Opinion ID: 1830839
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: Whether the Circuit Court erred in denying the Appellant's motion to suppress physical evidence seized from the person of the Appellant by or at the request of Sammy Webb and Fernando Perez filed on August 13, 1996, and in denying the Appellant's motion in limine to suppress tests performed upon physical evidence seized from the person of the Appellant by or at the request of Sammy Webb and Fernando Perez filed on August 5, 1996.

Text: ¶ 91. Hughes's next assignment is a two-part attack of the validity of the taking of hair and saliva samples. Hughes argues that the waiver was involuntary due to his inability to understand its terms; and, furthermore, that even if the waiver was effective, Hughes only agreed to the taking of the samples, not their submission for genetic testing. Both issues are wholly without merit. ¶ 92. First, it should be noted that voluntary in this context is analogous to voluntary in confessions or statements, as both are concerned with a lack of coercion or duress. Likewise, both depend on a host of factual inquiries which are best left to the first hand interpretation of the trial court judge, rather than a cold record on appellate review. McGowan v. State, 706 So.2d 231, 236 (Miss.1997); White v. State, 495 So.2d 1346, 1347 (Miss.1986). ¶ 93. This is particularly true with claims of diminished capacity. This Court has made clear that low intelligence is merely one factor to be considered in the overall inquiry of a voluntary statement. Neal v. State, 451 So.2d 743, 755 (Miss.1984)( citing Ford v. State, 75 Miss. 101, 21 So. 524 (1897); Hamilton v. State, 77 Miss. 675, 27 So. 606 (1900); Harvey v. State, 207 So.2d 108 (Miss.1968); Dover v. State, 227 So.2d 296 (Miss.1969); Harrison v. State, 285 So.2d 889, 890 (Miss.1973); Hancock v. State, 299 So.2d 188 (Miss.1974); Lee v. State, 338 So.2d 399, 401 (Miss.1976); Gator v. State, 402 So.2d 316 (Miss.1981)). Similarly, it is apparent that diminished capacity is also relevant, and appropriately weighed as a factor, in a determination that Hughes' consent was knowing for Penick purposes. Here both issues were completely addressed by the trial court. ¶ 94. At the suppression hearing, the trial court heard testimony concerning Hughes' intelligence quotient and his alleged inability to understand the terms of the waiver. At this hearing it was also developed that Hughes does not read; and, knowing this fact, Investigator Webb read the entire waiver form to Hughes. Investigator Webb also testified that he was very careful to ensure that Hughes understood the terms of the waiver. The waiver form read to Hughes, and which he signed, is as follows: I, William Hughes, do hereby authorize proper medical personnel to draw blood samples, take hair samples from my body and take saliva samples. I hereby authorize that these blood, hair samples, and saliva samples be turned over to Fred Perez or Sammy Webb being Law Enforcement Investigators to aide them in the investigation of the Death of Ashley Galloway I have been advised that I have the constitutional right not to have these samples taken without a Search Warrant, and I have been advised of my right to refuse consent to such a search. Having been advised of these rights, I do hereby waive these rights and consent to the taking of blood, hair and saliva samples. This written permission is being given by me voluntarily and without threats or premises of any kind /signed William Hughes Sammy Webb Fernando Perez ¶ 95. It strains credulity to maintain that Hughes was unable to understand that the State was asking him 1) to agree to the taking of the samples, 2) that the purpose of these samples was to aid in the criminal investigation of the death of Ashley Galloway, and 3) he had a right to refuse. The trial court judge, after hearing this testimony, found that Hughes had voluntarily consented to the taking of the samples, which this Court finds to be well within the bounds of his discretion in so deciding.