State v. Holden

Citations

• 2025 Ohio 1481

Syllabus

Appellant's convictions for two murders and tampering with evidence were not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Although appellant produced evidence that he acted in self-defense, the State's evidence undermined his version of events, and the jury reasonably credited the State's evidence disproving the self-defense claim. Trial counsel did not render ineffective assistance in choosing not to cross-examine some witnesses or in failing to move for acquittal under Crim.R. 29(A). The trial court did not commit plain error by not asking appellant to speak after victim impact statements were made during sentencing; the statements did not introduce any new material facts, and the court did not consider them when it sentenced appellant. The record contained evidence from which it can be inferred that the court considered appellant's present and future ability to pay. Judgment affirmed.