{ "id": 11435500, "name": "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. BRYANT EDWARD WILLIAMS", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Williams", "decision_date": "2001-07-03", "docket_number": "No. COA00-582", "first_page": "526", "last_page": "533", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "144 N.C. App. 526" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C. Ct. App.", "id": 14983, "name": "North Carolina Court of Appeals" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "437 S.E.2d 711", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "113 N.C. App. 69", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8520656 ], "year": 1993, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/113/0069-01" ] }, { "cite": "403 S.E.2d 495", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 4, "year": 1991, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "623" }, { "page": "502" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "328 N.C. 613", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2543691 ], "year": 1991, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/328/0613-01" ] }, { "cite": "278 S.E.2d 221", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1981, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "224" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "303 N.C. 293", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8572874 ], "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/303/0293-01" ] }, { "cite": "321 S.E.2d 837", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "843" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "312 N.C. 162", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4759556 ], "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "170" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/312/0162-01" ] }, { "cite": "475 S.E.2d 202", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1996, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "344 N.C. 242", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 867711 ], "year": 1996, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/344/0242-01" ] }, { "cite": "337 S.E.2d 518", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "524" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "315 N.C. 191", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4719180 ], "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "200" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/315/0191-01" ] }, { "cite": "282 S.E.2d 791", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1981, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "795" }, { "page": "795" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "304 N.C. 108", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8565357 ], "year": 1981, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "113" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/304/0108-01" ] }, { "cite": "519 S.E.2d 73", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1999, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "79" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "135 N.C. App. 13", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 11238748 ], "year": 1999, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/135/0013-01" ] }, { "cite": "410 S.E.2d 478", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1991, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "481" }, { "page": "481", "parenthetical": "evidence supported finding of premeditation and deliberation where, during scuffle with the victim, the defendant took out his pistol, aimed, and shot the victim several times, after which the defendant \"left the deceased to die without attempting to obtain assistance for the deceased.\"" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "330 N.C. 425", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2512574 ], "year": 1991, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "428" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/330/0425-01" ] }, { "cite": "543 S.E.2d 201", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2001, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "505 U.S. 647", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 1480837 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/us/505/0647-01" ] }, { "cite": "540 S.E.2d 713", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 2000, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "721", "parenthetical": "delay of 3 years, 326 days held not to violate right to speedy trial absent showing of prejudice" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "353 N.C. 50", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 135728 ], "year": 2000, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "62", "parenthetical": "delay of 3 years, 326 days held not to violate right to speedy trial absent showing of prejudice" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/353/0050-01" ] }, { "cite": "321 S.E.2d 837", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "843" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "312 N.C. 162", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 4759556 ], "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "170" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/312/0162-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 839, "char_count": 18648, "ocr_confidence": 0.746, "pagerank": { "raw": 2.3041917393311763e-07, "percentile": 0.787707121148762 }, "sha256": "fe741829f38de55e76df959bacd57ad5f824da0414ee4378631f5e2e6c035009", "simhash": "1:a12c706286676d58", "word_count": 3034 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T14:55:44.896074+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Judge HUNTER concurs.", "Judge TYSON concurs in part and dissents in part." ], "parties": [ "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. BRYANT EDWARD WILLIAMS" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "WALKER, Judge.\nDefendant appeals his conviction of first degree murder on 9 July 1999. The State\u2019s evidence at trial tended to show the following: On 19 April 1997, the victim, Kenny Gregory (Gregory) attended a cookout with several friends including Sam Jackson (Jackson), Marvin Kee (Kee), Michelle Brooks Shearin (Shearin) and Tegra Turner (Turner). At approximately 11:00 p.m., the group went to the Fireside Disco in Littleton. While inside the club, Jackson, who had been drinking heavily, walked between a man and a woman who were dancing. An argument ensued which resulted in the house lights being turned on. However, the argument soon ended and the rest of the evening proceeded without incident until the club closed.\nAfter the club closed, patrons began to leave. As Jackson, Shearin and Turner approached the door, Jackson saw the man with whom he had argued earlier. Jackson pursued the man outside the club and their argument soon turned into a fight. Another man known as June Man, who had been seen with defendant earlier that night, attempted to break up the fight and told Jackson to stop fighting. June Man and Jackson then began to fight and a crowd gathered to watch. Defendant and a man known as Conrad began to push people back in an attempt to allow the two to fight. After about fifteen or twenty minutes, Shearin and Turner saw Gregory and Kee walking from the club. Shearin called out to Gregory in an attempt to get him to break up the fight. As Gregory and Kee approached the scene, defendant pushed Gregory back with his hands and told him to allow a \u201cone on one fight.\u201d Gregory then punched defendant in the jaw, causing him to stagger backwards several feet. Defendant produced a handgun and fired a shot which struck Gregory in the neck.\nKee testified that the series of events \u201cdidn\u2019t take no time. [Defendant] [j]ust pushed him, that\u2019s when [Gregory] hit him, like a chain reaction. He pushed him, he hit him, he shot him.\u201d Gregory\u2019s wound was fatal. Defendant fled the scene immediately after the shooting but turned himself in to the Halifax County Sheriff\u2019s Department the next day.\nWe first address defendant\u2019s contention that the trial court erred in failing to dismiss the charges because his constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated.\nDefendant was indicted for murder on 25 August 1997 and awaited trial for nearly two years while in custody before his case was brought to trial on 28 June 1999. During that time, he filed four motions for a speedy trial, all of which were heard and denied. On 22 June 1999, defendant filed a fifth motion, asking for dismissal of the charges due to the failure to grant a speedy trial. This motion was heard on 28 June 1999, the first day of trial. After hearing evidence, the trial court found, in pertinent part:\n5. That this matter has been calendered for trial during six sessions of Halifax County Superior Court.\n6. That the [defendant during none of those sessions of court or any other session of court has ever requested a continuance.\n7. That since the defendant was indicted, there have been eighteen sessions of felony Superior Court, only thirteen of which were available for the trial of this matter.\n8. That during the pendency of this matter three capital trials have taken place. Those trials consumed a total of thirty-three weeks.\n9. That the Assistant District Attorney has announced that this matter is scheduled for trial to be held during the next session of Superior Court to be held on June 28, 1999.\nOn the basis of these findings, the trial court concluded:\n1. That the delay in calling this matter for trial has not been unreasonable.\n2. That the relief sought in the [defendant's motion for Speedy Trial is denied.\nFurthermore, in denying defendant\u2019s motion, the trial court stated that \u201cthe evidence in the record amply shows that the dockets in this county are congested and that has, through no particular purpose directed towards this defendant, has [sic] resulted in the time that has gone by before this case has been called for trial.\u201d While the trial court acknowledged that the delay in bringing defendant\u2019s case to trial had been unusually long, it also concluded that there was a lack of \u201cany purposeful intent or any arbitrary actions on the part of the State that resulted in this delay, and certainly no evidence that the State was seeking any tactical advantage against this particular defendant by the delay.\u201d\nIn State v. Lundy, 135 N.C. App. 13, 519 S.E.2d 73 (1999), our Supreme Court set out the balancing test to be used when considering whether a defendant\u2019s constitutional right to a speedy trial has been violated. In applying the test, this Court must balance four factors: (1) the length of delay, (2) the reason for the delay, (3) the defendant\u2019s assertion of the right to a speedy trial, and (4) whether the defendant has been prejudiced by the delay. Lundy at 19, 519 S.E.2d at 79. \u201cThe issue of whether a transgression of defendant\u2019s right to a speedy trial has occurred is not resolved by any one factor; \u2018rather, the factors must be examined as a whole, with such other circumstances as may be relevant.\u2019 \u201d Id.\nHere, the evidence reflects that the district attorney diligently worked throughout the time at issue to deal aggressively with an overflowing docket. The district attorney made numerous requests for additional criminal terms of superior court. He had tried three other capital cases during this time. Each of these three cases was older than defendant\u2019s case. Further, we find no infringement of defendant\u2019s rights has occurred because he has failed to show what he recognizes as the most important factor \u2014 prejudice due to the delay. There is an absence of evidence that the delay impaired defendant\u2019s ability to prepare his defense through the loss of evidence, fading of memories or any other risk inherent in a delayed trial. Thus, in accordance with the balancing test required by Lundy, we find defendant\u2019s constitutional right to a speedy trial has not been violated.\nDefendant next contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion to dismiss the charge of first degree murder because insufficient evidence existed to show he shot Gregory with a premeditated and deliberated intent to kill.\nFirst degree murder consists of the unlawful killing of another with malice, premeditation and deliberation. State v. Misenheimer, 304 N.C. 108, 113, 282 S.E.2d 791, 795 (1981). \u201c \u2018Premeditation\u2019 means that the defendant thought about killing for some length of time, however short, before he killed.\u201d State v. Fields, 315 N.C. 191, 200, 337 S.E.2d 518, 524 (1985). \u201c \u2018Deliberation\u2019 means that the intent to kill was formulated in a \u2018cool state of blood\u2019, \u2018one not under the influence of a violent passion suddenly aroused by some lawful or just cause or legal provocation.\u2019 \u201d Id. \u201cThe phrase \u2018cool state of blood\u2019 means that the defendant\u2019s anger or emotion must not have been such as to overcome the defendant\u2019s reason.\u201d State v. Elliott, 344 N.C. 242, 475 S.E.2d 202 (1996). \u201cAlthough there may have been time for deliberation, if the purpose to kill was [sic] formed and immediately executed in a passion, especially if the passion was aroused by a recent provocation or by mutual combat, the murder is not deliberate and premeditated.\u201d Misenheimer at 113, 282 S.E.2d at 795.\nA non-exclusive list of factors to be considered in determining whether the defendant committed the crime after premeditation and deliberation are:\n(1) want of provocation on the part of the deceased; (2) the conduct and statements of the defendant before and after the killing; (3) threats and declarations of the defendant before and during the course of the occurrence giving rise to the death of the deceased; (4) ill will or previous difficulty between the parties; (5) the dealing of lethal blows after the deceased has been felled and rendered helpless; and (6) evidence that the killing was done in a brutal manner.\nState v. Hamlet, 312 N.C. 162, 170, 321 S.E.2d 837, 843 (1984). An examination of these factors reveals that insufficient evidence was presented to show that defendant acted with premeditation and deliberation.\nIn State v. Corn, 303 N.C. 293, 278 S.E.2d 221 (1981), the victim entered defendant\u2019s house in an intoxicated state, approached the couch and insulted defendant. Defendant asserted that the victim initiated a physical confrontation with him and attempted to hit him but was unsuccessful. Defendant then pulled a rifle from behind the cushion of his couch and shot the victim eight to ten times in the chest, killing him. After the shooting, defendant walked across the street and called the police. Defendant contended there was insufficient evidence of premeditation and deliberation to support his conviction of first degree murder. After considering the aforementioned factors, our Supreme Court agreed, stating \u201c[t]here is no evidence that defendant acted in accordance with a fixed design or that he had sufficient time to weigh the consequences of his actions.\u201d Com at 298, 278 S.E.2d at 224.\nSimilarly, in the case at bar there was no evidence that defendant and Gregory knew each other before the altercation at the club. There also was no evidence of animosity or that defendant had made threatening remarks to Gregory. Furthermore, the defendant was provoked by Gregory\u2019s assault to which defendant immediately retaliated by firing one shot resulting in the immediate cessation of the altercation after Gregory fell. Finally, defendant\u2019s actions before and after the shooting did not show planning or forethought on his part. After committing the crime in front of a crowd of bystanders, defendant left the scene immediately but turned himself in the next day. In light of these factors, the evidence fails to show that defendant acted in a \u201ccool state of blood\u201d or that he was \u201cnot under the influence of a violent passion\u201d at the time of the shooting. Given the absence of the requisite premeditation and deliberation by defendant, his conviction of first degree murder must be reversed.\nAlthough we determine that insufficient evidence exists to support the conviction of first degree murder, we conclude the evidence supported the crime of second degree murder. In State v. Vance, 328 N.C. 613, 403 S.E.2d 495 (1991), the trial court submitted possible verdicts finding the defendant guilty of second degree murder, guilty of the lesser included offense of involuntary manslaughter or not guilty. The jury convicted the defendant of second degree murder; however, the judgment for second degree murder was later vacated by our Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the Court found that by convicting the defendant of second degree murder, \u201cthe jury necessarily had to find the facts establishing the lesser included offense of involuntary manslaughter.\u201d Id. at 623, 403 S.E.2d at 502. Accordingly, the defendant\u2019s case was \u201cremanded for judgment as upon a verdict of guilty of involuntary manslaughter.\u201d Id. See also State v. Barnett, 113 N.C. App. 69, 437 S.E.2d 711 (1993).\nHere, the trial court submitted possible verdicts finding the defendant guilty of first degree murder, guilty of the lesser included offenses of second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter or not guilty. Second degree murder is a lesser included offense of first degree murder but without premeditation and deliberation. Thus, in finding defendant guilty of first degree murder, the jury necessarily found all the elements of second degree murder were met. Accordingly, we vacate the judgment for first degree murder and remand the case to the trial court for sentencing and entry of judgment finding defendant guilty of second degree murder.\nAfter careful review, we find defendant\u2019s remaining assignment of error to be without merit.\nReversed and remanded.\nJudge HUNTER concurs.\nJudge TYSON concurs in part and dissents in part.", "type": "majority", "author": "WALKER, Judge." }, { "text": "TYSON, Judge,\nconcurring in part, dissenting in part.\nI. Sneedv Trial\nI concur with that portion of the majority opinion which holds that defendant failed to establish the prejudice necessary to show a violation of his right to a speedy trial. While length of delay is not alone determinative of whether a defendant has been deprived of this right, State v. Grooms, 353 N.C. 50, 62, 540 S.E.2d 713, 721 (2000) (delay of 3 years, 326 days held not to violate right to speedy trial absent showing of prejudice), post-accusation delay becomes presumptively prejudicial at approximately one year. Id. (citing Doggett v. United States, 505 U.S. 647, 120 L. Ed. 2d 520 (1992)). A year\u2019s delay triggers application of the balancing test set forth in the majority opinion, as enumerated in Lundy and Grooms.\nI agree with the majority\u2019s holding that defendant failed to show facts to meet the fourth requirement from Lundy, that the delay was prejudicial. I note, however, that (1) the length of defendant\u2019s incarceration was presumptively prejudicial; (2) that the State\u2019s justification for the delay: (a) that three older capital trials had occurred during the pendency of this matter, and (b) that the district attorney requested additional sessions of court, and \u201cthat the dockets in this county are congested,\u201d and the trial court\u2019s findings that the delays were not \u201cpurposeful\u201d or for \u201ctactical advantage,\u201d should not affect defendant\u2019s own constitutional right to a speedy trial; and (3) that defendant properly and timely asserted his right to a speedy trial by never requesting a continuance and by filing five separate motions for a speedy trial during his incarceration.\nII. Reversal of Conviction for First-Degree Murder\nI dissent from that portion of the majority opinion which holds \u201cthat insufficient evidence was presented to show that defendant acted with premeditation and deliberation\u201d to sustain defendant\u2019s conviction for first-degree murder. The majority lists six nonexclusive factors from State v. Hamlet, 312 N.C. 162, 170, 321 S.E.2d 837, 843 (1984) which are to be considered in determining whether defendant committed murder with premeditation and deliberation. I would find sufficient evidence in \u201c(2) the conduct and statements of the defendant before and after the killing,\u201d and \u201c(3) threats and declarations of the defendant before and during the course of the occurrence giving rise to the death of the deceased.\u201d Id.\nViewed in the light most favorable to the State, as required on such a motion to dismiss, see State v. Miller,-N.C. App.-, 543 S.E.2d 201 (2001), the evidence shows that defendant initiated the event when he stepped towards the victim, Gregory, pushed him back with his hands, and held Gregory to let Jackson and June Man continue fighting. After being pushed and held by defendant, Gregory struck defendant in the mouth. Defendant, without warning, then escalated the encounter by introducing a deadly weapon into the fist fight. Defendant pulled out a pistol, extended his arm, aimed at Gregory\u2019s head, and shot him. After the shooting, defendant did not attempt to assist Gregory himself, or call for assistance. See State v. Hunt, 330 N.C. 425, 428, 410 S.E.2d 478, 481 (1991). Rather, defendant fled the scene by jumping into the trunk of a vehicle. The vehicle then stopped at the end of the driveway to the Fireside Disco. Defendant exited the trunk of the vehicle, entered the driver\u2019s seat, and drove away from the scene.\nAfter the murder, defendant was not at his residence when Sheriff\u2019s Captain Charles E. Ward went there, nor was defendant at Jack Clanton\u2019s residence where the vehicle was parked that defendant used to flee the scene. Only after the officer left word for defendant to go to the Sheriffs office did defendant turn himself in to authorities the following afternoon. Such actions before, during and after the murder are consistent with the jury\u2019s finding of premeditation and deliberation. See Hunt at 428, 410 S.E.2d at 481 (evidence supported finding of premeditation and deliberation where, during scuffle with the victim, the defendant took out his pistol, aimed, and shot the victim several times, after which the defendant \u201cleft the deceased to die without attempting to obtain assistance for the deceased.\u201d).\nAfter hearing and considering all the evidence, and judging the credibility of the witnesses, the jury found the defendant guilty of first-degree murder. I would hold that defendant received a fair trial free from prejudicial error. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent from the majority\u2019s holding to reverse defendant\u2019s conviction of first-degree murder, and to remand this case for entry of a judgment for second-degree murder.", "type": "concurring-in-part-and-dissenting-in-part", "author": "TYSON, Judge," } ], "attorneys": [ "Attorney General Michael F. Easley, by Assistant Attorney General K.D. Sturgis, for the State.", "Appellate Defender Malcolm Ray Hunter, Jr., by Assistant Appellate Defender Constance E. Widenhouse, for defendant-appellant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. BRYANT EDWARD WILLIAMS\nNo. COA00-582\n(Filed 3 July 2001)\n1. Constitutional Law\u2014 speedy trial \u2014 no prejudice\nThe trial court did not err by not dismissing a charge of first-degree murder on the ground that defendant\u2019s constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated where defendant was indicted on 25 August 1997 and tried on 28 June 1999; the district attorney made numerous requests for additional criminal terms of superior court; he tried three other capital cases during this time, each older than defendant\u2019s case; and there was no evidence that the delay impaired defendant\u2019s ability to prepare his defense.\n2. Homicide\u2014 first-degree murder \u2014 insufficient evidence of premeditation \u2014 elements of second-degree murder necessarily found\nA judgment for first-degree murder was vacated and the case was remanded for judgment and sentencing on second-degree murder where defendant and the victim knew each other before this altercation at a club; there was no evidence of animosity or that defendant had made threatening remarks to the victim; defendant was provoked by the victim\u2019s assault, to which defendant immediately retaliated by firing one shot resulting in the immediate cessation of the altercation after the victim fell; and defendant\u2019s actions before and after the shooting did not show planning or forethought. The conviction of first-degree murder must be reversed because of the absence of premeditation and deliberation, but the jury necessarily found all of the elements of second-degree murder in finding defendant guilty of first-degree murder.\nJudge Tyson concurring in part and dissenting in part.\nAppeal by defendant from judgment entered 9 July 1999 by Judge Thomas D. Haigwood in Halifax County Superior Court. Heard in the Court of Appeals 18 April 2001.\nAttorney General Michael F. Easley, by Assistant Attorney General K.D. Sturgis, for the State.\nAppellate Defender Malcolm Ray Hunter, Jr., by Assistant Appellate Defender Constance E. Widenhouse, for defendant-appellant." }, "file_name": "0526-01", "first_page_order": 554, "last_page_order": 561 }