Opinion issued November 5, 2009
In The
Court of Appeals
For The
First District of Texas
____________
NO. 01-08-00933-CR
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ANDREW RODELL WILDER, Appellant
v.
THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee
On Appeal from the 209th District Court
Harris County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 1026573
MEMORANDUM OPINION
A jury convicted appellant, Andrew Rodell Wilder, of the felony offense of murder. See Tex. Penal Code Ann. §19.02(b)(1) (Vernon 2009). The trial court assessed Wilder's punishment at six years' confinement in prison.
In his first and second issues on appeal, appellant contends that the evidence adduced at trial was legally and factually insufficient to prove that he was guilty of the offense of murder. In his third issue, appellant complains that he was denied a speedy trial as required by both the United States and Texas Constitutions.
We affirm.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
David Pillard, the complainant, had been dating Wrentha Wilder, appellant's mother, when he arrived at Wilder's house and found Wilder's estranged husband, Jeffrey Feggett Sr., hiding in a closet in appellant's bedroom. Appellant was Feggett Sr.'s stepson. Pillard and Feggett Sr. began fighting and fell onto appellant as he slept in his bed. After the fight between Feggett Sr. and Pillard had ended, appellant punched Pillard and began to beat him.
During the course of the fight between Feggett Sr. and Pillard, Wilder's other children awoke and arrived in appellant's bedroom, where they witnessed appellant beating Pillard, who was trying to shield himself. After appellant was pulled from Pillard, everyone left the room except for Pillard, who remained on the floor.
Appellant's younger brother, Avery Feggett, told police that he was standing in the doorway to appellant's bedroom when appellant returned. Avery then told police that he witnessed appellant stab Pillard as he lay on the floor. At trial, Avery testified that he lied to police when he made these statements because he was mad at appellant for beating Pillard.
After stabbing Pillard, appellant fled the residence, followed by Feggett. Pillard died en route to the hospital.
DISCUSSION
A. Sufficiency of the Evidence
1. Legal Sufficiency
In his first issue, appellant challenges the legal sufficiency of the evidence. Specifically, appellant argues that none of the testimony indicates that he was in possession of a knife or that he stabbed Pillard with a knife and that any evidence linking appellant and the knife is circumstantial.
The standard of review for legal sufficiency of the evidence is whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 318-19, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 2788-89 (1979); King v. State, 29 S.W.3d 556, 562 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). The standard is the same for direct and circumstantial evidence cases. King v. State, 895 S.W.2d 701, 703 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995).
In reviewing for legal sufficiency, we do not resolve any conflict of fact, weigh any evidence, or evaluate the credibility of any witnesses because this is the function of the trier of fact. See Adelman v. State, 828 S.W.2d 418, 421 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992); Matson v. State, 819 S.W.2d 839, 843 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991). Instead, our duty is to determine whether both the explicit and implicit findings of the trier of fact are rational by viewing all of the evidence admitted at trial in the light most favorable to the verdict. See Adelman, 828 S.W.2d at 422. In conducting our review, we resolve any inconsistencies in the evidence in favor of the verdict. Matson, 819 S.W.2d at 843. Under the law applicable to this case, a person commits the offense of murder if he intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 19.02(b)(1) (Vernon 2009). Both Feggett Sr. and Wilder testified that after Feggett Sr. had stopped fighting Pillard, appellant "cold-cocked" Pillard and then proceeded to beat him. Wilder also testified that, after appellant had been pulled off Pillard, all parties left appellant's bedroom, with the exception of Pillard. Both Feggett Sr. and Wilder stated that at the time that everybody left the room, there was blood only on Pillard's nose and mouth, but nowhere else on his body. Feggett Sr. also told the jury that at the time that all the parties left Pillard alone in the room, Pillard had not been stabbed.
Jeffrey Feggett Jr., Wilder's 17-year-old son, testified that, after appellant had left Pillard alone in the bedroom, appellant went into the kitchen and then back into the bedroom. Jeffrey also told the jury that appellant kept knives in his room. Jeffrey stated that, after appellant had gone back into the bedroom with Pillard, he witnessed appellant gather up his clothes and leave the house in a hurry. Jeffrey told the jury that appellant stated, "He [Pillard] shouldn't have fallen on me." Following appellant's flight from the house, Jeffrey testified that he went back to appellant's bedroom to check on Pillard and found Pillard stabbed.
Moreover, Avery testified that he told police at the scene that he had seen appellant stab Pillard, but that at trial he was lying when he made that statement. Because the jury is in the best position to determine reliability of available testimony and evidence, we must defer to assessments by the jury that depend on credibility determinations. See Cain v. State, 958 S.W.2d 404, 408-09 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). The jury could have reasonably chosen to disbelieve Avery's testimony at trial and to believe his statement to police that he had witnessed appellant fatally stab Pillard.
Finally, Feggett Sr. testified that appellant exclaimed that he "dropped that mother fucker" and that appellant stated as he ran out of the house that "he [Pillard] won't be coming back over here anymore." Flight has long been held to be indicative of consciousness of guilt, and the jury can infer guilt from evidence of flight. Burks v. State, 876 S.W.2d 877, 903 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). Thus, the jury could reasonably have considered appellant's statement and his flight additional pieces of incriminating circumstantial evidence.
We hold that the evidence is legally sufficient to support the jury's implicit finding that appellant intentionally or knowingly caused the complainant's death. Accordingly, we overrule the appellant's first issue.
2. Factual Sufficiency
In his second issue, appellant contends that the evidence was factually insufficient to support his conviction for murder. When conducting a factual- sufficiency review, we view all of the evidence in a neutral light. Cain v. State, 958 S.W.2d 404, 408 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). We will set aside the verdict only if (1) the evidence is so weak that the verdict is clearly wrong and manifestly unjust or (2) the verdict is against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. Johnson v. State, 23 S.W.3d 1, 11 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000). Under the first prong of Johnson, we cannot conclude that a conviction is "clearly wrong" or "manifestly unjust" simply because, on the quantum of evidence admitted, we would have voted to acquit had we been on the jury. Watson v. State, 204 S.W.3d 404, 417 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006). Under the second prong of Johnson, we cannot declare that a conflict in the evidence justifies a new trial simply because we disagree with the jury's resolution of that conflict. Id. Before concluding that evidence is factually insufficient to support a verdict under the second prong of Johnson, we must be able to say, with some objective basis in the record, that the great weight and preponderance of the evidence contradicts the jury's verdict. Id. In conducting a factual-sufficiency review, we must also discuss the evidence that, according to the appellant, most undermines the jury's verdict. See Sims v. State, 99 S.W.3d 600, 603 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003).
We may not substitute our judgment for that of the fact-finder. King, 29 S.W.3d at 563. The fact-finder alone determines what weight to place on contradictory testimonial evidence because that determination depends on the fact-finder's evaluation of credibility and demeanor. Cain, 958 S.W.2d at 408-09. As the judge of the credibility of the witnesses, the fact-finder may choose to believe all, some, or none of the testimony presented. Id. at 407 n.4. The standard for reviewing the factual sufficiency of the evidence is whether, after considering all of the evidence in a neutral light, the jury was rationally justified in finding guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. See Watson, 204 S.W.3d at 415.
Appellant argues that the evidence against him was factually insufficient to support his conviction because there was no eyewitness. However, as we have discussed, circumstantial evidence alone is sufficient to establish guilt. Guevara v. State, 152 S.W.3d 45, 49 (Tex. Crim. App. 2004). It is not necessary that every fact point directly and independently to the defendant's guilt; it is enough if the conclusion is warranted by the combined and cumulative force of all the incriminating circumstances. Johnson v. State, 871 S.W.2d 183, 186 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993). Additionally, Avery was an eyewitness to the incident because he actually saw appellant stab Pillard, even if Avery later recanted at trial.
Thus, the jury's conclusion that appellant was guilty of Pillard's murder is supported by the "combined and cumulative force" of all of the evidence previously set forth. See id. In light of all of the evidence, there is no objective basis in the record from which we may conclude that the evidence supporting the jury's implicit finding that appellant knowingly or intentionally caused the death of the complainant was so weak as to render the jury's verdict clearly wrong and manifestly unjust or that it was against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. See Johnson, 23 S.W.3d at 11. We therefore hold that the evidence is factually sufficient to support appellant's conviction, and we overrule appellant's second issue.
B. Denial of a Speedy Trial
In his third issue, appellant contends that his speedy trial right was violated due to a 42-month delay between his indictment and trial and that such delay caused him prejudice. Specifically, appellant asserted before the trial court that "defense witnesses have become unavailable and such witnesses . . . will have forgotten the facts that would be beneficial to the Defendant."
In our review of a challenge to the denial of the right to a speedy trial, we apply an abuse-of-discretion standard to any factual issues, while using a de novo standard to the legal conclusions. See Zamorano v. State, 84 S.W.3d 643, 648 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002).
The United States Constitution provides, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial . . . ." U.S. Const. amend. VI. The Texas Constitution also grants this right. Tex. Const. art. I, § 10. Texas courts have traditionally analyzed speedy-trial-violation challenges under the balancing test announced by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 92 S. Ct. 2182 (1972). See Zamorano, 84 S.W.3d at 647-48. We employ this balancing test by analyzing four factors: (1) the length of the delay; (2) the reason for the delay; (3) the defendant's assertion of his right; and (4) the prejudice to the defendant. See Barker, 407 U.S. at 530, 92 S. Ct. at 2192. None of these factors should be considered necessary or sufficient in the finding of a deprivation of the right to a speedy trial; rather, they are related factors that must be considered together with such other circumstances as may be relevant. See State v. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d 818, 821 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999).
1. The Length of the Delay
The length of the delay between the date of indictment and the date of trial functions as a "triggering mechanism" for the analysis of the other three factors. Barker, 407 U.S. at 530, 92 S. Ct. at 2192; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 821. The defendant must allege that the delay in his or her case has crossed the line from ordinary delay to presumptively prejudicial delay. Doggett v. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 651-52, 112 S. Ct. 2686, 2690 (1992). For the alleged delay to qualify as "presumptively prejudicial," it must be reviewed in the context of the particular case in which it is alleged. See Barker, 407 U.S. at 530-31, 92 S. Ct. at 2192. The 42-month delay in this case is substantial enough to trigger a speedy trial analysis. See Shaw v. State, 117 S.W.3d 883, 889 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003) (concluding that 38-month delay between indictment and trial was long enough to trigger speedy trial analysis).
2. The Reason for the Delay
An examination of this factor requires an assignment of "different weights to different reasons." Barker, 407 U.S. at 531, 92 S. Ct. at 2192; see Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 822. A finding that the government deliberately attempted to delay the trial would require us to weigh this factor heavily against the State. Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 822 (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 531, 92 S. Ct. at 2192). However, a more neutral reason, such as negligence or an overcrowded docket, should be weighed less heavily. Id.
In this case, the State offered nothing in the way of reasons for the delay because it did not respond to appellant's motion to dismiss for failure to provide a speedy trial. However, on appeal the State asserts, and the record supports, that the reason for the delay was not due "solely to the State's lack of diligence," as appellant's motion contends. In fact, appellant joined the State 20 times in requesting that his trial be reset to a future date. The record also reflects that after appellant had filed a motion to dismiss for failure to provide a speedy trial, he agreed to further resettings of his case. Additionally, at the time that appellant filed his motion to dismiss with the clerk, his case was taken off the court's trial docket because he had committed a new offense while on bond for the instant case. Finally, the record does not reflect that any hearing was held on appellant's motion to dismiss due to failure to provide a speedy trial.
Nevertheless, because no reason for the delay was given before the trial court, this factor must weigh against the State. See Dragoo v. State, 96 S.W.3d 308, 314 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). However, when weighing this factor, a court may presume neither a deliberate attempt on the part of the State to prejudice the defense nor a valid reason for the delay. Id. Therefore, we hold that this factor weighs against the State, but it is not weighed heavily. See id.
3. Appellant's Assertion of His Right
The Barker Court rejected the rigid "demand-waiver" rule, which held that a defendant "forever" waived any speedy trial challenge if he never, in fact, actually asserted his right to a speedy trial. Barker, 407 U.S. at 527-29, 92 S. Ct. at 2190-91. However, the "defendant still is responsible for asserting or demanding his right to a speedy trial." Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 825. The Barker Court also emphasized that the "failure to assert the right will make it difficult for a defendant to prove that he was denied a speedy trial." Barker, 407 U.S. at 532, 92 S. Ct. at 2193.
In this case, the only pleading submitted by counsel in the matter was filed nearly three years after appellant's indictment and did not ask for a speedy trial, but instead asked for a dismissal for lack of a speedy trial. Additionally, appellant never filed a motion to proceed to trial. A defendant's action in filing for a dismissal, instead of a speedy trial, weakens a speedy-trial claim because it shows a desire to have no trial instead of a speedy one. See Dragoo, 96 S.W.3d at 314. "[L]ack of a timely demand for a speedy trial indicates strongly that [the defendant] did not really want a speedy trial." Id. (emphasis added). Thus, we hold that this factor weighs heavily against appellant.
4. Prejudice to Appellant
This factor is viewed in light of the interests that the speedy trial right was meant to protect. Barker, 407 U.S. at 532, 92 S. Ct. at 2193. These interests are (1) to prevent oppressive pretrial incarceration; (2) to minimize anxiety and concern of the accused; and (3) to limit the possibility that the defense will be impaired. Id.; Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 826. The third factor is to be regarded with the most importance because it is paramount to our judicial system that an accused have the ability to defend himself adequately. See Munoz, 991 S.W.2d at 826. It is not essential that a defendant show affirmative proof of prejudice because "excessive delay presumptively compromises the reliability of a trial." Doggett, 505 U.S. at 655, 112 S. Ct. at 2692-93; see Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890. However, this presumption is negated by the defendant's failure to assert his speedy trial right. See Shaw, 117 S.W.3d at 890.
In the instant case, appellant was incarcerated pre-trial, but does not assert that such incarceration was oppressive. In fact, appellant agreed to numerous trial resettings while he was incarcerated, which factors against any claim of oppressive pre-trial incarceration. Moreover, there is no evidence that appellant suffered from any mental anxiety due to the 42-month delay. Thus, appellant has not shown prejudice based on the first two interests.
Appellant further alleges that his defense was impaired due to the loss of potential witnesses who "will have forgotten facts." However, appellant does not indicate who these witnesses are or what facts they may provide. These generalized complaints do not support a showing of prejudice. In contending that prejudice results from witness unavailability, a defendant must demonstrate that (1) the witness was unavailable at the time of trial: (2) the witness's testimony may be relevant and material to the defense; and (3) the defendant exercised due diligence in an attempt to locate the witness at the time of trial. See Phipps v. State, 630 S.W.2d 942, 947 (Tex. Crim. App. 1982); Johnson v. State, 975 S.W.2d 644, 652 (Tex. App.--El Paso 1998, pet. ref'd). Appellant has failed to make this showing and, accordingly, has not shown prejudice. See Phipps, 630 S.W.2d at 947; Ervin, 125 S.W.3d 542, 548 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, no pet.); Parkerson v. State, 942 S.W.2d 789, 792-93 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1997, no pet.).
5. Balancing Test
Weighing in favor of finding a violation of appellant's speedy trial right are the facts that the delay here was excessive and that the State offered no reason for the delay. Weighing against finding a violation of the right are the facts that the defendant failed to demonstrate prejudice and that he acquiesced in the delay, indicating that he really did not want a speedy trial. We hold that the weight of the four factors, balanced together, is against finding a violation of appellant's right to a speedy trial. See Barker, 407 U.S. at 533-34, 92 S. Ct. 2182 at 2193-94 (where defendant was not seriously prejudiced by five-year delay between arrest and trial and defendant did not want speedy trial, defendant's Sixth Amendment right to speedy trial was not violated); Phipps, 630 S.W.2d at 946 (when defendant demonstrated no prejudice by four-year delay between arrest and trial and defendant waited until one month before trial to assert his right to a speedy trial, defendant's Sixth Amendment right to speedy trial was not violated).
CONCLUSION
Having overruled all of appellant's issues on appeal, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Sherry Radack
Chief Justice
Panel consists of Chief Justice Radack and Justices Bland and Massengale.
Do not publish. Tex. R. App. P. 47.2(b).