Court Opinion

ID: 1084754
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2013-10-09 21:45:08.242307+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:00:03.419295
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

                           AT NASHVILLE             FILED
                          MAY 1998 SESSION
                                                    December 9, 1998

                                                  Cecil W. Crowson
STATE OF TENNESSEE,        *    C.C.A. NO. 01C01-9704-CC-00122 Clerk
                                                Appellate Court

      APPELLEE,            *    MAURY COUNTY
                                (Transferred from Giles County)
VS.                        *    Hon. William B. Cain, Judge

STEPHEN JOHN ABBOTT,       *    (Second Degree Murder (Two Counts);
                                Attempted First Degree Murder; and
      APPELLANT.           *    Attempted Second Degree Murder)

For Appellant:                  For Appellee:

Hershell D. Koger               John Knox Walkup
135 N. First Street             Attorney General and Reporter
P.O. Box 1148                   450 James Robertson Parkway
Pulaski, TN 38478               Nashville, TN 37243-0493

Larry L. Roberts                Karen M. Yacuzzo
627 Second Avenue South         Assistant Attorney General
Nashville, TN 37210             Criminal Justice Division
                                450 James Robertson Parkway
                                Nashville, TN 37243-0493

                                Mike Bottoms
                                District Attorney General
                                P.O. Box 459
                                Lawrenceburg, TN 38464

OPINION FILED: ____________________

REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR NEW TRIAL

GARY R. WADE, PRESIDING JUDGE
                                              OPINION

                The defendant, Stephen John Abbott, was indicted in Giles County for

two counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder.

After a change of venue to Maury County, he was convicted of second degree

murder for the deaths of Carolyn Foster and Diane Collins (counts 1 and 2), the

attempted second degree murder of Carol Yancy (count 3), and the attempted first

degree murder of Ron Shirey (count 4). The trial court imposed sentence as

follows:

        count 1         second degree murder                              twenty years

        count 2         second degree murder                              twenty years

        count 3         attempted second degree murder                    ten years

        count 4         attempted first degree murder                     twenty years

The two second degree murder sentences are to be served consecutively with

release eligibility after service of at least eighty-five percent of the forty-year term.1

                In this appeal of right, the defendant presents the following issues for

review:

                (1) whether the evidence is sufficient to support the
                verdicts of guilt for all four offenses;

                (2) whether the trial court erred by refusing to grant the
                defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal at the close
                of the state's proof;

                (3) whether the indictment sufficiently charges each
                offense;

                (4) whether the juvenile court erred by transferring the
                defendant to circuit court to be tried as an adult;

                (5) whether the juvenile court erred by consolidating the
                defendant's transfer hearing with that of his co-
                defendant;

        1
          "There shall be no release eligibility for a person committing [second degree murder] on or
after July 1, 1995." Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-50 1(i)(2).

                                                   2
              (6) whether the trial court erred by overruling the
              defendant's motion to suppress his oral statements;

              (7) whether the trial court erred by refusing to strike
              certain potential jurors for cause;

              (8) whether the trial court erred by refusing to grant the
              defendant's motion for a change of venire;

              (9) whether the trial court erred by allowing evidence that
              the defendant and co-defendant were wearing black
              clothing at the time the crimes were committed;

              (10) whether the trial court erred by failing to charge the
              lesser offense of facilitation of a felony; and

              (11) whether the trial court erred by imposing an
              excessive sentence.

              We must reverse and remand for a new trial due to the failure to

charge the lesser offense of facilitation of a felony.

              On November 15, 1995, Deputy Kyle Helton of the Giles County

Sheriff's Department drove to Richland High School to teach a class about the

importance of avoiding drugs and violence. Upon his arrival at 7:55 A.M., he

learned that someone had just been shot. When he saw blood on the floor and

"people laying in the hallway," he contacted the sheriff's department, seeking

additional help. He then determined that Carolyn Foster and Carol Yancy, both

teachers, had suffered gunshot wounds to the head area and that a student, Diane

Collins, had been shot in the neck. The weapon used was a .22 rifle. Officer Helton

took Jamie Rouse into custody; the defendant was not "anywhere around ...."

              Agent Wayne Wesson, of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation,

interviewed the defendant twice on the day of the shootings. On each occasion, the

defendant provided a signed, written statement. At about 1:30 P.M., the defendant

told Agent Wesson that he had known Rouse for about one and one-half years and

                                            3
that they had been good friends. He revealed that Rouse liked heavy metal music

and was rumored to be a Satan worshiper. The defendant stated that Rouse had

carved an inverted cross on his forehead once before, always wore black, and had

previously shaved his head. The defendant recalled that the evening before the

shootings, Rouse had said that he was tired of school and wanted to quit. He told

Agent Wesson that on the day of the shooting, Rouse called the defendant and

informed him he would pick him up for school early. They arrived at school at

approximately 7:55 A.M. and Rouse left his truck armed with a .22 rifle. The

defendant claimed that he called out to Rouse, who did not respond but proceeded

into the school. The defendant stated that Rouse attempted to fire his weapon at

Ms. Foster, but the safety was in place. He recalled that Rouse lowered the gun,

disabled the safety, and fired at Ms. Foster again and then fired at Ms. Yancy. The

defendant claimed that he then left the area and heard one or two more shots. He

asserted that he knew nothing about Rouse's intentions and had not noticed the rifle

in the vehicle.

              In a second statement, provided at 6:15 P.M. on the day of the

murders, the defendant revealed that he and Rouse wanted to quit school because

they did not "fit in." He acknowledged that on the night before the shooting, Rouse

talked about killing a trooper who had given him a ticket and killing Tina Mueller,

someone with whom he had argued. He told Agent Wesson that when Rouse

asked if he wanted to help, he responded, "I don't know." The defendant also

recalled Rouse saying "he was going to take care of Shirey and Hobbs." When

Rouse asked if he would help, the defendant "laughed and said, yeah." The

defendant explained that he did not really believe Rouse would follow through on the

threats. The defendant acknowledged that he saw the rifle when he got into the

truck. He recalled Rouse, who had a "brick of shells," said, "it's going to happen

                                           4
today." He remembered that on the way to school, Rouse threatened to shoot

"anyone who gets in my way" and that Rouse stopped at the residence of Stephen

Ray, showed him the gun and shells, and claimed, "It's going to happen today."

When Ray responded, "You're crazy," the defendant contended that he indicated

agreement. After leaving the Ray residence and upon arriving at the high school,

Rouse asked, "Are you ready?" The defendant recalled that Rouse then took the

weapon and left. The defendant emphasized to Agent Wesson that he did not

believe Rouse would shoot anyone and that he "was shocked" by what had

occurred.

              Michael Chapman, chief investigator for the Giles County Sheriff's

Department, interviewed the defendant a day later. He stated that the defendant

admitted to driving the truck to school. Officer Chapman testified that the defendant

had stated that Rouse did not mention shooting a trooper until after the defendant

started driving Rouse's truck.

              Sheriff Eddie Bass testified that he was called to the scene of the

shootings immediately. When he located the defendant, the defendant was wearing

"[b]lack from head-to-toe. Shirt, pants, boots. I believe a black coat, also."

              Rebecca Lee Giles, who arrived at Richland High at about 7:30 on the

morning of the shootings, saw Jamie Rouse come through a doorway at about 7:55

A.M. Rouse, who carried a gun at his side, shot Ms. Yancy and Ms. Foster. Ms.

Giles, who immediately fled to the parking lot, testified at trial that the defendant was

not present and that Rouse appeared to be acting alone.

              Carol Yancy, a teacher at the school, testified that on the morning of

                                           5
the shootings, she and Carolyn Foster were standing in the doorway to Ms. Foster's

classroom when Rouse approached them with a rifle. She had no other recollection

until she regained consciousness on the way to the hospital. A gunshot wound to

her head required hospitalization for several days.

               Teacher Ralph Johnson recalled hearing a noise that sounded "like

two firecrackers," looking into the hallway, and seeing Ms. Yancy and Ms. Foster on

the floor. When he heard another shot a few seconds later, he ran toward the

shooting and helped take the murder weapon away.

               Ron Shirey, a teacher and coach who was responsible for much of the

discipline at the school, was to monitor the halls until classes began. He heard a

loud pop, saw Ms. Collins "holding her neck or throat" and bleeding profusely, and

then saw Rouse armed with a rifle.

               Rachel Warren Harmon, who grew up with and rode the bus with the

defendant and Rouse, worked with them at Delta Express, a truck stop. She

testified that on the evening before the shootings, she noticed Rouse and the

defendant engaged in conversation outside the business. She remembered that

they stopped their conversation when she approached them and the defendant

stated, "We'll just discuss it later."

               Jim Matthews, a criminal investigator for the District Attorney's office,

found a black jacket, several compact discs and a CD case, and 433 .22 long rifle,

high velocity cartridges in Rouse's truck.

               Dr. Ann Bucholtz, who had performed an autopsy on fourteen-year-old

                                             6
Diane Collins, determined that a gunshot wound to the neck had caused her death.

Dr. Charles Warren Harlan, who performed an autopsy on Carolyn Foster,

determined that gunshot wounds to the head and the neck had caused her death.

             Billy Rogers, a student at Richland High School, also worked at Delta

Express. He recalled the defendant saying that he might lose "a couple of friends

tomorrow"; when he asked their identity, the defendant responded, "If there was a

Lord, he better make it snow, so we ain't got school tomorrow."

             Danielle Robinson, a student at the high school, remembered passing

Rouse in the hallway and seeing the gun. She then saw the defendant, eight or ten

feet away, and told him Rouse had a gun. She recalled his response, "He does?"

She testified that she saw the defendant later in the day and that he was "in a daze,"

pale, and unresponsive.

              Student Beth Rogers, a cousin to Rouse, testified that when Ms.

Collins was shot, her boyfriend grabbed her and shoved her into the bathroom.

Immediately after the shooting, she saw the defendant, pale and crying, in the

parking lot. When she asked the defendant whether the rifle was in the front of the

truck, the defendant responded, "No, it must have been in the back." Ms. Rogers

also recalled that Rouse had previously threatened to kill people, but that she did

not take him seriously.

              Stephen Ray testified that on the morning of the shootings, the

defendant and Rouse had stopped at his residence on their way to school. He

recalled that Rouse was driving the truck and that a rifle was on the seat in plain

view. Ray testified that Rouse acknowledged that the weapon was his. When he

                                           7
asked Rouse, "Who are you going after," either Rouse or the defendant replied

"Hobbs [the school principal] and whoever gets in the way." Ray, who was uncertain

which of the two responded, then saw a box of ammunition and a gun clip in the

truck. He could not recall whether Rouse or the defendant warned him to stay in the

parking lot at school, "because they didn't want me hit by any stray bullets." Ray

remembered that the defendant moved into the driver's seat before driving away

and that Rouse was in the passenger seat. Ray testified that he did not think Rouse

was serious about actually shooting anyone.

              When Ray arrived outside the school, he saw Rouse walking toward

the door carrying a rifle in his left hand. Ray then recalled gunshots: "two somewhat

close together, and a slight pause, and then a third." Afterward, Ray saw the

defendant walking in the parking lot; he described the defendant on the "verge of

tears, pale, [t]rembling, [j]ust general shock." Ray recalled the defendant said he

could not "believe he done it."

              Several witnesses testified for the defense. Thomas Ray, Stephen

Ray's father, was a character witness for the defendant. He described the

defendant as "[e]ven-tempered ... [an a]verage teen-ager and a good boy." Rick

Pitts, the defendant's supervisor at the Delta Express, described the defendant as

an above average employee and recalled that the defendant was very upset over

the shootings, a "nervous wreck." He remembered that the defendant was unable

to control his emotions and had "held his head down between his hands, and stood

there and shook."

              James Nichols, an agricultural education instructor at Richland High,

testified at the Juvenile Transfer Hearing. He remembered seeing Rouse fire his

                                          8
rifle toward Coach Shirey and grabbing the barrel of the rifle in an effort to take it

away from Rouse. During the struggle, a shot was accidentally fired into the ceiling.

When Nichols ordered Rouse to surrender the gun, Rouse responded, "I can't. I've

went too far." Nichols and several others were able to take the gun from Rouse.

              The defendant, who was seventeen years old when the shootings

occurred, was a senior at the school and worked at Delta Express. He had planned

to enlist in the Navy after school and had scored in the upper ten percent on the

Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. He testified that he had befriended

Rouse in his sophomore year and had often heard Rouse threaten to kill people but

had never before known him to carry out any of the threats or violence against

anyone.

              He recalled that on the evening before the shooting, Rouse, who was

not on duty at the time, stopped by Delta Express to exchange a compact disc

player. He remembered that Rouse had threatened to kill Tina Mueller and had

sought his help. The defendant claimed that he responded, "I don't know" and then

laughed because he did not think Rouse was serious. The defendant

acknowledged telling Billy Rogers, "If there is a God, I hope it snows tomorrow."

While conceding that he had said to Rogers that he was going to lose a couple of

friends, he did not think anyone was going to get killed but only that some type of

fight would occur.

              He testified that on the morning of the shooting, Rouse had called to

say that he would pick him up a little early. When he got in Rouse's truck, the

defendant saw the gun and shells in the seat. He testified that he asked about the

weapon and Rouse responded, "It's going to happen today." Along the way, Rouse

                                            9
stopped to purchase a drink and a candy bar and then drove to Steve Ray's home.

Ray came to the truck and asked about the weapon; Rouse responded it was for

"Hobbs, and whoever gets in the way." The defendant testified that he agreed with

Ray, who said, "You're crazy."

             The defendant testified that he then agreed to Rouse's request that he

drive. He described the request as not unusual because he had driven the truck

several times previously. He explained that he agreed to drive because he had not

driven in a while, as his own truck was "broke down." The defendant recalled that

Rouse placed the weapon in his lap and said, "now he can shoot the cop in front of

the school." The defendant explained that he thought Rouse was joking, but

conceded that he was a little worried about Rouse's behavior. He testified that

when he parked the truck, Rouse got out fast and walked toward the school without

waiting. The defendant yelled three or four times at Rouse, who did not respond.

The defendant, who had no recollection of Rouse loading the rifle, recalled that

Rouse fired at Ms. Foster and Ms. Yancy and continued to walk down the hall. The

defendant, who insisted he did not help plan the shootings and had no intent to

harm anybody, stated that he left the school grounds with Ray.

              Perry Gammons testified for the state in rebuttal. He claimed that the

morning of the shootings, he had seen the defendant and Rouse talk near the front

of Rouse's truck and then walk side by side toward the school.

                                          (1)

              The defendant first argues the evidence is insufficient to support the

verdicts of guilty for all four offenses. He argues the state's case is based on

"speculation and conjecture."

                                          10
              On appeal, of course, the state is entitled to the strongest legitimate

view of the evidence and all reasonable inferences which might be drawn therefrom.

State v. Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832, 835 (Tenn. 1978). The credibility of the

witnesses, the weight to be given their testimony, and the reconciliation of conflicts

in the proof are matters entrusted to the jury as the trier of fact. Byrge v. State, 575

S.W.2d 292, 295 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1978). When the sufficiency of the evidence is

challenged, the relevant question is whether, after reviewing the evidence in the light

most favorable to the state, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential

elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Williams, 657 S.W.2d

405, 410 (Tenn. 1983); Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e).

              The defendant may be found criminally responsible for Rouse's

conduct if "[a]cting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, or

to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense, [he] solicits, directs, aids, or

attempts to aid another person to commit the offense." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-

402(2).

              "[I]t is evident that Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-402(2) ... is derived from

common law." State v. Carson, 950 S.W.2d 951, 954 (Tenn. 1997). Even under the

theory of criminal responsibility for the acts of another, mere presence during the

commission of the crime is not enough to convict. See Flippen v. State, 365 S.W.2d

895, 899 (Tenn. 1963); Anglin v. State, 553 S.W.2d 616, 619 (Tenn. Crim. App.

1977). Presence and companionship with the perpetrator of a felony before and

after the commission of the offense are circumstances from which one's

participation in the crime may be inferred. No particular act need be shown. It is not

necessary for one to take a physical part in the crime. Mere encouragement of the

principal is sufficient. State v. McBee, 644 S.W.2d 428 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1982).

                                            11
              While the defendant "'must knowingly, voluntarily, and with common

intent unite with the principal offenders in the commission of the crime,'" the

"'common purpose need not be to commit the particular crime which is committed.'"

Carson, 950 S.W.2d at 954 (quoting State v. Foster, 755 S.W.2d 846, 848 (Tenn.

Crim. App. 1988)). In Carson, our supreme court reaffirmed the "natural and

probable consequences" rule:

              "[I]f two persons join in a purpose to commit a crime,
              each of them, if actually or constructively present, is not
              only guilty as a principal, if the other commits that
              particular crime, but he is also guilty of any other crime
              committed by the other in pursuance of the common
              purpose, or as a natural or probable consequence
              thereof."

950 S.W.2d at 954 (quoting Key v. State, 563 S.W.2d 184, 186 (Tenn. 1978))

(emphasis in original).

              Under these guidelines, we must conclude, despite the closeness of

the factual issue, that the evidence is sufficient to support all of the defendant's

convictions. At the time of the offenses, second degree murder was defined as a

"knowing killing of another." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-210(a). Our code defines

"knowing" as follows:

              "Knowing" refers to a person who acts knowingly with
              respect to the conduct or to circumstances surrounding
              the conduct when the person is aware of the nature of
              the conduct or that the circumstances exist. A person
              acts knowingly with respect to a result of the person's
              conduct when the person is aware that the conduct is
              reasonably certain to cause the result.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-302(b).

              First degree murder is defined as a "premeditated and intentional

killing of another." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202(a)(1). "'Premeditation' is an act

done after the exercise of reflection and judgment" and requires that the "intent to

                                           12
kill must have been formed prior to the act itself." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-302(d).

             Criminal attempt is defined as follows:

             (a) A person commits criminal attempt who, acting with
             the kind of culpability otherwise required for the offense:
             (1) Intentionally engages in action or causes a result that
             would constitute an offense if the circumstances
             surrounding the conduct were as the person believes
             them to be;
             (2) Acts with intent to cause a result that is an element of
             the offense, and believes the conduct will cause the
             result without further conduct on the person's part; or
             (3) Acts with intent to complete a course of action or
             cause a result that would constitute the offense, under
             the circumstances surrounding the conduct as the
             person believes them to be, and the conduct constitutes
             a substantial step toward the commission of the offense.
             (b) Conduct does not constitute a substantial step under
             subdivision (a)(3) unless the person's entire course of
             action is corroborative of the intent to commit the
             offense.
             (c) It is no defense to prosecution for criminal attempt
             that the offense attempted was actually committed.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-12-101.

             With the view that the verdict accredited the witnesses for the state

and in the light most favorable to the position of the state, the evidence is adequate

to support the verdict of second degree murder. On appeal of the guilty verdict, the

presumption is one of guilt rather than one of innocence. The night before the

shootings, the defendant and Rouse discussed going to school and killing an officer,

a student with whom Rouse had had a verbal altercation, a teacher, and a principal.

When Rouse asked the defendant if he wanted to help, the defendant responded,

"Yeah." On the next day, the defendant drove Rouse to the school. He admitted

seeing the murder weapon and ammunition in the truck. There was some evidence

the defendant walked with Rouse into the school before Rouse shot and killed Ms.

Foster and Ms. Collins and severely injured Ms. Yancy. By doing so, Rouse

committed two murders and an attempt to murder. By aiming his weapon and firing

                                          13
at Shirey, a teacher Rouse advised the defendant that he would kill, Rouse

committed attempted first degree murder.

              That Rouse and the defendant did not specifically plan or discuss their

intended crimes against the particular victims does not serve to excuse or mitigate

guilt. Under the ruling in Carson, the defendant is liable for all crimes which are the

natural and foreseeable consequences of the plan. That persons at the school

other than those specifically discussed would be injured or killed during this plan is,

in our view, reasonably foreseeable. Carson, 950 S.W.2d at 955.

                                           (2)

              In a related argument, the defendant claims that the trial court erred by

refusing to grant his motion for judgment of acquittal. Rule 29, Tenn. R. Crim. P.,

empowers the trial judge to direct a judgment of acquittal when the evidence is

insufficient to warrant a conviction either at the time the state rests or at the

conclusion of all the evidence. Overturf v. State, 571 S.W.2d 837 (Tenn. 1978). At

the point the motion is made, the trial court must favor the opponent of the motion

with the strongest legitimate view of the evidence, including all reasonable

inferences, and discard any countervailing evidence. Hill v. State, 470 S.W.2d 853

(Tenn. Crim. App. 1971).

              The standard by which the trial court determines a motion for judgment

of acquittal at that time is, in essence, the same standard which applies on appeal in

determining the sufficiency of the evidence after a conviction. That is, "whether,

after reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any

rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a

reasonable doubt." Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e); Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307

                                            14
(1979). We have previously concluded the evidence is sufficient to support the

convictions; accordingly, this issue is without merit.

                                           (3)

              The next issue is whether the indictment sufficiently charges each

offense. The defendant argues that the count charging first degree premeditated

murder fails to allege the element of "deliberate"; the count charging felony murder,

for which the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, fails to allege the

element of "reckless" as well as "deliberate" with respect to the underlying felony;

and the counts charging attempted first degree murder fail to allege "deliberate."

              Generally, an indictment must set forth the elements of the offense.

State v. Perkinson, 867 S.W.2d 1, 5 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1992). It is settled law that

"[w]hen the indictment or presentment fails to fully state the crime, all subsequent

proceedings are void." Id. (citing State v. Morgan, 598 S.W.2d 796, 797 (Tenn.

Crim. App. 1979)).

              Provisions of the state and federal constitutions guarantee the

criminally accused knowledge of "the nature and cause of the accusation." U.S.

Const. amend. VI; Tenn. Const. art I, § 9. "Fair and reasonable notice of the

charges against an accused is a fundamental constitutional requirement." State v.

Trusty, 919 S.W.2d 305, 309 (Tenn. 1996). To be sufficient, an indictment must

"inform the defendant of the precise charges; ... must enable the trial court upon

conviction to enter an appropriate judgment; ... and must protect [the] defendant

against double jeopardy." Id. As a matter of fairness, the constitutional requirement

is designed to afford the criminally accused with an adequate opportunity to prepare

any defense before the trial. See, e.g., Pope v. State, 258 S.W. 775 (Tenn. 1924);

                                           15
Daniel v. State, 50 Tenn. 257 (1871).

             In Perkinson, our court explained the rationale for requiring the

indictment to charge the essential elements of the offense:

             To allow a prosecutor or court to make a subsequent
             guess as to what was in the minds of the grand jury at
             the time they returned the indictment would deprive the
             defendant of a basic protection that the grand jury was
             designed to secure, because a defendant could then be
             convicted on the basis of facts not found by, and perhaps
             not even presented to, the grand jury that indicted him.

867 S.W.2d at 5 (quoting United State v. Cecil, 608 F.2d 1294, 1297 (9th Cir.

1979)).

             In our view, the indictments are sufficient. Count one alleges as

follows:

             [the defendant] did unlawfully commit First Degree
             Murder by being criminally responsible for ... the conduct
             of James Ellison Rouse ... in that the [defendant] acting
             with intent to promote or assist the commission of said
             offense, or to benefit in the proceeds or results of said
             offense, did intentionally, knowingly, wilfully and
             unlawfully solicit, direct, aid or attempt to aid the said
             James Ellison Rouse to unlawfully, knowingly,
             intentionally and with premeditation kill Carolyn Foster
             with a .22 rifle ....

At the time the offense was committed, in November 1995, first degree murder was

defined as a "premeditated and intentional killing of another." Tenn. Code Ann. §

39-13-202. It is unnecessary that the indictment allege the killing was deliberate.

See State v. Michael K. Christian, No. 03C01-9609-CR-00336, slip op. at 10 (Tenn.

Crim. App., at Knoxville, Mar. 23, 1998), app. filed, May 26, 1998.

             Count two alleges as follows:

             [The defendant did aid and abet Rouse] to unlawfully and
             knowingly kill Dianne Collins with a .22 rifle, in attempting
             to perpetrate First Degree Murder, to-wit: while [Rouse]

                                          16
              did unlawfully, knowingly, intentionally and with
              premeditation attempt to kill Ron Shirey.

The defendant complains that the indictment should have alleged the killing of Ms.

Collins was reckless and that the attempted first degree murder of Shirey was done

deliberately. At the time of the offense, our law defined felony murder as a "killing of

another committed in the perpetration of or attempt to perpetrate any first degree

murder ...." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202(a)(2). "No culpable mental state is

required for conviction under subdivision (a)(2)." Id. Accordingly, there is no

requirement that the indictment allege the killing was reckless. Also, as noted

previously, a premeditated first degree murder does not require a deliberate killing.

              Counts three and four charge the defendant with aiding and abetting

Rouse "to unlawfully, knowingly, intentionally and with premeditation attempt to kill

[the victim]." The defendant complains the counts should have alleged the

attempted murders were deliberate. At the time the offenses were committed,

however, deliberation was not a requisite element and, in consequence, did not

need to be alleged. Christian, slip op. at 10.

                                          (4)

              Next, the defendant claims that the juvenile court erred by transferring

him to circuit court to be tried as an adult. He argues that he had the ability and

predisposition to benefit from rehabilitation and did not require such a transfer.

              Much of the proof at the transfer hearing mirrored the proof at trial.

The night before the shootings, the defendant and Rouse abruptly ended a private

discussion when co-worker Rachel Warren approached them. The defendant told

Rouse they would discuss the matter later. The defendant told the police that

Rouse had discussed shooting Tina Mueller, a student, Shirey, a teacher, and

                                          17
Principal Hobbs. When asked if he wanted to help, the defendant responded in the

affirmative. On the day before the shootings, the defendant informed Billy Rogers

that he was about to lose a couple of friends. The defendant drove the truck to

school.

               The defendant presented several witnesses on his behalf. Dr.

Kenneth Anchor, a clinical psychologist, testified that he examined the defendant

and found he "did not demonstrate the typical juvenile delinquent or juvenile

offender profile." Dr. Anchor’s overall interpretation of various psychological tests

was as follows:

              This is a young man who is not confident. He does not
              enjoy good self-esteem. He has a great deal of
              problems living; problems in relationships. ... And the
              bottom line, here is this is somebody who is very much in
              need of mental health resources or services.

It was Dr. Anchor's opinion that the defendant would benefit greatly from treatment:

"I believe he has sufficient intellect to benefit from it. I believe he would be

cooperative and motivated ... to restore himself ... I think the prognosis is

favorable."

              The defendant's mother, Donna Abbott, testified that her son had

never caused the family any difficulties, always having helped with household

chores. She testified that he also helped financially, having worked the past one

and one-half years. Because the defendant's father was disabled, the family relied,

in part, on the defendant's income. Ms. Abbott described her son as active in

school.

              The defendant's father, Don Abbott, testified that the defendant had

been working with him and another son to start a pallet recycling business. He

                                           18
stated that he and his sons had begun construction of a building, collected pallets,

and had purchased a truck and office equipment. He described the defendant as

having a strong interest and ability in mechanics and electronics.

              Morris Mitchell, a counselor at Richland High School, testified that the

defendant scored well above average on various proficiency tests and college

admission tests. He stated that the defendant also scored well on the Armed

Service Vocational Aptitude Battery.

              Section 37-1-134, Tenn. Code Ann., provides for a transfer from

juvenile court to circuit court under the following circumstances:

              The disposition of the child shall be as if the child were
              an adult if:

                                           ***

              (4) The court finds that there are reasonable grounds to
              believe that:

              (A) The child committed the delinquent act as alleged;
              (B) The child is not committable to an institution for the
              mentally retarded or mentally ill; and
              (C) The interests of the community require that the child
              be put under legal restraint or discipline.

              (b) In making the determination required by subsection
              (a), the court shall consider, among other matters:

              (1) The extent and nature of the child's prior delinquency
              records;
              (2) The nature of past treatment efforts and the nature of
              the child's response thereto;
              (3) Whether the offense was against person or property,
              with greater weight in favor of transfer given to offenses
              against the person;
              (4) Whether the offense was committed in an aggressive
              and premeditated manner; and
              (5) The possible rehabilitation of the child by use of
              procedures, services and facilities currently available to
              the court in this state.

                                           19
                  In ordering the transfer to circuit court, the judge ruled from the bench

as follows:

                         There is an area here concerning Mr. Abbott that
                  needs looking into by a jury of his peers. I've listened as
                  open-mindedly as I can, with his young man's whole
                  problem in mind. But I think that there is enough
                  involvement here that it should be dealt with in a different
                  setting.
                         There certainly was time to reflect, and to do other
                  things, than what transpired this morning of this tragic
                  event. And all of the activities, leading up to it that's
                  been testified to by these other witnesses, leave me with
                  a real bad feeling about this situation involving this young
                  man; that he had the opportunity to have disengaged
                  himself from this entire scenario, but he didn't do it.
                         So I'm going to transfer him, also.

                  About a week later, the court entered a written order ruling as follows:

                         The juvenile concerned, Stephen John Abbott,
                  has been charged with crimes involving the loss of
                  human life, and the Court has found that there are
                  reasonable grounds to believe that he committed these
                  acts. The evidence shows that the acts were committed
                  in an aggressive and premeditated manner. The juvenile
                  is 17 years of age, and he will be 18 in a few weeks. As
                  this Court has means of dealing with a child only up to
                  his nineteenth birthday, the possibility of rehabilitation in
                  a case of this seriousness is not good.

                  At the time of the transfer, there were reasonable grounds to believe

the defendant had committed the alleged acts. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-

134(4). The state presented proof which would allow the trial judge to conclude the

defendant discussed the shootings with Rouse the night before and then drove the

truck to the school the next day to execute the plan. There is also a reasonable

basis to believe the defendant is not committable to an institution for the mentally

retarded or mentally ill. Id. Finally, given the gravity of the offenses, there is a

reasonable basis for concluding the defendant needed to be "put under legal

restraint." Id.

                                               20
             That the defendant did not have a prior criminal background weighs in

his favor. The offenses involved, however, were "against the person" and were

"committed in an aggressive and premeditated manner." Id. While the defendant

offered persuasive evidence that the acts were out of character and that he could

benefit from psychological treatment, the transfer, in our view, was appropriate.

                                          (5)

             The defendant also claims the juvenile court erred in consolidating his

transfer hearing with that of his co-defendant Rouse. He asserts that the "very

nature of a transfer hearing [requires] individual attention" and complains that the

consolidation of his transfer hearing with Rouse violated due process principles.

The state argues that the defendant has failed to show prejudice by virtue of

consolidation of the cases.

              We agree with the state. The defendant has not explained how his

due process rights have been violated, other than the complaint that he has not

received individualized treatment. Yet the record does not support his claim that he

was deprived of individual attention. The orders indicate consideration of the

circumstances of each juvenile. Both were afforded the opportunity to cross-

examine the state's witnesses and to put on their own evidence. Rule 1(d), Tenn. R.

Juv. P., provides that where "no specific procedure is prescribed by the rules, the

court may proceed in any lawful manner, in accordance with written local rules of

court, which shall not be inconsistent with these rules or with any other applicable

law." Obviously the trial judge complied with the statutory requirement that the

defendant be afforded a hearing to determine the appropriateness of the transfer.

See Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-134. A consolidation, when the crimes and the facts

and circumstances arise out of the same incident, is not "inconsistent" with the

                                          21
statute.

                                           (6)

              The defendant also claims the trial court erred by overruling his motion

to suppress a statement he gave while in custody because he had not been advised

of his Miranda rights. On the date of the shootings, the defendant provided two

signed statements which were admitted into evidence through the testimony of

Officer Chapman; neither has been challenged in this appeal. The following day,

Officer Chapman asked the defendant if he knew about Rouse's plan to shoot the

officer who directed traffic in the front of the school. The defendant responded that

he learned about the plan only after he undertook to drive the truck to school.

Based on this response, Officer Chapman provided Miranda warnings and turned on

the tape recorder. The defendant then gave a fourth lengthy statement. The trial

court suppressed the fourth statement because the defendant requested an

attorney after the warning was given but officers continued to take the statement.

The statement at issue is the third statement the defendant made before any

Miranda warnings were given.

              Officer Chapman testified that after the shootings, he learned from

other sources that the defendant drove the truck to the school and that there had

been a plan to shoot the officer who worked in front of the school. The day after the

shootings, he called the defendant's mother and told her he had "two questions" he

wanted to ask. When the defendant's parents brought him to the station, Officer

Chapman did not give any Miranda warnings. Instead, explained that he wanted to

talk about two issues: first, whether there was a plan to shoot the police officer that

works in front of the school; and, second, whether the defendant was driving. The

defendant responded by saying he did not learn about the plan to shoot the officer

                                           22
until after he took the steering wheel of Rouse's truck. It was at this point that the

officer turned on the tape recorder and gave Miranda warnings.

              The officer insisted that the defendant was not in custody at that time,

was not under any restraint, and had been brought to the station by his parents on a

voluntary basis. When asked whether the officer intended to let the defendant

leave, the officer answered, "After these statements were completed, I had to call

the District Attorney's office to see where we were as far as any kind of charges.

That took some time. It was my intention that they be allowed to go.... The Sheriff

overruled that." When asked whether he told the defendant and his parents they

were free to leave, the officer responded, "Yes. I told them they could go. They

wanted to stay until they heard the results of what the District Attorney's office

decided, as to whether there would be any criminal charges or not."

              The trial court denied the motion to suppress, ruling as follows:

                     To take Miranda to the extreme, everybody who
              was interrogated would have to be mirandized.
                     The question -- and it is a thin-line question, here -
              - is whether or not Mr. Abbott had become the focus of
              the investigation. ...
                     At what point did he independently become the
              focus of a criminal investigation involving him? That is
              the question that has to be answered in order to make a
              determination of whether statement number three, ...
              which is the oral statement immediately preceding the
              taped statement, is to be suppressed.
                     I do not think the evidence justifies suppression of
              the statement made at that time. ...
                     The motion to suppress the oral statement will be
              denied.

              In Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444 (1966), the United States

Supreme Court ruled that prior to custodial interrogation, the police must inform the

individual being questioned that he has the right to remain silent, that any

                                           23
statements made may be used against him, that he has the right to an attorney, and

that if he can not afford an attorney, one will be appointed for him prior to

questioning. "Custodial interrogation" was defined as "questioning initiated by law

enforcement officers after a person has been taken into custody or otherwise

deprived of his freedom of action in any significant way." Id.

              Because warnings were not given prior to the statements, the crucial

issue is whether the defendant was "in custody." In State v. Anderson, 937 S.W.2d

851, 851-52 (Tenn. 1996), our supreme court "clarif[ied] standards by which courts

determine whether a person being questioned by law enforcement officers is 'in

custody,' and therefore entitled to" Miranda warnings. The court acknowledged that

in State v. Morris, 456 S.W.2d 840 (Tenn. 1970), it held that the focus of the

investigation test was the appropriate standard. Anderson, 937 S.W.2d at 853. Our

supreme court ruled, however, that the holding in Morris was inconsistent with

several opinions by the United States Supreme Court and determined that the

"focus or progress of the investigation is not relevant to determine whether a person

is in custody." Id. Instead, the court set forth the following rule: "whether, under the

totality of the circumstances, a reasonable person in the suspect's position would

consider himself or herself deprived of freedom of movement to a degree associated

with a formal arrest." Id. at 855.

              Several factors are relevant in determining whether the suspect is in

custody:

              (1) the time and location of the interrogation;

              (2) the duration and character of the questioning;

              (3) the officer's tone of voice and general demeanor;

              (4) the suspect's method of transportation to the place of
              questioning;

                                           24
              (5) the number of police officers present;

              (6) any limitation on movement or other forms of
              restraint imposed on the suspect during the interrogation;

              (7) any interactions between the officer and the
              suspect, including the words spoken by the officer to the
              suspect, and the suspect's verbal and nonverbal
              responses;

              (8) the extent to which the suspect is confronted with the
              law enforcement officer's suspicions of guilt or evidence
              of guilt;

              (9) and finally, the extent to which the suspect is made
              aware that he or she is free to refrain from answering
              questions or to end the interview at will.

Id. at 855.

              Generally, a trial court's findings of fact at a motion to suppress are

binding on appeal unless the evidence preponderates otherwise. State v. Odom,

928 S.W.2d 18, 22 (Tenn. 1996). In this instance, however, the trial court's finding

and ruling focused on whether the investigation had moved to the accusatory stage;

the trial court did not address whether, "under the circumstances, a reasonable

person" would have "considered himself ... deprived of freedom of movement to a

degree associated with a formal arrest." Anderson, 937 S.W.2d at 855. Because

Anderson was filed several months after the suppression hearing in this case, the

trial court did not have the benefit of the opinion at the time of the ruling. For a

different reason than that articulated by the trial court, we conclude the defendant

was not in custody and thus not entitled to Miranda warnings.

              The questioning occurred at the police station, but was brief. There is

no indication that the method of inquiry was overly confrontational. There is no

proof as to the officer's tone of voice or his general demeanor. The defendant and

his parents voluntarily traveled to the station. There were few officers present, no

                                           25
restraint on the defendant's movement during questioning, and, most significantly,

the defendant and his parents were informed that they were free to leave. The

defendant's parents chose to stay to learn whether the District Attorney's office

intended to prosecute. In our assessment, the trial court did not err by overruling

the motion to suppress.

                                           (7)

              The defendant argues the trial court erred by refusing to strike certain

prospective jurors for cause. He specifically complains about prospective jurors

Thomas Gatlin, Lisa Edwards, and William Davis.

              The defendant complains that prospective juror Thomas Gatlin should

have been excused for cause because he indicated he would like to see the

defendant testify. Gatlin indicated that he had heard about the case and "had an

opinion." The trial court asked if he could "overcome that opinion and follow the

charge of the judge and follow the evidence in the case." Gatlin responded

affirmatively. Defense counsel asked if it would be necessary for the defendant to

testify in order for him "to decide this case." Gatlin responded, "After hearing what

they say, yes, I would have to hear it"; but he also indicated that if the defendant did

not testify, he would not hold it "against him." When defense counsel moved to

strike Gatlin for cause, the trial court responded as follows:

              Counsel, you are assuming that the prospective juror
              knows the law in phrasing the question that way. A
              defendant does not have to testify, as a matter of law.
              He has a perfectly valid right not to testify, and the Court
              will instruct you in the law that if he does choose not to
              testify, neither the Judge nor the jury can draw any
              inference against him simply because he did not testify.
              Now, that is not a matter of fact. That is ... a matter of
              law, which the court will charge to you at the end of the
              case. Challenge for cause is denied.

The defendant used a peremptory challenge to remove Gatlin from the jury.

                                           26
             The defendant also complains about prospective juror Lisa Edwards.

When defense counsel asked if any of the prospective jurors thought the defendant

was "probably guilty of something, or he wouldn't be sitting [there]," Ms. Edwards

responded affirmatively. Ms. Edwards explained that she based that opinion on

what she had heard and read in the media. Ms. Edwards related that she "[thought]

he was involved in it." The defendant moved to strike Ms. Edwards for cause.

             The trial court asked Ms. Edwards if she could "set that [the news

media] aside and try this lawsuit on the real evidence in the case?" Ms. Edwards

responded that she could and the she realized the defendant "is innocent until the

state proves him guilty." No further attempt was made by the defendant to

challenge Ms. Edwards for cause, although he later used a peremptory challenge to

remove her from the jury.

             The defendant also complains about prospective alternate juror

William Davis, who attended the same church as Assistant District Attorney General

Sanders and had known Sanders for four or five years. They are on a first-name

basis and had served on a governing body of the church together. They have never

visited each other in their homes. Davis asserted that the relationship would not

affect his decision as a juror and that if he had a reasonable doubt about the

defendant's guilt, he would find him innocent. After the trial court denied his motion

to challenge for cause, the defendant used a peremptory challenge to remove

Davis.

             Prior to the jury being finally selected, the defendant, who had used all

of his peremptory challenges, again objected to the court's refusal to remove Gatlin,

Edwards, and Davis for cause. He also represented to the trial judge that if he had

                                          27
not used his peremptory challenges on those three prospective jurors, he would

have used them on juror Marilyn Roderick and juror Donnie McNealy, who were in

the first group of prospective jurors to be seated. Brief questioning of McNealy

revealed that he worked at Union Carbide and has two teenage children. He had

heard abut the shootings through the media. The record shows that no questions

were submitted to Ms. Roderick.

              Article I, section 9 of the Tennessee Constitution assures the accused

in a criminal prosecution "the right, among other rights, to a speedy public trial ...

[by] an impartial jury." "[T]he challenge for cause was designed to exclude from the

jury triers whose bias or prejudice rendered them unfit...." Manning v. State, 292

S.W. 451, 455 (Tenn. 1927). "The qualification of a juror is within the trial judge's

discretion and his finding a juror to be qualified will not be disturbed on review

except on the clear showing of an abuse of discretion." Burns v. State, 591 S.W.2d

780, 782 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1979).

              Rule 24, Tenn. R. Crim. P., provides in part:

              Any party may challenge a prospective juror for cause if:

                                           ***

              (2) The prospective juror's exposure to potentially
              prejudicial information makes the person unacceptable
              as a juror. ... A prospective juror who states that he or
              she will be unable to overcome preconceptions shall be
              subject to challenge for cause no matter how slight the
              exposure. If the prospective juror has seen or heard and
              remembers information that will be developed in the
              course of trial, or that may be inadmissible but is not so
              prejudicial as to create a substantial risk that his or her
              judgment will be affected, the prospective juror's
              acceptability shall depend on whether the testimony as to
              impartiality is believed. If the prospective juror admits to
              having formed an opinion, he or she shall be subject to
              challenge for cause unless the examination shows
              unequivocally that the prospective juror can be impartial.

                                           28
(Emphasis added).

              While juror Gatlin initially indicated he would need to hear the

defendant testify, he then asserted he would not hold it against the defendant if he

did not testify. The state argues there was no error because the trial court

rehabilitated the juror. Yet "[e]xtreme care should be taken in trying to rehabilitate a

prospective juror into vocalizing impartiality." State v. Strouth, 620 S.W.2d 467, 471

(Tenn. 1981) (discussing with approval the Advisory Commission Comments to Rule

24, Tenn. R. Crim. P.). The Advisory Commission "disapproves of questions

tending to lead the prospective juror or suggest partiality in the first instance, and

also disapproves of that procedure in 'rehabilitating' the prospective juror into

vocalizing impartiality." Advisory Commission Comments to Rule 24, Tenn. R. Crim.

P.

              The trial judge made a lengthy statement to the juror about the

defendant's right not to testify and then concluded, "Now, that is not a matter of fact.

That is ... a matter of law, which the Court will charge to you at the end of the case."

In our view, the pronouncement by the trial court did not meet the guidelines

established by the rule. This is especially so because no follow up questions

occurred and the juror did not "unequivocal[ly]" assert he would not require the

defendant to testify before finding reasonable doubt. Advisory Commission

Comments to Rule 24, Tenn. R. Crim. P.

              Gatlin's comments indicated that he could not find the defendant not

guilty unless he testified. While the record establishes that he was not rehabilitated,

the resolution of this issue "depends not so much on the trial court's ruling

concerning [Gatlin] as it does upon the examination and qualifications of [Ms.

                                           29
Roderick and McNealy], the juror[s] the defendant was 'forced' to accept." State v.

Gray, 960 S.W.2d 598, 608 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1997). "[A]ny error in refusing to

excuse [a juror] for cause ... does not entitle the defendant to a new trial unless the

jury that ultimately heard the case was not fair and impartial." State v. Howell, 868

S.W.2d 238, 249 (Tenn. 1993) (citations omitted). Because the voir dire of Ms.

Roderick and McNealy contains no hint of bias or prejudice, the defendant's

complaint about the excused juror Gatlin is without merit.

              The defendant complains about juror Edwards' exposure to pretrial

publicity and her acknowledgment that she thought the defendant may have been

involved in some way. She did, however, "unequivocally" assert she could follow

the law and accept the proposition that the defendant was presumed innocent.

"Jurors need not be totally ignorant of the facts of the case on which they sit [and

even] the formation of an opinion on the merits will not disqualify a juror if [he] can

lay aside [his] opinion and render a verdict based on the evidence presented in

court." Howell, 868 S.W.2d at 249 (internal quotation marks omitted). The trial

court did not err by refusing to remove Ms. Edwards for cause.

              The defendant's complaint about prospective alternate juror Davis is

also without merit. When the defendant used a peremptory strike to remove Davis,

the replacement was Kerry Pennings. None of the three alternate jurors participated

in the deliberations. The defendant is not entitled to a new trial unless he carries the

heavy burden of demonstrating that "the jury that ultimately heard the case was not

fair and impartial." Gray, 960 S.W.2d at 608.

                                           (8)

              The defendant also claims the trial court erred by refusing to grant his

                                           30
motion for a change of venire. The defendant had filed a pretrial motion seeking

either a change of venire or, alternatively, a change of venue. After a lengthy

hearing, the trial court granted a change of venue from Giles County to Maury

County. The defendant now complains that a change of venire should have been

granted instead.

              Section 20-4-201, Tenn. Code Ann., governs change of venire:

              Cases in which venue changeable.--In all civil cases at
              law where the issue is to be tried by jury, and in all cases
              of issues in courts of equity directed to be tried by jury,
              either in the circuit or chancery court, in all civil cases
              before a judge of the court of general sessions, and in all
              criminal cases:
              (1) The venue may be changed, at any time before trial,
              upon good cause shown, as prescribed in this part; or
              (2) A court may issue an order for a special venire of
              jurors from another county if in its discretion it determines
              the action to be necessary to ensure a fair trial.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 20-4-201.

              Prior to 1995, the statute only authorized a change of venire in civil

cases. Effective May 30, 1995, however, the statute was amended to allow for a

change of venire in criminal cases. In State v. Nichols, 877 S.W.2d 722 (Tenn.

1994), the defendant filed a motion for a change of venue. Rather than moving the

situs of the trial, the trial court ordered that the jury be chosen from residents of a

different county. Id. at 727. The defendant appealed, arguing that there was no

authority for the procedure used by the trial judge. The supreme court found that

the filing of the motion for a change of venue constituted a waiver of the right to

have the jury drawn from the county where the indictment originated; in so doing,

the court observed that a statute allowing for "summoning juries from another

county" would "ensure uniformity and fairness across the state and avoid error from

excessive experimentation." Id. at 729. The amendment was the legislative

                                            31
response to the suggestion.

              When there is excessive pretrial publicity, either a change of venire or

a change of venue is an appropriate remedy. Id. The issue is discretionary for the

trial court and will not be overturned unless there is an abuse of that discretion. See

Tenn. Code Ann. § 20-4-201(1). Here, the trial judge sent questionnaires to every

potential juror, allowed extensive voir dire, and excused several jurors who indicated

they could not be impartial because of the pretrial publicity. He also excused

potential jurors who knew the victims or had significant knowledge about the trauma

the victims' families had suffered. This record does not indicate that the jury was

unfair or biased.

                                             (9)

              The defendant next claims the trial court erred by allowing evidence

that he and his co-defendant were wearing black clothing at the time the crime was

committed. He argues that the evidence was irrelevant and unduly inflammatory

and had a prejudicial effect on the trial.

              Sheriff Eddie Bass testified that the defendant wore a black shirt, black

pants, and black boots on the day of the shooting. There was also evidence that

Rouse wore black on the day of the shootings. In closing, the state argued, "It's not

enough to convict, ... but why are these buddies wearing black on this day?"

              Admission of this evidence is governed by Tenn. R. Evid. 403, which

provides as follows:

              Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice,
              Confusion, or Waste of Time. Although relevant,
              evidence may be excluded if its probative value is
              substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair

                                             32
              prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury,
              or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or
              needless presentation of cumulative evidence.

              The term "unfair prejudice" has been defined as "[a]n undue tendency

to suggest decision on an improper basis, commonly ... an emotional one." State v.

Banks, 564 S.W.2d 947, 951 (Tenn. 1978) (quoting Advisory Committee Note to

Fed. R. Evid. 403). One authority characterizes evidence that is unfairly prejudicial

as that designed to appeal to the sympathy, sense of horror, or instinct to punish. J.

Weinstein and M. Burger, Weinstein's Evidence Manual 6-20 to 6-21 (Student ed.

1987).

              Whether to admit evidence under Rule 403 is within the discretionary

authority of the trial court and will not be reversed absent a clear showing of an

abuse. State v. Dickerson, 885 S.W.2d 90, 92 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993); State v.

Allen, 692 S.W.2d 651, 654 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1985).

              In our view, the trial court did not err by allowing the testimony. The

defendant's theory at trial was that he had no idea Rouse was actually going to

shoot the victims. That the defendant and Rouse were dressed similarly or wore the

same color of clothing on the day of the shootings lends support to the state's theory

that the two acted in concert. Accordingly, the evidence had some "probative

value." Tenn. R. Evid. 403. Because the testimony about the defendant's clothing

was brief and not overly emphasized in the context of the entire trial, the trial court

properly admitted the evidence. It did not, therefore, qualify as "unfairly prejudicial."

Tenn. R. Evid. 403.

                                           33
                                           (10)

              The defendant argues the trial court erred by failing to charge the

lesser offense of facilitation of a felony as to all counts. The defendant was indicted

for two counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree

murder. The offenses of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter were

charged as lesser offenses of first degree murder. Attempted second degree

murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter were charged as lesser offenses of

attempted first degree murder. Although all of the charges were based on the

defendant's being criminally responsible for Rouse's conduct, facilitation of a felony

was not charged.

              The trial judge has a duty to give a complete charge of the law

applicable to the facts of the case. State v. Harbison, 704 S.W.2d 314, 319 (Tenn.

1986). There is an obligation "to charge the jury as to all of the law of each offense

included in the indictment, without any request on the part of the defendant to do

so." Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-18-110(a). "Pursuant to our statute, rule, and case law

interpretations, defendants are entitled to jury instructions on all [lesser offenses], if

the evidence would support a conviction for the offense." State v. Trusty, 919

S.W.2d 305, 311 (Tenn. 1996). Such a charge "allows the jury to consider all

relevant offenses in determining the appropriate offense, if any, for conviction" and

"more evenly balances the rights of the defendant and the prosecution and serves

the interests of justice." Id. It is only when the record is devoid of evidence to

support an inference of guilt of the lesser offense that the trial court is relieved of the

responsibility to charge the lesser crime. State v. Stephenson, 878 S.W.2d 530,

549-50 (Tenn. 1994); State v. Boyd, 797 S.W.2d 589, 593 (Tenn. 1990).

                                            34
              In Trusty, 919 S.W.2d at 310, our supreme court ruled as follows:

              Tennessee law recognizes two types of lesser offenses
              that may be included in the offense charged in the
              indictment: offenses necessarily included in the
              indictment and offenses that are lesser grades of the
              charged offense. An offense is "necessarily included in
              the indictment ... only if the elements of the included
              offense are a subset of the elements of the charged
              offense and only if the greater offense cannot be
              committed without also committing the lesser offense."

Id.

              Our supreme court also provided guidance on how to determine

whether an offense is a lesser grade or class of the offense charged: "[o]ne need

only look to the statutes to determine whether a given offense is a lesser grade or

class of the crime charged." Id. at 310. By way of example, the court observed that

the legislature has divided criminal homicide "into the grades of first-degree murder,

second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and

vehicular homicide." Id.

              Here, the defendant was found criminally responsible for Rouse's

conduct. The controlling statute provides that "a person is criminally responsible for

an offense committed by the conduct of another if: (2) [a]cting with the intent to

promote or assist the commission of the offense, or to benefit in the proceeds or

results of the offense, the person solicits, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another

person to commit the offense." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-402(2). Facilitation of a

felony occurs when a person "knowing that another intends to commit a specific

felony, but without the intent required for criminal responsibility under 39-11-402(2),

... knowingly furnishes substantial assistance in the commission of the felony."

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-403.

                                           35
              Facilitation is a lesser grade of criminal responsibility for the conduct of

another. State v. Utley, 928 S.W.2d 448, 952 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995). In Utley,

this court ruled that facilitation should only be charged "where the facts could cause

reasonable minds to conclude that the defendant lacked the intent to promote or

assist in or benefit from the felony's commission." Utley, 928 S.W.2d at 452. In our

view, there was sufficient evidence for "reasonable minds" to have concluded the

defendant had facilitated the felonies and, at the same time, had lacked the "intent

to promote or assist in or benefit from" their commission.

              The defendant's statements to Rogers about there being no school on

the day of the shootings and that Rogers might lose "a couple of friends" suggest

the defendant knew something about Rouse's desire to shoot one or more persons

at the school. That the defendant undertook the responsibility of driving Rouse's

truck qualifies as "furnish[ing] substantial assistance." Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-

403. Finally, the defendant's pretrial statements, while self-serving, and his behavior

after the shootings were evidence in support of the defense theory, i.e., that he

lacked the intent to promote, assist in, or benefit from the shootings.

              The defendant claimed that the first time Rouse asked for his help, he

provided an equivocal answer. He stated that on the second occasion Rouse asked

for help, he responded, "Yeah," and laughed--implying that he did not take the

question seriously. That the defendant responded "yeah" and laughed could mean

he earnestly desired to assist in the crimes. It could be interpreted as a refusal to

accept the request as seriously made. The jury must be given the option of

determining which interpretation to attach. The first interpretation would support the

convictions. The second would have supported an instruction on the lesser offense.

                                           36
                 Of more significance is that several state witnesses testified to the

defendant's demeanor immediately after the shootings. Ray testified that the

defendant was on the "verge of tears, pale. Trembling, [j]ust general shock." Pitts,

the defendant's supervisor at the Delta Express, described the defendant as visibly

distraught over the shootings, "a nervous wreck, ... and [shaking]." As argued by

the defense, this behavior lent some support to the claim that the defendant lacked

the intent to promote or benefit from the felonies. One witness testified that after the

first set of shootings, Rouse grinned. When Nichols tried to stop Rouse, Rouse

resisted. Several individuals had to wrestle Rouse to the ground to stop him. That

behavior contrasts significantly with the descriptions witnesses gave of the

defendant. The proof suggests that Rouse originated the plan, armed himself, and

collected the necessary ammunition entirely on his own. Rouse committed the

crimes. Several witnesses testified that the defendant was not present when the

shootings occurred.

                 Because there was some evidence, circumstantial and direct, that the

defendant only facilitated the shootings, that lesser offense should have been

charged to the jury. In our view, the failure to charge the lesser offenses qualifies as

reversible error. In State v. Willie Williams, Jr.,, No. 03S01-9706-CR-00060, slip op.

at 8-9 (Tenn., at Knoxville, Sept. 21, 1998) (for publication), our supreme court

overruled several prior cases and, by a three to two majority, held that the right to

instructions on lesser offenses is a statutory right, rather than one founded in the

Tennessee Constitution2 and that, in consequence, the error is subject to a

harmless error analysis:

                 Reversal is required if the error affirmatively appears to
                 have affected the result of the trial on the merits, or in

        2
          "[T]he jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the
court, as in other crim inal case s." Tenn . Const. A rt. I § 19. See McG owan v . State, 17 Tenn. 184
(183 6) an d its p roge ny.

                                                    37
              other words, reversal is required if the error more
              probably than not affected the judgment to the
              defendant's prejudice.

(citing Tenn. R. Crim. P. 52(a); Tenn. R. App. P. 36(b)),

              The proof of the greater offense was not overwhelming. There was

substantial, credible evidence that the defendant merely facilitated the shootings.

During deliberations, the jury posed the following question for the trial court: "If we

find the act to have been committed to have been first degree murder or attempted

murder by Mr. Rouse, does that imply that we can only imply the same result for Mr.

Abbott, if we find that he attempted to help or did help Mr. Rouse, or can Mr. Abbott

be found for a lesser crime of second degree or voluntary manslaughter." From this,

the jury very clearly considered the defendant's level of participation and culpability.

It is also apparent that the jury considered making a distinction between the level of

Rouse's culpability and that of the defendant. In our view, the failure to charge the

lesser offenses affirmatively appears to have affected the verdict to the prejudice of

the defendant.

              The state contends that if the "proof establishes guilt of the greater

offense and the defendant claims he was unaware of the principal actor's intentions,

the defendant is not entitled to an instruction on facilitation," pointing out that the

"defendant argued that he did not know Rouse intended to commit a crime and that

he did not assist him." Yet some of the proof submitted by the state tended to

support facilitation rather than the greater offense. Also, it is a well-established rule

of law that the defendant's protestation of innocence at trial does not relieve the trial

court of the duty to instruct on offenses which are lesser than the one the state

charges, when they are genuinely raised by the evidence.

                                            38
              In Templeton v. State, 240 S.W. 789 (Tenn. 1922), our supreme court

reversed a murder conviction for failure to charge manslaughter. The state argued

the defendant was not prejudiced by the omission because "counsel insisted ... that

he was not guilty of any offense at all while the state insisted he was guilty of

murder, not manslaughter." Id. at 791. In reversing the conviction, our high court

ruled that "it is [the court's] duty to tell the jury what the law is applicable to any

phase whatever of offenses charged against a defendant. He cannot be excused

from doing so upon the ground merely that the defendant insists he is not guilty of

anything and the state that he is guilty of a higher offense." Id.

              The state also points to several cases where this court has found no

reversible error for failure to charge facilitation. See State v. Spadafina, 952 S.W.2d

444 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996); Utley, 928 S.W.2d at 453; State v. Julius E. Parker,

No. 02C01-9606-CR-00188 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Jackson, Apr. 23, 1997). In

Spadafina, a panel of this court ruled that "[f]acilitation of first degree murder was

not raised by the proof of the State or the defendant[;] ... [n]either the State's proof

nor the defendant's proof raises sufficient evidence upon which reasonable minds

could convict the defendant of facilitation of murder." 952 S.W.2d at 14. In Utley,

this court found that "no evidence existed in this case to support a lesser included

offense of facilitation of felony murder." 928 S.W.2d at 453. In Parker, the state

showed the defendant initiated the robbery, furnished the murder weapon, benefited

in the proceeds, and was present when the murder occurred. slip op. at 15. The

defendant, however, denied any participation or planning in the robbery. Neither the

state's proof nor the defendant's proof supported an inference of guilt of facilitation.

The panel in Parker correctly concluded that the record was "devoid of any evidence

permitting an inference of guilty of the lesser offense." Id., slip op. at 15. In this

case, however, some of the state's proof supported an inference of facilitation of the

                                             39
crimes. Clearly, Parker, Utley, and Spadafina do not serve as precedent for the

state's claim. The failure to instruct on lesser offenses which were legitimately

raised by the evidence presented does not qualify as harmless error in this case; the

cause must be remanded for a new trial.

                                          (11)

              The defendant's final argument is that the trial court imposed an

excessive sentence. He complains about the length of the individual sentences as

well as their consecutive nature. The defendant was sentenced as follows:

       count 1       second degree murder                      twenty years

       count 2       second degree murder                      twenty years

       count 3       attempted second degree murder            ten years

       count 4       attempted first degree murder             twenty years

Counts one and two are to be served consecutively with release eligibility after

service of eighty-five to one-hundred percent of the forty-year term.

              When there is a challenge to the length, range, or manner of service of

a sentence, it is the duty of this court to conduct a de novo review with a

presumption that the determinations made by the trial court are correct. Tenn. Code

Ann. § 40-35-401(d). This presumption is "conditioned upon the affirmative showing

in the record that the trial court considered the sentencing principles and all relevant

facts and circumstances." State v. Ashby, 823 S.W.2d 166, 169 (Tenn. 1991); see

State v. Jones, 883 S.W.2d 597 (Tenn. 1994). The Sentencing Commission

Comments provide that the burden is on the defendant to show the impropriety of

the sentence.

                                          40
              Our review requires an analysis of (1) the evidence, if any, received at

the trial and sentencing hearing; (2) the presentence report; (3) the principles of

sentencing and the arguments of counsel relative to sentencing alternatives; (4) the

nature and characteristics of the offense; (5) any mitigating or enhancing factors; (6)

any statements made by the defendant in his own behalf; and (7) the defendant's

potential for rehabilitation or treatment. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-35-102, -103, and -

210; State v. Smith, 735 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1987).

              At the time of these offenses, the presumptive sentence for a Class A

felony was the midpoint in the range. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(c). Should the

trial court find mitigating and enhancement factors, it must start at the presumptive

minimum in the range and enhance the sentence based upon any applicable

enhancement factors, then reduce the sentence based upon any appropriate

mitigating factors. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(e). The weight given to each

factor is within the trial court's discretion provided that the record supports its

findings and it complies with the Sentencing Act. See Ashby, 823 S.W.2d at 169.

The trial court, however, should make specific findings on the record which indicate

its application of the sentencing principles. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-35-209 and -

210.

              Dallas Foster, victim Foster's husband, testified that Ms. Foster had

been a school teacher for about twenty-one years and was fifty-eight years old when

she lost her life. Her death had been "extremely hard" on him and their children.

Joyce Ramsey, Ms. Foster's sister, testified that she had a close relationship with

her sister. Ron Shirey, the victim of the attempted first degree murder, testified that

he would never forget the shootings.

                                            41
             Judy McKenna testified for the defendant that she was a family friend

of the Abbott's. The defendant worked for a time with her husband at a truck stop

and was never paid for his help. The defendant was trustworthy, polite, and a hard

worker. E.N. Bentley testified that he was the manager at the Delta Express when

the defendant worked there. He was an above average worker and always received

a very positive rating on his performance appraisal.

             Donna Abbott, the defendant's mother, testified that the defendant was

in his senior year of high school when the shootings occurred. Because her

husband is disabled, the family is on a limited income. The defendant helped "make

ends meet" by contributing financially to the family. The defendant also helped out

around the home. The defendant is very close to his brothers and they had all been

working together to start a pallet business.

             The defendant testified that he was sorry the shootings had occurred.

He contended that if he had believed Rouse, he would have "stopped him

somehow."

              The testimony at the juvenile transfer hearing concerning the

defendant's above average academic record and his potential for rehabilitation

through psychological treatment was entered into evidence at the sentencing

hearing.

              The trial court applied the following enhancement factors:

              (1) offense involved more than one victim (Tenn. Code
              Ann. § 40-35-114(3));

              (2) personal injuries inflicted on the victims were great
              (not applied to the attempted first degree murder of
              Shirey) (Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114(6));

                                          42
              (3) the defendant had no hesitation about committing a
              crime when the risk to human life was high (Tenn. Code
              Ann. § 40-35-114(10));

              (4) the crime was committed under circumstances where
              the potential for bodily injury was great (Tenn. Code Ann.
              § 40-35-114(16)); and

              (5) the offense was committed on school property (Tenn.
              Code Ann. § 40-35-114(17)).

The trial court refused to find any mitigating circumstances.

              The trial court imposed twenty year sentences for the two second

degree murders and the attempted first degree murder. All Class A felonies, the

Range I sentence for those offenses is fifteen to twenty-five years. Thus, the trial

court imposed the presumptive minimum sentence for each of those offenses. For

the attempted second degree murder, a Class B felony, the Range I sentence is

eight to twelve years. The trial court imposed the mid-range sentence of ten years.

              Even though the trial court found several enhancement factors and

declined to find any mitigating circumstances, it still imposed the presumptive

minimum sentence for the three Class A felonies. It was within the trial court's

discretion to find the several enhancement factors but afford them no weight, as the

statute provides if "there [are] enhancement but no mitigating factors, ... the court

may set the sentence above the minimum." Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210(d)

(emphasis added). The ten-year sentence for attempted second degree murder

may be considered an enhanced sentence, as the presumptive minimum for that

offense is eight years. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-112.

              The defendant complains about the trial court's finding the

enhancement factors that the personal injuries inflicted upon the victims were great;

that he had no hesitation about committing the crime when the risk to human life

                                          43
was high; and that the crime was committed under circumstances where the

potential for bodily injury was high. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (6), (10), (16).

              That the personal injuries were great could not enhance the second

degree murder sentences; it is inherent in those offenses. State v. Jones, 883

S.W.2d 597 (Tenn. 1994). That enhancement factor could, however, be applied to

the attempted second degree murder of the victim Yancy. "Particularly great injuries

are not essential to the commission of [attempted murder], but prove greater

culpability." State v. Nix, 922 S.W.2d 894, 903 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995). The trial

court did not apply the factor to the sentence for the attempted first degree murder

of Shirey.

              That the defendant had no hesitation about committing a crime when

the risk to human life was high and that the potential for bodily injury to a victim was

great are both applicable. It is true that this court has held that factor (10), no

hesitation about committing the crime, should not apply when "the only person

subject to being injured is the victim." State v. Makoka, 885 S.W.2d 366, 373 (Tenn.

Crim. App. 1994). Factors (10) and (16), however, may be applied where "people

other than the victim[s]" are present and "are subject to injury." State v. Sims, 909

S.W.2d 46, 50 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995). Here, there were several other students

and teachers in the vicinity of the shootings. Application of these factors is

appropriate to all of the shootings.

              The defendant also complains the court erred by refusing to find

certain mitigating factors. The defendant had argued the applicability of the

following:

               (1) he acted under strong provocation;

                                           44
              (2) he played a minor role;

             (3) he lacked substantial judgment in committing the
             offenses due to his youth;

             (4) he committed the crimes under such unusual
             circumstances that it is unlikely a sustained intent to
             violate the law motivated his conduct;

             (5) he acted under the duress or domination of another
             person;

             (6) he had no history of prior criminal conduct;

             (7) the crimes were contrary to his character; and

             (8) he is amenable to rehabilitation.

See Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-113 (2), (4), (6), (11), (12), and (13). The trial judge

rejected all of these. The latter three mitigating factors were offered under Tenn.

Code Ann. § 40-35-113(13), which allows consideration of any "factor consistent

with the purposes of this chapter." The trial court found they were not mitigating

circumstances.

             In our view, the trial court correctly ruled that there is no proof that the

defendant acted under strong provocation. We also agree there was no proof the

defendant played a "minor role." If the defendant drove Rouse to school to assist in

the shootings, that conduct would not qualify as a minor role. The trial court ruled

that there was no proof that the defendant lacked substantial judgment due to his

youth. While seventeen years of age, the defendant qualifies as youthful, but there

was much positive testimony about his level of maturity and his degree of

responsibility. There was no proof he lacked substantial judgment. We further

agree that there was no proof that the defendant did not possess a sustained intent

to violate the law. The crimes were discussed the night before. The next day they

were executed. These facts suggest a sustained intent to violate the law. There

was also no proof that the defendant acted under the duress or domination of

                                          45
another person. While there was proof that Rouse developed the plan, there is no

evidence he coerced the participation of the defendant.

              In our view, the three nonstatutory mitigating circumstances are

entitled to some weight. Balanced against the weight of the enhancement factors,

however, the sentences imposed by the trial would remain unchanged. The

sentences are appropriate, given the weight of the enhancement factors. The

sentence for attempted second degree murder was enhanced by two years. In our

view, however, the enhancement was warranted, if for no other reason, because the

crime was committed on school property.

              We now turn to the appropriateness of ordering two of the twenty-year

sentences to be served consecutively for an effective forty-year term. Prior to the

enactment of the Criminal Sentencing Reform Act of 1989, the limited classifications

for the imposition of consecutive sentences were set out in Gray v. State, 538

S.W.2d 391, 393 (Tenn. 1976). In that case our supreme court ruled that

aggravating circumstances must be present before placement in any one of the

classifications. Later, in State v. Taylor, 739 S.W.2d 227 (Tenn. 1987), the court

established an additional category for those defendants convicted of two or more

statutory offenses involving sexual abuse of minors. There were, however,

additional words of caution: "[C]onsecutive sentences should not routinely be

imposed . . . and . . . the aggregate maximum of consecutive terms must be

reasonably related to the severity of the offenses involved." Taylor, 739 S.W.2d at

230. The Sentencing Commission Comments adopted the cautionary language.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-115. The 1989 Act is, in essence, the codification of the

holdings in Gray and Taylor; consecutive sentences may be imposed in the

discretion of the trial court only upon a determination that one or more of the

                                          46
following criteria3 exist:

                 (1) The defendant is a professional criminal who has
                 knowingly devoted himself to criminal acts as a major
                 source of livelihood;

                 (2) The defendant is an offender whose record of
                 criminal activity is extensive;

                 (3) The defendant is a dangerous mentally abnormal
                 person so declared by a competent psychiatrist who
                 concludes as a result of an investigation prior to
                 sentencing that the defendant's criminal conduct has
                 been characterized by a pattern of repetitive or
                 compulsive behavior with heedless indifference to
                 consequences;

                 (4) The defendant is a dangerous offender whose
                 behavior indicates little or no regard for human life, and
                 no hesitation about committing a crime in which the risk
                 to human life is high;

                 (5) The defendant is convicted of two (2) or more
                 statutory offenses involving sexual abuse of a minor with
                 consideration of the aggravating circumstances arising
                 from the relationship between the defendant and victim
                 or victims, the time span of defendant's undetected
                 sexual activity, the nature and scope of the sexual acts
                 and the extent of the residual, physical and mental
                 damage to the victim or victims;

                 (6) The defendant is sentenced for an offense
                 committed while on probation;

                 (7) The defendant is sentenced for criminal contempt.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-115(b).

                 In Gray, our supreme court ruled that before consecutive sentencing

could be imposed upon the dangerous offender, as now defined by subsection

(b)(4) in the statute, other conditions must be present: (a) that the crimes involved

aggravating circumstances; (b) that consecutive sentences are a necessary means

to protect the public from the defendant; and (c) that the term reasonably relates to

        3
           The first four criteria are found in Gray. A fifth category in Gray, based on a specific number
of prior felo ny conviction s, ma y enhanc e the sen tence ra nge bu t is no longe r a listed criterion . See
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-115, Sentencing Comm ission Comments.

                                                     47
the severity of the offenses.

              In State v. Wilkerson, 905 S.W.2d 933, 938 (Tenn. 1995), our high

court reaffirmed those principles, holding that consecutive sentences cannot be

required of the dangerous offender "unless the terms reasonably relate[] to the

severity of the offenses committed and are necessary in order to protect the public

(society) from further criminal acts by those persons who resort to aggravated

criminal conduct." The Wilkerson decision, which modified somewhat the strict

factual guidelines for consecutive sentencing adopted in State v. Woods, 814

S.W.2d 378, 380 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1991), described sentencing as a "human

process that neither can nor should be reduced to a set of fixed and mechanical

rules." Wilkerson, 905 S.W.2d at 938. The record must show that the sentencing

principles and all relevant facts and circumstances were considered before the

presumption of correctness applies.

              The trial court found consecutive sentences were appropriate because

the defendant was a dangerous offender. We agree. Assistance the defendant

provided Rouse indicates a lack of regard for human life. The plan posed a grave

danger, not only to the intended victims but also to all of the others at the school. In

our view, an aggregate forty-year term would have not been excessive had the

convictions been upheld. Because, however, the trial court must under our law

instruct the jury on not only the crime charged but also all lesser offenses raised by

the evidence, the convictions must be reversed. All possible alternatives must be

provided in the instructions. The cause is, therefore, remanded for a new trial.

                                          __________________________________
                                          Gary R. Wade, Presiding Judge

                                           48
CONCUR:

________________________________
David G. Hayes, Judge

________________________________
Jerry L. Smith, Judge

                                   49