Court Opinion

ID: 2730298
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-09-08 21:57:48.503533+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:44:22.511103
License: Public Domain

Pursuant to Ind.Appellate Rule 65(D), this
Memorandum Decision shall not be
regarded as precedent or cited before any
court except for the purpose of
establishing the defense of res judicata,
collateral estoppel, or the law of the case.

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT:                         ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE:

WILLIAM S. FRANKEL, IV                          GREGORY F. ZOELLER
Wilkinson Goeller Modesitt                      Attorney General of Indiana
Wilkinson & Drummy, LLP
Terre Haute, Indiana                            GEORGE P. SHERMAN
                                                Deputy Attorney General

                                                                                 FILED
                                                Indianapolis, Indiana

                                                                              May 17 2012, 9:38 am
                              IN THE
                    COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA                                       CLERK
                                                                                    of the supreme court,
                                                                                    court of appeals and
                                                                                           tax court

WENDELL E. MARDIS,                              )
                                                )
       Appellant-Defendant,                     )
                                                )
              vs.                               )      No. 84A04-1109-CR-481
                                                )
STATE OF INDIANA,                               )
                                                )
       Appellee-Respondent.                     )

                     APPEAL FROM THE VIGO SUPERIOR COURT
                         The Honorable David R. Bolk, Judge
                          Cause No. 84D03-1004-MR-1330

                                       May 17, 2012

               MEMORANDUM DECISION – NOT FOR PUBLICATION

RILEY, Judge
                               STATEMENT OF THE CASE

      Appellant-Defendant, Wendell Mardis (Mardis), appeals his conviction for

voluntary manslaughter, a Class A felony, Ind. Code § 35-42-1-3(a)(1).

      We affirm.

                                       ISSUES

      Mardis raises four issues on appeal, three of which we find dispositive and restate

as follows:

      (1) Whether the trial court abused its discretion by admitting autopsy photos of

          the victim;

      (2) Whether the trial court abused its discretion by denying Mardis’ motion for a

          mistrial; and

      (3) Whether Mardis’ sentence is appropriate in light of the nature of the offense

          and his character.

                          FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

      In the early morning hours of April 11, 2010, Robert Rollins (Rollins) went out

with friends to the American Legion Post 340 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Tyrone Haywood

(Haywood) and Mardis, both of whom were related to Rollins, were at the American

Legion Post that night. Rollins talked to Haywood and found him to be in a good mood

and not intoxicated. Rollins also observed Mardis mingling about and dancing. As

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Haywood was leaving to get something to eat, he went over to tell Rollins. Rollins was

shaking hands with Haywood when Mardis forced himself between the two men.

       Mardis then sat down next to Rollins and put his arm around him. Rollins got up

to leave. An argument ensued between Mardis and Haywood and they began fighting.

After an initial scuffle that left both men standing, though still facing each other, Mardis

backed a few feet away from Haywood. Mardis pulled a gun from his back pocket.

Haywood raised his hands up and asked if Mardis was going to shoot him. Mardis shot

Haywood in the abdomen. Haywood, still standing but bent over, was shot again by

Mardis and fell to the ground. Onlookers tried to help Haywood. Mardis told them not to

touch Haywood, but to “let the m***** f***** die.” (Transcript p. 514). Mardis headed

toward a store room and waited there until the police arrived.

       The police arrived, confiscated Mardis’ gun, and arrested him. Mardis was taken

to the police station where he was questioned. Mardis told the interviewing officer that

Haywood hit him. Mardis described the surgeries to his back and said that he could not

fight Haywood. After Haywood hit him in the mouth, Mardis said that he reacted in

shock and shot Haywood.

       On April 15, 2010, the State filed an Information against Mardis charging him

with murder, a Class A felony, I.C. § 35-42-1-1(1). From July 11 to July 15, 2011, a jury

trial was held. Prior to trial, Mardis admitted to killing Haywood but alleged that he did

so in self-defense. During trial, the State sought to introduce six photos of Haywood’s

autopsy.   Mardis’ counsel objected on the grounds of unfair prejudice and lack of

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helpfulness to the jury to determine whether Mardis acted in self-defense. The trial court

admitted three out of the six autopsy photographs, ruling that the probative value of the

selected photographs outweighed their prejudicial value. Also during trial, a number of

jurors encountered disturbances involving spectators outside the court house. The trial

court interviewed each juror and found that the jurors would be able to render an

impartial verdict. Mardis nevertheless objected and moved for a mistrial which the trial

court denied.

      On July 15, 2011, the jury found Mardis guilty of the lesser included offense of

voluntary manslaughter, a Class A felony, I.C. § 35-42-1-3. On August 10, 2011, the

trial court held a sentencing hearing. After hearing argument, the trial court sentenced

Mardis to thirty years at the Department of Correction.

      Mardis now appeals. Additional facts will be provided as necessary.

                            DISCUSSION AND DECISION

                                I. Autopsy Photographs

      Mardis first argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it admitted

Haywood’s autopsy photographs at trial. The admission and exclusion of photographic

evidence falls within the trial court’s sound discretion and we review the admission of

said evidence for an abuse of discretion. Alsheik v. Guerrero, 956 N.E.2d 1115, 1128

(Ind. Ct. App. 2011), reh’g denied. Relevant photographic evidence is admissible unless

its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Id.

Gory and revolting photographs may be admissible as long as they are relevant to some

                                            4
material issue or show scenes that a witness could describe orally. Id. Photographs, even

those gruesome in nature, are admissible if they act as interpretative aids for the jury and

have strong probative value. Id. The potential that passions may be aroused by the

gruesomeness of the photograph is not sufficient grounds for exclusion if the photograph

is material and relevant. Id.

       Further, autopsy photos often present a unique problem because the pathologist

has manipulated the corpse in some way during the autopsy.             Therefore, autopsy

photographs are generally inadmissible if they show the body in an altered condition. Id.

This is so because the photographs may impute to the accused the handiwork of the

pathologist and thereby render the defendant responsible in the minds of the jurors for the

cuts, incisions, and indignity of an autopsy. Custis v. State, 793 N.E.2d 1220, 1225 (Ind.

Ct. App. 2003), trans. denied. However, there are situations where some alteration of the

body is necessary to demonstrate witness testimony. See id.

       The three photographs at issue consist of two autopsy photographs depicting

Haywood’s body on the examination table with a metal dowel rod inserted in the body

and one photograph of Haywood’s heart held outside of the body with a metal dowel rod

inserted. Mardis contends that these photographs were irrelevant to establish the cause of

death and to dispute his theory of self-defense, that the photographs were unhelpful to

assist the jury to understand Haywood’s stance during the shooting, and should also have

been excluded because their probative value was outweighed by unfair prejudice. The

State argues that photographs were relevant to challenge Mardis’ claim of self-defense by

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demonstrating the trajectory of bullets fired by Mardis. This fact would corroborate

witness testimony that Haywood bent over clutching his stomach after the first shot rather

than assuming an aggressive stance and moving toward Mardis.

       Mardis first argues that since he did not contest the cause of Haywood’s death, the

photographs were irrelevant. However, Mardis raised the affirmative defense of self-

defense to the State’s charge of murder. As a result, the State had to disprove beyond a

reasonable doubt one of the elements of self-defense. See I.C. § 35-41-3-2(a); Carroll v.

State, 744 N.E.2d 432, 433 (Ind. 2001). We note that “some exhibits are inadmissible

because of their prejudicial nature or lack of relevance, but an adversary’s offer to

stipulate does not bear on admissibility.” Perigo v. State, 541 N.E.2d 936, 940 (Ind.

1989). By stipulating that he caused the injuries, Mardis is simply attempting to thwart

the State’s ability to contest his claim of self-defense. We therefore find this argument to

be unpersuasive.

       Further, we agree with the State that the photographs were relevant and assisted

the jury. The coroner used the photographs to describe Haywood’s autopsy, including its

procedures and the results. More importantly, the coroner testified that the photographs

depicted the trajectory of the shots to Haywood’s abdomen and heart. The photographs

depicting the abdomen were relevant to show that Haywood was shot at an angle that

suggested he was leaning back rather than forward at the time of the shooting. This

stance would be probative of whether Haywood was the aggressor at the time of the first

                                             6
shot and was therefore relevant to dispute Mardis’ theory of self-defense. The same may

be said for the photograph of the heart with a dowel rod inserted.

         Finally, the probative value of these photographs was not substantially outweighed

by any unfair prejudice. The graphic and gruesome character of the photographs is plain

to see. However, the photographs were not unfairly prejudicial simply because they

depicted the autopsy. The coroner testified in depth about the autopsy, how it was

performed, and that he inserted the rods to show the trajectory of the bullet.

Consequently, we find little risk that the jury imputed responsibility to Mardis for the

coroner’s alteration of Haywood’s body. Moreover, the jury was not so overcome with

passion that it unintelligently convicted Mardis. The jury found Mardis not guilty of

murder, but rather voluntary manslaughter, thereby demonstrating “that it carefully

applied the evidence to each count and objectively determined whether the State had

proven each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.” Stewart v. State, 945 N.E.2d 1277,

1290-191 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011).

         We find therefore find that the autopsy photographs were relevant and their

probative value outweighed any potential prejudice to Mardis. Accordingly, the trial

court did not abuse its discretion by admitting these photographs into evidence at Mardis’

trial.

                                        II. Mistrial

         Mardis also appeals the denial of his motion for mistrial. We review the trial

court’s denial of a motion for mistrial for an abuse of discretion. Caruthers v. State, 926

                                              7
N.E.2d 1016, 1020 (Ind. 2010). The grant of a motion for mistrial is an extreme remedy

to be used when no other action may remedy the situation. Id. To prevail on appeal, the

defendant must show that he was placed in a position of grave peril to which he should

not have been subjected. Id. We measure the extent of grave peril by examining the

“probable persuasive effect” of the conduct on the jury. Id.

       In Caruthers, our supreme court reviewed trial court procedures to assess the

potential of prejudice resulting from “extrajudicial comments made to a juror.” Id. at

1021. Where the risk of prejudice is minimal, the trial court can proceed without further

inquiry; however, a finding of substantial risk requires the trial court to collectively

interrogate the jury to determine exposure to extrajudicial comments and interrogate the

exposed jurors individually. Id. While an appropriate response includes collectively

admonishing the jury, the trial court retains discretion to take those measures it finds to

be necessary and appropriate. See id.

       In response to spectator actions and comments made towards jurors outside the

court house, the trial court examined each juror in chambers with both counsel present.

One juror was followed part of the way home by an unidentified vehicle and told three

other jurors of the incident. The three jurors confirmed that the juror had told them of the

episode. In addition, the three jurors had observed court spectators obstructing jurors’

cars as they left the parking lot, shouting that Mardis was a murderer and holding up

Haywood’s wedding photograph outside of the court house. The trial court asked these

                                             8
four jurors whether they could remain impartial in light of the occurrences. Each replied

that they could.

          Following questioning of the four jurors, the trial court went on the record and

citing Caruthers, announced that it would question the remaining jurors. Rather than

address the jury as a whole, the trial court stated that it would continue to question the

jurors individually in front of counsel. The remaining jurors mentioned that the jurors

discussed the parking lot occurrences, spectator shouting, and the wedding photograph

amongst themselves, but each affirmed that no one had directly communicated with them

about the case.      Further, most affirmed that they did not directly witness spectator

comments or the wedding photograph. The remaining jurors were not explicitly asked if

they could remain impartial. In denying Mardis’ motion for a mistrial, the trial court

stated:

          I mean, having had an opportunity to make inquiry of all the jurors and, and
          not only, I think have their responses demonstrated that they believe they
          can make a decision based upon, solely upon the evidence in the courtroom,
          that they will not be influenced by any comments that they have heard
          outside the courtroom, and not only having heard them but having seen
          them, I think while they’ve answered these questions they remarkably all
          strike me as very dedicated to the task at ha[n]d; they take their
          responsibilities very seriously, and have not, have given no indication that
          they’ve been influenced in any fashion by the events that occurred either
          Tuesday or Wednesday, and any discussion – the discussion that was had
          with respect to the Tuesday incident seemed to be limited to what was
          heard and perhaps some security concerns that they had in terms of getting
          to their car the next night. And, and no one gave any indication that they
          had been properly or unduly influenced by that comment.

(Tr. pp. 1104-05).

                                               9
       Mardis argues that efforts by spectators had the effect of intimidating and

influencing the jury such that he was placed in a position of great peril. The State argues

that the isolated comments on Mardis’ guilt or occurrences outside of court do not

constitute grave peril absent a showing of influence on jury through such comments or

actions. As no juror admitted being influenced during individual questioning, the State

concludes that no influence occurred.

       We agree with the State. Mardis has not shown that the facts here demonstrate

that he was placed in a position of grave peril. “[J]urors need not be absolutely insulated

from all extraneous influences regarding the case and that such exposure, without a

showing of influence, will not require a new trial.” Caruthers, 926 N.E.2d at 1021.

Simply put, Mardis asks us to infer that because some spectators perpetrated such acts,

juror impartiality must have given way to intimidation. However, no juror reported direct

communication with any spectator. The four jurors stated that none of the events would

impair their ability to remain impartial. The remaining jurors indicated some security

concerns but none admitted any bias toward Mardis. In light of the trial court’s careful

questioning of each juror and their responses, “we cannot infer prejudice where none is

shown” and find no abuse of discretion by the trial court’s denial of Mardis’ the motion

for mistrial. Id. at 1022.

       As a final matter, Mardis points to the trial court’s election not to admonish the

jurors to disregard the spectators. We note that Mardis did not request an admonishment.

As such, we find Mardis’ argument waived.             Waiver notwithstanding, although

                                            10
admonishment is presumed sufficient to cure prejudice, “the failure to admonish does not

per se lead to a finding of abuse of discretion for failure to grant a mistrial.” Tacy v.

State, 452 N.E.2d 977, 982 (Ind. 1983), reh’g denied.                       In sum, Mardis has not

demonstrated that the comments and actions by spectators placed him in grave peril.

Accordingly, the trial court did not err by denying Mardis’ motion for a mistrial.1

                                             III. Sentencing

        Finally, Mardis disputes the appropriateness of his sentence in light of his

character and the nature of the offense. Our review of sentences falling within the

statutory range is for an abuse of the trial court’s discretion. Southward v. State, 957

N.E.2d 975, 979 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011). Under Indiana Appellate R. 7(B), we may review

the appropriateness of a sentence authorized by statute. Id. Following due consideration

of the trial court’s decision, App. R. 7(B) permits our revision of a sentence for

inappropriateness in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender.

Id. It remains, however, the defendant’s burden to persuade us of the inappropriateness

of the sentence. Id.

        Mardis was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a Class A felony, which carries

a range of twenty to fifty years and an advisory sentence of thirty years. See I.C. § 35-

1
  Mardis also argues that the combined effect of the admission of autopsy photographs and spectator
activity involving jurors, even if harmless, constituted cumulative error requiring reversal. Mardis cites to
our supreme court’s opinion in Hubbell v. State, 754 N.E.2d 884, 895 (Ind. 2001), but otherwise fails to
present an argument on how the combined effect of these alleged errors constitutes cumulative error. We
therefore find his claim waived for lack of argument and in light of our determination that the trial court
did not commit error in either instance. See Morell v. State, 933 N.E.2d 484, 493 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010).

                                                     11
50-2-4. The trial court sentenced Mardis to thirty years, the advisory sentence. Mardis

points to the circumstances that gave rise to the offense to argue that his sentence is

inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense.         Underlying this matter is the

substantial history of violence between the Haywood and Mardis families - all of which

stems from the testimony of Mardis’ nephew at the trial of Haywood’s stepson more than

eight years ago. Tensions had reached such a point that Mardis, who had not been

involved previously, confided to a friend that the inter-family violence had escalated and

things were out of control. However, this atmosphere of violence does not overcome the

facts of the shooting. Even though Mardis’ back injuries arguably prevented him from

fighting Haywood, Mardis shot an unarmed Haywood twice and prevented onlookers

from administering assistance to Haywood. Accordingly, we cannot say that Mardis’

sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of his offense.

       Mardis also cites to his character as a basis to revise his sentence. However, we

do not find his character to be a sufficient basis to revise his sentence. Although the trial

court found Mardis’ deeds for his community and family as well as his remorse for

Haywood’s death to be mitigating factors, it did not ascribe them great weight. Further,

we cannot ignore Mardis’ criminal history, which includes an act of domestic violence

and alcohol-related driving convictions, even though the trial court did not find these

criminal episodes to be significant. We also cannot ignore the fact that despite the long-

standing episodes of inter-family violence, no deaths apparently resulted until Mardis

took Haywood’s life. We therefore decline to disturb his sentence.

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                                     CONCLUSION

       Based on the foregoing, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by

admitting photos of the victim’s autopsy or denying Mardis’ motion for a mistrial. We

further find that Mardis’ sentence is not inappropriate in light of his character and the

nature of the offense.

       Affirmed.

NAJAM, J. and DARDEN, J. concur

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