C. E. Goode v. Synergy Corporation
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IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
OF THE
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
NO. 2001-CA-01036-COA
C. E. GOODE, DARENE GOODE, RENEE HUEY
AND BARRY HUEY, ADMINISTRATORS OF THE
ESTATE OF BRITTANY HUEY; ANY AND ALL
WRONGFUL DEATH BENEFICIARIES OF
BRITTANY HUEY
APPELLANTS
v.
SYNERGY CORPORATION
DATE OF TRIAL COURT JUDGMENT:
TRIAL JUDGE:
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED:
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANTS:
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE:
NATURE OF THE CASE:
TRIAL COURT DISPOSITION:
DISPOSITION:
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED:
CERTIORARI FILED:
MANDATE ISSUED:
APPELLEE
03/14/2001
HON. R. KENNETH COLEMAN
MARSHALL COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
MICHAEL D. GREER
H. SCOT SPRAGINS
JOHN BRIAN HYNEMAN
FORREST W. STRINGFELLOW
WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIAMS JR.
CIVIL - PERSONAL INJURY
DENIED MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
REVERSED AND REMANDED - 02/25/03
BEFORE KING, P.J., IRVING, AND LEE, JJ.
LEE, J., FOR THE COURT:
¶1.
The Circuit Court of Marshall County denied Barry and Renee Huey's motion for new trial which
was based on an allegation of newly discovered evidence and denied C. E. and Darene Goode's joinder
to the motion. The motions were filed after a jury found for the defendant, Synergy Corporation (Synergy),
on a claim of property damage on behalf of the Goodes and a wrongful death claim on behalf of the Hueys.
These claims arose from a fire which consumed the Goodes' home and took the life of their granddaughter
and the Hueys' daughter, Brittany Huey. The Goodes and Hueys appeal asserting that the trial judge
abused his discretion because the newly discovered evidence was not obtainable, was material, and would
probably produce a different result. Finding error, we reverse and remand for a new trial.
FACTS
¶2.
On August 27, 1998, a fire destroyed the home of the Goodes and took the life of Brittany Huey,
their granddaughter. In the Goodes' and Hueys' claim against Synergy, their supplier of propane gas, they
filed actions for negligence, strict liability, misrepresentation, and breach of warranty. The Goodes and
Hueys alleged that Mrs. Goode smelled gas several months prior to the date of the fire and that after having
informed a representative of Synergy, the representative assured her that the smell of gas would sometimes
emanate from the main propane tank as the gas level decreased. The Goodes and the Hueys further
alleged that the Goodes relied upon the representations of Synergy's representative and continued to use
the propane system. The Goodes and Hueys concluded that propane gas escaped from the propane fuel
system and caused the fire within the home. In support of their assertion, the Goodes' and Hueys' experts
contended that the fire was the result of natural gas leaking from the propane supply line or fitting. The
experts asserted that the gas collected in the utility room and was eventually ignited by the pilot light of the
water heater causing an explosion and fire.
¶3.
Although there was no dispute that the fire was caused in some fashion by a propane gas water
heater at the home, Synergy denied any liability and disputed the Goodes' and Hueys' experts' theory on
the exact cause of the fire. Synergy's experts opposed the Goodes' and Hueys' assertion that the fire was
2
caused by a gas leak with the contention that the fire was the result of a homemade "ventura" plate attached
to the water heater which caused "incomplete combustion." This incomplete combustion led to a flame rollout which ignited combustible materials in the vicinity of the water heater, and then the fire ensued.
¶4.
After the presentation of all evidence at trial, each party rested their case. Jury instructions were
argued and presented to the jury, which deliberated and returned a verdict for the defendant, Synergy
Corporation.
¶5.
After the trial, the Goodes were approached by George Frayser, a former employee of Synergy.
Frayser claimed that he did not become aware of the case until after the trial. Frayser informed the
plaintiffs that he had manufactured and installed the plate on the water heater while in the course and scope
of his employment with Synergy. His statements were embodied in a sworn affidavit.1
¶6.
Based on this newly discovered evidence, the Hueys filed a motion for new trial on March 23,
2001, citing the sworn affidavit by George Frayser. The Goodes also filed their joinder to the Hueys'
motion for new trial on March 26, 2001. After hearing oral arguments, the circuit court denied the Hueys'
motion for new trial and the Goodes' joinder entering an order commensurate with its ruling.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
¶7.
Our scope of review is limited in this matter, we will reverse the grant or denial of a motion for new
trial only upon the showing of an abuse of discretion by the trial judge. Maxwell v. Illinois Central Gulf
R.R., 513 So. 2d 901, 908 (Miss. 1987).
I. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN DENYING THE
MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL.
1
See attached exhibit.
3
¶8.
A motion based upon newly discovered evidence may not be granted unless it can be shown that
(1) the evidence was discovered following the trial; (2) due diligence on the part of the movant to discover
the new evidence is shown or may be inferred; (3) the evidence is material and not cumulative or
impeaching; (4) the evidence is such that a new trial would probably produce a new result. Moore v.
Jacobs, 752 So. 2d 1013, 1017 (¶18) (Miss. 1999). In the present case, as stated above, the new
evidence came in the form of a sworn affidavit by George Frayser. Frayser's testimony was undisputedly
discovered after trial, yet discovered in time for the Hueys and Goodes to move for a new trial under
Mississippi Rule of Civil Procedure 59. In his sworn affidavit, Frayser stated that he was not aware of
the case until after the conclusion of the trial and that he had previously serviced the gas supply system
inside the Goodes' home. He also stated that he had manufactured the plate that attached to the ventura
on the water heater, which controlled the air/gas mixture, and that he had installed it while he was acting
in the scope and course of his employment with Synergy. He further stated that the Goodes never
participated or oversaw his actions and that the Hueys were not present when he made these alterations.
¶9.
The Hueys and the Goodes contend that the trial judge abused his discretion in denying the motion
for new trial because this evidence was unknown to the plaintiffs at any time before or during trial, although
evidence of this type was diligently sought through discovery. In addition, they contend that the newly
discovered evidence was material to the issue of the fire's cause, and would have required that the jury
reach a different verdict had they had the opportunity to present it at trial. Claiming the contrary, Synergy
asserts that the Goodes and Hueys failed to use "due diligence" in ascertaining the identity of George
Frayser; the identity of George Frayser and the testimony provided by him is not material to the case; and
the introduction of George Frayser's testimony would not lead to a new result if the jury were allowed to
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hear it at trial.
a. Due Diligence
¶10.
In determining whether the trial judge abused his discretion in denying the motion for new trial, we
first look to see whether the Goodes and Hueys demonstrated that due diligence was used in their
discovery. "A party asking for a new trial on the ground of newly discovered evidence must satisfy the
[trial] court that the evidence has come to his knowledge since the trial and that it was not owing to a want
of diligence on his part that it was not discovered sooner." Sullivan v. Heal, 571 So. 2d 278, 281 (Miss.
1990). "Facts implying reasonable diligence must be provided by the movant." N.L.R.B. v. Jacob E.
Decker & Sons, 569 F. 2d 357, 363-64 (5th Cir. 1978).
¶11.
As to the diligent discovery requirement, the Goodes and Hueys aver that Frayser's identity and
testimony were unavailable prior to trial. They further allege that they conducted a diligent search for
anyone with knowledge regarding the lawsuit and that in discovery Synergy never informed them of
Frayser.
¶12.
Synergy claims that the Goodes' and Hueys' lack of due diligence in ascertaining the identity of
Frayser and his information on the cause of fire is clearly demonstrated by their failure to investigate
information that they possessed two years prior to trial regarding the cause of the fire. A plaintiff cannot
fail to investigate important information and then attempt to assert that information as new evidence at the
end of the trial. Diaz v. Methodist Hosp., 46 F. 3d 492, 496 (5th Cir. 1995). Synergy states that it
provided the Goodes and Hueys with its theory of defense during discovery, that the attached homemade
ventura plate caused the fire. Synergy also states that the Goodes' and Hueys' own expert stated that he
was aware of the installed ventura plate, yet they decided to proceed under a different theory. Therefore,
Synergy argues that the Goodes should have investigated and discovered the identity of the manufacturer
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and installer of the ventura plate. Thus, Synergy contends that the failure to investigate these known
possibilities on the cause of the fire can hardly be deemed a "due diligent" investigation.
¶13.
With the above arguments in mind, we look to the record to see whether the Goodes and Hueys
were diligent during discovery. During the discovery phase of the litigation, the Goodes and Hueys
propounded interrogatories to Synergy requesting information regarding "the product," which was defined
as that which caused the injury or damages as alleged in their complaint, as well as requesting information
concerning persons associated with such product.
INTERROGATORY NO. 5: State the name, address and occupation of each and every
person not heretofore mentioned having knowledge of any fact or matter relevant or
material to this action.
In response, Synergy provided a list of twenty-two individuals, none of whom was George Frayser.
Additionally, interrogatory number twenty-one read as follows:
INTERROGATORY NO. 21: Did the Defendant, at any time between the date of
installation and the date of the accident, perform any maintenance, servicing, or cleaning?
If the answer is in the affirmative, please state for each such occasion of maintenance,
servicing, or cleaning:
a)
The date;
b)
The nature of the services performed;
c)
The names, addresses, and relationships to the Defendant of the persons
who performed the services;
d)
The reason the services were performed;
e)
The names, addresses, and relationships to the Defendant of the persons
having custody or control of the originals or copies of records, reports,
memoranda, receipts, work orders, or other written documents pertaining to the
occasions.
RESPONSE: None other than those processes involving periodic filling of the propane
tank.
Synergy did not list any other information in response to the question. The record shows that at no time
before or during trial was Frayser ever identified as an employee of Synergy Corporation, much less, an
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employee who performed service on the gas system at the Goodes' residence.
¶14.
At the post-trial hearing, Synergy responded that it did not provide any information concerning
Frayser because its records did not indicate that George Frayser would have any information regarding the
plaintiff's water heater. In support of this assertion, Synergy presented post-trial affidavits of its personnel
and a record of the Goodes' account history. The billing records demonstrate that no service whatsoever
had been provided to the Goodes other than filling their propane tank. The manager stated that any service
work done to a Synergy Corporation's gas system, such as the installation of the ventura plate, would have
been billed. The Goodes' billing records reflect that they were never charged any such type of service or
repair fee during the entire time Synergy supplied propane to the Goodes. Therefore, since there is no
record of such work, they had no information that Frayser worked on the Goodes' home and, therefore,
could not have produced his identity. Furthermore, as stated, Synergy argues that the plaintiffs were aware
of their theory that the plate caused the fire; therefore, Synergy contends that the plaintiffs should have
conducted a diligent search to ascertain the identity of Frayser.
¶15.
However, the record reflects that the plaintiffs themselves had no knowledge of Frayser's
manufacturing and installing of the homemade ventura plate, and consequently, had no knowledge of the
presence of the plate until after the fire. Testifying at the hearing on the post-trial motion, Darene Goode
testified that Frayser approached her after the trial and informed her that he had placed the plate on the
water heater. Mrs. Goode further testified that neither she nor any members of her family were aware of
the homemade plate on the heater before the fire. She also testified that it was not in a visible position to
be noticed by the family. She also confirmed that no one in her family manufactured it or altered or was
aware that a Synergy employee, Frayser, had attached the plate.
¶16.
In addition, George Frayser testified to the same in his affidavit. Frayser testified as follows:
7
Neither C.E. "Bug" Goode, nor Darene Goode, participated or helped me make this plate.
To the best of my recollection, neither C.E. "Bug" Goode, nor Darene Goode, oversaw
my actions. I am positive that neither Barry, nor Renee Huey, were present at the Goode
home when I made these alterations.
Therefore, although the Goodes and Hueys were made aware of Synergy's defense as to the cause of the
fire, they had no explanation of how the ventura plate came to be placed on the water heater.
¶17.
We find that the plaintiffs used due diligence in attempting to ascertain the information. The
evidence shows that the Goodes could not have discovered his identity earlier. The plaintiffs exercised due
diligence in attempting to establish the identity of persons having knowledge of the facts or relevant
information material to the action. Every person identified in discovery was deposed and no testimony
regarding George Frayser was provided. The fact that George Frayser was an employee of Synergy and
performed modifications on their water heater was unknown to them. Therefore, such information could
only have come from Synergy, which denies having such information. Even if what Synergy claims is true,
that they do not have a record of Frayser's service at the Goodes' home, then given the lack of knowledge
by both parties, appellants were excusably ignorant of the fact that Frayser modified the water heater while
in the employment of Synergy Corporation. Thus, the Goodes' and Hueys' efforts satisfy the requirements
of due diligence.
b. Material Evidence
¶18.
Synergy argues that the testimony of Frayser is immaterial to this action. In quoting Diaz, 46 F.
3d at 496, Synergy asserts that the "trial judge was afforded the opportunity to gauge the credibility of these
witnesses," and that this Court should not "second guess the trial court." Diaz involved a claim that two
physicians had perjured themselves, and newly discovered evidence in the form of an affidavit from another
physician disputed the witnesses' testimony. The Fifth Circuit held it paramount to rely on the trial court's
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discretion as to the credibility of the witnesses' testimony at trial.
¶19.
However, Diaz is distinguishable from the present case on this issue because Frayser never testified
at trial as his existence was unknown at or before trial. There was no testimony as to the manufacturer of
the homemade plate at trial. The trial court was never afforded the opportunity to consider Frayser's
testimony and judge the credibility for itself. Therefore, Synergy's reliance upon Diaz on this point is
misplaced.
¶20.
Additionally, the testimony is not of an impeaching or cumulative nature as it deals with testimony
never before offered to a jury. Frayser's affidavit goes to the cause of the fire. It goes to prove that
Synergy Corporation through its employee modified the water heater by installing a "homemade" ventura
plate which Synergy attributes to causing the deadly fire. Therefore, we find that Frayser's testimony is
material and not merely impeachable or cumulative in nature.
c. New Result
¶21.
In order to succeed on a motion for new trial based upon newly discovered evidence, "the evidence
[must be] such that a new trial would probably produce a new result." January v. Barnes, 621 So. 2d
915, 920 (Miss. 1992). This Court must examine the evidence and ask whether a jury, if allowed to hear
the evidence, would probably find that George Frayser fashioned the ventura plate and installed it on the
water heater as an employee of Synergy Corporation.
¶22.
In presenting their motion for new trial, the Goodes and Hueys did not challenge the weight of the
evidence, yet requested the trial court to allow the jury the opportunity to hear all of the evidence, in
particular, the sworn testimony of Frayser admitting to the performance of actions which his employer
attributes to the cause of the fire. Therefore, we find that if allowed to present their case, a new result
would probably emerge as Frayser's testimony links the cause of the fire to Synergy Corporation by virtue
9
of the fact that he admits to being within the course and scope of his employment at the time of his actions.
¶23.
In conclusion, we find that the trial judge abused his discretion because the plaintiffs have met their
burden as to all the required elements: (1) the evidence was discovered following the trial; (2) due diligence
was shown; (3) that Frayser's testimony is material and not cumulative or impeaching; (4) and Frayser's
testimony is such that, if presented, a new trial would probably produce a new result. Moore, 752 So. 2d
at (¶18). Therefore, we reverse the order of the trial court denying the motion for new trial and remand
for a new trial so this newly discovered evidence may be presented to the jury.
¶24. THE JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARSHALL COUNTY IS
REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR A NEW TRIAL CONSISTENT WITH THIS OPINION.
ALL COSTS OF THIS APPEAL ARE ASSESSED TO THE APPELLEE.
McMILLIN, C.J., KING, P.J., BRIDGES, THOMAS, IRVING, MYERS AND
CHANDLER, JJ., CONCUR. GRIFFIS, J., DISSENTS WITH A SEPARATE WRITTEN
OPINION JOINED BY SOUTHWICK, P.J.
GRIFFIS, J., DISSENTING:
¶25.
Relief from a judgment for newly discovered evidence, under Rules 59 and 60 of the Mississippi
Rules of Civil Procedure, is an extraordinary remedy. I find that the Goodes and Hueys failed to submit
sufficient evidence to establish their entitlement to such relief. Therefore, I conclude that the trial court was
within its discretion, and I respectfully disagree with the majority’s holding.
¶26.
In Moore v. Jacobs, the Mississippi Supreme Court established the criteria for a trial court to grant
a motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence. The court held:
A motion for a new trial (based on new evidence) is an extraordinary motion, and the
requirements of the rule must be strictly met. (Citations omitted). The motion may not be
granted unless (1) the evidence was discovered following the trial; (2) due diligence on
10
the part of the movant to discover the new evidence is shown or may be inferred; (3)
the evidence is not merely cumulative or impeaching; (4) the evidence is material; (5) the
evidence is such that a new trial would probably produce a new result." Ag Pro, Inc. v.
Sakraida, 512 F.2d 141, 143 (5th Cir. 1975), rev’d on other grounds, 425 U.S. 273,
96 S.Ct. 1532, 47 L.Ed.2d 784 (1976), cited with approval in Diaz v. Methodist
Hosp., 46 F.3d 492, 495 2 (5th Cir. 1995).
Moore v. Jacobs, 752 So. 2d 1013, 1017 (¶18) (Miss. 1999) (emphasis added).
¶27.
To prevail, “a party asking for a new trial on the ground of newly discovered evidence must satisfy
the [trial] court that the evidence has come to his knowledge since the trial and that it was not owing to a
want of diligence on his part that it was not discovered sooner." Sullivan v. Heal, 571 So. 2d 278, 281
(Miss. 1990). "Facts implying reasonable diligence must be provided by the movant." N.L.R.B. v. Jacob
E. Decker & Sons, 569 F.2d 357, 363-64 (5th Cir. 1978). The determinative question, in my opinion,
is whether the Goodes and Hueys prudently pursued discovery that, if they had, could have identified the
“new evidence” prior to the trial.
¶28.
George Frayser’s affidavit states that he worked for Synergy when he performed work on the
Goodes’ hot water heater and gas supply system. Frayser apparently admits that he made and installed
the “ventura” plate that was attached to the hot water heater.
¶29.
There is no dispute that fire consumed the Goodes’ home resulting in the tragic death of Brittany
Huey. Over two years passed from the date of this unfortunate incident and the trial of this case. During
this time, the parties conducted extensive discovery.
¶30.
There were several cause and origin experts who investigated the incident and offered their
opinions. The Goodes and Hueys hired Dave Berry, Jr. to investigate the incident and testify as a cause
2
The Supreme Court has recognized that these elements govern our consideration of this
appeal, because the construction of the Mississippi rules concerning newly discovered evidence is
nearly identical to the federal rules. State of Mississippi, ex rel. Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics v.
One Chevrolet Nova Automobile, 573 So. 2d 787, 789 (Miss. 1990).
11
and origin expert witness. Berry concluded that the ventura plate was of no significance in his investigation
and was not the cause of the fire. Instead, the Goodes and Hueys theory of liability was consistent with
Berry’s conclusion and was, in essence, that the Goodes told Synergy’s employees they smelled gas and
Synergy was negligent because it did nothing to investigate or solve the problem.
¶31.
Synergy’s theory was that the fire was caused by a homemade ventura plate, which was attached
to the Goodes’ hot water heater. The Goodes’ and Hueys’ attorneys were aware of Synergy’s theory for
quite some time. At trial, the parties presented different theories as to the cause and origin of the fire.
However, as part of the motion for new trial, the Goodes and Hueys did not outline or discuss what, if
anything, they did to investigate Synergy’s theory.
¶32.
The Goodes’ and Hueys’ motion for new trial included a copy of their first interrogatories and
Synergy’s response. They argue that Synergy did not identify Frayser. However, the Goodes and Hueys
do not contend that Synergy’s responses were false or misleading. Upon reading Synergy’s interrogatory
response, it is clear that Synergy did not know who altered the hot water heater. Synergy was not the
manufacturer of the hot water heater. Synergy did not sell or install the hot water heater. Synergy did not
typically service hot water heaters. Synergy consistently maintained that it provided the propane supply
tank, and its contact with the Goodes was through regularly filling the tank. Synergy’s records did not
indicate any work performed by its employees on the Goode’s hot water heater.
¶33.
To establish the due diligence element under Moore v. Jacobs, the Goodes and Hueys simply
make a general statement that they conducted a diligent search for anyone with knowledge regarding the
lawsuit and that in discovery Synergy never informed them of Frayser. I believe this element requires more
than simply filing initial interrogatories. The Goodes’ and Hueys’ attorneys provided no evidence or
description of their investigation into Synergy’s theory. They provided no evidence that they even
12
attempted to determine who was responsible for making or installing the ventura plate. The record is silent
as to what exactly the Goodes and Hueys did to locate the person or entity responsible for the ventura plate
or the identity of anyone who may have had access to work on the Goodes hot water heater.
¶34.
The Goodes and Hueys did not provide the trial court with specific references to any supplemental
discovery requests, deposition questions or testimony, correspondence between counsel, or any other effort
to investigate the identity of the person or entity who could have made or installed the homemade ventura
plate on the Goodes’ water heater. The majority relies on the fact that the Goodes’ and Hueys’ attorneys
deposed every person identified in the interrogatory response. However, the Goodes and Hueys failed to
attach deposition questions or testimony where they sought to determine the identity of Frayser or any other
person who could have installed the ventura plate. Due diligence requires that they not simply depose
everyone, but that they ask questions to try to elicit the information. Since this was Synergy’s sole theory
of the case, I believe that due diligence required the Goodes and Hueys to have undertaken such discovery
and investigation. However, based on the record before us, it appears that they did not.
¶35.
My criticism of the majority’s holding is that they have established the bar much too low for this
type of extraordinary relief. Based on the majority’s holding, the filing of initial interrogatories is sufficient
to satisfy the due diligence requirement of Moore v. Jacobs. Therefore, this decision effectively erases
the element of due diligence to discover the evidence prior to trial.
¶36.
A plaintiff cannot fail to investigate important information and then attempt to assert that information
as new evidence at the end of the trial. Diaz v. Methodist Hospital, 46 F. 3d 492, 496 (5th Cir. 1995).
The Goodes’ hot water heater had been installed over twenty-five years before this incident. Synergy’s
theory of the cause of the fire was that someone had tampered with the hot water heater. In Diaz the Fifth
Circuit stated, “we believe a prudent litigant would independently investigate such a pivotal issue and be
13
less than willing to adopt blindly the statement of the opposing party.” Id. Certainly, diligence required that
the Goodes and Hueys conduct an exhaustive search for any person or entity who worked on or tampered
with the hot water heater. I cannot accept that the Goodes’ and Hueys’ reliance on the filing of the initial
interrogatories alone as sufficient to establish their due diligence. The failure to investigate known
possibilities of the cause of the fire can hardly be deemed a “due diligent” investigation.
¶37.
In my opinion, the Goodes and Hueys failed to establish due diligence to discover the new
evidence. Therefore, I cannot conclude that the trial judge abused his discretion in denying the motion for
new trial. I would affirm the trial court’s ruling.
SOUTHWICK, P.J., JOINS THIS SEPARATE OPINION.
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EXHIBIT
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EXHIBIT
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