs.
Robb, J., concurs.
A certified copy of this opinion and judgment entry shall constitute the mandate in this case pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. It is ordered that a certified copy be sent by the clerk to the trial court to carry this judgment into execution.
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
This document constitutes a final judgment entry.