State v. Bane

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TENNESSEE
AT JACKSON
April 4, 2001 Session

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. JOHN MICHAEL BANE

Automatic Appeal from the Court of Criminal Appeals
Criminal Court for Shelby County
No. 89-01502 John P. Colton, Jr., Judge

No. W1997-02158-SC-DDT-DD - Filed July 3, 2001

The defendant, John Michael Bane, was convicted of felony murder in the perpetration of a
robbery for an offense committed in November of 1988. The jury originally imposed a sentence of
death after it found that evidence of two aggravating circumstances – (1) the murder was especially
heinous, atrocious, or cruel in that it involved torture or depravity of mind and (2) the murder was
committed during the perpetration of a felony – outweighed evidence of any mitigating factors. See
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5), (7) (1982). On appeal, this Court affirmed the conviction, but
remanded for a new sentencing hearing because the jury’s application of the felony murder
aggravating circumstance duplicated the offense of felony murder in violation of article I, section
16 of the Tennessee Constitution. See State v. Bane, 853 S.W.2d 483 (Tenn. 1993). After a new
sentencing hearing, the jury again imposed a sentence of death after it found that evidence of two
aggravating circumstances – (1) the murder was “especially atrocious or cruel in that it involved
torture and depravity of mind” and (2) the murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding,
interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution of the defendant or another –
outweighed evidence of any mitigating factors. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5), (6) (1982).

After the Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the death sentence, the case was docketed in
this Court. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-206(a) (1997) (“The affirmance of the conviction and the
sentence of death shall be automatically reviewed by the Tennessee supreme court.”). After
reviewing the record, the briefs, and applicable authority, we designated seven issues for oral
argument.1 We now hold as follows: (1) the trial court did not err in refusing to instruct the jury that
a witness for the prosecution, Brian Lovett, was an accomplice whose testimony had to be
corroborated in order to find an aggravating circumstance; (2) the trial court did not err in refusing
to admit Bryan Lovett’s medical and psychological records; (3) the trial court did not err in refusing
to allow the defendant’s expert witness to remain in the courtroom; (4) the trial court did not err in
allowing the prosecution to argue a “non-statutory” aggravating circumstance; (5) the evidence was

1
“Prio r to the setting of oral argument, the Co urt shall review the records and briefs and consider all
errors assigned. The Court may enter an order designating those issues it wishes addressed at oral argument.” Tenn.
Sup. Ct. R. 12.2.
sufficient to support the jury’s application of the aggravating circumstance set forth in Tenn. Code
Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5) (1982); (6) the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s application of the
aggravating circumstance set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(6) (1982); and (7) the sentence
of death was not arbitrary or disproportionate as applied in this case to the defendant. We also agree
with the Court of Criminal Appeals’ conclusions with respect to the remaining issues, the relevant
portions of which are included in the appendix to this opinion. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment
of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-206(a)(1); Judgment of the Court of Criminal Appeals Affirmed

E. RILEY ANDERSO N , C.J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which FRANK F. DROWOTA , III,
JANICE M. HOLDER, and WILLIAM M. BARKER, JJ., joined. ADOLPHO A. BIRCH, JR., dissenting.

Joseph S. Ozment, Memphis, Tennessee, and Charles S. Kelly, Dyersburg, Tennessee, for the
appellant, John Michael Bane.

Michael E. Moore, Solicitor General; Amy L. Tarkington, Deputy Attorney General; William L.
Gibbons, District Attorney General; and Thomas D. Henderson and Kevin R. Rardin, Assistant
District Attorneys General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.

OPINION

BACKGROUND

On November 19, 1988, police found the body of the victim, Royce D. Frazier, age 60, lying
in a bathtub full of water in his home near Memphis, Tennessee. Frazier had been gagged; a plastic
bag had been placed over his head; and an electrical cord was tied around his neck. A plunger had
been placed over his face apparently to keep his head submerged. Frazier’s house had been
ransacked: several lamps and ashtrays had been overturned and numerous items were scattered in
disarray.

Brian Lovett, who was 16 at the time of the offense, testified that his mother, Donna Lovett,
and the defendant, John Michael Bane, had discussed a plan to rob the victim several days before
he was killed. The plan was for Donna Lovett to visit Frazier, whom she knew, and render him
unconscious by putting Visine eye drops in his beer. Bane would then enter Frazier’s home and
carry out the robbery with Donna Lovett. According to Brian Lovett, Bane said that Frazier would
have to be killed because he “knew [Lovett] and would tell on her.” Brian Lovett said that he and
Bane discussed choking or stabbing the victim.

On the day after the robbery plan discussion, Donna Lovett and the defendant Bane
experimented by giving Brian Lovett a beer containing eye drops to see whether it would render him

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unconscious. Brian Lovett testified that it caused him to fall asleep within five minutes of drinking
the beer. Thomas Lovett, Brian’s younger brother, also testified that he recalled Brian drinking a
beer containing eye drops.

Sometime in the late afternoon of November 17, 1988, Bane, accompanied by Donna Lovett
and her two sons, Brian and Thomas Lovett, drove his car past Frazier’s home several times, but no
one appeared to be home. Bane explained that he was going to borrow money from the occupant.
When they saw Frazier’s car at the home, Donna Lovett got out of the car and went into the house
alone. Bane then left and drove Brian and Thomas to Brian’s girlfriend’s home. A short time later,
Bane picked up the boys and took them to the Lovetts’ trailer in Ripley, Tennessee. Thereafter, Bane,
along with Brian Lovett, returned to Frazier’s home. When Donna Lovett signaled by “flickering”
the porch light on two occasions, Bane entered Frazier’s home, leaving Brian Lovett in the car.

According to Brian Lovett’s testimony, approximately thirty minutes later Bane and Donna
Lovett ran to the car carrying several items of Frazier’s property. Bane had blood on his gloves and
Donna Lovett was crying and upset. While driving from the scene, Bane told Brian that he had
beaten the victim several times because he kept getting up and that he had “cut [the victim’s] nuts
off.” Bane also said that he had taken $726 and that he “had done such a good job he deserved a
beer.” Bane was arrested two days later when Donna Lovett reported the events of November 17,
1988 to the police.2

Brian Lovett testified that his sister committed suicide several months before the killing of
the victim and that he himself had attempted suicide on two occasions before November 17, 1988.
He admitted that he had been treated at Charter Lakeside and Memphis Mental Health Institute and
that he had a history of using cocaine, speed, marijuana, and alcohol. Lovett also admitted that he
had made conflicting statements about the murder. In one statement, he had told authorities that he
had looked in Frazier’s window and saw Bane holding a knife to the victim’s groin while Donna
Lovett placed a bag over the victim’s head. He did not recall why he had made the statement and
conceded that he had never left Bane’s car. Lovett testified that he had been arrested for theft after
Bane was convicted and that he had been placed in the same prison cell as the defendant. He
conceded that he signed a statement that he had lied at trial because he feared the defendant.

Dr. Jerry Francisco, Shelby Counter Medical Examiner, testified that the cause of the victim’s
death was ligature strangulation with asphyxia. The combination of the cloth gag, plastic bag, and
electrical cord had cut off the supply of blood to the victim’s brain and the supply of oxygen to his
lungs. The victim’s tongue had been pushed into the back of his mouth from the cloth gag. Dr.
Francisco stated that the victim could have been rendered unconscious in seconds or minutes,
depending on the severity and force of the ligature strangulation, but that the victim’s death required
several minutes. Dr. Francisco testified that the victim had extensive bruising around his eyes, head,
neck, arms, and hip; a tear and scrape below his left eye; and abrasions around his neck. There was

2
The evidence ind icated that Donna Lovett repo rted the events to authorities after she learned that the
defendant was at a motel with another woman on the day after the offense.

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no evidence of injury to the victim’s groin area or scrotum. Dr. Francisco testified that fluid found
in the victim’s lungs was consistent with a finding that the victim had been alive when placed in the
water.

The defendant Bane called several witnesses to testify on his behalf. Brian Lovett identified
the handwriting of Donna Lovett in two letters that she had written to Bane after the murder. One
of the letters indicated that Brian Lovett had lied at trial and was coerced by the prosecution. Donna
Lovett also wrote that only she and Bane knew what happened in Frazier’s home.

Wilma McNeill, the defendant’s aunt, testified that Bane had been “very close” to his mother,
who died of cancer in April of 1988. McNeill testified that Bane had grown up working on a farm.
She stated that she loved Bane and asked the jury to spare his life. Maybelle Cunningham, also an
aunt of the defendant, testified that both of Bane’s parents were deceased. Cunningham testified that
Bane had two sons, ages 14 and 10.

Marvin Ramey testified that Bane had worked on his farm when he was young and was a
good worker. Ramey testified that his wife looked after Bane and that he had never caused any
trouble.

Teresa Goforth, a co-worker of Bane and Donna Lovett at J.P.W. Enterprises, testified that
Bane was a good, hard worker. She testified that Bane and Donna Lovett were dating and that Lovett
was extremely jealous. About one week before the murder, Donna Lovett told Goforth that “if she
couldn’t have [the defendant], no one would and that she would see him locked away so far he would
never get out.”

Alicia Shadell Gray, Bane’s cousin, likewise testified that Donna Lovett was very possessive
and jealous. Three weeks before the murder, Gray heard Lovett say, “If I can’t have Michael, no
woman would have Michael, and I’ll see us both behind bars.” Donna Lovett attempted suicide later
that day at Gray’s home by overdosing on pills, and Bane took her to the emergency room. Gray
testified that after Bane was convicted, Brian Lovett told her that his mother had agreed to plead
guilty in exchange for a sentence of 35 years and that he did not want to see “an innocent man” go
to prison. He said he planned to write an affidavit stating that Bane had no part in the offense.

Diane Bane testified that she met Bane while he was in prison and fell in love with him after
talking regularly to him on the telephone. She married Bane in March of 1995 and travels 200 miles
round trip every Saturday to visit him. Her former husband died in August of 1994, and she had
three sons from that marriage.

After deliberating on all of the above evidence, the jury found that there was evidence
supporting two aggravating circumstances: (1) that the murder was “especially atrocious or cruel in

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that it involved torture and depravity of mind”3 and (2) that the murder was committed for the
purpose of avoiding, interfering with or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution of the defendant
or another.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5), (6) (1982).4 After further finding that the
aggravating circumstances outweighed the evidence of mitigating circumstances, the jury imposed
a sentence of death.

ANALYSIS

Corroboration of Accomplice Testimony

The defendant argues that the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that Brian Lovett
was an accomplice to the offense and that an aggravating circumstance cannot be predicated upon
the uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice. The State maintains that corroboration of an
accomplice’s testimony is not required for sentencing; that the trial court did not err in refusing to
instruct the jury that corroboration was required as a non-statutory mitigating circumstance; and that,
in any event, Brian Lovett’s testimony was corroborated by the testimony of his younger brother,
Thomas Lovett.

This Court has repeatedly held that a conviction may not be based solely upon the
uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice to the offense. See State v. Stout, ___ S.W.3d ___
(Tenn. 2001); State v. Bigbee, 885 S.W.2d 797, 803 (Tenn. 1994); Monts v. State, 379 S.W.2d 34,
43 (Tenn. 1964). We have described the nature of this requirement as follows:

[T]here must be some fact testified to, entirely independent of the
accomplice’s testimony, which, taken by itself, leads to the inference,
not only that a crime has been committed, but also that the defendant
is implicated in it; and this independent corroborative testimony must
also include some fact establishing the defendant’s identity. This
corroborative evidence may be direct or entirely circumstantial, and
it need not be adequate, in and of itself, to support a conviction; it is
sufficient to meet the requirements of the rule if it fairly and
legitimately tends to connect the defendant with the commission of
the crime charged. It is not necessary that the corroboration extend
to every part of the accomplice’s evidence.

3
As will be discussed herein, the jury’s verdict did not track the specific language of Tenn. Code A nn.
§ 39-2-203(i)(5) (1982 ).

4
Although all of the capital sentencing provisions w ere am ended an d recodified in 198 9, the jury in this
case was properly instructed with the law as it existed at the time of the offense. See State v. Brimmer, 876 S.W.2d 75,
82 (Tenn. 1994). The aggravating circumstances at issue in this case are now codified in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-
204(i)(5), (6) (1997 & Supp. 2000 ).

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State v. Bigbee, 885 S.W.2d at 803 (quoting Hawkins v. State, 469 S.W.2d 515, 520 (Tenn. Crim.
App. 1971) (citations omitted)) (emphasis added). As the State correctly argues, this Court has never
extended the corroboration requirement to an accomplice testifying in the sentencing phase of a
capital trial. See State v. Henley, 774 S.W. 908, 913 (Tenn. 1989) (conviction may not be based on
accomplice’s testimony unless there is some corroboration).

There is likewise no statutory provision that requires corroboration of an accomplice’s
testimony for the finding of an aggravating circumstance in the sentencing phase of a capital trial.
Instead, at the time of this offense, the statute governing the admissibility of evidence in the
sentencing phase of a capital trial provided as follows:

In the sentencing proceeding, evidence may be presented as to any
matter that the court deems relevant to the punishment and may
include, but not be limited to, the nature and circumstances of the
crime; the defendant’s character, background history, and physical
condition; any evidence tending to establish or rebut the aggravating
circumstances enumerated in subsection (i) below; and any evidence
tending to establish or rebut any mitigating factors. Any such
evidence which the court deems to have probative value on the issue
of punishment may be received regardless of its admissibility under
the rules of evidence, provided that the defendant is accorded a fair
opportunity to rebut any hearsay statements so admitted. However,
this subsection shall not be construed to authorize the introduction of
any evidence secured in violation of the Constitution of the United
States or the state of Tennessee.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(c) (1982). The statute obviously contains no express provision
regarding the corroboration of accomplice testimony and instead affords the trial court wide
discretion in ruling upon the admissibility of evidence. See State v. Sims, ___ S.W.3d ___ (Tenn.
2001) (discussing trial court’s broad discretion under the identical provisions of Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 39-13-204(c) (1997)).

In addition to the absence of case law or statutory authority, we likewise find no other basis
or rationale for applying the corroboration requirement in a capital sentencing proceeding. The
purpose of the corroboration requirement is to assure that a conviction is not predicated solely upon
the testimony of a witness who was also involved in the commission of the offense. See Bigbee, 885
S.W.2d at 803. In a capital sentencing proceeding, the defendant has already been convicted of the
offense and the testimony of any accomplice has been subject to the corroboration requirement
during the guilt phase of the trial.5 See People v. Hamilton, 259 Cal. Rptr. 701, 774 P.2d 730, 752
(1989).

5
For example, although the present c ase involved only re-sentencing, it appears that the trial court
instructed the jury that Brian Lo vett was a n accomp lice during the guilt phase of the trial.

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 Moreover, the capital sentencing scheme as a whole contains numerous specific provisions
to ensure a high degree of reliability in deciding whether a death sentence is appropriate. The jury
is required to find, for example, that any aggravating circumstance has been proven by the
prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt and that the evidence of the aggravating circumstances
outweighed evidence of mitigating factors. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(g) (1982).6 The jury’s
consideration of mitigating factors may include “any aspect of a defendant’s character or record or
any of the circumstances of the offense that the defendant proffers as a basis for a sentence less than
death.” State v. Stout, ___ S.W.3d at ___ (quoting Lockett v. Ohio, 438 U.S. 586, 604, 98 S. Ct.
2954, 2964, 57 L. Ed. 2d 973 (1978)). Finally, every sentence of death must also be carefully
scrutinized on appeal to determine whether the jury’s findings are supported by the evidence and
whether the sentence of death is arbitrary, excessive, or disproportionate to sentences imposed in
other cases. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-205(c) (1982).7 In light of these specific statutory
provisions governing capital sentencing, we conclude that there is no basis or rationale for applying
the corroboration requirement to the sentencing phase of a capital trial.

In a related issue, we agree with the Court of Criminal Appeals’ conclusion that the trial court
did not err in failing to charge accomplice corroboration as part of any “non-statutory mitigating
factors” requested by the defendant. The defendant had requested two special instructions that
stated, in part, that Brian Lovett was an accomplice; that he lacked credibility due to his inconsistent
statements and testimony; and that he was not charged or convicted for his role in the offense.

Under statutory law at the time of this offense, however, a trial court was not required to
instruct the jury on non-statutory mitigating factors. See State v. Hartman, 703 S.W.2d 106, 118
(Tenn. 1985). Although a 1989 statutory amendment requires instructions on non-statutory
mitigating factors that are supported by the evidence, it is not applicable to offenses committed
before the effective date of the amendment. See State v. Smith, 993 S.W.2d 6, 32 (Tenn. 1999). In
any event, the evidence of Brian Lovett’s involvement in the offense and his inconsistent statements
was heard by the jury. The defense vigorously argued that the evidence impeached the witness and
cast doubt on Bane’s involvement in the murder. Therefore, even if a specific instruction had been
appropriate, its absence did not affect the outcome to the prejudice of the defendant.

Psychological and Medical Records

The defendant argues that the trial court erred in refusing to admit records regarding Brian
Lovett’s medical and psychological treatment for the purpose of impeaching the witness and raising
“residual doubt” as to the defendant’s role in the offense. The State counters that the defense was
allowed to inquire extensively into Brian Lovett’s medical and psychological background and that
the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to admit the underlying medical records.

6
The present version of this statute requires that the jury conclude that the evidence of aggravating
circumstances outweighs evidence of mitigating factors beyond a reasonable doubt. Tenn. Cod e Ann. § 39-13-204 (g)
(1997 & Supp. 2000 ).

7
Presently codified at Tenn. Cod e Ann. § 39-13-206 (c) (1997).

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 The defendant relies in part upon Tenn. R. Evid. 617, which provides that a “party may offer
evidence that a witness suffered from impaired capacity at the time of an occurrence or testimony.”
As we discussed above, however, the admissibility of evidence in a capital sentencing proceeding
is largely governed by a statute that “should be interpreted to allow trial judges wider discretion than
would normally be allowed under the Tennessee Rules of Evidence . . . .” State v. Sims, ___ S.W.3d
at ___.8 We also observed in Sims:

The Rules of Evidence should not be applied to preclude introduction
of otherwise reliable evidence that is relevant to the issue of
punishment, as it relates to mitigating or aggravating circumstances,
the nature and circumstances of the particular crime, or the character
and background of the individual defendant. As our case history
reveals, however, the discretion allowed judges and attorneys during
sentencing in first degree murder cases is not unfettered. Our
constitutional standards require inquiry into the reliability, relevance,
value, and prejudicial effect of sentencing evidence to preserve
fundamental fairness and protect the rights of both the defendant and
the victim’s family. The rules of evidence can in some instances be
helpful guides in reaching these determinations of admissibility. Trial
judges are not, however, required to adhere strictly to the rules of
evidence. These rules are too restrictive and unwieldy in the arena of
capital sentencing.

Id. at ___ (emphasis added).

The defendant also correctly asserts that a defendant is permitted to present evidence of
“residual doubt” as a non-statutory mitigating factor in a re-sentencing proceeding. State v. Teague,
897 S.W.2d 248, 256 (Tenn. 1995). We recently have explained:

By definition, residual doubt is established by proof that casts doubt
on the defendant’s guilt. It is not limited to proof that mitigates the
defendant’s culpability for the crimes.

While we agree . . . that not all impeachment proof will be relevant
to show residual doubt, it does not logically follow that impeachment
proof will never be relevant to establish residual doubt about the
defendant’s guilt. Where . . . the proffered residual doubt is
impeachment of the testimony of the only witness who offered direct
rather than circumstantial proof of the defendant’s involvement in the

8
Although Sims discussed the prese nt statute governing ad missibility of evidence, see Tenn Code A nn.
§ 39-1 3-20 4(c) (1997), our co mments are equa lly applicable to the statute in effect at the time of the defendant’s offense,
i.e., Tenn. Code A nn. § 39-2-203(c) (1982 ).

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 crime, such proof clearly is relevant and admissible to establish
residual doubt as a mitigating circumstance.

State v. Hartman, ___ S.W.3d ___, ___ (Tenn. 2001).

With these principles in mind, the defendant argued that he wanted to use the records to show
that Brian Lovett had a history of mental health problems; that he had been discharged from
treatment against medical advice shortly before the offense; and that his capacity to recall and relate
facts was impaired. Moreover, the defendant argued that because Brian Lovett was the main witness
against him, the impeachment evidence necessarily raised doubt as to the defendant’s role in the
offense.

The record reveals that the trial court gave careful consideration to this issue. The court
conducted several jury-out hearings on the issue and did not foreclose any efforts made by the
defendant to question the witness with regard to his history of suicide attempts, mental health
treatment, and drug abuse. The trial court even signed an order allowing the defense to obtain certain
medical and psychological records. During the sentencing, Brian Lovett testified about his two
suicide attempts, one of which occurred one month before the offense, and he testified that he had
been treated in two mental health facilities. He testified that his sister had committed suicide several
months before the murder. Finally, Lovett admitted his history of using marijuana, cocaine, alcohol,
and speed. When denying the motion for a new trial on this issue, the trial court made the following
findings:

Defense counsel asked Bryan [sic] Lovett about the information in the
records and the witness admitted everything. Thus, the jury heard the
evidence from the witness himself, there was nothing to impeach, and
the defense was free to argue Bryan [sic] Lovett’s credibility to the
jury in closing argument.

Moreover, as the Court of Criminal Appeals observed, the evidence failed to show that the witness’s
alleged impaired capacity existed at the time of the offense or at the time of the witness’s testimony.
See Tenn. R. Evid. 617.

Accordingly, we conclude that the defendant was not denied an opportunity to use evidence
of Brian Lovett’s medical and psychological history for the purpose of impeaching the witness’s
testimony or raising any doubts about the defendant’s role in the offense. In short, the trial court
did not abuse its discretion in ruling that the mental and psychological records were cumulative to
the testimony and therefore inadmissible.

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 Sequestration of Defense Expert Witness

The defendant contends that the trial court committed reversible error and violated his rights
to due process and confrontation by refusing to exempt the defendant’s expert witness, a pathologist,
from the rule of witness sequestration. The defendant specifically argues that the presence of his
expert witness in the courtroom was essential for the purpose of responding to and rebutting the
testimony of the Shelby County Medical Examiner. The State responds that the trial court did not
abuse its discretion and that, in any event, the defendant has failed to demonstrate how he was
prejudiced by the trial court’s ruling.

The defendant relies in part upon Tenn. R. Evid. 615, which provides that “[a]t the request
of a party the court shall order witnesses, including rebuttal witnesses, excluded at trial or other
adjudicatory hearing.” The rule also provides, however, that it does not authorize the exclusion of
“a person whose presence is shown by a party to be essential to the presentation of the party’s cause.”
Tenn. R. Evid. 615. The comments to the rule suggest that an essential witness may be “an expert
witness a lawyer needs to help the lawyer understand opposing testimony.” See Tenn. R. Evid. 615
(advisory commission comments). The purpose of the rule, simply put, is to prevent a witness from
changing or altering his or her testimony based on testimony heard or facts learned from other
testifying witnesses. See State v. Harris, 839 S.W.2d 54, 68 (Tenn. 1992).

As the defendant points out, we recently said that Rule 615 is not applicable in a proceeding
to determine whether a defendant is competent to be executed. Coe v. State, 17 S.W.3d 193, 222
(Tenn. 2000). In ruling that mental health experts were permitted to remain in the courtroom despite
the general rule of witness sequestration, we focused on the unique nature of such a competency
proceeding:

Allowing the mental health experts to remain in the courtroom during
the presentation of the proof is entirely consistent with the purpose of
competency proceedings which is to accurately ascertain the
prisoner’s mental state. . . . Also, the dangers Rule 615 is intended
to prevent do not arise in a proceeding to determine competency to be
executed. In light of the fact that both the State and the prisoner have
access to the reports of the experts prior to the hearing, there is little
or no risk that one of the expert witnesses will change his or her
testimony or adopt facts testified to by other witnesses.

Id. at 222-23 (emphasis added).

Although Coe involved a mental competency proceeding, we believe that the dangers Rule
615 is intended to prevent generally do not arise with regard to expert witnesses in any proceeding.
In fact, the rules of evidence provide that an expert witness may testify and base an opinion on
evidence or facts made known to the expert at or before a hearing and the facts need not be
admissible at trial. See Tenn. R. Evid. 703. Moreover, an expert witness often may need to hear the

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substance of the testimony of other witnesses in order to formulate an opinion or respond to the
opinions of other expert witnesses. In short, allowing an expert witness to remain in the courtroom
as an “essential person” generally does not create the risk that the expert will alter or change factual
testimony based on what is heard in the courtroom. Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court
erred by refusing to allow the defendant’s expert witness to remain in the courtroom without
considering the purpose and application of Rule 615.

We must therefore determine whether the error affected the outcome of the proceedings to
the defendant’s prejudice. We observe first that the defendant and his expert pathologist had the
benefit of the medical examiner’s testimony from the initial trial. The defendant and his expert also
had the benefit of the autopsy report and the findings with respect to the victim’s injury and death.
Moreover, there is no indication that the medical examiner’s testimony was so detailed or complex
as to be beyond the ability of defense counsel to comprehend and prepare a defense. Finally, the
defendant did not call the expert to testify at the motion for new trial hearing or otherwise attempt
to make an offer of proof as to how the evidence or cross-examination of the medical examiner
would have differed had his expert witness been allowed to remain in the courtroom. Accordingly,
for all of these reasons, we conclude that the trial court’s refusal to allow the defendant’s expert
witness to remain in the courtroom did not affect the outcome to the prejudice of the defendant.

Non-Statutory Aggravating Circumstances

The defendant argues that the prosecution was permitted to introduce and argue a non-
statutory aggravating circumstance by referring to the defendant’s relationships with women and his
“promiscuity.” The defendant’s argument is based largely upon the prosecution’s questioning of his
aunt, Wilma McNeill, with regard to how many times the defendant had been married and the
number of women with whom he had been involved in a relationship. McNeill replied that the
defendant had been married twice, but that she did not know about his personal life. The State
maintains that the evidence was proper to rebut evidence of mitigating factors presented by the
defendant.

The defendant asserts that the prosecution may not argue that the jury impose a death
sentence based on any factor that is not a statutory aggravating circumstance. See Cozzolino v.
State, 584 S.W.2d 765, 768 (Tenn. 1979). As the State points out, however, the prosecution is
permitted to rebut any mitigating factors relied on by a defendant. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-
203(c) (1982); Terry v. State, 46 S.W.3d 147 (Tenn. 2001). In this case, the defendant introduced
mitigating evidence of his family background, marriage, and two sons. The prosecution responded
by detailing the defendant’s relationships with several women. We agree with the Court of Criminal
Appeals that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the prosecution to rebut the

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mitigating evidence in this manner.9 Moreover, there is no indication that the prosecution used the
evidence as a non-statutory aggravating circumstance or otherwise argued that the jury was permitted
to consider any non-statutory aggravating circumstance.

In a related argument, the defendant contends that the prosecution engaged in misconduct by
calling him “sweetheart” several times during closing argument and by arguing that the defendant
was seeing another woman despite having “moved in” with Donna Lovett. The State contends that
the prosecutor’s closing argument was properly based on the evidence.

This Court has often observed that closing argument is a valuable privilege that should not
be unduly restricted. See State v. Bigbee, 885 S.W.2d at 809. We have likewise recognized that the
prosecutor may not engage in derogatory remarks or name calling. State v. Bates, 804 S.W.2d 868,
881 (Tenn. 1991) (referring to defendant as a “rabid dog”). The trial court has wide discretion in
controlling the course of arguments and will not be reversed absent an abuse of that discretion.
Moreover, prosecutorial misconduct does not amount to reversible error absent a showing that it has
affected the outcome to the prejudice of the defendant. See Terry v. State, 46 S.W.3d at 156.

In reviewing the record, we agree with the Court of Criminal Appeals’ conclusion that the
prosecutor’s closing arguments in this case were based on the evidence and were not designed to
assert a non-statutory aggravating circumstance. To the contrary, it appears that the arguments were
in response to the defendant’s frequent attacks on the credibility of Brian Lovett. The prosecutor
argued, in part:

Brian Lovett, whose sister committed suicide, who was not even in
school, could not even live with his father, ended up living with his
mother, Donna Lovett, and her ‘sweetheart,’ the defendant. . . .
Brian Lovett, because of the problems in his life, like a lot of young
kids got involved with drugs. After his sister’s suicide, [he] checked
himself into a hospital for help. He . . . attempted to commit suicide
by taking Tylenol, which may be a suicide attempt, it may just be a
cry for help. But he did it twice. And he ended up trying to get help
or maybe getting help because he did go to two mental institutions.
...

He returned safe to the bosom of his mother and her ‘sweetheart’ over
here. And they sit around and talk about robbing somebody. His
mother is talking with her ‘sweetheart’ who has moved in with her
about robbing some old man. So he joins in on the conversation.
They practice their knockout drops on him. His mother and his

9
W e do observe, however, that the Court of Criminal Appeals incorrectly stated that the defendant
“himself testified that he had been married twice and was dating two women at the same time.” The record reveals that
the defendant did not testify at the re-sentencing.

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 mother’s ‘sweetheart’ practice knockout drops on him? Yeah, he’s
got a real good start, hasn’t he?

Accordingly, when viewed in context, there is no indication that the arguments were inflammatory
or intended for the jury to impose the death penalty based on a non-statutory aggravating
circumstance. Moreover, although the prosecution should refrain from engaging in any sort of
personal name-calling, the arguments in no way affected the verdict to the prejudice of the defendant.

Heinous, Atrocious, or Cruel Aggravating Circumstance

The defendant contends that the evidence was insufficient to support the jury’s application
of the “heinous, atrocious, or cruel” aggravating circumstance set forth in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-
203(i)(5) (1982). Specifically, the defendant argues that the prosecution failed to prove “torture and
depravity of mind” because there was no evidence that the victim was alive when he was placed in
the bathtub full of water. The State maintains that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s
application of this aggravating circumstance.

At the time of this offense, this aggravating circumstance provided that the “murder was
especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel in that it involved torture or depravity of mind.” Tenn. Code
Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5) (1982). In State v. Williams, we explained that the terms of the (i)(5)
aggravating circumstance must be given their plain and natural meaning as follows: “torture” means
the infliction of severe physical or mental pain while the victim is alive and conscious; “heinous”
means grossly wicked or reprehensible, abominable, odious, vile; “atrocious” means extremely evil
or cruel, monstrous, exceptionally bad, abominable; “cruel” means disposed to inflict pain or
suffering, causing suffering, painful; and “depravity of mind” means moral corruption, wicked or
perverse act. 690 S.W.2d 517, 527-30 (Tenn. 1985). Moreover, we have repeatedly rejected the
argument that this aggravating circumstance is vague, overly broad, or otherwise invalid. See Terry
v. State, 46 S.W.3d at 160; State v. Strouth, 999 S.W.2d 759, 764 (Tenn. 1999); State v.
Middlebrooks, 995 S.W.2d 550, 555-56 (Tenn. 1999).

We now address whether the evidence in this case was sufficient to support the jury’s
application of the aggravating circumstance. Our analysis requires that we determine whether, after
viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the State, a rational trier of fact could have found
the existence of the aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt. Terry v. State, 46 S.W.3d
at 160-61.

In this case, the evidence revealed that the defendant Bane planned the robbery of the victim
along with Donna Lovett. The defendant repeatedly beat the 60-year-old victim, causing bruises and
injuries to the victim’s face, eyes, head, arms and hip, while the victim struggled for his life. The
victim was forcibly gagged, displacing his tongue to the back of his mouth; a plastic bag was placed
over his head and then tied around his neck with an electrical cord. The victim was then strangled,

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cutting off the blood supply and air supply to his body. Although the medical examiner could not
testify with complete certainty how long the victim may have remained conscious, it can be inferred
from the proof of numerous blows, the victim’s struggle, the gagging, the placing of a plastic bag
over the victim’s head, and the strangulation with the electrical cord that the ordeal lasted minutes
and that unconsciousness was not instantaneous. Moreover, the medical examiner testified within
a reasonable degree of certainty that the victim was still alive when placed in the bathtub full of
water. This is likewise supported by the fact that a plunger had to be used to hold the victim’s face
and head underwater and by Lovett’s testimony that the defendant stated he had beaten the victim
several times because the victim kept getting up.

Accordingly, in reviewing the record in a light most favorable to the State, we conclude that
the evidence supported the jury’s finding that the murder was especially atrocious or cruel in that it
involved torture and depravity of mind.10

Avoiding, Interfering With, or Preventing a Lawful Arrest or Prosecution

The defendant asserts that the aggravating circumstance in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(6)
(1982) was improperly applied for several reasons. He contends that the aggravating circumstance
applies in every case in which the victim knows the defendant and therefore fails to narrow the class
of death-eligible offenders; that the prosecution should not have been allowed to use this aggravating
circumstance since it was not relied upon in the original sentencing proceeding; and that the evidence
was insufficient to support the jury’s application of this aggravating circumstance. The State
maintains that the aggravating circumstance was properly applied and that the jury’s finding was
supported by the evidence.

Constitutionality

At the time of this offense, this aggravating circumstance was applicable where “the murder
was committed for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest or
prosecution of the defendant or another.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(6) (1982). We have
upheld the application of this factor in a number of circumstances. See Terry v. State, 46 S.W.3d
at 161. Moreover, we have previously rejected the defendant’s argument that the aggravating
circumstance is unconstitutional for failing to narrow the class of death-eligible offenders. State v.
Bush, 942 S.W.2d 489, 504-05 (Tenn. 1997).

In this case, the defendant Bane was charged with the felony murder of the victim in the
perpetration of a robbery. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-202(a) (1982). The offense required the

10
Although the jury’s finding that the murder was “especially atrocious or cruel in that it involved torture
and depravity of mind” did not track the language of the statute, the defendant has not asserted the discrepancy as error.
W e conclude, however, that by finding “torture and depravity of mind” the jury’s finding was even more comp rehensive
than required by statute and , therefore, did not prejudice the d efendant.

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-15-
State to establish that the victim was killed in the perpetration or attempt to perpetrate the robbery
of the victim. Obtaining a conviction for felony murder did not require evidence that the killing was
for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution. Instead,
that additional evidence was necessary to establish the aggravating circumstance for sentencing. See
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(6) (1982). Thus, the aggravating circumstance did not duplicate the
elements of the underlying offense and sufficiently narrowed the class of persons eligible for the
penalty of death. See State v. Bush, 942 S.W.2d at 505 (upholding (i)(6) aggravating circumstance
as applied to premeditated murder).

Prosecution’s Reliance in Re-sentencing

We also conclude that the prosecution was not barred from relying on this aggravating
circumstance for the re-sentencing. In State v. Harris, we held that where a defendant is sentenced
to death and then receives relief on appeal, the prosecution is not prohibited from again seeking the
death penalty at re-sentencing. 919 S.W.2d 323, 330 (Tenn. 1996). Moreover, we concluded that
under the so-called “clean slate” rule, the prosecution is free “to introduce proof of any aggravating
circumstance which is otherwise legally valid.” Id. We explained that a death sentence is not a
series of “mini-trials” on each aggravating circumstance and that there is no such thing as an
“acquittal” of an individual aggravating circumstance. Id. (citing Poland v. Arizona, 476 U.S. 147,
106 S. Ct. 1749, 90 L. Ed. 2d 123 (1986)). Finally, we observed that there was no other legal
impediment precluding the prosecution from relying on any aggravating circumstance and
strengthening its case in any way it can “by the introduction of new evidence.” Id. at 331.

The defendant’s reliance on State v. Phipps, 959 S.W.2d 538 (Tenn. 1997), is misplaced.
In Phipps, the defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment
following a trial at which the State did not seek the death penalty. After the defendant successfully
appealed his conviction and obtained a new trial, the prosecution filed notice of its intent to seek the
death penalty. We held that since the prosecution had not sought the death penalty at the original
trial, its decision to do so after the defendant’s successful appeal created a presumption of
vindictiveness. 959 S.W.2d at 546. Moreover, we held that the prosecution would have to rebut the
presumption of vindictiveness with clear and convincing evidence that its decision was motivated
by a legitimate purpose. Id. at 547.

In contrast, the prosecution in the present case filed notice of its intent to seek the death
penalty at the defendant’s initial trial, and the jury did in fact impose a death sentence. After the case
was remanded for re-sentencing, the prosecution again sought the death penalty, which it was
entitled to do. Although the prosecution did not rely on the (i)(6) aggravating circumstance at the
initial sentencing proceeding, our decision in Harris makes it clear that the “clean slate” rule applied
to re-sentencing. Thus, the prosecution was not barred from relying upon the aggravating
circumstance in Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(6) (1982) in re-sentencing.

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 Sufficiency of Evidence

As discussed above, when considering the sufficiency of the evidence supporting an
aggravating circumstance, we must review the evidence in a light most favorable to the State and
determine whether a rational trier of fact could have found the existence of the aggravating
circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt.

In this case, the defendant planned the robbery of the victim with Donna Lovett, who was an
acquaintance of the victim. The defendant said that the victim would have to be killed because he
knew Donna Lovett and could report that she was involved in the offense. In committing the
murder, the defendant and Donna Lovett robbed the victim of over $700 and various personal
property. In short, a rational trier of fact could conclude that the defendant killed the victim to avoid,
interfere with, or prevent a lawful arrest or prosecution of himself and Donna Lovett. Accordingly,
we conclude that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s application of this aggravating
circumstance.

Proportionality

Where a defendant has been sentenced to death, we must undertake a comparative
proportionality review pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-206(c)(1) (1997). The analysis is
designed to identify aberrant, arbitrary, or capricious sentencing by determining whether the death
penalty in a given case is “disproportionate to the punishment imposed on others convicted of the
same crime.” State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d 651, 662 (Tenn. 1997) (quoting Pulley v. Harris, 465 U.S.
37, 42-43, 104 S. Ct. 871, 875, 79 L. Ed. 2d 29 (1984)). If a case is “plainly lacking in
circumstances consistent with those in cases where the death penalty has been imposed,” then the
sentence is disproportionate. Id. at 668; see also State v. Burns, 979 S.W.2d 276, 283 (Tenn. 1998).

This Court has consistently employed the precedent-seeking method of comparative
proportionality review, which compares a case with cases involving similar defendants and similar
crimes. State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d at 667. We consider numerous factors regarding the offense:
(1) the means of death; (2) the manner of death; (3) the motivation for the killing; (4) the place of
death; (5) the victim’s age, physical condition, and psychological condition; (6) the absence or
presence of premeditation; (7) the absence or presence of provocation; (8) the absence or presence
of justification; and (9) the injury to and effect on non-decedent victims. Id. We also consider
multiple factors about the defendant: (1) prior criminal record; (2) age, race, and gender; (3) mental,
emotional, and physical condition; (4) role in the murder; (5) cooperation with authorities; (6) level
of remorse; (7) knowledge of the victim’s helplessness; and (8) potential for rehabilitation. Id. Since
no two defendants and no two crimes are precisely alike, our review is not mechanical or based on
a rigid formula. See id. at 668.

In reviewing the facts and circumstances of the offense, the evidence shows that the
defendant actively planned the robbery of the victim, who was an acquaintance of the defendant’s
girlfriend, Donna Lovett. The defendant said that the victim would have to be killed because he

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would recognize Lovett and report the offense. The defendant discussed stabbing or choking the
victim. On the day of the murder, Bane, Lovett, and Lovett’s two teenage sons drove past the
victim’s home several times, waiting for the victim to arrive home. When the victim arrived home,
Donna Lovett approached his house while Bane left the scene with Lovett’s sons. When Bane later
returned, he waited for a prearranged signal from Donna Lovett before entering the victim’s home.

Bane repeatedly beat the 60-year-old victim as the victim tried to resist. The victim suffered
bruises and injuries to his head, eyes, hip, and arm. Bane and Lovett eventually gagged the victim
with a cloth, placed a plastic bag over his head, tied the bag around his neck with an electrical cord,
and strangled him. The victim was placed in a bathtub of water and a plunger was used to hold his
head under the water. There was evidence of fluid in the victim’s lungs consistent with a finding that
the victim had been alive when placed in the water. The cause of the victim’s death was ligature
strangulation with asphyxia.

Bane presented witnesses in mitigation who testified that he formerly worked on a farm and
was a good worker. The defendant has two sons by a former marriage. He also has a wife who he
married while incarcerated for the conviction in this case. Although Bane’s precise age is not in the
record, one witness said that the defendant was “in his twenties” or much younger than the 60-year-
old victim. There was no evidence that the defendant had any medical, emotional, or mental
problems. Bane played a major role in the offense and did not cooperate with authorities or express
remorse for the victim. The main theory of the defense in mitigation was impeaching the testimony
of Brian Lovett and attempting to raise doubts about the defendant’s involvement in the offense.

As the State asserts on appeal, this Court has upheld the death penalty in many cases bearing
similarities to this one. In the following cases, for example, the victims were killed in the course of
a robbery. State v. Chalmers, 28 S.W.3d 913, 919 (Tenn. 2000); State v. Smith, 993 S.W.2d 6, 18
(Tenn. 1999); State v. Burns, 979 S.W.2d 276, 283 (Tenn. 1998); State v. Howell, 868 S.W.2d 238,
262 (Tenn. 1993); State v. Bates, 804 S.W.2d 868, 883 (Tenn. 1991); State v. Boyd, 797 S.W.2d
589, 595 (Tenn. 1990); State v. King, 718 S.W.2d 241, 245 (Tenn. 1986). In several cases, the
victim was known to the defendant or an accomplice. See, e.g., State v. Bush, 942 S.W.2d 489, 507
(Tenn. 1997); State v. McNish, 727 S.W.2d 490, 491 (Tenn. 1987).

Several cases involve facts and circumstances of a killing similar to the present case. In the
following cases, the victim was beaten by the defendant. State v. Hall, 8 S.W.3d 593, 606 (Tenn.
1999); State v. Mann, 959 S.W.2d 503, 516 (Tenn. 1997); State v. Bush, 942 S.W.2d at 507; State
v. Barber, 753 S.W.2d 659, 668 (Tenn. 1988); State v. McNish, 727 S.W.2d at 491. In numerous
cases, the victim has been beaten and strangled. State v. Carruthers, 35 S.W.3d 516, 527 (Tenn.
2000); State v. Keen, 31 S.W.3d 196, 208 (Tenn. 2000); State v. Vann, 976 S.W.2d 93, 99 (Tenn.
1999); State v. Cauthern, 967 S.W.2d 726, 732 (Tenn. 1998); State v. Mann, 959 S.W.2d at 507;
State v. Hodges, 944 S.W.2d 346, 350 (Tenn. 1997).

The Court has upheld similar death sentences in which one of the aggravating circumstances
was that the killing was heinous, atrocious, or cruel in that it involved torture or depravity of mind,

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see Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-203(i)(5) (1982), or the killing was heinous, atrocious, or cruel in that
it involved torture or serious physical abuse beyond that necessary to produce death, see Tenn. Code
Ann. § 39-13-204(i)(5) (2000). See State v. Carruthers, 35 S.W.3d at 531; State v. Keen, 31 S.W.3d
at 211; State v. Hall, 8 S.W.3d at 606; State v. Vann, 976 S.W.2d at 98; State v. Cauthern, 967
S.W.2d at 729; State v. Mann, 959 S.W.2d at 507; State v. Bush, 942 S.W.2d at 507; State v. Barber,
753 S.W.2d at 668; State v. McNish, 727 S.W.2d at 491. The Court has likewise upheld similar
death sentences where the killing was committed to avoid arrest or prosecution. See State v. Bush,
942 S.W.2d at 504; State v. Smith, 857 S.W.2d 1, 14 (Tenn. 1993); State v. Thompson, 768 S.W.2d
239, 252 (Tenn. 1989); State v. Carter, 714 S.W.2d 241, 250 (Tenn. 1986).

Finally, in considering characteristics regarding this defendant, it appears that we have upheld
the death sentence in several cases where the defendant has presented similar mitigating evidence,
such as an employment record, a marriage, or children. See State v. Burns, 979 S.W.2d at 283; State
v. Cauthern, 967 S.W.2d at 740-41; State v. Hall, 958 S.W.2d 679, 700 (Tenn. 1997); State v.
Bland, 958 S.W.2d at 670; State v. Van Tran, 864 S.W.2d 465, 482 (Tenn. 1993).

In sum, our review requires a determination of whether a case plainly lacks circumstances
found in similar cases where the death penalty has been imposed. See State v. Burns, 979 S.W.2d
at 285. The defendant has cited no specific case as authority for his argument that the death penalty
is arbitrary or disproportionate as applied in this case. Likewise, although the dissent asserts that the
comparative proportionality analysis is flawed, it fails to assert or establish that the sentence of death
is either arbitrary or disproportionate as applied in this case to this defendant. Moreover, a majority
of the Court has already addressed and rejected the views of the dissent and has consistently adhered
to the proportionality analysis carefully detailed in Bland. See State v. Keen, 31 S.W.3d at 223-24.
Finally, as we have discussed, the similarity of the facts and circumstances of this case to numerous
cases in which the death penalty has been upheld reveals that the death sentence is not arbitrary or
disproportionate as applied in this case.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-2-205(c) (1982) and the principles adopted in prior
decisions, we have considered the entire record and conclude that the evidence supports the jury’s
finding of the statutory aggravating circumstances; that the evidence supports the jury’s finding that
the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances; and that the sentence is not
arbitrary, excessive, or disproportionate.

We have reviewed all of the issues raised by the defendant and conclude that they do not
warrant relief. With respect to issues not addressed in this opinion, we affirm the decision of the
Court of Criminal Appeals authored by Judge David H. Welles and joined by Judge Jerry L. Smith
and Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr. The relevant portions of that opinion are attached as an
appendix to this opinion. The defendant’s sentence of death is affirmed and shall be carried out on

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the 6th day of November, 2001, unless otherwise ordered by this Court or other proper authority.
It appearing that the defendant is indigent, costs of the appeal are taxed to the State.

___________________________________
RILEY ANDERSON, CHIEF JUSTICE

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