*1 Appellees will remain convinced probably Nevertheless, they should be paid. failed
they proof; to meet their burden
perhaps, because of the state of confused
affairs, they never Regardless, could. will not find a one has
court contract where proved
not been to exist. entry
Reversed and remanded for of an
order consistent opinion. with this HOPKINSON, A.
Mark Allen a/k/a Mark
Hopkinson, (Defendant), Appellant Wyoming, Appellee STATE
(Plaintiff).
No. 5733. of Wyoming.
May $18,000 pay agreed pay paying her more than he her then is twice same years Appellant twelve before. land. answered that the first con- say although The second contract what If does not rela- tract effect modified. was still mother, tionship so, it bears to amend he the first. Does it that is does owe his now so, appellant estate, getting If land. If it first? less both contracts? under entirely contract, independent of the first
45
47 *4 Munker,
Leonard D. State Public Defend- Hackl, er (argued), Sylvia Lee Appel- Counsel, late Wyoming Public Defender Program, Cheyenne, appellant. for P. Moriarity, Sp. Edward Asst. Atty. Gen., argued, appellee; Steven F. Freu- denthal, Gen., Atty. Stack, Gerald A. Depu- Gen., ty Atty. Bruce A. Salzburg, Allen C. Johnson, Guthrie, Mary B. Asst. At- Senior Gen., tys. Lyman, Sharon A. Atty. Asst. Gen., on brief. *5 RAPER, *,
Before THOMAS and ROSE JJ., McEWAN, and SAWYER and District Judges.
RAPER, Justice. State,
In Hopkinson Wyo., P.2d (1981), cert. denied 455 L.Ed.2d this court af appellant firmed the convictions of the for conspiracy degree and first murder of four victims but reversed the death penalty sen tence and remanded the case to the district court for a sentencing by jury new trial appellant determine whether the should be imprisonment sentenced to death or life for of murder Jeff Green. new trial on held, penalty the death issue appellant result was sentenced to death. appeal now before us the issues, as formulated appellant, are: “1. Wyoming penal- Whether the death . ty provisions are unconstitutional they usurp supervisory and rule-mak- ing power Court and ex- pand jurisdiction its in violation of the Wyoming Constitution.
“2. infer speculation Whether Hopkinson Mark intended or had knowledge aggravating circum- * argument. Chief Justice at time of oral of death Jeff 15. Was surrounding imposed
stances the sentence of death passion, under the influence of prejudice, Green. other factor? arbitrary “3. the admission into evidence Whether aggravating support 16. Does the evidence non-statutory jury’s circum- findings aggravating circumstances Appellant’s rights stances violated to due 6-4-102, law. enumerated in and a process W.S.1977 mitigating lack sufficient circumstanc- “4. proportionality argument— which outweigh es cir- Appellant whether was denied due proc- cumstances? and equal protection. ess Was the sentence death excessive “5. Whether penalty provi- death disproportionate penalty im- sions violate Article Section 15 of the cases, posed considering similar both Wyoming Constitution. defendant, crime to include a “6. Whether there was any evidence of reference to those similar cases taken into waiver the attorney/client privilege (This approach consideration? is an dif- which attorney testify would allow an contemplated appel- ferent from against penalty a former client 4.) lant’s issue phase capital of a case. will penalty imposed We affirm the death “7. required Whether reversal if an by the district court. aggravating circumstance used as a basis imposing is found to be invalid. NARRATIVE argument— “8. The jeopardy double surrounding A review of facts whether the consideration crimes was convicted deaths, concerning evidence the Vehar Hopkinson supra, be found in and the submission of those pp. just 93-97. We will restate them inap- circumstances deemed brevity point. some plicable hearing, first penalty vio- litigation appel- As a result of between Appellant’s protec- lated constitutional *6 family lant and his versus some their against jeopardy. tion double neighbors over water rights and the Fort 6-4-102(h)(vii) “9. Whether Section and Bridger Sewer Water Board in Uinta 1977 Wyoming is unconstitu- Statutes County, appellant developed a dislike for tional. Vehar, Vincent lawyer Evanston who “10. Whether the trial court erred in represented appellant’s adversaries in those refusing Proposed Defendant’s Instruc- disputes. disputes These had reached vio- A tion denying and tried, proportions. Appellant lent first on opportunity pass the issue due 1976, $600, to hire Taylor Harold James process. office, to kill Vehar he leaving was his “11. was afforded Appellant Whether Taylor but backed out.
effective assistance counsel. Appellant then turned to his friends Jeff “12. Whether has used prosecution and Hickey Green Mike for ideas on how to jury improperly Uinta County grand get Hickey rid Vehar. was young a as an investigative tool. appellant alcoholic whom the knew had “13. abrogat- Whether 6-4-103 Section a fifteen-year-old girl, Kelly murdered plain ed the re- appellate error rule of Wyckhuyse. appellant long had discus- view. get sions Green on how to rid of “14. Whether a involved properly Vehar.
in resentencing in
case.”
a death
During
planning period, appellant
en-
To
fourteen,
gaged
those
we
more
Green
plant
add three
to drive to Arizona to
issues required to
be answered
6-4-
bomb in the automobile
one
Mariscal
103(d)
(e),
and
way
persuasive
pay-
W.S.1977:
of a
force
measure to
Hickey
owed Mariscal
In order to rescue
and avoid the
money allegedly
ment of
Green,
to Ari-
while enroute
appellant.
murders, appellant,
conviction of the Vehar
zona,
in Utah. When
caught speeding
was
Hickey
Jeff
and
Green
concocted stories
driving
April
arrested on
he was
pointed
Hysell. Charges
IV
Lincoln
Mark
appellant’s
Continental
murder
Wyckhuyse
against Hickey were
Appellant
and the
was discovered.
bomb
dropped
Hysell
charged. During
and
was
they
Hickey
and
to Utah where
drove
trial,
Hysell’s
Jeff
broke down.
Green
He
jail.
Green was
bailed Green out of
Since
implicated appellant
Hickey
and
in the Ve-
with him
hot,
longer
no
discussed
appellant
har bombing, confessed that his testimony
plans to kill Vehar.
incriminating Hysell
the truth and
appellant promised Hickey
Thereafter
Hickey
had
Wyckhuyse
murdered the
$2,000 plus expenses
help
covering
girl.
testimony
Green’s
led to dismissal of
up Hickey’s
young girl by
murder of a
charges against
Hysell and extensive
Wyckhuyse,
name of
to kill Vehar. After
media
publicity.
Appellant
promised
method, it was
scheming
much
on the
decid-
get
Green’s sister that he would
Jeff for
way
ed that
the best
was to toss
bomb
that.
through the basement window of the Vehar
In March
appellant
Hickey
residence in Evanston.
were tried in the United States District
Appellant
early August
received notice in
charges relating
Court on federal
to trans
deposition
that his
in the sewer
portation
possession
explosives
aris
August
board’s lawsuit would be taken on
attempt
place
out of Green’s aborted
August
ordered
On
a bomb in Mariscal’s car. As an unindicted
up
to blow
the Vehar home that
Hickey
Vehar,
conspirator,
appel
Jeff Green testified as to
night; Hickey did.
his wife and one
explosion
son were killed
Hickey
acquitted.
lant’s involvement.
—another
injured.
son was seriously
Appellant was convicted and sentenced and
prison facility
confined
a federal
at Lom-
Hickey
Jamey Hysell, previous
and a
poc,
California for not
those offenses
bombing,
plotted together
the Vehar
had
parole
previous
but also
violation on the
Wyckhuyse girl
kill the
because she had
drug
appeal,
federal
violations. On
marijuana charge.
implicated Hysell
Hickey
pick
up
Hysell
was to
her
and then
and sentence was affirmed after
judgment
spot
was to meet them in an isolated
trial in the case now before
first 1979
together they
Hickey
would kill her. After
Hopkinson,
us.
631 F.2d
United States
picked
up
appointed
her
and drove to the
(10th Cir.1980),
cert. denied 450 U.S.
However,
place,
plan.
he told her their
L.Ed.2d
Hysell
up,
Hickey, having
did not show
had unlimited ac-
Lompoc, appellant
At
intentions,
revealed their
went ahead and
*7
from which he made at
telephone
cess to a
killed her
her on the head with a
by hitting
period
days
least 114 calls over a
of 51
privates
proof
rock. He cut out her
as
of
29,
April 8 and
1979. These
May
between
Hysell
her death to show
and buried the
and, through
traced
the testimo-
calls were
body.
rest of her
called, the
was
ny of the witnesses
bombing, Hickey
After the Vehar
went to
plan
to establish a
to murder Jeff
able
Hickey
gone, Hysell
California. While
was
Appellant
paid
raised and
to hired
Green.
picked up by police
questioning
was
for
killers,
transactions,
a series of
through
Hysell, by way
about some larcenies.
of
$15,000.
arranged by phone
He
some
crimes,
distraction from his own
informed
procurement
photo
of a
of Jeff Green cut
Hickey by disclosing
the Wyckhuyse
high
year
identify
from a
school
book to
grave
murder and took authorities to the
whose identities to
for his murderers
Green
site,
pointed out to him Hick-
previously
date,
known,
revealed.
this
if
have not been
ey.
body
ques-
The
was recovered. After
16, 17, 19,
May
of the calls made on
Some
tioning, Hickey
charged
girl’s
was
with the
inquire
about
by appellant
murder.
and 20
were
20th
May
ordinarily consider the unconstitutionality
Green’s whereabouts. On
dead,
a
call,
Green was
of
if the question
statute
is not raised in
he
advised
court,
People,
been found on
the trial
body having
Wyo.,
his
Nickelson v.
mutilated
21, $15,000
(1980);
Hilzer,
P.2d
v.
May
up
showed
607
904
Knudson
day.
On
witnesses,
Wyo.,
(1976),
that the new familiarized most properly belonging ers to one of these of the circumstances surrounding the vari- departments any powers shall exercise murders, ous all of which bear a relation- others, properly belonging to either of the ship to each other. That was through done except as this constitution expressly live testimony, introduction into evidence permitted.” directed or from excerpts transcript first trial and exhibits. approved This court has proposi power that the what tion to determine acts
I
crimes,
punishment
prohib
are
and the
*8
Appellant’s
belongs
legislative
first
issue
unique
ited acts
branch as
Wyoming
and asks: are the
absolute,
penalty
power
death
exclusive and inherent
provisions unconstitutional
in
with
they
not shared
the courts.
v.
Sorenson
State,
usurp
supervisory and
pow
Wyo.,
(1979).
51
cert,
State,
(1979),
Georgia
Thereafter a subcommittee of the
property,
their
and
and
appointed
nent rules committee was
and on
provides
enforcing
the method of
those
21, 1968,
court,
November
order of
created
We
rights
by
this
substantive law.
hold
Procedure,
the Wyoming
system
Rules of Criminal
that the
whether
determining
of
patterned after
degree
the Federal Rules of Crimi-
shall
first
murder
be
Procedure,
nal
adopted.
imprisonment
were
or life
is something
Statutes
were,
conflict listed by
procedure
section number
more than
and is
law
substantive
56, W.R.Cr.P.,
superseded.
circumscribing
personal rights
Rule
declared
Chapter
Wyoming
2.
Session Laws of
“Effective Date.
provides:
Upon
any
adoption
“Section 3.
of
rule
Supreme
or form the
Court shall enter it in
Wyo-
Supreme
“Section 1. The
Court of
proceedings
upon
its
and shall fix the date
ming
modify
adopt,
from
to time
time
or form
such rule
shall become effec-
general
repeal
governing
and
rules and forms
tive but such
effective date shall
at least
pleading,
practice
procedure,
all
sixty days
pub-
after notice thereof has been
purpose
pro-
of
of
courts
for the
Supreme
publica-
lished
such
Court in
moting
speedy
and efficient determina-
may designate.
tion as it
From and after the
litigation upon
tion of
its merits.
any
“Application
Adopted.
effective date of
such rule or form all
of Rules
may govern:
laws in
therewith
be of
fur-
conflict
shall
no
“Section
“(a)
Such rules
writs,
process,
pleadings
the forms
ther force or effect.
subjects
dep-
“Advisory
parties,
and motions and the
Committee.
(cid:127)
ositions,
evidence,
trials,
judg-
discovery,
Supreme
ap-
“Section 4. The
shall
Court
ments,
trials, provisional
Advisory
new
point
reme-
and final
Committee to make rec-
prac-
pleading,
dies and all other
matters
from
ommendations
time to time with re-
procedure;
tice and
spect
pleading, practice
procedure.
“(b) any
supervisory pro-
review of or other
hearings upon
Such
shall
Committee
hold
ceedings
judgment
from the
or decision
upon
proposed
in such
rules
manner
court,
any
board, officer, or commission
prescribes
such notice as the
when such review is authorized
law.
report
to the Court
time to time
from
enlarge
abridge,
“Such rules shall neither
nor
such recomemndations
as it deems
[sic]
modify
rights
any person
the substantive
proper.”
jurisdiction
any
nor the
of the courts nor
change
provisions
statute
limi-
tations.
*10
appeal,
to the automatic
we
respect
With
by
Supreme
the
pronounced
accused
the
by
appellant
which
the record that
the
States
find from
of the United
Court
(R. 20)
is bound.
legislature
timely
appeal
pursu-
notice of
filed a
2.02,
Rules
Wyoming
ant to Rules 2.01 and
legislature
the
asserts
appellant
The
Procedure4,
and did
de-
Appellate
of
upon powers
way encroached
has in some
appeal feature of
upon the automatic
pend
Wyoming Supreme
belonging to the
the
103(a), supra
pro-
fn. 3. Nor do
§
Wyoming Consti-
of
Art.
in violation
§
6-4—
6-4-103(e)(i),
(ii),
(iii),
and
su-
visions of
the enactment
tution,
because of
supra,
6-4-103,
1.04,
W.R.A.P.
vary
and
W.S.1977.3
fn.
from Rule
4-102(g)
pra
§§ 6—
will hold that we do
we
several reasons
For
provides:
legislature as
action of the
not construe the
or
final order
judgment
“A
rendered
to this
belonging
any powers
exercising
made by
court.
W.S.1977,
“(e)
in
6-4-102(g),
provides:
court shall include
its decision
The
3. Section
which it took
to those similar cases
reference
into
appeal
be-
court is reversed
“If the trial
to its authori-
addition
consideration.
only
presentence hear-
of error
cause
ing,
errors,
court,
ty regarding
the
correction
shall
be ordered
the new trial which
sentences,
regard
punishment.”
of death
apply
with
to review
to the issue of
W.S.1977,
4-103,
provides:
may:
Section 6—
death;
“(a)
judgment
“(i)
conviction and sen-
The
the sentence of
Affirm
subject
impose
review
“(ii)
to automatic
tence of death is
by
and
Set the sentence aside
Wyoming
within
supreme
the
court of
imprisonment; or
sentence of life
by
(60) days
sixty
the sen-
certiñcation
after
“(iii)
the
and remand
Set the sentence aside
record,
tencing
unless
of the entire
court
judge
resentencing by
based
the trial
case for
period not
for an additional
time is extended
to exceed
court for
the
other cases.
“(b)
argument
counsel.”
on the record
(Emphasis
days by
supreme
thirty (30)
added.)
by
good
review
cause shown. Such
priority
all
supreme
over
W.R.A.P.,
part, pro-
shall have
2.01,
pertinent
court
in
4. Rule
vides:
receiving
(10) days
after
Within ten
criminal,
by
permitted
appeal, civil or
“An
transcript,
shall
of the trial court
the clerk
district court
law from a
transcript to
record and
transmit the entire
the
a notice
prepared
Court,
by filing a notice of
be taken
shall
together
Wyoming
supreme
with
of
by
court
appeal
court
of the district
with the clerk
report
prepared
and a
the clerk
entry
(15) days
of the
from
within fifteen
judge.
The notice shall
the trial
appealed
judgment
from
or final order
of the
the
number
forth the title and docket
set
concurrently serving
the same
accordance
case,
defendant and
name of the
W.R.C.P.,
provisions
un-
of Rule
with
attorney, a state-
of his
name and address
ment of the
ishment
the form of
**
provided
law
*.
a different time
less
pun-
judgment,
the offense
*
*
*
*
*
*
report
prescribed.
shall be
ap-
filing
“Concurrently
notice of
with
prepar-
questionnaire
a standard
ar-
peal,
range
and either
shall order
supreme
supplied
court of
ed and
transcript
payment
of a
for the
Wyoming.
necessary
portions
deemed
of the evidence
Wyoming
supreme
shall
“(c)
of
as
court
pay-
application
appeal
any
make
for the
or
punishment
er-
well as
consider the
10.6,
provided
W.R.
in Rule
by way
appeal.
thereof as
ment
rors enumerated
compliance
sentence,
A.P.;
therewith
“(d)
regard
court
a certificate
With
upon
endorsed
case or
filed in the
if:
shall be
the notice
shall determine
appeal
imposed
appeal.
has not
un-
If an
“(i)
of death was
The sentence
approval
prejudice
docketed,
passion,
parties,
der the influence
been
factor;
appeal
court, may
arbitrary
dismiss the
other
district
court,
supports
jury’s
“(ii)
or that court
by stipulation
may
The evidence
filed that
judge’s finding
upon
circum-
appeal
of an
motion
dismiss the
6-4-
W.S. 6-54.2 [§
appellant.”
stance as enumerated
notice
mitigating cir-
W.R.A.P.,
2.02,
and a lack of sufficient
provides:
102]
Rule
outweigh the
par-
specify
cumstances which
circumstances;
appeal
shall
notice of
“The
designate
appeal;
taking the
shall
or
ties
“(iii)
excessive or
of death is
ap-
The sentence
part thereof
judgment
or final order
imposed
disproportionate to the
from;
the court
pealed
name
and shall
cases, considering
both the crime
similar
appeal is taken.”
which the
the defendant.
*11
a district court
be
in
of death
reversed whole
tence
and determine whether it
or in part,
vacated or
the
imposed
modified
under the
pas-
influence of
for
Supreme
appearing
Court
errors
on
prejudice,
sion or
whether the evidence
the
(Emphasis added.)
record.”
supports
jury’s finding
statutory
the
of a
circumstance,
and whether
And,
course,
error,
in
the
we
absence of
the sentence is disproportionate compared
may always
nothing
affirm.
It is
new to
those
imposed
to
sentences
in similar
reverse and remand for
proceedings
further
2537(c)(Supp.1975).
cases. §
a part of
a district
judgment
the final
27—
short,
divisible,
Georgia's
court where it is
“In
new sentencing pro-
as here. Soren
State,
1031;
son
require
prerequisite
v.
604
Martinez
cedures
as a
the
supra,
P.2d
to
325,
(1959).
imposition
penalty, specific
80
“As an
important
safeguard
additional
‘[w]hether
against
the sentence of death is excessive
caprice,
arbitrariness
or dis-
Georgia statutory
penalty imposed
provides
proportionate
scheme
for
cases,
appeal
considering
automatic
of all death
similar
both the
sentences
crime
Supreme
27-2537(c)(3)
State’s
Court. That court is
and the defendant.’
§
* * *”5
required by statute to
each
(Supp.1975).
review
sen-
Gregg explains
Georgia
supreme
specify
opinion
Fn. 56 of
court
its
statute,
27-2537(e)
consideration,
(Supp.1975)
requires
similar cases which it
into
took
the Florida
reviews each
at
Court
page
Then
death sentence does ensure similar results
say:
went on to
cases,
Dixon, Fla.,
citing
in similar
review
provision
appellate
“The
283 So.2d
serves
system
Georgia capital-sentencing
arbi-
the random or
against
as a check
petition
The certiorari
Proffitt assert-
penalty.
of the death
trary imposition
skimpy provision
ed that such a
made the
review
particular,
proportionality
supreme
necessarily
role of the state
court
substantially
possibility
eliminates
subjective
unpredictable.
The United
*12
by
that a
will be sentenced to die
person
Supreme
responded
by
Court
to that
States
If a time
jury.
the action of an aberrant
stating:
not im-
juries generally
comes when
do
“
*
* *
While it
be true that
that
kind
the
sentence in a certain
pose
rigid
court has not chosen to formulate a
case,
pro-
review
appellate
of murder
the
objective test as its standard of review
convict-
cedures assure that no defendant
cases,
for all
it does
follow that
the
will suffer a
ed under such circumstances
appellate
process
review
is ineffective or
sentence of death.”
fact,
arbitrary.
apparent
In
it is
that the
at
the
page
at
S.Ct.
Finally,
responsibly
Florida court has undertaken
Court said:
perform
its function of death sentence
“ * * *
addition,
the review function
rationality
review with a maximum of
Supreme
Georgia
Court of
affords
consistency.
example,
For
it has sev-
additional assurance that
the concerns
eral times
compared
circumstances
our
in Furman
prompted
that
decision
previ-
a case under review with those of
degree
present
any significant
are not
ous cases in which it has assessed the
applied here.”
Georgia procedure
See,
imposition
e.g.,
of death sentences.
445;
State,
[433],
White,
Alford v.
307 So.2d
at
of Justice
concurring opinion
[533],
Alvord v.
322 So.2d
at 540-
Burger
with whom Chief Justice
and Jus-
By following
procedure
this
Rehnquist joined,
tice
also stressed the state
adopted
Florida court has
effect
supreme
penalty
court review of the death
review mandated
type
proportionality
aspect of the new Geor-
important
as “[a]n
* *
by
Georgia
Gregg
statute. Cf.
gia
(Emphasis
scheme
*.”
legislative
U.S.], at
Georgia, ante
204-206
added.)
[428
[96
any suggestion
at
And
S.Ct.
2939-41].
Florida,
supra,
In Proffitt v.
428 U.S.
engages
the Florida court
that
Court,
49 L.Ed.2d
cursory
rubber-stamp
review of death
approving
penalty
the Florida death
stat-
by
is
controverted
penalty
totally
cases
utes,
provision
called attention to the
the fact that it has vacated over one-third
F.S.A.6,
921.141(4),
by stating that
that have come
of the death sentences
provision
designed
automatic review
”
* * *
Id.,
it.
standard set
Jackson v.
443
Virginia,
Applying that
to the three
307,
2781,
99
U.S.
S.Ct.
61 L.Ed.2d
reh.
circumstances,
we find them
denied 444
100
62
U.S.
S.Ct.
supported by
more than
the evidence.
(1979).
L.Ed.2d
is
126
standard
there
Preliminary to a short review
evi-
articulated to be:
dence,
dispose
we first
of any question
must
Winship
“After
re
Winship,
U.S.
[In
Florida,
-,
about Enmund v.
-U.S.
(1970)]
S.Ct.
L.Ed.2d 368
S.Ct.
the Jackson standards that the murder was appellant The claims that the ad pecuniary gain, appellant committed for non-statutory ag mission into evidence of furnishing the funds to hired killers ex- gravating appel violated circumstances change for Green’s torture and death. lant’s of law. rights process to due Section W.S.1977, 7, 6-4-102(h), supra, provides
The extensive fn. relating evidence to the aggravating circumstance that that circumstances are limit “[a]ggravating the murder atrocious, cruel, was especially following.” allegedly heinous and The non- ed 60
statutory
circumstances
endangered even in
presence
of a miti-
appellant are
gating
(age
conceived
contained in var-
circumstance
years
—23
—of
made
the prosecutor
felon).
ious remarks
in his
The court further held that it must
that the
opening statement
death
is
test
penalty
judgment
for reasoned
in the sentenc-
justified on the basis of community
ing process,
survival
rather
“a
than mechanical tab-
and that evidence would be
introduced
ulation to arrive at a net sum.” It is noted
appellant’s
statute,
show
“propensity
921.141(5),
for violence.”
the Florida
§
argument goes
The
on to maintain that
(Supp.1982), opens
F.S.A.
with: “Aggravat-
was
evidence
introduced
to demonstrate
circumstances shall be limited to the
such propensity and that finally
closing
following,” only slightly different
than that
argument,
prosecutor
6-4-102(h),
reiterated the
Wyoming’s
supra,
fn. 7.
§
need for community
appel-
survival and
The
by appellant
other case cited to us
lant’s propensity for violence.
Henry
(5th
v. Wainwright,
This court
Hopkin
1981). There,
observed in the first
application
on the
for writ of
son opinion
7,
6-4-102(h), supra, fn.
corpus,
habeas
the situation was that
specifically limits the aggravating circum
trial
Florida
court in a death case
re-
had
stances to those listed. 632
It
P.2d
157.
ceived evidence of
non-statutory aggra-
recognized
also there
vating
that we must not
circumstance and instructed the
compromise the weighing process between
jury,
pertinent
part:
permissible aggravating circumstances and
“In considering aggravating circumstanc-
mitigating circumstances. The scales must
es, you shall consider all factors which are
not be tipped by impermissible factors leav
aggravating,
including, but not
limited
* *
ing us in a quandary as to what the jury
to, the following
would have done had impermissible factors The
Supreme
Florida
Court affirmed Hen-
present.
been
petition 11/17/82, 82-840, pending for certiorari thus now No. 51 L.W. 3421. We States, system United filed see the federal in conflict with itself. *18 “ * * * statements, further
hearsay
provided
and
of the Vehars and other crimes
ex-
aggravation as
cept
Kelly
such
for
Wyckhuyse
evidence in
murder
to the defend-
immunity
the state has made known
which no
offered or
any kind is
shall
granted;
or his
his trial
and
J.
prior
Hickey
ant
counsel
to
should said Michael
plead
wish
guilty
Kelly Wyck-
be admissible.”
to
huyse murder
or
charge
principal
as
acces-
followed in
meticulously
The statute was
sory, the Court will accept a
of second
plea
in aggrava-
notice
lengthy
of the evidence
murder
degree
with a
sentence
not less
produce.12
did
to and
planned
tion
twenty (20) years
than
nor
than
more
twen-
argu-
theme of
community
The
survival
(21)
ty-one
years.” The agreement was
in its
by
prosecution
ment was one used
signed by Hickey,
attorney,
Hickey’s
closing argument during
penalty phase
special prosecutor
County
for Uinta
and the
first trial.
at
of the
See 632 P.2d
160-166.
judge.
was
agreement
district
This
read
explained
repeat
court
there and we
it
This
into the record for the benefit of the
here:
penalty hearing
now
us. The
before
“Prosecutors cannot
should not be
also discloses
record
that as a result
muzzled.
It must be
in mind that
kept
bargain,
plea
five crimes
solved and
were
prosecuting
representa-
attorney
is
Wyckhuyse
convictions obtained:
homi-
obligation
is to
tive
State whose
homicides,
cide,
three
Vehar
and the
is
govern impartially, whose aim not that
between Mark
conspiracy
Hopkinson
win
justice
a case but that
be done.
It
Hickey
Roitz,
Mike
to murder William
his
not
guilt
escape
mission that
shall
of the sewer
member
board.
duty
or innocence suffer. He
bound
appellant
judge
The
accuses the district
prosecute
vigor.
earnestness
improper
participating
behavior for
blows,
may
While he
strike
he is
hard
not
struck,
bargain
plea
citing
which was
Singer
United
free to strike foul
ones.
appears
Approved
what
to be from the
States, U.S.
Draft,
ABA’s Minimum
for
Standards
630; Berger
v. United
13 L.Ed.2d
Justice,
the Administration of Criminal
States, Relating
of Guilty,
Standards
to Pleas
633,
854) Appellant the sentence concludes that approved 14-1.8, The final standard against should be measured regard plea guilty of a consideration protection that of Mike Hickey on equal disposition, provides final “ * * * process due grounds. is proper for the court [i]t agreement Hickey given grant charge and sentence concessions immunity prosecution part from his plea guilty defendants who enter a or bombing nolo contendere when with the of the Vehar and murder consistent home 802, W.R.E., provides: Wyoming 12. Rule Court of statute.” “Hearsay except provid- is not admissible adopted ed these rules rules other
63
* * *
protection
public
when
of
there
penalty
date
death
in others.
Justice
is
evidence to
concurring
substantial
establish that: White in
opinion
his
discussed
#
*
*
*
*
*
224-226,
aspect,
this
ceives excessive
V
We add two
It
thoughts.
is not unconsti-
length
Hopkinson
We have at
dealt in
tutional
the State to extend a benefit to
State,
149-157,
supra
at
pleads
defendant who
with
constitu-
guilty and who in
tionality Wyoming’s
penalty
turn
death
extends a substantial
stat-
benefit
States,
Eighth
utes under the
Brady
State.
United
Amendment
U.S.
742, 750-753,
1463, 1470-1471,
14,
1,
25 United States Constitution and
Art.
§
Constitution,
L.Ed.2d 747
Wyoming
the latter contain-
language
near identical
as that
in the
argument
not
unlike
Eighth Amendment.13 We found and held
by petitioner
one advanced
Gregg that the
provisions.
them
as to those
constitutional
state prosecutor has unfettered
authority
Appellant now claims their unconstitution-
persons
select
those
whom he
wishes
ality
Wyoming
under
Art.
Constitu-
§
prosecute
plea bargain
or to
with. The
tion:
Court,
at
penal
“The
code
be framed on the
shall
declared that
the existence of these discre-
principles
humane
of reformation and
determinative,
tionary stages is not
but the
prevention.”
specific
convicted
a capital
individual
separately
silence,
offense must be
By
dealt
in the
majority
previ-
their
in the
to impose
penalty;
opinion rejected
decision
the death
there
ous
the stance of the dis-
nothing
affording
unconstitutional about
previous
majority,
sent
opinion
mercy
an individual defendant.
In other
Hopkinson
supra,
Art.
§
words, leniency
in one case
way
does
invali-
modifies
Art.
§
any materiality
they
separated by
13. We do not consider it of
Constitution
“and.” We held the death
are
the word
Constitution,
Wyoming
in the
Art.
be neither
separated by
words “cruel” and “unusual” are
cruel nor unusual.
the word
“or” whereas
the United States
heretofore,
We have
in Part II
mane if
administered
same fashion
out the
opinion, pointed
heavy burden
the murder of
Green.
They
Jeff
must
assumed by
prohibits
one who would seek to over
together.
read
Neither
*20
constitutionality
come the
of
presumption
never
penalty. Wyoming as a state has
enjoys.
which a legislative enactment
We
except
been
death
as
penalty
without
penalty
held that
is
have
the death
neither
paragraph.
noted in the
It
next
carried
14,
cruel nor unusual under
Art. 1. We
§
capital
forward the
of
territorial
crime
may
have
1,
held that
life
taken
due
35,
ch.
Laws
murder.15 Section
Session
6,
1,
process of
Wyoming
law under
Art.
1890,
§
Wyoming,
Legislature.
First State
Constitution14 and that due process of law It
in the
picked up
Revised Statutes
contemplates the careful adherence to the
1,
87,
Wyoming, 1899. Section
ch.
Session
statutory procedure structured to
ar
avoid
1915,
Laws of Wyoming
authorized the
bitrary and capricious
action
a
as
qualify
by adding
their verdict
“without
in
sentencing authority
the case of first
in
capital punishment” which event the sen-
degree murder.
consider that
We
we are
imprisonment.
tence was life
15,
giving effect to
Art. 1
penal
and the
§
136,
1,
By
Wyo-
ch.'
Session Laws of
§
code
including
penalty
as
1973,
ming
legislature attempted
con-
framed on the
principles
humane
of refor
Georgia,
form to
supra,
Furman
408 U.S.
mation
prevention.
238,
2726,
346,
but
L.Ed.2d
pointed
Gregg,
As
out
legislative
failed. This court held the
effort
170-176,
2923-2926,
96 S.Ct. at
cruel and
27,
on January
unconstitutional
1977. Ken-
punishment
contemplated
unusual
as
in the
nedy
Wyo.,
(1977).
of the facts is essential. against returned an Mike indictment Hick- ey for the of Kelly Wyckhuyse. murder Phillips, James E. the then county and Appellant approached Phillips several times prosecuting attorney, acquainted became that demanding thereafter he dismiss the appellant when employed with latter against Hickey. During indictment one of handling of three matters. One was occasions, appellant stepped those toward petition Bridger to the Fort Dis- Sewer he Phillips’ picture Mr. desk where had a park trict for annexation of the trailer for wife family, photo- his and handled the service, sewer which was con- appellant case; it would graph, indicated that be terri- structing; another a divorce and fi- anything happen; ble if it were was a an nally appeal Wyoming Supreme looking nice would be family; terrible if in a civil which Court ditch case was settled. wife, anything his latter, happened to his fami- Phillips was actually, repre- ly, or with his respect to new home which senting appellant’s families, parents. Two being Phillips was built. became con- Roitzes, complained Sweats and to him cerned.16 county prosecutor as a a fight they about with appellant they
had and which wanted Phillips In his testimony, admitted that prosecute. him to Appellant approached the threat had some influence on his later him about the fight seeking same to have charges drop against Hickey, decision to the Sweat and prosecuted. Roitz families though Hickey’s attorney presented had investigate The sheriff was with asked to evidence, including him with the testimony the result that all was declined prosecution (for appellant Jeff Green which had ar- appeared for what an to be unmeritorious ranged) Hysell that Jamey murdered the between feud families. girl. Wyckhuyse against In fact trial Hysell underway was when Jeff Green Later, appellant the sewer board sued for broke down and admitted his testimo- hookup appellant for fees the sewer ny was a fabrication. requested that he approached Phillips and Phillips him in the case. read the represent Phillips’ At point testimony, this a matter of record which complaint, public transcript in evidence an in-chambers case, and outlined its was evidence with Green proceeding Jeff was reviewed for the the counts jury. contents One the jury. During the course of that appellant complaint alleged had proceeding in-chambers Jeff Green indi- to discredit campaign conducted pressure cated that he was under by the with frighten sug- appellant the sewer board some against and if he appel- testified gested “Vegas get lant, connections” to appellant go any lengths would hookup board to reduce its sewer fees. rid get appellant of him. Green stated that Phillips privately represent ap- persons, including refused to had told him of other sequence, Phillips arranged family Out of later testified he weekends and to have his security possible. asked the sheriff for around out his house of town as as much Jeff apparent had eliminated. It seems from the record agent,
FBI whom he appel- believed that he emphatic appellant Green was that the evidence made no and that things lant had done those attorney-client Phillips disclosures to Phillips prosecutor why he was afraid. testified. His Phillips testimony was Green make these and observed present to matters after he entirely arising related statements. attorney-client terminated his relation had ship appellant and in the course of his from the trial Phillips transcript testified prosecutor. Much of his county duties as during recollection the course and his testimony involved the identification implicated trial Jeff Green Hysell reading testimony arising documents and Hickey Mike the Vehar appellant Hysell. prosecution Jamey out of testimony Jeff Green’s bombing. Hysell trial was that had orches- 501, W.R.E., provides: Rule Hickey’s testimony trated and Green’s testi- “Except required by as otherwise consti- even mony. Appellant Hy- testified in the tution or statute or these or other Hysell approached sell trial that had him to promulgated by rules and in buy drugs order to establish his witness, Wyoming, of a privilege trustworthiness had told him that he had state, government, person, political Kelly Wyckhuyse. killed *22 governed by thereof shall be subdivision cross-examination, Phillips On testified principles they of the common law as that on one occasion he had filed com- interpreted by be the courts of the plaint against bribery. Green for Green Wyoming light in the of reason State up had offered to fix his basement if Phil- experience.”17 lips drop charges burglary would some Wyoming The adopt- has redirect, and receiving property. stolen On the government Wyoming ed for developed charge it was that this was later Bar the Respon- Code of Professional others, dropped, part with some along provides ABA. sibility of the Canon 4 agreement, a written Exh. plea bargain lawyer preserve should the confidences “[a] whereby testify Hy- in the agreed Green and secrets of a client.” sell trial and in the Vehar investi- cooperate question up This came in a same different gation. testimony Hysell Green’s during context first trial of this case. trial was he whereby read into evidence prosecutor The at that trial in his opening Hickey’s disclosed the details of narrative to statement said that the evidence would just Wyck- him of how killed the Hickey Phillips show that had been threatened huyse girl and he had done with the what appellant pressures and would reveal body. during The appellant present was brought Phillips to bear on by appellant. these revelations. It after these disclo- was However, the judge permit trial would not appellant sures that all the worked out de- reasoning the evidence because it was his tails to shift Hickey the blame from attorney-client privi- it fell within the Hysell. lege. quizzical This court was somewhat Green appellant testified the reason privilege going about so far that a Hysell charged wanted Hysell was because prosecutor must be the victim silent signed had a statement that Green against threats his family property. appellant had pick dyna- tried to up some mite from Hysell and appellant Hy- attorney wanted We are now satisfied that an sell dead because of knowledge. bondage Even- not forever within the of a former tually Hickey produced for dynamite against some client. The occasion for the threat the bomb that was to up Phillips be used to blow was not made to him in a matter in the Mariscal car for appellant. attorney appellant. which he was an for the Wyoming 17. The Permanent Rules reference to the ‘Erie Doctrine.’ Erie R.R. v. Committee Tompkins, note reveals: “This is the federal rule modified 304 U.S. 82 L.Ed. adapt practice (1938).” it to state and to eliminate It was when he made to him on occasion VII acting attorney as an for the State appellant asserts reversal is re- of that Wyoming, and was aware quired if an aggravating circumstance used seeking because he was the dismissal as a basis for the death imposing penalty is Even if charges Hickey. murder against found to be proceeds invalid. He then conjured up any conceivable it could way cite Zant Stephens, 456 U.S. relationship that an existed attorney-client 1856, 72 L.Ed.2d 222 in which Phillips between at the time appellant and the following sequence of events oc- had for dismissal of the threats and demand there comes a Hickey charges, time curred: when a necessary play. comes into exception 1. Stephens was convicted in a Georgia We acceptable find an doctrine in 2 Louisell trial court of murder for which the death Mueller, p. Federal Evidence penalty authorized. (1978): “ * * * Society hardly could sentencing phase, afford to the jury
protect
the confidentiality of conversa-
found there
statutory aggravat-
to be three
tions with counsel which look toward
imposed
circumstances and
the death
frauds;
commissions of crimes or
to ex-
penalty.
Georgia
provides
statute
privilege
tend the
so far would be to
penalty
if one of the
aggra-
listed
make it
impor-
cost too much. Thus an
vating
present.
circumstances is
made,
exception
tant
and one which is
3. The Georgia Supreme Court set aside
increasing frequency
encountered with
one
practice.
of the three aggravating circumstances
but affirmed the death
exception
stating
“The
into
play
comes
when the
knowingly
client
to further a
seeks
crimi-
rule
be that
the death sentence is not
nal or
through
fraudulent endeavor
con-
impaired
because in Arnold
236 Ga.
*23
sultation with
It
counsel.
is the client’s 534,
(1976),
upheld
S.E.2d 386
counts;
knowledge alone which
the ex-
present
death sentence where there was
ception may
privilege
apply,
only
aggravating
one
circumstance. The
denied,
be
regardless
attorney’s
Georgia Supreme
applied
had
Court
fact,
understanding.
In
since the client
cases, Zant,
in many
supra
rule
death
fn.
holds
privilege,
attorney’s
under-
explained
never
S.Ct.
but had
standing or intent should be immaterial.
its rationale.
As proposed-but-rejeeted
503(d)(1)
Rule
it,
privilege
would have had
would
4. The federal fifth circuit reversed a
apply
where ‘the services of the law-
federal district court which had denied ha-
yer
sought
were
obtained
enable or
corpus
penalty.
beas
and set aside
aid anyone
plan
to commit or
to commit
Supreme
certiorari.
granted
what
the client knew or
reasonably
the Georgia
Under a state statute
should have
known
crime or
”
Supreme
questions
Court will decide
(Footnotes omitted).18
fraud.’
law
from the
upon
state
certification
Unit-
All of the
statements
communications
Supreme
Accordingly,
ed States
Court.
which Phillips
appellant
were
attributed
following question:
Court did certify the
made in the furtherance of criminal endeav-
“What are the
state law that
premises
position
or. We
appellant’s
hold
on this
issue
support
to be
without merit.
completely
the conclusion that
the death sen-
501, W.R.E.,
(1960),
light
spousal privilege exception
18. The words of Rule
“in the
where a
experience”
spouse
recognized
of reason and
meaning.
are not without
in which one
for cases
States,
Trammel,
against
See Trammel v. United
commits a crime
another.
concurrence,
(1980),
invalidity
statutory aggravat-
of one of the
69
recognized
have
deter
long
that
does
prohibit
not
a
to
remand
the trial
‘[f]or
sentences,
generally
justice
mination of
court for a redetermination of sentence.
* * *
taken into
requires
that
there be
DiFrancesco, 1980,
United
v.
States
449
of the offense
account the circumstances
117,
426,
U.S.
101
66
S.Ct.
L.Ed.2d 328.
propensi
together with the character
penalty
In death
cases the
U.S.
Other
ties
offender.’
[Citations.]
Court has authorized remanding
a
for
wise,
‘the
cannot function
a
system
resentencing hearing where the death
manner.’
consistent and a rational
[Cita
penalty
imposed originally
was
be-
but
38”19 (Footnote omitted.)
tions.]
cause of some
proceeding
defect
has been
case,
appeal.
reversed on
significant feature of this
Estelle v.
A
perhaps
Smith, 1981,
454,
many
will be seen in
different
than
instanc-
U.S.
S.Ct.
es,
appellant
crime of
for
359. Only
is that the
L.Ed.2d
where a
judge
a
sought
penalty
jury
and all
death
refused to
impose
penalty
death
to
leading up
part
circumstances
it are
of a
first
is a
instance
state barred from
bundle which lends
single
itself
a com-
seeking it
Bullington
second time.
plete
lays
character,
bare
picture
Missouri,
451 U.S.
propensities, and individual circumstances
1852,
“The trial is against jeopardy, punishing double the societal interest *25 guilt secured the Fifth Amendment one whose is clear after he has Constitution high of the United obtained such trial. It be States would 11, 1, Constitution, § Article Wyoming price society indeed for were pay every “Indeed, Gregg provides: W.S.1977, Footnote 4-102(g), provides: 38 to we 20. Section 6— today capital hold elsewhere that in cases it is appeal “If the trial court is reversed be- constitutionally required sentencing that only presentence cause of error in the hear- authority have sufficient enable information ing, the new trial which be ordered shall it to consider the character and individual cir- apply only punishment.” to the issue of prior imposition cumstances of a defendant of a death sentence.” Woodson v. North Caro- lina, 280, 303-305, 2978, 428 U.S. 2991-2992, 49 L.Ed.2d 944
70 granted immunity punish- less, course,
accused
from
the errors
in
found
the first
ment
any
because of
defect sufficient to
Wyoming
trial. At one time the
statutes
proceed-
re-examination,
constitute reversible error
new trial as “a
defined.a
ings
conviction.
leading
fact,
From the
the same court of an issue of
after a
* *
defendant,
standpoint
3-3401,
of a
it
jury
is at least
verdict
W.C.S.
appellate
1945,
doubtful
courts would be
but
superseded by Wyoming
was
they
Procedure,
87,
as zealous as
now are in protecting Rules of Civil
Rule W.R.C.P.
effects of
against
improprieties
at the
That
consistent with Black’s Law Diction
pretrial
trial or
stage
(5th
if they
ary
1979).
knew that
ed.
The issues of fact on
reversal of a conviction would
put
retrial are the same as those in
original
accused irrevocably beyond
trial,
the reach of
including
aggravating
all the
and mit
prosecution.
further
In reality,
igating
there-
circumstances. There is no such
fore,
practice
of retrial
thing
“acquittal”
serves defend-
as an
an aggravat
from
rights
ants’
as well as society’s
interest.
circumstance in the penalty phase.
The underlying purpose of permitting
Cardwell,
re- Knapp v.
667 F.2d
1263-
trial is as much
by application
furthered
(9th Cir.1982).
1265
of the rule to this case as it
has been
Silhan,
State v.
275
N.C.
S.E.2d
cases previously decided.” 377
U.S.
(1981),
here,
cited
the dissent
is a
466,
We any are unaware of authority that, person on retrial of a following rever We reversed the death penalty Hopkin sal, there is restriction on the evidence son v. supra, purely as a matter of that can produced, or that a verdict of law. The evidence is clear that Green was found, guilty cannot be or that all the inci murdered to avoid the arrest of *26 dents of a new trial including statutorily for the Vehar murders and that it was for required findings cannot be pursued gain in ev pecuniary both of which reasons were ery respect though trial, as upon original apparent trial, in the evidence in the first
71
prefer
the second
We
used in
to adhere to the
which evidence was also
more
instructed,
jury could
If properly
trial.
traditional and
view
accepted
expressed in
We would
finding.
have come to no other
Gilbert,
53,
v.
277
State
283
179
S.C.
S.E.2d
hypo-
were the
these
point
further
out that
(1981),
984,
cert. denied 456
102
U.S.
S.Ct.
guilt
which
upon
prosecution
theses of the
2258,
863,
72 L.Ed.2d
to
application
suspend
inseparable part of
and are an
was based
-
denying
effect of order
cert. denied
the total circumstances.
U.S. -,
2294,
102
73 L.Ed.2d
S.Ct.
1299.
the statutory
Gilbert,
trial,
Nor can we avoid
di
In
at the first
two aggravat
W.S.1977,
rection,
6-4-102(c),
(quoted in
ing circumstances were submitted
opinion
again
III of this
but set out
Part
sentencing jury,
they
only
but
found
one of
convenience)
that:
a matter
the aggravating
them to be
circumstance.
evidence as
judge
jury
“The
shall hear
retrial, the
to be
jury
aggra
On
found both
any matter that the court deems rele-
vating
appeal
circumstances.
after the
On
sentence,
vant to a determination of
retrial, the court held that not to be double
relating
any
and shall include matters
jeopardy
sentencing phase
on retrial of the
circum-
aggravating
mitigating
v.
only. Gilbert was followed
State
(h) and
stances enumerated in subsections
Woomer,
170,
(1981)
277
284
357
S.C.
S.E.2d
which
(j)
Any
of this section.
evidence
(appeal
sentencing
from retrial of
to have
value
probative
the court deems
phase).
regardless
received
of its admissi-
may be
appeals
In a series of
in which the Su-
of evi-
exclusionary
under the
rules
bility
dence,
preme
Georgia ultimately
affirmed
the defendant
is accorded
Court
provided
any hearsay
fair
opportunity
rebut
was dealt with.
penalty,
the death
this issue
statements,
provided
further
763,
v.
240
243
12
Davis
Ga.
S.E.2d
aggravation
evidence in
as the
only such
901,
(1978);
(1979);
242
252
443
Ga.
S.E.2d
state has made known to the defendant
432,
(1980).
246
271
828
In Da-
Ga.
S.E.2d
prior
or his counsel
to his trial shall be
vis,
901,
443, the
at 242 Ga.
252 S.E.2d
admissible.”
sentence
Georgia court affirmed
applies
original
This
to both the
trial and
sentencing phase
at retrial
in the
reached
sentencing stage.
the retrial of the
With-
aggravating
where an
circum-
additional
cir-
out the inclusion of these
jury
found
stance was
considered,
factors to
cumstances as
judge
the trial
did not submit
first trial
deprived
second
of the whole back-
supported
because it was not
to its determination.
ground necessary
-
denied,
the evidence. Certiorari
expected,
As can be
mention
189,
-,
74
153.
103
L.Ed.2d
U.S.
S.Ct.
received was in the
v. Silhan has
State
Brennan,
Marshall, joined by Justice
Justice
Marshall, joined by Jus-
dissent of Justice
Silhan, supra.21
citing
dissented
v.
State
Florida,
Brennan, in
tice
Jones
at this
majority
Court
-,
189,
(1982),
103
21. The double
issue
imprisonment,
Godfrey Georgia,
Georgia
446 U.S.
248 Ga.
(1981).
455 U.S.
L.Ed.2d
reh. denied
S.E.2d 422
In that case a conviction for
penalty
imposition
and 246 Ga.
of the death
The left about 35 burns very object a hot by compatible cigarette burns with burns. close contact One arm hemmorhage, by defined had causing T-shaped a scleral a 6X3 centimeter third de- meaning eye gree itself burn. palm the doctor as On the of one hand is a object, bled, and, with a hot X 1 degree was touched 1½ centimeter third bum. On lived, damage victim would one elbow had the was an oval 1X1 centimeter irreversible. The right eyelid have been The burn. ears were burned extensively burns showed severe but the hot iron did ear, and on the back the right very side of a eyeball. not touch the There was also a part sensitive of the X body, was a 7 of confluent degree series third burns over centimeter burn. of the bridge along nose and both sides The doctor estimated that it would take nose, a most tender The fore- spot. hours to inflict all several the bums and burns, head had some of which multiple techniques other torture employed. He had went into the hair. never before had occasion to examine such
On the left neck side Jeff Green’s extensively body. tortured It was his a 1½ centimeter bullet wound caused entry opinion further that two men could not hold high-velocity, heavy a caliber bullet Green, foot, man, Jeff a six seven inch muscles, passed through which hit a verte- weighing pounds, rope so the burns bra, ver- upward hitting deflected another indicated he was tied to a table or chair or tebra, cord, spinal severed the and exited on something else to hold him down. It was right part jaw- cheek in the tall opinion progression his further that the bone. torture was from the least to most severe. opinion He based this from experience explained painfulness The doctor through cases in which he was involved and burns, painful being the most those of the testimony; appeared confessions and the skin into a degree penetrate third which pattern administered to extract in- be impulses layer carry pain nerves punish. formation or to literally the brain. burns cook the Such flesh. heinous, the “especially This must be cruel” murder that sets it off atrocious or could,
As as he nearly pathologist usual, ordinary, from the the normal counted 140 burns on the approximately ease. typical sort of homicide in the murder cuts, body. There were five knife three on not, imagine If then we cannot what would his neck over the adams and two near apple propor- be. The death would be nipples. one of his severity of the crime. tionate In addition to the bruise on Jeff Green’s centimeter, forehead, appellant part as a of this there was one 7X2 cir compatible argues with ninth issue that the right armpit, located boot, a kick a baseball first discussed was unconstitu being struck cumstance bat, or no evidence was any type blackjack. tionally applied There was in that appellant X knew or presented also a 3 2 centimeter bruise over the left to show joined, his would be tortured— top prob- wrist hand were intended that Green principal.22 the same means. was not a ably caused that he 6-1-114, applicable judge instructed the statute is W.S. 22. The trial sentencing phase: new 1977: “Every person who shall aid or abet in the NO. 3A “INSTRUCTION felony, coun- or who shall commission principal person “A is a involved in the com- hire, command, sel, encourage, or otherwise actively felony directly mission of a who committed, felony procure to be shall be such constituting commits the act the offense. accessory fact, and deemed an may before the person “A the commission of aids and abets indicted, against, tried and informed knowingly with criminal crime if he manner as if he were convicted in the same hires, aids, counsels, encourages, intent com- prin- principal, before or after the and either illegal procures the act.” mands or otherwise cipal indicted or in- offender is convicted or vulsion we take opinion, employ As in this court’s first those who others for position principal. is a remuneration to do their as well as killing, Florida, those who perform 632 P.2d at the act for hire. If 97-100. Enmund point chargeable against supra, by appellant cited is not in the one who initiates the arrangement, we have There previously discussed. then the business will flourish *29 that really responsible escape United found the one will Supreme States kill, so his punishment. Enmund did not kill or intend It is inconceivable that it the robbers way. is different from could be other culpability us, the evi- who killed. In the before case X dence is of Green that the murder that it planned he intended by appellant, urges In this issue appellant that trial killers and intended place, take he hired the judge given following should have of- force be utilized. that torture and lethal fered instruction: responsibility guilt personal The moral I, “Article Wyoming Section 6 of the of one who commands another commit provides: Constitution “ justifies penalty. murder life, person deprived ‘No shall be overwhelming appellant evidence is or- liberty process without due property dered the torture of Jeff Green order to law.’ prosecutors, discover what he had told what “You, deciding Hopkin- whether Mark be, grand his to the would testimony life, son deprived of his are the final through and with the shot the neck to final you decision-makers. Before make him. The silence motive to avoid arrest for decision, however, you must deter- the murders of the present. three Vehars is mine Hopkinson’s that Mark constitution- The circumstance that murder was com- ally-guaranteed right process to due * * * purpose preventing mitted “for the adequately protected law has been recognized. lawful arrest” has been In throughout proceed- the course of these State, Fla., Riley (1978), it 366 So.2d ings.” execution-type was held that the murder of argues He necessary, that this instruction is a witness to avoid identification came with- given jury’s role as final arbiters is, in the scope of a statute which in this decision regarding the sentence be im- regard, Wyoming’s identical to statute. posed, right underly- is the basic circumstance that the murder was the entire case and the must know committed for pecuniary gain up deprivation has been that such of life cannot occur if State, Fla., held. In process rights Antone v. a defendant’s due have been So.2d cert. denied 449 question U.S. 101 S.Ct. denied. He concedes that this is a 287, 66 that, L.Ed.2d 141 law position the defendant but advances the since discretion, was the mastermind paid money judge who the trial has no this ques- for the contract murder of the tion of law must fall upon jury. victim. This was murder for pecuniary gain. The de argument. This is a novel It was said something fendant was more than a mere Wyoming, 308 F.2d Orcutt accomplice and without him the murder Cir.1962): (10th would not have come to fruition. There is prose- “It is well settled that ‘a criminal no one else shown to have his same interest. State, in the courts of a based cution
It apparent the legislative repugnant intent a law not in itself upon Constitution, was that the concept hired killer be a seri- and conducted ac- Federal enough ous justify judicial circumstance that it course of cording to settled death penalty represents society’s re- the law of proceedings as established 97-100, against; upon State, Hopkinson supra pp. formed such he conviction punishment penal- accessory prosecuted principal shall suffer the same role as a of an prescribed by punish- length.
ties as are
law for the
was treated at some
principal.”
ment of the
notice,
long
so
as it includes
dures in accordance with the directions of
hearing,
opportunity
and a
or an
to be
the ultimate authority
penal-
on the death
heard,
competent juris
before a court of
ty
Supreme Court of
the United
—the
diction, according to established modes of
judge
The trial
States.
must follow those
is “due
in the consti
procedure,
process”
steps plus
rights
basic constitutional
in-
Mangum,
tutional sense.’ Frank v.
237 terpreted by court decision and rules not
309, 326,
582, 586,
59 L.Ed.
U.S.
legislature. Then,
outlined
Daugherty,
also Alexander v.
See
obligated
court is
to not
dispose of the
Cir.,
286 F.2d
cert. denied 366 U.S.
issues raised
accordance
849;
6 L.Ed.2d
Odell v.
guidelines
process
of due
established
(10
Hudspeth,
F.2d
Cir.
[189
Court of the United States
1951), cert. denied 342
legislature
and the
Wyo-
State of
”
* * *
116,
Three overseers are created to public experience process lawyer due in a death of vast defender guarantee greatly respected trial He is legislature case. The has detailed a con at the level.23 safeguarding proce- by siderable number of this court. 10, 1965, ruary by biography
23. A brief furnished Mr. Munker Admitted to examination. request at our reveals: the District of the U.S. District Court for Kansas, February 2, 1933, Admitted to the July Ogden, 1965. “D.O.B. Utah. EDU- Appeals, April 1967. Admit- High U.S. Court of CATION: Graduate of Reno Senior School, University of the United ted to the 1951. Attended the of Ne- vada, States, Navy, 1976. Admitted to the U.S. 1954- December 1952-54. Joined Aviator, Wyoming, Designated practice 1979. LE- March 58. Naval 1955. At- Editor, Kansas, Shepard’s University Legal tended the 1958-60. EXPERIENCE: GAL Wichita, Citations, History, Practice in Received a B.A. in 1960. Recalled 1965. Private March, Kansas, November, Crisis, through Navy during Missile Cuban School, University Frank Law to The Honorable G. 1961-62. of Kansas Law Clerk Bar, Theis, through September, 1962-65. Admitted to the Kansas Feb- March represent- In the first trial appellant In two recent decisions this court has had counsel; however, ed retained during occasion to set out standard to be em- early stages resentencing pro- ployed to test adequacy criminal sought counsel ceedings, retained defendant’s assistance of counsel. It was obtained withdraw authority to from the said Hoskovek v. Wyo., 629 P.2d representation of due the lat- (1981): indigency. ter’s Mr. Munker selected from “A criminal defendant is entitled to an his state-wide staff an able assistant ‘effective’ assistance of counsel. [Cita- participate the defense of appellant. The standard we have es- tions.] It posture counsel, tablished to determine whether or not the presented reluctance, (1) with some he assistance of counsel is effective is one of and his assistant did not have sufficient ‘reasonableness.’ Is the assistance ren- time in (2) which to prepare; they had dered counsel that which would rea- disagreements serious concerning trial sonably a reasonably rendered com- (3) strategy; general atmosphere anxi petent attorney under the facts and cir- ety trial; fear pervaded (4) is, cumstances of the case? If it is defense counsel in sentencing this second not, effective. If it is it is ineffective. phase did have the benefit of cross-ex upon appel- The burden rests [Citations.] some of amining the witnesses in that lant establish the ineffectiveness of transcript of used, their testimony was counsel’s assistance inasmuch as there is a *31 rather than a live appearance. presumption that counsel competent We appreciate weight responsibili- duty. that he performed his [Cita- resting ty on the shoulders of defense coun- tions.]” sel in representing charged capi- one with on, Continuing out, it was further there laid any tal for crime that matter —but crime — 629 P.2d at that: more particularly where the pun- ultimate page “At 1196 Galbraith v. State ishment is at We stake. are mindful of the [Wyo., (1972) P.2d, 503 1192 ], P.2d 503 we attorney-client relationship and the stresses following quoted from United States that must exist when arise differences in Rubin, (5th Cir.1970), 433 F.2d 444 that relationship respect to the tactics cert. denied 401 91 U.S. employed representation and the L.Ed.2d 228: necessary presentation skills in their “ ‘ view, hindsight possible light “Taking many best We con for client. are unable to victed any detect in the seri- defendants condemn their transcript ous rupture attorney-client counsel bond that as ineffective. But com must necessarily However, battle, exist. mand of the note the constitution is for appearing pages 962-976, colloquy Judge Goldberg Vol. not a victory, point record, XI of the which we States, will discuss ed out in Odom v. for us United later. Cir., 1967, 377 F.2d 859. The Kansas; for appeals Dist. Ct. KS. Private Practice District of re- Wichita, Kansas, Deputy sponsibilities 1969-71. Chief included both administrative Attorney in the Office of for General and trial work before the United States Dis- Kansas, January, through April, trict for the District of Kansas in Wich- Appointed Municipal Judge ita, Kansas, 1971. for Wichi- Topeka, City, and Kansas ta, Kansas, April, through April, 1973. approximately 3500 cases were handled during Appoint- period. Private Practice Appellate this office. work for both the Kan- ed as the Court, Federal Public Defender for the Wyoming sas and the Su- Kansas, July, through District De- preme Appeals Court and the Court of for the
cember, Staff, 1981. Senior Office approximately 10th Circuit 85 to 100 Wyoming General, Attorney September, 1978 cases. National Chairman of the Federal through January, Appointed as Defenders, Community Public and Public Wyoming Defender, January State Public member 1980-82. Committee and lecturer present. 1982 to EXPERIENCE: Ex- WORK training Public Federal Defenders.” litigation, work tensive in criminal both trials nor, Judge Wis- if granted, standard was articulated appel- defense of Ellis, Cir., lant would dom in MacKenna v. have been different than it was. interpret 280 F.2d 599: ‘We to effec-
right
right
to counsel as the
With respect
point (2),
that there were
interpret
tive counsel. We
counsel
conflicts
between
and his counsel
counsel,
mean not errorless
representation ineffective,
made his
by hindsight,
counsel judged ineffective
it is not unusual that such differences arise.
likely
but counsel
to render
reasonably
Attorneys are often
with the
faced
dilemma
effective as-
rendering reasonably
of satisfying a client and proceeding based
sistance.’ We have never deviated
upon professional judgment, which interests
* * *.
from these principles.
may not be in harmony.
Spilman
Wyo.,
also
633 P.2d
See
After the
appel-
commencement of the
(1981)
It was
to the same effect.
added
case,
lant’s
an in-chambers conference was
there that:
XI,
(R.Vol.
962-976)
held.
pp.
Appellant
“ * * * Thus, appellant must demonstrate was present.
opened
It
with defense coun-
the unreasonableness of trial counsel’s ac-
advising
sel
the trial judge
they
were
Seemingly,
tions.
this would include a
objection
there because
appellant had
showing
injury
of some
which a reasona-
being
objection
the witnesses
called and an
ble
avoid-
attorney’s conduct would have
being
to witnesses not
It
called.
was then
”
* * *
ed.
went on here.”24 “(iii) testify whether his or her own behalf. Mr. Skaggs responded to this: “(b) The “I like decisions on what witnesses to say something would on that. call, whether and how to conduct There was no motion cross- for continuance. examination, jurors accept Leonard felt he was I what prepared. read strike, made, I had everything from collateral sources what trial motions should be and Mr. Van Sciver. I had the in- strategic all other and tactical deci- vestigation of the members province sions are exclusive of the whatnot. But Mr. Hopkinson did not lawyer with after consultation the client. want a continuance. He did not want a “(c) disagreement significant If a go continuance. He wanted there strategy tactics matters of arises be- get over it with.” client, lawyer tween the and the the law- yer make a should record of the It is circum- apparent appellant that counsel for stances, reasons, lawyer’s were advice and well aware of the responsibilities en- compassed by the and the conclusion reached. The lawyer-client relationship record and had made in pro- advised their need for a manner which should they control must have tects the of the confidentiality lawyer- would be exercised. The control and relationship.”25 di- client R.Vol.XI, Decision-making 24. At a later in-chambers “Allocation of Power conference. 1009-1010, pp. judge history trial commented: “As established criminal justice Hopkinson morning process rights “Mr. also said and the vested in an Constitution, lawyers these were the two best he’s ever accused under the certain basic case, quarreled had belong in this even he after decisions have come to to the client them about who to call province as witnesses who while lawyer. fall within others judgment not to call. I find their requirement that the defendant *33 regard extremely They be to wise. would be personally guilty plea enter a and that it be extremely Hap unwise to call Russell or voluntary implica and informed the carries Johnny Suesata, or that little whatever fart’s tion that it the defendant who must make was, testify name that refused to last time. Similarly, the choice.1 the decision whether He be would annihilated. And to call him or jury to waive trial a has been considered as Hap Russell after what I saw court- belonging-to respect the defendant.2 With to during trial, room incompetency the last would indicate the decision whether the defendant should stupid. of would be counsel. It testify, lawyer give the ‘should his client the acquiesce And for counsel to to the defend- experience, benefit of his advice and but the just ant’s desire to call would com- them ultimate decision must be made the de pound injury. know, I’m, you going that And fendant, and the defendant alone.’3 In mak however, defendant, to tell the and the rec- each these decisions—whether to ord, going but I’m to in front of him tell it plead trial, guilty, jury whether to waive during I about how fell about his this counsel testify whether to accused should have —the trial.” the full and careful advice of counsel. Al important though It is a counsel should that as matter convenience not demand the perceives appearing that the follow comment to the rule defendant what counsel course, pages through the 4-67 4-68 with citations be in- desirable counsel free to en corporated opinion: persuasion urge gage into this in fair and to the client
79
lawyer,
proffered professional
advice.
must rest
follow
with the
but that does not
to
Ultimately,
however,
lawyer
completely ig-
because of the funda
mean that the
should
decisions,
making
lawyer
so
mental nature
these three
nore the
client
them.
fate,
accused
cooperative
crucial
to
accused’s
should seek to
a
rela-
maintain
must make the
tionship
decisions.
stages
maintaining
at all
while
responsibility
significant
a
“Some other
fall into
decisions
ultimate choice and
for the
gray
cated,
zone.
has indi
strategic and tactical
in the case.
decisions
example,
petition
that on a
for
important
“It is also
a
trial for the
corpus
habeas
the federal courts should hold
lawyer
fully
ac-
defense
to consult
with the
petitioner
to have waived
constitutional
any
cused about
lesser
offenses the
included
only
petition
right
if it
is established that
willing
trial court
be
to submit to the
deliberately bypassed
er
procedure.
the available state
Indeed,
jury.
is so im-
because
decision
emphasized
The court
that
portant as well as so similar to the defend-
only
would
if
defendant
waiver
be found
charges
ant’s decision about the
to which to
has stated
made
choice.4 The Court also
plead, the
defendant should be the one
be
would
bound
defendant
decide whether to seek submission to the
attorney’s
strategy
choice of
trial
deliberate
jury of
included
For in-
lesser
offenses.
forego
objection
an
available on constitu
stance,
prosecution,
in a murder
the defend-
grounds.5
tional
ant,
attorney,
rather
defense
should
than the
“Strategy and Tactics
asked
determine whether the court should be
however, may
general,
that the
“In
said
to submit to the
included of-
lesser
strategy
power of
in matters of
decision
trial
manslaughter.”
fense of
lawyer.6 The law
and tactics rests with the
through
quoted
1
Footnotes
11 of the above
yer must be allowed to determine which wit
provide:
material
should
on behalf of the def
nesses
be called
"1
Alabama,
238,
Boykin
See
v.
U.S.
89
395
Similarly,
lawyer
endant.7
must be al
1709,
(1969);
L.Ed.2d 274
Machibro
S.Ct.
23
object
lowed
decide whether
States,
487,
da v. United
368 U.S.
82 S.Ct.
evidence,8
how a
admission
whether and
510,
(1962);
7
v. Unit
L.Ed.2d 473
Kercheval
cross-examined,9
witness
should be
States,
220,
582,
47
71 L.Ed.
ed
274 U.S.
S.Ct.
stipulate
to certain
Cases
whether
facts.10
(1927).
1009
that have
convictions for failure
reversed
“2
276,
States, 281 U.S.
See Patton v. United
witnesses,
counsel to call certain
cross-exam
258,
298,
253,
(1930).
50 S.Ct.
involvement,
trying
pass
and that he was
After all
points
various
of view were
incompentance
the ‘Buck’ for his own
expressed
everyone
[sic].”
at the
con-
chambers
similar
of the tape
Other
relevance
is ar-
ference,
judge
present
trial
advised all
*35
gued by appellant.
positions
to work out their
him
advise
further
morning
Nothing
presence
at 8:30.
of the jury.
the next
received two
She
tape recording appears anywhere
phone
about
calls in the morning and no one re-
not called
in the record. Ford Bussart was
when she
sponded
answered.
In the after-
to
No other witness identified or
testify.
noon there was another call from a man
its introduction into
any
laid
foundation for
said,
your
who
“Is
going
husband
to testi-
the tape
transcript
evidence. Neither
nor a
fy?”
responded,
She
“Who is this?” The
or appear
was
offered
even as identi-
ever
her,
man’s voice then told
“You had better
fied exhibits.
keep
hung
him home.” She
up
phone.
The record was made to protect the witness.
that
We conclude
defense
aban-
counsel
The call could not be
appellant.
tied to
thoughts
all
use of the
not
tape,
doned
999-1000)
(R.Vol.XI, pp.
because
foundational
but
problems
strategic
also because of
consid-
and tactical
(4)
regard
to
having
counsel not
their
erations under
control and direction of
cross-examining
benefit of
witnesses whose
which we
explored
the case
have
earlier
testimony
previous
from the
trial was read
Defense
the deci-
part.
this
counsel made
record,
appears they
into the
were at
pursue
not to
further.
sion
the matter
liberty
subpoena
and could have done so.
We cannot consider
which is not
material
(R.Vol.IX,
604)
p.
Record references in ap-
State, Wyo.,
of the record. Burns v.
part
brief indicate
pellant’s
per-
that
this issue
(1978).
go
reasons given are that: W.S.1977, 7-5-206, Cum.Supp. Section “1. Judge Troughton, a in the witness 1982, gives of powers investigation broad trial, judge first now a district is court through grand the jury: District, and the Third Judicial thus attorney, district or “The the or deputy authority County. convening Uinta attorney, assistant district al- shall be prosecutors, special “2. The had not appear lowed at all to times before appointed been properly so as enable grand jury for the of in- purpose giving them appear before the County Uinta any cogniza- formation relative to matter Jury. Grand them, them giving ble advice upon “3. There never has been a show- proper any legal they may matter when require ing grand properly was it; and may he be permitted interro- convened its term or whether and when witnesses them gate they before when expires.” necessary; he shall deem it but no such nothing
We
attorney,
person
find
the record to
nor
any other
shall
support
Trough-
proposition
Judge
permitted
present during
to be
the ex-
ton
grand
though
convened the
he
jury,
pression of their
or the
of
giving
views
judges
have. There are two
any
district
their votes on
matter before them.”
having jurisdiction in
serving
and
Uinta
grand jury is an ancient and
honored
County; either could have convened that
institution which
stood
originally
between
body.
Other than
bare
and
allegations
prevent
and the
people
oppres
crown
nothing
innuendos of
there
appellant,
is
prosecution through
power
sive
of the
any
the record
proof
nor
offers of
which
and
right
crown
to have one’s peers
relating
would
impropriety
indicate
who
brought
determine
should be
to trial.
County grand
convening of
Uinta
Olmstead,
(D.C.
United States
With of respect appointment public upon just accused offenses special Bain, prosecutors, 1, 10-12, of the Ex grounds. resolution Parte 121 taking 786-787, Board of County (1887); Commissioners L.Ed. 849 County Spence, Moriarity making resolution Board of Com- and Schuster appointing special prosecutors, necessary missioners employment. for their continued adopted May “NOW, THEREFORE, reads: BE IT RESOLVED County “WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Uinta December the law County, Wyoming, Spence, Moriarity firm that: and Schuster Spence, Moriarity appointed by Judge “1. The law firm Court Stuart and District C. hereby employed special prosecutors appointed Brown to act as Schuster special prosecutors Wyoming act as matter of the State of vs. Mark on behalf Hopkinson; County Allan Uinta the matter [Allen] [S]tate “WHEREAS, Spence, Wyoming Hopkinson. the law firm of Moriar- vs. Mark Allan [Allen] ity capacity hereby County and Schuster has acted in that That “2. Uinta does reaffirm appointment gained ever original appointment by since that and have District special unique knowledge about Judge of the law C. Stuart Brown firm matter; and Moriarity Spence, and Schuster “WHEREAS, Wyoming Supreme Court through partners, one Edward of its Moriari- penalty phase ordered a retrial special ty, prosecutor to act as in all matters Wyoming of the State of vs. Mark Allan involving Wyoming the State of case of Hopkinson requires special [Allen] Hopkinson.” Mark Allen vs. unique knowledge obtained the firm *37 proceeding of the is a secrecy oath. The Woodbury Coun- Maley v. District Court (over- witnesses, 732, (1936) many 815 reluctant Iowa 266 N.W. relief for ty, 221 741, 2 N.W.2d grounds, on unrelated ruled leads. provide only whom 744). continuing We hold that power of investigative investigation even after investi grand jury if its necessarily be broad jury must
grand
We con
gation
proper.
of an indictment is
dis
adequately
is to be
public responsibility
right
prosecuting
sider it the
attor
States, 350
v. United
charged. Costello
witnesses before them
ney
“interrogate
to
406,
(1956).
359,
27. For more on the
Hastings
Quarterly
your
cording
skill and under-
Const.Law
Grand
to the best of
see
Juries,
”
standing.’
and the Constitution
Grand Jurors
(1974);
W.S.1977,
Bar
7-5-204,
The American
provides:
Idaho L.Rev.
Section
Jury Principles: A
Association’s
Cri-
(or
Grand
following
“Thereupon
oath
affirma-
Perspec-
tique from a
Justice
Federal Criminal
grand
tion)
other
to the
shall be administered
671, Sympo-
(1978);
A
tive
10 Am.Crim.L.Rev.
A.B., your
jurors:
which
‘The same oath
Jury
sium: The Grand
foreman,
you on his
hath now taken before
truly
you
you
part,
well and
and each of
shall
W.S.1977,
7-5-203,
provides:
28. Section
”
your respective parts.’
keep on
observe and
appointed, an
shall be
“When the foreman
be administered to
oath or affirmation shall
W.S.1977,
7-5-205,
provides:
29.Section
‘You,
following
as foreman
him in the
words:
sworn,
being
grand jury
shall
“The
after
(or
solemnly
grand inquest, do
swear
of this
affirm)
duty by
judge,
charged
who
as to their
inquire
you
diligently
will
particularly to the
shall call their attention
presentment
all of such matters
true
make
secrecy
obligation
their oaths im-
you
charge,
which
given
things
or
as shall be
touching
your knowledge
pose,
as he is
law
to such offenses
otherwise come to
state,
charge.
present
required
specially
After
The counsel of
service.
you
keep
your
your
court,
grand
shall
charge
own and
fellows
shall
secret,
justice
unless called on in court
appointed to attend to
retire with the officer
them,
per-
present no
of,
You shall
make disclosures.
inquire
proceed
and shall
will,
malice,
through
ill
nor
hatred or
son
present
whatever committed
all offenses
unpresented
you
any person
leave
shall
county in and for
limits of the
within the
affection,
fear,
through
or for
favor or
impaneled
they
sworn or
were
thereof;
your
hope
in all
but
reward
affirmed.”
truth,
presentments you
present
shall
“(ii)
XIII
The defendant
pled guilty;
has
court,
question
“(iii)
to the
The defendant waives
6-4-103,
supra fn.
abro-
claims
respect
sentence.”
plain
error
appellate
rule
re-
gates
these conditions
None of
exist.
7.05, W.R.A.P.,
Rule
view.
declares that
that when
We consider
this court
errors or
affecting
defects
“[p]lain
substan-
court
appeal
first
remanded to the trial
rights may be
although they
tial
noticed
trial,
resentencing
restoring
a new
we were
*38
brought
not
were
to the
attention
to the status
6-4—
the case
described in §
49(b),
Rule
W.R.Cr.P.,
court.”
is the same.
102(a).
conviction,
There
a
and now
error,
sentencing
there to be
there
be a
trial. There
plain
there
must
For
(1)
be:
a clear
hap
must
record
what
resentencing
could
no
trial before the
hearing;
at the
pened
(2) a clear and un-
jury
guilt
same
that
tried the
issue. Sec-
exist;
rule of
equivocable
law shown to
6-4-102(b) provides
tion
for a new sentenc-
facts of
(3) the
the case
clearly
must
jury
“with a new
for
ing
impaneled
trial
obviously transgress the rule of law. Once
It
sensi-
purpose.”
very
that
would not be
three-part
satisfied,
this
test is
it still must
disposi-
jury
ble to hold
first
until the
right
be shown that a substantial
appeals,
tion of
so there was cause to
all
has been adversely
accused
affected. These
jury.
first
dismiss the
apply
criteria
even when a constitutional
State,
is involved.
question
Wyo.,
Mason v.
find nowhere in
that
We
the record
State,
(1981); Bradley
1051
631 P.2d
right
ever
appellant
exercised his
(1981).
XV
there any
jury
evidence that the
was influ-
by
enced
passion, prejudice,
any
or
other
by
In addition to the issues raised
arbitrary
imposing
factor when
sentence?”
we have the
in our
appellant,
obligation
The answer of the trial
judge,
the blank
review of the death sentence to determine
provided, was
We thus have an
“[No].”
imposed
whether the sentence of death was
additional source of information.
In the
influence
or
passion, prejudice,
under the
any showing
contrary,
absence of
we
any other
factor.
6-4-
arbitrary
Section
safeguard
have this
of the view of the
103(d)(i), supra
appellant
fn. 3. The
in con
presiding judge which we must assume is
complained
nection with his eleventh issue
There
slightest
correct.
was not the
hint of
general
anxiety
of a
and fear
atmosphere
pressure
presence
outside
or the
in the
by
prosecution’s
created
theatrics dur
distracting
courtroom of
and influential ele-
ing of the case.
It
presentation
was
Maxwell,
in Sheppard
ments such as
added that:
“ * * *
333,
1507,
The went out at 5:20 on 26, 1982, at Wednesday, May and returned No_ Yes X 1982; p.m. Thursday, May 9:00 thus heinous, especially “5. The murder not and returned the verdict was considered atrocious or cruel. haste; reported. no deadlock was No_ Yes X under a head- separate We will consider fully supported aggra- these evidence adequacy support evidence to factors. vating circumstances as well as question, There is no as found where there for the consider basis that “1. The murder was committed jury, findings there were no imprison- under sentence of person mitigating outweighed factors which No_.” X ment. Yes factors. It is within the evi- was, murder, time of in a at the Green’s passion jury’s dence and the verdict California, Lompoc, penitentiary federal revealed. If prejudice are sometimes evidence, charges violation and re- parole then there is federal supported by lating transportation possession possibility passion prejudice; but here, will be seen explosives. that does not exist
from the review of the evidence. no question There is further but were no television cameras was previously defendant convicted “[t]he There photography taking other place degree. of another murder in the first Yes *40 showing pretrial courtroom. There is no of No_.” previous X The “murder” was way affecting in the outcome publicity any murders, Vincent, actually Beverly, three of the trial. Nebraska Press Ass’n v. by blowing up and John Vehar their resi- Stuart, 427 U.S. they sleeping. Appellant dence while were L.Ed.2d 683 We are unable to con in guilt convicted the first trial in the was clude the defendant did not receive a phase of this case. impartial jury. fair trial before an There in which the nothing setting was about the aggravating All are circumstances inherently trial was conducted that was the evi sufficiency measured as to of susceptible any or of inference prejudicial according dence a reasonable doubt beyond any arbitrary of other passion, prejudice, Virginia, to the standard set Jackson v. factor. supra, whether, question L.Ed.2d 560. The after XVI viewing light the evidence in the most fa W.S.1977, 4—103(d)(ii), we must By § prosecution, any vorable to the rational tri 6— supports determine if evidence “[t]he er of fact could have found the essential judge’s finding of an
jury’s or a reasonable doubt. We beyond elements in 6-54.2 circumstance as enumerated W.S. standard, that, no hold within this there is a lack of sufficient miti- [§ 102] aggra reasonable doubt that all five of the 6-4— outweigh gating circumstances proven. were vating circumstances We have al- aggravating circumstances.” II favorably respect mitigating considered in Part of to the cir ready With of the evidence opinion sufficiency jury, to exist by, cumstances not found of five regard. to sustain three clear in that the evidence is most ver- circumstances found in its in the same These can best be summarized dict, fn. 7 ante: closing did in his prosecutor manner as the each of the miti argument, where he took
“3. The murder was committed for the which the district circumstances avoiding preventing gating of a law- purpose into his Instruction incorporated had judge ful arrest. matter, one No. 531 went one through each it was not argued present, nor they present. to show were not does the record disclose the presence of such circumstance. significant “1. The defendant has no prior ap- history activity.” of criminal “3. The victim was participant a uncontradicted, significant pellant had an conduct, defendant’s or consented prior of While history activity. criminal act.” It is inconceivable that man the law appellant scrapes had minor with as would consent torture on inflicted while in youth guns high some victim, Green, Jeff nor would the victim —stole on placed probation school and was participate murder, in his own as here. —his major conviction was first in the United “4. The defendant was an accomplice District Court for the District States of a murder committed another person and where, Hampshire following upon New trial participation his in the homicidal act guilty, he plea guilty was found of relatively minor.” The role of appellant 286,984 possession grams marijuana major. mastermind, He was the mani- with intent distribute and conspir- with pulator, arranger, and director of the smuggle that acy marijuana amount of torture-murder Jeff Green. ar- He which, 14,1973, from Mexico for May on he ranged actual for the killers and pay- their two received concurrent five-year sen- him, ment. Without torture-murder tences, which were later modified. After Jeff Green would never have come about. confinement, some serving time in he was so, He had the motive to do Jeff While on paroled. parole charged he was knowledgeable Green was triple Ve- found guilty in the United States appellant’s har murder and involvement Court Wyoming District of six criminal planning directing of those homi- interstate counts: commerce of a destruc- cides. device; tive two possession counts of of a “5. The defendant acted under extreme conviction;
firearm after felony making duress or under substantial domination firearm; receiving, concealing storing person.” another was not explosives; conspiring, confederating, and under the him- anyone domination but agreeing against commit an offense benefit, it for self. He did his own He United States. was sentenced March attempt to avoid indictment for the murder 16, 1979, to serve five ten-year concurrent *41 of the Vehars. sentences and one concurrent sen- five-year then, such
tence for violations. He was of capacity “6. The of the defendant course, con- convicted four murders criminality of his appreciate conduct with this case. nected conduct to the requirements to conform his substantially impaired.” “2. The murder of law was committed while was There the defendant was under is no whatsoever in the record to the influence of evidence circumstance, mental or support mitigating extreme emotional disturbance.” any such appellant put The in no evidence on this appellant nor has the ever contended practice Wyoming, accomplice In trial in the State in a of “4. The defendant was an prior jury just person to the instructions are read his murder committed participation another 5, arguments. closing as to in the homicidal act rela- Instruction No. was circumstances, mitigating tively was: minor. du- “5. The acted under extreme defendant ress or under the substantial domination ‘mitigat- other “The circumstances are called person. another ing They circumstances.’ are as follows: appre- capacity “6. of the defendant to The history significant The “1. defendant has no criminality or to ciate the of his conduct prior activity. criminal requirements of conform his conduct to the murder “2. The was committed while the substantially impaired. law was of ex- defendant under the influence age of the defendant at the time “7. The treme mental or emotional disturbance. the crime. participant victim in “3. The was a the de- Any circumstances to be “8. other deemed conduct, fendant’s the act. or consented to mitigating.” right he lacked the mental to know We capacity disagree can find no reason to with from wrong. jury in its ultimate verdict that suffi- cient circumstances do not exist mitigating age “7. The of the defendant at outweigh circumstances Appellant time of the crime.” was an found to exist and its recommendation that adult, born in October 1949. He knew what be sentenced to death. he planned was about and what he did. form, From the verdict we see that
jury handwriting in noted as a mitigating XVII circumstance number torture of “[t]he Finally, part as a of the examina Jeff Green not have been ordered application tion of the record Hopkinson,” Mark but then that it indicated prescribed by Gregg, proportionality test mitigating was not a circumstance Texas, Proffitt and Jurek v. U.S. checking the answer blank “No.” This reh. S.Ct. 49 L.Ed.2d denied go mitigating would circumstance number 4 as to role appellant’s accom- provisions L.Ed.2d 158 under the plice. The evidence does support any W.S.1977, 4—103(d)(iii) (e), conclusion ap- but that the torture was at we must § 6— “ * * * * * * pellant’s direction. determine if sentence of [t]he disproportionate death is excessive or circumstance, mitigating As final cases, penalty imposed similar consider handwriting noted in that “9. Actions ing both the crime and defendant.” Hopkinson helped Mark save the life of a doing so we must “include in its deci prison [our] The checked the blank guard.” sion a reference to those similar cases which “Yes,” that it was a indicating plus mitigat- took consideration.” appellant’s circumstance in favor. The into [we] details of are that prison guard this event statute, this passage Since the there was standing dangerous watch on a death have no been other similar cases prisoner starting row while the latter was state. The last sentence imposed by guard apparently shower. The became Wyoming a court of and carried out was in and, it, inattentive he knew the pris- before Pixley Wyo., P.2d 662 oner had a knife —a spoon sharp- homemade (1965). Pixley prosecuted for murder piece ened down —at his throat and a 6-54, degree in the first under W.S.1957. heavy gauge wire poking Ap- into his side. unless the jury qual- was death pellant attacking told the prisoner, “You adding ified their verdict “without capi- got haven’t a chance of escaping out of punishment.” complexities tal None of the here.” prisoner thereupon locked the surrounding reaching of the death sen- guard appellant’s Appellant, cell. at the then present. tence existed as are now guard’s direction, threw a towel over the statute, appearing While not then watching camera the area in order to at- legislature this court declared that the had tract the attention of the shift commander. *42 jury particu- left it to decision whether in a Ten or guards up. Appel- twelve showed “horrible, cruel, lar case a heinous” crime lant prisoner give told the other to him the deserving penalty. was the extreme weapons, Appellant which he did. turned While all the details of the offense do not guard. guard’s them over to the It was the opinion saved his life. in scant information appear opinion, the the the defendant appearing disclosed Apparently jury the could see this as raped girls and murdered two of tender a mitigating pos- circumstance could the circumstances of the years. Comparing sibly outweigh the compelling ag- several that, case before us to we would consider gravating important circumstances. It “heinous, them atrocious or cruel.” equally jury the introduced this element into Brown, Wyo. 151 P.2d the balancing and thus carried out process (1944), the was sentenced to judicial the man- defendant controlling legislative regard. seventy-year-old dates in that of a death for the murder head, point from a parking Casper. They her on the accom- lot at by striking woman choked, force, on were rape. body by a Her was found held down and driv- panied by a was not grave dog. Again, the of a this en to the vicinity bridge crossing of a a of the by proscriptions case controlled deep canyon near what is known as Alcova rule. modern Amy Lake. was bridge thrown off landing with such force on a rock far below Georgia, supra, Following Furman v. the cervical spinal axis was driven 346, the L.Ed.2d through the skull into the brain. She enacted a death legislature Wyoming then into the stream washed and found in which it considered to be statute penalty next day. feet of water Rebecca of that case. within the directions Section raped by both defendants and then also 6-54, W.S.1957, (§ ch. Cum.Supp.1975 She, bridge. however, thrown off 1973).32 It Wyoming Laws of Session canyon struck the side of the which broke was held unconstitutional and the death water, fall, in up her ended and was Kennedy in Wyo., set aside able, in of a broken spite pelvis hip, The case published 559 P.2d pull part way up canyon herself wall report any specific does not relate case, where was found the next by day. in that but she details murder court, attempt the facts little was killed and an made girl reference to the files of Rebecca, girl prevent kill the older detection of Amy, age are revealed. 18, sisters, provisions at knife- the defendants. Under age kidnapped were 6-54, W.S.1957, Cum.Supp.1975, burglary previously where the defendant had 32. Section burglary; provided: of a been convicted “(vii) any perpetrated person in Murder “(a) purposely premedi- Whoever and with kidnapping; the course of a malice, of, perpetration tated or or “(viii) hijacking Murder in the course of the arson, attempt perpetrate any rape, rob- train, bus, airplane, boat or of a commercial bery, by administering burglary, poison or or vehicle; other commercial done, any causing or to be kills the same “(ix) by Murder committed a defendant being, guilty human degree. of murder in the first identity or to conceal the fact of conceal his crime, suppress of a or to the commission evidence; “(b) Upon in the conviction of murder first mandatory degree, of death in the a sentence “(x) persons Murder of two or more in one provided by imposed if manner law shall be series of related events. the offense involves the the trier fact finds “(c) para- In courses of conduct described following course of conduct: above, (iv), (v) (vi) graphs the determina- officer, “(i) any peace Murder of corrections by prior made tion of conviction shall be acting employee or in the line of fireman has returned its verdict of after duty; conviction. profit “(ii) re- A murder committed “(d) judgment of conviction and sen- being any by a defendant after ward of kind subject of death shall be to automatic tence employment by person, or the hired by Wyoming. supreme murder; court of review to commit inducement of another priority Such review shall have over all other “(iii) unlawful and murder Intentional cases, any explosive; and shall be heard in accordance with or detonation malicious use supreme promulgated person court. “(iv) rules who Murder committed “(e) Upon first conviction of murder previously of murder been convicted had degree, degree; if the offense does not involve first or second in subsection “(v) while course of conduct as described committed a defendant Murder section, (b) imprisonment; person shall life of this convicted under the sentence “(vi) perpetration imprisonment for life. in the be sentenced to Murder committed prosecu- rape “(f) perpetrate all attempt where the All offenses committed and of or providing for previously law been convicted of tions commenced under the had defendant rape; degree prior perpetration to the effec- first murder force committed murder *43 punishable attempt perpetrate tive date of this act shall remain arson where of or act, by prosecuted provided previously and be been convicted defendant had arson; perpetration in full act remains and to that extent that committed murder effect; robbery not affect perpetrate and this act shall attempt where force and any of or a accrued, penalties in- rights previously liabilities been convicted the defendant had prior proceedings begun ef- robbery; curred murder committed in the of a perpetration attempt perpetrate act.” fective date of this of or 90 law, degree murder then-existing first was willing to and did return a verdict of kidnapping
committed in the
of a
course
penalty.
the death
conceal
degree
identity,
and first
murder to
The decisions from the courts of other
of a crime
to conceal the fact of commission
states,
from whence came
legislation
or to
evidence were considered “a
suppress
consideration,
under
are very persuasive
justifying
pen-
course of conduct”
the death
when applying statutes which are identical
alty.
jury
The
recommended the death
or very
similar to those enacted
our own
appeal, the facts and circum-
penalty. On
legislature. Woodward v. Haney, Wyo., 564
murder were
stances of the
not contested—
(1977). However,
P.2d 844
comparing this
constitutionality
only
pen-
death
case to cases in Florida
Georgia
—states
alty.
torture-killing,
The
in the case now with statutes upon which ours is modeled—
us,
before
was at least as horrendous as the we find that the sentence here is not exces-
of Amy,
murder
terrible as that was.
sive. The Florida cases which have been
case,
first degree
Another
murder
tried
approvingly by
cited
the Supreme Court
under the same law as that under which the
include:
“ * * *
Kennedy case was prosecuted, was Cloman
State,
Hallman v.
305
180
So.2d
State, Wyo.,
v.
574
(1978),
P.2d 410
in which
(1974) (victim’s throat slit with broken
the jury recommended the
penalty
death
bottle);
State,
Spinkellink v.
313 So.2d
degree
for first
murder. The
report
case
(1975) (‘career
666
criminal’ shot sleeping
relates the details of the murder. The two
State,
traveling companion); Gardner v.
defendants entered the home of the Witts.
(1975) (brutal
313
675
beating
So.2d
They
outside,
complained of the bitter cold
murder);
State,
Alvord v.
and the defendant. This was not the ordi sentencing hearing,1 In his second Mark murder. nary Hopkinson was sentenced to death under statutes,
We find no circumstances
in the record
Wyoming’s capital-punishment
which indicate that
sentence of
controversial
of which are
pertinent
parts
“[t]he
6-4-102,
imposed
Many
under the influence of passion,
contained in
W.S.1977.2
arbitrary
or
other
factor.”
of the errors that were committed in the
prejudice
any
State, Wyo.,
opinion Hopkinson
any aggravating
mitigating
1. See our
as to
or
circum-
stances,
(h)
(j)
commit,
flight
committing
or
after
or at-
ress or under the substantial domination of
tempting
commit,
robbery, rape,
sexu-
person;
another
assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping
al
or air-
“(vi)
capacity
appre-
of the defendant to
piracy
throwing, placing
craft
or the unlawful
criminality
ciate the
of his conduct or to
discharging
or
bomb;
of a
device or
destructive
requirements
conform his conduct to the
substantially impaired;
law was
“(v)
pur-
The murder was committed for the
“(vii)
age
of the defendant at the time of
pose
avoiding
preventing
a lawful arrest
the crime.”
effecting
escape
custody;
from
“(vi)
pecuni-
my
Hopkinson
supra
The murder was committed for
3. See
dissent
ary gain;
1,n.
(Here
any
in
other
writing
set forth
miti-
the aggravating
circumstances
had
gating
may
circumstances
find to
you
jury
been submitted to the first
found
exist in this case.
If there is insufficient
nonexistent
in the first sentencing hearing
room,
provided
additional
be
paper will
again
jury,
were
submitted to the
based
you.)
for
were,
facts,
upon the same
Yes_
No_”
sentencing hearing,
second
to have
found
(Emphasis added.),
present.
sentencing pro-
In the first
been
whether,
ceeding, the
was asked
in its
jury
its
jury answered in one of
members’
judgment,
the Green murder was commit-
handwriting, as follows:
prevent-
for
purpose
avoiding
ted
“8. The torture of Jeff
not
Green
effecting
a lawful arrest or
an unlawful
Hopkinson
have been ordered
Mark
escape
custody
from
the mur-
whether
Yes_
XNo
gain.
To
pecuniary
der
committed
helped
“9. Actions of Mark Hopkinson
jury re-
inquiries
of these
the first
each
prison
save
of a
guard
the life
sponded
aggravating
that
two
circum-
these
No_”
Yes X
applicable
the Green
stances were not
Therefore,
interpretation
no matter what
hearing,
sentencing
murder.
In the second
we place upon “Mitigating Circumstance”
fact
given
a different
the same
(see
# 8
n. 20 infra),
above
found
and the same two
situation
mitigating
against
one other
circumstance
jury re-
to consider and this
circumstances
obliged
aggra-
which it was
balance
aggra-
twice-submitted
sponded
these
vating circumstances
found
it also
to the
applicable
were
vating circumstances
be present.4
is to
murder. This second submission
Green
Second,
jeopardy
defendant
place
first
we
appeal
remanded
twice
rights5 as
for a new
his Constitutional
sentencing
the reason
hearing for
violation
that the
court
Fifth Amendment
aggra-
trial
had added to the
guaranteed
11 of the
and Art.
vating-mitigating
aggra-
Constitution
balancing process
Federal
vating
Wyoming
circumstances which were
Constitution.6
unsup-
Ohio,
586, 604,
proffers
less than
4.In
basis for a sentence
Lockett v.
as a
2954, 2964,
(1978),
L.Ed.2d
Chief Justice
death.”
Burger, writing
plurality,
for the
said:
Silhan,
275 S.E.2d
See State v.
N.C.
5.
Eighth
conclude
and Four-
“[W]e
discussed infra.
require
teenth Amendments
that the sentenc-
* * *
precluded
considering,
er
not
from
States
The Fifth Amendment
to the United
factor,
mitigating
any aspect
as a
of a defend-
provides
pertinent part:
Constitution
ant’s character of record
cir-
cumstances
the offense
the defendant
evidence, the submission
AN IMPERMIS-
fra. Without such
THE
OF
SUBMISSION
aggravat-
heinous-atrocious-or-cruel
AGGRAVATING
SIBLE
jury especially
ing circumstance
CIRCUMSTANCE
—
the torture was so
a fact situation where
heinous, atro-
especially
“The murder was
inhuman and the evidence
violently
6-4-102(h)(vii), W.S.
cious or cruel.” §
viola-
patently inflammatory
which is so
—is
1977.
“
Eighth
* * *
and Four-
tive of the defendant’s
conjecture upon
pile
We
must
This is so be-
rights.
teenth Amendments
of life or
conjecture
the decision
posit
nothing
cause there is
in the words
Peo
guesses.”
upon
pyramid
circumstance
controversial
Cal.Rptr.
Terry,
ple
Cal.2d
*47
an inherent
-standing
implies
which—
alone —
381, 392,
605, 617,
cert. denied
390 P.2d
upon
arbitrary
capricious
restraint
132,
68
866,
13 L.Ed.2d
379
85 S.Ct.
U.S.
infliction of the
sentence under the
(1964).
Georgia,
directive of Furman v.
408 U.S.
it,
support
evidence to
Providing there is
2726,
346,
238,
reh.
92 S.Ct.
33 L.Ed.2d
circumstances that
aggravating
one of
902,
89, 34 L.Ed.2d
denied 409 U.S.
93 S.Ct.
capi
consider in a
sentencing jury may
(1972)
Gregg Georgia,
163
v.
428 U.S.
law is:
Wyoming
case under
punishment
tal
859,
153,
2909,
96
49 L.Ed.2d
reh.
heinous,
especially
atro
murder was
“[t]he
875,
197, 50 L.Ed.2d
denied 429
97 S.Ct.
U.S.
6-4-102(h)(vii),
cruel.”
cious or
Section
(1976).
Georgia,
v.
Godfrey
See
There is no doubt whatever that
W.S.1977.
1759,
420,
L.Ed.2d 398
100 S.Ct.
we
con
the murder with which
are here
fact,
nothing
there is
(1980).7 In
in this
cerned can and must be described
heinous,
especially
words “The murder was
However,
that,
requires
the law
fashion.
imply
or cruel” which would even
atrocious
type
order for this
of murder to warrant
responsible
that the defendant must be
for
particular aggravat
the submission of this
suggests
type
the torture which
this
of kill-
sentencing
authori
ing circumstance to
ing.
deciding purposes,
ty
death-penalty
for
I
Hopkinson appeal,
In the first
said
evidence
legally acceptable
there must be
concurring opinion that
I
my separate
capable
establishing, beyond
reasonable
particular statutory
(§ 6-4-102(e)),
hope
the fact that
the de would
that
doubt
again
given
would not
be
over
participated
in the tor
circumstance
fendant ordered
sentencing-jury consideration.8 In that
killing.
His is the
aspects
turous
measured. En
I commented that this
culpability
opinion,
which must be
applied
as
Florida, - U.S. -,
circumstance was overbroad
v.
mund
against giving
again.9
discussed in-
I warned
73 L.Ed.2d
“ * *
*
vile,
wantonly
any person
subject
“outrageously or
hor-
for
murder as
nor shall
inhuman,”
put
jeopardy
be held
be twice
rible or
not all murders
the same offense to
* *
violating
category
fall in this
without
of life or limb
applicable
sentencing
This
to the states
was criticized in
amendment
standardless
Godfrey
supra.
through
Georgia,
Amendment. Benton
v.
the Fourteenth
Furman.
787, 794,
Maryland,
v.
89 S.Ct.
397 U.S.
(§
Wyoming
6-4—
under
statute
8. While
L.Ed.2d
charged
102(d)(0)
with recommend-
Wyoming
Article
11 of the
Constitution
§
judge (e.g.,
ing
“render a
provides:
a sentence to the
judge”),
the “recom-
to the
person
compelled
testify
recommendation
“No
shall be
upon
judge
binding
case,
of death is
against
mendation”
nor
himself in
criminal
6-4-102(f),
provided:
where it is
under
any person
put
jeopardy
shall
be twice
made,
jury disagree,
or if the
same offense. If a
recommendation of death is
“Where a
verdict,
judgment
or if the
be arrested after a
shall sentence the defendant
the court
law,
judgment be
error in
reversed for
death.”
been in
accused shall not be deemed to have
State, supra,
Hopkinson
my
dissent
jeopardy.”
176, I
632 P.2d at
said:
“ * * *
though
ordinary
agree
person
I
7.Even
sensibili-
would
“[a]
heinous,
every
‘especially
fairly
cruel’
atrocious or
ties” could
characterize almost
aggravat-
heinous-atrocious-or-cruel
P.2d
At 664
vating circumstances.
injected
circumstance was
into the bal-
the court says:
tender
though
aggravating
there is insufficient evidence to support the
sider a nonstatutory aggravating factor.
of Green. As I said in the concurring part
sion—in the circumstances of this case— 7, specifically limits
been to the because when given matter would first be careful considera- i.e., as construed —it tion.” evidence — vague and overbroad. I would remand for hope 6-4-102(h), W.S.1977, supra this additional reason with the that be- See n. 2. aggravating fore this circumstance is sub- cerning cir- aggravating underlying felony
believed that
other
constituted
established, they
jury
cumstances were
would
error.
harmless
Had
not con-
penalty
not
the death
have recommended
underlying felony
ag-
as an
sidered
circumstance,
but for the decision that the offense was
it
gravating
may well have
having
committed
one
a substantial
remaining aggravating
decided
con-
history of serious assaultive criminal
sufficiently
circumstances were not
sub-
victions,
ground.
presence
invalid
imposition
stantial to call for
of the death
circum-
unconstitutionally vague
at 568.
penalty.”
S.E.2d
made
possible
stance also
State, Ala.Cr.App.,
also Bufford v.
See
prior
to consider several
convictions of
(1980),
1174-1185
reh.
So.2d
denied
petitioner which
would
otherwise
have been before it. The
instruction
Similarly,
the Florida
Court has
the invalid circumstance
have direct-
that where
said
one
circum-
ed the
attention
convic-
jury’s
to those
invalidated,
stance
tions.
It cannot be determined
“ * *
*
regardless of the existence of oth-
degree
certainty required
capital
er authorized
factors we
cases
evidence of those convic-
guard against any
must
ag-
unauthorized
tions,
instruction,
together with the
did
gravating
going
equation
factor
into the
not make a critical
difference
might tip
of the weigh-
scales
jury’s
impose
penal-
decision
the death
* *
process in
favor of death
*.
ty-
******
jury’s
“We hold
discretion here
channeled,
sufficiently
was not
see God
the weighing proc
“Would the result of
frey
Georgia,
by both the
judge
ess
have
found. see also 373 mandatory upon makes a death sentence (1979). aspect So.2d 896 This of Florida finding aggravating circumstances and no presently (and law is irrelevant therefore its mitigating circumstances. consistency dubious with the constitutional
98 justice that system 6-4-102(h)(vii)
with a
of law and of
§
circumstance
when there was
support
discretion of
no evidence
it.
to the uncontrolled
leaves
Elledge
judge (who
In
does the sentenc-
juries
and
judges
determination
ing
statute) accepted
under
Florida
into
committing these
defendants
whether
balancing process
aggravat-
a statutory
Fur
imprisoned.’
shall die or
crimes
ing circumstance which is the same as our
238, 253,
Georgia,
man
4—102(h)(iii),12when there was no evi-
2726, 2734,
(Douglas,
6—
L.Ed.2d
support it.
dence to
That is—there was no
concurring).
the ar
Guarding against
J.
supporting evidence in the
sense
bitrary
imposition
discriminatory
judge took into account
the defendant’s
death
become sim
penalty
must not
commission of a crime which had been
a guessing game
by a review
ply
played
after
perpetrated
the one for which he was
court
which it
tries to discern
The
being
Supreme
tried.
Court
Florida
the improper nonstatutory ag
whether
this
identified
consideration of
unau-
gravating factors
decisive in
exerted a
factor by
sentencing authority
thorized
on
fluence
the sentence determination.
constituting
injection
of a nonstatu-
guarantee
against
cruel
unusual
tory aggravating circumstance.
court
punishment demands more.
said:
short, appellant’s
“In
argument
“Admission of
Gaffney
evidence of the
case seeks this
of a
approval
prac-
court’s
proscribed
murder
our decision in
tice
violates the
if not the
spirit,
State,
(Fla.
Provence
So.2d
[v.
letter,
Florida,
Proffitt v.
428 U.S.
1976)],
charge
because the
had
result
L.Ed.2d 913
ed in a conviction at the
the trial
time of
the Supreme
Proffitt
held Florida’s
Court
was, therefore,
in the instant case.
It
penalty
death
statute constitutional
its
nonstatutory
aggravating factor. But
provide
face inasmuch as it
appeared
was the error harmless because of the
specific
detailed
guidance
objection
lack of
and the
existence
judge
sentencing stage.
at the
substantial
additional
cir
We are bound to
disapprove
trial
(Empha
cumstances? We believe not.”
ignoring
imposed
court’s
the limitations
added.)
sis
13. 94 S.Ct. 40 L.Ed.2d where jury, “The if its verdict is recommendation * * * statutory provision death, was said that the is directed designate writing shall only at circumstance circumstances “ * * * beyond which it found a reasonable doubt.” pitiless the conscienceless crime (Emphasis added.) unnecessarily torturous to the vic which is tim.” Florida, supra, Supreme In Proffitt v. State, Fla., See also Alford v. 307 So.2d upon relied the decisions 445 reh. denied 429 U.S. *52 Court of Florida which had addressed the State, Fla., (1975); Halliwell v. 323 L.Ed.2d 155 meaning of in the words contained the identical 557, So.2d 561 Dixon, circumstance State v. 100
“
murder,
that while
for
recognized
‘That court has
but rather
validity
capital punishment
killings
all
are atro-
for Enmund’s own
arguable
“that
* * *
conduct. The focus
cious,
culpa-
must be
his
[S]till, we believe that
* * *
bility,
for we insist on ‘individual-
something ‘espe-
intended
Legislature
cially’
[Fla.], 322 So.2d
it authorized the death
consequence,
degree murder.”
heinous,
eighth
the court has indicated
atrocious or
statutory provision is
[908], at 910. As a
Tedder
penalty
cruel when
v.
for first
State
Ohio
57 L.Ed.2d
tence,’
quirement
ized consideration as a constitutional re-
[*]
[*]
[*]
Ops.3d
1)
Lockett v.
973,
26
imposing
(1978) (footnote omitted)
15.
fundamental
for hu
‘[T]he
Justice
su-
manity underlying
Eighth
pra,
Amendment
wrote:
requires
‘qualitative-
. ..
consideration of the character
“Because
death are
sentences of
sentences,
ly
and record
prison
individual offender and the
different’ from
Woodson
particular
280, 305,
Carolina,
circumstances of the
constitutionally indispensable part
offense as a
v. North
428 U.S.
96 S.Ct.
2978, 2991,
(1976)
(opinion
L.Ed.2d
process
inflicting
Stewart,
Stevens,
of death.’
JJ.), this
Powell and
Id.,
Louisiana,
(Harry)
at 304. See Roberts
gone
extraordinary
has
measures to en-
431 U.S.
52 L.Ed.2d
prisoner
sure that
to be
sentenced
exe-
Louisiana,
(1977);
(Stanislaus)
Roberts
guarantee,
process
cuted is
that will
afforded
428 U.S.
101
Georgia,
wishes to
supra,
“This
that
if a
where
outrage
means
no acts of
a con-
punishment
authorize
it has
torture
capital
were associated
the
with
murder.
ap-
and
responsibility
stitutional
to tailor
case,
In this
the association
the
of
acts of
avoids the
ply its law in a manner that
torture with defendant Hopkinson is a vital
capricious
and
infliction
arbitrary
and indispensable predicate
giving
responsi-
death
Part of a
penalty.
State’s
the
heinous,
“especially
atrocious or cruel”
define the
bility
regard
in this
is to
circumstance,
it
and
is the fail-
the sen-
be
may
crimes for which death
ure on
part
the
of the State to make this
‘standardless
way
tence in a
that obviates
connection —as condoned by the trial court
Gregg v. Geor-
[sentencing] discretion.’
and this
majority
court’s
opinion
which
—of
2936,
47,
S.Ct., at
196,
96
gia, supra, at
n.
I complain
which,
and
I say, constitutes
Florida,
428
n. 47.
also Proffitt
See
reversible error. Assuming no associating
913;
L.Ed.2d
U.S.
evidence, reversible error is the necessary
Texas,
Jurek v.
U.S.
previous
effect under our
Hopkinson deci-
2950,
volved
of mind and an
evidence
this case shows that
“The
aggravated battery,
Georgia Supreme
Godfrey, the victim was not killed
unlike
the following
made
observations:
he was not a member of
instantaneously;
“
family, nor was he threat-
appellant’s
as the term is
used
‘Torture’
This
manner.
subject-
ening
statute occurs when
victim is
blooded,
cannot, therefore,
execution
planned
was a cold
be considered especial-
ly
type
perpetrated
purpose
cruel
murder
within the intent of A.R.S.
victim,
who was known to
robbing
13-454(E)(6).
With that
large
have a
amount of cash.
“In determining whether a murder has
view,
purpose
perpetrator
severely
been committed in
especially
heinous
disrobed the victim
partially
beat and
or depraved manner, we must necessarily
*55
he
his
seeking
kept
money.
to find where
consider the killer’s
state mind at the
original opin-
As was
out in the
pointed
time of the offense. This state of mind
ion,
pieces’
was
all to
the victim
‘cut
and
may
be shown
his behavior at or near
poured
gasoline was
over him before he
time of
offense. Thus we have
was shot. When the appellant returned
found those additional
factors which
from the killing, he had blood on his
make
especially
murder
heinous or de-
there
clothing,
yard
was blood
praved
only
where the killer not
shot to
where the
prior
victim had been beaten
death the victim of
robbery
but also
being put
pickup
in the back of a
truck
one,
shot two innocent bystanders, killing
and taken
actual execution site.
all for no discernable reason.
[Citation.]
Thereafter,
the victim’s truck with his
we
Knapp
killing
characterized
body in it
burned in
was
order
hide the
bystander
Blazak
[State v.]
[114
crime.
199,
Ariz.
(1977)],
‘particu-
It cannot be that the it was not necessary for them to be able— unimpressed highly stood emo- with credible evidence —to Hop- associate tional of torture that repulsive evidence kinson with the torture. This be a would case, into in this nor logical admitted evidence conclusion because it is clear to all not, can it it did out of argued the “MURDER” could and must be vent its re- impermissible assumption, heinous, fact described as atrocious and cruel upon Hopkinson. vulsion the defendant but whether or not Hopkinson ordered this invited, sentencing In- killing form of is quite thing. another struction No. to infer that Hopkinson sure, jury demonstrably To be reacted though ordered the torture even there was instruction, the statements of counsel support no evidence to this fact. In In- discussed infra and the exhibits which visu- struction No. 10 the court defined the ally jury, described the tortúre because the meaning “heinous,”17 of the words “atro- recoil, out of its own volunteered a “Miti- cious” *56 and “cruel”19 but failed to instruct gating Circumstance” which read: that, before the jury could find that “The torture of Jeff Green not have by conduct described those definitions could by Hopkinson been ordered Mark be assigned to its consideration in contem- Yes_ No_X_”20 plating mitigating-aggravating circum- example sentencing An of standardless process stance human life or death —where procedure hardly vividly could be more fan- teeters so precipitously in the balance —such tasized than the situation which is present- conduct must be found a beyond reasonable appeal ed this where the sentencing jury doubt to be fact conduct of permitted to hear about the shockingly caveat, defendant. Absent this the jury evil being and heinous torture of a human left, standard, without instruction or in circumstances in which the evidence fails speculate upon question which asks to connect the conduct of the defendant whether having found that Hopkin- not — pitiless with the conscienceless and acts of son had ordered the murder —it even need accompany torture which the murder. The worry Hopkinson about whether was re- sponsible United States Court said in for Green’s torture. Gard- jury Florida, 349, 358, ner v. might well have reached the conclusion that 1197, 1204, since guilt it had found in the murder L.Ed.2d 393 it phase “ * * * proceeding bifurcated and since the importance is of vital to the de- submitted aggravating only circumstance community fendant and to the that any wanted jury to answer the question: be, impose decision to the death sentence heinous, Was the especially be, murder atro- and appear to based on reason rather cious or cruel? than caprice or emotion.” extremely shockingly 17. wicked or The torture of Jeff “[M]eans Green was not ordered evil.” Hopkinson. Mark say: In other words —does the statement outrageously 18. wicked and vile.” “[M]eans proposition No to the that the murder of Jeff Hopkinson, Green was not ordered Mark designed high degree to inflict a “[M]eans say or does it to, pain enjoy- with utter indifference or even jury negatively We—the to a state- —react of, suffering ment of others.” says ment which the murder of Jeff Green Hopkinson? was not ordered Mark purposes discussing particular 20. For this might quite This not be so troublesome were it proposition, placing interpreta- I am the State’s obligation jury given not the to find a upon jury expression tion this but there are present beyond circumstance to be quite things upon a few that cast doubt this 6-4-I02(e), supra a reasonable doubt. Section place, jury translation. In the first wrote presume n. 2. I that a natural concommitant of heading “Mitigating this statement under the proposition ought is that the courts to be might glossed Circumstances.” This over verdict, beyond able to tell from the a reasona- easily more were it not for the fact that the doubt, ble what it is the decided. language literally of the statement —read —and taking negative the double into account— means: Hop- associating the conduct “He will Without then testify they held his Green, out, hands kinson with the of Jeff a blunt torture instrument or bat, to hear the even foot permitted they smashed his sentencing jury was left hand. And they cigarettes then opening in his state- took attorney say State’s in one they hand burned cigarette ment: burns, in the other 37. And when that heinous, especially atro- “The murder was work, they iron, didn’t got hot perhaps case, evidence in this cious or cruel. The a welding iron or some other hot iron or in the opening, once say I’ll up, even knife heated and they started you I about the and when talk to testimo- burning up his Deep apparent arms. Stahl, show you beyond any of Dr. will ny apparent burns. Not but sure burns. is one the most doubt heinous When that wasn’t enough they then that ever occurred in the murders state of burning ears, started behind his which he guideline That is the Wyoming. that will explain will a very, very part sensitive permit you view facts this case.” end, of his body. Burnt the back attorney also said to State’s ears, inside of his and when that wasn’t statement: opening successful, burning started along the heinous, “The evidence this case on the hairline Jeff Green. And when that atrocious and cruel nature of this murder successful, they wasn’t started then * * * very pretty. nose, around his and on his they face and did they “What do to Jeff Green? Dr. burned T’s in his face for They traitor. *57 Stahl, Laramie, a forensic pathologist, up along burned his nose and across the Wyoming, does a amount of tremendous top of eyes eyelids. his and his And matters, work with the state crime lab on finally desperation, in they burned the a bit ordinary, very little out of the eye of right out of Jeff Green. head qualified impressed man. You will be Then they hit him with some of type him. He was called in to blunt instrument in autopsy do here the head and of rendered him you, long Jeff Green and he will tell and unconscious. For how it’s one They brought no knows. him to the opinion, his that was Jeff Green tortured interchange by Bridger, Fort walked him for purpose getting information him, out into the sand and shot and killed out of him. He can do that because that so would shut his mouth and so it having his other been involved in torture warning would be a to all of the other murders, qualifica- and of his because people testify who were scheduled to in tions, and also because of the tracks. He grand jury proceeding investigating murder, will that in explain you to mur- was supposed the Vehar murders that to just derers leave tracks on bodies like elk days. in start two testify leave tracks in snow. He will respectfully on “I submit behalf to opinion in his Jeff Green was tied prove Wyoming the evidence will State or out hung strung chair in some up only aggravating one circumstance rope way, the fact there’s evidenced doubt, beyond a reasonable but all five. burns where under both of his arms actu- case, if ever and And there’s been ladies ally the meat was torn in because justifies penal- gentlemen, that pain through went torture that man ty, you.” this is it. Thank get order to from him. the information He will to testify argument, that a knife held attor- closing In his State’s Jeff separate ney Green’s throat in three said:
places, and slit they made marks little aggravating “The last circumstance his throat attempt to intimidate applicable in this the State contends is They him giving into them especially information. is that hei- case murder was Now, object nous, atrocious, then held the I sharp knife or to his or cruel. when it heart and made about I’ll talk about another slice across his talk Dr. testi- you heart. once. But all saw Stahl’s manipulates testimony chases or of his Dr. Stahl question. no and there is mony hei- Perjured testimony most own. on the other it is far the has said that it doubt, said by far —he side to say nous —he didn’t raise reasonable to come heinous, situation atrocious most was the into a with a such as courtroom in. involved had ever been that he yourself utmost faith and who has the evidence gentlemen, being “Ladies human every confidence in reasonable beyond proves this case credit, not gives recognizing them equal every one each and doubt the existence among us who have there are those circumstances. aggravating these whatsoever, will go no who out scruples you, instructed And, has as the Court manipulate any and hire and buy recognize which I burden deem type testimony they necessary meeting, only for apologies make no and I that, to do But their own benefit. one cir- to prove us requires had to that, Hopkinson do know Mark in this case The evidence cumstance. investiga- told the what Jeff had Green all.” them proves so, to have tors. he had him tor- And argument, get the conclusion tured that information. Toward said about attorney this the State’s “Then, know, have him he could had you heinous, ag- atrocious cruel” “especially killed, in the No dumped body his desert. circumstance: gravating to make problem. But he had a state- last circumstance “Then the body ment tortured of Jeff with the heinous, atrocious, cru- with the dealt grand jury Green. He knew that in which this occurred. el manner murder 21st, May 1979. If going to convene like to even talk or think about I don’t really missing, Jeff Green was didn’t Dr. go through. Jeff had what Green say Hopkinson. Mark He had enough for becoming fast one of the most is Stahl people of that make a statement He works pathologists noted area. attempt to intimidate valley. He had DCI. He able to recon- put them further. He had them struct how torture administered. So, fear. he had Jeff Green marched instance, particular you recall his tes- *58 just at pullout down the en- behind that there were timony three different— had him Valley trance of the shot four different actually, modes of torture in an area that was relatively open sight They utilized. The knife. held it to his frequented body that his would be so throat, throat, splices three on his the two discovered, so it was a statement to all splices over his heart. cigarette The potential other witnesses. Don’t mess painful which is but relatively pain minor Hopkinson. around with Mark to what else he compared subjected was is, Bridg- problem people “The Then, to. And his hands and arms. decent, honorable people. er are Valley successful, when that wasn’t a hot iron of had killing stop. They had to they burned, where some sort actually enough. Hopkinson’s Even Mark friends then burned his arms and around' his face Hickey Even Mike had enough. had had literally burned they until one of the eyes enough. grand came before They head. And Dr. out of his Stahl’s testimo- the statement with Jeff jury. And torture ny is that was administered much for any was too body Green’s purpose obtaining for the information came they handle. And in and them to punishment. They don’t do that Mark Hopkin- truth. And they told the Hopkinson get away to Mark with it. Hopkinson and Mark son was indicted “What information did Mr. Hopkinson Jackson, to trial here brought was then Jennifer, want? He asked who was Jeff Hopkinson Mark And Wyoming. talking Hopkin- to? What said? Mr. reasonable doubt. beyond a convicted dealing that, son’s mode with if he facts, “Now, gone as I’ve over them finds out authorities have evi- these him he the letter from against immediately pur- you- Incidentally, dence — affidavit, just which is as good any foundation for the capability other sworn testimony, Samples of V.A. to cause the horrible torture of Green Lompoc Penitentiary, proved from place. which took The photographs of Mr. Hopkinson was there at the time of body Green’s expressive are even beyond * ** the murder of Jeff Green. testimony words of the pathol- ****** ogist who detailed for the the vari- ous brutal wounds inflicted before “He had been of the Vehar convicted being put Green’s to death. shutting murders. He was the mouth of “The testimony was that there were some Jeff Green. Jeff Green knew it. And burns body Green such as murder for hire. And if there is any by cigarette would be caused burns and heinous, other murder that was more any metal, hot thus connecting welder cruel, atrocious I don’t know of any. which could be used aas heating tool. clearly justifies This case penal- the death One of eyes out, Green’s was burned ty.”
there was an ugly burn behind one of
Majority’s
Handling
ears,
the Issue
Green’s
explained
pathologist
especially
to be an
sensitive area. There
Having observed that all aggravating cir-
were cuts on the throat and chest. There
cumstances must be proved beyond a rea-
body
were bruises on his
consistent with
doubt,
sonable
and that
“ * * *
having been caused by kicking with a
judge
trial
heeded the admo-
or by striking
boot
awith
baseball bat or
opinion
nition of our
in the first appeal
hammer.
There were
abrasions on
statutory aggravating circum-
body
Green’s
probably
caused
his be-
stance unsupported by evidence should
by ropes
bound
resulting
from an
not be submitted
for consideration
agonizing struggle during the torture.
i.e.,
jury,
4—102(h)(iii),(iv),
(viii)
6—
explained
“This evidence
this to have
7,”
fn.
find them more
California, he
several
(Emphasis
Lompoc,
and bracketed ma
made
calls
evidence.”
added.)
Generally,
P.2d at 58.
Bridger Valley.
terial
to
calls was: the location of
subject of those
Then,
citing
any
without
to
facts
rec-
Green;
to whom Jeff Green was
Jeff
ord,
says:
the court
speaking
that Green was
speaking;
“ * * *
arranged for
[H]e [defendant]
Vehar mur-
special prosecutors
on the
triggermen to do the execution and
hired
case;
grand jury investigat-
der
* * *
utiiized.”
intended that
torture
convene;
case
about to
ing the Vehar
was
(Emphasis added.)
“Q.
you
Did he ask
where the welder
kept
anything
of that nature?
Assuming that the record reveals no law-
No,
“A.
sir.
evidentiary
Hopkin-
ful
connection between
“Q.
you
get
Did he ask
it for him or
son
against
and the acts of torture
Jeff
anything like that?
conceding,
must,
Green and
as we
that the
I just
yes
language
especially
“A. No.
told him
and that
“the murder was
hei-
nous,
contemplates
was the end of it.
atrocious or cruel”
it
the evidence must show that
is the de-
“Q.
would he ask
for a weld-
Why
you
participated
fendant who
in such death-
ing set?
dealing activity
as—in
be de-
“A.
I don’t know.”
law —
heinous,
scribed
“especially
atrocious
Stahl,
expert,
Dr.
the medical
testified:
State,
(Hopkinson
supra),
cruel”
v.
it fol-
Doctor,
“Q.
Moriarity)
Mr.
those are
(By
given
lows that
unauthor-
of burn than the
degree
more severe
ized,
ag-
highly
nonstatutory
inflammable
earlier;
cigarette
you depicted
burns
gravating
ponder
circumstance to
that correct?
life-or-death
mitigating-aggravating
bal-
“A. Yes.
ancing process.
impermissible by
This is
“Q.
opinion
they
Do
have an
what
you
statute,
6~4-102(h) (i.e., “Aggravating
were inflicted with?
are
circumstances
limited to the follow-
type.
“A. A hot iron of some
It could
State,
Hopkinson
law.
v.
ing:”)
hanger;
it
have been
heated coat
could
supra; Elledge
supra; Henry
knife;
been a
have
have
heated
could
Cir.1981);
Wainright,
(5th
F.2d
Ste-
been a
iron.
soldering
impossible
It's
Zant,
phens
supra.
The trial court’s in-
say exactly
many
because there were so
nonstatutory aggravating
sertion of this
they're smudged together
burns
process
balancing
into the
circumstance
imprint
body.”
the exact
is not left on the
mitigating
where
circum-
added.)
(Emphasis
weighed by
delicately
stances were to
so
alone,
On
a decision
testimony
sentencing jury
the basis of this
order that
infer,
Hopkinson
State submits that
could
could be reached about whether
doubt,
Hop-
beyond reasonable
that Mark
would live or die must indeed be considered
supplied
welding
prejudicial.
kinson
I reach this conclusion because
killers
*61
opinion
aggra-
be
the
equipment
majority
so that Jeff Green could
the
considers
constitutionally
to have
not the statute has been
or
vating
question
circumstance
v.
the record
Godfrey Georgia,
supra,
submitted since
In
the
properly
applied.
been
support
it.
to
sufficient evidence
contained
that a
Supreme
United States
Court held
majority say:
which
cir-
aggravating
statute
embraced
relating
“The
to
extensive
evidence
describing
cumstance
the
as “outra-
offense
that
the
the
circumstance
aggravating
vile,
or
or inhu-
geously
wantonly
horrible
atrocious, heinous
especially
murder
man”
violative
the defendant’s
convincing
cruel,
the
na-
and
is of
most
Eighth
rights under
the
and Fourteenth
ture.”
HI heinous, m the atrocious cruel and features tures pity without affirmatively and —who killing. additionally displays a lack of base human of morality killing method is a Thus we —whose have held —as have the United the shock to conscience of all who would Supreme States Court and the Su- hear of it? If the evidence indicates that preme legislation Court after whose our the killer-defendant falls within the latter statute was “especially fashioned —that the category heinous, “especially atrocious heinous, aspects atrocious or cruel” the of —the or cruel” aggravating circumstance be crime must in fact shown to be acts be the injected into sentencing process. the If it of the defendant and acts be those must falls classification, into the former it may as may categorized such be as a special, not, because then the effect unusual would be to type and atrocious of so murder apply the the statute a way statute will not con- which would therefore be “impermissible sidered “impermissible vague,” vague” and and and Hopkin- thus viola- son v. supra. Eighth It follows that not all tive of the defendant’s and Four- of acts murder will fit the hei- teenth “especially rights Amendments as described by nous, description. atrocious or cruel” Con- Constitution, the Federal as well as his cor- cerning aggravating same circum- ollary Wyoming constitutional rights. God- stance, Supreme the Court of said Florida frey Georgia, supra. v. Fla., Dixon, (1973): in State So.2d “ * * * What is intended to be included THE CERTAIN RESUBMISSION OF AG- capital are those crimes where the actual GRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES capital commission of felony the ac- AMOUNTS TO DOUBLE JEOPARDY companied by such additional acts as to Appellant also claims that error occurred apart set crime from norm of of reason resubmission two statu- capital pit- felonies —the conscienceless or tory aggravating during circumstances iless crime which is unnecessarily tortu- second sentencing trial which jury rous to the victim.” penalty the first trial found be inap- had words, In other this aggravating circum- plicable to the Green murder.
stance jury insists that what consider sentencing In the aspect trial, sort of the first mentality presided it is that over the State jury acts with which the cir- submitted to the a total aggravating question eight cumstance in aggravating Was circumstances which associated. person sought prosecution this a who urged applicable out and killed his were to the victim absent death of Jeff In returning introduction attendant Green. the ver- pain death, emotional or physical suffering25 dict of found that four of —or—is the defendant not a killer but these circumstances were ap- a person also who depraved tor- plicable to the murder of Green.26 How- —who “ Godfrey Georgia, supra, ( ) 25. As in per- where the ‘1. The murder was committed giving imprisonment. United son States Court held the under sentence “ ‘( ) Applicable a similar the death of Vincent circumstance Ve- renders har. vague statute and overbroad thus violative “ ‘( ) Applicable Beverly to the death of Ve- rights Eighth of the defendant’s under the har. Fourteenth Amendments to the United States “ ‘( ) Applicable to the death of John Vehar. “ ‘(x) Applicable to the death of Jeff Green. Constitution. “ ( ) previously ‘2. The Defendant was con- Hopkinson State, supra, 632 P.2d at degree victed of another murder in the first or a 167-168, at the first triál felony involving the use or threat of violence to found: person. “ “ ‘We, jury, duly empaneled sworn ‘( ) Applicable to the death Vincent Ve- try the above cause do find the existence of har. “ following aggravating circumstances ‘( ) Applicable Beverly Ve- time of [Emphasis the murders: added.] har. “ (Check many spaces *( ) Applicable Items [in] to the death of John Vehar. “ through you find, only.) ‘(x) Applicable 8 as or check Item 9 to the death of Jeff Green. *63 to the ever, to circum- cable death of Jeff Green respect aggravating even the though jury rejected earlier had them. that the stances which provided 5 and of purpose the murder was committed for Hopkinson argues the resubmission arrest and avoiding a lawful preventing or these two statutory aggravating of circum- stances was error for the the pecuniary for reason the murder was committed rejection of their the first applicability by aggra- these the found that gain, first sentencing constituted of acquittal an applicable were not to vating circumstances and the was for- those circumstances Jeff Green. the murder of proving again by from them precluded ever death sen- After reversal of the first our proscriptions against jeopardy the double trial, for a tence and remand new Wyo- contained in the United States and five the State chose to submit statuto- agree. I ming Constitutions. circumstances. rily aggravating mandated against jeopardy double proscriptions The were the Included within those submitted to Fifth Amendment are embodied in the the murder aggravating circumstances that Art. United the States Constitution pur- Jeff was for the of committed Green Constitution, supra n. Wyoming 11 of the § a pose avoiding preventing of or lawful right The these consti- guaranteed 6.28 (§ 4-102(h)(v)), arrest and that the mur- 6— provisions guarantees that no indi- tutional gain was for pecuniary der committed than jeopardy vidual shall more put resubmission, (§ 6-4-102(h)(vi)). On the same offense. question the to once for two sentencing jury second found these cir- the af- protections be decided whether others,27 jeopardy of cumstances, appli- concept to be the double as well forded “ “ ) ( ) ‘( Applicable knowingly to the death of Jeff Green. ‘3. The Defendant created a “ great persons. heinous, ( ) especially death to more risk of two or was ‘7. The murder “ ‘(x) Applicable to the death of Vincent Ve- or atrocious cruel. “ har. ‘(x) Applicable Ve- to the death of Vincent “ Beverly Applicable to the death of Ve- ‘00 har. “ har. ‘(x) Beverly Applicable Ve- to the death of “ Applicable to the death of John Vehar. ‘00 har. “ “ ‘( ) Applicable to the of Jeff Green. death ‘(x) Applicable the death Vehar. to of John “ ( ) “ ‘4. murder was while committed the ‘(x) Applicable to the death of Jeff Green. engaged accomplice or an “ Defendant was was officer, ( ) judicial a for- ‘8. The murder of attempt in the commission of or an to commit officer, county judicial attorney, mer or former flight committing attempt or after or to commit county attorney during exer- or because of the assault, arson, any robbery, rape, bur- sexual duty. cise of his official glary, kidnapping piracy the or aircraft or un- “ ‘( ) Applicable Ve- to the death of Vincent throwing, placing, discharging lawful a har. destructive device or bomb. “ ) Beverly “ ‘( Applicable Ve- to the death of ‘(x) Applicable to the of Vincent Ve- death har. har. “ “ ) Applicable ‘( the death John Vehar. to ‘(x) Beverly Applicable the to death of Ve- “ )‘( Applicable to the death of Jeff Green. har. “ “ ( ) ‘9. No circumstances.” ‘(x) Applicable the of John Vehar. to death “ ‘(x) Applicable the of Jeff Green. to death “ sentencing jury concluded 27. The second also ( ) ‘5. was for the The murder committed person the was committed murder purpose avoiding preventing a lawful ar- imprisonment (§ 6-4- under sentence of custody. effecting escape rest of from [or] “ 102(h)(i)); previously con- ‘( ) was the defendant Applicable of Vincent Ve- death degree murder first har. victed another “ Beverly ‘( ) especially (§ 6-4-102(h)(ii)); Applicable Ve- murder death heinous, (§ 6-4-102(h)(vii)). har. atrocious or cruel “ '( ) Applicable of John Vehar. death “ ‘( ) Applicable of Jeff Green. to the death noted, double-jeopardy previously 28. As “ pecu- ( ) ‘6. for The murder committed ap- Amendment was made clause plicable the Fifth niary gain. through Fourteenth states “ ‘( ) Applicable of Vincent Ve- death Maryland, Benton Amendment. See: har. L.Ed.2d “ Beverly ‘( ) Applicable Ve- har. “ '( ) Applicable to the John Vehar. death of
H3 protections. are applicable circumstances. present protects It prosecu second question To is: tion for rephrase inquiry, the same acquittal. offense after It protects Can each set out against circumstance prosecution second for 6-4-102(h) be an offense same after considered offense conviction. And protects for purposes jeopardy? against I am of multiple punish double ments against (Footnotes dou- same opinion proscriptions offense.” omitted.) ble this case jeopardy apply to U.S. at *64 S.Ct. 2076. the cir- resubmission of two provided 6-4-102(h)(v)
cumstances
for
Both Pearce and DiFrancesco concerned
(vi)
appellant’s rights
guar-
violated
as
themselves
questions
with
of the double-
anteed
the double-jeopardy clauses.
jeopardy implications surrounding the sen-
tencing of criminal defendants.
Principles
Basic
Pearce,
In
supra,
North Carolina v.
the
Recently, in United States v. DiFrances
Supreme
United States
Court was faced
co,
117, 127-128,
426, 432,
449 U.S.
101 S.Ct.
with a challenge by a defendant
66
L.Ed.2d 328
the Supreme Court of
imposition
longer
of a
upon
sentence
recon-
the United
out
underlying
States set
the
viction which
petition-
came as a result of
concepts of the double-jeopardy clause:
er’s efforts to have his earlier conviction set
general design
“—The
of the Double
The question
aside.
the
confronting
Court
Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment was whether or not
imposition
the
is that described in Green v. United
greater sentence violated the double-jeopar-
States:
dy
claim,
rejecting petitioner’s
clause.
In
“ ‘The
prohibition
constitutional
princi-
then Justice Stewart noted several
against
“double
de-
jeopardy” was
ples regarding
double-jeopardy
the
clause
signed
protect
to
an individual from
sentencing:
and criminal-defendant
being subjected to the hazards of trial
“Long-established constitutional doctrine
possible
conviction more than once
that, beyond
requirement
makes clear
the
an alleged
offense....
The under-
discussed,
guarantee
already
against
idea,
lying
one
is deeply ingrained
double jeopardy imposes no restrictions
in at
the Anglo-American
least
system
upon
length
imposed
of a sentence
of jurisprudence,
is
the State with
1896,
upon reconviction.
least
At
since
all its
power
resources and
should not
Ball,
662,
when United
v.
163
States
U.S.
be
to
repeated attempts
allowed make
300,
1192,
decided,
41 L.Ed.
16 S.Ct.
an
to convict
alleged
individual for an
it has been settled that this constitutional
offense, thereby
him
subjecting
to em-
guarantee imposes no limitations whatev-
barrassment, expense and ordeal and
er
upon
power
retry
a defendant
compelling him to live in a continuing
getting
who has succeeded in
his first
anxiety
state of
insecurity,
as well
principle
‘The
conviction set aside.
enhancing
the possibility that even
preclude
does not
provision
though innocent he
be
may
found
a
retrying
Government’s
defendant
guilty.’
[184],
355
at
U.S.
187-188 [78
whose conviction is set aside because of
221,
223,
S.Ct.
at
ant’s
authorized,
dangerous special-
legally
court under the
sentence
district
than
greater
Organized
not
provisions
whether or
Crime
offender
the first convic-
imposed
sentence
after
Act of
3576. 449
18 U.S.C. §
Control
‘That a
conviction is
tion.
defendant’s
117, 101
426,
ardy clause
sentencing,
major-
realm of
imprison-
cepts
to life
ant,
sentenced
previously
Bulling-
characterize
case,
went on to
ity opinion
in a
obtained
capital
ment
in a different manner.
attempted
ton’s case
in which
state
new trial
The Missouri
penalty again.
impo-
seek the death
that resulted
procedure
“The
that double-
determined
Supreme
imprison-
Court
life
sentence of
sition of the
im-
preclude
did not
jeopardy principles
at his
Bullington
upon petitioner
ment
at retrial.
penalty
of the death
position
however,
significantly
trial,
differs
first
granted
Court
The United States
employed
from those
double-jeopardy
and held that the
Jeopardy
certiorari
where the Double
cases
Court’s
reimposition
clause barred
sen-
inapplicable
held
has been
Clause
trial.
petitioner’s
new
was not
jury in this case
tencing. The
discretion to select
unbounded
given
question,
majority
analyzing
a wide
from
punishment
appropriate
position
its
revisited
historical
Rather, a
by statute.
range authorized
when it said:
and was
hearing
required
separate
Double
“It
established that
is well
both a
held,
presented
the retrial of a
Clause forbids
Jeopardy
two alternatives and stan-
choice between
acquitted
defendant who has been
making of that choice.
guide
dards
v. DiFran
charged.
crime
United States
simply recom-
prosecution
Nor did
117, 129,
cesco,
449 U.S.
an appropriate
what it felt
to be
mend
(1980);
Burks
66 L.Ed.2d
*67
the burden of
It undertook
punishment.
States,
1, 16,
98 S.Ct.
United
U.S.
a rea-
beyond
certain .facts
establishing
2141, 2149,
(1978);
United
57 L.Ed.2d
to obtain the
quest
in its
sonable doubt
Co., 430
Supply
v. Martin Linen
States
verdicts.
of the two alternative
harsher
1354,
564, 571,
1349,
97 S.Ct.
U.S.
and,
hearing resembled
presentence
The
(1977); Fong
v.
L.Ed.2d
Foo United
respects was like
indeed, in all relevant
141,
671,
States,
369 U.S.
82 S.Ct.
trial on the
immediately preceding
the
(1962);
7 L.Ed.2d
Green v. Unit
It was itself
or innocence.
guilt
issue of
States,
221, 2
ed
355 U.S.
78 S.Ct.
so
punishment
the issue of
a trial on
Court, however,
(1957). This
L.Ed.2d 199
statutes.
by the Missouri
defined
precisely
attempts
prin
has
to extend that
resisted
contrast,
sentencing procedures
the
“In
sentencing.
imposition
to
The
of a
ciple
previous
cases
Court’s
considered
not
particular
usually
regard
sentence
is
the trial on
have the hallmarks of
did not
‘acquittal’
ed
an
more severe
”
* * *
(Footnote
or innocence.
guilt
imposed.
that could have been
sentence
added.) 101
emphasis
omitted
concluded,
generally
The
has
there
Court
at
fore,
Jeopardy
that
the Double
Clause
for us to note is that
important point
prohibition against
no absolute
The
imposes
sentencing procedures
death-penalty
the
of a harsher sentence at
the
imposition
legislature were
the Missouri
a defendant has succeeded in mandated
retrial after
trial
guilt
determination
original conviction set aside. more akin to
having his
sentencing
a normal
Pearce,
they were to
North
395 U.S.
than
See
Carolina
burden
prosecution’s
the
(1969). hearing
H7
prove
beyond
was to
its ease
a reasonable
the ‘anxiety and insecurity’ faced
aby
to
imposition
doubt
order warrant
penalty phase
defendant at the
of a Mis
sentencing
death
penalty.
the normal
capital
souri
surely
murder trial
are at
phase
prosecution’s
the
only burden was to
equivalent
least
to
that faced
any de
make a
appropri-
recommendation as to an
the guilt phase
fendant at
aof
criminal
ate sentence.
trial. The ‘unacceptably
risk
high
procedural
These
differences were
[prosecution],
the
superior
with its
re
enough
reject
the Court
to
“clean
sources,
defendant,’
would wear down a
approach urged by
slate”
of Mis-
State
id.,
129, 101 S.Ct.,
at
at
thereby lead
Rather,
souri. 101
at
1860-1861.
to an
imposed
erroneously
death sen
requiring
Court concluded that
state
tence, would exist
if
were to
State
provide
proof
applicability
of stat-
have a further opportunity to
convince
utory aggravating
beyond
circumstances
impose the ultimate punishment.
doubt,
reasonable
Missouri had chosen to
Missouri’s use of the reasonable doubt
require
death-penalty sentencing jury
capital
standard indicates that in a
sen
“to
prosecution
determine whether the
has
tencing proceeding,
it is the
”
‘proved its case.’
29. Of the decision in observation is not crucial to the decision since grounded procedures statutory required procedures closely Wyoming’s on the those model by legislature; however, jurisdictions. the Missouri such an of other those before it can yond answer- a reasonable doubt is, however, a not question There penalty puts upon the impose the death is of Bullington ed the decision in much the same kind jury capital in a case question, case. That present concern in the determining it has in a defend- duty noted, or not whether previously as I asks in requirements, The three guilt. ant’s precluded the clause double-jeopardy function, are like the jury’s terms of the aggravat- certain resubmitting from State offense all given elements of a criminal sentencing at the second ing circumstances be- jury of which the must find to exist cir- trial where those self-same doubt before it can yond a reasonable not to have had been found cumstances This makes our guilty return a verdict. first which had by the proven been more like a capital sentencing process I am of penalty. the death imposed like an ordi- guilt determination of than that, although left undecided opinion sentencing decision of nary discretionary inescapable conclusion Bullington, judge a trial such as that dealt with Bullington requires a reasoning that the look, therefore, DiFrancesco. We more rights against dou- finding appellant’s principles dealing jeopardy double the resubmis- jeopardy ble were violated convictions, many with criminal of which circumstances. sion of several DiFrancesco, were alluded to than of DiFrancesco itself. In oth- holding From Jurisdictions Authority Other Jeopardy the Double er words we believe though myriad death-penalty Even on the places some limitations Clause been handed down decisions have capital sentencing hearing in a new state jurisdictions, in other follow- highest courts error committed legal ordered because of few very the Furman decision of which a hearing from defendant double-jeopar- with the grips have come to appeals.” 275 at 482. successfully S.E.2d dy posed by appellant issue this case.’ setting After out this distinction —the same detailed thorough analysis The most important that is so to the deci- distinction from the question reported is that Bullington sion in North Carolina Su- —the North Carolina State protections that the preme Court concluded Silhan, supra, 275 S.E.2d double-jeopardy clause afforded under the Silhan, the North Carolina on the placed a number of limitations sought identify what can Supreme Court death power retry penalty state’s to a second and what cannot be resubmitted appeal. successful following the defendant’s when the first sentencing on remand opinion says: The im- has returned a verdict sentencing jury “Applying Jeopardy the Double Clause first posing penalty. opinion the death discussed, just we derive jurisprudence points proce- out that under North Carolina following principles applicable to our dures, prereq- as is Wyoming, the case sentencing procedure: The Double capital imposing the any jury uisite to decision Jeopardy is a limitation Clause prove the is that the State defendant’s, state’s, power pro- not the existence or of the selected applicability imposed fol- ceed. If a life sentence is beyond a rea- aggravating circumstances crime, capital for a lowing conviction sonable doubt. 275 at 482. S.E.2d may a new appeal state nor capital-sentencing procedure was also char- hearing be ordered on defend- sentencing to de- acterized in the same fashion used conviction even if the appeal ant’s of his *69 Bullington procedures scribe the Missouri was the result of trial error life sentence Missouri, supra death-penalty v. the to defendant. This would be favorable —that sentencing guilt-determi- trial is more like a having been tantamount to defendant’s sentencing than the normal phase nation penalty. upon the death If acquitted of hearing: appeal of a death sentence defendant’s “ * * * for a new sentenc- three case is remanded jury That the must find the prohibitions hearing, jeopardy double
specific ing must find them be- things and preclude remand, would not the 3. relying state from On the may rely State on any any aggravating on circumstance of aggravating circumstance submitted jury to the applica- which it offered sufficient evidence at the and determined to be ble appealed by jury from the is hearing and which for which there suffi- or, evidence; cient jury either not then submitted to the submitted, if the found it to jury then remand, 4. On may rely State not on jeopardy exist. The a double dictates aggravating circumstance [of] determined relying on preclude would the state from be supported to not by sufficient evi- dence; of which it aggravating circumstance evidence at the hear- offered insufficient remand, 5. On rely State on appealed from. This would tanta- any aggravating circumstance previously having mount to state’s offered insuf- it, submitted to the jury, by considered ficient evidence of an essential element of jury which the as being failed find state, a criminal offense which case the applicable. because of double jeopardy considera- agree I every each and restriction tions, retry could not even defendant Silhan, supra, because, set out in State as if it had sufficient evidence which could concluded, the court they by are mandated at be offered a new trial. Similarly of jeopardy. dictates double prohibition against jeopardy double Restriction No. 5 above is the one which preclude relying, would the state from at applicable is to appellant’s case. That re- sentencing hearing, any aggra- a new on says striction it was error for the State vating circumstance the existence of rely aggravating on the two circumstanc- which the jury hearing appealed at the 6-4-102(h)(v) (vi) es mandated at § from, it, upon considering failed find. sentencing hearing the second because the jury’s failure to find the existence of had State submitted them to the first jury, circumstance, the aggravating after inapplicable which had found them it, had considered would be tantamount rejection death Jeff Green. This having to defendant’s acquitted been jury acquittal first became an of those ag- (Emphasis added.) this circumstance.’’ gravating circumstances. This conclusionis S.E.2d 482. because, inescapable Wyoming under the The restrictions mandated the double- 4—102), statutory (§ jury scheme for a 6— jeopardy according clause decision in impose the death penalty State must Silhan, are: supra, State doubt, prove beyond a reasonable Imposition 1. of a life sentence after a conclude, need jury only existence trial penalty forever precludes statutory death — the State from aggravating one circumstance. seeking death an ap- Thus, each of the circumstanc- (defendant propriate punishment30 is 6-4-102(h) es listed in all respects is § “acquitted” deemed penal- death similar to a crime offense for which ty); Therefore, appel- there is one element. new charge
2. On remand
lant’s first case
chose
sentencing
the State
hearing31
may rely
any ag-
try
eight
on
the offenses
gravating
6-4-102(h),
circumstance not
listed in
previously
but
found
submitted to the
there
appellant guilty
for which
four of them32
evidence;
being
impose
sufficient
—each one
sufficient to
restriction,
course,
decision,
exactly
This
what
sentence
rather
than reversal on
grounds
support
the United States
Court concluded a
evidence to
im-
insufficient
Missouri,
Bullington
position
short time later in
su-
itself.
pra.
rely on
32.On retrial the State chose not to
two
appellate
31. This
out
would arise
of an
court
inappli-
other
circumstances found
legal
decision that trial or
requiring
error had occurred
jury.
cable
the initial
setting
jury’s
aside of
death-
*70
120
hearing
“At the
of at least
regarding
resentencing
the rules
Under
as a sentence.33
aggra-
of
Silhan,
appellants,
one
evidence
supra34
in
v.
jeopardy
double
State
vating circumstances was introduced that
reversal
respects,
in all
adopt
which I would
sen-
had not been introduced at the first
re-
sentence is
latest
appellant’s
Valencia,
tencing hearing.
v.
124
State
ag-
of two
the resubmission
quired because
(1979) (evidence
Ariz.
gravating circumstances
appellant
that
was convicted of another
against
proscription
jury violated
prior
hearing).
light
after the first
crime
conclusion is man-
This
jeopardy.
double
change
that
the Watson
finding
our
Amendment to the
Fifth
dated
both
proce-
section 13-454 is
interpretation of
and Art.
11§
United States Constitution
ameliorative,
light of
and in
dural and
said in
Constitution. We
Wyoming
finding
Bullington
distinguish-
is
our
that
P.2d
Vigil
Wyo.,
v.
able,
does not constitute
we hold that this
(1977):
resentencing hearing
A
jeopardy.
double
“ * * *
jeop-
double
respective
While the
aggravat-
of both
any
at which
evidence
Wyoming
State
ardy provisions
is re-
mitigating
circumstances
ing
Fifth Amendment
and the
Constitution
consti-
appellants’
does not violate
ceived
are dissimilar
Constitution
to the Federal
de-
if the evidence
rights,
tutional
even
meaning
have the same
language, they
origi-
véloped or was discovered after
application.”
are coextensive in
hearing or was not intro-
sentencing
nal
some other
reason.”
duced there for
Conclusion
Majority’s
The
Erroneous
added.)
port superficial, illogical the conclusions is corporation, U.S., d/b/a AIR contrary underlying to the rationale Appellant (Defendant), Missouri, in Bullington the decision v. su pra. I am treat convinced that question ment of the consider which merits AVIONICS, INC., Wyoming WYOMING opinion Silhan, ation is the su State corporation, Appellee (Plaintiff). pra. Supreme There the North Carolina No. 5845. carefully, logically conclusively proper question. came to a resolution of the Court of Wyoming. court, the majority Unlike of this I find June that reversible error was committed when permitted to submit two aforementioned circumstances which an earlier had
rejected after careful consideration. To do appellant’s
so right violated under dou-
ble-jeopardy clause of the States United
and Wyoming Constitutions.
THE DEATH PENALTY IS
UNCONSTITUTIONAL
My reversing final reason for appellant’s I sentence stems from what said in
my opinion first in this case. Hopkinson
State, supra,
fully
set view out that the death
unconstitutional Art. violative of Art. 1. Wyoming 15 of the
§ I
Constitution.
tinue hold those rely and will respect
what I have previously said with
the constitutional issue.
ORDER DENYING APPELLANT’S PRO
SE FOR MOTION CONSIDERATION
OF PLAIN ERROR
For the reasons stated in Part XI date,
court’s of this opinion it is
ORDERED that appellant’s Motion
Proof, Showing For Consideration In Palin Existed, Proper- Error Which Was Not
[sic] be,
ly is, In Briefs Argument Shown Or
denied.
