People v. Eddington

387 Mich. 551 (1972)

198 N.W.2d 297

PEOPLE v. EDDINGTON

No. 13 January Term 1972, Docket No. 52,927.

Supreme Court of Michigan.

Decided June 20, 1972.

Frank J. Kelley, Attorney General, Robert A. Derengoski, Solicitor General, George E. Thick, II, Prosecuting Attorney, and Donald A. Kuebler and Paul G. Miller, Jr., Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys, for the people.

James A. Brisbois (Philip R. Sturtz and Jerold H. Israel, of counsel), for defendant.

Amicus Curiae: Campbell, Lee, Kruzman & Leitman.

ADAMS, J.

I.

Statement of Facts

On February 4, 1967, officer Shelby of the Saginaw Police Department was told by Howard McClain, *557 an informer, that Ronald Johnson and William Eddington had been involved in the murder of Dr. and Mrs. Claytor on February 2, 1967, and in the armed robbery of Mrs. Goldie Caldwell and her tenant, Jack Prince, on January 25, 1967.

On February 5, 1967, the murders of Mr. and Mrs. Middeldorf were discovered and Shelby became involved in the investigation of those crimes. Mrs. Middeldorf was found drowned in the bathtub. Mr. Middeldorf was found bound at his hands and feet with plastic wrapped tightly around his head, several puncture wounds on his body, and a steak knife in his back. Shelby was shown a distinctive heel print left by the murderer in the bathroom near the bathtub where Mrs. Middeldorf was found. The print had been dusted with fingerprint powder to make it more readily visible. The print was distinctive because, even though from a man's shoe, it had a narrow heel. Shelby described the print as coming from a "Stetson shoe".

By the evening of February 5, Shelby felt that Eddington was involved in all three crimes because of the information from the informant concerning the Claytor murders and the Caldwell residence robberies and because Mr. Prince had identified Eddington as the man who robbed him. The Claytors and the Middeldorfs were both elderly couples, living alone. The men showed signs of having been tortured prior to death. The bound victims had been bound with items taken from the homes ties, plastic rope, and lamp cords. The victims, other than those who were shot, were killed by the use of items in the homes water, plastic, a hammer, and a steak knife. In several other robberies Eddington was suspected of committing, a back glass door had been broken as a means of gaining entry. In the Caldwell robbery, a gun had been placed behind *558 Mrs. Caldwell's left ear. Both Dr. and Mrs. Claytor were shot behind the left ear. A small caliber pistol had been used in the Caldwell robbery and in the Claytor murders. McClain, the informant, had told Shelby that Ronald Johnson had a .22 caliber pistol and that, in attempts to retrieve this gun, McClain learned that Eddington had possession of it.

After speaking with Mr. Prince around 9 p.m. on February 5, Shelby asked the Saginaw County prosecutor to issue warrants against Eddington and Johnson for the robberies and the murders. It was decided, however, that Shelby should arrest Eddington only for the Caldwell residence robberies. Accompanied by several officers, Shelby went to Eddington's apartment. The prosecutor had not yet requested a warrant for Eddington's arrest.

As the police approached the apartment, Shelby noticed Eddington's car parked nearby and shoe prints leading to the apartment, the heel of which was similar to the print at the home of the Middeldorfs. When Shelby first knocked at Eddington's apartment, no one answered. Then a female voice asked who was there. When Shelby identified himself and asked to see Eddington, the woman stated he had gone. As Shelby was about to leave, the woman called him back by name, opened the door, and allowed Shelby to look through the apartment. The woman was Johnetta Hawkins, Eddington's girl friend.

When Miss Hawkins let Shelby into the apartment, she was clad in a nightgown. Shelby had concluded she lived at the apartment because he had frequently seen her at Eddington's residence on previous occasions carrying packages in and out and driving Eddington's car to and from the apartment.

*559 Previous to his entrance, Shelby had heard rustlings he believed to be made by two people. He did not believe Miss Hawkins when she stated that Eddington was not at home and proceeded to look through the apartment. While going from a large bedroom via a closet to a smaller room, he noticed a pair of men's shoes sitting upright on the closet floor. He picked up the shoes, examined them, and saw that the heels were similar to the heel prints he had seen outside the apartment. By shining a flashlight on the shoes, he observed slivers of what appeared to be glass imbedded in the shoes. He replaced the shoes as he was not certain he had a legal right to take them. The officers left the apartment.

Thereafter, the prosecutor and the officers went to the home of a local justice of the peace. Shelby obtained an arrest warrant based on the Caldwell robbery charge and a search warrant authorizing a search of Eddington's apartment for the shoes and a.22 caliber pistol. The police re-entered Eddington's apartment and seized the shoes.

Eddington was arrested on the armed robbery charge on February 8, 1967. A warrant for his arrest on the Middeldorf murders was issued February 14, 1967.

The robbery charge was dismissed at the preliminary examination. Separate preliminary examinations were held on the charges of first-degree homicide of Mr. and Mrs. Middeldorf. At both hearings, the state introduced into evidence, and relied heavily upon, the shoes found by Shelby. Defendant was subsequently bound over for trial on the homicide charges. Upon an order for change of venue, the trial took place in the Wayne County Circuit Court.

*560 Prior to trial, defense counsel made a motion to suppress the shoes from evidence. The motion was granted, but the people subsequently asked for and were granted reconsideration. Following an evidentiary hearing, the circuit court set aside its prior order and substituted an order denying defense counsel's motion. The court concluded: 1) Shelby had probable cause to arrest Eddington for both the Caldwell robberies and the Middeldorf murders prior to entering the apartment; 2) he had been invited to look through the apartment for Eddington by "a woman clad in a night dress"; and 3) he had made a reasonable examination of the apartment and shoes.

At the trial the shoes were again introduced into evidence. The prints at the Middeldorf home were shown to be similar to the prints made by the shoes. The refractive index of glass particles found imbedded in the shoes was shown to be identical to that of the broken glass window from the back door of the Middeldorf home.

Five colored pictures of the bodies of the Middeldorfs were allowed in evidence over objection. The witnesses who verified the pictures testified that the bindings, plastic and knife had not been changed. Neither body had been touched by any autopsies.

The defense called two witnesses to testify as to Eddington's reputation in the community for truth and veracity. Eddington, himself, took the stand. He testified as to a conviction during service and a $15 misdemeanor conviction. Defendant further stated that he had "four or five charges pending" against him, one of which had been dismissed prior to the date of the present trial.

On cross-examination, Eddington was asked about the nature of the charges. Objection to this question by defense counsel was overruled. Eddington *561 thereupon revealed that the pending charges included another double murder, an entering without breaking, and a breaking and entering.

Defendant was found guilty by the jury of the first-degree murders of Mr. and Mrs. Middeldorf.

Upon appeal to the Court of Appeals, after oral argument, defendant's attorney submitted an affidavit which stated that during the trial, in a conference with the trial judge concerning the scope of cross-examination of Eddington's pending charges, "[T]he Court advised the Prosecutor that he considered him to be on risky ground in pursuing the cross-examination in that area; * * * that the Prosecutor could proceed in that area at his own risk." The people filed a letter opposing the court's consideration of the ex parte affidavit.

The Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's decision and remanded the case for new trial, holding the trial judge improperly allowed cross-examination by the prosecutor as to the pending charges. (23 Mich App 210.) We granted the people leave to appeal. (384 Mich 755.) Defendant cross-appeals.

II.

Issues Raised

A. Did the admission into evidence of the five pictures of the two corpses constitute reversible error as being prejudicial and inflammatory and as being nonessential to prove a matter "in issue"?

The Court of Appeals held the photographs were properly admissible to show "the malice with which the crimes were committed," and to clarify and illustrate "testimony relating to the victims' appearance and condition". Since "the gruesome nature of the photographs" depicted the bodies as left by *562 the assailant and not by intervening medical examiners, the admission of the photographs could not be said to be an abuse of the trial judge's discretion.

In this case, it is claimed that because several witnesses could have testified with regard to the crime and the defense admitted it was committed with malice, the judge abused his discretion in admitting the pictures. In People v Rogers, 14 Mich App 207, 217 (1968), Judge (now Justice) T.G. KAVANAGH wrote:

"Having failed to require exhaustion of alternative proofs prior to admitting the photographs, the trial court abused its discretion."

We are unable to agree with such an evidentiary rule. The people are not required to present their case on any theory of alternative proofs.

In a criminal case, the burden is upon the people to prove every element of the crime charged. These are not nice pictures but they are not any more gruesome than some of the testimony by witnesses. The pictures showed the victims as they were found. The pictures depict the corpus delicti. The admission of such evidence is in the sound discretion of the trial judge.

It is stated in 29 Am Jur 2d, Evidence, § 787, pp 860-861:

"Photographs that are merely calculated to arouse the sympathies or prejudices of the jury are properly excluded, particularly if they are not substantially necessary or instructive to show material facts or conditions. If photographs which disclose the gruesome aspects of an accident or a crime are not pertinent, relevant, competent, or material on any issue in the case and serve the purpose solely of inflaming the minds of the jurors and prejudicing them against the accused, they should not be admitted in evidence. However, if photographs are *563 otherwise admissible for a proper purpose, they are not rendered inadmissible merely because they bring vividly to the jurors the details of a gruesome or shocking accident or crime, even though they may tend to arouse the passion or prejudice of the jurors. Generally, also, the fact that a photograph is more effective than an oral description, and to that extent calculated to excite passion and prejudice, does not render it inadmissible in evidence.

"When a photograph is offered the tendency of which may be to prejudice the jury, its admissibility lies in the sound discretion of the court. It may be admitted if its value as evidence outweighs its possible prejudicial effect, or may be excluded if its prejudicial effect may well outweigh its probative value."

B. Was there an illegal seizure of the pair of shoes contrary to defendant's Fourth Amendment rights when the seizure of the shoes was the fruit: 1) of a nighttime entry into defendant's apartment by officers who had probable cause to make an arrest, but lacked an arrest warrant; 2) of an examination of defendant's closet following the entry during which an officer picked up the shoes and turned them over to examine the heels?

Judge J.H. GILLIS, writing for the Court of Appeals, carefully detailed the activities of Detective Shelby leading up to the examination of the shoes. After examining certain authorities as to what constitutes a search, he concluded (pp 225-226):

"Application of these principles here leads us to our view that Detective Shelby's action in lifting defendant's shoes and examining their heels did not constitute a search in the constitutional sense. We find no `prying into hidden places for that which is concealed.' The shoes had not been hidden; nor were they intentionally put out of the way. Under *564 the circumstances, it does not appear that defendant exhibited a subjective expectation of privacy as to his shoes. Cf. People v Bradley (1969), 1 Cal 3d 80 (81 Cal Rpt 457, 459, 460 P2d 129, 131). Moreover, any such expectation would have been unreasonable. Our values are not adjusted to view the heels of shoes as within the province of intimate personal control."

We are unable to agree with the reasoning of this portion of the opinion. In People v Trudeau, 385 Mich 276 (1971), this Court recognized a right of privacy, even while in prison, as to a person's shoes. Each case must be examined on its own facts. In Trudeau, unlike the situation in this case, the search was without probable cause, based upon a mere suspicion and under circumstances where the officer could have obtained a search warrant if there was probable cause to issue one.

The opinion of the Court of Appeals continues as follows (pp 226-227):

"`Where a warrant has not been obtained, the validity of the search depends on the law's appraisal of the reasonableness of the search, only unreasonable warrantless searches and seizures being barred.' People v. McDonald, supra, [13 Mich App 226 (1968)] at 232.

"And see People v. Gonzales (1959), 356 Mich 247, 253; People v. Zeigler (1960), 358 Mich 355, 375; People v. Herrera, supra [19 Mich App 216 (1969)]. On this record we hold Shelby's conduct to be reasonable in constitutional terms.

"As previously indicated, Detective Shelby was lawfully in defendant's apartment. He reasonably believed defendant to be hiding in the apartment and had every right, supported by probable cause, to search for the suspected killer. Shelby's discovery of the shoes was not the result of a general search for evidence. Rather, the pair of shoes was seen during the course of the search for Eddington. *565 In our view, Shelby's subsequent actions in lifting the shoes and examining their heels involved no more than `legitimate and restrained investigative conduct undertaken on the basis of ample factual justification.' Terry v. Ohio, supra, [392 US 1; 88 S Ct 1868; 20 L Ed 2d 889 (1968)] at 13."

We agree with the above analysis and hold that the search was a reasonable one. The point should be stressed. Shelby's actions were reasonable in the light of all of the circumstances. When the officer approached Eddington's apartment, observed the heel prints leading to the apartment in freshly fallen snow, and, on close examination, saw that the prints were similar to the ones he had seen that very morning at the scene of the murders, a new and compelling fact was added to the knowledge he already had that had given him reasonable cause to believe Eddington committed the murders. His further immediate investigation was called for by the exigencies of the situation. Terry v Ohio, 392 US 1; 88 S Ct 1868; 20 L Ed 2d 889 (1968). In his search for Eddington and his examination of the shoes, he acted reasonably and with the dispatch the occasion warranted.

C. Did the trial court commit reversible error in permitting the prosecution, on cross-examination of defendant, to seek to impeach defendant through reference to previous charges (including two other murder charges) that were pending against defendant?

The Court of Appeals' opinion states (pp 231-232):

"We hold that admission of the pending murder charges for impeachment purposes was error. Furthermore, we are satisfied that the improper admission of such evidence resulted in a miscarriage of justice. MCLA § 769.26 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.1096). *566 The question of Eddington's credibility was critical, and, on this record, we decline to characterize the improper impeachment of defendant's credibility as harmless error. This is especially true here, since defendant was subsequently acquitted of the charges of murdering the Claytors."

The Michigan evidentiary rule, both by way of statute[1] and case law,[2] as stated in 1 Gillespie, Michigan Criminal Law & Procedure (2d ed), § 436, p 534, is as follows:

"A witness may be asked on cross-examination, within the sound discretion of the court, not only concerning a previous conviction, but also as to any serious charge brought against him whether he has been indicted, indicted but not convicted, or arrested and confined in the state prison for another offense. Where a defendant takes the stand in his own behalf he is subject to the same rules as to cross-examination as any other witness even though it may show him to be guilty of the commission of another offense."

In passing on this question, we do not consider the ex parte attempt of defendant's attorney to establish at the Court of Appeals' level and in this Court what purportedly took place at an in-chambers conference between the judge and the lawyers. If a ruling of the judge is to be considered on appeal, proper steps should be taken at the time it is made to see that it becomes a part of the record.

Defendant was called to testify in his own defense. During the direct examination, he was asked if other charges were pending against him and answered that he had four or five pending. On cross-examination, the prosecutor asked:

*567 "Q. Now, Mr. Brisbois asked you if you were if there were any charges pending against you at the present time and you answered yes.

"A. Yes.

"Q. And it is a fact that you are also charged in a double murder other than the one that we have at the present time?

"Mr. Brisbois [defense counsel]: If the Court please, we interpose an objection to this. The respondent has stated on direct examination that he has other charges pending and I believe he gave the number of other charges. We feel that it would be erroneous to allow counsel to inquire beyond that.

"Mr. Dent [assistant prosecuting attorney]: Counsel are you finished? On direct examination he did not advise the jury of the nature of these charges.

"The Court: I am going to overrule the objection. Proceed."

The prosecutor thereupon continued his cross-examination with further questions as to the pending charges. From the above, it will be seen that the issue was raised in open court and that the judge did rule on the objection.

A trial judge should exercise his discretion in such a way that a defendant is not cross-examined, under the guise of testing credibility, merely to prejudice the jury. This is particularly true where a question is propounded to show that an arrest and pending charge is of the same nature as the one for which he is being tried. Unless cross-examination as to pending charges is carefully controlled, the possibilities for abuse, as illustrated by this case, are great. Eddington was not on trial for the murders of Dr. and Mrs. Claytor or for entering or for breaking and entering. Yet these crimes for which *568 he had not been tried and of which, until tried and found guilty he was presumed to be innocent, were deliberately and intentionally injected into the trial of this case. Such tactics could manifestly prejudice a jury. When the design or effect of the questions is not to elicit facts but to cast suspicion upon the witness with regard to the commission of other crimes, especially those of a similar nature, no guilt having been determined, the court should control and limit such cross-examination so as to prevent a miscarriage of justice. See People v Gotshall, 123 Mich 474 (1900).

Defendant's conviction is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial.

T.E. BRENNAN, SWAINSON, and WILLIAMS, JJ., concurred with ADAMS, J.

T.G. KAVANAGH, J. (concurring in result).

I concur in the result reached by my Brother ADAMS, but I disagree with his stated reasons.

First, I am satisfied that it was reversible error to admit the photographs of the deceased victims of this crime. They were wholly irrelevant and served no other purpose than to prejudice the defendant.

Second, I am convinced the admission of the defendant's shoes was reversible error for they were the product of an illegal search and seizure in violation of defendant's Fourth Amendment rights.

On retrial I would bar the photographs and the shoes.

T.M. KAVANAGH, C.J., concurred with T.G. KAVANAGH, J.

*569 BLACK, J. (dissenting).

I agree with the reasoning of and disposition made by Division 3 (People v Eddington, 23 Mich App 210 [1970]) and therefore vote to affirm. See, pertinent to one of the salient questions considered below, the dissenting view recorded by Justice T.E. BRENNAN and myself for People v Trudeau, 385 Mich 276, 281 (1971).

[1] MCLA 600.2158; MSA 27 A. 2158.

[2] See, Driscoll v People, 47 Mich 413 (1882); People v Foote, 93 Mich 38 (1892); People v Foley, 299 Mich 358 (1941); People v Roger Johnson, 382 Mich 632 (1969).