Court Opinion

ID: 9898440
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-11-14 19:30:42.689073+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:16:17.678496
License: Public Domain

Filed
                                                                                    Washington State
                                                                                    Court of Appeals
                                                                                     Division Two

                                                                                        June 27, 2023

    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

                                        DIVISION II
 STATE OF WASHINGTON,                                            No. 56992-2-II

                                Respondent,

        v.                                                 UNPUBLISHED OPINION

 JAREL NEWSON,

                                Appellant.

       CHE, J.⎯After a bowling date, Jarel Newson and DM arrived back at DM’s apartment.

Later that evening, DM found a love letter written by Newson to his ex-girlfriend. DM and

Newson started fighting, which ended with Newson pressing down on DM’s neck until she

passed out. After DM regained consciousness and examined her injuries, she asked Newson to

leave. He said he would not leave or return her phone unless she had sex with him. DM told

him to leave again. Newson repeated his demand. DM removed her clothing and laid on the

bed. Newson had sex with her. The State charged Newson with first degree burglary, second

degree rape, and two counts of second degree assault.

       The jury convicted Newson on all counts. Newson appeals, arguing that there is

insufficient evidence to support his convictions. We hold sufficient evidence supports Newson’s

convictions. Thus, we affirm.
No. 56992-2-II

                                              FACTS

       In the summer of 2018, DM met Newson at an obstacle course race. They started dating

shortly thereafter. The two broke up in August. But on September 22, 2018, they went on a

bowling date where both of them drank alcohol. DM told Newson that she didn’t want to have

sex that night.

       After bowling, they went back to DM’s apartment for another drink. During the evening,

DM realized she had lost her phone and began to search for it. She ended up searching

Newson’s car for her phone. There, she found her phone and also stumbled upon a love letter

written by Newson and addressed to his ex-girlfriend. Upset, DM confronted Newson about the

letter. He began yelling, and she pushed him. Newson shoved DM onto the bed and got on top

of her. DM punched him in an attempt to get him off. Newson bit DM on the breast causing her

to scream.1

       In response to DM’s screaming, Newson covered her mouth, nose, and throat with his

hands. When Newson released some pressure, DM screamed again. Newson then pressed down

even harder. DM could not breathe and passed out. DM woke up unsure of how much time had

passed. She saw Newson sitting on top of her, and she spat blood on a nearby wall.

       Newson told DM that she looked disgusting and should clean herself. In the bathroom,

DM observed a gash on her nose, a split lip, and red marks all over her neck and cheeks. She

remained in the bathroom for five to ten minutes. DM came out and told Newson that he needed

1
 DM testified that her breast bled and oozed for around a week. Three and a half years later,
DM still had a scar “on the bottom portion [of her breast] right . . . where it’s the darkest.” Rep.
of Proc. (RP) at 544.

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No. 56992-2-II

to leave. Newson stood up and grabbed DM’s phone. He told her that he would not leave nor

give DM her phone unless she had sex with him.

       DM again told Newson he needed to leave. Newson reiterated his demand. When asked

to describe Newson’s demeanor during this interaction, DM noted, “He looks like he has no soul

in his eyes. And he looks like he wants to hurt you.” 2 Rep. of Proc. (RP) at 610-11. Scared,

DM then removed her pants and laid down. She thought Newson was going to hurt her again if

she didn’t have sex with him.

       Newson had sexual intercourse with DM. DM testified that she did not move or

participate and mentally was not present. Newson eventually stopped and began crying. He

said, “you’re only having sex with me because you want me to leave.” RP at 552.

       He then began saying he was going to kill himself by crashing into the concrete median

on his way home. DM tried to talk Newson down for the next hour. Eventually, Newson and

DM seemed to reach a compromise where he would sleep in the back seat of his car. While

outside, DM told him he wasn’t allowed back inside and went to get him a blanket. But when

she returned, Newson had left.

       DM called 911, informing the operator that Newson was going to kill himself. DM also

told the operator that she and Newson got into a physical altercation. While DM was still on the

phone, Newson knocked on the door, and DM let him in. Newson asked DM repeatedly who she

was talking to. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrived. Law enforcement photographed

DM’s injuries that night and the following morning. Officers observed injuries to DM’s mouth,

neck, eyes, cheeks, and chest. Law enforcement arrested Newson.

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No. 56992-2-II

       On September 29, 2018, Dr. Robert Sapp, an emergency physician, evaluated DM. Dr.

Sapp observed tenderness around the central neck and decided to take a soft tissue x-ray of the

neck. Dr. Sapp determined there was nothing life threatening, and prescribed to DM a steroid for

the swelling and hoarse voice. On October 4, 2018, Dr. Sanjay Chakrapani, a neuroradiologist,

examined a computed tomography (CT) scan of DM’s neck. Dr. Chakrapani determined DM’s

vocal folds were swollen. Dr. Chakrapani testified the injuries were consistent with

strangulation or blunt trauma as potential causes.

       The State ultimately charged Newson with first degree burglary, second degree rape,

second degree assault by strangulation, and second degree assault by reckless infliction of

substantial bodily harm. At trial, witnesses testified as noted above. Also, the trial court granted

the State’s request to certify Officer Erik Anderson as a strangulation expert. Officer Anderson

reviewed photographs of DM’s injuries and testified that her injuries were consistent with having

been strangled. Officer Anderson also testified that a scratch mark on DM’s neck was consistent

with being a defensive wound.

       At the close of the State’s case, Newson moved to dismiss the first degree burglary

charge due to insufficient evidence. The trial court denied the motion. The jury convicted

Newson of first degree burglary, second degree rape, and two counts of second degree assault.

The trial court merged the two second degree assault convictions, vacating the second degree

assault by reckless infliction of substantial bodily harm conviction. Newson appeals.

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No. 56992-2-II

                                            ANALYSIS

                                        I. LEGAL PRINCIPLES

       We review challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence de novo. State v. Berg, 181

Wn.2d 857, 867, 337 P.3d 310 (2014). To satisfy due process requirements, the State must prove

every element of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal prosecution. State

v. Smith, 155 Wn.2d 496, 502, 120 P.3d 559 (2005).

       “The test for determining the sufficiency of the evidence is whether, after viewing the

evidence in the light most favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have found guilt

beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Salinas, 119 Wn.2d 192, 201, 829 P.2d 1068 (1992).

When the defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, they “admit[] the truth of the

State’s evidence and all inferences that reasonably can be drawn therefrom.” Id. We consider

circumstantial and direct evidence to be equally reliable. State v. Cardenas-Flores, 189 Wn.2d

243, 266, 401 P.3d 19 (2017).

                                     II. SECOND DEGREE RAPE

       Newson argues that we must reverse his second degree rape conviction as the State failed

to prove he forcibly compelled DM to have sex with him. We disagree.

       “A person is guilty of rape in the second degree when, under circumstances not

constituting rape in the first degree, the person engages in sexual intercourse with another

person: (a) By forcible compulsion.” RCW 9A.44.050(1)(a). “‘Forcible compulsion’ means

physical force which overcomes resistance, or a threat, express or implied, that places a person in

fear of death or physical injury to herself or himself or another person, or in fear that she or he or

another person will be kidnapped.” Former RCW 9A.44.010(6) (2007).

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No. 56992-2-II

       “[F]orcible compulsion contemplates force that overcomes actual resistance or threats

that place a person in actual fear.” State v. W.R., Jr., 181 Wn.2d 757, 765, 336 P.3d 1134

(2014). The victim’s subjective reaction to the defendant’s conduct cannot be the sole basis for

forcible compulsion; rather, “there must be a causal connection between the fear and a

communicated threat.” State v. Higgins, 168 Wn. App. 845, 859, 278 P.3d 693 (2012).

       Newson puts significant weight on State v. Weisberg, 65 Wn. App. 721, 829 P.2d 252

(1992) and State v. Ritola, 63 Wn. App. 252, 817 P.2d 1390 (1991). In Ritola, Ritola, a resident

at a boys juvenile facility, suddenly grabbed a counselor’s breast when she was turning off a

gaming console, and then “instantaneously” removed his hand. Id. at 253. He was convicted of

indecent liberties by forcible compulsion. Id. We reversed because there was no evidence

showing that Ritola used force to overcome resistance nor evidence of any express or implied

threat, for he caught the counselor by surprise such that she had no time to resist. Id. at 255.

       In Weisberg, Weisberg, a clothing company manufacturer representative, invited P.C. to

his apartment to select some clothing as a birthday gift. 65 Wn. App. at 723. P.C. began

undressing and Weisburg suggested the clothes would fit better without underclothes. Id. When

P.C. did not immediately remove her undergarments, Weisberg removed them for her without

using force or threats. Id. Before P.C. changed back into her own clothing, Weisberg told her to

lie on his bed. Id. P.C. said she did not want to. Id. But Weisberg told her to “go ahead and lay

on the bed anyway.” Id.

       Weisberg removed his clothes and had sex with P.C. until she told him to stop, which he

immediately did. Id. at 724. Weisberg was convicted of second degree rape by forcible

compulsion. Id. On appeal, the State “contend[ed] that Weisberg, through his conduct and the

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No. 56992-2-II

circumstances, impliedly threatened P.C. such that she feared physical injury if she did not

comply with his demands.” Id. at 725. We held that there was insufficient evidence to support

the element of forcible compulsion as,

        a close examination of the record produces no indication of anything in Weisberg’s
        communications with P.C., or in the situation, that would cause one to interpret “lay
        down on the bed anyway” as a veiled threat of physical injury. Absent conduct by
        Weisberg that produced P.C.’s stated fear, there is no forcible compulsion, an
        essential element of rape in the second degree.

Id. at 726.

        Here, there is evidence of an implied threat. This case is unlike the surprise situation in

Ritola. Newson did not catch DM by surprise; he gave her an ultimatum after a physical

altercation and had intercourse with her. Moreover, the interaction is distinguishable from

Weisberg. DM did more than express a desire to not have sex. She asked Newson to leave

twice. And Newson did not simply suggest they should have sex anyway. After the two were

engaged in a physical altercation, he twice provided an ultimatum that he would not leave or

return her phone unless she had sex with him. And he did so with an intimidating demeanor.

DM testified that she was scared Newson would hurt her if she failed to comply.

        DM’s physical injuries evidenced violence occurred between Newson and DM shortly

before the rape. Unlike in Weisberg, where there was no evidence that Weisberg suggested or

threatened harm to the victim, here the implied threat that placed DM in fear of death or physical

injury happened shortly after being strangled by Newson to such a degree that DM lost

consciousness and spat out a mouthful of blood upon regaining consciousness. In this context,

there was a causal connection between DM’s fear and the implied threat.

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No. 56992-2-II

       Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we hold sufficient evidence

supports the second degree rape conviction.

                                   III. SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT

A.     Strangulation or Suffocation

       Newson argues we must reverse his conviction for second degree assault as there is

insufficient evidence to show strangulation. We disagree.

       “A person is guilty of assault in the second degree if he or she, under circumstances not

amounting to assault in the first degree: . . . . (g) Assaults another by strangulation or

suffocation.” RCW 9A.36.021(1)(g). “‘Strangulation’ means to compress a person’s neck,

thereby obstructing the person’s blood flow or ability to breathe, or doing so with the intent to

obstruct the person’s blood flow or ability to breathe.” RCW 9A.04.110(26). And

“‘[s]uffocation’ means to block or impair a person’s intake of air at the nose and mouth, whether

by smothering or other means, with the intent to obstruct the person’s ability to breathe.” RCW

9A.04.110(27). “[T]he statute applies equally to complete and partial obstructions of a victim’s

ability either to breathe or to experience blood flow.” State v. Rodriquez, 187 Wn. App. 922,

935, 352 P.3d 200 (2015).

       It is clear that sufficient evidence was presented at trial to support the jury’s finding that

Newson assaulted DM by strangulation. Newson covered DM’s mouth, nose, and throat with his

hands. DM tried to scream. Newson pressed down even harder. DM testified that she couldn’t

breathe when he did this, and then, she passed out. DM observed red marks around her neck

shortly after regaining consciousness.

                                                   8
No. 56992-2-II

       Based on photographs of DM’s injuries taken that evening and the following morning,

Officer Anderson testified that DM’s injuries were consistent with having been strangled. More

than a week after the incident, a CT scan of DM’s neck was taken. Based on that scan, Dr.

Chakrapani testified that the swelling in DM’s vocal folds was consistent with having been

strangled. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, a rational juror could

have found Newson compressed DM’s neck and obstructed her breathing or blood flow, or that

Newson blocked or impaired DM’s intake of air at the nose and mouth with the intent to obstruct

DM’s ability to breathe.

       We hold that the jury was presented with sufficient evidence to find Newson guilty of

second degree assault by strangulation beyond a reasonable doubt.

B.     Reckless Infliction of Substantial Bodily Harm

       Newson argues there is insufficient evidence of second degree assault by reckless

infliction of substantial bodily harm as the bitemark on DM’s left breast did not qualify as

substantial bodily harm. “A case is moot if a court can no longer provide effective relief.”

Orwick v. City of Seattle, 103 Wn.2d 249, 253, 692 P.2d 793 (1984). Because the trial court

already vacated count IV, second degree assault by reckless infliction of substantial bodily

injury, finding that it merged with count III, second degree assault by strangulation, we can

longer provide effective relief, and we decline to reach this argument.

                                  IV. FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY

       Newson finally argues that insufficient evidence supports his conviction for first degree

burglary as there is insufficient evidence to prove he unlawfully entered or remained. We

disagree.

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No. 56992-2-II

       A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree if, with intent to commit a crime
       against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a
       building and if, in entering or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom,
       the actor or another participant in the crime (a) is armed with a deadly weapon, or
       (b) assaults any person.

RCW 9A.52.020(1). “A person ‘enters or remains unlawfully’ in or upon premises when he or

she is not then licensed, invited, or otherwise privileged to so enter or remain.” RCW

9A.52.010(2). When a person is told to leave the premises, that person’s license to enter is

specifically revoked. State v. Davis, 90 Wn. App. 776, 781, 954 P.2d 325 (1998).

       Here, Newson entered DM’s apartment lawfully. Later in the evening, Newson strangled

DM causing her to pass out. After DM regained consciousness and examined her injuries, she

told Newson to leave. He refused to leave unless she had sex with him. She told him to leave

again. With an intimidating demeanor, he repeated his demand. As discussed above, Newson

then raped her and left. DM’s two demands for Newson to vacate her apartment constituted an

express revocation of Newson’s license to remain.

       Indeed, at trial, the State emphasized how these demands revoked Newson’s right to

remain and then argued that his conduct during the rape satisfies the assault element of first

degree burglary. On appeal, Newson ignores this timeframe. Instead, Newson maintains that he

did not unlawfully enter or remain because, after the aforementioned events, he came back to the

apartment later, and DM opened the door and allowed him to come in. But the crime of first

degree burglary was already complete. The fact that DM let him in the apartment later that

evening is inapposite.

       Accordingly, we hold that there is sufficient evidence to show that Newson unlawfully

remained, and we affirm the first degree burglary conviction.

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No. 56992-2-II

                                        CONCLUSION

       We hold sufficient evidence supports Newson’s convictions. We affirm.

       A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW

2.06.040, it is so ordered.

                                                    Che, J.
 We concur:

 Lee, J.

 Glasgow, C.J.

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