Opinion ID: 1857777
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Balance of the evidence

Text: ¶ 24. We must also evaluate whether the balance of the evidence goes more to the guilt of one defendant. Sanders does not specifically address this Duckworth factor, but Johnson heavily relies on it. Johnson points to the fact that Sanders was driving the car at the time of the crash. Johnson also notes that Sanders was the person operating the car in a reckless manner, traveling at high rates of speed, and disregarding traffic devices. As such, the balance of the evidence introduced at trial obviously points more to the guilt of Sanders than Johnson. ¶ 25. The defendants ignore crucial language in their indictment. Each of the three counts of the indictment states that Sanders and Johnson did wilfully, unlawfully, and feloniously without authority of law kill [the victims], while in the commission of an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved heart, regardless of human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of [the victims], in that they, while acting in concert with each other, did drive at an excessive speed, did refuse to stop while being pursued by law enforcement officers, and did run through a stop light crashing into the car that [the victims] occupied, in violation of Mississippi Code, Annotated, Section 97-3-19(1)(b). (Emphasis added). ¶ 26. The evidence introduced at trial clearly went equally to the guilt of both defendants. Testimony by the defendants and Dile established that the shoplifting spree originated with Johnson, and all three women voluntarily participated because Sanders and Johnson needed the money. The women hit at least five stores during their trip using a specialized scheme in which each one played a crucial part. See Blanks v. State, 451 So.2d 775, 777 (Miss.1984) (witness testified implicating both co-defendants, as well as himself, in the planning and commission of the crime; thus, there was no prejudice because the evidence introduced at trial went to the guilt of both defendants). ¶ 27. After getting caught at the Mussel Shoals Wal-Mart, Johnson drove the getaway car. Although Johnson told Sanders to drive the car after the three left their hiding spot, Sanders voluntarily agreed to get behind the wheel. When the high speed chase began, Sanders recklessly evaded police by running through stop signs, red lights, and stationary and rolling roadblocks. During this time, Johnson was consulting a road map. According to Dile's testimony, Johnson repeatedly yelled at Sanders to keep going and commented on the fact that both she and Sanders were on probation and would go to jail if caught with the stolen merchandise. ¶ 28. Although Sanders argues that Johnson had taken control of the car, this claim is refuted by Dile and the police officers in pursuit, who saw no struggle whatsoever in the fleeing vehicle. In fact, several witnesses testified to seeing Sanders smoking cigarettes while driving and Johnson chatting on her cell phone. Additionally, Sanders contradicted herself during her testimony, often acknowledging that she had control of the car during several parts of the chase. However, Johnson did admit to taking control of the vehicle in order to pass the semis driving side-by-side and blocking the lanes, thus prolonging the defendants' attempt at escape. ¶ 29. While Sanders was the driver during the high speed chase, the evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that Johnson at all times was working in concert with her to steal merchandise and escape the police. Therefore, `where all the evidence at trial went to the guilt of both appellants and not to one more than the other,' it is not error to try the defendants jointly. Johnson v. State, 512 So.2d 1246, 1254 (Miss.1987) (quoting Blanks, 451 So.2d at 777). See also Gossett v. State, 660 So.2d 1285, 1290 (Miss.1995) (The balance of the evidence demonstrated that both defendants separately shot Hunter implicating them equally in the murder.). ¶ 30. Given the breadth and depth of the evidence against each defendant, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to sever the trial. Significantly, even if this Court should find that each defendant had exculpated herself at the expense of the other, [a]bsent a showing of prejudice, there are no grounds to hold that the trial court abused its discretion. Hawkins, 538 So.2d at 1207. The evidence against both Sanders and Johnson was overwhelming. They were caught at the site of the crash with the stolen merchandise, and both made admissions of active participation in the crime. Separate trials would not have altered the outcome of this trial. See King, 857 So.2d at 716 (without a showing of prejudice, there are no grounds upon which to hold the trial court in error).