{ "id": 3795543, "name": "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. MELVIN WAYNE BECK", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Beck", "decision_date": "2005-07-01", "docket_number": "No. 191PA04", "first_page": "611", "last_page": "618", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "359 N.C. 611" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "594 S.E.2d 94", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2004, "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "163 N.C. App. 469", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8918557 ], "year": 2004, "opinion_index": -1, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/163/0469-01" ] }, { "cite": "608 S.E.2d 756", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2005, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "359 N.C. 312", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 3802538 ], "year": 2005, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/359/0312-01" ] }, { "cite": "159 L. Ed. 2d 403", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed. 2d", "case_ids": [ 5868041 ], "year": 2004, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/542/0296-01" ] }, { "cite": "574 S.E.2d 101", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "105", "parenthetical": "holding firing gun proved an element of the offense and an aggravating factor since an additional fact was required to establish the aggravator - endangering more than one person, i.e., that defendant utilized a semi-automatic pistol" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "155 N.C. App. 51", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 9248942 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "57", "parenthetical": "holding firing gun proved an element of the offense and an aggravating factor since an additional fact was required to establish the aggravator - endangering more than one person, i.e., that defendant utilized a semi-automatic pistol" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/155/0051-01" ] }, { "cite": "586 S.E.2d 462", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2003, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "holding shooting of victim proved an element of the crime, while paralysis proved an aggravator" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "357 N.C. 465", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 491398, 491564, 491855, 491762, 491702, 491735, 491738, 491643 ], "year": 2003, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "holding shooting of victim proved an element of the crime, while paralysis proved an aggravator" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/357/0465-03", "/nc/357/0465-02", "/nc/357/0465-06", "/nc/357/0465-05", "/nc/357/0465-01", "/nc/357/0465-07", "/nc/357/0465-08", "/nc/357/0465-04" ] }, { "cite": "581 S.E.2d 103", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2003, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "106", "parenthetical": "holding shooting of victim proved an element of the crime, while paralysis proved an aggravator" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "158 N.C. 498", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8655808 ], "year": 2003, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "502-03", "parenthetical": "holding shooting of victim proved an element of the crime, while paralysis proved an aggravator" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/158/0498-01" ] }, { "cite": "448 S.E.2d 822", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "826", "parenthetical": "holding proof of breaking victim's neck could be used to establish element of crime, while the resulting paralysis supported an aggravating factor" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "337 N.C. 764", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2552042 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "770", "parenthetical": "holding proof of breaking victim's neck could be used to establish element of crime, while the resulting paralysis supported an aggravating factor" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/337/0764-01" ] }, { "cite": "154 L. Ed. 2d 71", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed. 2d", "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "holding shooting of police officer proved two aggravators: crime against an officer performing his duty and action undertaken to avoid arrest, because the first focused on the action, the second on the subjective motivation" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "537 U.S. 845", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 9214464, 9214752, 9214726, 9214633, 9214666, 9214506, 9214603, 9214445, 9214575, 9214800, 9214687, 9214484, 9214774, 9214550, 9214431 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "holding shooting of police officer proved two aggravators: crime against an officer performing his duty and action undertaken to avoid arrest, because the first focused on the action, the second on the subjective motivation" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/537/0845-03", "/us/537/0845-13", "/us/537/0845-12", "/us/537/0845-09", "/us/537/0845-10", "/us/537/0845-05", "/us/537/0845-08", "/us/537/0845-02", "/us/537/0845-07", "/us/537/0845-15", "/us/537/0845-11", "/us/537/0845-04", "/us/537/0845-14", "/us/537/0845-06", "/us/537/0845-01" ] }, { "cite": "558 S.E.2d 109", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "141", "parenthetical": "holding shooting of police officer proved two aggravators: crime against an officer performing his duty and action undertaken to avoid arrest, because the first focused on the action, the second on the subjective motivation" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "355 N.C. 1", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 219986 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "48-49" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/355/0001-01" ] }, { "cite": "328 S.E.2d 451", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 4, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "454" }, { "page": "454-55" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "74 N.C. App. 224", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8523832 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/74/0224-01" ] }, { "cite": "131 L. Ed. 2d 738", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed. 2d", "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1815", "parenthetical": "emphasis supplied" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "514 U.S. 1091", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 1339136, 1340513, 1339449, 1339523, 1340452, 1338600, 1339784, 1339658, 1339787, 1339756, 1339728, 1339730, 1339928, 1340351, 1340313, 1339295 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "emphasis supplied" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/514/1091-15", "/us/514/1091-06", "/us/514/1091-16", "/us/514/1091-02", "/us/514/1091-13", "/us/514/1091-05", "/us/514/1091-09", "/us/514/1091-12", "/us/514/1091-04", "/us/514/1091-11", "/us/514/1091-03", "/us/514/1091-01", "/us/514/1091-14", "/us/514/1091-10", "/us/514/1091-08", "/us/514/1091-07" ] }, { "cite": "449 S.E.2d 412", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "444" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "338 N.C. 1", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2519104 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "54" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/338/0001-01" ] }, { "cite": "133 L. 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Ed. 2d", "year": 1995, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "516 U.S. 832", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 328571, 327557, 323846, 324361, 324778, 325787, 323667, 324371, 325527, 325720, 327611, 324060, 327645, 326782 ], "year": 1995, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/516/0832-07", "/us/516/0832-08", "/us/516/0832-11", "/us/516/0832-06", "/us/516/0832-12", "/us/516/0832-04", "/us/516/0832-14", "/us/516/0832-10", "/us/516/0832-13", "/us/516/0832-03", "/us/516/0832-01", "/us/516/0832-05", "/us/516/0832-02", "/us/516/0832-09" ] }, { "cite": "451 S.E.2d 543", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "564" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "339 N.C. 59", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2556750 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "97" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/339/0059-01" ] }, { "cite": "149 L. 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Ed. 2d", "year": 2001, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "532 U.S. 931", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 9315009, 9314948, 9314725, 9314661, 9314695, 9314631, 9314793, 9314822, 9315113, 9314863, 9315060, 9314585, 9314909 ], "year": 2001, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/532/0931-11", "/us/532/0931-10", "/us/532/0931-05", "/us/532/0931-03", "/us/532/0931-04", "/us/532/0931-02", "/us/532/0931-06", "/us/532/0931-07", "/us/532/0931-13", "/us/532/0931-08", "/us/532/0931-12", "/us/532/0931-01", "/us/532/0931-09" ] }, { "cite": "533 S.E.2d 168", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2000, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "244" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "352 N.C. 364", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 684963 ], "year": 2000, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "482" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/352/0364-01" ] }, { "cite": "567 S.E.2d 124", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "128" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "356 N.C. 132", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 1511319 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "136" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/356/0132-01" ] }, { "cite": "510 S.E.2d 159", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1999, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "163" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "350 N.C. 39", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 132016 ], "year": 1999, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "45" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/350/0039-01" ] }, { "cite": "107 S.E. 505", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "year": 1921, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "507" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "181 N.C. 621", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658160 ], "year": 1921, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "625" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/181/0621-01" ] }, { "cite": "250 S.E.2d 250", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1979, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "253", "parenthetical": "quoting State v. Barksdale, 181 N.C. 621, 625, 107 S.E. 505, 507 (1921)" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "296 N.C. 357", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8566069 ], "year": 1979, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "361", "parenthetical": "quoting State v. Barksdale, 181 N.C. 621, 625, 107 S.E. 505, 507 (1921)" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/296/0357-01" ] }, { "cite": "388 S.E.2d 134", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "136-37" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "326 N.C. 205", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 5307411 ], "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "209" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/326/0205-01" ] }, { "cite": "435 S.E.2d 530", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "532" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "334 N.C. 345", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2529130 ], "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "348" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/334/0345-01" ] }, { "cite": "598 S.E.2d 125", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "128" }, { "page": "128" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "358 N.C. 473", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2986601 ], "weight": 2, "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "478" }, { "page": "478" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/358/0473-01" ] }, { "cite": "188 S.E.2d 281", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "283" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "281 N.C. 300", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8574896 ], "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "303" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/281/0300-01" ] }, { "cite": "573 S.E.2d 118", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "121" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "356 N.C. 571", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 1511376 ], "year": 2002, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/356/0571-01" ] }, { "cite": "594 S.E.2d 94", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "99" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "163 N.C. App. 469", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8918557 ], "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "477" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/163/0469-01" ] }, { "cite": "615 S.E.2d 256", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "case_ids": [ 12633238 ], "year": 2005, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "No. 485PA04" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/se2d/615/0256-01" ] }, { "cite": "359 N.C. 425", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 3796256 ], "year": 2005, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "No. 485PA04" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/359/0425-01" ] }, { "cite": "63 S.E. 116", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "weight": 2, "year": 1908, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "118" }, { "page": "118" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "149 N.C. 366", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11270715 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1908, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "371" }, { "page": "371" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/149/0366-01" ] }, { "cite": "149 N.C. 267", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11270320 ], "year": 1908, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "271" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/149/0267-01" ] }, { "cite": "497 S.E.2d 276", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1998, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "279" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "348 N.C. 29", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 1659938 ], "year": 1998, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "34" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nc/348/0029-01" ] }, { "cite": "159 L. Ed. 2d 403", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed. 2d", "case_ids": [ 5868041 ], "weight": 2, "year": 2004, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/us/542/0296-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 878, "char_count": 18257, "ocr_confidence": 0.742, "pagerank": { "raw": 4.7535115145924345e-07, "percentile": 0.9300885881763763 }, "sha256": "22370951f6cbbd79ae6ac3d21c53dc8a3fdf453606996c3c1f099b180afda091", "simhash": "1:e6712528663fc0f6", "word_count": 2986 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T16:11:02.499353+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Justice PARKER joins in this dissenting opinion." ], "parties": [ "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. MELVIN WAYNE BECK" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "NEWBY, Justice.\nThe North Carolina Structured Sentencing Act provides that the \u201csame item of evidence\u201d cannot be used to prove more than one aggravating factor. N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) (2003). The question presented by this case is whether the phrase \u201csame item of evidence,\u201d refers to a single source document or a particular fact derived therefrom. We hold the phrase restricts the use of the same facts, not the same source.\nOn 1 July 2000, defendant Melvin Wayne Beck was indicted for first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. On 30 August 2002, a jury convicted defendant of the lesser-included offense of second degree murder and acquitted him of the burglary. At sentencing, the State presented to the trial court a certified copy of a fugitive warrant from the State of Florida which stated: \u201cFugitive \u2014 FTA [failure to appear] \u2014 Burglary.\u201d Defendant did not challenge the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in the warrant. Based upon information contained in the fugitive warrant, the trial court found two aggravating factors: (1) defendant had committed the offense at issue while on pretrial release on another charge and (2) he was a fugitive from Florida (because of his failure to appear for trial in that state). After reviewing his criminal history and the aggravating and mitigating factors, the trial court sentenced defendant to a term of imprisonment in the aggravated range, between 313-385 months.\nOn appeal, the Court of Appeals found no error in the conviction for second-degree murder, but remanded for resentencing. The court stated, \u201cWhile this evidence [the fugitive warrant] is sufficient to establish one of these aggravating factors, the trial court erred in relying on the same evidence to find two distinct aggravating factors.\u201d State v. Beck, 163 N.C. App. 469, 477, 594 S.E.2d 94, 99 (2004). It remanded the matter to the trial court \u201cto strike one of the aggravating factors.\u201d Id.\nThis Court allowed discretionary review solely to consider whether the Court of Appeals erred in holding that \u201cone document constitutes the \u2018same item of evidence\u2019 and cannot provide separate evidentiary facts which support two separate aggravating factors under the Structured Sentencing Act.\u201d\nThe parties agree this matter concerns the construction of N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d), which provides:\nEvidence necessary to prove an element of the offense shall not be used to prove any factor in aggravation, and the same item of evidence shall not be used to prove more than one factor in aggravation.\nN.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) (2003). Neither party disputes that the first clause prohibits using the same fact to establish both an element of the crime and an aggravating factor. The only issue before us is whether the second clause similarly prohibits the use of the same information to establish more than one aggravating factor, or whether the phrase \u201csame item of evidence\u201d should be read to address the actual method of proof, e.g., a source document.\nThe State contends the legislature intended the same concept in each clause \u2014 the statute is simply intended to prevent the same facts from being used twice in aggravation. It argues the Court of Appeals erred in interpreting the phrase \u201citem of evidence\u201d to mean source of evidence, in this case, a physical piece of paper. Both the plain meaning of the statute and the legislative intent were to prevent double-counting by using the same fact either to prove two distinct aggravators or to prove an element of the crime and an aggravator. Simply put, the statute forbids a person from receiving an enhanced punishment based on using the same fact twice. Thus, the State asserts, one physical document could contain several facts which support distinct aggravators. In this case, the fugitive warrant established facts to support both distinct aggravators.\nOn the other hand, defendant contends that the Court of Appeals correctly held that the phrase \u201csame item of evidence\u201d has special meaning, arguing that \u201c[t]he legislature must be presumed to have intended something different by its use of different language in the two clauses of the sentence.\u201d He argues the Court of Appeals correctly applied the plain language of the statute in holding that the fugitive warrant \u201cclearly constitutes a single \u2018item of evidence.\u2019 \u201d Because the distinct facts utilized to support each of the aggravating conditions were derived from one physical document, only one aggravator can be established. Defendant asserts that the interpretation urged by the State changes the word \u201citem\u201d to \u201cfacts.\u201d Defendant submits the Court of Appeals correctly gave \u201citem\u201d its ordinary meaning and held that the fugitive warrant could not be used to establish facts to support two aggravators.\nThe primary endeavor of courts in construing a statute is to give effect to legislative intent. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co. v. Pennington, 356 N.C. 571, 573 S.E.2d 118, 121 (2002); Stevenson v. City of Durham, 281 N.C. 300, 303, 188 S.E.2d 281, 283 (1972). This applies as equally to criminal statutes as to any other. State v. Jones, 358 N.C. 473, 478, 598 S.E.2d 125, 128 (2004). If the statutory language is clear and unambiguous, the court eschews statutory construction in favor of giving the words their plain and definite meaning. Fowler v. Valencourt, 334 N.C. 345, 348, 435 S.E.2d 530, 532 (1993). When, however, \u201ca statute is ambiguous, judicial construction must be used to ascertain the legislative will.\u201d Burgess v. Your House of Raleigh, Inc., 326 N.C. 205, 209, 388 S.E.2d 134, 136-37 (1990). Furthermore, \u201c \u2018where a literal interpretation of the language of a statute will lead to absurd results, or contravene the manifest purpose of the Legislature, as otherwise expressed, the reason and purpose of the law shall control and the strict letter thereof shall be disregarded.\u2019 \u201d Mazda Motors of Am., Inc. v. Southwestern Motors, Inc., 296 N.C. 357, 361, 250 S.E.2d 250, 253 (1979) (quoting State v. Barksdale, 181 N.C. 621, 625, 107 S.E. 505, 507 (1921)) (quoted in Frye Reg\u2019l Med. Ctr., Inc. v. Hunt, 350 N.C. 39, 45, 510 S.E.2d 159, 163 (1999)).\nWe generally construe criminal statutes against the State. State v. Hearst, 356 N.C. 132, 136, 567 S.E.2d 124, 128 (2002). However, this does not require that words be given their narrowest or most strained possible meaning. Jones, 358 N.C. at 478, 598 S.E.2d at 128. A criminal statute is still construed utilizing \u201ccommon sense\u201d and legislative intent. Id.\nHad the second clause of N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) simply omitted the words \u201citem of,\u201d there would be no dispute that its meaning was the same as the first clause. The crucial term then is \u201citem.\u201d Item is defined as \u201ca distinct part in an enumeration.\u201d Thus, the plain meaning of the second clause is that the \u201csame \u2018distinct part\u2019 of evidence\u201d shall not be used to prove more than one aggravator. Applying the ordinary meaning and usage, the phrase \u201csame item of evidence\u201d refers to a distinct quantum of evidentiary information, not to a document or object through which the item of evidence is established. Granted, this reading means that the term \u201cevidence\u201d in the first clause and \u201csame item of evidence\u201d in the second have virtually the same meaning. However, this is not a compelling reason to ignore the plain meaning of the language.\nDefendant urges that \u201citem of evidence\u201d be literally interpreted to mean the specific thing that is presented as \u201cevidence\u201d during the trial. In other words, \u201citem\u201d could mean a piece of paper, such as a warrant or medical record, or gun or perhaps a single witness. This literal interpretation could lead to absurd results. For example, during oral argument, defense counsel conceded that if the warrant had been tom into two separate pieces of paper, with the fact that defendant was a fugitive on one piece and the fact that he was on pretrial release on the other, it would then constitute two items of evidence. That result would yield an extreme version of form over substance. Similarly, if the phrase is read to mean the method of proof, then the same fact could be counted twice so long as it was established by two distinct documents or other mode of proof.\nEven if we assume arguendo that the statute is ambiguous and look to the legislative purpose, Beck\u2019s claim fares no better. Taken in context, the statute simply prohibits the use of the same information as the basis of two aggravators. The statute is not directed toward the evidentiary mechanism through which the information is introduced, but demands that the same information not be utilized twice.\nSimilarly, the logic of our precedents indicates that the statutory prohibition is against using the same item of evidence to support more than one aggravating factor. This Court has previously noted that it is \u201caxiomatic\u201d that the same evidentiary facts cannot support more than one aggravating factor. State v. Golphin, 352 N.C. 364, 482, 533 S.E.2d 168, 244 (2000), cert. denied, 532 U.S. 931, 149 L. Ed. 2d 305 (2001). \u201cIt is error to submit two aggravating circumstances resting on the same evidence.\u201d State v. Rouse, 339 N.C. 59, 97, 451 S.E.2d 543, 564 (1994), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 832, 133 L. Ed. 2d 60 (1995). However, the evidence for two aggravating factors may partially overlap, as long as there is some distinction in the evidence supporting each aggravating factor. \u201cAggravating circumstances are not considered redundant absent a complete overlap in the evidence supporting them.\u201d State v. Moseley, 338 N.C. 1, 54, 449 S.E.2d 412, 444 (1994), cert. denied, 514 U.S. 1091, 131 L. Ed. 2d 738 1815 (1995) (emphasis supplied).\nIn State v. McLean, 74 N.C. App. 224, 328 S.E.2d 451, a case relied upon by both parties, the trial court appears to have used one physical document, McLean\u2019s criminal history sheet, to find three separate aggravators: (1) that McLean committed the crime while on probation; (2) that he had previous convictions for offenses punishable by more than 60 days, and (3) that he had a prior record involving the use of violence. Id. at 229, 328 S.E.2d at 454. McLean argued on appeal that his criminal history could only support one aggravator. The Court of Appeals held that two aggravators could be proved from the one document. However, because the findings of defendant\u2019s previous convictions and of his past record involving the use of violence relied upon the same factual basis, only one could be used in aggravation. Id. at 229-30, 328 S.E.2d at 454-55. Contrary to defendant\u2019s argument, McLean does not focus on the source of the information, but upon whether there were separate facts to support each aggravator. Id. See also State v. Nicholson, 355 N.C. 1, 48-49, 558 S.E.2d 109, 141, cert. denied, 537 U.S. 845, 154 L. Ed. 2d 71 (2002) (holding shooting of police officer proved two aggravators: crime against an officer performing his duty and action undertaken to avoid arrest, because the first focused on the action, the second on the subjective motivation); State v. Brinson, 337 N.C. 764, 770, 448 S.E.2d 822, 826 (1994) (holding proof of breaking victim\u2019s neck could be used to establish element of crime, while the resulting paralysis supported an aggravating factor); State v. Jones, 158 N.C. 498, 502-03, 581 S.E.2d 103, 106, cert. denied, 357 N.C. 465, 586 S.E.2d 462 (2003) (holding shooting of victim proved an element of the crime, while paralysis proved an aggravator); State v. Sellers, 155 N.C. App. 51, 57, 574 S.E.2d 101, 105 (2002) (holding firing gun proved an element of the offense and an aggravating factor since an additional fact was required to establish the aggravator \u2014 endangering more than one person, i.e., that defendant utilized a semi-automatic pistol).\nAfter careful review, we conclude that N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) proscribes the use of the same fact in enhancement, not the same source. Accordingly, the decision of the Court of Appeals is affirmed as to the finding of no prejudicial error at trial but reversed as to the determination that defendant should be resentenced.\nAFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART\n. During the pendency of the appeal, defendant filed a motion for appropriate relief arising under Blakely v. Washington,-U.S.-, 159 L. Ed. 2d 403(2004) and its progeny. His motion is addressed by separate order.\n. The parties agree that the two aggravating factors in this case, committing the offense while on pretrial release and being a fugitive, are separate and distinct factors.\n. In Ms brief, defendant further contends that even if the fugitive warrant is not \u201cone item of evidence\u201d under the Structured Sentencing Act, it is still insufficient to support the two aggravating factors. He asserts that a warrant is not proof of anything, only an accusation. Additionally, he contends that because Florida did not move to extradite him, the fugitive warrant had been dismissed. However, we did not allow review of those issues, and they will not be considered. N.C. R. App. R 19(b)(1); See, e.g., State v. Dennison, 359 N.C. 312, 608 S.E.2d 756 (2005).\n. The definitions of \u201citem\u201d include: \u201ca distinct part in an enumeration, account, or series\u201d and \u201ca separate piece of news or information.\u201d Merriam-Webster\u2019s Collegiate Dictionary 623 (10th ed. 1999). Webster\u2019s Third New International Dictionary provides a voluminous definition of item. Its many definitions of \u201citem\u201d include: \u201can individual particular or detail singled out from a group of related particulars or details; \u201ca detail of information: piece of information\u201d; \u201can individual thing singled out from an aggregate of individual things\u201d; and \u201csomething that forms a contributory or component part or section of something specified.\u201d Webster\u2019s Third New International Dictionary 1203 (1961).\n. Arguably, this absurdity would not be limited to documentary evidence but could apply equally to testimonial evidence. If evidentiary facts sufficient to prove two factors in aggravation had been supplied by two different witnesses, both aggravators would apply. However, if by chance one witness had knowledge of and testified to both facts, then only one aggravator could be applied.", "type": "majority", "author": "NEWBY, Justice." }, { "text": "Justice BRADY\ndissenting.\nIn the instant case, this Court must apply N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d), which states \u201c[e]violence necessary to prove an element of the offense shall not be used to prove any factor in aggravation, and the same item of evidence shall not be used to prove more than one factor in aggravation.\u201d N.C.G.S. \u00a7 1340.16(d) (2003) (emphasis added). The majority would insert language into this unambiguous provision to hold that \u201cthe plain meaning of the second clause is that the \u2018same \u201cdistinct part\u201d of evidence\u2019 shall not be used to prove more than one aggravator.\u201d Because I would leave amendment of N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) to our legislative branch, I cannot join with the majority\u2019s reading of this provision.\n\u201cIt is well settled that the meaning of any legislative enactment is controlled by the intent of the legislature and that legislative purpose is to be firstascertained from the plain language of the statute.\u201d State v. Bates, 348 N.C. 29, 34, 497 S.E.2d 276, 279 (1998). Moreover, \u201c[i]f the Legislature has used language of clear import, the court should not indulge in speculation or conjecture for its meaning. . . . Courts are not permitted to assume that the lawmaker has used words ignorantly or without meaning, unless compelled to do so to prevent a manifestly absurd result.\u201d Nance v. S. Ry., 149 N.C. 267, 271, 149 N.C. 366, 371, 63 S.E. 116, 118 (1908).\nHere, the first clause of N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) clearly prohibits double-counting of elements and aggravators. The second clause, which contains the phrase \u201csame item of evidence,\u201d however, prohibits the use of the same item of evidence to support more than one aggravating factor. This conclusion is necessitated by the plain language of the phrases employed by the drafters and the basic tenet of statutory construction that \u201cthe entire sentence, section or statute must be taken into consideration, and every word must be given its proper effect and weight.\u201d Id. at 271, 149 N.C. at 371, 63 S.E. at 118.\nThe majority makes much ado about the \u201cabsurd result\u201d the same item of evidence rule might have; I however, see no absurdity in requiring the State to adequately establish the existence of an aggravating factor, particularly in light of this Court\u2019s application of Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 159 L. Ed. 2d 403 (2004), in State v. Allen, 359 N.C. 425, 615 S.E.2d 256 (July 1, 2005) (No. 485PA04). Thus, because I would give \u201cproper effect and weight\u201d to the General Assembly\u2019s use of \u201citem of evidence\u201d as opposed to \u201cevidence,\u201d I respectfully dissent.\nJustice PARKER joins in this dissenting opinion.", "type": "dissent", "author": "Justice BRADY" } ], "attorneys": [ "Roy Cooper, Attorney General, by Tiare B. Smiley, Special Deputy Attorney General and, Robert Montgomery, Assistant Attorney General for the State-appellant.", "Daniel Shatz for defendant-appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. MELVIN WAYNE BECK\nNo. 191PA04\n(Filed 1 July 2005)\nSentencing\u2014 Structured Sentencing Act \u2014 aggravating factors \u2014 same item of evidence\nThe trial court erred in a second-degree murder case by concluding that the phrase stating that the \u201csame item of evidence\u201d cannot be used to prove more than one aggravating factor under The North Carolina Structured Sentencing Act of N.C.G.S. \u00a7 15A-1340.16(d) refers to a single source document and defendant is entitled to be resentenced, because the phrase restricts the use of the same facts, and not the same source, as the basis of more than one aggravating factor.\nJustice Brady dissenting.\nJustice Parker joins in the dissenting opinion.\nOn discretionary review pursuant to N.C.G.S. \u00a7 7A-31 of a unanimous decision of the Court of Appeals, 163 N.C. App. 469, 594 S.E.2d 94 (2004), finding no error in defendant\u2019s conviction but vacating a judgment imposing a sentence of 313 to 385 months imprisonment entered by Judge William Z. Wood, Jr. on 30 August 2002 in Superior Court, Forsyth County, upon a jury verdict finding defendant guilty of second-degree murder, and remanding for resentencing. On 30 August 2004, defendant filed a Motion for Appropriate Relief, which is still pending. Heard in the Supreme Court 6 December 2004.\nRoy Cooper, Attorney General, by Tiare B. Smiley, Special Deputy Attorney General and, Robert Montgomery, Assistant Attorney General for the State-appellant.\nDaniel Shatz for defendant-appellee." }, "file_name": "0611-01", "first_page_order": 649, "last_page_order": 656 }