State v. Wilson

[Cite as State v. Wilson, 2017-Ohio-2980.]

Court of Appeals of Ohio
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
No. 104333

STATE OF OHIO
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE

vs.

WILLIE WILSON, JR.
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT

JUDGMENT:
AFFIRMED; REMANDED

Criminal Appeal from the
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-15-598675-A

BEFORE: E.A. Gallagher, P.J., McCormack, J., and Celebrezze, J.

RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: May 25, 2017
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT

Joseph V. Pagano
P.O. Box 16869
Rocky River, Ohio 44116

ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE

Michael C. O’Malley
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor
BY: Anna M. Faraglia
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
The Justice Center, 9th Floor
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
EILEEN A. GALLAGHER, P.J.:

{¶1} Defendant-appellant Willie Wilson, Jr. appeals his convictions in the

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. For the following reasons, we affirm but

remand for the trial court to issue a nunc pro tunc entry in compliance with State v.

Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d 659.

Factual and Procedural Background

{¶2} Wilson and his codefendant, James Alexander, were charged with two counts

of aggravated murder, murder, three counts of attempted murder, aggravated burglary,

two counts of kidnapping, six counts of felonious assault all with attendant one-and

three-year firearm specifications and two counts of having weapons while under

disability. The case proceeded to a joint jury trial where the following facts were

adduced.

{¶3} At 2:48 a.m. on April 14, 2015, Miyazhane Vance and her brother, Brandon

Fisher, were shot in Vance’s apartment at 656 East 99th Street. Vance was shot nine

times and suffered fatal gunshot wounds to her head and upper abdomen. She was shot

in her bedroom while her son, A.V., slept next to her in bed and her daughter, Z.V., slept

in a nearby crib. Fisher suffered five life threatening gunshot wounds to the face, neck

and left arm.1 Fisher was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center where he was

treated for injuries to his cervical vertebra, left carotid and vertebral arteries and an

1
Fisher, other testifying witnesses and medical records were consistent in describing the above
injuries. The trauma surgeon who treated Fisher testified, however, that he only suffered two
gunshot wounds: to the face and left arm.
extensive fracture to his humerus. A permanent stent was placed in his neck to support

one of his arteries and doctors were unable to remove a bullet that remains permanently

lodged behind his face. He was placed in a medically induced coma for three days

following his initial treatment.

{¶4} When Fisher regained consciousness, he implicated Willie Wilson and James

Alexander in the shootings. Initially he described Wilson as the shooter but in

subsequent interviews, and at trial, he described both Wilson and Alexander as having

shot him and his sister.

{¶5} The evidence at trial established that Fisher, Wilson and Alexander were

friends in 2014. They would smoke and drink together. The three possessed guns that

they either bought or stole. Fisher testified that Wilson possessed a 9 millimeter handgun.

Wilson began dating Vance in December 2014. Fisher moved into Vance’s

apartment and began living with her around the same time.

{¶6} During March 2015, Fisher had a falling out with Wilson and Alexander.

He stopped hanging around with Wilson because Wilson “started acting crazy” and was

“trying to get me to do stuff I didn’t want to do.” Fisher described an incident near the

end of March 2015 when Wilson stole a .38 Taurus revolver from Fisher’s friend, L.R.,

when Fisher, L.R., Wilson and Alexander were drinking together on a rapid transit train.

Fisher did not see Wilson or Alexander after that incident until the night of the shooting.

{¶7} A second incident occurred three to four days prior to the shooting. Fisher

testified that he was given the impression that his sister had broken up with Wilson. He,
Vance, L.R. and one of Vance’s friends went to the home of one of Wilson’s former

girlfriends looking for Wilson for the purpose of demanding that he return a key he

possessed to Vance’s apartment. Wilson was not present at the home and an argument

ensued during which Vance threw rocks at the home and attempted to fight with the

former girlfriend. The incident culminated with L.R. kicking in a side door to the home

and the group fleeing after the homeowner threatened to call the police.

{¶8} After the incident, Fisher was contacted via a Facebook call by Wilson.

Wilson stated that he heard that Fisher was looking for him. Fisher replied that they just

needed Vance’s apartment keys returned. Alexander also joined in the call,

admonishing Fisher for kicking the door at the former girlfriend’s home and acting

“tough.”

{¶9} On the evening of April 13, 2014, Fisher and L.R. stole a van and were

pursued by police. Fisher eluded arrest and returned to Vance’s apartment at

approximately 12:30 a.m. Vance and her two children were present in the apartment along

with a friend of Vance, D.A., who had begun living in the apartment in the beginning of

April. Vance and her children went to sleep in the back bedroom, D.A. went to sleep in

her own room and Fisher slept near the locked front door to the apartment unit.

{¶10} Fisher testified that he was awakened after 2:00 a.m. by Wilson who was

using his key to open the door to the apartment. Wilson and Alexander entered the

apartment and stepped over Fisher who was laying on the floor near the door.

Alexander had a .357 revolver in his hand and Wilson had his gun concealed with his
hands in his pockets. Alexander confronted Fisher saying, “I heard you wanted to bust

me.” Before Fisher could reply, Wilson began firing, striking Fisher twice in the arm.

Fisher testified that Alexander then shot him once in the back of the neck. Fisher saw

Wilson and Alexander enter Vance’s room and heard shots before he passed out. He

regained consciousness and attempted to get up but Wilson returned and shot him two

more times in the right side of his face causing him to black out again.

{¶11} When Fisher regained consciousness, Wilson and Alexander were gone.

He crawled out of the apartment and into the hallway seeking help. Fisher was

discovered by D.A., who was unharmed in the incident and who called 911. D.A.

testified that she was awoken by the sound of male voices talking in the living room and

kitchen and then heard gunshots. She did not see the shooters who fled the apartment

before she exited her bedroom. She and another neighbor heard the backdoor of the

apartment complex, which was unlocked, slam shut shortly after the shooting.

{¶12} Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and

transported the victims to MetroHealth Medical Center. Police recovered eight 9

millimeter caliber shell casings from the scene. The door to Vance’s apartment unit

showed no signs of forced entry. Wilson’s DNA was recovered from the interior and

exterior doorknob of the first floor rear exit door although the Cuyahoga County Medical

Examiner’s office could not determine if it had been deposited there the night of the

shooting or at a prior time.
 {¶13} While awaiting trial, Wilson instructed a third party, during a jailhouse

phone call, to communicate with Fisher through Wilson’s Facebook account, named

“KingWill Da Shooter.” In the Facebook exchange, Wilson indicated that he had seen a

video statement made by Fisher and said, “Just continue to be a snitch and Amma

continue being a gangsta[.]”

{¶14} Jacob Kunkle, an FBI special agent, testified that he performed a cellular

analysis on Alexander’s cell phone and found that Alexander had an outgoing phone call

that ended at 2:43 a.m. the night of the shooting and that the records placed Alexander’s

cell phone in the vicinity of the crime scene at that time.

{¶15} The state nolled one count of having weapons while under disability against

Wilson. Wilson was found guilty of all remaining offenses. At sentencing the trial

court merged as allied offenses the various offenses unique to each of the four victims.

The state elected to proceed to sentencing on the count of aggravated murder pertaining to

Vance and the three attempted murder charges pertaining to Fisher, A.V. and Z.V. Wilson

was also sentenced on the counts of aggravated burglary and having weapons while under

disability which were not merged as allied offenses. The trial court imposed a prison

term of 30 years to life for aggravated murder, 11 years on each of the three attempted

murder counts, 11 years on the aggravated burglary count and 36 months on the having

weapons while under disability count. The trial court ordered the three attempted

murder sentences and the having weapons while under disability sentence to be served

concurrently but all remaining sentences to be served consecutively, including five
three-year terms for the firearm specifications attached to the counts of aggravated

murder, attempted murder and aggravated burglary. Wilson’s aggregate sentence was 56

years to life.

Law and Analysis

I. Motion to Sever

{¶16} In his first assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

denying a motion to sever and be tried separately from Alexander. Wilson argues that

his confrontation clause rights were violated in his joint trial with Alexander when the

state introduced a statement made by Alexander at the time of his arrest wherein he

stated: “I didn’t do the shooting. I only watched it, but they didn’t want to hear that last

time.”

{¶17} R.C. 2945.13, which governs joinder in felony cases, states:

When two or more persons are jointly indicted for a felony, except a capital
offense, they shall be tried jointly unless the court, for good cause shown on
application therefor by the prosecuting attorney or one or more of said
defendants, orders one or more of said defendants to be tried separately.

{¶18} Pursuant to Crim.R. 8(A), two or more offenses may be joined if the

offenses “are of the same or similar character * * * or are based on two or more acts or

transactions connected together or constituting parts of a common scheme or plan, or are

part of a course of criminal conduct.” While the law favors the joinder of offenses that are

of the “same or similar character,” the court may sever the charges under Crim.R. 14 upon

a showing of prejudice. State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 163, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990).
 {¶19} To effectively claim error in the joinder of defendants in a single trial, an

appellant must make an affirmative showing that his rights were prejudiced. State v.

Torres, 66 Ohio St.2d 340, 421 N.E.2d 1288 (1981), syllabus. Prejudice is not

demonstrated if one offense would have been admissible as “other acts” evidence under

Evid.R. 404(B) or if the evidence of each crime joined at trial is simple and direct. State

v. Schaim, 65 Ohio St.3d 51, 59, 1992-Ohio-31, 600 N.E.2d 661 (1997).

{¶20} Furthermore, a jury is believed capable of segregating the proof on multiple

charges when the evidence as to each of the charges is uncomplicated. Torres at 343-344.

As such, joinder is not prejudicial when the evidence is direct and uncomplicated and can

reasonably be separated as to each offense. Id.

{¶21} Here, Wilson contends that the trial court violated the rule announced in

Bruton v. United States, 391 U.S. 123, 88 S.Ct. 1620, 20 L.Ed.2d 476 (1968), and adopted

by the Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Moritz, 63 Ohio St.2d 150, 407 N.E.2d 1268

(1980). In Bruton, the United States Supreme Court found that the introduction of the

accomplice’s out-of-court confession at defendant’s trial violated the defendant’s Sixth

Amendment right to cross-examine witnesses against him. Id. at 126. In Moritz, the Ohio

Supreme Court adopted the holding in Bruton and held that:

An accused’s right of cross-examination secured by the confrontation
clause of the Sixth Amendment is violated in a joint trial with a
non-testifying codefendant by the admission of extrajudicial statements
made by the codefendant inculpating the accused.

Moritz at paragraph one of the syllabus, citing Bruton.

{¶22} The Moritz court further stated:
 “[T]he Bruton rule applies with equal force to all statements that tend
significantly to incriminate a co-defendant, whether or not he is actually
named in the statement. The fact that the incrimination amounts to a link in
a chain of circumstances rather than a direct accusation cannot dispose of
the applicability of the Bruton rule. Just as one can be convicted on
circumstantial evidence, one can be circumstantially accused.”

Moritz at 155, quoting Fox v. State, 179 Ind.App. 267, 384 N.E.2d 1159 (1979).

{¶23} Seven years after the Moritz decision, the United States Supreme Court

revisited the topic in Richardson v. Marsh, 481 U.S. 200, 107 S.Ct. 1702, 95 L.Ed.2d 176

(1987) (superseded by statute on other grounds). In Richardson, the court held that the

Confrontation Clause is not violated by the admission of a nontestifying codefendant’s

confession with a proper limiting instruction when the confession is redacted to eliminate

not only the defendant’s name, but any reference to his or her existence. Id. at 211.

The court further limited the holding of Bruton by distinguishing between a confession

that is “incriminating on its face” and, therefore, in violation of Bruton from a confession

that amounts to “evidence requiring linkage” in that it may become incriminating in

respect to a codefendant “only when linked with evidence introduced later at trial.” The

court refused to extend the rule of Bruton to confessions falling within the latter category.

{¶24} In In re: Watson, 47 Ohio St.3d 86, 548 N.E.2d 210 (1989), the Ohio

Supreme Court adopted the rule of Richardson for the Confrontation Clause of Section

10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution with respect to redacted confessions. Id. at 91.

The court did not comment on the underlying rationale of espoused in Richardson that
limited the holding in Bruton or what difference, if any, remained between Richardson

and Moritz for the purposes of Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution.

{¶25} Even if we were to assume that there exists a divergence between the

approach of the Ohio Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court with respect to

their respective confrontation clauses, we find no violation of the Bruton rule in this

instance. Alexander’s statement did not tend to significantly incriminate Wilson.

Alexander’s statement confirmed his own presence at a shooting and inferred that a third

party fired the shots. It did not facially incriminate Wilson. Furthermore, the state’s

case against Wilson was not based on circumstantial evidence but rather on the direct

account of Fisher. As such, Alexander’s statement does not operate as a “link in a chain

of circumstances” to incriminate Wilson. Fisher’s detailed account of the event

incriminated Wilson, not the statement by Alexander.

{¶26} Finally, within this assignment of error, Wilson also argues that he was

prejudiced by the testimony regarding the location of Alexander’s cell phone during the

time the offenses were committed. Despite his contention to the contrary, the evidence

was plainly relevant as to Alexander’s whereabouts on the night in question and does not

qualify as a codefendant statement under Bruton.

{¶27} Wilson’s first assignment of error is overruled.

II. The Expert Testimony of Special Agent Kunkle
 {¶28} In his second assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

denying a motion in limine to exclude the expert testimony of Special Agent Kunkle

regarding the whereabouts of Alexander’s cell phone on the night in question.

{¶29} The trial court conducted a Daubert hearing regarding Kunkle’s proffered

testimony and found him to be an expert. Wilson argues that (1) Kunkle’s testimony

should have been excluded pursuant to Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,

509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993), because he failed to establish that

his cell phone data analysis was reliable, (2) Kunkle’s expert report did not satisfy

Crim.R. 16(K), and (3) Kunkle’s evidence was otherwise inadmissible under Evid.R. 401,

402 and 403.

{¶30} To begin, this court has previously held that testimony concerning a

defendant’s cell phone records and the location of the cellular towers used by a

defendant’s phone in relation to locations relevant to the crime constitutes lay opinion

testimony that does not require “specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training, or

education” regarding cellular networks. State v. Daniel, 2016-Ohio-5231, 57 N.E.3d

1203, ¶ 69 (8th Dist.), citing State v. Dunn, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101648,

2015-Ohio-3138.

{¶31} To the extent that Kunkle’s testimony exceeded simply detailing

Alexander’s phone records and which cellular towers were used, an analysis under

Daubert would be appropriate. It was firmly established during the trial court’s Daubert
hearing that Kunkle possessed specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training, and

education regarding cellular analysis.

{¶32} Wilson does not expressly challenge Kunkle’s qualifications but rather the

reliability of cellular analysis in general. To determine the reliability of expert scientific

testimony, a court must assess whether the reasoning or methodology underlying the

testimony is scientifically valid. Miller v. Bike Athletic Co., 80 Ohio St.3d 607, 611,

1998-Ohio-178, 687 N.E.2d 735, citing Daubert at 592-593. To make that assessment,

several factors are to be considered: (1) whether the theory or technique has been tested;

(2) whether it has been subjected to peer review; (3) whether there is a known or potential

rate of error; and (4) whether the methodology has gained general acceptance. Id.; see

alsoValentine v. PPG Industries, Inc., 158 Ohio App.3d 615, 2004-Ohio-4521, 821

N.E.2d 580,  25 (4th Dist.). None of these factors are determinative. Coe v. Young, 145

Ohio App.3d 499, 504, 763 N.E.2d 652 (11th Dist. 2001). Rather, the inquiry is flexible,

focusing on the underlying principles and methodologies and not on the resulting

conclusions. Miller at 611.

{¶33} The same reliability challenge to expert cellular phone analysis testimony

presently raised by Wilson has been rejected under both federal and Ohio law. See, e.g.,

State v. White, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 26093, 2015-Ohio-3512, ¶ 28 (summarizing the

plethora of federal authorities finding historical cell phone data analysis to be reliable for

the purpose of determining the general location of a cell phone at a given time). The

White court noted that the “vagaries of cell phone technology affect the persuasiveness of
the circumstantial evidence, but they do not render [an expert’s] testimony inadmissible.”

Id., quoting U.S. v. Rosario, S.D.N.Y. No. 09-CR-415-2, 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 160626,

*6 (Nov. 14, 2014). Our decision in Daniel reached the same conclusion — that the

“potential problems with estimating a cell phone’s location based on phone records” go to

the weight of the cellular testimony not its reliability or admissibility. Daniel at ¶ 70.

We note that the various shortcomings of cellular analysis were thoroughly explored at

trial in this instance.

{¶34} Under the same reasoning, Wilson argues that Kunkle failed to conduct a

“drive test” to further define the actual scope of the various cell towers in the area

undermined the reliability of his testimony. However, Wilson fails to cite any authority

requiring a “drive test” to establish reliability and we see no reason to depart from the

view adopted in Daniel regarding the shortcomings of cellular analysis.

{¶35} We further find no violation of Crim.R. 16(K) based on the expert report

provided in this instance that included the same graphics utilized at trial to demonstrate

Kunkle’s findings. Nor do we find any merit to Wilson’s argument that Kunkle’s

testimony was irrelevant or substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice.

{¶36} Wilson’s second assignment of error is overruled.

III. Irrelevant Evidence and Other Acts Testimony

{¶37} In his third assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

allowing the state to introduce irrelevant evidence and other acts testimony in violation of

Evid.R. 401, 402, 403 and 404(B).
 {¶38} The admission of evidence lies within the broad discretion of a trial court,

and a reviewing court should not disturb evidentiary decisions in the absence of an abuse

of discretion that has created material prejudice. State v. Noling, 98 Ohio St.3d 44,

2002-Ohio-7044, 781 N.E.2d 88, ¶ 43, citing State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 64, 752

N.E.2d 904 (2001). Within this broad discretion is the trial court’s duty “to determine

whether testimony is relevant and to balance its potential probative value against the

danger of unfair prejudice.” State v. Clark, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 95928,

2011-Ohio-4109, ¶ 32. Evid.R. 402 allows the admission of any relevant evidence so

long as the probative value of that evidence is not outweighed by its prejudicial effect, it

does not confuse the issue or mislead the jury. Evid.R. 403(A). Our inquiry is limited to

whether the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily or unconscionably in deciding to

exclude the testimony.

{¶39} Evid.R. 404(B) states that:

[E]vidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the
character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith. It
may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive,
opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of
mistake or accident.

{¶40} Wilson first argues that trial court erred in allowing photographs depicting

him in possession of firearms and alcohol and displaying gang symbols to be published to

the jury. The record reflects, however, that the state specifically informed the trial court

that the photographs would not be published and instead, the photographs were published

to the jury by counsel for Wilson’s codefendant. Wilson conceded at trial that he did not
object to the codefendant’s decision to publish the photos to the jury. Furthermore, the

photographs were largely cumulative of other testimony that established that Fisher,

Wilson and Alexander were friends, they spent time smoking and drinking together, they

possessed firearms and they had connections to gangs.

{¶41} We find no prejudice in this instance and cannot say that the trial court

abused its discretion in allowing the photographs to be admitted after Wilson’s

codefendant previously published them to the jury without an objection.

{¶42} Wilson next argues that the court erred in allowing the state to admit the

recorded phone call made by Wilson to his friend instructing her to communicate with

Fisher via Facebook messages while he remained in jail. Wilson stipulated at trial that it

was his voice on the recorded call and the authenticated recording was used to establish

that Wilson was the source of the Facebook communication to Fisher. Wilson’s

statement accusing Fisher of being a “snitch” while simultaneously describing himself as

a “gangsta” was relevant as a potential statement against interest made by Wilson.

{¶43} Next Wilson argues that the trial court erred in allowing a Cleveland police

detective to testify regarding the present status of various gangs that were referenced at

trial. Wilson argues that the detective was improperly allowed to testify without being

admitted as an expert. The detective’s testimony was limited to various factual

statements regarding the names and locations of two gangs that were repeatedly

referenced by the defense during trial. Wilson’s argument that this testimony lacked

relevance is more persuasive because the detective’s testimony did not address the gang
affiliations of Fisher, Wilson or Alexander. Nor did it add any other particularly

relevant facts pertaining to the subject shooting.

{¶44} We cannot find any prejudice to Wilson in the limited and largely irrelevant

testimony that simply provided an overview of the Cleveland gangs mentioned during

trial. The testimony plainly did not implicate Evid.R. 404(B). Although the testimony

likely should have been excluded as irrelevant, we find any error in its admission to be

harmless pursuant to Crim.R. 52(A). State v. Mims, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100520,

2014-Ohio-5338, ¶ 60; State v. Bell, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 97123, 2012-Ohio-2624, ¶

59.

{¶45} For the same reason we find no merit to Wilson’s argument that the trial

court erred in allowing the state to introduce photographs of a van Fisher stole in the

hours before the shooting. The van-related testimony and photographs provided context

to Fisher’s account of the night and did not relate in any way to Wilson. Wilson himself

raised Fisher’s theft of the van and gang membership in his opening statement. To the

extent that the van-related evidence could be considered irrelevant, we nonetheless find

no prejudice to Wilson and find any error in its admission to be harmless.

{¶46} Wilson’s third assignment of error is overruled.

IV. Bolstering of Fisher’s Credibility
 {¶47} In his fourth assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

allowing the Cleveland police detective who investigated this case to express her belief

that Fisher was consistent in his various statements to police regarding the crime. In

response to questioning regarding inconsistencies in Fisher’s statements to police, the

investigating detective stated:

He’s been consistent from the day that he came out of the coma to the day
he testified in this court, in my opinion, on the circumstances surrounding
his shooting and the homicide of Miyazhane Vance.

{¶48} This court has held that it is reversible error to admit testimony from a

purported expert or lay witness attesting to the believability of another’s statements. State

v. Boston, 46 Ohio St.3d 108, 128, 545 N.E.2d 1220 (1989). “[I]n our system of justice it

is the fact finder, not the so-called expert or lay witnesses, who bears the burden of

assessing the credibility and veracity of witnesses.” State v. Pizzillo, 7th Dist. Carroll No.

746, 2002-Ohio-446, citing Boston at 129.

{¶49} We find that, to the extent the detective’s response may be deemed an

opinion on the credibility of Fisher’s testimony, it was harmless because it did not affect a

substantial right. The statement was elicited as a result of questioning by the defense

regarding the inconsistencies in Fisher’s testimony and statements to police. Those

inconsistencies were well documented for the jury’s consideration and included

admissions by Fisher that he had at times omitted details as well as a videotaped interview

that demonstrated a minor inconsistency with his trial testimony.
 {¶50} We find that, viewing the entire record, the detective’s statement was

harmless error.

{¶51} Wilson’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.

V. Sufficiency

{¶52} In his fifth assignment of error, Wilson challenges the sufficiency of the

evidence supporting his convictions.

{¶53} A challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a conviction

requires a determination of whether the state has met its burden of production at trial.

State v. Hunter, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 86048, 2006-Ohio-20, ¶ 41, citing State v.

Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 390, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). When reviewing sufficiency

of the evidence, an appellate court must determine “‘whether, after viewing the evidence

in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the

essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Leonard,

104 Ohio St.3d 54, 2004-Ohio-6235, 818 N.E.2d 229, ¶ 77, quoting State v. Jenks, 61

Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus. In a sufficiency

inquiry, an appellate court does not assess whether the state’s evidence is to be believed

but whether, if believed, the evidence admitted at trial supported the conviction. State v.

Starks, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 91682, 2009-Ohio-3375, ¶ 25, citing Thompkins at 387;

Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus.

{¶54} Wilson argues that (1) the state failed to establish his identity as the

perpetrator of all the offenses for which he was charged, (2) the evidence was insufficient
to sustain a conviction of aggravated murder because there was no evidence of prior

calculation and design, (3) there was no evidence of restraint to support the two counts of

kidnapping and (4) the attempted murder and felonious assault charges involving Vance’s

children were not supported by the record.

{¶55} Wilson’s arguments regarding identity are plainly without merit. Although

he challenges the credibility of Fisher’s account of the offense, his arguments are wholly

subjective and appropriate for a manifest weight challenge, not a sufficiency challenge.

There is no dispute that, through Fisher’s testimony, the state presented sufficient

evidence for all the offenses on the question of identity.

{¶56} We next consider Fisher’s argument that the state failed to present sufficient

evidence of prior calculation and design to support the charge of aggravated murder.

Fisher was convicted of aggravated murder under R.C. 2903.01(A), which provides, in

relevant part: “No person shall purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the

death of another * * * .”

{¶57} “[P]rior calculation and design * * * indicate studied care in planning or

analyzing the means of the crime as well as a scheme encompassing the death of the

victim.” State v. Taylor, 78 Ohio St.3d 15, 19, 1997-Ohio-243, 676 N.E.2d 82, quoting

1973 Legislative Service Commission Comment to R.C. 2903.01; State v. Walker,

2014-Ohio-1827, 10 N.E.3d 200, ¶ 16 (8th Dist.). The phrase is not defined in the Ohio

Revised Code; however, the Ohio Supreme Court has interpreted it “to require evidence

of ‘more than [a] few moments of deliberation’” and “‘a scheme designed to implement
the calculated decision to kill.’” State v. Conway, 108 Ohio St.3d 214, 2006-Ohio-791,

842 N.E.2d 996, ¶ 38, quoting State v. Cotton, 56 Ohio St.2d 8, 381 N.E.2d 190 (1978),

paragraph one of the syllabus. In other words, “[i]nstantaneous deliberation is not

sufficient to constitute ‘prior calculation and design.’” Cotton at paragraph two of the

syllabus. “[N]either the degree of care nor the length of time the offender takes to ponder

the crime beforehand is a critical factor” in and of itself so long as it amounts to more

than “momentary deliberation.”’ State v. D’Ambrosio, 67 Ohio St.3d 185, 196, 616

N.E.2d 909 (1993), quoting the 1973 Legislative Service Commission Comment to R.C.

2903.01. Although “momentary deliberation is insufficient,” D’Ambrosio at 196, “prior

calculation and design can be found even when the killer quickly conceived and executed

the plan to kill within a few minutes.” State v. Coley, 93 Ohio St.3d 253, 264, 2001-

Ohio-1340, 754 N.E.2d 1129.

{¶58} The state can prove “prior calculation and design” from the circumstances

surrounding a murder in several ways, including: (1) “evidence of a preconceived plan

leading up to the murder”; (2) “evidence of the [defendant’s] encounter with the victim,

including evidence necessary to infer that the defendant had a preconceived notion to kill

regardless of how the [events] unfolded” or (3) “evidence that the murder was executed in

such a manner that circumstantially proved the defendant had a preconceived plan to

kill,” such as where the victim is killed in a cold-blooded, execution-style manner. State

v. Orr, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100841, 2014-Ohio-4680, ¶ 75, citing State v. Dunford,

11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2009-A-0027, 2010-Ohio-1272, ¶ 53; State v. Trewartha, 165
Ohio App.3d 91, 2005-Ohio-5697, 844 N.E.2d 1218 (10th Dist.); State v. Hough, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 91691, 2010-Ohio-2770, ¶ 19 (“[I]f the victim is killed in a

cold-blooded, execution-style manner, the killing bespeaks aforethought, and a jury may

infer prior calculation and design.”).

{¶59} Whether a defendant acted with prior calculation and design is determined

on a case-by-case basis, following an analysis of the specific facts and evidence presented

at trial. Orr at ¶ 77; State v. Jones, 91 Ohio St.3d 335, 345, 744 N.E.2d 1163 (2001);

see also State v. Braden, 98 Ohio St.3d 354, 2003-Ohio-1325, 785 N.E.2d 439, ¶ 61

(“‘Where evidence adduced at trial reveals the presence of sufficient time and opportunity

for the planning of an act of homicide to constitute prior calculation, and the

circumstances surrounding the homicide show a scheme designed to implement the

calculated decision to kill, a finding by the trier of fact of prior calculation and design is

justified.’”), quoting Cotton at paragraph three of the syllabus. There is no “bright-line

test” for determining the presence or absence of prior calculation and design; however,

the Ohio Supreme Court has identified several factors to be weighed along with the

totality of the circumstances surrounding the murder in determining the existence of prior

calculation and design, including: whether the defendant and the victim knew each other

and, if so, whether the relationship was strained; whether there was thought or preparation

in choosing the murder weapon or murder site; and whether the act was “drawn out” or

“an almost instantaneous eruption of events.” Taylor, citing State v. Jenkins, 48 Ohio
App.2d 99, 102, 355 N.E.2d 825 (8th Dist.1976); see also State v. Woods, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 99630, 2014-Ohio-1722, ¶ 25.

{¶60} The state can use either direct evidence or circumstantial evidence to prove

the elements of a crime. See, e.g., State v. Durr, 58 Ohio St.3d 86, 92, 568 N.E.2d 674

(1991); Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492, at paragraph one of the syllabus; State

v. Bokeno, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-03-044, 2012-Ohio-4218, ¶ 12.

Circumstantial and direct evidence are of equal probative value. Jenks at paragraph one of

the syllabus. Circumstantial evidence is “proof of facts or circumstances by direct

evidence from which the trier of fact may reasonably infer other related or connected

facts that naturally or logically follow.” State v. Seals, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101081,

2015-Ohio-517, ¶ 32, citing State v. Beynum, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 69206, 1996 Ohio

App. LEXIS 2143 (May 23, 1996); see also State v. Hartman, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

90284, 2008-Ohio-3683, ¶ 37 (“Circumstantial evidence is the proof of facts by direct

evidence from which the trier of fact may infer or derive by reasoning other facts in

accordance with the common experience of mankind.”), quoting State v. Griesheimer,

10th Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-1039, 2007-Ohio-837. “[C]ircumstantial evidence is

sufficient to sustain a conviction if that evidence would convince the average mind of the

defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. McKnight, 107 Ohio St.3d 101,

2005-Ohio-6046, 837 N.E.2d 315, ¶ 75, quoting State v. Heinish, 50 Ohio St.3d 231, 238,

553 N.E.2d 1026 (1990).
 {¶61} In this case, the testimony of Fisher detailed above established that the

murder of Vance was “executed in such a manner that circumstantially proved the

defendant had a preconceived plan to kill.” Wilson was described as entering Vance’s

apartment in the middle of the night, shooting Fisher and, in conjunction with Alexander,

entering Vance’s bedroom where she was shot nine times while she slept. We find that

the state presented sufficient evidence of prior calculation and design.

{¶62} We next consider Wilson’s argument that the attempted murder charges

pertaining to Vance’s children were not supported by sufficient evidence. Wilson argues

that apart from the children’s presence in the room where Vance was murdered, “there is

no indication that they were shot at or physically injured at all.”

{¶63} The record reflects that Vance’s children were in close proximity to her

when she was shot nine times: A.V. was asleep in a bed shared with Vance and Z.V. was

asleep in a crib next to the bed. In fact, first responders found A.V. laying on top of

Vance’s body in the bed.

{¶64} The Ohio Supreme Court addressed the exact argument before us in State v.

Dean, 146 Ohio St.3d 106, 2015-Ohio-4347, 54 N.E.3d 80. The court held that the

doctrine of transferred intent extends the intent associated with the aggravated murder of

an intended victim to the intent necessary to support attempted murder charges of “readily

identifiable” unintended and unharmed victims placed at risk by the defendant’s actions

against the intended victim. In reaching its conclusion, the court cited a decision of this

district wherein we extended the doctrine of transferred intent for the same purpose in
upholding an attempted murder charge against a defendant who shot his intended victim

but also nearly struck a nearby unintended victim. State v. Wheeler, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 66923, 1995 Ohio App. LEXIS 2146 (May 25, 1995).

{¶65} We find Dean and Wheeler to be applicable to the facts of the present case

where the unintended victims were in close proximity to the intended victim who was

struck with nine gunshots. Considering the fact that at least nine shots were fired into the

bed where A.V. slept next to Vance, it truly is a miracle that this case does not involve

two more homicide victims.

{¶66} We reject Wilson’s sufficiency argument pertaining to the two counts of

attempted murder.

{¶67} Finally, because the kidnapping and the felonious assault counts merged into

other offenses for which we find no sufficiency errors, we need not address Wilson’s

sufficiency challenges to those counts. See State v. Franks, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

103682, 2016-Ohio-5241, ¶ 18 (explaining that any sufficiency error as to merged counts

would be harmless error); State v. Ramos, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103596,

2016-Ohio-7685, ¶ 14 (holding that when counts in an indictment are allied offenses, and

there is sufficient evidence to support the offense on which the state elects to have the

defendant sentenced, the appellate court need not consider the sufficiency of the evidence

on the count that is subject to merger because any error would be harmless).

{¶68} Wilson’s fifth assignment of error is overruled.

VI. Manifest Weight
 {¶69} In his sixth assignment of error, Wilson argues that his convictions were

against the manifest weight of the evidence.

{¶70} A manifest weight challenge attacks the credibility of the evidence

presented and questions whether the state met its burden of persuasion at trial. State v.

Whitsett, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101182, 2014-Ohio-4933, ¶ 26, citing State v.

Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541; State v. Bowden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga

No. 92266, 2009-Ohio-3598, ¶ 13. Because it is a broader review, a reviewing court may

determine that a judgment of a trial court is sustained by sufficient evidence, but

nevertheless conclude that the judgment is against the weight of the evidence.

{¶71} “When considering an appellant’s claim that a conviction is against the

manifest weight of the evidence, the court of appeals sits as a ‘thirteenth juror’ and may

disagree ‘with the factfinder’s resolution of conflicting testimony.’” Thompkins at 387,

quoting Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102 S.Ct. 2211, 72 L.Ed.2d 652 (1982). The

reviewing court must examine the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable

inferences, consider the witnesses’ credibility, and determine whether, in resolving

conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest

miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.

Thompkins at 387, citing State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st

Dist.1983). In conducting such a review, this court remains mindful that the credibility of

witnesses and the weight of the evidence are matters primarily for the trier of fact to

assess. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraphs one and
two of the syllabus. Reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for the “exceptional

case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Thompkins at 387,

quoting Martin, supra.

{¶72} Wilson’s manifest weight argument is based upon the fact that the state’s

case was reliant upon the testimony of Fisher whom Wilson asserts was not a credible

witness. The deficiencies in Fisher’s character including his credibility were fully

explored at trial and the jury was in the best position to accept or reject his testimony.

Wilson argues that Fisher had a motivation to implicate him and Alexander in the subject

offenses due to a prior incident wherein Fisher was arrested for carrying a concealed

weapon and tampering with evidence and Wilson and Alexander were listed as

“witnesses” in a police report pertaining to the event. However, the state presented

testimony that Alexander and Wilson were listed as “witnesses” by the arresting officer

solely due to their presence at the scene with Fisher, that Fisher was unaware of that

designation and that the juvenile prosecutor had no contact with Alexander or Wilson in

relation to the case.

{¶73} Wilson’s sixth assignment of error is overruled.

VII. Speedy Trial

{¶74} In his seventh assignment of error, Wilson argues that his speedy trial rights

were violated because he executed a speedy trial waiver based on faulty legal advice.

{¶75} Wilson argues that he signed a speedy trial waiver on the advice of his trial

counsel based on a misrepresentation made by the state that no Bruton statement existed
in this case that would bar a joint trial with Alexander. Wilson’s counsel alleged that he

was unaware of Alexander’s statement to police at the time he advised Wilson to enter

into a waiver. Wilson conceded to the trial court that if no Bruton violation existed, he

would have no right to revoke the waiver he now protests.

{¶76} We previously concluded in Wilson’s first assignment of error that

Alexander’s statement did not constitute a Bruton violation thereby defeating Wilson’s

alleged grounds for revocation of his waiver. Furthermore, the record reflects that

Wilson did in fact know of Alexander’s statement prior to executing his speedy trial

waiver. The prosecutor indicated to the court that Alexander’s statement was disclosed

in a discovery response to Wilson on September 9, 2015. In support of this contention,

Wilson filed a motion to sever based upon Alexander’s statement on September 30, 2015.

Wilson’s speedy trial waiver was not executed until October 1, 2015.

{¶77} We find no merit to Wilson’s speedy trial argument.

{¶78} Wilson’s seventh assignment of error is overruled.

VIII. Consecutive Sentences

{¶79} In his eighth assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

imposing consecutive sentences that were not supported by the record and in failing to

make the required findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).

{¶80} As this court explained in State v. Johnson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102449,

2016-Ohio-1536, there are two ways a defendant can challenge consecutive sentences on

appeal:
 First, the defendant can argue that consecutive sentences are contrary to law
because the court failed to make the necessary findings required by R.C.
2929.14(C)(4). See R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b); State v. Nia, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 99387, 2014-Ohio-2527, ¶ 16, 15 N.E.3d 892. Second, the defendant
can argue that the record does not support the findings made under R.C.
2929.14(C)(4). See R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a); Nia.

Johnson at ¶ 7.

{¶81} Pursuant to R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a), an appellate court may “increase, reduce,

or otherwise modify a sentence * * * or may vacate the sentence and remand the matter to

the sentencing court for resentencing” if it “clearly and convincingly” finds that “the

record does not support the sentencing court’s findings” under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).

{¶82} Pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), in order to impose consecutive sentences,

the trial court must find that consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public

from future crime or to punish the offender, that consecutive sentences are not

disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and to the danger the

offender poses to the public and that at least one of the following also applies:

(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses while the

offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction imposed

pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the Revised Code, or

was under postrelease control for a prior offense.

(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of one or

more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of the

multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
 prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses

of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender’s conduct.

(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime
by the offender.

R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).

{¶83} The trial court must both make the statutory findings required for

consecutive sentences at the sentencing hearing and incorporate those findings into its

sentencing journal entry. State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16

N.E.3d 659, syllabus. To make the requisite “findings” under the statute, “‘the [trial]

court must note that it engaged in the analysis “and that it has considered” the statutory

criteria and specifie[d] which of the given bases warrants its decision.”’ Id. at ¶ 26,

quoting State v. Edmonson, 86 Ohio St.3d 324, 326, 715 N.E.2d 131 (1999). A trial court

need not give a “talismanic incantation of the words of the statute” when imposing

consecutive sentences, “provided that the necessary findings can be found in the record

and are incorporated in the sentencing entry.” Bonnell at ¶ 37.

{¶84} Wilson first argues that consecutive sentences are clearly and convincingly

not supported by the record in that they are in excess of what is necessary to incapacitate

him, deter him from committing future crime and rehabilitate him. We find no support

for this argument. Wilson’s actions in this case resulted in the shooting death of Vance

from nine gunshot wounds and the attempted murder of three other victims. We cannot

say that consecutive sentences are not supported by the record in this instance.
 {¶85} Wilson next argues that the trial court did not make the required finding

under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) that “consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the

seriousness of the offender’s conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public.”

In this instance the trial court stated that consecutive sentences “would not be

disproportionate to the acts in this matter.” This court has previously held that a trial

court’s statement that consecutive sentences were “not disproportionate” was sufficient

when viewed within the context of the entirety of the trial court’s statements on the

imposition of consecutive sentences and the record indicates that the court considered

proportionality both with regard to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and the

danger he or she poses to the public. State v. Morris, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104013,

2016-Ohio-7614, ¶ 22-34, citing State v. Crawley, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102781,

2015-Ohio-5150; State v. Cooperwood, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 99309 – 99311,

2013-Ohio-3432.

{¶86} We find the trial court’s proportionality finding in this instance to be

sufficient. The trial court referenced the great and unusual harm caused by Wilson’s

conduct such that the court’s obligation to consider the “seriousness of the conduct” was

satisfied. In regard to the danger posed to the public, as in Morris, the trial court in this

case found that consecutive service of Wilson’s sentences was necessary to protect the

public. Morris held that such a finding coupled with a reference to consecutive

sentences not being disproportionate was sufficient to satisfy the court’s obligation. Id.

at ¶ 34.
 {¶87} Sua sponte, we note that the trial court failed to incorporate its R.C.

2929.14(C)(4) consecutive sentence findings into its sentencing entry as required by

Bonnell:

A trial court’s inadvertent failure to incorporate the statutory findings in the
sentencing entry after properly making those findings at the sentencing
hearing does not render the sentence contrary to law; rather, such a clerical
mistake may be corrected by the court through a nunc pro tunc entry to
reflect what actually occurred in open court.

Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d 659, at ¶ 30.

{¶88} Consequently, Wilson’s eighth assignment of error is overruled in part and

sustained in part.

IX. Court Costs

{¶89} In his ninth assignment of error, Wilson argues that the trial court erred in

finding him indigent but nonetheless requiring him to pay off court costs through

community work service.

{¶90} We find no merit to Wilson’s argument. First, the record reflects that Wilson

failed to file an affidavit of indigency. This court has held that defendants must file an

affidavit of indigency addressing their present and future ability to pay in order for the

court to waive fines and costs. State v. Ledbetter, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104077,

2017-Ohio-89, ¶ 19, citing State v. Joseph, 125 Ohio St.3d 76, 2010-Ohio-954, 926

N.E.2d 278, ¶ 12. A finding of indigency for purposes of appointment of counsel is not

sufficient to warrant a waiver of costs and fines at sentencing. State v. Simpson, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101088, 2014-Ohio-4580, ¶ 20.
 {¶91} Furthermore, even if Wilson had properly been found indigent the trial court

retained discretion to impose court costs. See State v. Minifee, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.

99202, 2013-Ohio-3146, ¶ 36 (“although the trial court found appellant to be indigent, it

acted within its discretion under R.C. 2947.23(A)(1) in imposing court costs regardless of

appellant’s financial status”); State v. Cooper, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104599,

2017-Ohio-970, ¶ 26.

{¶92} Wilson’s ninth assignment of error is overruled.

{¶93} Judgment affirmed; case remanded for the trial court to issue a nunc pro

tunc entry in compliance with the requirements of Bonnell by incorporating its

consecutive sentencing findings into the entry.

It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant the costs herein taxed.

The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the Cuyahoga

County Court of Common Pleas to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant’s

conviction having been affirmed, any bail pending appeal is terminated. Case remanded

to the trial court for correction of the journal entry.

A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to

Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

______________________________________________
EILEEN A. GALLAGHER, PRESIDING JUDGE

TIM McCORMACK, J., and
FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., J., CONCUR