Opinion
NO. 2011-KA-01536-COA
10-08-2013
BRETT ANTHONY SHAW A/K/A BRET SHAW A/K/A BRETT SHAW A/K/A BRETT A. SHAW APPELLANT v. STATE OF MISSISSIPPI APPELLEE
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT: J. EDWARD RAINER GARY LEE WILLIAMS ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE: OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY: STEPHANIE BRELAND WOOD DISTRICT ATTORNEY: MICHAEL GUEST
DATE OF JUDGMENT: 07/27/2011 TRIAL JUDGE: HON. JOHN HUEY EMFINGER COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED: RANKIN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT:
J. EDWARD RAINER
GARY LEE WILLIAMS
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE:
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
BY: STEPHANIE BRELAND WOOD
DISTRICT ATTORNEY: MICHAEL GUEST NATURE OF THE CASE: CRIMINAL - FELONY TRIAL COURT DISPOSITION:
CONVICTED OF COUNT I, AGGRAVATED
ASSAULT, AND SENTENCED TO
TWENTY YEARS WITH TEN YEARS
SUSPENDED, AND COUNT II, MALICIOUS
MISCHIEF, AND SENTENCED TO FIVE
YEARS, WITH THE SENTENCES TO RUN
CONCURRENTLY, FOLLOWED BY FIVE
YEARS OF SUPERVISED PROBATION,
ALL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS
DISPOSITION: AFFIRMED - 10/08/2013 MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED: MANDATE ISSUED:
EN BANC.
BARNES, J., FOR THE COURT: ¶1. Brett Anthony Shaw was convicted by a jury in the Rankin County Circuit Court of Count I, aggravated assault, and Count II, felony malicious mischief. He was sentenced to twenty years for Count I, with ten years suspended, and five years for Count II, followed by five years of supervised probation, all in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Shaw filed a motion for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) or, in the alternative, a new trial. The motion was denied. Aggrieved, Shaw appeals. Finding no reversible error, we affirm Shaw's convictions.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
¶2. On July 18, 2010, Shaw, Alex Gill, Shaun Killingsworth, and Steven Dortch were among a number of people attending a party at the apartment of Hannah Hardwick in Richland, Mississippi. Another party was also being held upstairs in the same building at the apartment of Ian Elward. Both parties involved alcohol. ¶3. At one point during Hardwick's party, Shaw, Gill, and Killingsworth were outside her apartment when Gill threw an empty beer bottle in some nearby bushes. Killingsworth told him to pick up the bottle. Shaw informed Killingsworth that Gill was only seventeen years old and asked Killingsworth to leave Gill alone. Later, in Hardwick's kitchen, a verbal altercation ensued between Shaw and Killingsworth when Shaw held up his empty beer bottle in a threatening manner. With the situation becoming confrontational, the two men were separated by Dortch and Skylar Slay, another person at the party; Shaw was then escorted from the party by Dortch. ¶4. Shortly after, Hunter Elward and Trevor Bell, two people attending the party at Ian's apartment, came to Hardwick's apartment and told Killingsworth that Shaw was jumping up and down on the hood of Killingsworth's car. Killingsworth went outside to confront Shaw, who was still in the parking lot, standing behind the car. Angry and shouting, Shaw approached Killingsworth, who informed Shaw that he did not want to fight. As Shaw continued to yell and beat his chest, Killingsworth pushed Shaw, grabbed him, and pinned him against another car in the parking lot. Gill, who was standing nearby, demanded that Killingsworth release Shaw and proceeded to attack Killingsworth from behind. Killingsworth, keeping his hold on Shaw, turned to see who was striking him. When Killinsgworth twisted back around, Shaw bit his ear. ¶5. With Shaw still restrained by Killingsworth, the two men fell to the ground and struggled in the grass. Lieutenant David East of the Richland Police Department arrived on the scene and ordered the men to separate. Both men yielded and were handcuffed. Killingsworth was bleeding from his ear, and Lieutenant East called an ambulance to transport him to the hospital. It was later discovered that Killingsworth had lost a portion of his right ear. Shaw was uninjured. ¶6. Subsequently, Shaw was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, for biting off a portion of Killingsworth's ear, and with malicious mischief, for damaging Killingsworth's car. A trial took place on June 19-22, 2011. At the close of the trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict on both counts. Shaw was sentenced to twenty years, with ten years suspended, for the charge of aggravated assault, and five years, for the charge of malicious mischief, with the sentences to run concurrently, all to be served in the custody of the MDOC. He was also ordered to served five years of supervised probation. Shaw filed a motion for a JNOV, or in the alternative, a new trial, which was denied. ¶7. Shaw now appeals, arguing: (1) the trial court erred by denying his motion for a directed verdict and his motion for a JNOV, or in the alternative, a new trial because the evidence was insufficient to support the convictions of aggravated assault and malicious mischief and the jury's verdict regarding aggravated assault was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence because he was acting in self-defense; (2) the trial court erred by allowing the State to call witnesses, including expert witnesses, in violation of discovery rules; (3) the prosecutor misconstrued the evidence and prejudiced the jury; (4) a mistrial should have been granted based on juror misconduct and an improper line of questioning; (5) teeth are not a mechanism likely to produce death or serious bodily harm; (6) the trial court erred in denying two "words of provocation" jury instructions; and (7) the cumulative errors warrant reversal. ¶8. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment.
Some issues have been consolidated on appeal for purposes of clarity.
DISCUSSION
I. Whether the trial court erred in denying Shaw's motion for a JNOV, or in the alternative, a new trial. ¶9. Shaw contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion for a JNOV, or in the alternative, a new trial. A motion for a JNOV challenges the sufficiency of the evidence. See Bush v. State, 895 So. 2d 836, 843 (¶16) (Miss. 2005) (citing Carr v. State, 208 So. 2d 886, 889 (Miss. 1968)). In order for the evidence to be found sufficient to sustain a conviction, the evidence must show "beyond a reasonable doubt that [the] accused committed the act charged, and that he did so under such circumstances that every element of the offense existed; and where the evidence fails to meet this test it is insufficient to support a conviction." Id. This Court will reverse a conviction if the evidence "point[s] in favor of the defendant on any element of the offense with sufficient force that reasonable [jurors] could not have found beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty." Id. (quoting Edwards v. State, 469 So. 2d 68, 70 (Miss. 1985)). ¶10. A motion for a new trial challenges the weight of the evidence. Minor v. State, 89 So. 3d 710, 716 (¶20) (Miss. Ct. App. 2012). Viewing the evidence "in the light most favorable to the verdict," a new trial will only be ordered "where 'the verdict is so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence that to allow it to stand would sanction unconscionable injustice.'" Id. (citations omitted).
A. Aggravated Assault ¶11. Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-3-7(2)(b) (Rev. 2006) provides that "[a] person is guilty of aggravated assault if he . . . attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm[.]" Shaw was charged with purposely or knowingly "biting a portion of Killingsworth's right ear off, a means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm." The State was required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Shaw acted with either requisite mental state provided for in section 97-3-7(2)(b). ¶12. Shaw argues that the State did not put forth any evidence to support the "purposely or knowingly" elements of the charge of aggravated assault. Shaw asserts that it is reasonable that Shaw bit Killingsworth in an attempt to get Killingsworth to release him and not to cause bodily injury. As such, Shaw argues that since he acted in self-defense without the intent to cause serious bodily harm, the evidence was insufficient to sustain his conviction of aggravated assault. We disagree, finding that the evidence was sufficient for the jury to conclude that Shaw intended to inflict serious bodily harm on Killingsworth. ¶13. As the State observes, Shaw's intent to cause serious bodily injury can be inferred from testimony given regarding Shaw's anger and antagonizing behavior towards Killingsworth. "Intent ordinarily must be inferred from the acts and conduct of the party and the facts and circumstances attending them." Wales v. State, 73 So. 3d 1113, 1121 (¶22) (Miss. 2011) (citation omitted). Even if intent is not expressly evident, it may be proven "by showing the acts of the person involved at the time, and by showing the circumstances surrounding the incident." Johnson v. State, 44 So. 3d 400, 408 (¶24) (Miss. Ct. App. 2010) (quoting Boyd v. State, 977 So. 2d 329, 335 (¶23) (Miss. 2008)). Whether a person intended to commit an act is "a question of fact to be gleaned by the jury from the facts shown in the case." Id. "The presumption of the law is that each person intends the natural consequences of his actions." Staten v. State, 813 So. 2d 775, 777 (¶8) (Miss. Ct. App. 2002) (citing Hydrick v. State, 246 Miss. 448, 450-451, 150 So. 2d 423, 424 (1963)). "The State must be given the benefit of all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the evidence." McBride v. State, 78 So. 3d 359, 361 (¶7) (Miss. Ct. App. 2011) (citing Christian v. State, 859 So. 2d 1068, 1071 (¶12) (Miss. Ct. App. 2003)). "[E]ven 'slim' evidence can be used to uphold a guilty verdict so long as it can reasonably be inferred to support such a finding." Sanders v. State, 949 So. 2d 92, 95 (¶5) (Miss. Ct. App. 2006) (citation omitted). ¶14. Brooke Patterson, Shaw's ex-girlfriend, testified that when the couple initially approached the party, he told her that "he was probably going to end up getting in a fight with this douchebag [(referring to Killingsworth)] before the night was over." Later that evening, Shaw behaved in a threatening manner toward Killingsworth and had to be forcibly removed from the apartment to avoid further conflict. Witnesses stated it was at that point Shaw kicked and jumped on Killingsworth's car. ¶15. Admittedly, both men had been arguing all evening. But, when Killingsworth confronted Shaw about damaging his car, he repeatedly told Shaw that he did not want to fight. Witnesses testified that during this confrontation, Shaw was "antagonizing" Killingsworth and beating his own chest, saying things like "Come on" and "Do something." Killingsworth, upon this taunting, did initiate contact with Shaw by shoving him and then wrapping his arms around Shaw in an attempt to restrain him and to prevent Shaw from hitting him. However, while he was holding Shaw's arms, Gill began hitting Killingsworth on the head in an attempt to make Killingsworth let Shaw go. When Killingsworth turned his head to look at Gill, Shaw took advantage of his inattention to retaliate and bite off part of Killingsworth's ear. Thus, the fight was essentially two against one. In fact, one witness stated Gill was swinging away so wildly that he almost hit a female bystander. Even after the fight was broken up by police, Shaw continued to be verbally belligerent and uncooperative, saying "F*ck you" to the arresting officer. Killingsworth, on the other hand, was cooperative and quiet. ¶16. The determination of Shaw's intent and whether he was acting in self-defense was a question of fact to be decided by the jury. See Franklin v. State, 72 So. 3d 1129, 1136 (¶29) (Miss. Ct. App. 2011) ("[T]he question of whether a defendant acted in self-defense or in defense of others is a question for the jury to resolve.") (citing White v. State, 976 So. 2d 415, 420 (¶23) (Miss. Ct. App. 2008))).
To make an assault justifiable on grounds of self-defense, danger to the defendant must be either actual, present and urgent, or [the] defendant must have reasonable grounds to apprehend design on the part of the victim to kill, or to do him some great bodily harm, and, in addition, there must be imminent danger of such design being accomplished.Anderson v. State, 571 So. 2d 961, 963 (Miss. 1990) (citations omitted). It is apparent from the verdict the jury members determined that Shaw was not acting in self-defense and had the intent to seriously injure Killingsworth. We find there to be sufficient evidence to support this conclusion. ¶17. Giving the State all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the evidence, we find the evidence is sufficient to support the verdict. We also conclude that the verdict was not contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence and does not sanction an unconscionable injustice.
B. Malicious Mischief ¶18. Shaw also argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction of malicious mischief. Although Shaw argues that the jury's verdict is against the weight of the evidence, we find that his arguments actually only address the sufficiency of the evidence. As noted previously, evidence will be deemed sufficient where it shows, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused committed the act and every element of the offense existed. Bush, 895 So. 2d at 843 (¶16). ¶19. Shaw was convicted under Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-17-67 (Supp. 2012), which provides in pertinent parts:
(1) Every person who shall maliciously or mischievously destroy, disfigure, or injure, or cause to be destroyed, disfigured, or injured, any property of another, either real or personal, shall be guilty of maliciousShaw contends the evidence was insufficient because the State failed to prove that he willfully damaged Killingsworth's car in excess of $500. We disagree. ¶20. Several people witnessed Shaw kicking and jumping on Killingsworth's car. Dortch testified that after the kitchen altercation, he escorted Shaw out of Hardwick's apartment. The two men walked in the direction of Shaw's apartment, passing Killingsworth's car on the way. Dortch stated that Shaw went about five meters past Killingsworth's car, when he abruptly turned around, jumped on the hood of the car, and kicked the fender. Hunter, who was watching the incident from Ian's balcony, corroborated this testimony. It is evident that Shaw's actions were willful and malicious. ¶21. Shaw argues that damage was present on Killingsworth's car at least four hours prior to the altercation. He contends that the hood and the fender already had several dents and scratches. Although there was testimony that Killingsworth's car had minor damage prior to the altercation, the record reflects that Shaw caused further damage. The State presented several pictures of Killingsworth's car taken thirty-six hours after the altercation. The pictures show two distinct footprints and indentations in the places where Dortch and Hunter testified that Shaw had jumped on and kicked the car. Further, Detective Lee Drake with the Richland Police Department testified that Shaw's statements about what happened that night "coincided with the damages done to the vehicle." ¶22. Shaw asserts that since the State never placed a value on the car, the State failed to prove the car was worth more than $500. Mark Thomison, an estimator for Barnett's Body Shop in Ridgeland, Mississippi, testified as an expert witness for the State regarding the cost of damage done to Killingsworth's car. Thomison stated that the total cost to fix the two dents made in Killingsworth's car that night would be $729.12. ¶23. We conclude there was sufficient evidence to support Shaw's malicious mischief conviction. The evidence shows that Shaw, after getting in a heated verbal argument with Killingsworth, malevolently jumped on and kicked Killingsworth's car, causing damage in excess of $500. This issue is without merit.
mischief.
. . . .
(3) If the value of the property destroyed, disfigured or injured is in excess of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), it shall be a felony punishable by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or imprisonment in the Penitentiary not exceeding five (5) years, or both.
II. Whether the State committed discovery violations by failing to provide Shaw with proper notice of its witnesses. ¶24. Shaw argues that "the trial court violated [his] right to a fair trial by allowing the State to call witnesses without oral summation of their testimony and without complying with Rule 9.04" of the Uniform Rules of Circuit and County Court. Rule 9.04 "requires the prosecution to disclose the names and addresses of all witnesses in chief, and any recorded statements made by the defendant and/or witness, proposed to be offered by the prosecution at trial." Harris v. State, 37 So. 3d 1237, 1241 (¶17) (Miss. Ct. App. 2010) (citing URCCC 9.04(A)(1)). The guidelines from Rule 9.04 "were intended to prevent 'ambush' or unfair surprise at trial by either party." Ben v. State, 95 So. 3d 1236, 1249 (¶36) (Miss. 2012) (citing Harrison v. State, 635 So. 2d 894, 898 (Miss. 1994)). Shaw specifically claims that the State failed to properly designate Dr. Michael Angel and Thomison as expert witnesses and, thus, failed to provide the defense notice of their testimony prior to trial. Shaw argues that he was not provided a curriculum vitae, that there was no voir dire of Dr. Angel, and that the defense was not provided an opportunity to interview either witness, leaving him to speculate as to the substance of their testimony. ¶25. After Killingsworth testified, defense counsel moved to exclude all other witnesses by the State, arguing that he had not received notice of the testimony because the State failed to provide a witness list. Counsel did admit, however, that he had received discovery documents that contained those witnesses' signatures.
MR. RAINER: We as defense lawyers have to depend on the Court to make it an even playing field. We ask that all - any - any other witness be excluded for failure to properly identify prior to trial.The trial court went on to note that defense counsel failed to mention any issues with witnesses during a prior meeting regarding the pretrial checklist. Citing this Court's holding in Murray v. State, 20 So. 3d 739 (Miss. Ct. App. 2009), the trial judge determined the State had sufficiently identified the testifying witnesses through the discovery documents provided to the defense. In Murray, the trial court ruled that the substance of a witness's testimony had been provided to the defense through a police report. Id. at 743 (¶12). "Although the police report did not go into the specific details of [the witness's] testimony, this was sufficient to put the defense on notice as to [the witness's] testimony." Id. ¶26. We agree with the trial court's ruling that defense counsel had received notification through the State's discovery documents regarding witnesses and their respective testimony. Dr. Angel's testimony was related to his treatment of Killingsworth's ear, and his signed medical reports had been properly furnished to defense counsel. Additionally, Thomison, a body shop appraiser, testified as to his estimate and to the damage done to Killingsworth's car. His report/estimate had also been provided to Shaw. Thus, the calling of these witnesses did not subject Shaw's defense to "ambush" or "unfair surprise." ¶27. Regarding the designation of the expert witnesses, while the State was questioning Dr. Angel regarding his qualifications, defense counsel interrupted, stating that he would accept Dr. Angel as an expert in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. After the State tendered Thomison as an expert, the defense still objected as to his expert designation, but did not conduct any voir dire. Furthermore, defense counsel admitted that he had been provided both witnesses' reports before trial. Thus, the substance of their testimony was available to the defense. The trial judge held regarding Thomison's testimony:
THE COURT: Mr. Rainer, let me see that I understand. So you're saying that the even playing field would be at 4:00 o'clock on the day of trial for you to stand up and say that you have received no witnesses; therefore, the State can't put on any witnesses, that is an even playing field?
And for Mr. Thomison, you had a copy from the State. You had a copy of his report. And under the case that I read to you [(Murray),] like it or not, that's what the case said, that was sufficient . . . to put you on notice.We also cannot see how Dr. Angel's testimony was a surprise to defense counsel. As already noted, the medical reports had been provided during discovery to defense counsel. Shaw was sufficiently put on notice as to these witnesses' testimony. ¶28. Therefore, we find that there was no violation of Rule 9.04 and that the trial court did not err in allowing these witnesses to testify.
. . . .
It put you on notice that he might be called as a witness and that these are the things that he says. . . . You either want to interview them or you don't want to interview them. You make that choice[,] and you make that option.
III. Whether the prosecutor misconstrued the evidence and prejudiced the jury. ¶29. Shaw contends that throughout the course of the trial, the State constantly mischaracterized the evidence and prejudiced the jury. However, Shaw cites no legal authority to support his argument. A defendant's failure to cite relevant authority to support his argument "obviates the appellate court's obligation to review such issues." Gillett v. State, 56 So. 3d 469, 517 (¶142) (Miss. 2010) (citation omitted) (quoting Simmons v. State, 805 So. 2d 452, 487 (¶90) (Miss. 2001)). Therefore, this issue is procedurally barred from consideration. Id. ¶30. Notwithstanding this procedural bar, in those instances where the defense contemporaneously objected to the State's line of questioning or statements, we find no testimony or questioning that resulted in prejudice to Shaw. During the prosecution's questioning of Dortch, Shaw's friends were referred to by Dortch and the State as a "posse." Upon the defense's objection, the trial judge noted that Dortch was the one who originally used the term, but he instructed the jury to disregard the use of the term. Later, when the State questioned Dortch regarding whether Shaw was a truthful person and Dortch responded negatively, the trial judge again sustained the defense's objection but overruled its motion for a mistrial. The judge instructed the jury:
Shaw also asserts that the State attempted to bolster certain testimony merely by asking a witness to repeat an answer, but the defense failed to make a contemporaneous objection to the alleged misconduct.
The last question that was asked by the State of this witness was: "Do you consider the Defendant to be a truthful person?" There was an objection raised and I sustained that objection, and I'm specifically again instructing you that you are to disregard that question and answer because under the Rules of Evidence and Procedure[,] it's inappropriate at this time. So I will ask you that you follow the instruction of the Court and disregard the question and answer in that regard. Can all of you follow that instruction?"When a judge sustains an objection, the remedial acts of the court are usually deemed sufficient to remove any prejudicial effect from the minds of jurors." Catchings v. State, 39 So. 3d 943, 949 (¶22) (Miss. Ct. App. 2009) (citing Vickery v. State, 535 So. 2d 1371, 1380 (Miss. 1988)). The jury is presumed to follow the instructions of the court. Id. Thus, we conclude that these instances did not warrant the granting of a mistrial by the trial court. ¶31. Shaw also claims that the State should not have been allowed to question Gill regarding portions of a prior inconsistent statement, but as we have already noted, he provides no authority as to why this questioning would be considered prosecutorial misconduct. ¶32. Therefore, we find no merit to this claim by Shaw.
(Jurors indicate affirmatively.)
IV. Whether a mistrial should have been granted based on juror misconduct and an improper line of questioning. ¶33. Shaw argues that juror misconduct warranted the granting of a mistrial by the trial court. Again, Shaw fails to cite any authority, procedurally barring the issue from consideration. Regardless, we find nothing to support his claim. During the trial, it came to the court's attention that one of the jurors had contacted a witness, Patterson, on Facebook. Evidently, the juror, Blake Smallwood, had been a janitor at the school that Patterson had attended. Smallwood knew a couple of the other witnesses as well. Smallwood also made a comment on his Facebook page regarding his jury duty, stating: "I guess all I need to know is GUILTY. lol." ¶34. Our supreme court has held:
In order for the duty to investigate [for juror misconduct] to arise, the party contending there is misconduct must make an adequate showing to overcome the presumption in this state of jury impartiality. Juror polling shall only be permitted by an attorney, outside the supervision of the court, upon written request.Moore v. State, 52 So. 3d 339, 343 (¶14) (Miss. 2010) (quoting Gladney v. Clarksdale Beverage Co., 625 So. 2d 407, 418-19 (Miss. 1993)). The trial judge thoroughly questioned Smallwood regarding his conduct and promptly removed him from the jury. The remaining jurors were polled by the trial judge; all stated that Smallwood had not made any positive or negative statements regarding the witnesses or defendants that would have tainted the jury and that they could be fair and impartial. Therefore, nothing in the evidence supports Shaw's argument that the jury was subject to any improper outside influence or that the remaining jury was prejudiced by Smallwood in any way. ¶35. Shaw also revisits his argument regarding the State's questioning of Dortch regarding Shaw's character for truthfulness, claiming that the improper line of questioning should have warranted a mistrial. As we have already held, since the trial court instructed the jury to disregard the question and resulting answer, there was no prejudice suffered by Shaw as a result. ¶36. Consequently, we find no error in the trial court's refusal to grant a mistrial.
At the very minimum, it must be shown that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that good cause exists to believe that there was in fact an improper outside influence or extraneous prejudicial information.
V. Whether teeth are a mechanism likely to produce death or serious bodily harm. ¶37. Shaw also "questions whether teeth are 'a mechanism likely to produce death or seriously bodily harm,'" under section 97-3-7(2)(b), as stated in the jury instructions. In Jackson v. State, 594 So. 2d 20 (Miss. 1992), the supreme court found that the evidence of a beating by fists was sufficient to sustain a charge for aggravated assault.
[W]hether or not hands and closed fists constitute, under [section] 97-3-7(2)(b), a "means likely to produce serious bodily harm" involves a question of fact to be decided by the jury in light of the evidence. The responsibility for determining likelihood remains with the jury which may be left free to give due weight to the characteristics of the parties, the place, the manner in which hands and fists are used, and the degree of force employed.Id. at 24 (emphasis added). ¶38. As to the use of teeth, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has found that "human teeth may, as a matter of law, be a 'deadly or dangerous weapon[.]'" In re D.T., 977 A.2d 346, 355 (D.C. 2009). "Whether an object or material which is not specifically designed as a dangerous weapon is a 'dangerous weapon' under an aggravated assault statute is ordinarily a question of fact to be determined by all of the circumstances surrounding the assault." Id. at 349 (citation omitted). In that case, law enforcement was attempting to subdue the defendant, and the defendant bit the officer in the groin area. The officer required months of anti-viral treatment as a result of the injury. Id. at 356. Consequently, the appellate court held that a rational trier of fact could conclude that the defendant "used his teeth in a manner likely to cause great bodily harm." Id. at 357. ¶39. Similarly, in Sizemore v. State, 387 S.W.3d 824, 826-30 (Tex. Ct. App. 2012), the Texas Court of Appeals concluded that damage caused by an ear bite was sufficient to warrant a conviction for aggravated assault, as the evidence was sufficient to establish that the victim suffered "serious bodily injury." ¶40. Some jurisdictions have ruled that teeth are not considered to be a "deadly" or "dangerous" weapon. See State v. Kuperus, 251 P.3d 235, 238-39 (Or. Ct. App. 2011) (Defendant's teeth are not considered a "dangerous" or "deadly" weapon for the purposes of assault.); Commonwealth v. Davis, 406 N.E.2d 417, 420 (Mass. App. Ct. 1980) (human body parts not considered dangerous weapons). However, we find these cases distinguishable. Unlike the Mississippi aggravated-assault statute, their statutes require serious bodily injury to have occurred by means of a "deadly weapon" or a "dangerous weapon." See Kuperus, 251 P.3d at 237 (The crime of assault in the first degree is committed when the person "[i]ntentionally causes serious physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon." (Quoting O.R.S. § 163.185(1)(a)); Davis, 406 N.E.2d at 419 ("Section 15A punishes assaults and batteries committed by 'means of a dangerous weapon.'") (citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, § 15A). As our supreme court noted in Jackson:
It is not necessary under [section] 97-3-7(2)(b) that the use of hands and fists constitute the use of a "deadly weapon"; rather, it is enough if their use constitutes a "means likely to produce either death or serious bodily harm." Nor is it necessary under this section for the State to prove the victim suffered "serious" bodily injury. Mere "bodily injury" is sufficient so long as it was caused with "other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm."Jackson, 594 So. 2d at 24. Therefore, the determination whether teeth could be considered a "deadly weapon" is not essential to prove the elements of aggravated assault. ¶41. In the present case, Dr. Angel, the plastic surgeon who operated on Killingsworth, testified that Killingsworth's injury was a "sharp trauma." Killingsworth required surgery and a one-day hospital stay. By clamping down on Killingworth's ear with his teeth, Shaw ripped a seven and one-half by one and one-half centimeter (or a 3 inch by one-half inch) piece of tissue from Killingsworth's ear. The photos of Killingsworth's mangled ear were identified and placed into evidence. ¶42. Thus, we find that the jury could reasonably determine that Shaw's use of teeth was sufficient to cause "serious bodily harm" to Killingsworth, thereby satisfying that element of section 97-3-7(2)(b).
VI. Whether the trial court erred in denying Shaw the right to give "words of provocation" jury instructions. ¶43. Shaw argues that the trial court should have given Jury Instructions D-32 and D-33, which were "words of provocation" instructions. D-32 stated: "The Court instructs the jury for the Defendant, Brett Anthony Shaw, that an invitation to fight is no[t] sufficient provocation to assault or push or strike another person, even though one may have been the first to make a warlike demonstration and commence to take one's upper clothing off." Instruction D-33 said:
The Court instructs the jury for the Defendant, Brett Anthony Shaw, that acceptance of a challenge to fight and voluntar[il]y engaging in a fight because of the challenge, cannot be set up as justification for assaulting another person and is unlawful. And, further, the Court instructs the jury for Brett Shaw that even though you find that Brett Anthony Shaw used insulting words toward Shaun Killingsworth, yet those words, nor would any words, amount [to] such provocation as to deprive Brett Anthony Shaw of the right to self-defense.¶44. The giving or refusal of a jury instruction is subject to the trial court's discretion. Allen v. State, 111 So. 3d 679, 684 (¶9) (Miss. Ct. App. 2013) (citation omitted). If the instructions, when viewed as a whole, fairly announce the case law and "create no injustice," then no reversible error will be found. Id. ¶45. Upon review, we find nothing in the evidence to support the giving of these instructions. The trial judge, in refusing the jury instructions at issue, noted that defense counsel provided no authority to support the giving of these instructions, nor can this Court find any. While a defendant may produce evidence that a victim used provoking language to support a theory of self-defense, that is not applicable to the facts of this case. See Miss. Code Ann. § 99-17-19 (Rev. 2007). Shaw was the one using words of provocation, not Killingsworth. Further, Killingsworth was not the one on trial for aggravated assault; Shaw was. Accordingly, we find that the refusal of the jury instructions by the trial judge was not an abuse of discretion.
VII. Whether cumulative errors warrant a reversal of Shaw's conviction. ¶46. As we have found no individual errors, there can be no cumulative error that requires reversal of the judgment. See Lawrence v. State, 116 So. 3d 156, 163 (¶37) (Miss. Ct. App. 2012) ("[I]f there are no individual errors, there can be no cumulative error that warrants reversal.") (citation omitted). ¶47. THE JUDGMENT OF THE RANKIN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT OF CONVICTION OF COUNT I, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, AND SENTENCE OF TWENTY YEARS WITH TEN YEARS SUSPENDED, AND COUNT II, MALICIOUS MISCHIEF, AND SENTENCE OF FIVE YEARS, WITH THE SENTENCES TO RUN CONCURRENTLY, FOLLOWED BY FIVE YEARS OF SUPERVISED PROBATION, ALL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IS AFFIRMED. ALL COSTS OF THIS APPEAL ARE ASSESSED TO RANKIN COUNTY.
IRVING AND GRIFFIS, P.JJ., ROBERTS, MAXWELL AND FAIR, JJ., CONCUR. CARLTON, J., SPECIALLY CONCURS WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION, JOINED IN PART BY JAMES, J. ISHEE, J., CONCURS IN PART AND DISSENTS IN PART WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION, JOINED BY LEE, C.J., AND JAMES, J.
CARLTON, J., SPECIALLY CONCURRING: ¶48. I concur with the decision of the majority. I submit that the record contains sufficient evidence from which the jury could find beyond a reasonable doubt that Shaw committed aggravated assault by using his teeth to tear off a portion of Killingsworth's ear. See Williams v. State, 94 So. 3d 324, 329-30 (¶20) (Miss. Ct. App. 2011). Under the applicable standard of review, the evidence in the record is sufficient, and logical inferences may be drawn therefrom, for the jury to conclude that Shaw—not Killingsworth— acted as the initial aggressor in the aggravated assault. Accordingly, I concur with the majority's decision to affirm the trial court's judgment and convictions as to both counts—malicious mischief and aggravated assault. I specially concur with the majority and write separately to address the sufficiency of the evidence and the jury instructions in this case. ¶49. Shaw was charged with malicious mischief pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-17-67 (Supp. 2012) and aggravated assault pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-3-7(2)(b) (Rev. 2006). Section 97-3-7(2)(b) provides that "[a] person is guilty of aggravated assault if he . . . attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm." Shaw's indictment stated that he purposely or knowingly "[bit] a portion of Killingsworth's right ear off, a means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm." ¶50. I recognize that each witness testifies according to his or her own particular perception and memory of an event and memory thereof, and that it is the province of the jury to resolve conflicts in testimony and to determine credibility. I now turn to review evidence in the record supporting the conviction for aggravated assault, which includes testimony from Killingsworth, the victim, as determined by the jury; Patterson, Shaw's girlfriend; eyewitnesses including Dortch and Hunter Elward; three law enforcement officers; as well as medical testimony and automobile-damage-valuation testimony. ¶51. The transcript shows that before arriving to the party at Ian's apartment on July 18, 2010, Shaw revealed to his girlfriend (Patterson) his intent and desire to fight Killingsworth. Shaw explained that Killingsworth's constant bragging about his car angered Shaw. Killingsworth testified that during the party, he went outside because a neighbor told him that Shaw was jumping up and down on his car. Killingworth testified that he saw the damage to his car, and he immediately asked Shaw why he damaged the car. According to Killingworth's testimony, Shaw stood aggressively close to Killingworth's face. Killingworth testified that he told Shaw to get out of his face, and stated that he did not want to fight Shaw. However, Shaw responded by telling Killingsworth that he was already in his face. These actions by Shaw provide sufficient evidence to show that he acted with the requisite general intent. See Bright v. State, 986 So. 2d 1042, 1046 (¶13) (Miss. Ct. App. 2008) ("Intent is determined by the act itself, surrounding circumstances, and expressions made by the actor with reference to his intent."). ¶52. Killingsworth testified that he tried to get Shaw to calm down, so he pushed him against the vehicle and held Shaw there in an effort to prevent Shaw from hitting him. Killingsworth admitted at trial that he made the first contact between himself and Shaw by pushing Shaw out of his face in order to hold him down. Killingsworth claimed that Shaw's friend Gill came from behind him while he was holding Shaw. Gill then hit Killingsworth, so Killingsworth tried to stop Gill from hitting him. Once Killingsworth turned back around to where he was holding Shaw, Shaw bit Killingsworth on the ear, as well as under the arm. ¶53. Killingsworth testified that he tried to get Shaw off of him, and stated that Shaw would not quit biting him. Killingsworth's statement to the police, introduced during cross-examination, reflected that Killingsworth punched Shaw a couple of times in an attempt to get Shaw to release his bite hold on Killingsworth's ear. Killingsworth stated that he "wrapped [Shaw] back up," holding him on the ground. Shaw's bite hold on Killingsworth's ear was too tight and strong, resulting in Shaw ripping off Killingsworth's ear. The police then arrived and found Killingsworth and Shaw on the ground. ¶54. With respect to other testimony in the record that also supports the jury's verdict and provides evidence that Shaw acted as the initial aggressor and with the requisite general intent, I note that Dortch, an eyewitness, testified that Shaw acted hostilely earlier at the party and verbally expressed his desire to fight Killingsworth. Shaw kept asking Killingsworth to go outside to fight. Dortch separated the two, testifying that he took Shaw outside and Killingworth stayed inside. As to Shaw's demeanor, Dortch testified that Shaw seemed angry and hostile, but that Killingsworth was not angry. Dortch also testified that he observed Shaw throw the first punch, but he stated that Killingsworth just kept telling Shaw that he did not want to fight. Dortch's testimony that he witnessed Shaw throw the first punch was consistent on cross-examination, and established that Dortch was consistent as to this claim in his pretrial written statement to law enforcement. ¶55. Hunter, another eyewitness, heard Shaw yelling, "Bring it on. Do something. Let's see what you got." Hunter saw Shaw take his shirt off and beat his chest "like a gorilla." Shaw began jumping around, whooping, and hollering. Shaw jumped on the hood of Killingsworth's car and began slamming his feet into the hood. Shaw jumped off the car and Killingsworth came outside. Hunter heard Shaw yell profanity, and he heard Killingsworth ask why Shaw jumped on his car. Hunter also heard Killingsworth tell Shaw that he did not want to engage in a fight with him. Hunter stated that Shaw acted as the initial aggressor by punching Killingsworth. Hunter explained that he saw Shaw rare back to punch Killingsworth, and prior to that action, Killingsworth had not made any aggressive moves towards Shaw. Killingsworth grabbed Shaw in self defense, and the two began to tussle shortly before Killingsworth slammed Shaw into the ground. Hunter stated that he saw the two holding each other in a headlock on the ground, and it appeared that Killingsworth was trying to prevent Shaw from doing anything. Hunter heard Killingsworth yell that Shaw had bitten his ear. Hunter saw blood on both Shaw and Killingsworth. Hunter testified that the police arrived about two minutes after Shaw bit a portion of Killingsworth's ear off. ¶56. Lieutenant East of the Richland Police Department testified that when he arrived to the scene, Killingsworth and Shaw were on the ground fighting, and he observed Killingsworth trying to hold Shaw down. Both Lieutenant East and Officer Frank Craft, also of the Richland Police Department, testified that Shaw did not appear to be injured upon their arrival. Shaw provided a statement to the police stating that he was too drunk to remember the events of the night, but he stated that he did remember denting Killingsworth's car before getting into a fight and biting off part of Killingsworth's ear. Both officers testified that Shaw was defiant and uncooperative upon their arrival at the scene. ¶57. In jury instruction 9, the jury was instructed:
See Chambliss v. State, 919 So. 2d 30, 35 (¶15) (Miss. 2005) (the questions of a defendant's intent and knowledge are questions for the jury); Bright v. State, 986 So. 2d 1042, 1046 (¶13) (Miss. Ct. App. 2008) ("Intent is determined by the act itself, surrounding circumstances, and expressions made by the actor with reference to his intent.").
[I]f you believe from the evidence that [Killingsworth] was the aggressor in this case, and if you further believe from the evidence that [Killingsworth] was a much larger and stronger man than [Shaw], and was capable of inflicting great and serious harm upon [Shaw] with his hands and that [Shaw] had reason to believe and did believe as a man of ordinary reason that he was in imminent danger of such harm at the hands of [Killingsworth], and that [Shaw] used his teeth to protect himself from such harm, then it is your duty to find [Shaw] not guilty.¶58. Jury instruction 10 also properly informed the jury that the law in Mississippi provides than an initial aggressor is not entitled to assert the defense of self-defense. Similarly, and without objection, the court instructed the jury in instruction 12 that voluntary intoxication failed to provide a defense to the charge of aggravated assault or malicious mischief in Mississippi. See Harper v. State, 853 So. 2d 1286, 1288 (¶7) (Miss. Ct. App. 2003) (holding that failure to make a contemporaneous objection at trial waives review of the issue on appeal). Voluntary intoxication provides no defense to these offenses since they both constitute general-intent crimes. See Wales v. State, 73 So. 3d 1113, 1121 (¶22) (Miss. 2011) (holding that intent can be inferred from evidence of the defendant's actions); Bright, 986 So. 2d at 1046 (¶13) (aggravated assault is a crime of general intent); Griffin v. State, 872 So. 2d 90, 91-92 (¶¶4-5) (Miss. Ct. App. 2004). ¶59. I submit that the testimony of the eyewitnesses and the victim indeed provided a sufficient evidentiary basis for the jury to find that Shaw acted as the initial aggressor. During the party, Shaw put his intent on display through his hostile behavior of stomping on Killingsworth's car and getting in his face to pick a fight. See Wales, 73 So. 3d at 1121 (¶22); Chambliss v. State, 919 So. 2d 30, 35 (¶15) (Miss. 2005) (questions of a defendant's intent and knowledge are questions for the jury). The record shows that an expert in auto-body-repair valuation also testified as to the damage of the victim's car. Eyewitnesses also established that Shaw tried to fight Killingsworth most of the evening, and that Killingsworth repeatedly told Shaw that he did not want to fight. Killingsworth and the eyewitnesses testified that Shaw threw the first punch. ¶60. Jury instruction 11 instructed the jury that "serious bodily harm is bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ." Jury instruction 11 further instructed that it was for the jury to determine whether or not biting off part of Killingsworth's ear, as alleged in this case, constituted a "means likely" to produce serious bodily harm. With respect to jury instruction 11, the record shows that during the court's conference on jury instructions with counsel for both the State and Shaw, the court requested that counsel submit an instruction that defined "means likely" and also informed the jury that it was their duty to determine whether or not biting off someone's ear is a "means likely" to produce serious bodily harm. The jury-instruction conference reflects that the court considered case law in its determination of the instructions regarding the law on "means likely" and in the area of initial aggressors in assaults. The court explained that the case law reflected that "means likely" constituted a jury question. The defense raised no objection, and when the amended jury instruction S7(a) was offered to the court with the definition of "means likely" contained therein, the defense accepted the instruction. The court then accepted instruction S7(a), which was presented to the jury as instruction 11. See Foster v. State, 639 So. 2d 1263, 1289 (Miss. 1994) ("A defendant who fails to make a contemporaneous objection must rely on plain error to raise the assignment on appeal."). ¶61. In examining the evidence of the serious bodily harm of disfigurement resulting from the aggravated assault, the record includes photographs of Killingsworth's disfigured ear and testimony from Killingsworth, and medical testimony of Dr. Angel, showing that Killingsworth was missing seven and a half centimeters of his ear, which the record provides constitutes about the full length of his ear. The record shows that Killingworth required surgery on his ear as a result of the injury. Clearly, disfigurement to the ear results when a person bites part of another's ear off, and I submit that such permanent disfigurement of the ear constitutes a serious bodily harm, satisfying the injury element of the aggravated-assault statute. ¶62. The jury instructions in this case reflect that the trial court properly and thoroughly instructed the jury as to the State's burden to prove each element of the charged offenses. The jury instructions also reflect that the trial court properly and thoroughly instructed the jury as to the other issues raised by the evidence in this case. See O'Flynn v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas, 759 So. 2d 526, 536 (¶31) (Miss. Ct. App. 2000) (On appeal, jury instructions are reviewed as a whole to determine whether the instructions properly express the applicable law.). ¶63. Certainly, conflicting evidence was presented at the trial, but it is the job of the jury, and not the appellate courts, to determine credibility and resolve conflict in testimony. Nason v. State, 840 So. 2d 788, 792 (¶¶14-15) (Miss. Ct. App. 2003) (jury possesses the duty to resolve conflicts in testimony). The record reflects sufficient evidence to show that Shaw acted as the initial aggressor. Paraphrasing, the record shows that the jury was instructed in jury instruction 9 that it was required find Shaw not guilty if it found that Killingsworth acted as the initial aggressor and found that Shaw bit Killingworth's ear to protect himself because of his reasonable belief that he faced imminent danger of serious bodily harm from Killingsworth. The jury considered this instruction and rejected Shaw's defense. Sufficient evidence exists in the record for the jury to have found beyond a reasonable doubt that Shaw acted as the initial aggressor by biting and aggressively hitting Killingsworth and damaging his ear. Sufficient evidence also exists for the jury to find that the State met its burden of proving each element of the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. ¶64. In the present case, the record shows that Shaw verbally expressed his intent to fight Killingsworth and then later engaged in a physical altercation with Killingsworth, which caused Killingsworth serious bodily harm. The evidence in the record more than sufficiently satisfied that amount of evidence which is required by our standard of review of a jury verdict to establish the defendant's general intent to commit these offenses. I therefore concur with the majority's decision to affirm the judgment of the trial court and the verdict of the jury. See Williams, 94 So. 3d at 329-30 (¶20).
See Jackson v. State, 594 So. 2d 20, 23 (Miss. 1992) (supreme court held that an aggravated assault committed with one's fists may constitute a crime under Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-3-7(2)(b)); Johnson v. State, 230 So. 2d 810, 811 (Miss. 1970) (shoe-clad foot falls into category of other means); Adams v. State, 726 So. 2d 1275, 1278-79 (¶8) (Miss. Ct. App. 1998) (fist falls into category of other means); Harrison v. State, 724 So. 2d 978, 984 (Miss. Ct. App. 1998).
See Manuel v. State, 667 So. 2d 590, 592, 93 (Miss. 1995); See also Miss. Code Ann. § 99-17-19 (judge in a criminal case shall instruct the jury upon the principles of law applicable to the case).
See Owens v. State, 763 So. 2d 917, 920 (¶9) (Miss. Ct. App. 2000).
In Jenkins v. State, 913 So. 2d 1044, 1048-49 (¶¶12-13) (Miss. Ct. App. 2005), this Court clarified:
Both this Court and the Mississippi Supreme Court have held that when an individual is charged pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated [section] 97-3-7(2)(b), the State need not prove the victim suffered "serious" bodily injury. In Jackson v. State, 594 So. 2d 20, 24 (Miss. 1992), the Mississippi Supreme Court stated:
It is not necessary under [section] 97-3-7(2)(b) that the use of hands and fists constitute the use of a "deadly weapon"; rather, it is enough if their use constitutes a "means likely to produce [either] death or serious bodily harm." Nor is it necessary under this section for the State to prove the victim suffered "serious" bodily injury. Mere "bodily injury" is sufficient so long as it was caused with "other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm.
See Osborne v. State, 843 So. 2d 99, 102 (¶11) (Miss. Ct. App. 2003) (Evidence presented in support of an aggravated assault charge failed to warrant a lesser-included-offense instruction of simple assault; "[the defendant] was either not guilty since she claimed she did not know how [the victim] was injured and that she did not touch [the victim], or she was guilty of aggravated assault as she caused injury under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life using means likely to produce serious bodily harm.").
See Williams, 94 So. 3d at 329-30 (¶20) (When considering whether the evidence is sufficient to support a conviction, "the critical inquiry is whether the evidence shows beyond a reasonable doubt that accused committed the act charged, and that he did so under such circumstances that every element of the offense existed; and where the evidence fails to meet this test it is insufficient to support a conviction.").
See Chambliss, 919 So. 2d at 35 (¶15); Bright, 986 So. 2d at 1046 (¶13).
JAMES, J., JOINS THIS OPINION IN PART.
ISHEE, J., CONCURRING IN PART AND DISSENTING IN PART: ¶65. While I concur with the majority's decision to affirm Shaw's malicious-mischief conviction, I respectfully dissent from the decision to affirm Shaw's conviction of aggravated assault. The majority finds that the evidence was sufficient for the jury to conclude that Shaw intended to inflict serious bodily harm on Killingsworth. I disagree. Accordingly, I would reverse and render Shaw's conviction for aggravated assault. ¶66. In order for the evidence to be found sufficient to sustain a conviction, it must show "beyond a reasonable doubt that [the] accused committed the act charged, and that he did so under such circumstances that every element of the offense existed; and where the evidence fails to meet this test[,] it is insufficient to support a conviction." Bush v. State, 895 So. 2d 836, 843 (¶16) (Miss. 2005) (citing Carr v. State, 208 So. 2d 886, 889 (Miss. 1968)). Mississippi Code Annotated section 97-3-7(2)(b) (Rev. 2006) provides that "[a] person is guilty of aggravated assault if he . . . attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm[.]" Shaw was charged with purposely or knowingly "biting a portion of Killingsworth's right ear off, a means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm." The State was required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Shaw acted with either requisite mental state provided for in section 97-3-7(2)(b). ¶67. Shaw argues that the State did not put forth any evidence to support the "purposely or knowingly" elements of the charge of aggravated assault. Shaw asserts that it is reasonable that he bit Killingsworth in an attempt to get Killingsworth to release him and not to cause bodily injury. As such, Shaw argues that since he acted in self-defense without the intent to cause serious bodily harm, the evidence was insufficient to sustain his conviction of aggravated assault. I agree. ¶68. The State contends that Shaw's intent to cause serious bodily injury can be inferred from testimony given regarding Shaw's anger and antagonizing behavior towards Killingsworth. "Intent ordinarily must be inferred from the acts and conduct of the party and the facts and circumstances attending them." Wales v. State, 73 So. 3d 1113, 1121 (¶22) (Miss. 2011) (citation omitted). Further, "even 'slim' evidence can be used to uphold a guilty verdict so long as it can reasonably be inferred to support such a finding." Sanders v. State, 949 So. 2d 92, 94 (¶5) (Miss. Ct. App. 2006) (citation omitted). ¶69. The only testimony presented concerning the details of the bite to Killingsworth's ear was by Killingsworth. Killingsworth stated that while he had Shaw restrained beneath him, Gill began punching and kicking him in an attempt to help Shaw. Killingsworth testified that he turned to see who was attacking him and, when he turned his head back around after addressing Gill, Shaw bit his ear. Killingsworth described the incident and stated, "[Shaw] had a tight grip on [the ear] so, I mean, I had to get him off . . . [a]nd when he came off[,] [the ear] ripped down and that's when [the ear] ripped off." Killingsworth's testimony fails to prove that Shaw acted with either requisite mental state. Rather, his testimony only provides evidence that the loss of the ear occurred as a result of a struggle between the two men and that Shaw was acting in self-defense. ¶70. "Self-defense has long been recognized in our law as a defense to a prosecution for assault, or as it is today known, aggravated assault." Anderson v. State, 571 So. 2d 961, 963 (Miss. 1990) (citations omitted).
To make an assault justifiable on grounds of self-defense, danger to the defendant must be either actual, present and urgent, or [the] defendant must have reasonable grounds to apprehend design on the part of the victim to kill, or to do him some great bodily harm, and, in addition, there must be immiment danger of such design being accomplished.Id. Shaw and Killingsworth had been at odds the entire night. Killingsworth had confronted Shaw twice that evening, once in the kitchen, and later in the parking lot. While Killingsworth testified that, at all times, he informed Shaw that he did not want to fight, he continued to provoke Shaw. He testified that during the argument in the kitchen he did not back down from Shaw. He also stated that upon hearing that Shaw had damaged his car, he was prepared to get in his car to go find Shaw and approach him about the damage. ¶71. It is evident that Killingsworth was the initial aggressor and Shaw was in actual danger of harm. At the time of the incident, Killingsworth was twenty-four years old and Shaw was only nineteen years old. Killingsworth, weighing 240 pounds and measuring six feet in height, admitted that he was substantially larger and stronger than Shaw. Although there was testimony that Shaw also presented antagonizing behavior, the first physical contact made between the two men was when Killingsworth shoved Shaw in the parking lot. Shortly thereafter, Killingsworth pinned Shaw down and did not release him until the police officers arrived. At all times during the fight, Shaw was trapped beneath Killingsworth. The only opportunity Shaw had to get away from Killingsworth was when Killingsworth became distracted by Gill, and Shaw attempted to escape with a single bite to Killingsworth's ear. Although Killingsworth suffered bodily injury, the evidence reflects that Shaw's action of self-defense was not done with the intent to purposely or knowingly cause serious bodily injury. ¶72. While the evidence in this case may meet the elements necessary for simple assault, that charge was not presented to the jury. As such, the evidence must have been sufficient to meet the elements of aggravated assault. I believe that it was not. Therefore, I would reverse and render the jury's guilty verdict and Shaw's sentence on the aggravated-assault charge.
LEE, C.J., AND JAMES, J., JOIN THIS OPINION.