IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
IN AND FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY
STATE OF DELAWARE )
)
V. ) I.D. No. 0611014197
)
MARK HOWARD )
)
Defendant. )
Date Submitted: August 4, 2014
Date Decided: October 27, 2014
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Cari Chapman, Esq., Department of Justice, Wilmington, Delaware. Attorney for the State.
Christopher S. Koyste, Esq., Wilmington, Delaware. Attorney for Defendant.
Upon Consideration of Defendant’s
Amended Motion for Postconviction Relief
Pursuant to Superior Court Criminal Rule 61
DENIED
DAVIS, J.
On this 27th day of October 2014, the Court has considered the Amended Rule 61 Motion
for Postconviction Relief filed by Defendant. After a review of the record in this case, it appears
that:
TRIAL, CONVICTION AND SENTENCING
1. Mr. Howard was a member of the same church as JW and her two sons, JK and
BK (collectively, the “boys”). 1 Mr. Howard, JW, and the boys became friends. 2 In late 2005
and early 2006, Mr. Howard and JK, then fourteen years old, began spending a significant
1
Howard v. State, 981 A.2d 1172 *1 (Del. 2009).
2
Id.
amount of time together. 3 Specifically, Mr. Howard and JK would frequently go mountain
biking. 4
2. Mr. Howard and the boys developed a relationship during the spring and summer
of 2006. 5 JK and BK began staying at Mr. Howard’s home overnight. 6 BK was twelve years old
at the time. 7 Mr. Howard expressed a desire to be a father figure to JK and BK, and encouraged
the boys to call him “dad.” 8 JK testified that, during the spring of 2006, Mr. Howard promised
that he would pay for him to attend private school, pay for his college education, and give him a
car. 9 JK also testified that Mr. Howard promised to designate JK and BK as the beneficiaries on
his life insurance policy. 10 Further, JK testified that Mr. Howard walked around his apartment in
the nude, asked him questions about his sexual preferences, and discussed masturbation with
him. 11
3. Mr. Howard denied walking around his apartment in the nude. 12 Mr. Howard did
however admit to walking naked from his bedroom to the bathroom while the boys were
present. 13 Mr. Howard also admits to telling JK that it was okay to masturbate and that everyone
did it. 14
4. During the summer of 2006 Mr. Howard and JK began tracking their muscle
growth by measuring various muscles for one another. 15 JK alleges that Mr. Howard pulled
3
Id.
4
Id.
5
Id.
6
Id.
7
Id.
8
Id.
9
Id.
10
Id.
11
Id.
12
Trial Tr., 187:4-7, June 11, 2008.
13
Id.
14
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *1.
15
Id. at *2.
2
down JK’s pants and exposed his genitals on one occasion while measuring muscle growth. 16 In
addition to tracking muscle growth, Mr. Howard and JK gave each other massages following
their bike rides. 17 Mr. Howard claims that the massages were performed in order to remove
lactic acid after mountain biking. 18 JK alleges that Mr. Howard pulled down JK’s boxers and
rubbed his buttocks on two separate occasions during these massages. 19 BK asserts that Howard
massaged him on two occasions and rubbed BK’s inner thighs near his penis. 20
5. Both JK and BK testified that Mr. Howard made inappropriate bets with them. 21
JK stated that Mr. Howard offered him twenty dollars on at least ten separate occasions to “moon
ride”. 22 According to JK, “moon ride” is the term that Mr. Howard used to describe riding a
bicycle with one’s bare buttocks exposed. 23 JK further testified that Mr. Howard dared JK to sit
on his deck for a minute in the nude. On another occasion, Mr. Howard dared JK to perform ten
pushups while naked on the deck. 24 JK also stated that Mr. Howard offered him money to sit
naked on a rock in the middle of a creek and to swim across a river in the nude. 25 BK testified
that Mr. Howard also offered him money to swim naked. 26 Both JK and BK said that they
accepted the money from Mr. Howard in exchange for swimming in the nude. 27 According to
the boys, Mr. Howard described this type of behavior as part of a normal father-son relationship,
but he advised them not to tell anyone, because other people might get the wrong idea. 28
16
Id.
17
Id.
18
Id.
19
Id.
20
Id.
21
Trial Tr., 26:23-27:1, 105:13-107:3, June 5, 2008.
22
Id. at 27:2-28:7.
23
Id. at 27:4-28:12.
24
Id. at 29:1-6.
25
Id. at 29:12-32:20.
26
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *2.
27
Id.
28
Id.
3
6. On June 13, 2008, a jury convicted Mr. Howard of two counts of Sexual
Solicitation of a Child, Unlawful Sexual Contact in the Second Degree, Attempted Sexual
Contact in the Third Degree, and nine counts of Indecent Exposure in the First Degree. Mr.
Howard was sentenced on August 1, 2008.
7. Mr. Howard filed a Notice of Appeal with the Supreme Court of Delaware on
August 7, 2008. The Delaware Supreme Court opinion provides that Mr. Howard raised the
following four claims of error on direct appeal: (1) 11 Del. C. § 1112A (Sexual Solicitation of a
Child) violates the free speech guarantee of the First Amendment; (2) 11 Del. C. § 1103(e)(3)
(defining “masturbation” as a prohibited sexual act) is void for vagueness; (3) all counts of the
indictment were fatally defective due to lack of specificity; and (4) there was insufficient
evidence to support a conviction on the Sexual Solicitation of a Child charges. 29 The Supreme
Court affirmed Mr. Howard’s conviction on September 22, 2009.
MR. HOWARD’S RULE 61 MOTION AND CLAIMS FOR RELIEF
8. On September 21, 2009, Mr. Howard timely filed a pro se motion for
postconviction relief. On November 30, 2010, Mr. Howard’s trial attorney (“Trial Counsel”)
filed an affidavit (the “Affidavit”) in response to Mr. Howard’s pro se Motion. On January 13,
2012, the Commissioner recommended a denial of all claims. Mr. Howard appealed the
Commissioner’s Findings of Fact and Recommendations on February 24, 2012. On February 28,
2012, the Superior Court adopted the Commissioner’s recommendation and denied Mr.
Howard’s pro se motion for postconviction relief.
9. On August 19, 2013, the Supreme Court remanded this case to the Superior Court
with instructions to appoint counsel and permit the filing of an amended motion for
29
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *1.
4
postconviction relief. On December 12, this Court appointed Christopher S. Koyste, Esquire as
counsel for Mr. Howard.
10. On May 5, 2014, Mr. Howard submitted the Amended Rule 61 Motion for
Postconviction Relief (the “Amended Motion”). On May 27, 2014, the State filed its answer to
the Amended Motion. Mr. Howard filed a reply to the State’s answer on June 16, 2014.
11. In his Amended Motion, Mr. Howard raises seven grounds for relief: (1) failure
by the trial court to offer a unanimity instruction; (2) failure by Trial Counsel to request a
unanimity instruction; (3) failure by Trial Counsel to file a motion for reargument; (4) failure by
Trial Counsel to file a bill of particulars; (5) failure by Trial Counsel to properly advise Mr.
Howard of his right to testify; (6) failure by Trial Counsel to limit prior bad acts and request a
limiting instruction; and (7) denial of Mr. Howard’s constitutional right to a fair trial as a result
of cumulative due process error. 30
LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SUPERIOR COURT CRIMINAL RULE 61
12. Before addressing the merits of a Rule 61 motion for postconviction relief, the
Court must first determine whether Mr. Howard has satisfied the procedural requirements of
Superior Court Criminal Rule 61. 31 Rule 61(i) establishes four procedural bars to postconviction
relief: (1) a motion for postconviction relief may not be filed more than one year after the
judgment of conviction is final; (2) any ground for relief not asserted in a prior postconviction
proceeding is barred; (3) any ground for relief not asserted in the proceedings leading to the
judgment of conviction is barred; and (4) any ground for relief previously adjudicated in any
proceeding is barred. 32
30
Def.’s Am. Mot. at i-ii.
31
Younger v. State, 580 A.2d 552, 554 (Del. 1990).
32
Super. Ct. Crim. R. 61(i).
5
13. The procedural bars contained in Rule 61 (i)(1-4) may be rescinded only if there
is a means by which to do so in the applicable subsection of Rule 61. 33 Absent such relief, Rule
61 (i)(5) provides additional reprieve from the procedural bars described in Rule 61 (i)(1-3). 34
Under Rule 61 (i)(5), “[t]he bars to relief in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subdivision shall
not apply to a claim that the court lacked jurisdiction or to a colorable claim that there was a
miscarriage of justice because of a constitutional violation that undermined the fundamental
legality, reliability, integrity or fairness of the proceedings leading to the judgment of
conviction.” 35
LEGAL ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION TO CLAIMS IN RULE 61 MOTION
14. Mr. Howard’s original pro se postconviction motion was timely filed, not more
than one year from the date of the judgment of conviction. Because Mr. Howard’s original
motion was timely filed, and because the Supreme Court has granted Mr. Howard and court
appointed counsel permission to file the Amended Motion, the Amended Motion is not
procedurally barred under Rule 61 (i)(1).
15. The Amended Motion is Mr. Howard’s first motion for postconviction relief with
the appointment of counsel, thereby avoiding the procedural bar of Rule 61 (i)(2).
16. In his first claim, Mr. Howard asserts that he is entitled to relief because the trial
court failed to offer a unanimity instruction. This argument was raised on direct appeal, and is
not procedurally barred under Rule 61 (i)(3), however, it will be further discussed below with
respect to the procedural bar of Rule 61 (i)(4). Claims two through six of the Amended Motion
all allege ineffective assistance of counsel. Mr. Howard did not raise any of his claims related to
ineffective assistance of counsel in the proceedings leading to the judgment of conviction.
33
State v. MacDonald, 2007 WL 1378332 *4 (Del. Super., May 9, 2007).
34
Id.
35
Super. Ct. Crim. R. 61(i)(5).
6
However, because the Delaware Supreme Court has declined to hear these claims on direct
appeal, the first opportunity to bring such a claim is on application for postconviction relief. 36
17. A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel may overcome the procedural bar set
forth in Rule 61(i)(3) under Rule 61(i)(5), by qualifying as a constitutional violation that
undermines the fundamental legality, reliability, integrity or fairness of a proceeding. 37 Mere
conclusory assertions of ineffectiveness of counsel are insufficient. Instead, a movant must
make concrete allegations of counsel’s ineffectiveness in order to survive summary dismissal. 38
In his Amended Motion, Mr. Howard supports each of his claims alleging ineffective assistance
of counsel with specific allegations. The Court finds that Mr. Howard’s allegations are not
merely conclusory and will consider the merits of these claims.
18. In his final claim, Mr. Howard alleges a denial of his constitutional right to a fair
trial resulting from cumulative due process error. Mr. Howard asserts that the cumulative effect
of grounds one through six set forth in the Amended Motion deprived him of a fair trial. This
claim falls under the Rule 61(i)(5) exception to the Rule 61(i)(3) bar, as it alleges a constitutional
violation that undermines the fundamental legality, reliability, integrity or fairness of a
proceeding.
19. In the footnotes of the Supreme Court opinion, the Court states -- “In his briefs
[Mr.] Howard claims that it was plain error for the Superior Court to fail to give, sua sponte, a
single theory unanimity jury instruction on the Sexual Solicitation charges. At oral argument,
[Mr.] Howard’s counsel withdrew that argument, and we do not consider it.” 39 In the Amended
Motion, Mr. Howard asserts that he never withdrew this claim at oral argument, and that the
36
State v. Gattis, 1995 WL 790961 *3 (Del. Super., Dec. 28, 1995).
37
MacDonald, 2007 WL 1378332 at *4.
38
Younger, 580 A.2d 552, 556.
39
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172, *3 n. 2.
7
Supreme Court mistook Mr. Howard’s withdrawal of his insufficiency of evidence argument for
the trial court’s failure to give a unanimity instruction argument. 40 In their reply to Mr.
Howard’s Amended Motion, the State contends that the Supreme Court addressed Mr. Howard’s
juror unanimity instruction argument and found it to be without merit. 41
20. A review of the Supreme Court oral argument transcript reveals that the Court did
in fact erroneously conclude that Mr. Howard withdrew his juror unanimity instruction
argument. At oral argument, counsel for Mr. Howard stated, “[t]he second and main focus of my
argument is Probst unanimity argument. And the third argument that I have, insufficient
evidence I’m withdrawing because I realize I look at it too narrowly…” 42 Mr. Howard argues
that due to this clear error, he was deprived of a just ruling on appeal, and is entitled to the
interest of justice exception under Rule 61(i)(4).
21. Rule 61(i)(4) provides that, “[a]ny ground for relief that was formerly
adjudicated, whether in the proceedings leading to the judgment of conviction, in an appeal, in a
postconviction proceeding, or in a federal habeas corpus proceeding, is thereafter barred, unless
reconsideration of the claim is warranted in the interest of justice.” 43 This claim was not
formerly adjudicated; rather, it was mistakenly regarded as withdrawn and was not considered.
Mr. Howard argues that the interest of justice exception is still applicable. In support of his
argument, Mr. Howard relies on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Weedon v. State. In Weedon, the
Court determined the scope of the “interest of justice” exception, finding that there are two
exceptions to the “law of case” doctrine. 44 The Supreme Court held that “the doctrine does not
apply when the previous ruling was clearly in error or there has been an important change in
40
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 12-13.
41
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 6.
42
Tr. of Oral Argument at 1, Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 (Del. 2009).
43
Super. Ct. Crim. R. 61(i)(4).
44
Weedon v. State, 750 A.2d 521, 528 (Del. 2000).
8
circumstances, in particular, the factual basis for issues previously posed.” It is evident from the
oral argument transcript that Mr. Howard did not withdraw his claim that the trial court erred by
failing to give a juror unanimity instruction. The Supreme Court’s failure to consider this claim
was done clearly in error. As such, the interest of justice exception will apply. The Amended
Motion has overcome the procedural bars of Rule 61, and therefore, this Court will consider the
merits of Mr. Howard’s claims.
22. Where a defendant fails to request a specific jury instruction, a claim that the trial
court erred by not offering the instruction is reviewed for plain error. 45 “Under the plain error
standard of review, the error complained of must be so clearly prejudicial to substantial rights as
to jeopardize the fairness and integrity of the trial process.” 46 “Furthermore, the doctrine of plain
error is limited to material defects which are apparent on the face of the record; which are basic,
serious and fundamental in their character, and which clearly deprive an accused of a substantial
right, or which clearly show manifest injustice.” 47
23. “[A] general unanimity instruction typically suffices to insure that the jury is
unanimous on the factual basis for a conviction.” 48 A general unanimity instruction is
inadequate when a case presents factors that could potentially confuse the jury. 49 The following
three factors must be present in order to require that the court offer a single theory unanimity
instruction: “(1) a jury is instructed that the commission of any one of several alternative actions
45
Dougherty v. State, 21 A.3d 1, 3 (Del. 2011) (citing Turner v. State, 5 A.3d 612, 615 (Del. 2010) (quoting
Wainwright v. State, 504 A.2d 1096, 1100 (Del. 1986)).
46
Turner v. State, 5 A.3d 612, 615 (Del. 2010) (quoting Wainwright, 504 A.2d 1096, 1100 (Del. 1986); Dutton v.
State, 452 A.2d 127, 146 (Del. 1982)).
47
Id. (quoting Wainwright, 504 A.2d at 1100; Bromwell v. State, 427 A.2d 884, 893 n. 12 (Del. 1981)).
48
Dougherty, 21 A.3d at 3.
49
Probst v. State, 547 A.2d 114, 120 (Del. 1988).
9
would subject the defendant to criminal liability, (2) the actions are conceptually different[,] and
(3) the State has presented evidence on each of the alternatives.” 50
24. Ground One: Mr. Howard contends that the trial court committed reversible
error by failing to offer, sua sponte, a single theory unanimity instruction. 51 The trial court’s
jury instruction on sexual solicitation of a child included a recitation of both the sexual
solicitation of a child statute and the prohibited sexual acts statute. 52 Mr. Howard argues that
both statutes established that the jury could find him guilty on alternative prohibited acts. 53 Mr.
Howard relies on the Delaware Supreme Court’s ruling in Probst to support this argument. 54
Mr. Howard further claims that the trial court was required to give a single theory unanimity
instruction because the State presented and argued multiple conceptually different acts for each
count of the indictment. 55
25. The State claims that this case is entirely distinguishable from Probst. 56 The State
argues that in Probst, there were two theories of liability presented by the State, each requiring
proof of different elements and describing different conduct. 57 The State contends that in the
present case, the theory of liability was the same for each of the five sexual solicitation charges,
and that there is no evidence of juror confusion as to which prohibited act was alleged to have
been committed with respect to each sexual solicitation charge. 58 In support of this contention,
50
Id. at 121 (quoting State v. Edwards, 524 A.2d 648, 653 (Conn. App. Ct. 1987)).
51
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 11.
52
Trial Tr., 5:12-7:9, June 12, 2008.
53
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 14.
54
Id. at 13-14.
55
Id. at 16.
56
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 10.
57
Id.
58
Id.
10
the State points to the fact that the jury only convicted Mr. Howard on two of the five sexual
solicitation charges. 59
26. Trial Counsel does not address whether the trial court committed error by failing
to offer a single theory unanimity instruction. Mr. Howard’s original pro se postconviction
motion did not include this ground for relief, and Trial Counsel has only submitted an Affidavit
in response to the original motion.
27. After reviewing the parties’ submissions and the record of the case, the Court
finds that the trial court was not required to offer a single theory unanimity instruction. As stated
above, Mr. Howard relies on the decision in Probst to support his argument that such an
instruction was necessary. The Probst case involves a property dispute that led to a shooting
incident between two neighbors, Ruth Ann Probst and Frank Walla, resulting in Ms. Probst
facing charges. 60 With regard to the charge of second degree assault, the State argued two
theories of liability. 61 First, the State argued that Ms. Probst shot Mr. Walla herself. 62 Second,
the State contended that Ms. Probst’s brother, James Miller, shot Mr. Walla at the request of Ms.
Probst. 63 The jury was given instruction on both direct and accomplice liability. 64 Ms. Probst
was ultimately convicted of assault in the second degree. 65 In Probst, the jury was not required
to indicate whether they reached their verdict based on the theory of direct or accomplice
liability. 66 Therefore, the jury could potentially reach a guilty verdict with some jurors finding
Ms. Probst guilty under the theory of accomplice liability, and others concluding that she was
directly liable.
59
Id.
60
Probst, 547 A.2d at 115-16.
61
Id. at 118.
62
Id. at 117-18.
63
Id. at 118.
64
Id.
65
Id. at 115.
66
Id. at 120-21.
11
28. In the present case, the State’s single theory of liability on each charge of sexual
solicitation of a minor is unequivocal and creates no potential for juror confusion. On four of the
five counts of sexual solicitation, the State argued that Mr. Howard offered money to JK and BK
if they would expose themselves. 67 As to the final count, the State argued that Mr. Howard
asked BK if he wanted to take off his pants and allow Mr. Howard to make sure everything was
okay down there. 68 On each of the five counts of sexual solicitation, Mr. Howard attempted to
cause the same prohibited sexual act—nudity. Moreover, the acts presented and argued by the
State were not conceptually different. With regard to the sexual solicitation charges, the
evidence presented by the State showed that Mr. Howard solicited JK and BK to expose
themselves, and he did so by making bets or offering assistance. These acts presented and
argued by the State demonstrated coercive techniques employed by Mr. Howard as a means by
which to convince JK and BK to expose themselves. Conceptually, these acts are not different. 69
The same is true regarding the acts presented and argued by the State with respect to all other
counts of the indictment. The Court finds that the error complained of is not so clearly
prejudicial to Mr. Howard’s substantial rights as to jeopardize the fairness and integrity of the
trial process.
29. The standard used to evaluate a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is the
two-pronged test articulated by the United States Supreme Court in Strickland v. Washington,
and adopted by the Delaware Supreme Court in Albury v. State. 70 Under Strickland, the
defendant “must establish both (1) deficient performance by trial counsel and (2) prejudice
67
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *3.
68
Id.
69
See, Pierce v. State, 911 A.2d 793, 798 (Del. 2006).
70
State v. Sykes, 2014 WL 619503 *12 (Del. Super., Jan 21, 2014) (citing Flamer v. State, 585 A.2d 736, 754 (Del.
1990)); State v. Gattis, 1995 WL 790961 *3 (Del. Super., Dec. 28, 1995).
12
suffered as a result of the deficient performance.” 71 Failure to establish either prong of the test
will result in a denial of the defendant’s claim for relief. 72
30. In order to satisfy the first prong of the Strickland test, the defendant must
demonstrate that counsel’s performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. 73
There is no exact standard used to determine reasonably effective assistance of counsel, rather,
performance is measured under prevailing professional norms. 74 “Prevailing norms of practice as
reflected in American Bar Association standards and the like…are guides to determining what is
reasonable, but they are only guides.” 75 In Strickland, the United States Supreme Court
recognized that there is more than one way for counsel to provide effective assistance in any
given case, noting that equally competent attorneys may tactically approach the same case in a
different manner. 76 Moreover, the movant must overcome a strong presumption that counsel’s
performance was within the “wide range of reasonable professional assistance.” 77
31. The second prong of the Strickland test requires that the defendant prove that it is
reasonably probable that, but for the mistakes of counsel, “the factfinder would have had a
reasonable doubt respecting guilt.” 78 In Strickland, the United States Supreme Court defined
reasonable probability as “a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” 79 In
determining whether the defendant suffered prejudice as a result of ineffective assistance of
counsel, this Court must consider the “totality of the evidence before the judge or jury.” 80 The
showing of prejudice is essential to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, and thus, the
71
Id. (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984)).
72
Id. (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697).
73
Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 688 (1984).
74
Sykes, 2014 WL 619503 at *13 (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688).
75
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688.
76
Id. at 689.
77
Gattis, 1995 WL 790961 at *4 (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689).
78
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 695.
79
Id. at 694.
80
Id. at 695.
13
court in Strickland stated “[i]f it is easier to dispose of an ineffectiveness claim on the ground of
lack of sufficient prejudice, which we expect will often be so, that course should be followed.” 81
Furthermore, “[i]f the defendant fails to ‘state with particularity the nature of the prejudice
experienced,’ such failure is ‘fatal to a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.’” 82
32. Ground Two: Mr. Howard contends that Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing
to request a single theory unanimity instruction on any of the charges. 83 Mr. Howard claims that
the State presented multiple conceptually different acts with respect to each count of the
indictment, and as such, a single theory unanimity instruction should have been applied to each
count. 84
33. In his Affidavit, Trial Counsel agrees with Mr. Howard’s second ground for relief
and admits that a request should have been made for a unanimity instruction. 85 Trial Counsel
asserts that because the term “prohibited sexual act” includes twelve different forms of conduct,
and the jury was not given a single theory unanimity instruction, they were permitted to
determine that a prohibited sexual act had occurred without all jurors agreeing as to which
prohibited act had been committed. 86
34. The State’s response to Mr. Howard’s second ground for relief mirrors their
response to his first claim. The State maintains that this case is entirely distinguishable from
Probst and argues that a specific unanimity instruction was not necessary as this case presented
no evidence of juror confusion in evaluating any of the charges. 87
81
Id. at 697.
82
Sykes, 2014 WL 619503 at *13 (citing Dawson v. State, 673 A.2d 1186 at 1196 (Del. 1996).
83
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 20.
84
Id. at 21.
85
Trial Counsel’s Aff. at 1.
86
Id. at 1-2.
87
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 10.
14
35. After reviewing the parties’ submissions and the record of the case, the Court
finds that Mr. Howard has failed to show that Trial Counsel’s conduct fell below an objective
standard of reasonableness. As stated above, this Court finds that the State did not present and
argue conceptually different acts with respect to each charge of the indictment, and therefore, a
specific unanimity instruction was not necessary. Because this instruction was not necessary,
Trial Counsel’s failure to request such an instruction does not constitute ineffective assistance of
counsel.
36. Ground Three: Mr. Howard argues that Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing
to file a motion for reargument before the Supreme Court with respect to his claim that the trial
court erred by failing to issue a single theory unanimity instruction to the jury. 88 Mr. Howard
argues that the trial court’s failure to offer a unanimity instruction was his strongest claim on
appeal, and because the Supreme Court erroneously concluded that this claim was withdrawn at
oral argument, he was deprived of a just ruling. 89 Mr. Howard contends that there is a
reasonable probability that he would have received a different result on direct appeal had counsel
not failed to file a motion for reargument. 90
37. Trial Counsel’s Affidavit does not address Mr. Howard’s third claim. Mr.
Howard’s original pro se postconviction motion did not include this ground for relief, and Trial
Counsel has only submitted an Affidavit in response to the original motion.
38. The State contends that even if reargument had been granted it is highly unlikely
that the outcome of Mr. Howard’s appeal would have been different. 91
88
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 22.
89
Id. at 23-24.
90
Id. at 24.
91
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 11.
15
39. After consideration of the parties’ submissions and the record of the case, the
Court finds that Mr. Howard has failed to provide any factual basis to support his contention that
but for counsel’s failure to file a motion for reargument there is a reasonable probability that
there would have been a different result on appeal. Even if a motion for reargument was filed
and granted, it is unlikely that the outcome would have changed. As stated above, this Court has
determined that the trial court was not required to offer a single theory unanimity instruction.
The record of the case does not demonstrate the existence of any potential for jury confusion.
Furthermore, Mr. Howard fails to establish the presence of all three factors necessary to require
that the trial court offer a single theory unanimity instruction. Mr. Howard has not substantiated
his claim that had counsel moved for reargument it is reasonably probable that the outcome of
his appeal would have been different. Instead, Mr. Howard argues that mere consideration of the
merits creates a reasonable probability that the outcome would have changed. This Court finds
that Mr. Howard has failed to establish actual prejudice under the second prong of the Strickland
test.
40. Ground Four: Mr. Howard contends that Trial Counsel was ineffective for
failing to file a bill of particulars. 92 Mr. Howard argues that the indictment did not clearly
identify the factual circumstances and alleged victim related to each charge. 93 Mr. Howard
claims that he suffered prejudice because JK and BK testified to a number of incidents involving
bets, massages, and indecent exposures which outnumbered the counts in the indictment. 94 Mr.
Howard further contends that Trial Counsel’s failure to request a bill of particulars led to Trial
Counsel operating under the mistaken belief that Mr. Howard was indicted on charges related to
92
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 25.
93
Id. at 27.
94
Id. at 29.
16
masturbation. 95 Mr. Howard argues that this mistaken belief rendered Trial Counsel ineffective
as he was unable to develop a sound trial strategy. 96
41. In his Affidavit, Trial Counsel characterizes this claim as the “flip side” of Mr.
Howard’s claim concerning counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to request a single theory
unanimity charge. 97 Trial Counsel explains that he conceded that a unanimity instruction should
have been requested and given, thereby making it unnecessary to request a bill of particulars. 98
Simply put, Trial Counsel states “[t]he movant can’t have it both ways.” 99
42. In response, the State argues that there was no need for a bill of particulars
because the indictment offered Mr. Howard sufficient notice of the crimes for which he was
being charged. 100 The State cites Malloy v. State in support of this argument. In Malloy, the
Delaware Supreme Court held that “[a] claim that the indictment was defective will be
unavailing unless the indictment cannot, by the most liberal construction, be said to have
imparted notice to [the defendant].” 101
43. On direct appeal, Mr. Howard argued that the indictment was fatally defective. 102
The Supreme Court addressed this issue and states the following in their opinion: “[Mr.] Howard
was charged with five counts of Sexual Solicitation, but the State introduced evidence of ten.
The indictment and trial record together establish what [Mr.] Howard was being prosecuted for,
and are sufficient to bar subsequent prosecution for the same offenses.” 103 The Supreme Court
has determined that the indictment provided Mr. Howard with sufficient notice of the crimes
95
Id. at 28.
96
Id. at 28-29.
97
Trial Counsel’s Aff. at 6.
98
Id.
99
Id.
100
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 11.
101
Malloy v. State, 462 A.2d 1088, 1093 (Del. 1983).
102
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *1.
103
Id. at *4.
17
charged against him. Therefore, Trial Counsel’s decision to opt out of requesting a bill of
particulars does not qualify as performance that falls below an objective standard of
reasonableness. This claim fails to establish the first prong of the Strickland test and, therefore,
lacks merit.
44. Ground Five: Mr. Howard contends that Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing
to properly advise him of his right to testify or remain silent. 104 Mr. Howard asserts that it is
reasonable to infer that the jury’s findings of guilt resulted from his admissions on the stand. 105
Mr. Howard argues that had Trial Counsel properly advised him of the risks of testifying he
would not have testified. 106
45. In response, Trial Counsel admits that he never advised Mr. Howard that offering
money to children to expose themselves could constitute a prohibited sexual act, nor did he
discuss with him the pros and cons of electing not to testify. Trial Counsel admits that these
discussions should have taken place. 107
46. In response, the State contends that Mr. Howard was properly advised of his right
to testify or remain silent, because the court reviews this right with all defendants by way of a
colloquy. 108 The State asserts that Mr. Howard listened to the testimony of both JK and BK, and
had sufficient knowledge of the evidence against him. 109 Further, the State argues that Mr.
Howard was well aware of the fact that nudity of a child constitutes a prohibited sexual act, as it
was outlined in the State’s opening statement. 110 The State’s position is that the jury found the
testimony of JK and BK to be credible, and they were not persuaded by Mr. Howard’s depiction
104
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 31.
105
Id. at 36.
106
Id. at 35.
107
Trial Counsel’s Aff. at 5.
108
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 12.
109
Id.
110
Id. at 13.
18
of the events that took place. 111 Consequently, the State argues that Mr. Howard has failed to
demonstrate that but for Trial Counsel’s failure to properly advise him of his right to testify or
remain silent there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have changed.
47. After consideration of the parties’ submissions and the record of the case, the
Court finds that Mr. Howard has failed to establish actual prejudice with respect to this claim. On
direct appeal, the Supreme Court addressed whether there was sufficient evidence to convict Mr.
Howard of sexual solicitation of a minor. In their analysis of this issue, the Court states “[t]he
boys’ testimony that [Mr.] Howard made those bets with them was sufficient to convict on those
charges.” 112 This suggests that the jury could have reasonably found Mr. Howard guilty on these
charges whether he testified or not, because the testimony of JK and BK was sufficient to
convict. Mr. Howard has failed to establish that but for Trial Counsel’s errors the jury would
have had a reasonable doubt respecting guilt. This claim does not meet the requirements of the
second prong of the Strickland test.
48. Ground Six: Mr. Howard contends that Trial Counsel was ineffective for failing
to limit prior bad acts and request a limiting instruction. 113 Mr. Howard argues that the
testimony related to out of state and uncharged acts were extremely prejudicial and served only
to show bad character. 114 Mr. Howard asserts that Trial Counsel’s failure to request a limiting
instruction allowed the jury to decide how to use the out of state and uncharged acts in reaching a
verdict. 115
111
Id. at 14.
112
Howard, 981 A.2d 1172 *5.
113
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 37.
114
Id. at 45.
115
Id. at 46.
19
49. In his Affidavit, Trial Counsel states that the testimony involving out of state acts
was admissible as intertwined evidence; however, he admits that he should have requested a
limiting instruction. 116
50. The State argues that the testimony regarding Mr. Howard’s out of state conduct
was de minimis and had no effect on the jury’s verdict. 117 The State contends that it is
reasonable to infer that Trial Counsel may have deliberately chosen not to request a limiting
instruction as part of his trial strategy; as such an instruction would have highlighted additional
inappropriate behavior. 118
51. In Getz v. State, the Delaware Supreme Court explains that “evidence of prior
criminal acts must meet the threshold test of relevancy, i.e., the uncharged misconduct must be
logically related to the material facts of consequence in the case.” 119 D.R.E. 401 defines relevant
evidence as “evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be
without the evidence.” 120 In Getz, the Supreme Court indicates that a limiting instruction should
be given when evidence of prior bad acts is admitted. 121 Mr. Howard’s out of state and
uncharged acts served to demonstrate that Mr. Howard systematically worked to establish a level
of comfort between him and the boys. The prior bad acts demonstrated that Mr. Howard’s
inappropriate behavior escalated over time, until it ultimately resulted in criminal conduct.
Although a limiting instruction should have been given, there is no evidence that the failure by
counsel to request such an instruction affected the outcome of the proceedings. Mr. Howard was
116
Trial Counsel’s Aff. at 2.
117
State’s Ans. to Def.’s Am. Mot. at 14.
118
Id.
119
Getz v. State, 538 A.2d 726, 731 (Del. 1988).
120
D.R.E. 401.
121
Getz, 538 A.2d at 734.
20
charged with five counts of sexual solicitation of a child, but only convicted of two counts. Had
the jury improperly used the out of state and uncharged conduct in reaching their verdict, it is
likely that they would have reached guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment. Mr. Howard
has failed to demonstrate that he suffered actual prejudice under the second prong of the
Strickland test.
52. A claim that the cumulative effect of all errors denied a defendant of due process
is reviewed for plain error. 122 As stated above, “[u]nder the plain error standard of review, the
error complained of must be so clearly prejudicial to substantial rights as to jeopardize the
fairness and integrity of the trial process.” 123 Further, “[the Delaware Supreme Court] has held
that the cumulative impact of errors in a trial may be the basis for reversing a conviction, even
where one error, standing alone, would not be the basis for reversal.” 124
53. Ground Seven: Mr. Howard contends that his constitutional right to a fair trial
was denied due to cumulative due process error. 125 Mr. Howard argues that the cumulative
impact of claims one through six deprived him of a fair trial. 126
54. In Torres v. State, the Delaware Supreme Court held that a cumulative error
analysis is unwarranted when the court has determined that no error has occurred. 127 This Court
has determined that Mr. Howard’s preceding six claims are without merit, and therefore, a
cumulative error analysis is not necessary.
122
Torres v. State, 979 A.2d 1087, 1101 (Del. 2009).
123
Turner v. State, 5 A.3d 612, 615 (Del. 2010) (quoting Wainwright, 504 A.2d 1096, 1100 (Del. 1986); Dutton v.
State, 452 A.2d 127, 146 (Del. 1982)).
124
Torres, 979 A.2d at 1101-02.
125
Def.’s Am. Mot. at 47.
126
Id. at 49.
127
Torres, 979 A.2d at 1101-02.
21
55. Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons, the Defendant’s Amended Motion for
Postconviction Relief Pursuant to Superior Court Criminal Rule 61 is DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Eric M. Davis
Eric M. Davis, Judge
Original to Prothonotary
cc: Cari Chapman, Esquire
Christopher S. Koyste, Esquire
Joseph A. Hurley, Esquire
22
State of Delaware v. Howard.
Combined Opinion