Opinion ID: 2276759
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Deliberation as Defined by Statute and Prosecutor (Strong's point 2)

Text: Strong's next point relied on contains multiple claims of error. He contends the trial court erred and plainly erred in overruling the motion for judgment of acquittal at the close of all the evidence; not sua sponte declaring a mistrial when the prosecutor stated that deliberation did not have to be reflected upon; accepting the jury's guilty verdicts for first degree murder; submitting instructions 5 and 6, the first degree murder instructions for Eva and Zandrea, respectively, that were based on MAI-CR3d 313.02; and not dismissing the first degree murder charges. He alleges that these errors denied him due process in that the first degree murder statute, section 565.020, requires deliberation, and section 565.002(3) defines deliberation as cool reflection for any length of time no matter how brief.
Strong essentially argues that the statutory definition of deliberation is flawed and creates only an illusory distinction between first and second degree murder as applied. As Strong failed to raise this challenge at the instruction conference or in his motion for a new trial, he is only entitled to receive plain error review. See Rule 30.20. Similar challenges to this definition have previously been denied. See State v. Middleton, 998 S.W.2d 520, 524 (Mo. banc 1999); State v. Rousan, 961 S.W.2d 831, 851-52 (Mo. banc 1998). Instructions 5 and 6 contained the statutory definition of deliberation and did not result in manifest injustice.
Strong contends insufficient evidence existed to establish that he deliberated on the murders of Eva and Zandra. The requirement of proof of deliberation sets first degree murder apart from all other forms of homicide. State v. O'Brien, 857 S.W.2d 212, 217-18 (Mo. banc 1993). Absent evidence of deliberation, an intentional killing is second degree murder. State v. Cole, 71 S.W.3d 163, 169 (Mo. banc 2002); see sec. 565.021.1 (crime of second degree murder). Deliberation is defined as cool reflection for any length of time no matter how brief. Sec. 565.002(3). Proof of deliberation must ordinarily be provided through the circumstances surrounding the crime. State v. Ferguson, 20 S.W.3d 485, 497 (Mo. banc 2000). Deliberation may be inferred, but it must still be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Malady, 669 S.W.2d 52, 55 (Mo.App.1984). Proof of deliberation does not require proof that the defendant contemplated his actions over a long period of time, only that the killer had ample opportunity to terminate the attack once it began. State v. Johnston, 957 S.W.2d 734, 747 (Mo. banc 1997) (citations omitted). Deliberation may be inferred when there are multiple wounds or repeated blows. Id. at 748; see, e.g., Ferguson, 20 S.W.3d at 493, 497; State v. Parkus, 753 S.W.2d 881, 884-85 (Mo. banc 1988). In addition, failure to seek medical help for a victim strengthens the inference that the defendant deliberated. State v. Feltrop, 803 S.W.2d 1, 12 (Mo. banc 1991). In evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence, the evidence is reviewed in the light most favorable to the state, and all reasonable inferences from the evidence are drawn in favor of the state. State v. Butler, 951 S.W.2d 600, 604 (Mo. banc 1997). Similarly, all inferences contrary to the verdict are rejected unless they are such a logical extension of the evidence that no reasonable juror could disregard them. Id. The evidence and reasonable inferences therefrom demonstrate that sufficient evidence existed for the jurors to find that Strong deliberated. A photograph of the kitchen created the inference that Strong removed the butcher knife from that room and took it to the bedroom where he used it to kill Eva and Zandrea. The 911 call established that Eva attempted to call for help, yet her call was disconnected while she screamed. Autopsies revealed that both victims suffered multiple stab wounds: Eva was stabbed 21 times and had five slash wounds, and Zandrea was stabbed nine times and had 12 slash wounds. In lieu of seeking medical help for either victim, Strong first ignored police, next lied to them by saying he had locked himself out, and then ran away. The evidence was sufficient as to each victim to submit the first degree murder charges to the jurors and to support their guilty verdicts.
Strong contends the prosecutor misstated the law during closing argument by arguing and thereby incorrectly redefining deliberation as follows: The deliberation is not cool, it's not something that has to be reflected on, it is coolly reflected upon for any length of time, no matter how brief. The prosecutor followed with: The entire instruction is important and that entire instruction is key, and Strong did not object. Section 565.002(3) defines deliberation as cool reflection for any length of time no matter how brief. No manifest injustice resulted to Strong from this statement. This point is denied.