Andrew Reid Lackey v. State of Alabama

Annotate this Case

Download PDF

REL: 09/28/2012 Notice: T h i s o p i n i o n i s s u b j e c t t o formal r e v i s i o n b e f o r e p u b l i c a t i o n i n t h e advance s h e e t s o f Southern R e p o r t e r . R e a d e r s a r e r e q u e s t e d t o n o t i f y t h e R e p o r t e r o f D e c i s i o n s , Alabama A p p e l l a t e C o u r t s , 300 D e x t e r A v e n u e , M o n t g o m e r y , A l a b a m a 3 6 1 0 4 - 3 7 4 1 ((334) 2 2 9 - 0 6 4 9 ) , o f a n y t y p o g r a p h i c a l o r o t h e r e r r o r s , i n o r d e r t h a t c o r r e c t i o n s may b e made b e f o r e t h e o p i n i o n i s p r i n t e d i n Southern R e p o r t e r . ALABAMA COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OCTOBER TERM, 2011-2012 CR-07-1378 Andrew R e i d Lackey v. S t a t e o f Alabama Appeal from Limestone C i r c u i t (CC-05-814) Court On R e t u r n t o S e c o n d Remand WINDOM, P r e s i d i n g J u d g e . Andrew Reid Lackey appeals h i s two c o n v i c t i o n s and sentences o f death. capital-murder L a c k e y was c o n v i c t e d o f one c o u n t o f c a p i t a l m u r d e r f o r t h e m u r d e r o f C h a r l e s during t h e course of a robbery, Newman see § 13A-5-40(a)(2), Ala. CR-07-1378 Code 1 9 7 5 , and a s e c o n d c o u n t o f c a p i t a l m u r d e r f o r t h e m u r d e r of C h a r l e s Newman d u r i n g 1 3 A - 5 - 4 0 ( a ) ( 4 ) , A l a . Code Lackey's appeal is the course before this burglary, Court counts of c a p i t a l murder. in On March Court b e g a n on On M a r c h 3, 2008, t h e of circuit after which recommended t h a t L a c k e y be s e n t e n c e d t o 26, 2008, the circuit court conducted j u d i c i a l - s e n t e n c i n g h e a r i n g and s e n t e n c e d L a c k e y t o d e a t h . April § unusual found him g u i l t y c o u r t conducted the p e n a l t y phase of the t r i a l , death. an Lackey's t r i a l 2008, a f t e r w h i c h t h e j u r y the j u r y unanimously see explained before this turns to the m e r i t s of h i s appeal. two a 1975. p r o c e d u r a l p o s t u r e t h a t must be F e b r u a r y 25, of 29, 2008, a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l was a On appointed to represent L a c k e y on a p p e a l . Shortly after appellate c o u n s e l was appointed, Lackey i n f o r m e d h i s new a t t o r n e y t h a t he d i d n o t want t o a p p e a l h i s convictions sentences and of death. 1 According to Lackey, J a m e s B a r r y A b s t o n was a p p o i n t e d t o r e p r e s e n t L a c k e y on a p p e a l . A t some p o i n t s h o r t l y t h e r e a f t e r , R a n d a l l S. S u s s k i n d and K r i s t e n M. N e l s o n , w i t h t h e E q u a l J u s t i c e I n i t i a t i v e , j o i n e d L a c k e y ' s a p p e l l a t e d e f e n s e team. I t does not appear t h a t t h e a t t o r n e y s f r o m t h e E q u a l J u s t i c e I n i t i a t i v e were a p p o i n t e d t o r e p r e s e n t L a c k e y ; i n s t e a d , t h e y a p p e a r t o have i n j e c t e d themselves i n t o the l i t i g a t i o n . 1 2 CR-07-1378 appellate counsel refused to l i s t e n wishes, and, on February 3, 2009, t o or t o comply w i t h h i s counsel filed c h a l l e n g i n g L a c k e y ' s c o n v i c t i o n s and s e n t e n c e s . a brief I n the b r i e f , c o u n s e l a r g u e d , among o t h e r t h i n g s , t h a t t h e r e c o r d r a i s e s an i n f e r e n c e t h a t the S t a t e used i t s peremptory c h a l l e n g e s i n a r a c i a l l y d i s c r i m i n a t o r y manner; t h e r e f o r e , t h i s Court remand t h e cause t o the circuit court with i n s t r u c t i o n s that court to hold a hearing pursuant U.S. 79 (1986). which i t agreed 28, 2010, counsel's appeal, should Batson v. K e n t u c k y , for 476 On A p r i l 16, 2009, t h e S t a t e f i l e d a b r i e f i n t o a remand f o r a B a t s o n Lackey, apparently hearing. frustrated with On October appellate r e f u s a l t o comply w i t h h i s d e s i r e not t o pursue wrote the Alabama A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l . In his L a c k e y t o l d t h e n A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l T r o y K i n g t h a t he an letter, "wish[ed] t o d r o p [ h i s ] a p p e a l and t o n o t c o n t i n u e t o a p p e a l [ h i s ] d e a t h penalty conviction." (Letter to Troy King attached e x h i b i t to the S t a t e ' s motion f o r a t i m e l y r u l i n g . ) l e t t e r goes on t o as Lackey's state: " I , Andrew R e i d L a c k e y , ... do n o t w i s h t o a p p e a l my d e a t h p e n a l t y c o n v i c t i o n b e y o n d t h e s o called 'automatic' level. "I [Equal have a l r e a d y w r i t t e n b o t h K r i s t e n N e l s o n o f Justice Initiative] and my original 3 an CR-07-1378 [appellate] attorney, James Barry Abston of Huntsville, ... s e v e r a l months ago. ... I am n e i t h e r crazy nor s u i c i d a l nor m e n t a l l y u n s t a b l e ; I s i m p l y w i s h n o t t o c o n t i n u e t o a p p e a l my d e a t h penalty conviction. " I , Andrew R e i d L a c k e y , w i l l f u l l y a n d k n o w i n g l y d e c l a r e my i n t e n t i o n s t o c e a s e and d e s i s t my a p p e a l s o v e r my d e a t h p e n a l t y c o n v i c t i o n . I d e c l a r e my intentions to entirely drop my criminal case a p p e a l s , f u l l y aware [ t h a t t h e a t t o r n e y general's o f f i c e ] w i l l s e e k an e x e c u t i o n d a t e , w h i c h I do n o t and w i l l n o t p r o t e s t . " Id. On November 5, 2010, t h i s Court, unaware d e s i r e t o receive only p l a i n - e r r o r review, with the requests, appellate remanded instructions court complied counsel's the and cause to the the of Lackey's and, i n a c c o r d a n c e attorney circuit f o r i t t o hold a Batson hearing. general's court The Court. A f t e r a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l and t h e a t t o r n e y g e n e r a l ' s turned circuit and, on December 13, 2010, t h e r e t u r n t o remand was f i l e d w i t h t h i s fully with b r i e f e d the Batson issue on r e t u r n t o remand, office Lackey t o t h i s Court f o r help e f f e c t u a t i n g h i s d e s i r e not to pursue h i s b r i e f s on a p p e a l and t o r e c e i v e o n l y p l a i n 4 error CR-07-1378 review. Specifically, Court a l e t t e r on A p r i l 11, 2012, Lackey 2012, his this stating: "Hello. My name i s Andrew L a c k e y . d r o p my B a t s o n i s s u e and n o t a p p e a l sentence. P l e a s e g e t i n t o u c h w i t h me." ( A p r i l 11, 2012 sent L e t t e r from Lackey.) I wish to my death T h e r e a f t e r , on J u n e 8, Lackey f i l e d a motion w i t h t h i s Court seeking t o invoke state-law right to r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f on appeal and "withdraw a l l b r i e f s f i l e d on [ h i s ] b e h a l f and t o w i t h d r a w other and documentation counsel " (June 8, 2012 explained that changed nor Id. arguments He he "does motion.) not wish for his conviction goes on to state p r e s e n t e d by t o be that he sentence reversed or "understands Lackey to under that th[is] law, [C]ourt review i.e., for plain o n l y as error." Id. the strictly Along m o t i o n , L a c k e y a t t a c h e d a copy o f a l e t t e r he s e n t counsel that law I n i t i a t i v e and Mr. with and his appellate Abston: " I t h a n k you f o r you work on my b e h a l f , b u t y o u r e f f o r t s do n o t m a t c h my d e s i r e s i n t h i s m a t t e r . 5 of required stated: "Dear E q u a l J u s t i c e be remanded." Alabama r e g a r d i n g a u t o m a t i c r e v i e w of d e a t h p e n a l t y cases asks any [appellate] In h i s motion, for his to CR-07-1378 " I have t r i e d t o make my w i s h e s c l e a r i n t h e past. I do n o t d e s i r e y o u r s e r v i c e s any f u r t h e r and your r e p r e s e n t a t i o n i s hereby t e r m i n a t e d . Do not file anything ( A t t a c h m e n t t o J u n e 8, On J u n e 28, circuit 2012, court with d u r i n g which the d a n g e r s and f u r t h e r on my behalf." 2012 motion.) this C o u r t remanded t h i s cause to i n s t r u c t i o n s f o r i t to conduct a circuit disadvantages c o u r t was to apprise of w a i v i n g to the appellate c o u n s e l , of i n v o k i n g h i s s t a t e - l a w r i g h t to r e p r e s e n t and hearing Lackey of his right the himself, o f s t r i k i n g t h e b r i e f s t h a t had b e e n f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f . B e f o r e t h e h e a r i n g , L a c k e y h i r e d new counsel") his t o a i d him i n having counsel ( h e r e i n a f t e r appellate counsel removed "new as attorneys. In accordance with this Court's order cause, the circuit court scheduled a 2012. On J u l y 12, 2012, appellate counsel, Lackey sought court seeking to a terminate, continuance filed and a remanding hearing motion a motion c o m p e t e n c y e v a l u a t i o n by a m e n t a l - h e a l t h for July whose expert. circuit a mental- The circuit court denied a p p e l l a t e counsel's motion f o r a continuance, 6 16, services i n the seeking the and CR-07-1378 on July 16, 2012, the c i r c u i t compliance w i t h t h i s Court's At the hearing, court conducted a hearing i n instructions. appellate counsel, in an attempt to remain c o u n s e l a g a i n s t Lackey's wishes, argued t h a t Lackey was i n c o m p e t e n t t o d e c i d e w h e t h e r t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f and w h e t h e r to strike Lackey, a l l documents t h r o u g h new assertion filed counsel, t h a t L a c k e y was Lackey a l s o on h i s b e h a l f challenged appellate incompetent a r g u e d t h a t he in this Court. counsel's to represent himself. k n o w i n g l y and v o l u n t a r i l y waives his right to counsel, invokes h i s right to represent himself, and exercises filed his right on h i s b e h a l f . to s t r i k e a l l documents and In accordance w i t h t h i s Court's order remanding the cause, the c i r c u i t court a p p r i s e d Lackey t o the dangers and d i s a d v a n t a g e s o f L a c k e y ' s d e c i s i o n himself and strike briefs a l lbriefs filed to represent on h i s b e h a l f . Lackey t e s t i f i e d t h a t he knows t h o s e d a n g e r s and has v o l u n t a r i l y made his decision. After order the hearing, denying evaluation and the c i r c u i t appellate finding that counsel's court issued motion a for Lackey i s competent t o 7 detailed a mental exercise CR-07-1378 his right found to represent h i m s e l f . The c i r c u i t court further that: " L a c k e y ' s motion t o p r o c e e d p r o se and t o s t r i k e a l l b r i e f s f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f i s made k n o w i n g l y , i n t e l l i g e n t l y , v o l u n t a r i l y , and w i t h f u l l knowledge and appreciation of t h e dangers and p o t e n t i a l p i t f a l l s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h such a d e c i s i o n . " (R. on r e t u r n t o remand 14.) Lackey's to motion The c i r c u i t court then granted t o t e r m i n a t e a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l ' s employment, proceed p r o s e , and t o s t r i k e a l l documents f i l e d on h i s behalf. On J u l y this Court. 16, 2012, t h e r e t u r n Because Lackey's t o remand was f i l e d was granted with permission to r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f on a p p e a l a n d t o s t r i k e a l l documents have b e e n f i l e d whether on h i s b e h a l f , t h i s the c i r c u i t court correctly C o u r t must determined that first review that Lackey c o m p e t e n t l y , k n o w i n g l y , a n d v o l u n t a r i l y made t h o s e d e c i s i o n s . If t h i s Court determines that the c i r c u i t c o u r t was c o r r e c t , i t must t h e n r e v i e w t h e s u f f i c i e n c y o f t h e e v i d e n c e t o s u s t a i n Lackey's plain death. convictions error, and s e n t e n c e s , and r e v i e w search the propriety the record f o r of h i s sentences of §§ 12-22-150, 13A-5-53, a n d 13A-5-55, A l a . Code 1975; R u l e 45A A l a . R. App. P. See a l s o S i b l e y v. S t a t e , 775 So. 2d 8 CR-07-1378 235, 240 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 1996); 404, 406 ( A l a . C r i m . App. B l o c k v. S t a t e , 744 So. 2d 1996). I. U n d e r A l a b a m a l a w , L a c k e y has t h e r i g h t t o w a i v e c o u n s e l on a p p e a l and t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f . So. 2d 837, together, confer 841 §§ (Ala. 12-22-130 upon a 2001) and defendant See Ex p a r t e S c u d d e r , ("We conclude 15-12-22(b)[, in a criminal 789 that, taken A l a . Code 1975,] case the right to r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f on a p p e a l i f he d e s i r e s t o do s o . " ) ; J o h n s o n v. S t a t e , 40 So. 3d 753, 756 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 2009) (inmates u n d e r a s e n t e n c e o f d e a t h have a r i g h t t o r e p r e s e n t t h e m s e l v e s on appeal). Lackey also has counsel's b r i e f s s t r i c k e n . 317, 318 to have 2001) appellate 814 So. 2d ( r e t r a c t i n g a previous order counsel's b r i e f , and a l l o w i n g Clemons t o p r o c e e d p r o s e ) ; M c K a s k l e v. W i g g i n s , 465 U.S. c o u n s e l on right See Clemons v. S t a t e , ( A l a . C r i m . App. requiring the 168, 174, appeal, s t r i k i n g 178 (1984) ("[a] defendant's right to s e l f - r e p r e s e n t a t i o n p l a i n l y e n c o m p a s s e s [an i n m a t e ' s r i g h t ] t o control ... participation allows his over own the defense, [and] defendant's c o u n s e l t o make o r [ i ] f ... objection substantially 9 counsel's effectively interfere with any CR-07-1378 s i g n i f i c a n t t a c t i c a l decisions, or to c o n t r o l the questioning of witnesses, o r t o speak matter of importance, eroded."). legally 389, of the defendant on any [the r i g h t t o s e l f - r e p r e s e n t a t i o n ] i s To make t h o s e d e c i s i o n s , h o w e v e r , L a c k e y must be competent, knowingly instead and t h e d e c i s i o n and v o l u n t a r i l y . must have been See G o d i n e z v. Moran, made 509 U.S. 391 (1993) ( h o l d i n g t h a t a d e f e n d a n t must be c o m p e t e n t t o waive c o u n s e l ) ; J o h n s o n , 40 So. 3d a t 756-57 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 2009) ( h o l d i n g t h a t a d e a t h row i n m a t e ' s d e c i s i o n t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f on a p p e a l must be k n o w i n g a n d v o l u n t a r y ) ; So. 2d a t 240; B l o c k , S i b l e y , 775 744 So. 2d a t 406. A. First, court this abused waive counsel, Court determine whether i t s d i s c r e t i o n i n f i n d i n g Lackey the circuit competent t o t o p r o c e e d p r o s e , a n d t o s t r i k e a l l documents f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f . (Ala. must Crim. App. determination that Hodges v . S t a t e , 2005) (noting a person that 926 So. 2d 1060, 1069 a circuit i s competent t o s t a n d court's trial is r e v i e w e d f o r an abuse o f d i s c r e t i o n ) . The oneself competency s t a n d a r d t o waive counsel and t o r e p r e s e n t i s t h e same as " t h e c o m p e t e n c y s t a n d a r d 10 f o r standing CR-07-1378 trial." the Godinez, competency 509 U.S. standard h i m s e l f i f "he has a t 391. to lawyer w i t h a reasonable and ... he has ("A 402 counsel and to represent degree of r a t i o n a l understanding a r a t i o n a l as w e l l as f a c t u a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g the proceedings 402, waive satisfies s u f f i c i e n t present a b i l i t y to consult with his U.S. Thus, a p e r s o n a g a i n s t him." (1960). See Dusky v. U n i t e d S t a t e s , a l s o Rule 11.1, A l a . R. sentenced f o r an offense i f that defendant l a c k s 362 Crim. defendant i s mentally incompetent to stand t r i a l of P. o r t o be sufficient p r e s e n t a b i l i t y to a s s i s t i n h i s or her defense by c o n s u l t i n g with of counsel understanding with and such t h a t he o b j e c t of counsel, and reasonable o f t h e f a c t s and the defendant."). is a degree rational the l e g a l proceedings However, " [ a ] p e r s o n whose m e n t a l c o n d i t i o n l a c k s the the to capacity to understand proceedings assist in a g a i n s t him, preparing his to the 420 U.S. 162, 171 Thus, an i n d i v i d u a l may nature consult defense c o m p e t e n t t o w a i v e c o u n s e l and r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f ] . " Missouri, against [is the "capacity to not Drope v. (1975). r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f on appeal w i t h d r a w a l l documents f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f o n l y i f t h a t has with appreciate 11 his position and and person make a CR-07-1378 rational further choice with litigation respect or on to continuing the other hand or abandoning whether he i s s u f f e r i n g f r o m a m e n t a l d i s e a s e , d i s o r d e r , o r d e f e c t w h i c h may s u b s t a n t i a l l y a f f e c t h i s capacity i n the premises." Peyton, 384 U.S. 312, 314 (1966). The t e s t Rees v. t o determine a person's "capacity to appreciate h i s p o s i t i o n a n d make rational choice," i d . , involves a determination a of the following: "'(1) whether t h a t p e r s o n s u f f e r s from a mental d i s e a s e , d i s o r d e r , o r d e f e c t ; (2) w h e t h e r a m e n t a l disease, d i s o r d e r , or defect prevents that person from u n d e r s t a n d i n g h i s l e g a l p o s i t i o n and t h e o p t i o n s a v a i l a b l e t o h i m ; a n d (3) w h e t h e r a m e n t a l disease, d i s o r d e r , or defect prevents that person f r o m m a k i n g a r a t i o n a l c h o i c e among h i s o p t i o n s . ' " H a u s e r e x r e l . C r a w f o r d v . Moore, Cir. 2000) (quoting Lonchar 223 F.3d 1316, 1322 ( 1 1 t h v. Z a n t , 978 F.2d 637, 641-42 (11th C i r . 1992)). Before Frankie L. trial, Preston, determine whether the defense a Lackey time of the offense counsel licensed had Lackey clinical evaluated by psychologist, to s u f f e r e d from a mental d i s o r d e r a t and t o determine whether L a c k e y was competent t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n h i s defense and t o s t a n d (C. 336.) D r . P r e s t o n d e s c r i b e d L a c k e y as " s o c i a l l y 12 trial. awkward, CR-07-1378 probably shy and anxious sufficiently confident verbally and in achieve beyond in in his writing, most u n f a m i l i a r surroundings, abilities to communicate strategize, to others and financially his age." i n t e r v i e w i n g Lackey m u l t i p l e times (C. has angry, depressed, suffered was an IQ score introverted involvements. emotionally Dr. perform Preston reported that stated that Dr. According and and Preston L a c k e y s u f f e r e d f r o m any relation He uneasy Preston detached preoccupations. 84. After Lackey was a n x i o u s , and u n c e r t a i n a b o u t h i s f u t u r e and f r o m low m o r a l e . highly In of 337.) and h a v i n g L a c k e y m u l t i p l e t e s t s and q u e s t i o n n a i r e s , Dr. Lackey but t o Dr. in long did not, Lackey close interpersonal explained had Preston, that Lackey endured however, was suicidal state that s e r i o u s mental d i s e a s e or d i s o r d e r . to Lackey's competency t o s t a n d trial, Dr. P r e s t o n a d m i n i s t e r e d t h e M a c A r t h u r Competence A s s e s s m e n t T o o l . The results of the MacArthur Competence Assessment indicated that: " [ L a c k e y ] a p p e a r s t o have an a d e q u a t e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e l e g a l p r o c e s s and c h a r g e s . L i k e w i s e , he s h o u l d be a b l e t o c o n s u l t w i t h h i s a t t o r n e y i n a reasonable way. He has the c a p a c i t y t o seek, i d e n t i f y , w e i g h , and b a l a n c e more r e l e v a n t and l e s s 13 Tool CR-07-1378 r e l e v a n t i n f o r m a t i o n , as w e l l as t o u s e t h i s d a t a t o make d e c i s i o n s a b o u t h i s own c a s e . " (C. 341.) D r . P r e s t o n e x p l a i n e d h i s own c l i n i c a l d i a g n o s t i c impressions as f o l l o w s : " W i t h i n a reasonable degree of e v a l u a t i v e c e r t a i n t y , [and] b a s e d on h i s t o r y ( p e r s o n a l a n d c o l l a t e r a l ) , interviewing, and t e s t i n g , Mr. L a c k e y was n o t s u f f e r i n g from nor e x p e r i e n c i n g a mental d i s o r d e r w h i c h w o u l d compromise h i s c o n s c i o u s n e s s , mood, o r t h o u g h t s as t o b e i n g a b l e t o m o r a l l y d i s t i n g u i s h right from wrong o r d i s t i n g u i s h and understand ' l e g a l ' from ' i l l e g a l ' b e h a v i o r . He i s a b l e t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e l e g a l c h a r g e s he f a c e s ; p a r t i c i p a t e i n h ii s d e ff n s e ; h s de e c o n d u c t hi m s e l f p r o p e r l y d u r i n g 1f 1y hi Court proceedings; rt and a p p r e c i a t e t h e range o f p o s s i b l e s e n t e n c i n g outcomes." ^^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^u^ (C. 342.) ( F o o t n o t e o m i t t e d . ) that h i s examination introvert becomes Preston, who lacks anxious Lackey ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ At t r i a l , of Lackey around "has other people. testified t h a t Lackey i n social experienced ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Dr. P r e s t o n indicated confidence , i s an situations According repeated and t o Dr. episodes of p e r s i s t e n t d e p r e s s e d mood a n d s l e e p d i s t u r b a n c e a c c o m p a n i e d b y a significant 1166.) weight change and s o c i a l withdrawal." At other times, Lackey "experienced repeated (R. episodes o f p e r s i s t e n t e l a t e d mood o r i n c r e a s e d mood, i n c r e a s e d e n e r g y level, racing thoughts and accompanied by heavy spending uncontrollable talkativeness and i n f l a t e d s e l f 14 confidence." CR-07-1378 Id. Lackey, with "thought thought i n s e r t i o n , thought withdrawal, broadcasting, however, had no experience auditory d i s t o r t i o n s or h a l l u c i n a t i o n s , grandiose b e l i e f s , beliefs jail or feelings awaiting spying on him trial, and of b e i n g uncontrolled." Lackey talking t h a t those thoughts are thought that a b o u t him. Dr. "not persecutory Id. other While people Preston were explained an uncommon r e s p o n s e f o r someone t h a t ' s i n j a i l b e c a u s e t h e y t y p i c a l l y a r e w a t c h i n g you." 1167.) Dr. Preston testified had s p e c i a l powers, but was r e f e r r i n g to h i s s k i l l s Dr. Preston generalized anxiety p o r t i o n of h i s l i f e . experiencing pessimism Preston, any later that his Preston legal however, t e s t i f i e d discovered Lackey and some d e p r e s s i o n , about Lackey i n d i c a t e d (R. that that he Lackey i n c o m p u t e r games. disorder Dr. that i t was stated in social has suffered phobia "concluded that anxiety, situation." that for a 1170.) was and] Dr. 15 suffer from c o n c l u d e d t h a t L a c k e y was s e v e r e m e n t a l d i s o r d e r and Lackey d i d not large [Lackey] hopelessness[, (R. from sane CR-07-1378 at the time of the offense and to a i d i n h i s defense. At the hearing and was competent t o stand trial 2 on L a c k e y ' s d e c i s i o n t o r e p r e s e n t himself on a p p e a l and t o s t r i k e t h e documents p r e v i o u s l y f i l e d on h i s behalf, new c o u n s e l explained t h a t he h a d met w i t h L a c k e y and t h a t he and L a c k e y were p r e p a r e d t o e s t a b l i s h t h a t L a c k e y i s c o m p e t e n t and t h a t right "he k n o w i n g l y and v o l u n t a r i l y w a i v e s h i s to appellate strikes plain the b r i e f s error Thereafter, counsel, terminates and r e q u e s t s review." on r e t u r n and t o remand 28.) t h a t he u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t he i s i n c a r c e r a t e d i n p r i s o n f o r two c o n v i c t i o n s and services the Court to proceed to the (Supp. R. Lackey t e s t i f i e d their o f c a p i t a l murder t h a t he has b e e n s e n t e n c e d t o d e a t h f o r b o t h c o n v i c t i o n s . He has n o t h a d any p r o b l e m s u n d e r s t a n d i n g where he was o r why he was i n p r i s o n . He t e s t i f i e d t h a t he was a l e r t d u r i n g t h e hearing. During the hearing, had represented L a c k e y named t h e two a t t o r n e y s him a t t r i a l . He t e s t i f i e d t h a t he met who with A f t e r i n t e r v i e w i n g L a c k e y ' s p a r e n t s and h i s b r o t h e r , Dr. P r e s t o n h y p o t h e s i z e d t h a t Lackey might s u f f e r from A s p e r g e r ' s Syndrome, b u t he was u n a b l e t o c o n f i r m or disprove h i s hypothesis through examinations of Lackey. 2 16 CR-07-1378 those two attorneys attorneys during often and appellate his assisted those what counsel they do knows h i s a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l for v i s i t e d him him. According e v e r y few to and Lackey, months and discussed c a s e , i n c l u d i n g an i s s u e i n v o l v i n g B a t s o n v. K e n t u c k y , U.S. 79 (1986). t o l d him off on and his t r i a l . L a c k e y t e s t i f i e d t h a t he understands consulted Lackey e x p l a i n e d that h i s a p p e l l a t e t h a t a Batson i s s u e arose because the a l l t h e b l a c k j u r o r s and r e t u r n t o remand Lackey and a understands the there are only that new he does trial seriousness two t h a t was [and] everything explained looks was okay." t h a t he plain-error convictions "kicked (Supp. want h i s R. stated c r i m e s and He s t a t e d t h a t he Court transcript (Supp. R. that knows he that l i f e i n prison without this the He conviction "does just the understands an to automatic make sure on r e t u r n t o remand 38.) He understands that r e s t r i c t i n g t h i s Court review and cases, over not of c a p i t a l p u n i s h m e n t s -- i n death-penalty review State illegal." ordered. p o s s i b i l i t y of p a r o l e or death. that attorneys 37.) testified overturned ... 476 will sentences. limit this Court's review L a c k e y s t a t e d t h a t he 17 to of his knows that CR-07-1378 his chosen course of a c t i o n w i l l by a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l he being r e s u l t i n the stricken. e x e c u t e d by Lackey stated lethal that sentence overturned he f i n d any in prison injection. does b e c a u s e he explained are and that that without he he not want h i s conviction a c c e p t s h i s g u i l t and the possibility get a sentence of of or because sentenced to parole. u n d e r s t a n d s what l e s s e r - i n c l u d e d could that plain error, he does n o t want t o f a c e t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f b e i n g life raised Lackey a l s o s t a t e d i s aware t h a t i f t h i s C o u r t does n o t he w i l l be issues less He offenses than life in p r i s o n w i t h o u t t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f p a r o l e , b u t he does n o t want to take the chance of r e c e i v i n g a sentence of l i f e w i t h o u t the p o s s i b i l i t y p a r o l e . 43, this 77.) Therefore, he Court conduct only (Supp. R. documents f i l e d and on h i s b e h a l f , to represent he will himself have According l i k e l y be b e c a u s e he has to executed. his appellate consistently s e n t e n c e d t h a t he d i d h i s c o n v i c t i o n s or sentences. 18 and h i m s e l f and s t r i k e s a l l wishes to terminate t o l d them s i n c e s h o r t l y a f t e r he was want t o c h a l l e n g e counsel a p l a i n - e r r o r review. L a c k e y s t a t e d t h a t he counsel on r e t u r n t o remand wants t o t e r m i n a t e L a c k e y , he knows t h a t i f he r e p r e s e n t s in prison According not to CR-07-1378 Lackey, a p p e l l a t e counsel t h a t he was " m e s s i n g up have i g n o r e d h i s w i s h e s and t o l d on r e t u r n to L a c k e y ' s t e s t i m o n y i s s u p p o r t e d by l e t t e r s he remand 43.) t h e i r case." has s e n t t o the Alabama A t t o r n e y this Court counsel notes that, n o t want t o c h a l l e n g e counsel until appellate sought counsel's At the h e a r i n g , believed he had what he d e s i r e s . was Lackey informed to Further, appellate s e n t e n c e d t o d e a t h t h a t he h i s c o n v i c t i o n s and s e n t e n c e s , d i d n o t r a i s e any Lackey G e n e r a l and t h i s C o u r t . although s h o r t l y a f t e r he (Supp. R. at that time, c o n c e r n s r e l a t i n g t o h i s competency represent himself and to terminate services. Lackey i n f o r m e d the c i r c u i t c o u r t t h a t sufficient mental health to tell He a d m i t t e d t h a t i n A u g u s t 2011 he was being on death however, he has h e l p e d him, but did appellate he the he court attempted t o commit s u i c i d e by c u t t i n g h i s w r i s t s , b u t he e x p l a i n e d of him that u n d e r a g r e a t d e a l o f s t r e s s as a r e s u l t row been and on his insomnia. medication, i t does n o t and Since the that time, medication a f f e c t h i s judgment. 3 He has further A t the h e a r i n g , a p p e l l a t e counsel s t a t e d t h a t the f a c t t h a t L a c k e y had b e e n p r e s c r i b e d and was t a k i n g p s y c h o t r o p i c d r u g s i s e v i d e n c e t h a t he i s incompetent. The record, however, does n o t e s t a b l i s h w h e t h e r L a c k e y was taking p s y c h o t o p i c d r u g s , a n t i d e p r e s s a n t d r u g s , s l e e p a i d e s , o r some 3 19 CR-07-1378 testified his that h i s d e c i s i o n to proceed pro se, to counsel's representation, f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f and to strike Lackey an was Preston's attempt t o remain incompetent, report and testimony from argued Lackey p a r a l l e l universe. on that stress exist. counsel Lackey's indicating that he showing read that from suicide Dr. attempt also e l i c i t e d believes in a To r e b u t a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l ' s a r g u m e n t , t h e f o u n d L a c k e y t o be c o m p e t e n t . t h a t h i s p a s t s u i c i d e a t t e m p t was t h e r e s u l t and i n s o m n i a Finally, by Appellate counsel S t a t e e x p l a i n e d t h a t Dr. P r e s t o n Lackey e x p l a i n e d the case appellate shows t h a t he i s i n c o m p e t e n t . in s a y ] i t s s u i c i d e , ... i t ' s (Supp. R. on r e t u r n t o remand 4 7.) In of He g u i l t f o r what [he] d i d [ , although h i s appellate counsel not." a l l documents i s n o t an a t t e m p t t o commit s u i c i d e . e x p l a i n e d t h a t he i s " j u s t a c c e p t i n g and, terminate and t h a t those conditions Lackey t e s t i f i e d that the p a r a l l e l w h i c h he b e l i e v e s i s a spiritual world that no longer universe consists of heaven and h e l l . other type of drug. Accordingly, appellate counsel's a s s e r t i o n i s u n s u p p o r t e d by any e v i d e n c e i n t h e r e c o r d . 20 CR-07-1378 A f t e r the h e a r i n g , the circuit c o u r t i s s u e d an o r d e r in which i t r u l e d t h a t "Lackey i s l e g a l l y competent t o e x e r c i s e his r i g h t to proceed pro se and appellate proceedings." The circuit Before court's trial, (Supp. R. decision L a c k e y was to stand t r i a l , to c o n t r o l the course is on and i t was r e t u r n t o remand supported f o u n d by Dr. of h i s by the P r e s t o n t o be Dr. P r e s t o n ' s 13.) record. competent o p i n i o n t h a t he w o u l d have no p r o b l e m s a i d i n g h i s a t t o r n e y s . A t t h e h e a r i n g on h i s d e c i s i o n t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f , L a c k e y e s t a b l i s h e d t h a t "he sufficient present his lawyer[s, c o u n s e l , a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l , and new including t r i a l counsel,] with a reasonable has a as well a g a i n s t him." Rule 11.1, and insomnia, A l a . R. successfully to consult factual Dusky, Crim. which, as P. affects his ability F.3d at established was no to To he a t 402. the 21 of See he the also have been indicating that d i s o r d e r , or d e f e c t that choice. contrary, understands ... depression, Lackey, evidence t o make a r a t i o n a l 1322. that U.S. Other than s t r e s s , according treated, there and understanding 362 Lackey s u f f e r s from mental d i s e a s e , 223 with degree of r a t i o n a l understanding rational proceedings ability has the See Lackey's Hauser, testimony ramifications of CR-07-1378 proceeding p r o se and s t r i k i n g a l l documents filed on h i s b e h a l f , a n d he made a r e a s o n e d d e c i s i o n b e t w e e n a c c e p t i n g h i s guilt and punishment sentenced o r t a k i n g t h e c h a n c e t h a t he m i g h t be to l i f e i n prison without thep o s s i b i l i t y of parole. Rees v. P e y t o n , 384 U.S. a t 314. cannot the c i r c u i t court say that finding that counsel's Lackey was s e r v i c e t o him, documents f i l e d Accordingly, abused competent this Court i t s discretion t o terminate in appellate t o p r o c e e d p r o se, and t o s t r i k e a l l on h i s b e h a l f . B. Next, correctly must r e v i e w Lackey knowingly, a l l documents f i l e d i n t e l l i g e n t l y , and on h i s b e h a l f i n this 744 So. 2d a t 406. States Supreme C o u r t defendant has a r i g h t assistance court 40 So. 3d a t 756-57; S i b l e y , 775 So. 2d a t F a r e t t a v. C a l i f o r n i a , United whether t h e c i r c u i t made h i s d e c i s i o n t o w a i v e c o u n s e l , t o p r o c e e d p r o Johnson, Block, In the that and t o s t r i k e Court. 240; Court found voluntarily se, this 422 U.S. 806, 819-22 explained to represent of counsel, that, although a h i m s e l f and t o waive t h e the i n t e l l i g e n c e 22 (1975), of the waiver of CR-07-1378 counsel his must be s c r u t i n i z e d . 4 "When an [ a p p e l l a n t ] manages own [ a p p e a l ] , he r e l i n q u i s h e s ... many o f t h e t r a d i t i o n a l benefits associated with Because an appellant represent himself previously filed benefits, benefits and who and invokes chooses to represent intelligently' I d . a t 835. h i s state-law to on h i s own b e h a l f " i n order 'knowingly the r i g h t to counsel." strike traditional t h e [ a p p e l l a n t ] must forgo those relinquished ... [and] he s h o u l d be made aware o f t h e d a n g e r s a n d d i s a d v a n t a g e s o f s e l f - r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , so t h a t t h e r e c o r d establish that 'he knows what h e ' s d o i n g trial 422 U.S. a t 8 3 5 ) . court advises (quoting "While i t i s d e s i r a b l e t h a t the engage, as i t d i d i n t h i s which i t e x p r e s s l y will and h i s c h o i c e i s made w i t h e y e s o p e n . ' " S i b l e y , 775 So. 2d a t 242-43 Faretta, to a l l documents w a i v e s many himself right case, i n a c o l l o q u y i n t h e defendant o f 'the dangers and disadvantages o f s e l f - r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , ' such a c o l l o q u y i s n o t mandated." App. Moody v. S t a t e , 888 So. 2d 532, 554 ( A l a . C r i m . 2003) ( q u o t i n g T o m l i n v. S t a t e , 601 So. 2d 124, 128 ( A l a . T h i s C o u r t r e c o g n i z e s t h a t F a r e t t a i s n o t d i r e c t l y on p o i n t because t h a t case i n v o l v e d a defendant's r i g h t t o represent himself at t r i a l . 422 U.S. 806. However, i n S i b l e y and J o h n s o n , t h i s C o u r t a n a l o g i z e d t h e w a i v e r o f c o u n s e l a t t r i a l a n d t h e w a i v e r o f c o u n s e l on a p p e a l . 4 23 CR-07-1378 1991)). record "The u l t i m a t e t e s t i s w h e t h e r as a w h o l e that a defendant's i t 'appear[s] from t h e w a i v e r o f c o u n s e l and d e c i s i o n t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f were k n o w i n g a n d i n t e l l i g e n t . ' " Moody, 888 So. 2d a t 554 569, ( q u o t i n g Teske 571 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 1 9 8 7 ) ) . focus of the inquiry is on v. S t a t e , 507 So. 2d "Under t h i s a p p r o a c h , t h e 'the p a r t i c u l a r facts and circumstances i n v o l v e d , " i n c l u d i n g the background, e x p e r i e n c e , and conduct (quoting Johnson In court of the accused."'" Tomlin, 601 So. 2d Moody, at 128-29, 888 So. 2d a t 554 quoting in v. Z e r b s t , 304 U.S. 458, 464 ( 1 9 3 8 ) ) . Sibley may determining v. State, consider whether this Court the f o l l o w i n g an appellant's held that the nonexclusive decision circuit factors knowing voluntary: "'(1) [T]he background, e x p e r i e n c e and conduct o f t h e d e f e n d a n t i n c l u d i n g h i s age, e d u c a t i o n a l b a c k g r o u n d , and h i s p h y s i c a l a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h ; (2) t h e e x t e n t t o which the [ a p p e l l a n t ] had c o n t a c t w i t h lawyers p r i o r t o t h e [ a p p e a l ] ; (3) t h e d e f e n d a n t ' s k n o w l e d g e o f t h e n a t u r e o f t h e c h a r g e s , t h e p o s s i b l e d e f e n s e s , and t h e p o s s i b l e p e n a l t y ; (4) t h e d e f e n d a n t ' s u n d e r s t a n d i n g of t h e r u l e s o f p r o c e d u r e , e v i d e n c e and c o u r t r o o m decorum; (5) t h e d e f e n d a n t ' s e x p e r i e n c e i n c r i m i n a l t r i a l s ; (6) ... w h e t h e r t h e w a i v e r o f c o u n s e l was t h e r e s u l t of m i s t r e a t m e n t o r c o e r c i o n ; or ([7]) whether 24 in to represent h i m s e l f a n d , i n t h a t c a s e , r e f u s a l t o f i l e a b r i e f was and turn, CR-07-1378 t h e d e f e n d a n t was t r y i n g t o m a n i p u l a t e t h e e v e n t s o f the 775 [appeal].'" So. 2d a t 239 ( q u o t i n g S t r o z i e r v . Newsome, 871 F.2d 995, 998 (11th C i r . 1989)). See a l s o U n i t e d S t a t e s v . C a s h , 47 F.3d 1083, 1088-89 ( 1 1 t h C i r . 1995) (same f a c t o r s ) . "'"All f a c t o r s n e e d n o t p o i n t i n t h e same d i r e c t i o n . " ' " So. 3d a t 757-58; S i b l e y , 775 So. a t 243 F.3d (quoting Cash, 47 a t 1089). After reviewing Court i s convinced on J o h n s o n , 40 appeal, strike years on r e t u r n t o remand, that Lackey's d e c i s i o n t o represent t o terminate a l l documents voluntary. the record counsel's filed representation, on h i s b e h a l f was himself and t o knowing and D u r i n g t h e h e a r i n g , L a c k e y t e s t i f i e d t h a t he i s 28 old, that he g r a d u a t e d from h i g h school, and t h a t attended C a l h o u n Community C o l l e g e f o r a l m o s t 2 y e a r s . can a n d w r i t e , a n d he h a s no d i f f i c u l t l y read this the E n g l i s h language. he Lackey understanding L a c k e y s t a t e d t h a t he was p h y s i c a l l y i n good shape a n d was n o t s u f f e r i n g f r o m any m e n t a l h e a l t h issues t h a t w o u l d p r e v e n t h i m f r o m e x p l a i n i n g what he w a n t s t o o c c u r i n h i s appeal. Lackey informed the c i r c u i t court that he understands t h a t he h a s b e e n c o n v i c t e d o f two c o u n t s o f c a p i t a l m u r d e r a n d 25 CR-07-1378 has been s e n t e n c e d t o d i e f o r each c o n v i c t i o n . Lackey, he knows t h a t representation, file on his i f he represents behalf, terminates h i m s e l f , and this Court He actions explained and likely t h a t he result in counsel's review the s t a t e d t h a t he being trial knows h i s executed. does n o t want t o c h a l l e n g e s e n t e n c e s b e c a u s e he to s t r i k e s a l l documents his will appellate will t r a n s c r i p t for p l a i n error only. According his a c c e p t s h i s g u i l t and He convictions does n o t want t o t a k e t h e c h a n c e t h a t he m i g h t r e c e i v e a s e n t e n c e o f l i f e p r i s o n w i t h o u t the p o s s i b i l i t y of Lackey t e s t i f i e d many t i m e s and them. He t h a t he t h a t he has s t a t e d t h a t he has had parole. met with appellate counsel no p r o b l e m s c o m m u n i c a t i n g informed appellate counsel challenge counsel his filed convictions a brief against t h a t he w a n t s t o t e r m i n a t e to represent his instructions sentences. from himself the The or sentences, h i s wishes. Lackey to challenge counsel his Alabama explained Attorney General, 26 this have and ignored convictions r e c o r d e s t a b l i s h e s t h a t L a c k e y has want appellate a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l ' s employment because a p p e l l a t e not but with shortly a f t e r t h e y became i n v o l v e d i n h i s a p p e a l t h a t he d i d n o t to in and sought help Court, and new CR-07-1378 retained counsel in removing e f f e c t u a t i n g h i s d e s i r e not appellate to challenge counsel and his convictions and sentences. Lackey i n f o r m e d the invoking that had to been represent s t r i k i n g t h e documents t h a t have b e e n f i l e d on h i s behalf. s t a t e d t h a t he not right not h i m s e l f and has his he or o f f e r e d any into court threatened He coerced circuit been p r o m i s e d a n y t h i n g inducement t o take the a c t i o n s he seeks to or take. L a c k e y t e s t i f i e d t h a t he u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t , i f t h i s C o u r t does not overturn "greatly his convictions accelerate [ w i l l ] be s e t and 46.) Lackey counsel and "likely result the time sentences, stated in that his actions will [his] execution i n which c a r r i e d out." striking date (Supp. R. he knows [his] convictions by firing on [being] c a r r i e d out Upon q u e s t i o n i n g on r e t u r n t o remand that a l l documents f i l e d death sentence[s] being t o remand 55.) or " the his behalf of (Supp. R. than life in prison and without 27 receive the [his] on return court, Lackey stated sentences i t i s p o s s i b l e t h a t he c o u l d u l t i m a t e l y be a l e s s e r - i n c l u d e d offense will u p h e l d and t h a t he u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t i f h i s c o n v i c t i o n s and reversed, appellate convicted a sentence of possibility of are less parole. CR-07-1378 Lackey, however, t e s t i f i e d t h a t he d i d not chance of r e c e i v i n g a sentence of l i f e possibility of Lackey error Criminal the i n prison without the parole. testified review want t o t a k e and that that Procedure. he he basically understands understands the Lackey t e s t i f i e d Alabama t h a t he could adversely affect c o n v i c t i o n s or sentences. to Lackey the The consequences, s e l f - r e p r e s e n t a t i o n and collateral circuit dangers, striking and the a l l briefs challenges court of complicated, h i m s e l f and t o s t r i k e future Rules knows t h a t A l a b a m a R u l e s o f A p p e l l a t e P r o c e d u r e can be v e r y and h i s d e c i s i o n t o r e p r e s e n t plain- fully to his explained disadvantages of a l l a p p e l l a t e documents, and L a c k e y s t a t e d t h a t he i s aware o f t h o s e c o n s e q u e n c e s , d a n g e r s , and disadvantages. During the Lackey against briefs and insisted hearing, documents that that the the circuit court strongly f i r i n g h i s appellate counsel other intelligently, himself, hearing, filed on i s his desire. circuit court found and his behalf, At the that striking but conclusion Lackey and v o l u n t a r i l y made t h e d e c i s i o n t o to terminate appellate counsel's 28 advised the Lackey of the knowingly, represent employment, and to CR-07-1378 strike a l l documents f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f . supports circuit the c i r c u i t court court's conclusion. d i d not e r r i n f i n d i n g intelligently, The r e c o r d fully Therefore, t h a t Lackey the knowingly, a n d v o l u n t a r i l y made h i s d e c i s i o n . C. B a s e d on t h e e x t e n s i v e c o l l o q u y b e t w e e n t h e c i r c u i t court and L a c k e y a n d L a c k e y ' s q u e s t i o n i n g b y c o u n s e l , t h i s C o u r t i s convinced that Lackey "'not only [competently,] knowingly, i n t e l l i g e n t l y , and v o l u n t a r i l y , waive[d] h i s r i g h t t o c o u n s e l , but also [chose behalf].'" So. to Johnson, 2d a t 2 4 3 ) . This strike a l l documents 40 So. 3d a t 758 Court filed (quoting i s f u r t h e r convinced on h i s S i b l e y , 775 that when L a c k e y " ' d e c i d e d t o [ s t r i k e t h e b r i e f s f i l e d on h i s b e h a l f a n d restrict this Court's] review o f h i s c o n v i c t i o n and d e a t h s e n t e n c e [ t o p l a i n e r r o r ] he c o u l d a p p r e c i a t e h i s p o s i t i o n a n d he knew t h a t h i s l i f e was a t s t a k e . ' " 758 775 So. 2d a t 2 4 4 ) . (quoting circuit court Sibley, J o h n s o n , 40 So. 3d a t d i d n o t e r r by g r a n t i n g 29 Therefore, Lackey's motion the to CR-07-1378 terminate appellate counsel's employment, h i m s e l f , and t o s t r i k e a l l documents f i l e d to represent on h i s b e h a l f . 5 II. Next, State's this evidence convictions. Court to must review sustain the sufficiency Lackey's two of the capital-murder L a c k e y was c o n v i c t e d c a p i t a l m u r d e r p u r s u a n t 13A-5-40(a)(2), § A l a . Code 1975, w h i c h r e q u i r e d t h e S t a t e t o p r o v e t h a t he i n t e n t i o n a l l y m u r d e r e d C h a r l e s Newman d u r i n g t h e course of a robbery, pursuant the a n d he was c o n v i c t e d o f c a p i t a l t o § 13A-5-40(a)(4), State t o prove that Newman d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e "In sustain all determining A l a . Code 1975, he i n t e n t i o n a l l y which r e q u i r e d murdered Charles of a burglary. the sufficiency a conviction, a reviewing evidence murder of the evidence c o u r t must a c c e p t i n t r o d u c e d by t h e S t a t e , accord to as t r u e the State a l l On J u l y 23, 2012, a f t e r t h e c i r c u i t court granted Lackey's motion to represent himself and t o t e r m i n a t e a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l ' s employment, a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l f i l e d a m o t i o n i n t h i s C o u r t a s k i n g t h i s C o u r t t o remand t h e c a u s e t o the c i r c u i t c o u r t w i t h i n s t r u c t i o n s f o r i t t o h o l d another h e a r i n g on L a c k e y ' s c o m p e t e n c y a n d h i s d e c i s i o n t o w a i v e counsel and t o r e p r e s e n t h i m s e l f . This Court returned appellate counsel's motion because they f a i l e d t o serve L a c k e y , who now r e p r e s e n t s h i m s e l f , o r t h e a t t o r n e y L a c k e y h i r e d t o h e l p h i m t e r m i n a t e a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l ' s employment, and b e c a u s e a p p e l l a t e c o u n s e l no l o n g e r r e p r e s e n t L a c k e y . 5 30 CR-07-1378 l e g i t i m a t e inferences therefrom, a l i g h t most f a v o r a b l e 597 So. 2d 721, 724 471 So. 2d 485, 489 in determining and c o n s i d e r a l l e v i d e n c e i n to the prosecution." ( A l a . 1991) (citing F a i r c l o t h v. ( A l a . C r i m . App. 1 9 8 4 ) ) . the sufficiency of Powe v. S t a t e , State, "'The t e s t evidence to used sustain a c o n v i c t i o n i s w h e t h e r , v i e w i n g t h e e v i d e n c e i n t h e l i g h t most favorable to the prosecution, a r a t i o n a l f i n d e r of f a c t have f o u n d t h e d e f e n d a n t g u i l t y b e y o n d a r e a s o n a b l e Nunn v. S t a t e , 697 So. 2d 497, 498 ( A l a . Crim. could doubt.'" App. 1997) ( q u o t i n g O'Neal v. S t a t e , 602 So. 2d 462, 464 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 1992)). "When t h e r e i s legal evidence from which the j u r y c o u l d , by f a i r i n f e r e n c e , f i n d t h e defendant g u i l t y the t r i a l court should submit [the case] t o t h e j u r y , and, i n s u c h a case, t h i s court w i l l not d i s t u r b the t r i a l c o u r t ' s d e c i s i o n . " Sale v. State, (quotations 8 So. 3d and c i t a t i o n s 330, 338 omitted). ( A l a . Crim. "The r o l e c o u r t s i s n o t t o s a y what t h e f a c t s a r e . judge whether the evidence i s legally App. of a p p e l l a t e Our r o l e sufficient submission o f an i s s u e f o r d e c i s i o n [by] t h e j u r y . " Stewart, 900 quotations omitted). So. 2d 475, 477 ( A l a . 2004) 2008) ... i s t o to allow Ex p a r t e (citations and F u r t h e r , i n a c a p i t a l case i n which the 31 CR-07-1378 defendant pleads in determining proof." § guilty, whether 13A-5-42, principles, this sufficient evidence " [ t ] h e g u i l t y p l e a may be c o n s i d e r e d the state h a s met A l a . Code 1975. Court holds that [ i t s ] burden of Applying the t o s u s t a i n Lackey's State two these presented capital-murder convictions. At trial, following. the State presented A t 7:34 p.m. evidence on O c t o b e r indicating the 3 1 , 2005, the Athens P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t r e c e i v e d a n d r e c o r d e d an emergency c a l l t h a t o r i g i n a t e d f r o m C h a r l e s Newman's h o u s e . telephone and During that c a l l , Newman c o u l d be h e a r d s t a t i n g , "Don't do t h a t " "Leave me a l o n e . " (State's a s k e d , "What do y o u w a n t ? " overheard telephone on t h e r e c o r d i n g , e x h i b i t #1.) Newman also I d . H i s a s s a i l a n t , who c o u l d be responded repeatedly by a s k i n g , "Where's t h e v a u l t ? " I d . Detective Katrina Flannigan, then a p a t r o l o f f i c e r with t h e A t h e n s P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t , was d i s p a t c h e d t o Newman's h o u s e following t h e emergency telephone call. When s h e d i d n o t r e c e i v e an answer a t t h e f r o n t d o o r , D e t e c t i v e F l a n n i g a n to the rear of the residence. 32 Detective Flannigan went noticed CR-07-1378 that, although t h e g l a s s storm d o o r was c l o s e d , t h e wooden b a c k d o o r was open a n d t h a t t h e r e was b l o o d on t h e s t o r m door. D e t e c t i v e F l a n n i g a n summoned t h e o f f i c e r w i t h h e r t o t h e back. the house, door. a The o f f i c e r so t h e y t o l d h e r t h a t he c o u l d s e e a b o d y entered Newman's house through the back I n s i d e , t h e y f o u n d Newman's body on t h e f l o o r couch and a green chair, and a l a r g e U n d e r n e a t h t h e c h a i r was a s e t o f d e n t u r e s cordless telephone. puddle inside between of blood. and t h e base t o a Detective Flannigan n o t i c e d bloody shoe p r i n t s l e a d i n g t o t h e back door from t h e body and c o u l d s m e l l t h e s c e n t o f gunpowder. L a t e r t h a t e v e n i n g , O f f i c e r W i l l i a m Watson, O f f i c e r Bobby McCalphin, and S g t . C l a y t o n Jordan of t h e Madison Police D e p a r t m e n t r e s p o n d e d t o a s h o o t i n g v i c t i m who t e l e p h o n e d t h e p o l i c e from a Chevron g a s o l i n e s t a t i o n . The o f f i c e r s arrived Lackey t o l d Officer t o f i n d L a c k e y s i t t i n g o u t s i d e on a c u r b . Watson t h a t he h a d b e e n Officer Lackey's shot, and Lackey lifted his shirt. Watson saw two g u n s h o t wounds, one i n t h e c e n t e r o f chest and another on t h e s i d e o f h i s c h e s t . When a s k e d how he was s h o t , L a c k e y r e s p o n d e d , " ' I have no i d e a . d o n ' t know a n y t h i n g . I j u s t know I've b e e n s h o t . ' " 33 I (R. 566.) CR-07-1378 L a c k e y w o u l d n o t e x p l a i n where he was when he was s h o t , n o r w o u l d he e x p l a i n how he came t o be a t t h e g a s o l i n e Officer parked Watson saw a white i n front of the gasoline attention Altima's was drawn Nissan station. to the Altima exterior. Looking Watson c o u l d s e e b l o o d Altima automobile Officer because through station. Watson's of blood t h e windows, on t h e Officer on t h e s t e e r i n g w h e e l a n d f r o n t d a s h , what a p p e a r e d t o be an i n s u l a t e d p i z z a b a g a n d a r a d i o s c a n n e r in the front-passenger seat, two pistols i n the front- passenger f l o o r b o a r d , and a b l o o d y k n i f e w i t h a broken t i p i n the rear floorboard. Sgt. stations Jordan telephoned i n neighboring sheriff's counties b e e n any r e p o r t e d s h o o t i n g s departments and p o l i c e t o determine that evening. i f there had The A t h e n s P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t r e s p o n d e d t h a t i t was i n v e s t i g a t i n g a s h o o t i n g , a n d Sgt. Jordan informed and t h e Athens P o l i c e Department about Lackey h i svehicle. During brand a search .38 r e v o l v e r ; of the Altima, officers an 8mm pistol; starter found a Rossi a knife with a b r o k e n t i p ; an i n s u l a t e d p i z z a b a g ; a p o l i c e s c a n n e r ; a r e n t a l a g r e e m e n t f o r t h e A l t i m a s i g n e d b y L a c k e y ; a s t u n gun w i t h a 34 CR-07-1378 missing electrode; a baseball b a t t i n g glove; a utility belt; two f l a s h l i g h t s ; two b l a c k t u b e s o c k s f i l l e d w i t h n y l o n rope; a pack pair of s i x b o t t l e s of super glue; of blood-stained eyeglasses; hammer w i t h a t o w e l several screwdrivers; gym b a g s ; i t ; a roll packs of duct Paypal license, several credit business that under Officer Lackey had i n c o r p o r a t e d t h e name " J a c o b J a y Looney of Silver's restaurant from reflected fries. He a l s o r e c o v e r e d t o be an e l e c t r o d e Altima. I n a box s i t t i n g h i s internet-sales Police house. Department John The bills and near t h e back door. The of a chicken believed mother a n d a r e c e i p t f r o m a Long Newman's an o r d e r Lackey's McDeal." r e c e i p t were f o u n d f o l d e d t o g e t h e r receipt Lackey's i n h i s name, a n d a the Athens c o l l e c t e d two o n e - d o l l a r b i l l s cheese cards c a r d i n t h e name o f " J a c o b M c D e a l . " testified tape; of b a t t e r i e s ; a p a i r of n i g h t - v i s i o n g o g g l e s ; and a w a l l e t , which c o n t a i n e d driver's a an a x e ; a sledgehammer; a wrapped around five two b l a c k sandwich a piece and c h i l i - o f m e t a l t h a t was from t h e stun gun f o u n d i n t h e on t h e f i r e p l a c e mantel, Officer L o o n e y f o u n d a b i l l o f s a l e f o r Newman's p u r c h a s e o f t h e R o s s i brand .38 revolver. Doris 35 Langster, Newman's friend, CR-07-1378 t e s t i f i e d t h a t she s o l d t h e R o s s i that he t y p i c a l l y .38 r e v o l v e r t o Newman a n d c a r r i e d the revolver i n a pocket in his robe. Dr. E m i l y Ward, a p a t h o l o g i s t w i t h t h e A l a b a m a D e p a r t m e n t o f F o r e n s i c S c i e n c e s ("DFS"), p e r f o r m e d t h e a u t o p s y on Newman. Dr. Ward f o u n d t h a t Newman s u f f e r e d a c o m b i n a t i o n o f 54 s t a b wounds a n d l a c e r a t i o n s t o h i s h e a d , i n c l u d i n g s t a b wounds t o both eyes, and a broken nose. Newman h a d s e v e n wounds on h i s n e c k , one o f w h i c h s e v e r e d h i s c a r o t i d a r t e r y , a n d m u l t i p l e cuts The exit t o h i s hands. wound was on t h e l e f t that discoloration, object, that sustained a g u n s h o t wound. e n t r a n c e wound was on t h e r i g h t s i d e o f h i s c h e s t , testified the Newman a l s o the exit wound i n d i c a t i n g that such as t h e f l o o r , entrance side of h i s chest. was Newman was when he was s h o t . wound was s u r r o u n d e d the p i s t o l surrounded was a t a c l o s e and t h e D r . Ward by against purple a hard Additionally, b y gunpowder, i n d i c a t i n g range when fired. I n Dr. Ward's o p i n i o n , Newman d i e d as a r e s u l t o f numerous s h a r p a n d b l u n t - f o r c e i n j u r i e s o f t h e h e a d a n d n e c k a n d a g u n s h o t wound to the chest. D r . Ward a l s o t e s t i f i e d , was l i k e l y d e a d p r i o r t o b e i n g 36 shot. t h o u g h , t h a t Newman CR-07-1378 A subsequent long-time investigation revealed f r i e n d Newman's g r a n d s o n Newman t e s t i f i e d a t t r i a l that Lackey D e r r i c k Newman. was a Derrick t h a t he h a d p r e v i o u s l y t o l d Lackey o f Newman's w e a l t h a n d t h a t Newman h a d a v a u l t i n h i s h o u s e . D e r r i c k Newman t o l d L a c k e y t h a t t h e v a u l t c o u l d be a c c e s s e d b y a door next t o t h e s t a i r w e l l . Additionally, D e r r i c k Newman t e s t i f i e d t h a t he a n d L a c k e y h a d b e e n t o a Long John Silver's r e s t a u r a n t two d a y s b e f o r e h i s g r a n d f a t h e r ' s m u r d e r a n d t h a t Lackey had o r d e r e d a c h i c k e n sandwich and c h i l i - c h e e s e The computers Wilmoth, a Organized Crime Johnson a t L a c k e y ' s a p a r t m e n t were s e i z e d . computer-forensics analyst Information to analyze Lackey's "Jacob" t o "Damian" Within Wilmoth 6 t h e messages, from Brian the Regional C e n t e r , was a s k e d b y L t . F l o y d t h e computer apartment. with fries. hardware recovered r e c o v e r e d messages January "Jacob" 2005 wrote through t o "Damian" impending h e i s t ; h i s reconnaissance of t h e t a r g e t , from sent July from 2005. about an t h e house o f an " o l d r i c h guy," a n d i t s v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s ; h i s c o l l e c t i o n of s u p p l i e s f o r t h e h e i s t ; t h e c a s h a n d g o l d he b e l i e v e d was A t t r i a l , "Damian" was i d e n t i f i e d l i v e d i n England. 6 37 a s an i n d i v i d u a l who CR-07-1378 in t h e house; h i s i n t e n t i o n t o use a p i z z a bag as a p l o y t o g a i n e n t r y i n t o t h e h o u s e ; a n d h i s d e s i r e f o r money. within Lackey's computer's (C. 298¬ 318.) Also, internet history, Wilmoth f o u n d a p r e v i o u s s e a r c h o f Newman's a d d r e s s . R o b e r t B a s s , who was a f o r e n s i c s c i e n t i s t w i t h t h e DFS, analyzed several pieces of bloodstained f r o m Newman's house a n d f r o m t h e A l t i m a . evidence c o l l e c t e d Bass t e s t i f i e d that L a c k e y was a DNA m a t c h f o r b l o o d s t a i n s f o u n d on t h e s w e a t s h i r t he was w e a r i n g on t h e n i g h t wheel of the Altima, o f t h e murder, on t h e i n t e r i o r on t h e s t e e r i n g o f t h e back door t o Newman's h o u s e , a n d on t h e s t o r m d o o r on t h e r e a r o f Newman's house. Newman was a DNA m a t c h f o r b l o o d s t a i n s f o u n d on t h e e x t e r i o r o f t h e b a c k d o o r t o h i s house a n d on t h e i n t e r i o r o f the storm door. B a s s a l s o t e s t i f i e d t h a t t h e r e was a m i x e d - DNA p r o f i l e on t h e t r i g g e r g u a r d on t h e R o s s i .38 r e v o l v e r , on t h e t r i g g e r on t h e s t a r t e r p i s t o l , a n d on t h e hand b r a k e l e v e r on the Altima, and t h a t Newman a n d L a c k e y were the l i k e l y c o n t r i b u t o r s o f t h a t DNA. Crystal Kissel, a forensic scientist with t h e DFS, t e s t i f i e d t h a t Newman was a DNA m a t c h f o r b l o o d s t a i n s f o u n d on 38 CR-07-1378 t h e s o l e s o f t h e b o o t s L a c k e y was w e a r i n g on t h e n i g h t o f t h e murder. Jacquelyn Bowling, a forensic scientist with t h e DFS, t e s t i f i e d t h a t Newman a n d L a c k e y were DNA m a t c h e s f o r v a r i o u s b l o o d s t a i n s on t h e b l u e j e a n s L a c k e y was w e a r i n g on t h e n i g h t of t h e murder. John K i l b o u r n , a f o r e n s i c s c i e n t i s t w i t h A n a l y t i c a l and Forensic Associates, examined the bloody shoe prints n e a r Newman's b o d y . K i l b o u r n c o n c l u d e d t h a t t h e shoe were made b y a s o l e that were t h e same l e n g t h h a d an i d e n t i c a l a n d w i d t h as t h e l e f t w e a r i n g on t h e n i g h t o f t h e m u r d e r . found prints s o l e p a t t e r n and boot L a c k e y was 7 Tammy S l i g h , a f o r e n s i c s c i e n t i s t w i t h t h e DFS, t e s t i f i e d t h a t a p i e c e o f m e t a l t h a t was l o d g e d i n Newman's s k u l l , which was found found during in the Altima. t h e a u t o p s y , was t h e t i p o f t h e k n i f e She a l s o c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e t h r e e b u l l e t s a n d one b u l l e t j a c k e t r e c o v e r e d f r o m Newman's house h a d b e e n f i r e d from the Rossi .38 revolver. remained i n t h e r e v o l v e r had been A l lfive cartridges that fired. K i l b o u r n was u n a b l e t o d e f i n i t i v e l y s t a t e t h a t t h e shoe p r i n t was made b y L a c k e y ' s b o o t b e c a u s e o f t h e u n e v e n n a t u r e o f t h e l i n o l e u m f l o o r i n g on w h i c h t h e shoe p r i n t was made. 7 39 CR-07-1378 Here, Lackey's t h e S t a t e p r e s e n t e d an i r o n c l a d c a s e guilt, establishing and i t s evidence o v e r w h e l m i n g l y established t h a t L a c k e y i n t e n t i o n a l l y m u r d e r e d Newman d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e o f a b u r g l a r y and a r o b b e r y . Code 1975. Because §§ 1 3 A - 5 - 4 0 ( a ) ( 2 ) and ( a ) ( 4 ) , A l a . t h e S t a t e met i t s b u r d e n o f p r o o f , L a c k e y i s n o t e n t i t l e d t o any r e l i e f . III. Pursuant t o § 13A-5-53, A l a . Code 1975, t h i s Court i s r e q u i r e d t o address t h e p r o p r i e t y o f Lackey's c o n v i c t i o n s and his of, sentence of death. two c o u n t s murder L a c k e y was i n d i c t e d f o r , a n d c o n v i c t e d of c a p i t a l f o r t h e murder murder -- one c o u n t o f Newman during of capital the course r o b b e r y , s e e § 1 3 A - 5 - 4 0 ( a ) ( 2 ) , A l a . Code 1975, of a a n d one c o u n t of c a p i t a l m u r d e r f o r t h e m u r d e r o f Newman d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e of a burglary, The s e e § 1 3 A - 5 - 4 0 ( a ) ( 4 ) , A l a . Code 1975. record does d e a t h was i m p o s e d prejudice, not r e f l e c t that Lackey's sentence of as t h e r e s u l t o f t h e i n f l u e n c e o f p a s s i o n , o r any o t h e r arbitrary factor. See § 13A-5- 5 3 ( b ) ( 1 ) , A l a . Code 1975. The circuit circumstances court correctly outweighed found t h a t the mitigating 40 the aggravating circumstances. In CR-07-1378 making this determination, the c i r c u i t court found t h a t the State proved the existence of the f o l l o w i n g three circumstances: 1) t h a t t h e c a p i t a l o f f e n s e was c o m m i t t e d w h i l e L a c k e y was e n g a g e d 5-49(4), robbery, capital i n t h e c o m m i s s i o n o f a b u r g l a r y , see § 13A- A l a . Code committed while 1975; Lackey offense found t h a t circumstance The was that the c a p i t a l engaged offense i n the commission was of a was e s p e c i a l l y h e i n o u s , a t r o c i o u s , o r c r u e l capital offenses, see § 13A-5-49(8), Code 1975. Regarding prior 2) see § 1 3 A - 5 - 4 9 ( 4 ) , A l a . Code 1975; a n d 3) t h a t t h e when compared t o o t h e r Ala. aggravating mitigating mitigating the c i r c u i t court t h e d e f e n s e e s t a b l i s h e d one s t a t u t o r y m i t i g a t i n g -- that Lackey criminal activity, circuit circumstances, court also circumstances: h a d no significant h i s t o r y of s e e § 1 3 A - 5 - 5 1 ( 1 ) , A l a . Code 1975. found the 1) t h a t following L a c k e y was nonstatutory "different" i n t h a t he l i v e d i n a w o r l d o f c o m p u t e r games; 2) t h a t L a c k e y was shy, i n t r o v e r t e d , and s o c i a l l y awkward w i t h few f r i e n d s ; 3) t h a t L a c k e y , a t a young age, was d i s t a n t , c o l d , a n d d e t a c h e d ; 4) t h a t L a c k e y ' s f a m i l y members t e s t i f i e d t h a t L a c k e y was a k i n d , good c h i l d , a n d t h a t he d i d n o t b u l l y o t h e r c h i l d r e n ; 5) 41 CR-07-1378 that Lackey's family moved frequently when he was a young c h i l d , c a u s i n g L a c k e y t o change s c h o o l s a n d p r e v e n t i n g L a c k e y f r o m b e c o m i n g e s t a b l i s h e d w i t h a d o c t o r ; 6) t h a t L a c k e y seemed y o u n g e r t h a n h i s c h r o n o l o g i c a l age; 7) t h a t L a c k e y was influenced by others, so appreciate the r e a l i t y that often Lackey may not o f what he was d o i n g ; 8) t h a t a b s o l v e d D e r r i c k Newman d u r i n g t h e p e n a l t y p h a s e , circuit sentencing properly weighed mitigating order the shows that aggravating the Lackey which the The r e c o r d s u p p o r t s t h e c i r c u i t to 13A-5-53(b)(2), reweigh mitigating the sentence of death i s proper. aggravating sentenced to court and the Lackey to court's findings. A l a . Code aggravating circumstances circuit circumstances c i r c u m s t a n c e s and c o r r e c t l y Section Court fully c o u r t v i e w e d as a g e s t u r e o f k i n d n e s s . The death. easily 1975, r e q u i r e s circumstances determine whether and this the Lackey's A f t e r independently weighing the c i r c u m s t a n c e s and t h e m i t i g a t i n g c i r c u m s t a n c e s , t h i s Court f i n d s that Lackey's death sentence i s a p p r o p r i a t e . As Court required must excessive now by § 13A-5-53(b)(3), determine whether or d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e when 42 A l a . Code Lackey's 1975, sentence this is compared t o t h e p e n a l t y CR-07-1378 imposed i n s i m i l a r cases. of murder d u r i n g burglary. offense a r o b b e r y and Further, was L a c k e y was the c i r c u i t especially one convicted count court heinous, found t h a t the v. S t a t e , W a s h i n g t o n v. Brown v. So. 2d 857, State, 922 So. State, Therefore, excessive 775 this nor Finally, 11 So. Court 3d this cruel when of death has State. See 1999); 2d 145 ( A l a . C r i m . App. 2005); (Ala. Crim. 2007). 901 that the sentence App. was neither disproportionate. t h i s C o u r t has m e t i c u l o u s l y a f f e c t e d Lackey's has f o u n d no m e r i t searched the e n t i r e substantial rights. t h a t may This have Court t o any i s s u e p r e s e r v e d b e l o w f o r a p p e l l a t e r e v i e w and no i n d i c i a o f p l a i n e r r o r . App. capital ( A l a . C r i m . App. r e c o r d f o r any e r r o r , p l a i n o r p r e s e r v e d b e l o w , adversely a 863 866, finds or A sentence been imposed f o r s i m i l a r c r i m e s t h r o u g h o u t Melson count o f murder d u r i n g atrocious, compared t o o t h e r c a p i t a l o f f e n s e s . o f one See R u l e 45A, A l a . R. P. Accordingly, death are Lackey's convictions and h i s sentences affirmed. AFFIRMED. Welch, Kellum, Burke, and J o i n e r , J J . , c o n c u r . 43 of

Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.