Opinion ID: 2334182
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Flashlight as a Deadly Weapon

Text: The defendant was convicted of especially aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit especially aggravated robbery, both of which require the use of a deadly weapon. The defendant asserts that the flashlight, which he used to beat the victim over the head, is not a deadly weapon. Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-11-106(a)(5) (2003) defines deadly weapon as follows: Deadly weapon means: (A) A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or (B) Anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury . . . . (emphasis added). In Morgan v. State, we explained that `a dangerous or deadly weapon is any weapon or instrument which, from the manner in which it is used or attempted to be used, is likely to produce death or cause great bodily injury.' 220 Tenn. 247, 415 S.W.2d 879, 882 (1967) (quoting 77 C.J.S. Robbery § 25). In Morgan, we held that a car tool, knife or other hard object wrapped in a sock and used as a bludgeon or club to assault a person was a deadly weapon within the meaning of the robbery statute. 415 S.W.2d at 882. Since then, many common items have been held to qualify as deadly weapons when the defendant in the particular case used or intended to use the item in such a manner as to be capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. See, e.g., State v. Madden, 99 S.W.3d 127, 137 (Tenn.Crim.App.2002) (pointed-toe cowboy boots used to kick person lying on ground were deadly weapons); State v. Eaves, 959 S.W.2d 601, 604 (Tenn.Crim. App.1997) (hard plastic pen used to stab a person was a deadly weapon); State v. Tate, 912 S.W.2d 785, 787-88 (Tenn.Crim. App.1995) (automobile used to run into person was a deadly weapon). A flashlight, as used by the defendant in this case, is capable of causing serious bodily injury. The defendant hit the victim over the head with the flashlight multiple times, causing potentially life-threatening head injuries which left the victim in the hospital for over a month. This issue is without merit.