The opinion
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
NEW ALBANY DIVISION
DAVID R. CAMM, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
v. ) No. 4:14-cv-00123-TWP-DML
)
SEAN CLEMONS, and )
ROBERT STITES, )
)
Defendants. )
ENTRY ON MOTIONS IN LIMINE
This matter is before the Court on Motions in Limine filed by Plaintiff David R. Camm
("Camm") (Filing No. 378, Filing No. 379, Filing No. 380) and Defendant Sean Clemons
("Clemons") (Filing No. 388). Camm initiated this action in 2014 against numerous law
enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other individuals and entities, asserting claims for violation
of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 as well as state law claims for
intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligent
supervision, and respondeat superior. Following settlement discussions, stipulations of dismissal,
motions for summary judgment, an appeal to the Seventh Circuit, remand from the Seventh Circuit,
and a motion for judgment on the pleadings, only two claims remain for trial against Defendants
Clemons and Robert Stites ("Stites"). The claims are (1) Camm's Fourth Amendment claim based
on the first probable cause affidavit, and (2) a Brady claim based on the suppression of Stites' lack
of qualifications and suppression of the facts surrounding the handling of a DNA profile.
After years of litigation and motions practice, this matter is set for a jury trial to commence
on December 6, 2021. The parties filed their Motions in Limine, seeking preliminary rulings from
the Court regarding the admissibility of certain evidence. For the following reasons, Camm's
Motions are denied, and Clemons' Motion is granted in part and denied in part.
I. LEGAL STANDARD
"[J]udges have broad discretion in ruling on evidentiary questions during trial or before on
motions in limine." Jenkins v. Chrysler Motors Corp., 316 F.3d 663, 664 (7th Cir. 2002). The
Court excludes evidence on a motion in limine only if the evidence clearly is not admissible for
any purpose. See Hawthorne Partners v. AT&T Technologies, Inc., 831 F. Supp. 1398, 1400 (N.D.
Ill. 1993). Unless evidence meets this exacting standard, evidentiary rulings must be deferred until
trial so questions of foundation, relevancy, and prejudice may be resolved in context. Id. at 1400–
01. Moreover, denial of a motion in limine does not necessarily mean that all evidence
contemplated by the motion is admissible; rather, it only means that, at the pretrial stage, the Court
is unable to determine whether the evidence should be excluded. Id. at 1401.
II. DISCUSSION
Camm filed three separate Motions in Limine, and Clemons filed one combined Motion in
Limine with multiple requests. The Court will address each Motion in turn.
A. Camm's First Motion in Limine
In his first Motion in Limine, Camm asks the Court to exclude any and all evidence and
testimony that was determined to be inadmissible by the Indiana appellate courts in the first two
criminal trials against him. He explains that evidence of marital infidelity and speculative evidence
that Camm molested his daughter was later determined to be inadmissible in his criminal trial.
Camm argues it is settled law that a state court judgment must be given the same res judicata effect
in federal court that it would be given in the courts of the rendering state. Jones v. City of Alton,
Ill., 757 F.2d 878 (7th Cir. 1985). He further asserts that the Seventh Circuit follows the rule that
inadmissible evidence cannot be "material" in regard to a Brady claim. Jardine v. Dittmann, 658
F.3d 772 (7th Cir. 2011). Camm argues that it appears from the witness lists of the Defendants that
they intend to offer inadmissible evidence in defense of the "materiality" question, but logic and
fairness dictate that such a use should not be permitted given the strong holding in the Seventh
Circuit that inadmissible evidence cannot be material at all. Therefore, the Court should exclude
any evidence or testimony related to evidence deemed inadmissible by the Indiana Court of
Appeals and Indiana Supreme Court.
Clemons responds,
Plaintiff's motions in limine seemingly cuts the legs out from under his Brady claim
where the jury is required to consider the entirety of the first criminal trial. If
Plaintiff does not present the whole case and assuming Plaintiff's Brady claim
survives a motion for judgment on the evidence, Clemons should not be precluded
from presenting the evidence sought to be excluded so that the jury may properly
consider the question of materiality. Accordingly, Plaintiff's motion must be
dismissed.
(Filing No. 408 at 1.)
Clemons notes that a Brady claim requires a defendant concealing impeachment evidence
that was not otherwise available to the plaintiff during his criminal trial, the evidence was material,
and plaintiff was damaged as a result. Therefore, in this case, Camm must show that had he known
Stites' lack of qualifications or that the DNA profile was not in fact run, the result of the first trial
would have been different. Camm seeks the exclusion of evidence and testimony regarding his
extramarital affairs and the molestation of his daughter Jill. However, in determining whether the
first trial would have been different, the jury is entitled to hear all of the other evidence used to
support the initial conviction. Without such consideration, the jury cannot render a just and
informed verdict.
One of the statements in the first probable cause affidavit (which concerns Camm's Fourth
Amendment claim) was about Camm's daughter's molestation, and Clemons must be able to
introduce testimony and evidence that supports all statements made in the probable cause affidavit
in order to present a proper and complete defense.
Clemons additionally argues that res judicata does not apply because the facts about
marital infidelity and molestation of Camm's daughter are not at issue in this case. Rather, the issue
is whether those facts were material to the jury's verdict in the criminal case, not to prove the
existence of those facts.
At this pretrial stage, the Court is not convinced that "any and all evidence and testimony
that was determined to be inadmissible by the Indiana appellate courts in the first two criminal
trials against Camm" is clearly not admissible for any purpose in this trial. Given the elements of
Camm's Brady claim and the contents of the first probable cause affidavit, the Court must defer
this evidentiary ruling until trial so that questions of relevance and prejudice may be resolved in
context. Therefore, the Court denies Camm's first Motion in Limine (Filing No. 378).
B. Camm's Second Motion in Limine
Next, Camm asks the Court to exclude evidence and testimony regarding the investigation
after the first probable cause affidavit, which was dated October 1, 2000. The Court has limited
Camm's Fourth Amendment claim to his detention arising from the first probable cause affidavit
and damages cannot extend beyond the date that the jury found him guilty in his first criminal
trial—March 17, 2002. Camm notes that many of the witnesses on the Defendants' witness lists
are individuals who were involved in the criminal prosecution only after October 1, 2000, the date
that Clemons signed the first probable cause affidavit. Thus, Camm argues evidence of subsequent
investigations or discovery of facts unknown to an officer at the time of arrest are irrelevant to the
determination of probable cause.
By identifying investigators and other witnesses who were involved in Camm's criminal
investigation only after the date of the first probable cause affidavit, Camm argues that the
Defendants have shown their intent to introduce evidence that could not have been known to
Clemons at the time he signed the first probable cause affidavit. Camm argues this evidence or
testimony regarding the subsequent investigation would be irrelevant, and irrelevant evidence is
inadmissible.
In response, Clemons reiterates his argument presented against the first Motion in Limine
concerning "materiality" for the Brady claim. He asserts, "In order to show that the result of the
first trial would have been different, the jury is entitled to hear all of the other evidence used to
support the initial conviction. This necessarily involves matters identified in the subsequent
investigation and the investigation itself." (Filing No. 408 at 4.)
As to the Fourth Amendment claim, Clemons points out the Camm must prove statements
in the probable cause affidavit were false and Clemons knew that the statements were false.
Clemons asserts that he
does not seek to introduce additional information not referenced in the initial
probable cause affidavit. However, Defendant Clemons should have the
opportunity to present testimony and evidence of witnesses outside that initial
investigation to aid the jury in understanding the veracity of the statements in the
initial probable cause affidavit and to provide a complete and proper defense that
the statements made in the probable cause affidavit were true.
Id. at 5.
The Court concludes that Camm has not shown that evidence and testimony regarding the
investigation after the first probable cause affidavit is clearly not admissible for any purpose in
this trial in light of what is necessary to support Camm's Fourth Amendment and Brady claims.
The Court determines that questions of relevance and prejudice as to this evidence need to be
resolved in the context of trial. Therefore, the Court denies Camm's second Motion in Limine
(Filing No. 379).
C. Camm's Third Motion in Limine
In his third Motion in Limine, Camm asks the Court to exclude all evidence and testimony
related to undisclosed expert witness opinion testimony. He asserts that the case management plan
established expert witness disclosure deadlines, and none of the Defendants disclosed any expert
witnesses before the deadline passed. From the witness lists of the Defendants, it appear that they
intend to call expert witnesses at trial who were not disclosed: Rodney Englert, Robert Stites, Dean
Marks, Dr. Donna Hunsaker, Dr. Tracey Corey Handy, Tom Bevel, Robert Spalding, Betty
Spivack, Philip Merk, William Chapin, and Bart Epstein.
Rule 26(a)(1) requires, among other things, the disclosure of the names and addresses of
fact witnesses, and Rule 26(a)(2) requires that expert witnesses be disclosed. The duty to disclose
a witness as an expert is not excused when a witness who will testify as both a fact witness and an
expert witness is disclosed only as a fact witness. Under Rule 37(c)(1), exclusion of non-disclosed
evidence is automatic and mandatory unless non-disclosure was justified or harmless. Camm
argues that he would be prejudiced by permitting the expert opinion testimony from undisclosed
expert witnesses who were disclosed only as fact witnesses.
Clemons responds,
As mentioned previously, Defendant Clemons does not seek to re-litigate the
criminal case as the guilt of Plaintiff has already been determined. Defendant
Clemons is not asking for such witnesses to be recertified as experts. Such matters
were adjudicated at the state trial court level in this matter. The validity of the
science is not at issue here. Rather, Defendant Clemons seeks to provide the
complete record for the jury to consider in adjudging Plaintiff's Brady claim. To
prove that claim, Plaintiff must show that the result of the first trial would have
been different had they known about Stites' lack of qualification and/or had they
known about the CODIS DNA hit.
(Filing No. 408 at 5.) Furthermore, Clemons points out, Camm himself has identified Rodney
Englert, Robert Stites, and Dr. Tracey Corey Handy as witnesses without disclosing them as
experts.
Clemons argues that the purpose of Rule 26's expert disclosure requirement is to avoid
prejudice to the opposing party, but such prejudice that Rule 26 seeks to avoid is not at issue here.
Camm is not prejudiced by the listing of these witnesses as he has had the opportunity to depose
the witnesses or has had access to all former depositions and trial testimony of such individuals
prior to trial. The witnesses will be called as fact witnesses to show what testimony was introduced
in the original criminal trial. They are not testifying to provide expertise on an issue that is before
the jury but rather to provide testimony and evidence that was presented in the first criminal trial.
This is necessary in order to show whether the results of the first criminal proceeding would have
been different.
Clemons' argument is well-taken. The Court cannot say that these witnesses are being
offered as expert witnesses in this trial to offer expert opinion testimony regarding facts or matters
that require expert testimony in this trial. At this stage, it appears that the witnesses will be called
as fact witnesses, and their disclosure as expert witnesses was not necessary. Therefore, the Court
denies Camm's third Motion in Limine (Filing No. 380).
D. Clemons' Motion in Limine
Clemons brings multiple requests in his Motion in Limine. The Court will address each
request in turn.
1. First Request
First, Clemons asks the Court to prohibit any testimony, evidence, or comment regarding
claims that did not survive on appeal to the Seventh Circuit and any other alleged constitutional
violations not currently before the Court and are not currently the subject of this lawsuit, including
any alleged investigative failures. He asserts that the only remaining claims for consideration are
Camm's Section 1983 claims limited to (1) Camm's Fourth Amendment claim for wrongful arrest
and detention, (2) Camm's Brady claim regarding DNA testing, and (3) Camm's Brady claim
regarding Stites' lack of qualifications. Clemons asserts that any testimony or evidence about the
claims that have not survived for trial would be unfairly prejudicial, irrelevant, and misleading and
confusing for the jury.
Camm responds that he
does not intend to offer evidence of Constitutional violations other than the Fourth
Amendment and Brady claims being presented to the jury. Clemons motion does
not set forth what evidence in particular he is moving to exclude, so Camm is unable
to respond as to a particular item of evidence or subject of witness testimony. So
far as the motion in limine No. 1 does not identify any particular subject, evidence,
or testimony, Plaintiff objects to the motion being granted.
(Filing No. 404 at 1.)
This request is granted. The Court will not allow testimony, evidence, and argument
concerning the claims that have been dismissed as such is not relevant and would likely confuse
the jury. Camm does not intend to offer evidence of Constitutional violations other than the Fourth
Amendment and Brady claims being presented to the jury, however, if he believes particular
evidence is relevant and admissible as to his remaining claims, this ruling does not prevent him
from offering such evidence during trial.
2. Second Request
Pursuant to Federal Rules of Evidence 403, 404, and 608, Clemons asks the Court to
prohibit any testimony, evidence, or comment regarding extrinsic evidence on a collateral matter
for the purpose of impeaching credibility.
Specifically, Plaintiff should be barred from introducing testimony, evidence, or
comment by John Singleton regarding Stanley Faith's credibility as to palm print
evidence. Prior testimony indicates that Stanley Faith never told Singleton what to
say in terms of testimony but a mere reaction by Faith made him feel that Faith was
unhappy with his testimony. Without more, this is purely speculation on the part of
the witness.
(Filing No. 388 at 2.) Clemons further argues, "Plaintiff should also be barred from introducing
testimony, evidence, or comment by Damon Lettich regarding Stanley Faith's credibility as to
carpet fiber evidence." Id. "Of note, Stanley Faith is no longer a party in this matter. Reference to
such matters is collateral to the issues to be decided by the trier of fact." Id. at 3.
Clemons additionally asserts,
Plaintiff should also be barred from introducing any testimony, evidence, or
comment by Lynn Scamahorn regarding Stanley Faith's credibility as to DNA
evidence found on the gray sweatshirt at issue here as it is separate from the DNA
profile at issue. Although more closely connected than the testimony of John
Singleton and Damon Lettich, such testimony, evidence, or comment still regards
collateral matter for the purpose of impeaching credibility, and, thus, should not be
able to be introduced using extrinsic evidence. Moreover, Plaintiff should be barred
from introducing any testimony, evidence, or comment regarding any disciplinary
complaints made by Lynn Scamahorn as a result of such collateral matter or the
results thereof.
Id.
Clemons argues this evidence would be irrelevant, confuse the jury, and be unfairly
prejudicial. He contends that, "[s]hould the Court allow such matters to be inquired into, any such
testimony or comment should be limited to a statement of opinion in accordance with Federal Rule
of Evidence 608." Id. at 4.
Camm does not object to this request as to Damon Lettich and John Singleton, but he
objects to the exclusion of testimony from Lynn Scamahorn. Camm contends that Lynn
Scamahorn's testimony directly relates to Stanley Faith's ("Faith") character for untruthfulness.
"Faith, in his deposition, in his trial testimony, and in several news interviews, stated different
versions of the events surrounding the failure to run the unknown male DNA profile on Boney's
sweatshirt through the CODIS system." (Filing No. 404 at 1–2.) Camm argues that Lynn
Scamahorn should be permitted to testify about the pressure which Faith put on her to provide
false information as it reflects on Faith's character for untruthfulness.
The Court grants this request as to Damon Lettich and John Singleton because such
evidence is irrelevant. However, the Court cannot determine at this pretrial stage that testimony
from Lynn Scamahorn is clearly not admissible for any purpose and, therefore, denies this request
as to Lynn Scamahorn. The Court notes that the Seventh Circuit, when reviewing Camm's claims,
limited the DNA testing claim to the fact that it had not been run. Therefore, Lynn Scamahorn may
not testify as to DNA evidence found on the gray sweatshirt as such is beyond the scope of the
claim.
3. Third Request
Next, "Defendant Clemons requests the Court prohibit any testimony, evidence, or
comment regarding any witness' opinion as to the overall investigation by David Camm." (Filing
No. 388 at 4.) Clemons argues that Camm should not be permitted to testify about his opinion as
to how the investigation progressed or should have progressed. He contends that it is well
established "police officers have no duty to investigate extenuating circumstances or search for
exculpatory evidence once probable cause has been established via the accusation of a credible
witness." Mustafa v. City of Chicago, 442 F.3d 544, 548 (7th Cir. 2006). Clemons asserts that even
a biased investigation does not mean evidence was suppressed or there was a failure to disclose,
and it does not mean that false or reckless statements were included in the probable cause affidavit.
Thus, Clemons argues, this evidence would be irrelevant and unfairly prejudicial.
Camm responds,
Plaintiff has no objection [to] motion in limine No. 3. Camm reincorporates and
restates his Motion in limine to exclude evidence or testimony regarding
investigation subsequent to the October 1st, 2000, probable cause affidavit. The
Plaintiff's position is that not only should witnesses not be testifying as to their
opinion as to the overall investigation, but further that the overall investigation is
not relevant to either the 4th Amendment or Brady claims remaining.
(Filing No. 404 at 2 (emphasis in original).)
The Court grants this request to prohibit testimony of the opinion of witnesses about how
the investigation was conducted or should have been conducted as such opinion testimony is not
relevant.
4. Fourth Request
Clemons asks the Court to prohibit testimony and evidence of "any lay witness' theories,
excluding qualifying expert testimony, as to what happened during the course of the murders on
September 28, 2000, unless in accordance with Federal Rule of Evidence 602 or Federal Rule of
Evidence 702 and 703." (Filing No. 388 at 5.) He argues this would be irrelevant and unfairly
prejudicial in regard to the remaining claims.
In response, Camm asserts,
Neither Plaintiff nor Defendant has identified or disclosed any expert
witnesses on the subject of opining as to what happened during the course of the
murders on September 28, 2000. So, to that extent, Plaintiff does not object to
Clemons' Motion in limine No. 4. Plaintiff does, however, intend to introduce
evidence through the Plaintiff, his alibi witnesses, and state investigators about
what the evidence was that was communicated to Clemons describing the events of
September 28, 2000, and what conclusions a reasonable officer could draw from
that evidence, specifically limited to the items of information contained or
recklessly omitted from the October 1, 2000, affidavit sworn to by Sean Clemons.
To the extent Clemons' motion in limine would preclude the introduction of that
evidence, the Plaintiff objects to that motion.
(Filing No. 404 at 2.)
The Court grants this request to exclude any opinion testimony regarding witnesses'
theories as to what happened during the course of the murders on September 28, 2000. However,
the Court will allow fact evidence and testimony that has been identified in Camm's response.
5. Fifth Request
Next, Clemons asks the Court to prohibit testimony and evidence of any witnesses' opinion
about Stites' or Rodney Englert's investigation and subsequent findings unless a foundation is first
established for offering an opinion. Clemons makes this request pursuant to Rules 702 and 703 to
limit any expert testimony to those who are qualified to render expert testimony. Clemons argues
that Camm
should be barred from eliciting testimony, evidence, or comment from Indiana State
Police witnesses, other than Dean Marks, Rodney Englert, and William Chapin, if
the proper foundation is laid, regarding Robert Stites' and Rodney Englert's
investigation as they do not qualify as expert witnesses under Federal Rule of
Evidence 702 in the area of blood spatter analysis. In addition, the validity of blood
spatter evidence is not at issue.
(Filing No. 388 at 6.)
In response,
Plaintiff objects to Clemons' Motion in limine No. 5. Neither Robert Stites nor
Rodney Englert were identified by Defendant Clemons as experts pursuant to Fed.
R. Civ. Proc. 26(a)(2) in this matter. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for the
Court to permit their testimony on any matter which is a subject of expert opinion
testimony. To the extent this Response overlaps with Camm's motion to exclude
undisclosed expert testimony [DN 380], Camm fully incorporates the arguments
and authority of his prior motion herein.
(Filing No. 404 at 3.)
The Court directs the parties to its decision above concerning Camm's third Motion in
Limine, where the Court held that witnesses will be permitted to testify as fact witnesses rather
than providing expert opinion testimony. The Court grants this request. To the extent either party
seeks to present expert testimony from a witness who has not been properly disclosed as an expert
witness, that expert opinion testimony will not be permitted.
6. Sixth Request
Clemons asks that Camm be prohibited from offering medical opinion testimony and
hearsay medical testimony from individuals not qualified to provide such testimony or from
individuals who may be qualified but were not otherwise properly designated. Clemons argues that
Camm will seek to introduce testimony about his mental health or emotional distress from himself
and family members regarding emotional distress and pain and suffering he allegedly experienced.
Clemons argues that, as lay witnesses, they lack the knowledge, skill, experience, training, and
education that would qualify them to testify about the nature of any underlying medical condition
or mental health condition, cause, or its permanence as a result of the incident. Thus, they should
be excluded from providing such testimony.
Camm responds that it is well settled that plaintiffs and their lay witnesses may testify
about their own perceptions of an individual's physical and mental health before and after an
incident, without it being considered expert testimony. See Hendrickson v. Cooper, 589 F.3d 887,
893 (7th Cir. 2009). Likewise, other witnesses may testify about their observations regarding
Camm's condition before and after his arrest.
Camm's position is well taken. The motion in limine is denied. Camm, his family members,
and others may testify about their personal observations of Camm before and after the incidents
giving rise to his claims. However, family members and others may not provide expert medical
opinion testimony without first being properly disclosed and qualified.
7. Seventh Request
Next, Clemons asks the Court to prohibit Camm from offering medical opinion testimony
and hearsay medical testimony, including testimony regarding mental and emotional health.
Clemons asserts that Camm will seek to elicit testimony from Erin Coram as a treating witness.
However, Clemons argues, Camm failed to provide sufficient disclosure under Federal Rule of
Evidence 26. Clemons explains that on November 8, 2016, Camm filed a notice of service
regarding two sets of expert disclosures, the second of which listed Erin Coram as a treating
witness, and noted that the witnesses will provide opinions regarding Camm's treatment. The
designation generally stated that such opinions are based upon Camm's history, examination,
studies and other tests, and consultation with other treating professionals. But this is not sufficient
for an expert disclosure, Clemons argues. Therefore, the Court should limit Erin Coram's testimony
to that of a fact witness and exclude any testimony of her as an expert witness.
Camm responds that his notice of service regarding the testimony of Erin Coram was sent
November 8, 2016, and at no point while discovery was still open did Clemons' counsel follow up
with Camm's counsel regarding any alleged shortcoming or request for more information for Erin
Coram's expert disclosure. Furthermore, with no objection from Camm, Clemons sought leave to
depose Erin Coram regarding her testimony after the discovery deadlines had closed, which was
granted. The deposition was set for October 28, 2021, but the deposition was inexplicably
cancelled the night before it was going to take place. Therefore, Camm contends, any arguable
surprise or lack of information about which Clemons complains is due to his own failure to seek
discovery while discovery was open, and his failure to take advantage of the relief the Court
already has granted to take Erin Coram's deposition in advance of the upcoming trial.
At this pretrial stage and on the limited in limine record, the Court cannot conclude that
this testimony is clearly not admissible for any purpose in this trial. The Court must defer this
evidentiary ruling until trial so that questions of disclosure, qualification, relevance, and prejudice
may be resolved in context. Therefore, the Court denies this request.
8. Eighth Request
Clemons asks the Court to prohibit Camm from introducing any testimony or comment by
any witness that is not qualified to offer expert testimony regarding the economic value of Camm's
alleged injuries. Camm is seeking lost wages associated both with his incarceration and with the
ramifications of having been tried on the charges of murder. However, evidence or testimony that
he was unable to obtain employment will include evidence that is inadmissible speculation
concerning causation, the market for employment opportunities for Camm's skill set during the
time at issue, and the probable wage for someone with his skill set. Camm and his family members
are not qualified to provide opinion testimony concerning such damages.
Camm responds that he does not intend to offer any expert testimony as to his economic
damages, so he does not object to this request as it relates to expert testimony. However, he asserts,
lay witnesses are permitted to testify as to their observations of Camm's mental anguish and
emotional distress injuries. Additionally, Camm was deposed and can testify as to what
employment wages he was earning at the time of his arrest and expected to earn during the time
when he was incarcerated and unable to earn those wages. Camm further argues that the Seventh
Circuit pattern jury instruction on compensatory damages for constitutional tort claims indicates
that a plaintiff need not offer any expert testimony to establish his mental and emotional pain and
suffering damages.
This request is granted to prohibit any witness who is not qualified to offer expert
testimony regarding the economic value of Camm's alleged injuries from providing such expert
testimony. However, Camm and other witnesses may provide fact testimony and evidence
concerning their personal observations and knowledge.
9. Ninth Request
Clemons next asks the Court to prohibit any testimony regarding other crimes committed
by Charles Boney other than the conviction for the murders or sentences received by Charles
Boney unless in accordance with Federal Rules of Evidence 404, 608, and 609. Clemons notes that
it is a fundamental principle of law that counsel may not introduce extrinsic evidence, except for
a criminal conviction under Rule 609, on a collateral matter for the purpose of impeaching
credibility. Clemons has stipulated that on March 7, 2005, Charles Boney was charged with
felonies related to Camm's case, and he subsequently was convicted on all counts on January 26,
2006. Furthermore, Clemons also has stipulated that the DNA profile of Charles Boney has been
in the CODIS database since 1997.
Camm objects to this request because Clemons mischaracterized Charles Boney's criminal
history as extrinsic evidence. Camm asserts that part and parcel of Camm's Fourth Amendment
claim in proving that Clemons was reckless in omitting information from the probable cause
affidavit was the extreme rush of the affidavit signed a mere three days after the murders by
Charles Boney occurred. Camm further contends the Brady claim centers around the fact that
Clemons failed to disclose the fact that the DNA profile matching Charles Boney was found on
the prison issue sweatshirt at the crime scene.
At this pretrial stage and on the limited in limine record, the Court cannot conclude that
this testimony and evidence is clearly not admissible for any purpose in this trial. The Court must
defer this evidentiary ruling until trial so that questions of relevance, prejudice, and admissibility
may be resolved in context. Therefore, the Court denies this request.
10. Tenth Request
Clemons asks the Court to prohibit any testimony or comment that the State of Indiana will
indemnify any of the remaining Defendants. Whether the State provides indemnity is irrelevant to
the issue of whether any Defendant is liable for any acts they may have performed which
proximately caused injury to Camm. Such indemnity evidence is highly prejudicial. Reference to
indemnity is akin to reference to insurance, which is precluded by Federal Rule of Evidence 411.
Clemons additionally asks the Court to prohibit Camm from making any reference to
Clemons' attorneys as "State lawyers," "the State," or similar terms. Any reference to Clemons'
affiliation with the State is improper and will serve no purpose other than to improperly suggest to
the jury that the State of Indiana will pay any judgment in this case.
Camm responds that he
has no objection to Clemons' Motion in limine NO. 10, and counsel expects their
normal practice of referring to Defendant's counsel as such or by surname (i.e., Mr.
Voight, Ms. DeNardi, etc.), but points the court's attention to Clemons' proposed
voir dire questions which reveals that they are with the attorney general's office.
The motion and the proposed voir dire question appear to be in conflict.
(Filing No. 404 at 6.)
This request is granted in part, and the parties are prohibited from commenting on or
presenting evidence of possible indemnity by the State of Indiana for the Defendants. Furthermore,
the parties are to refer to individuals as Mr. or Ms., defense counsel, plaintiff's counsel, or opposing
counsel rather than by first name or other title designations. That counsel for the Defendants are
employees of the attorney general's office is relevant and the Court will make the appropriate
inquiry during voir dire and jury selection.
11. Eleventh Request
Clemons requests the Court prohibit any testimony, evidence, or comment
regarding a "Code of Silence." Plaintiff should not be allowed to improperly argue
that the alleged conduct of Defendant Clemons in this case should be punished as
a way of setting an example to other police personnel or the police department in
general and not be allowed to improperly argue that misconduct of non-defendants
should be part of any liability or damages imputed on Defendant Clemons.
Introduction of such evidence would be irrelevant as it is not the subject of the
surviving claims and would be unduly prejudicial to the Defendant Clemons.
(Filing No. 388 at 11.)
Camm responds that he "has no intention of eliciting testimony or arguing about a 'code of
silence.'" (Filing No. 404 at 6.) With no objection to this request, the Court finds that such
testimony would be unfairly prejudicial and is irrelevant. The Court grants this request.
12. Twelfth Request
Clemons asks the Court to prohibit Camm from asking the jury to put themselves in
Camm's situation and fix their verdict on the amount they would want under the same
circumstances. See Klotz v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 267 F.2d 53 (7th Cir. 1959). In response, Camm
notes he "has no intention of making any 'golden rule' arguments." (Filing No. 404 at 6.) As the
Seventh Circuit has explained, it "is universally recognized as improper because it encourages the
jury to depart from the neutrality and to decide the case on the basis of personal interest and bias
rather than on the evidence." United States v. Roman, 492 F.3d 803, 806 (7th Cir. 2007) (quoting
United States v. Teslim, 869 F.2d 316, 328 (7th Cir. 1989)). This argument is well taken, and the
request is granted.
13. Thirteenth Request
Next, Clemons argues that Camm should be barred from arguing that the Floyd County
Prosecutor's Office, the Indiana State Police or any other law enforcement agency, Robert Stites,
and Rodney Englert conspired together to frame Camm of a crime. Clemons notes that there is no
remaining conspiracy claim at issue, and the introduction of such evidence would be irrelevant and
unduly prejudicial. Camm explains that he "has no intention of presenting evidence or arguing an
alleged conspiracy claim. Plaintiff intends to present evidence and arguments related to the Fourth
Amendment and Brady claims being presented to the jury." (Filing No. 404 at 6.) Clemons' request
is well taken as argument of a conspiracy is irrelevant as to the remaining claims and would be
unfairly prejudicial to Clemons. Therefore, this request is granted.
14. Fourteenth Request
Clemons asks the Court to prohibit any testimony or evidence about polygraph
examinations. Clemons asserts that Camm and other witnesses should be barred from testifying
that Camm offered to submit to a polygraph examination, and they should be barred from testifying
about Charles Boney's polygraph examination and the results of that test. Polygraphs are not
generally accepted as scientific evidence and have been viewed as unreliable. Reference to the
results of polygraph examinations also invade the province of the jury as jurors have long been
considered competent to gauge the credibility of live witnesses. Such tests and results are
prejudicial, misleading, and a waste of time.
Camm responds that he has no objection to the inadmissibility of polygraph examinations
of either Camm or Charles Boney. However, Camm objects to the extent that he anticipates that
his credibility will be attacked by the Defendants at trial, and evidence or arguments may be made
that Camm's behavior in the three days following the murders were somehow indicative of his
involvement in the murders. If such evidence is put before the jury, then Camm should be permitted
to flesh out the evidence presented to the jury, including his willingness to submit to a polygraph
examination.
The Court concludes that evidence of Charles Boney's polygraph examination and the
results of that test are not relevant to the claims to be tried and would be confusing and a waste of
time. Therefore, the Court grants this request as to Charles Boney. However, at this pretrial stage,
the Court cannot conclude that this testimony and evidence as to Camm is clearly not admissible
for any purpose in this trial. The Court must defer this evidentiary ruling until trial so that questions
of relevance, prejudice, and admissibility may be resolved in context. Therefore, the Court denies
this request as to Camm.
15. Fifteenth Request
Next,
Defendant Clemons requests the Court prohibit the Plaintiff from
characterizing the ultimate outcome of his criminal trials as "innocent," but rather
as "not guilty." "Not guilty" is not the same as "innocent." "Innocent" means that a
person did not commit the crime. "Not guilty" means that the prosecution could not
prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that a person committed the crime. The jury's
verdict under Spencer County, Indiana, Cause No. 74C01-1210-MR-000184 was
"not guilty." This motion is based on Federal Rule of Evidence 403, as the probative
value is substantially outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice, confusing the
issues, and misleading the jury.
(Filing No. 388 at 13–14.)
Camm responds,
Plaintiff objects to Clemons' motion in limine No. 15. While Camm does
not intend to characterize the outcome of his criminal trials as anything other than
that he was acquitted or not guilty, the long-established principal in this country is
that "[t]he presumption of innocence, although not articulated in the Constitution,
is a basic component of a fair trial under our system of criminal justice." Estelle v.
Williams, 425 U.S. 501, 503, 96 S. Ct. 1691, 1692, 48 L. Ed. 2d 126 (1976). In
order to decide the Brady claim issues of whether the exculpatory evidence
withheld was material, the jury must understand that in making its decision, Camm
was presumed innocent until proved otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.
(Filing No. 404 at 7.)
This request is granted in part and denied in part. It is granted in that Camm may not
characterize the outcome of his criminal trial as being found innocent, rather he was found not
guilty. But Camm's position and argument regarding the presumption of innocence is well taken,
and he may offer evidence concerning the presumption of innocence related to his Brady claim.
16. Sixteenth Request
Lastly,
Defendant Clemons requests the Court prohibit Plaintiff from offering
testimony from witnesses to establish an alibi for the time of the murders on
September 28, 2000. Specifically, Defendant Clemons seeks to bar the testimony
of Martin Dickey, Jeff Dickey, Jeremy Little, Scott Schrank, Mark Wernecke, Tony
Ferguson, Jr., Eric Minzenberger, and Tom Jolly. Each of these witnesses are
anticipated to testify about the Plaintiff's whereabouts on the evening of September
28, 2000. As referenced in Motion in Limine No. 1, the matter before the jury is
not whether the Plaintiff committed the murders on September 28, 2000; therefore,
the testimony setting forth an alibi is substantially outweighed by a danger of unfair
prejudice, confusing the issues, and misleading the jury under Federal Rule of
Evidence 401 and Federal Rule of Evidence 403.
(Filing No. 388 at 14.)
In response, Camm argues,
The Seventh Circuit and this Court have repeatedly stated that Camm's
Fourth Amendment claim includes the issue of whether there were reckless
omissions from the probable cause affidavit attested to be Clemons. Clemons, in
his deposition, testified that David Camm had provided his alibi prior to his arrest
and that all 11 alibi witnesses had been interviewed prior to his arrest. Deposition
of Sean Clemons, pg. 34. Therefore, while Camm agrees that it is highly prejudicial
to Clemons that recklessly failed to include that information in the probable cause
affidavit, it is also highly relevant to the very issue the jury will be deciding.
Namely, whether Clemons recklessly omitted information from the probable cause
affidavit which would have been material to the judicial officer's determination of
whether there was probable cause for Mr. Camm's arrest.
(Filing No. 404 at 7–8.)
Clemons has not shown that this testimony and evidence is clearly not admissible for any
purpose in this trial. Therefore, the Court denies this request.
Hil. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court DENIES Camm's Motions in Limine (Filing No. 378,
Filing No. 379, Filing No. 380) and GRANTS in part and DENIES in part Clemons’ Motion in
Limine (Filing No. 388). An order in /imine is not a final, appealable order. If the parties believe
that evidence excluded by this Order becomes relevant or otherwise admissible during the course
of the trial, counsel may request a hearing outside the presence of the jury. Likewise, if the parties
believe that specific evidence is inadmissible during the course of the trial, counsel may raise
specific objections to that evidence.
SO ORDERED.
Date: _ 11/9/2021 Daten
Hon. Tanya Walton Pratt, Chief Judge
United States District Court
Southern District of Indiana
Distribution:
Betsy M. DeNardi Garry R. Adams
INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL ADAMS LANDENWICH WALTON, PLLC
Betsy.DeNardi @ atg.in.gov garry @justiceky.com
Christi M. Foust Daniel J. Canon
INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL CLAY DANIEL WALTON & ADAMS
christi.foust @ atg.in.gov dan @ dancanonlaw.com
Cory Christian Voight Andrew Thomas Lay
INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL ADAMS LANDENWICH WALTON
cory. voight @ atg.in.gov pete @justiceky.com
Terry Wayne Tolliver
BRATTAIN MINNIX GARCIA
Terry @ BMGIndy.com
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