[Cite as State v. Kennedy, 2024-Ohio-1586.]
COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
No. 112879
v. :
ANTONIO KENNEDY, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: April 25, 2024
Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-22-667979-A
Appearances:
Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
Attorney, Marco Tanudra and John Hirschauer, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorneys, for appellee.
Edward M. Heindel, for appellant.
ANITA LASTER MAYS, J.:
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant Antonio Kennedy (“Kennedy”) appeals his
bench trial convictions for multiple counts. We affirm the trial court’s judgment.
I. Background and Facts
{¶ 2} Kennedy’s convictions arose from the shooting of victim Henry Carter
(“Carter”) on the night of June 16, 2021. Kennedy maintains he was not the assailant
and suggested checking with an individual who resided on the West Side of
Cleveland known as “Q.”
{¶ 3} Carter’s wife, Tawana Hill (“Hill”), testified that Carter performed
odd jobs and sold drugs including to Kennedy who was known as “Tone.” Hill had
never seen Kennedy’s face and could not describe him but knew that Carter
sometimes rented a tan colored four-door Honda Accord from Kennedy in exchange
for drugs and that Kennedy worked at Popeyes Chicken on Lee Road.
{¶ 4} About 10:30 p.m., Carter told Hill he was leaving to respond to two
calls for drugs; Kennedy was waiting outside to pick him up and he left with bags of
marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, along with his phone and money but did not take
his guns. Hill saw him enter the Honda Accord. Hill began calling Carter about 11:30
p.m. or midnight but could not reach him. She began checking hospitals and jails
and eventually located him at the morgue.
{¶ 5} During cross-examination, Hill recalled telling detectives from the
Cleveland Police Department (“CPD”) that Carter was going to purchase a turquoise
Honda from Kennedy which refreshed her recollection that the Honda was not tan
but said the car had a loud muffler. Hill admitting telling police that Carter had a
drug customer on the West Side of Cleveland but denied informing them that the
customer’s name was “Q” and said the only “Q” she knew was her husband’s best
friend, Quadell Jackson. Tr. 138. Hill denied telling police that Carter argued with
the West Side customer, but said Carter argued with Kennedy about short-changing
Kennedy in the amount of drugs he gave Kennedy in exchange for renting Kennedy’s
car. Hill did not see who was driving the Honda when Carter was picked up, but
Carter told her it was Kennedy, and she heard the loud muffler.
{¶ 6} India Jackson (“Jackson”) began working as a manager at Popeyes’
Lee Road location in June 2021. Jackson’s manager provided police with a security
video and a roster of the employees. Police returned about a week later to have
Jackson identify a photograph of an employee listed as “Antonio Campbell.”
Jackson identified him as a cook that she only knew as “Tone.” Tr. 152. She also
identified a photograph of the cashier, Jaeshawna Campbell (“Campbell”). Jackson
had no direct knowledge of the relationship between Kennedy and Campbell but had
heard rumors.
{¶ 7} Popeyes’ cashier Jaeshawna Campbell (“Campbell”) said she met
Kennedy in 2020 at her sister’s home and moved in with Kennedy at the home of
Kennedy’s brother Quentin Kennedy (“Quentin”) in late 2020 or early 2021.
Campbell met with Det. Jonathan Dayton (“Det. Dayton”) in January 2023 and
identified a photograph of Carter. She met Carter when she and Kennedy went to
purchase marijuana one night. Carter entered the back seat of Kennedy’s black SUV
to conduct the transaction.
{¶ 8} Campbell and Kennedy later argued about whether Carter flirted with
her as he exited the car. Kennedy stormed out of the house and did not return for
two days. When Kennedy returned, he acted anxious, paranoid, and upset. Campbell
attributed Kennedy’s behavior to “stuff he was going through.” Tr. 427. Campbell
also said Kennedy was not acting differently when he came back and “because I went
through other stuff with him, so it’s like the behavior and stuff wasn’t really new to
me.” Tr. 430. Campbell admitted that she and Kennedy were fired from Popeyes
for arguments on the job. Campbell could not provide dates for the recited events
but recalled that it was 2021 and warm outside.
{¶ 9} Quentin, a self-employed music studio engineer with a home-based
studio, testified that he and his brother Kennedy had a good relationship. Quentin
owned a blue Hyundai Sonata that he let Kennedy drive to work. On February 17,
2022, the CPD SWAT team executed a warrant at Quentin’s home and Kennedy was
removed and handcuffed.
{¶ 10} Quentin was also taken to the station and his recorded interview with
CPD Det. Dayton was played to refresh his recollection about “any incident that had
happened in the past” that was shared with him by Kennedy. Tr. 173. Quentin
recalled that in July 2021, Kennedy told him that he was in the Kinsman area “to
buy something” when another car with an armed individual pulled up and tried to
rob him. There was a shooting, and Kennedy got rid of the gun but did not say
where.
{¶ 11} Carter’s good friend of 14 years, Quadell Jackson (“Jackson”),
referred to as “Q” by Hill, met Kennedy about two months prior to Carter’s death.
Jackson got “nothing but bad vibes” from Kennedy. Tr. 268. Jackson knew that
Kennedy bought drugs from Carter.
{¶ 12} Two days before the incident, Jackson took Carter to Popeyes to pick
up a car from Kennedy. Jackson said:
[Carter] handed [Kennedy] a package in exchange for the car so he can
get the car for the day. [Kennedy] did not like the package or — I guess
it was short [on the amount of drugs that Carter had agreed to pay
Kennedy to use the car.] [Carter] got a bad habit of — he would short
somebody in a heartbeat like. So I guess [Kennedy] said, “You’re not
going to keep doing this to me like this,” with a finger pointed at him. I
took it seriously, [Carter] didn’t.
Tr. 273. Carter retrieved the car keys, and the parties went their own ways. Jackson
did not recall the color or model of the car but remembered it was small.
{¶ 13} Jackson was at home with his girlfriend, Carolyn Lewis (“Carolyn”),
the night of the shooting. Carter called Jackson for a ride that day saying he needed
to get somewhere in a hurry, but Jackson did not take him.
{¶ 14} Police showed Jackson a photograph of Quavon Brown (“Quavon”)
who was also known as “Q.” Jackson said he did not know him personally but had
previously driven Carter to the West Side to “meet up” with Quavon. He was not
aware of any disagreements between Quavon and Carter.
{¶ 15} Jackson’s girlfriend Carolyn met Kennedy on June 15, 2021. Tr. 307.
Carolyn heard Jackson ask Carter how long he had known Kennedy who responded,
“for some time.” Tr. 317. Jackson was concerned because he and Carter were good
friends, yet he had never met Kennedy before. Carolyn and Jackson’s brother Chris
agreed that they got a “bad vibe” from Kennedy. Tr. 321.
{¶ 16} Tasonna Lewis (“Tasonna”) testified she met Kennedy in 2020 and
they had the same group of friends. Tasonna was arrested attempting to use a store
credit card allegedly purchased from Kennedy that she said she did not know was
stolen. Tasonna contacted Kennedy but did not see Kennedy until he stopped by her
job in June or July 2021. He behaved as though “something was wrong” and told
her he would return her money but needed her to be patient because “he killed
somebody” at “93rd and Holton.” Tr. 387. “He was meeting them to get marijuana.
He said he called him to get weed, but the dude tried to rob him, and it was like it
was him or him.” Tr. 388. Kennedy told her “[he] went back to his dad’s house. He
got rid of the gun. He said he was laying low.” Tr. 388.
{¶ 17} Tasonna said she did not know Carter’s family and denied she was
testifying to get back at Kennedy. Though she was angry about the credit card, “[i]t
was more so the daughter of the victim. Like, they came in my job and she was
crying.” Tr. 389. “And I didn’t know like it was [Kennedy] they were talking about
until he gave me the details and I was like damn.” Tr. 389. “I don’t know the victim’s
kids or his kids’ mother. I don’t know him. I know a mutual friend of hers.” Tr.
389.
{¶ 18} Tasonna testified she initially thought police contacted her regarding
her brother’s murder that took place in June 2021 in the Garden Valley
neighborhood where her family resided. During cross-examination, Tasonna had
difficulty remembering the dates, the conversations, and contacts with Kennedy that
occurred.
{¶ 19} CPD Officer Brian Soucek (“Ofc. Soucek”) and his partner were the
first to arrive at the scene in response to a dispatch call for a male down at 1:49 a.m.
and called for EMS. The area had a few houses and a motorcycle club that was
located under two bridges, secluded, and dimly lit.
{¶ 20} CPD homicide Detective Thelemon Powell (“Det. Powell”) responded
to the scene at about 2:30 a.m., where fellow homicide Detective Dayton was also
present. Det. Powell observed a deceased male with a gunshot wound in the right
temple area above the ear. The detective narrated the scene photographs. A 9 mm
spent bullet casing was located near the body. A photograph of Carter’s hand
appeared to have a partially rolled marijuana cigarette. Apparent blood was present
on Carter’s right side. One dollar and lottery tickets were the only items found on
the body. No other items were recovered at the scene. Attempts to obtain security
videos of the incident were unsuccessful.
{¶ 21} On June 20, 2021, the detective was informed by Hill that Carter
offered Kennedy, whom she referred to as “Tone,” some marijuana to take him to
the West Side of Cleveland to sell drugs and that Kennedy picked Carter up. The
detective checked the employment roster at Popeyes, saw the name “Anthony
Campbell” and determined it could be “Tone.” He interviewed “Tone” who was very
cooperative but remained a suspect. The detective subsequently discovered
Kennedy’s name and participated in the search warrant execution where Kennedy
was arrested. Det. Powell testified that no 9 mm weapons were seized during the
search warrant execution, though a Glock 9 mm magazine was recovered. Tr. 242.
{¶ 22} The detective recalled going to a west side location to interview
Quavon Brown based on a conversation with Kennedy’s sister, Kizzie Day.
Counsel: Okay. Do you recall ever interviewing Quavon Brown?
Powell: I believe we did, yes.
Counsel: Okay. Did you — do you recall when he was interviewed?
Powell: I recall being like through the outside of an apartment
complex. I don’t believe I initiated the interview but —
Counsel: Fair enough. I understand.
Powell: I do recall interviewing Quavon Brown.
Tr. 231.
{¶ 23} Forensic DNA Analyst Salesha Frantz (“Frantz”) of the Cuyahoga
County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory tested the evidence and recorded the
results. Kennedy’s DNA record was stored in the Combined DNA Index System
database (“CODIS”) maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (“BCI”).
{¶ 24} Frantz did not test the shell casing because there “was only one swab
from the shell casing” and she “would need to consume the entire swab and we did
not receive permission to consume that swab.” Tr. 345. Thus, there was no DNA
evidence tying the 9 mm shell casing found at the site to Kennedy. Swabs from the
inside and outer edge of the left front and right back pockets of Carter’s sweatpants
contained DNA from Carter, two unknown contributors, and Kennedy. Swabs of
Carter’s fingernails, knuckles, and palm contained DNA from an unknown
contributor.
{¶ 25} Frantz was not aware of any lab testing that could determine the
approximate age or condition of an item or how many times an item had been worn.
She agreed that multiple interactions between Kennedy and Carter increased the
likelihood that Kennedy’s DNA would be present — even from a hand touching a
hand. “It’s possible.” Tr. 358.
{¶ 26} Crime Analyst Reem Almukdad (“Almukdad”) with the Cuyahoga
County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Strategies Unit utilized CellHawk software to map
cell phone location information obtained from cellular providers. Carter’s phone
data did not confirm Kennedy’s statement to police that he dropped Carter off near
East 116th Street and Miles Avenue that night but did confirm Carter was at the East
90th and Holton location. Almukdad did not know whether the parties had other
cell phones.
{¶ 27} Forensic Pathologist Dr. Todd Barr with the Cuyahoga County
Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at the scene around 3:00 a.m. and estimated
death had occurred one or two hours earlier. The parties stipulated that the cause
of death was “a gunshot wound with transection of the cervical spinal cord, and it is
a homicide.” Tr. 482. During the autopsy, the doctor discovered blunt force injuries
including “abrasions of the forehead, the right forearm, the right knee, the right
lower leg, the left side of the nose, and an abraded laceration on the bridge of his
nose.” Tr. 486. The weapon was fired more than three feet from the victim. The
bullet entered the right side of the face and exited the left side of the neck though
the doctor could not identify the positions of the parties at the time of the shooting.
{¶ 28} Homicide Unit Det. Dayton worked on the case with Det. Powell. The
detective met with Tasonna regarding the stolen credit card and Kennedy’s
statement that he shot and killed someone on Holton Avenue. Tasonna provided
him with an address that allowed him to find Kennedy’s name in the Ohio Law
Enforcement Gateway (“OHLEG”) that includes driver’s license and car registration
information.
{¶ 29} Carter’s wife Hill and sister Kizzy Day contacted Det. Dayton to tell
him that they retrieved security video from the Omens Motorcycle Club near the
scene. The video was played for the trial court.
Det. Dayton: The footage depicts a vehicle traveling westbound on
Holton. It comes to a stop at the intersection of Holton and East 90th
and you can see on the driver’s side of the vehicle a muzzle flash and
then the vehicle pulls away and it travels — it makes a left-hand
northbound turn from Holton Avenue onto East 90th and goes out of
view.
The roadway that you see directly in front of the camera is Holton
Avenue. Where you can see the headlights off this the upper right-hand
corner, that’s the intersection of Holton Avenue and East 90th. So we’re
looking westbound down Holton Avenue towards Holton Avenue and
East 90th.
Tr. 533-534. The detective described two muzzle flashes. A suspect vehicle was not
recovered. The detective did not believe the video timestamp was correct. The 911
call was received at approximately 1:40 a.m.1
1 This court’s review of the 1:05 minute video reveals that the area was dark with
a few streetlights in the area of the security camera. Bright headlights emanated from a
vehicle that stopped about a block down the street from the camera location. A flash of
light, followed approximately ten seconds later by a second flash, that could possibly have
been gunfire occurred. Neither the vehicle nor any other activity could be observed due to
the bright headlights.
{¶ 30} Kennedy was interviewed by Det. Dayton and Det. Powell after his
arrest. The video was played for the trial court. Kennedy admitted during the police
interview that he purchased drugs from Carter with cash the night of the incident.
Kennedy said he had dropped Carter off at East 116th Street and Miles, and Kennedy
maintained his innocence. At one point Kennedy said that Jaeshawna was with him
when he dropped Carter off, but they were no longer together, and he did not know
her phone number or where she lived.
{¶ 31} During Det. Dayton’s interview with Hill at Carter’s sister’s house, the
name and phone number of Quavon Brown was provided, and the name of Brown’s
girlfriend Terra Billups, also known as Sonata, was also mentioned. The detective
could not recall whether he talked with the girlfriend and said he could not locate
Quavon who was on parole, and the parole department could not find him either.
{¶ 32} Det. Dayton believed that Carter was riding in the car as a passenger
when he was shot, though the medical examiner testified that the bullet entered
Carter’s right temple and exited on the posterolateral left neck, traveling “right to
left, slightly front to back and downward.” Tr. 486. Carter’s pants pockets were
turned outward. Carter’s cell phone records did not indicate he traveled to the West
Side that night.
{¶ 33} The state rested, Kennedy’s Crim.R. 29 motion for judgment of
acquittal was denied, the defense rested, and the renewed Crim.R. 29 motion was
denied.
{¶ 34} Kennedy was found not guilty of two counts of aggravated murder
under R.C. 2903.01(A) and (B) and was convicted of:
Murder R.C. 2903.02(A), an unclassified felony, with firearm
specification(s), — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) — 3 years
(2941.145) as charged in count(s) 3 of the indictment.
Murder R.C. 2903.02(B), an unclassified felony, with firearm
specification(s) — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) — 3 years
(2941.145) as charged in count(s) 4, 5 of the indictment.
Felonious assault R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), a second-degree felony, with
firearm specification(s) — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) —
3 years (2941.145) as charged in count(s) 6 of the indictment.
Felonious assault R.C. 2903.11(A)(2), a second-degree felony, with
firearm specification(s) — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) —
3 years (2941.145) as charged in count(s) 7 of the indictment.
Aggravated robbery R.C. 2911.01(A)(1), a first-degree felony, with
firearm specification(s) — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) —
3 years (2941.145) as charged in count(s) 8 of the indictment.
Aggravated robbery R.C. 2911.01(A)(3), a first-degree felony, with
firearm specification(s) — 1 year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) —
3 years (2941.145) as charged in count(s) 9 of the indictment.
Discharge of firearm on or near prohibited premises R.C.
2923.162(A)(3), a first-degree felony, with firearm specification(s) — 1
year (2941.141), firearm specification(s) — 3 years (2941.145) as
charged in count(s) 10 of the indictment.
Having weapons while under disability R.C. 2923.13(A)(2), a third-
degree felony, as charged in count(s) 11 of the indictment.
Journal Entry No. 148188666, p. 1-2 (May 5, 2023).
{¶ 35} Kennedy was sentenced to an aggregate term of 21 years to life:
For sentencing purposes all 1-year firearm specifications (in count(s) 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) merge into the 3-year firearm spec in count 3.
Counts 3, 4, and 5 merge for sentencing purposes into count 3.
Counts 6 and 7 merge for sentencing purposes into count 6.
Counts 8 and 9 merge for sentencing purposes into count 8.
Count 3 — 15-years-to-life +3-year firearm spec. (18 yrs. on this count)
Count 4 — base charge merges into count 3 + 3-year firearm
specification to run consecutive to 3-year firearm specification in count
3.
Count 5 — no sentence imposed- merges into count 3.
Count 6 — 8 years minimum-12 years maximum on base charge +3-
year firearm spec.*to run concurrent to all other firearm specifications*
Count 7 — base charge merges into count 6 + 3-year firearm
specification to run *concurrent to all other firearm specifications.
Count 8 — 10 years minimum-15 years maximum on base charge + 3-
year firearm spec.*to run concurrent to all other firearm specifications*
Count 9 — base charge merges into count 8 +3-year firearm spec.*to
run concurrent to all other firearm specifications*
Count 10 — 10 years min-15 years max +3-year firearm spec.*to run
concurrent to all other firearm specifications*
Count 11 — 3 years.
Counts to run concurrent for a total time of 21 years to life.
Journal Entry No. 148188666, p. 2 (May 30, 2023).
{¶ 36} Kennedy appeals.
II. Assignments of Error
{¶ 37} Kennedy raises the following assignments of error:
I. The trial court erred when it admitted other acts evidence
without following the procedure set forth in Evidence Rule 404(B).
II. Kennedy was denied his right to the effective assistance of
counsel because counsel did not raise the issue of DNA secondary
transfer and did not object to the introduction of other acts evidence.
III. The convictions were not supported by sufficient evidence.
IV. The convictions were against the manifest weight of the
evidence.
III. Analysis
A. Other Acts Evidence
{¶ 38} Kennedy contends the trial court failed to follow the procedure set
forth in Evid.R. 404(B) when it admitted other-acts evidence. This court does not
find that to be the case.
1. Standard of Review
{¶ 39} To the extent that this argument is raised for the first time on appeal,
it will be reviewed for plain error.
“[A] reviewing court’s analysis is generally limited to reviewing issues
raised on appeal solely for plain error or defects affecting a defendant’s
substantial rights pursuant to Crim.R. 52(B). State v. Tisdale, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 74331, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 6143 (Dec. 17, 1988). The
plain error doctrine should be invoked by an appellate court only in
exceptional circumstances to prevent a miscarriage of justice. State v.
Cooperrider, 4 Ohio St.3d 226, 227, 448 N.E.2d 452 (1983). Plain error
will be recognized only where, but for the error, the outcome of the case
would clearly have been different. Id.”
State v. Bell, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106842, 2019-Ohio-340, ¶ 61, quoting State v.
King, 184 Ohio App.3d 226, 2009-Ohio-4551, 920 N.E.2d 399, ¶ 8 (8th Dist.).
{¶ 40} “The admissibility of other-acts evidence under Evid.R. 404(B) is a
question of law” that we review de novo. State v. Hartman, 161 Ohio St.3d 214,
2020-Ohio-4440, 161 N.E.3d 651, ¶ 22. However, “the trial court’s weighing of the
probative value of admissible evidence against the danger of unfair prejudice to the
defendant under Evid.R. 403(A) involves an exercise of judgment.” State v. Kamer,
6th Dist. Wood No. WD-20-084, 2022-Ohio-2070, ¶ 132, citing State v. Worley, 164
Ohio St.3d 589, 2021-Ohio-2207, 174 N.E.3d 754, ¶ 117, citing Hartman at ¶ 30.
“[S]o we review that decision for an abuse of discretion.” Id., citing id. An abuse of
discretion occurs where ‘“the trial court’s attitude, in reaching its decision, was
arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable.’’’ Johnson v. Abdullah, 166 Ohio St.3d
427, 2021-Ohio-3304, 187 N.E.3d 463, ¶ 34, quoting Celmer v. Rodgers, 114 Ohio
St.3d 221, 2007-Ohio-3697, 871 N.E.2d 557, ¶ 19 (plurality opinion).
2. Discussion
{¶ 41} Evid.R. 404(B) provides:
(B) Other crimes, wrongs, or acts.
Evidence 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. In criminal cases, the proponent of
evidence to be offered under this rule shall provide reasonable notice
in advance of trial, or during trial if the court excuses pretrial notice on
good cause shown, of the general nature of any such evidence it intends
to introduce at trial.
{¶ 42} Evid.R. 403(A) adds that “[a]lthough relevant, evidence is not
admissible if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair
prejudice, of confusion of the issues, or of misleading the jury.” The exclusion of
relevant evidence under Evid.R. 403(A) rests within the discretion of the trial court.
State v. Skatzes, 104 Ohio St.3d 195, 2004-Ohio-6391, 819 N.E.2d 215, ¶ 107, citing
State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St.3d 173, 510 N.E.2d 343 (1987), paragraph two of the
syllabus.
{¶ 43} In State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St.3d 521, 2012-Ohio-5695, 983
N.E.2d 1278, ¶ 19, the court set forth a three-step analysis to determine whether
other-acts evidence is admissible. First the trial court had to “consider whether the
other-acts evidence is relevant to making any fact that is of consequence to the
determination of the action more or less probable than it would be without the
evidence. Evid.R. 401.” Id. at ¶ 20. Second, the trial court had to “consider whether
evidence of the other crimes, wrongs, or acts is presented to prove the character of
the accused in order to show activity in conformity therewith or whether the other
acts evidence is presented for a legitimate purpose, such as those stated in Evid.R.
404(B).” Id. Third, the trial court had to “consider whether the probative value of
the other acts evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.
See Evid.R 403.” Id.
{¶ 44} Kennedy first argues that the state failed to provide notice per Evid.R.
404(B) that requires the “proponent of evidence” to “provide reasonable notice”
prior to “or during trial if the court excuses pretrial notice” for “good cause shown of
the general nature of any such evidence it intends to introduce at trial.” Id.
“Nevertheless, as indicated in the Staff Notes to the rule, the notice requirement
‘should not be construed to exclude otherwise relevant and admissible evidence
solely because of a lack of notice, absent a showing of bad faith.”’ Brecksville v.
Sadaghiani, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109992, 2021-Ohio-2443, ¶ 76, citing State v.
Plevyak, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2013-T-0051, 2014-Ohio-2889, ¶ 21.
{¶ 45} Kennedy identifies as improper the testimony of Tasonna Lewis that
Kennedy engaged in credit card fraud, confessed to killing someone, and repetitive
testimony that Kennedy engaged in drug transactions. The state counters that
Kennedy received a police report containing a summary of Tasonna Lewis’s
interview and a video recording, and reports regarding Quadell Jackson and Carter’s
wife Tawana Hill. The defense conceded on the record that the information had been
received. Thus, Kennedy could not have been surprised at the testimony.
{¶ 46} The state’s failure to give prior notice of its potential use of Evid.R.
404(B) evidence is ‘“not reversible error where the witness’s name and testimony to
which the defendant”’ now objects ‘“were disclosed to the defendant in the police
report”’ and the video interview ‘“that was provided to the defendant prior to trial.”’
Id. at ¶ 77, quoting Cleveland v. Lowery, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103722, 2016-
Ohio-5626, ¶ 30.
{¶ 47} Kennedy also contends testimony by Tasonna Lewis and Quadell
Jackson was used to establish Kennedy’s bad character. Specifically, Tasonna
Lewis’s testimony that she was arrested and jailed for using the credit card she
allegedly purchased from Kennedy for $1,500. Quadell Jackson testified that
Kennedy purchased drugs from Carter and did not look happy with the package.
Kennedy claims that these statements showed his bad character “as a drug-addicted
thief who would steal money from his own friends and allow his friend to get
arrested.” Appellant’s brief, p. 22.
{¶ 48} The state argues Jackson’s testimony regarding the drug relationship
and interaction between Kennedy and Carter supported the elements of the
aggravated murder count and is not prohibited by Evid.R. 404(B). The state is
correct that evidence of proof of motive is permitted under Evid.R. 404(B)(2). Hill’s
testimony confirmed tension between Kennedy and Carter regarding the amount of
drugs provided in exchange for use of Kennedy’s car. Any error on this point is
harmless because the trial court did not convict Kennedy of the aggravated murder
count.
{¶ 49} As for Tasonna Lewis’s testimony regarding the credit card
transaction, the state argues that the testimony was not offered as a prior bad act or
considered as one by the trial court. The testimony explained the “nature of the
relationship” between the parties, “their subsequent fallout” and explained why
Kennedy “would appear out of the blue to confess to her that he killed someone at
93rd and Holton.” Appellee’s brief, p. 10-11.
{¶ 50} The state provided discovery of the statements by Tasonna Lewis,
Quadell Jackson, and Tawana Hill. We keep in mind that this was a bench trial. In
a bench trial under Ohio law, “the trial court is entitled to the presumption of
regularity, that is, the trial court is presumed to know and follow the law in arriving
at its judgment unless it affirmatively appears to the contrary.” State v. Shropshire,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103808, 2016-Ohio-7224, ¶ 37, citing State v. Eley, 77 Ohio
St.3d 174, 180, 672 N.E.2d 640 (1996), citing State v. Post, 32 Ohio St.3d 380, 513
N.E.2d 754 (1987). “[I]n an appeal from a bench trial, we presume that a trial court
relies only on relevant, material, and competent evidence in arriving at its
judgment.” Id., citing id.
{¶ 51} The first assignment of error is overruled.
B. Effective assistance of counsel
{¶ 52} Kennedy argues his right to effective assistance of counsel was denied
by counsel’s failure to raise the issue of DNA secondary transfer and to object to the
introduction of other acts evidence.
1. Standard of review
{¶ 53} A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is judged using the
standard announced in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct.
2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984), State v. Sims, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109335, 2021-
Ohio-4009, ¶ 21, citing State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989).
‘“Counsel’s performance will not be deemed ineffective unless and until counsel’s
performance is proved to have fallen below an objective standard of reasonable
representation and, in addition, prejudice arises from counsel’s performance.”’ Id.,
quoting Bradley, at paragraph two of the syllabus. To establish prejudice, Kennedy
must demonstrate there is a “reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s
unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694.
2. Discussion
{¶ 54} This court has overruled the first assigned error regarding the
introduction of other-acts evidence. Thus, this court does not find counsel was
ineffective on this issue.
{¶ 55} Kennedy argues that trial counsel failed to address the issue of
secondary DNA transfers. “Secondary transfer of DNA is the transfer of DNA
through an intermediary.” State v. Williams, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106266, 2018-
Ohio-3368, ¶ 59, fn. 2. Also, ‘“[s]econdary transfer’ occurs when a person touches
something that a second person has previously touched and then deposits that
second person’s DNA onto another surface.” State v. Price, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.
111921, 2023-Ohio-3790, ¶ 24. See also State v. James, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 18
MA 0064, 2020-Ohio-4289, ¶ 89 (a secondary transfer of DNA occurs “when person
A touches person B, person B then touches an object, and person A’s DNA is on the
object.”).
{¶ 56} Forensic analysis Franz determined that samples from Carter’s left
front and back right pocket contained DNA from Carter, two unknown contributors,
and Kennedy. Kennedy’s DNA was not found on any other evidence.
{¶ 57} Franz testified that DNA could be transferred through sweat, touch,
bleeding, and spitting and could “basically come off of your body any certain way.”
Tr. 327. Under further inquiry by defense counsel, Franz agreed that DNA testing
could not reveal whether the pants had been worn multiple times. Frantz did not
deny that as an item is worn more than once, additional, or repeated DNA material
could be transferred to that item. In fact, Franz confirmed that skin samples that
could contain measurable DNA material sloughs off skin daily and multiple
interactions between Kennedy and Carter would make it more likely that Kennedy’s
DNA could be on Carter’s person. Testimony from multiple witnesses, as conceded
by Kennedy during his statement to police, revealed that Carter was a drug dealer
and Kennedy purchased drugs from Carter.
{¶ 58} This court reiterates that this was “a bench trial where the trial judge
is presumed to know the law and to consider only the relevant, material, and
competent evidence in arriving at a decision.” State v. Primous, 2020-Ohio-912,
152 N.E.3d 1002, ¶ 60 (8th Dist.), citing State v. Bays, 87 Ohio St.3d 15, 27, 716
N.E.2d 1126 (1999).
{¶ 59} We do not find that counsel was ineffective.
{¶ 60} The second assignment of error is overruled.
C. Sufficiency and manifest weight of the evidence
{¶ 61} The third and fourth errors challenge the sufficiency and manifest
weight of the evidence. We combine the errors for efficiency.
1. Standard of Review
{¶ 62} “Because a Crim.R. 29 motion for acquittal questions the sufficiency
of the evidence, ‘[w]e apply the same standard of review to Crim.R. 29 motions as
we use in reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence.”’ Fairview Park v. Peah, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110128, 2021-Ohio-2685, ¶ 37, quoting State v. Tenace, 109
Ohio St.3d 255, 2006-Ohio-2417, 847 N.E.2d 386, ¶ 37.
{¶ 63} “Whether the evidence is legally sufficient to sustain a verdict is a
question of law.” Id. at ¶ 38, citing State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 678
N.E.2d 541 (1997). “Sufficiency is a test of adequacy.” Id. “We construe the evidence
in a light most favorable to the prosecution and determine whether a rational trier
of fact could have found the essential elements of the offense proven beyond a
reasonable doubt.” Id., citing State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492
(1991), paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 64} While sufficiency tests the adequacy of the evidence to support the
verdict as a matter of law, a manifest weight inquiry asks whose evidence is more
persuasive at inducing belief, “the state’s or the defendant’s?” State v. Ryan, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 108143, 2019-Ohio-5339, ¶ 21, citing State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio
St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202, 865 N.E.2d 1264, ¶ 25. “Although there may be legally
sufficient evidence to support a judgment, it may nevertheless be against the
manifest weight of the evidence.” Id., citing Thompkins at 387; State v. Johnson,
88 Ohio St.3d 95, 723 N.E.2d 1054 (2000).
{¶ 65} We also recognize that the trial court and not a jury is serving as the
factfinder in our manifest-weight review of a bench trial verdict.
“Accordingly, to warrant reversal from a bench trial under a manifest
weight of the evidence claim, this court must review the entire record,
weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the
credibility of witnesses and determine whether in resolving conflicts in
evidence, the trial court clearly lost its way and created such a manifest
miscarriage of justice that the judgment must be reversed, and a new
trial ordered.”
State v. Strickland, 183 Ohio App.3d 602, 2009-Ohio-3906, 918 N.E.2d 170, ¶ 25
(8th Dist.), quoting Cleveland v. Welms, 169 Ohio App.3d 600, 2006-Ohio-6441,
863 N.E.2d 1125 (8th Dist.), citing Thompkins at 390. See also State v. Kessler, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 93340, 2010-Ohio-2094, ¶ 13. Only in the most ‘“exceptional
cases in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction, should a
conviction be reversed as against the manifest weight of the evidence.”’ Thompkins
at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st
Dist.1983).
2. Discussion
{¶ 66} “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.” State v. Ramos, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103596, 2016-Ohio-7685, ¶ 14,
citing State v. Powell, 49 Ohio St.3d 255, 263, 552 N.E.2d 191 (1990). See also State
v. Worley, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103105, 2016-Ohio-2722, ¶ 23, quoting State v.
Whitfield, 124 Ohio St.3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 12 (“For the purposes
of R.C. 2941.25, a ‘conviction’ consists of a guilty verdict and the imposition of a
sentence or penalty.”) (Emphasis sic.) A defendant cannot challenge a conviction
that was merged because “[t]he counts that merged with the aggravated murder
conviction are not convictions, and therefore, we cannot individually review the
evidence supporting those findings of guilt.” Worley at ¶ 23.
{¶ 67} Therefore, this court reviews the sufficiency of the evidence
supporting the convictions for murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery,
discharge of a firearm over prohibited premises, and having a weapon under
disability.
{¶ 68} Kennedy contends that police arrested the wrong person though the
defense proposed other drug purchaser candidates as possible culprits. Kennedy
also reiterates his concern that the trial court did not hear that DNA was easily
transferable, an argument rejected by this court under the second assignment of
error.
{¶ 69} There was testimony that Kennedy picked Carter up the night of the
incident and that Kennedy was displeased that Carter shorted him on the amount of
drugs that Carter was providing in exchange for the use of Kennedy’s vehicle.
Kennedy told police that he dropped Carter off at East 116th and Miles Avenue the
night of the incident, though the evidence demonstrated that Carter’s cell phone was
at East 90th and Holton Avenue. Tasonna Lewis testified that Kennedy told her that
he killed someone on Holton Avenue. Kennedy’s brother Quentin told police that in
July 2021, Kennedy said he was in the Kinsman area “to buy something” and another
car with an armed individual pulled up and tried to rob him. Kennedy told him there
was a shooting, and he got rid of the gun but did not say where. Quentin denied
making the statement when detectives left Kennedy and Quentin alone in the
interrogation room but did not speak when the detectives re-entered the room and
asked Quentin whether he made the statement.
{¶ 70} “When evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence to prove the
elements, it must be remembered that circumstantial evidence has the same
probative value as direct evidence.” State v. Garcia, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107027,
2022-Ohio-3426, ¶ 32, quoting State v. Palmer, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 19 MA
0108, 2021-Ohio-4639, ¶ 45, citing Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492, at
272-273.
{¶ 71} This court finds that, if believed, the evidence and testimony
submitted to the trial court would convince the average mind of Kennedy’s guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt for murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery,
discharge of a firearm over prohibited premises, and having a weapon under
disability. Thus, we conclude that there was sufficient evidence to convict Kennedy.
{¶ 72} As to the manifest weight of the evidence, “[d]eterminations of
credibility and weight of the testimony remain within the province of the trier of
fact.” State v. Newman, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109182, 2020-Ohio-5087, ¶ 27,
citing State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraph one of
the syllabus. “[T]he factfinder may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve them
accordingly, ‘believ[ing] all, part or none of a witness’s testimony.”’ Id., quoting
State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP-604, 2003-Ohio-958, ¶ 21, citing State
v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197 N.E.2d 548 (1964). Coupled with the bench trial
presumption that the trial court knows and follows the law, and relies only on
relevant material, and competent evidence in arriving at its judgment, this court
finds that the record does not support that this is the exceptional case where the
evidence weighs heavily against conviction.
{¶ 73} The third and fourth assignments of error are overruled.
{¶ 74} Judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant 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
common pleas court 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 execution of sentence.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27
of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
ANITA LASTER MAYS, JUDGE
EILEEN A. GALLAGHER, P.J., and
FRANK DANIEL CELEBREZZE, III, J., CONCUR
State v. Kennedy
Combined Opinion