Opinion ID: 2607459
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Alleged Misconduct Juror Spangler

Text: On the first day of the penalty trial, the prosecutor made his opening statement and called Josephine H., who testified that defendant forcibly raped her in 1971. After the first recess that day, defendant asked that Investigator Jordan be allowed to relate certain courtroom events she purportedly witnessed during the prosecution's opening statement. Outside the jury's presence, Jordan stated under oath that she saw jury foreman Spangler shaking his head, rolling his eyes, and glaring at defendant. At one point, Spangler allegedly mouthed the phrase son-of-a-bitch, and then said something inaudible to neighboring Jurors Dean and Hartley. Jordan also said Spangler shook his head and glared at defendant as the jury left the courtroom at recess. (38) Defendant contends the court erred in denying his ensuing motion to excuse Spangler or, in the alternative, for a mistrial. Defendant insists Spangler was biased against the defense, and that Spangler's presence on the jury violated defendant's federal constitutional rights (due process, impartial jury, and reliable death judgment). However, the trial court conducted an investigation and adduced facts which rebut defendant's claim. In response to questions by the court and counsel, Spangler denied glaring at defendant and said that any other expressions he might have made were prompted by the upsetting nature of defendant's prior crimes. Spangler assured the court that he had not prejudged the penalty issue, apologized for any inappropriate conduct, and promised to avoid any recurrence. Spangler remembered saying something to Juror Dean, but did not think it had any bearing on defendant or the evidence. Jurors Dean and Hartley did not remember the incident and, like Spangler, said they still had an open mind about sentencing. The court concluded that the defense had mischaracterized Spangler's conduct in the courtroom, and that no misconduct occurred. The court also found Spangler and the other jurors' assertions of impartiality to be sincere. As in all such matters, we defer to the court's observations and credibility determinations. [21] No misconduct or error occurred.