Opinion ID: 2979510
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: photo identification claim

Text: “We review the denial of a motion to suppress identification evidence for clear error.” United States v. Beverly, 369 F.3d 516, 538 (6th Cir. 2004). “The Due Process Clause prohibits the use of identifications which under the totality of the circumstances are impermissibly suggestive and present an unacceptable risk of irreparable misidentification.” Carter v. Bell, 218 F.3d 581, 605 (6th Cir. 2000). To assess the validity of a pretrial identification, we follow a two-step analysis: we first determine whether the identification procedure was unduly suggestive; then, if we find that it was, we consider the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the identification was nevertheless reliable. Ledbetter v. Edwards, 35 F.3d 1062, 1070-71 (6th Cir. 1994) (applying Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188, 198 (1972)). First, we find that the district court correctly held that the procedure used to obtain the pretrial identification was not unduly suggestive. Peterson claims that the photo array was unduly No. 09-3588 United States v. Peterson Page 13 suggestive because his photo was the only one in dark clothing, which was part of the description of the robber; there was an apparent difference in age between his photo and that of the other individuals; and the officers asked Bowman whether she could identify the robber from the photo array, thereby suggesting that the robber was found in one of the six photos. Having reviewed the photo array, we conclude that it is not unduly suggestive. In light of the many substantial similarities between those in the photo array, the alleged differences in clothing and age are too minor to render the spread unduly suggestive. See, e.g., United States v. Sullivan, 431 F.3d 976, 985 (6th Cir. 2005) (upholding determination that array did not improperly single out defendant when he was the only suspect with noticeably blue eyes and the robber had been described as having blue eyes). The police officer’s inquiry whether Bowman could identify the robber from the photo array was not unduly suggestive. Furthermore, Bowman’s two possible viewings of photographs of the robber before the identification does not render the identification unduly suggestive. The fact that Bowman viewed a photograph of the robber in the newspaper within a week of the robbery does not render the identification unduly suggestive because the photo was taken from the Bank’s security camera during the commission of the robbery and thus would have been no different than what she saw that day in the Bank. In addition, although Peterson notes that Bowman testified that she saw a picture when she was interviewed for the first time, this bare statement without more is insufficient to establish that the procedure was unduly suggestive. Second, even if the procedure used to obtain Bowman’s pretrial identification were unduly suggestive, an analysis of the totality of the circumstances under the Biggers test still assures us that No. 09-3588 United States v. Peterson Page 14 there was no substantial likelihood of misidentification in this case. In assessing the reliability of the identification, we consider five factors: (1) the opportunity of the witness to view the criminal at the time of the crime; (2) the witness’s degree of attention at the time of observation; (3) the accuracy of the witness’s prior description of the criminal; (4) the level of certainty demonstrated by the witness when confronting the defendant; and (5) the length of time between the crime and the confrontation. Ledbetter, 35 F.3d at 1071. First, Bowman had ample opportunity to view the suspect when she watched him fill out paperwork in the lobby of the Bank and saw him face-to-face when he pointed a weapon at her. Cf. United States v. Hill, 967 F.2d 226, 232 (6th Cir. 1992) (holding that a bank teller’s in-court identification was reliable even though the teller “had only a couple of minutes to view a robber who was disguised with a ball cap, sunglasses, and a bandage on his nose”). Second, she devoted her full attention at one point to the suspect’s face. Third, she accurately described aspects of his appearance, including his dark hat, sunglasses, dark shirt, and jeans. Fourth, she testified that she was 99.9% sure of her identification of Peterson from the photo array. Fifth, although the length of time between the crime and the confrontation, one year and eight months, was substantial, this delay is not dispositive. Cf. id. at 233 (holding that a bank teller’s in-court identification was reliable even though five years had passed since the bank robbery). Because Bowman’s identification of Peterson withstands a Biggers analysis, we AFFIRM the district court’s denial of Peterson’s motion to suppress the identification evidence.