| Karen B. Golightly v. Gary Kevin Golightly
W2003-00870-COA-R3-CV
This case involves a child custody dispute between the parents of two minor children. Following a bench trial, the trial court granted the parties an absolute divorce and designated the mother as the primary residential parent. In addition, the court below awarded the parties equal parenting time and provided for an alternating visitation schedule in the Permanent Parenting Plan. The mother subsequently filed a motion requesting the trial court to reconsider the custody arrangement, which the trial court denied. The mother filed this appeal contesting the determination of custody by the Circuit Court of Shelby County. For the reasons stated below, we affirm the decision of the circuit court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Robert A. Lanier |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Cornelius D. Hicks, Aka "Hollywood," and Troy Lee Springfield
W2003-03035-CCA-R3-CD
The defendants, Cornelius D. Hicks and Troy Lee Springfield, and two codefendants, Bryan T. Oldham and Kenyale M. Pirtle, were charged with aggravated assault, a Class C felony, for firing a gun at the victim, Keiston Campbell, as he drove his car down a Henning street. Pirtle subsequently pled guilty to aggravated assault, and a fifth individual involved in the incident had his case handled in juvenile court. The three remaining defendants, Springfield, Hicks, and Oldham, were tried jointly before a Lauderdale County Circuit Court jury, which acquitted Oldham but convicted both Hicks and Springfield of the lesser-included offense of facilitation of aggravated assault, a Class D felony. The trial court sentenced Hicks as a Range I, standard offender to three years in the Department of Correction, with the sentence suspended and the defendant placed on supervised probation following service of 250 days, to be served consecutively to a sentence for an offense for which he was on probation at the time of the instant offense. Springfield was sentenced as a Range I, standard offender to three years in the Department of Correction, with the sentence ordered to be served consecutively to his sentence for violation of parole. The sole issue Hicks raises on appeal is whether the evidence was sufficient to sustain his conviction. Springfield challenges the trial court’s denial of his motions to sever his trial and for judgment of acquittal. Following our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Lauderdale County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Syreeta Patterson
W2004-00075-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Syreeta Patterson, pled guilty in the Shelby County Criminal Court to voluntary manslaughter. Pursuant to a plea agreement, the appellant was sentenced to six years with the manner of service to be determined by the trial court. Following a hearing, the trial court denied the appellant’s request for alternative sentencing, and the appellant timely appealed. Upon review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Arthur T. Bennett |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Larry Hunt
W2003-01738-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Larry Hunt, was convicted by a jury in the Shelby County Criminal Court of one count of aggravated rape, one count of aggravated robbery, and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Following a hearing, the trial court sentenced the appellant to twenty-five years incarceration for the aggravated rape conviction, twelve years incarceration for the aggravated robbery conviction, and twelve years incarceration for the aggravated kidnapping conviction. The trial court ordered the sentence for aggravated rape be served consecutively to the remaining sentences, for an effective thirty-seven year sentence. On appeal, the appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction of aggravated rape and the imposition of consecutive sentencing. In light of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Blakely v. Washington, __ U.S. __, 124 S. Ct. 2531 (2004), we modify the appellant’s sentence for aggravated rape to twenty-two years and the sentences for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping to ten years, for an effective sentence of thirty-two years incarceration. We also vacate the judgment of conviction for count two of indictment number 00-12640, which judgment was entered in error. We otherwise affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Chris B. Craft |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Jeremy Daniel Loader
M2003-01084-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, Jeremy Loader, pled guilty on July 12, 2002, pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, to two counts of theft of property over $1,000, a Class D felony, and two counts of arson, a Class E felony in Case No. 02-002. In Case No. 01-146, Defendant pled guilty to two counts of burglary other than a habitation, a Class D felony. The terms of Defendant's plea agreement set the length and manner of service of Defendant's sentence as follows. In Case No. 02-002, Defendant would serve four years on each of the theft of property convictions, all suspended but nine months, and two years for each of the arson convictions, all suspended but 144 days, with Defendant placed on probation for the remainder of his sentences on each count. For Case No. 01-146, Defendant would serve four years for each arson conviction, all suspended but nine months, with Defendant placed on probation for the remainder of his sentences. The sentences in Case No. 02-002 and Case No. 01-146 would be served concurrently for an effective sentence of four years. In exchange, the State withdrew other charges against Defendant. Defendant spent nine months in jail before entering his guilty pleas because he was unable to make bond. The trial court granted Defendant's request for judicial diversion, and Defendant was placed on judicial diversion for a period of six years. Defendant's judicial diversion in both cases was revoked on April 21, 2003, and the trial court sentenced Defendant to an effective sentence of four years in the Tennessee Department of Correction, with pretrial jail credit of nine months, in accordance with the terms of his plea agreement. Defendant does not appeal the revocation of his judicial diversion but argues that the trial court erred in ordering a sentence of confinement. Defendant contends that the terms of his plea agreement called for a sentence of split confinement, with the period of confinement already served, in the event his judicial diversion was subsequently revoked. Alternatively, Defendant argues that the trial court erred in not conducting a sentencing hearing prior to imposing Defendant's sentence. Following a thorough review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Juge Leon C. Burns, Jr. |
DeKalb County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| Robert Walker, et al., v. Michael S. Mullins, et al.
W2004-01174-COA-R3-CV
This appeal is from the chancellor’s decision in a property line dispute. In the absence of a transcript or statement of the evidence, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Chancellor Dewey C. Whitenton |
Fayette County | Court of Appeals | 09/14/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Robert Love Taylor
E2003-01931-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Robert Love Taylor, was convicted by a jury of driving while declared a habitual motor vehicle offender. He was sentenced to four years incarceration and fined $3,000 for the offense. Two motions for new trial were filed
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Gregory Morrow
W2003-02401-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Gregory Morrow, was found guilty by a jury in the Shelby County Criminal Court of possessing 300 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to sell, possessing 300 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to deliver, and two counts of possessing marijuana. The appellant received a total effective sentence of fifteen years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges the trial court’s ruling on his motion to suppress and raises complaints regarding the application of Rule 41(g) of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure. Upon our review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court, but we remand for a merger of the appellant’s two cocaine convictions and his two marijuana convictions.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Alfonso Martinez
W2003-01497-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Alfonso Martinez, was found guilty by a jury in the Henderson County Circuit Court of felony possession of drug paraphernalia and was sentenced to two years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant’s sole issue is the constitutionality of Tennessee Code Annotated sections 39-17-424 and 39-17-425 (2003). Upon review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we conclude that the appellant has waived his issue. Therefore, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen |
Henderson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Darry Miller
W2003-01511-CCA-R3-CD
Darry Miller appeals from his Lauderdale County Circuit Court conviction of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance less than 0.5 grams. He claims that the evidence presented at trial is insufficient to sustain a conviction. We disagree and affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Lauderdale County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/04 | |
| Charlene Jones v. Eagle Bend Manufacturing, Inc.
E2003-00944-WC-R3-CV
The employer asserts that the trial court's judgment of 55 percent disability to the employee's right arm was excessive, and the trial court's conclusion of permanency and 2 percent disability to the employee's left arm was error based upon the preponderance of the evidence. The employee contends this is a frivolous appeal. We conclude the preponderance of the evidence supports the trial court's judgment and that it was not a frivolous appeal.
Authoring Judge: H. David Cate, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Judge |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/13/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Darrell Wayne Syler
E2003-02626-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Darrell Wayne Syler, was convicted after a jury trial of two counts of rape of a child, one count of attempted child rape, one count of aggravated sexual battery and thirteen counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. The Defendant was subsequently sentenced to an effective term of twenty-nine years in the Department of Correction. In this appeal, the Defendant contends that the trial court erred in admitting a homemade videotape depicting the Defendant and his wife engaged in sex acts, and that his convictions for especially aggravated sexual exploitation must be reversed because the State failed to establish one of the statutory elements of that offense. We reduce the Defendant's sentence to an effective term of twenty-eight years, and otherwise affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Rebecca J. Stern |
Hamilton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/04 | |
| Opal J. Brock v. Meigs County, Tennessee
E2003-02114-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff sustained injuries from a fall in the court house and sued the County for maintaining a dangerous stairway. Following trial, the Court entered a Judgment for defendant. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Judge Russell E. Simmons, Jr. |
Meigs County | Court of Appeals | 09/10/04 | |
| Wendy King (Graham) v. Timothy King
M2002-01202-COA-R3-CV
The trial court denied Mother's petition to change custody of the parties' minor children from Father to Mother. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Charles D. Haston, Sr. |
Warren County | Court of Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| James Bell, Jr. v. State of Tennessee
W2003-02463-CCA-R3-CD
The petitioner, James Bell, Jr., entered pleas of guilty to a number of offenses in the Shelby County Criminal Court in 1997 and 2000, and subsequently filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the Lake County Circuit Court, asserting that his convictions were void and his sentences illegal. The court denied the petition without a hearing, and this appeal followed. We affirm the denial of the petition, but remand to the Shelby County Criminal Court for a hearing to identify what disposition was intended as to each of the indictments and entry of corrected judgments to reflect those determinations
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge R. Lee Moore Jr. |
Lake County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| Joann Potts, et al., v. Walter Ansel Rogers, Jr., et al.
E2003-00524-COA-R3-CV
In 1987 six (6) siblings acquired by intestate succession, a 115-acre tract, mostly flood plain unimproved land bordering North Chickamauga Creek near Hixson, Tennessee. Five (5) of the owners filed a partition action against their brother whose residence adjoined an upland portion of the 115 acres that was not subject to flooding. A consent judgment was entered in 1998 that the entire acreage would be sold and the net proceeds divided equally among the six (6) owners. But the consent judgment also provided that if no offer to purchase for $1,734,150.00 was received, the property would not be sold without unanimous consent or upon further order of the court. Four years later the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy offered $800,000.00 which was accepted by the plaintiffs, and disdained by the defendant, who apparently wanted the upland tract of 19 acres adjoining his residence as his partitioned share. The court ordered the property sold for partition. We modify as to the real estate commission and affirm.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| Tina Marie Weninger v. Jerry Craig Weninger
M2003-02018-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a divorce action. The trial court awarded primary residential custody to mother and standard visitation to father. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Leonard W. Martin |
Stewart County | Court of Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| Yvonne Foster v. Mollis Wilson, et al.
W2003-00872-COA-R3-CV
This case arises out of an automobile accident. Appellant appeals from a Judgment entered on a jury verdict. The jury found the two Defendants to each be 50% at fault and Plaintiff to be 0% at fault. The jury awarded $0 damages to the Plaintiff. We find that the trial court did not err in its duty as thirteenth juror and that there is material evidence to support the verdict. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Judge Kay S. Robilio |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Neal Armour
E2003-02907-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Neal Levone Armour, appeals the Hamilton County Criminal Court's revocation of probation. Because the record supports the trial court's actions, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Rebecca J. Stern |
Hamilton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Eric Gilmore
E2003-02568-CCA-R3-CD
The Knox County Criminal Court denied the motion of the defendant, Eric Eugene Gilmore, to set aside his 2001 guilty pleas to a number of charges. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Ray L. Jenkins |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| Memphis Bonding Company v. Willie James Bassett
W2002-00472-CCA-R3-CO
The appellant, Memphis Bonding Company, appeals the trial court's order requiring a partial refund to the defendant, Willie James Bassett. Because the governing statute does not permit a refund under the circumstances of this case, the judgment of the trial court is reversed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/09/04 | |
| Cindy R. Lourcey, et al. v. Estate of Charles Scarlett, Deceased
M2002-00995-SC-R11-CV
We granted review to determine (1) whether the complaint states a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress when it alleges that the defendant’s conduct was outrageous because he shot his wife and then himself in plaintiff Cindy Lourcey’s presence; and (2) whether the complaint states a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress when it does not allege that Cindy Lourcey was related to the defendant or his wife. The trial court dismissed the complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 12.02(6). The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s judgment after concluding that the complaint states claims for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. After reviewing the record and applicable authority, we hold that the plaintiffs state a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress because Cindy Lourcey witnessed an “outrageous” act, i.e., the defendant’s shooting of his wife and himself, and that the plaintiffs state a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress even though Cindy Lourcey is not related to the defendant or his wife. Accordingly, we affirm the Court of Appeals’ judgment. Tenn. R. App. P. 11 Appeal by Permission; Judgment of the Court of Appeals Affirmed; Case Remanded to Circuit Court
Authoring Judge: Justice E. Riley Anderson
Originating Judge:Judge Clara W. Byrd |
Wilson County | Supreme Court | 09/08/04 | |
| One Commerce Square, LLC v. Ausa Life Insurance Company, Inc.
CH-01-1015-3
Appellant purchaser of commercial building sued appellee seller to recover payment of a tenant improvement allowance made by the appellee to a tenant pursuant to a lease agreement assigned to the purchaser as part of the transaction. The trial court granted appellee seller summary judgment based upon a construction of the terms of the assignment transferring the lease to the purchaser. Appellant purchaser appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Chancellor Arnold B. Goldin |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/08/04 | |
| Cindy R. Lourcey v. Estate of Charles Scarlett, Deceased - Concurring
M2002-00995-SC-R11-CV
JANICE M. HOLDER, J., concurring.
Authoring Judge: Justice Janice M. Holder
Originating Judge:Judge Clara W. Byrd |
Wilson County | Supreme Court | 09/08/04 | |
| Tony Ivens v. State of Tennessee
E2003-02216-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, Tony Ivens, appeals the trial court's denial of his motion for new trial. Following a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of sexual battery. Defendant was fined $3,000 and sentenced to serve two years with all but 90 days to be suspended and served on probation. Defendant filed a motion for new trial or mistrial, alleging that one of the jurors failed to disclose during voir dire that she was related to a staff member of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. The trial court denied the motion, and Defendant appeals. After a careful review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Carroll L. Ross |
Monroe County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/08/04 |