Opinion ID: 2416788
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Prejudicial Penalty Argument

Text: Jones contends that the trial court erred when it overruled defense counsel's penalty phase objection to the prosecutor's argument: that if a stranger had killed Dorothy Knuckles, then her family would have wanted the state to seek the death penalty. Jones contends the argument constituted speculation, asserted facts not in evidence, was improper, and was contrary to the family's beliefs and wishes. When the trial court allows argument over defense counsel's objection, rulings are reversible only for abuse of discretion where argument was plainly unwarranted. State v. Hall, 955 S.W.2d 198, 208 (Mo. banc 1997). Parties have a considerable latitude in arguing during the penalty phase of a first-degree murder case. Id. Moreover, a prosecutor may rebut defense counsel's argument if the defense counsel opens the door to an otherwise questionable line of argument. See State v. Kenley, 952 S.W.2d 250, 272 (Mo. banc 1997). In State v. Kenley, supra , the prosecutor rebutted defense counsel's argument that the defendant apologized to a prison librarian for taking her hostage by arguing the defendant apologized because he knew the hostage incident would surface at trial and made a similar comment about defendant's improved behavior while incarcerated. Id. The Court stated that the comments were not improper. Id. In fact, [d]efense counsel opened the door to this argument by inferring that Kenley [defendant] apologized or decreased the number of conduct violations because he had turned over a new leaf. Id. The Court further stated that: [i]t was reasonable for the prosecutor to counter this argument with the fact that Kenley had other potential motives for his behavior. Id. In the case before us, the defense counsel made the following statement: His (Jones) family doesn't want him to die. His family wants him to live. They care about him and love him. Do you think that's what Dorothy Knuckles would want based on what you've heard about her. Do you think she would want you to take vengeance and kill her grandson. The prosecutor in rebuttal made the following argument: Now let me say something about the Knuckles' family. If there were more families like the Knuckles' family in this country we wouldn't have the problems we have. But they are not objective. They cannot be objective and nobody expects them to be. If the killer of Dorothy Knuckles was a stranger they'd be sitting on this side of the courtroom. DEFENSE COUNSEL: Objection, Your Honor. That's total speculation. Improper. THE COURT: The objection's overruled. PROSECUTOR:supporting us in asking for the death penalty. Families supporting us maybe even when it's  or asking us to do it even when it's not justified. Families cannot be objective. Nobody expects them to be. You know about the Knuckles' family, and the question becomes of that family why is he sitting here. Coming from that kind of family and that kind of background why is he sitting here. He could have been anything he wanted. That family would have done anything for him. Why is he sitting here. He's sitting here because one time he made a choice. He made a choice to turn his back on that family and abuse drugs.... The prosecutor's statement was not improper within the context in which it was made. It was in response to the defense counsel's suggestion that the family opposes the death penalty for Jones. The prosecutor offered a common sense reply that perhaps the family is biased because Jones is a family member. In this situation the defendant may not provoke a reply and then assert error. State v. Roll, 942 S.W.2d 370, 378 (Mo. banc 1997). Furthermore, State v. Storey, 901 S.W.2d 886 (Mo. banc 1995), is inapplicable in this instance because the contexts were different, the opinions were more personalized and not based on evidence presented, and the comment was not in response to the defense counsel's argument. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in overruling the defense counsel's objection.