Fidel Troncoso v. State

In The Court of Appeals Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana ______________________________ No. 06-03-00065-CR ______________________________ FIDEL BARROSO TRONCOSO, Appellant V. THE STATE OF TEXAS, Appellee On Appeal from the 23rd Judicial District Court Brazoria County, Texas Trial Court No. 42,161 Before Morriss, C.J., Ross and Carter, JJ. Opinion by Justice Ross O P I N I O N Fidel Barroso Troncoso was convicted of murder and assessed fifty-five years' imprisonment by a jury. He contends the trial court erred in admitting certain autopsy photographs of the victim and by not submitting a sudden passion charge to the jury on punishment. We overrule these contentions and affirm the judgment. Background The State's evidence showed that, when Lucy Trevino opened her taco stand in February of 2002, she discovered a Chevrolet Suburban outside with blood dripping from the door. She telephoned police, who found the Suburban still running, with the lights on, and a deceased Arturo Macias inside. The police investigation led them to Troncoso's residence. On arrival, the police gained Troncoso's consent to enter the residence. While accompanying Troncoso to his bedroom, police noticed a laundry basket containing red-stained clothing. Police asked Troncoso to accompany them to the sheriff's department for questioning, and he agreed. A subsequent search of Troncoso's residence revealed clothing, a machete, and a knife, all with Macias' blood on them. Troncoso was arrested and gave two statements to law enforcement officers. In each of these statements, he admitted killing Macias. He stated that the events leading to Macias' death were as follows: He had been living with Minerva De La Rosa when she left him and began seeing Macias. De La Rosa, however, stayed in contact with Troncoso. She later voiced her desire to return to Troncoso, but feared Macias' reaction. On the night of Macias' death, De La Rosa telephoned Troncoso and asked him to follow Macias and scare him or "make him disappear." Troncoso located Macias and followed him to Trevino's taco stand with the intention of scaring him into leaving De La Rosa alone. Troncoso got out of his truck and approached Macias' Suburban. Troncoso stated that, when he approached Macias' vehicle, Macias opened the door and began kicking him, so Troncoso struck him with a machete. Macias was still kicking him, however, so he stabbed him in the chest with a knife. Troncoso told police that Macias was younger and stronger, and that he had to defend himself. The two statements were videotaped and played for the jury. Troncoso pled not guilty and testified in his own defense. At trial, Troncoso admitted killing Macias, but testified differently to the sequence of events leading to Macias' death. He testified that he followed Macias for ten minutes and that, when they both stopped, he approached Macias' Suburban and started kicking the door. Macias then opened the door and began kicking him, but Troncoso did not hit Macias with the machete; instead, Troncoso retreated to his truck. Macias followed him, telling him he was going to make him disappear. Troncoso testified he was very frightened because Macias was younger and stronger. He also testified he saw something shiny in Macias' belt, which he believed was a weapon. Troncoso was then able to grab a machete from his truck and strike Macias with it. Macias went back to his Suburban, where Troncoso assumed he was obtaining a weapon. Troncoso then grabbed a knife from his truck, approached Macias, who was in his Suburban, and stabbed him in the chest. He testified he was very frightened and did not remember a lot of the events. Dr. Stephen Pustilnik, the deputy chief medical examiner for Galveston County, testified regarding the injuries Macias sustained. He testified Macias had three wounds to the head, two to the face, ten to twelve stab wounds to the chest, and several defensive wounds to his hands. Pustilnik used a mannequin and autopsy photographs to illustrate those injuries to the jury. The charge on guilt/innocence was read to the jury, including an instruction on self-defense. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. The trial then proceeded to the punishment phase, where several of Troncoso's relatives testified on his behalf. Troncoso objected to the proposed jury charge on punishment because it did not contain an instruction on sudden passion. The trial court overruled the objection. Autopsy Photographs Troncoso contends the trial court erred by allowing the State to introduce autopsy photographs of Macias' wounds. During trial, Pustilnik testified regarding the various types of injuries Macias sustained, including incision, chopping, and stabbing type wounds. He testified Macias had various groups of wounds to his head, chest, hands, and face. He used a diagram and photographs to show the jury the locations of and types of wounds. The diagram consisted of a plastic overlay on which Macias' wounds were drawn. The overlay was then placed on a mannequin to illustrate the position of Macias' wounds as Pustilnik testified. Pustilnik also used photographs of Macias taken during the autopsy to illustrate the wounds. In State's Exhibit 4, which was admitted and published to the jury without objection, the wounds to Macias' face were depicted. Pustilnik testified the wounds to Macias' face included an incision wound and a stab wound. The State then offered Exhibits 27 through 29. Defense counsel objected on the bases that the probative value of the photographs was outweighed by their prejudicial effect and that the photographs were cumulative because Pustilnik had already shown, through his testimony and on the mannequin, where the injuries were sustained. The trial court sustained the objection to Exhibit 28, but overruled the objection as to Exhibits 27 and 29, and admitted those exhibits. The court, however, did not let the State publish Exhibits 27 and 29 to the jury at that time. It is unclear from the record when or if those exhibits were published to the jury. Pustilnik's testimony continued with his determination that the multiple stab wounds to Macias' left lung and heart caused his death. Juror 11 then began crying and attempted to leave the courtroom. The court took a ten-minute recess and continued after assurances from Juror 11 that she was ready to continue. Pustilnik continued his testimony on the defensive wounds Macias suffered to his hands. The State offered Exhibits 30 and 31 to illustrate those defensive wounds, which were admitted without objection. Troncoso contends on appeal the trial court erred in admitting Exhibits 27 and 29. The trial court's decisions concerning admission of evidence are held to an abuse of discretion standard. Jones v. State, 944 S.W.2d 642, 652 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996); Coffin v. State, 885 S.W.2d 140, 149 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). A trial court is given wide discretion when deciding admissibility of photographs. Sonnier v. State, 913 S.W.2d 511, 518 (Tex. Crim. App. 1995); Etheridge v. State, 903 S.W.2d 1, 21 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). An abuse of discretion exists when the trial court's ruling falls outside the zone of reasonable disagreement. Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W.2d 372, 380 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990). Texas Rule of Evidence 403 provides that, although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Tex. R. Evid. 403; Sonnier, 913 S.W.2d at 518. In determining whether the inflammatory nature outweighs its probative value, the trial court should consider "the inherent tendency that some evidence may have to encourage [the] resolution of material issues on an inappropriate basis and should balance carefully against it the host of factors affecting probativeness, including relative weight of the evidence and the degree to which its proponent might be disadvantaged without it." Fuller v. State, 829 S.W.2d 191, 206 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992). Relevant criteria in determining whether the trial court's determination was reasonable include: (1) whether the ultimate issue was seriously contested by the opponent; (2) whether the state had other convincing evidence to establish the ultimate issue to which the evidence was relevant; (3) whether the probative value of the evidence was not, either alone or in combination with other evidence, particularly compelling; and (4) whether the evidence was of such a nature that a jury instruction to disregard it for any but its proffered purpose would not likely have been efficacious. Montgomery, 810 S.W.2d at 392–93 (op. on reh'g). Rule 403 favors the admission of relevant evidence and presumes that relevant evidence will be more probative than prejudicial. Etheridge, 903 S.W.2d at 21. Relevant factors in ascertaining the admissibility of photographs under Rule 403 include the number of exhibits offered, their gruesomeness, detail, size, whether they are black and white or color, whether they are close-up shots, whether the body is naked or clothed, the availability of other means of proof, and other circumstances unique to the individual case. Santellan v. State, 939 S.W.2d 155, 172 (Tex. Crim. App. 1997). Where pictorial evidence will help the jury understand verbal testimony, such as the technical language used by a medical doctor in describing the injuries sustained by a victim of a crime, a trial court does not abuse its discretion in admitting these photographs. Harris v. State, 661 S.W.2d 106, 107 (Tex. Crim. App. 1983). Generally, autopsy photographs are admissible unless they depict mutilations of the victim due to the autopsy itself. See Rojas v. State, 986 S.W.2d 241, 249 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). Photographs that depict the nature, location, and extent of a wound have generally been deemed probative enough to outweigh any prejudicial effects such photographs may have on the jury, and these types of photographs are therefore properly admissible. See Etheridge, 903 S.W.2d at 21. Moreover, photographs are generally admissible where verbal testimony about the same matter is admissible. Jones, 944 S.W.2d at 652; Emery v. State, 881 S.W.2d 702, 710 (Tex. Crim. App. 1994). Troncoso contends the admission of these "gruesome" photographs substantially outweighed their probative value. He contends that, because he had admitted from the outset he killed Macias, and since the photographs were cumulative of the medical examiner's testimony concerning the wounds, the photographs served no purpose but to inflame the minds of the jury. Although Troncoso did not dispute he killed Macias, he pled not guilty, therefore requiring the State to prove each element of the crime. See Mathews v. State, 40 S.W.3d 179, 185 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, pet. ref'd). Photographs showing a victim's wounds may be admitted to clarify and support observations and conclusions about the victim's injuries and to reveal the cause of death as alleged in the indictment. See Madden v. State, 799 S.W.2d 683, 696–97 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990); Moss v. State, 860 S.W.2d 194, 196 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 1993, no pet.). The State alleged in the indictment, as the manner and means of the murder, that Troncoso used a knife and a machete, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily injury. Exhibits 27 and 29 show the machete wounds to Macias' head and the stab wounds to his chest. Therefore, these photographs were probative evidence of the manner and means of the murder as alleged in the indictment. In addition, Troncoso's testimony during trial asserted he acted in self-defense. The State contends, and we agree, that the photographs were probative to rebut that defensive theory. The photographs depicted the numerous wounds which Macias suffered and the relative force required to inflict them. The photographs enabled the jury to see how the physical evidence and circumstances of the stabbing compared to Troncoso's version of the facts. The photographs had probative value. Troncoso contends the photographs are merely cumulative of the medical examiner's testimony and diagram and, therefore, their only purpose was to inflame the minds of the jury. The photographs, however, supported Pustilnik's testimony and helped explain Macias' injuries to the jury. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has held that, where pictorial evidence will help the jury understand verbal testimony, such as the technical language used by a medical doctor in describing the injuries sustained by a victim of a crime, a trial court does not abuse its discretion in admitting these photographs. Harris, 661 S.W.2d at 107; see also Williams v. State, 937 S.W.2d 479, 488 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) (finding photographs admissible under Tex. R. Evid. 403 even if they merely corroborate other kinds of evidence); Bacey v. State, 990 S.W.2d 319, 326 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 1999, no pet.) (finding when there are two or more photographs depicting same thing but from different perspectives, jury can gain information it might not otherwise have when viewing other photographs from other perspectives). The photographs of the numerous wounds to Macias' chest and head aided the jury in interpreting and understanding both Pustilnik's testimony and Troncoso's testimony as to how the attack occurred. This probative value was not substantially outweighed by any undue prejudice. The two photographs of which Troncoso complains are autopsy photographs of the wounds to Macias' head and chest. From the record, they appear to be relatively small, depict a narrow, focused view of only those two portions of the body, display relatively little blood, and are not excessively gruesome. Although disturbing, they depict nothing more than the reality of the brutal crime committed: Appellant must realize that it is precisely the quality which we describe as "powerful" which gives rise to his arguments that the photographs are prejudicially inflammatory. But when the power of the visible evidence emanates from nothing more than what the defendant has himself done we cannot hold that the trial court has abused its discretion merely because it admitted the evidence. A trial court does not err merely because it admits into evidence photographs which are gruesome. Sonnier, 913 S.W.2d at 519. Troncoso cites Reese v. State, 33 S.W.3d 238 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000), in support of his position that the photographs were unduly prejudicial. In Reese, 33 S.W.3d at 239, the state introduced, during the punishment phase of trial, a photograph of the victim in her casket. Also visible in the photograph was the victim's unborn child, who died when the victim was killed. Id. The fetus had been removed from the victim after her death and wrapped in what appears to be a blanket. Id. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found that, while the photograph had some probative value to show the fact the victim and her baby were killed, those facts were not contested, and the jury by its verdict had already found beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was dead. Id. at 242. The court found the little probative value the photograph had was substantially outweighed by the prejudice from the obviously emotional photograph. Id. at 243. In this case, unlike Reese, the autopsy photographs depicted facts of consequence that were in dispute. They directly refuted Troncoso's assertions of self-defense and aided the jury in understanding Pustilnik's testimony concerning Macias' wounds. We also cannot equate the prejudice from Macias' autopsy photographs to the prejudice of the photographs in Reese. The Reese court noted how the unborn child in the photograph appeared innocent and vulnerable. Id. The court noted society's natural inclination to protect the innocent and vulnerable, and found that the photograph had an emotional impact which suggested the jury's decision be made on an emotional basis, not on the basis of other relevant evidence. Id. The autopsy photographs in this case were disturbing, but they did not come charged with the same emotional impact as the photograph in Reese, nor did they suggest that the jury's decision be made on an emotional basis as opposed to the facts of the case. The photographs depicted facts that were of consequence in the case. They were not excessively gruesome, but were small, showed relatively little blood, and only depicted the reality of the crime committed. Troncoso emphasizes Juror 11's reaction to Pustilnik's testimony as evidence of the prejudicial impact of the photographs. Troncoso contends Juror 11's reaction proves unfair prejudice because it shows the photographs had an undue tendency to suggest a decision on an emotional basis. Here, we have the unique situation where a juror expressed her emotions in open court. During Pustilnik's testimony, Juror 11 began to cry and attempted to leave the courtroom and enter the jury room. The door was locked, so the juror stood crying at the doorway. Frank Dixon, the bailiff, testified at the hearing on the motion for new trial that Juror 11 was "upset with the photos and couldn't accept the fact of the graphics of them . . . ." There is nothing in the record, however, to suggest which photographs caused this outburst. There were several photographs published to the jury. Exhibit 4 depicted the wounds to Macias' face, and several crime scene photographs were before the jury. The record reflects that the photographs in question, Exhibits 27 and 29 were not published to the jury when Juror 11 had her outburst. In any event, the standard for determining prejudice is that of a juror of normal sensitivity, and the photographs in this case were not so horrifying that a juror of normal sensitivity would have had difficulty rationally deciding the issues after viewing the photographs. See Fuller v. State, 829 S.W.2d 191, 206 (Tex. Crim. App. 1992) (finding inquiry is whether photographs so horrifying or appalling that juror of normal sensitivity would necessarily encounter difficulty rationally deciding critical issues of case after viewing the photographs). In view of the relevant factors, the prejudicial effect of the disputed photographs did not substantially outweigh their probative value. The photographs had high probative value to establish the cause of death alleged in the indictment and to rebut Troncoso's claim of self-defense. This probative value was not substantially outweighed by any unfair prejudice from the photographs, which were not excessively gruesome and owe any disturbing nature to the crime itself. Accordingly, the trial court properly exercised its discretion in admitting the photographs. This point of error is overruled. Sudden Passion Troncoso also contends the trial court erred by not instructing the jury at the punishment stage on sudden passion. He contends there was some evidence he lost the ability of calm, cool reflection and acted on his emotions after he was provoked by Macias' aggression. He contends there was evidence that he did not intend to kill Macias, that Macias kicked him, that he thought the victim had a weapon, that he was very afraid, and that his head "shut down." The Penal Code provides that, at the punishment stage of a trial for murder, "the defendant may raise the issue as to whether he caused the death under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. If the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative by a preponderance of the evidence, the offense is a felony of the second degree." Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 19.02(d) (Vernon 2003). "Sudden passion" is defined as "passion directly caused by and arising out of provocation by the individual killed or another acting with the person killed which passion arises at the time of the offense and is not solely the result of former provocation." Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 19.02(a)(2) (Vernon 2003). "Adequate cause" means "cause that would commonly produce a degree of anger, rage, resentment, or terror in a person of ordinary temper, sufficient to render the mind incapable of cool reflection." Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 19.02(a)(1) (Vernon 2003). If a defendant presents evidence of sudden passion, he or she is entitled to an instruction on this mitigating circumstance even if the evidence raising such an issue is contradicted, weak, or unbelievable. Trevino v. State, 100 S.W.3d 232, 238 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003). The question is whether there was any evidence from which a rational jury could infer such passion. Moore v. State, 969 S.W.2d 4, 11 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). Anything more than a scintilla of evidence is sufficient to entitle a defendant to a sudden passion instruction at punishment. Jones v. State, 984 S.W.2d 254, 257 (Tex. Crim. App. 1998). Finally, we note there is no requirement that evidence admitted at the guilt/innocence phase of trial be reoffered to be considered at punishment. Trevino, 100 S.W.3d at 238. Evidence on a punishment issue will often come out in the course of the state's own evidence regarding the circumstances of the offense itself, at the guilt/innocence phase of trial. Id. There was evidence, ignoring any inconsistencies and weaknesses, of the following: that Troncoso had no intent to murder or harm Macias, but only to scare him; that, when Troncoso approached the Suburban, Macias told him he was "going to make [Troncoso] disappear"; that Macias kicked him and hit him in the chest with his fists; that Troncoso believed Macias had a weapon; that Macias was younger and stronger; that Troncoso was scared; that his head "shut down" after he struck Macias with the machete; that he does not remember the events of the altercation very well; and that Pustilnik testified the wounds were clustered on the chest over a vital area, which generally speaks of rage or a very aggressive posture between two people. This evidence does not raise the issue of sudden passion. This evidence raises issues of self-defense and suggests Troncoso was afraid during his attack of Macias. Evidence of fear alone, or self-defense, is not sufficient evidence to raise sudden passion. The record must show some evidence of all the elements of Tex. Pen. Code Ann. § 19.02(d). An actor who fears for his or her life may coolly and deliberately dispatch his or her assailant without panic or hysteria. See Fry v. State, 915 S.W.2d 554, 559 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1995, no pet.). In addition, not all testimony of anger or fear rises to the level of sudden passion. See Gonzales v. State, 717 S.W.2d 355, 357 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986). For a claim of fear or anger to rise to the level of sudden passion, the defendant's mind must be rendered incapable of cool reflection. See id. (holding that sudden passion instruction not necessary where there was no testimony indicating defendant was emotionally aroused at time of shooting). Testimony that the defendant became enraged, resentful, or terrified immediately before the shooting adequately indicates such a state of mind. Havard v. State, 800 S.W.2d 195, 217 (Tex. Crim. App. 1989) (op. on reh'g) (holding appellant's testimony he was "emotionally hurt and mad at the time he raised his rifle" and feared for his life when he "saw two men with weapons drawn coming toward him" was sufficient to require sudden passion instruction). In Fry, 915 S.W.2d at 558, Fry testified that the victim and his friend forced their way into his house and that the victim had a wooden stake in his pocket. Fry testified he was afraid of the victim because the deceased had a reputation of being a "trained killer," so he obtained a rifle. Id. A short struggle ensued over the rifle, after which the victim and his friend left the house. Id. Fry stepped onto the front porch with the rifle, and he testified that the victim told his friend to "[g]o get the gun" and that the victim himself put his hand in his pants pocket and threatened Fry's life. Id. Fry then shot the victim. Id. Fry testified that he feared for his life and that he was "in quite a bit of [sic] state of shock." Id. He further testified that he had no intention of hurting anyone and that both shots were intended only to "scare" the victim. Id. The Houston Court of Appeals found this testimony showed a reflective and deliberate response to a perceived threat, not a spontaneous response to anger, rage, resentment, or terror. Id. The determination of whether there was evidence of sudden passion is a close one, because it only requires a scintilla of evidence. In this case, Troncoso testified that he was afraid, that his mind "shut down," and that Pustilnik testified the injuries to Macias generally reflect rage or a very aggressive posture between two people. Troncoso's testimony was that Macias kicked him, punched him in the chest, and told him he was "going to make [him] disappear." This caused Troncoso to become afraid, so he went back to his truck and obtained a machete. Macias was following him, so he struck him with the machete. Macias then went back to his Suburban. Troncoso was afraid Macias was obtaining a weapon located in his Suburban, so he stabbed him in the chest. This evidence does not reflect fear that was so strong and overpowering that it rendered Troncoso incapable of rational thought and collected action. Like Fry, it evidences a reflective and deliberate response to a perceived threat, not a spontaneous response to anger, rage, resentment, or terror. Troncoso cites Trevino, 100 S.W.3d 232. In Trevino, the defendant testified there had been a verbal altercation between him and his wife, the victim; that his wife was angry because she found some telephone numbers of other women in his wallet; that Trevino was in the living room when his wife confronted him with a .38 pistol, pointed it at him, and pulled the trigger twice; that Trevino was frightened, but the gun did not fire, so he figured the gun was not loaded; that Trevino went to the bathroom and at some point got his 9 millimeter gun; that his wife shot at him in the bathroom; that the two then struggled over the guns; that she was shot; that the struggle continued; and that his wife was eventually shot three times. Id. at 239. Trevino's sister testified that, when the initial telephone call came from Trevino after the shooting, he "was freaking out and sounded like he was scared and panicked." Id. She drove over to the house immediately and found Trevino "crying and shaking." Id. Trevino knelt beside his wife's body and "was upset and crying." Id. He appeared to be "extremely upset," and he was "pacing." Id. The detective testified he entered the home and saw Trevino kneeling over his wife and saying, "You gotta help her, you gotta help her." Id. He "sounded distressed." Id. Another of Trevino's sisters testified she arrived at the scene and saw Trevino in the patrol car. Id. Trevino "looked shocked." Id. He had "a thousand-yard stare, which, to me, is symptomatic of battle fatigue or post-traumatic stress disorder." Id. He "looked past, beyond me. I was trying to make eye contact with him, but due to the shock, he was looking past me." Id. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found this was some evidence of sudden passion. Id. Therefore, in Trevino, there was evidence the defendant was "extremely upset," "freaking out," "scared and panicked," and "crying and shaking." In this case, there was no such evidence of sudden passion. Troncoso's testimony did not show that his fear or anger rendered him incapable of cool reflection, rising to the level of sudden passion. Instead, his testimony reflected deliberate, reflective action in obtaining the machete after Macias kicked him, striking Macias with the machete, and then, when he perceived another threat from Macias, obtaining a knife and stabbing Macias in the chest. This testimony is not evidence he was rendered incapable of cool reflection. In addition, Troncoso initiated the confrontation. When a defendant initiates the criminal episode, the victim's subsequent acts of violence do not constitute adequate cause from which sudden passion may arise. Adanandus v. State, 866 S.W.2d 210, 231 (Tex. Crim. App. 1993) (applying former Section 19.04 of the Penal Code and holding that defendant not entitled to instruction on voluntary manslaughter because bank customer's conduct of tackling bank robber was not "adequate cause" for robber's alleged sudden passion in shooting customer). Stated another way, the provocation must not have been itself provoked by the person seeking to avail himself or herself of the sudden passion instruction to the jury. Willis v. State, 936 S.W.2d 302, 308–09 (Tex. App.—Tyler 1996, pet. ref'd). When an appellant creates the circumstances which inflame his or her passion, a charge on sudden passion is not required. Id. Troncoso testified he followed Macias for ten minutes, and once both vehicles were stopped, Troncoso approached Macias' Suburban and started kicking the door. Therefore, Macias' subsequent acts, in these circumstances, do not constitute adequate cause from which sudden passion may arise. This point of error is overruled. Conclusion The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the autopsy photographs introduced during Pustilnik's testimony because their probative value to establish the elements of murder as alleged in the indictment, and to rebut Troncoso's assertion of self-defense, were not substantially outweighed by any undue prejudice. In addition, there was no evidence Troncoso acted under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. Therefore, the trial court did not err in refusing to submit a charge on sudden passion to the jury on punishment. We affirm the judgment. Donald R. Ross Justice Date Submitted: March 12, 2004 Date Decided: March 24, 2004 Do Not Publish