State of Arizona v. Edward Littleton McCauley

IN THE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA

STATE OF ARIZONA,
Appellee,

v.

EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY,
Appellant.

No. CR-20-0031-AP
Filed May 15, 2026

Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
The Honorable Frank W. Moskowitz, Judge
No. CR2014-155906-001
AFFIRMED

COUNSEL:

Steve Koestner, Colin F. Stearns, Grace M. Guisewite (argued), Office of the
Legal Advocate, Phoenix, Attorneys for Edward Littleton McCauley

Kristin K. Mayes, Arizona Attorney General, Jason D. Lewis, Deputy
Solicitor General, Section Chief of Capital Litigation, Jeffrey L. Sparks
(argued), Senior Litigation Counsel, Capital Litigation Section, Attorney
General’s Office, Attorneys for State of Arizona

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

JUSTICE KING authored the Opinion of the Court, in which CHIEF
JUSTICE TIMMER, VICE CHIEF JUSTICE LOPEZ, and JUSTICE BEENE
joined.* JUSTICE BOLICK authored a concurring opinion.

JUSTICE KING, Opinion of the Court:

¶1 This appeal arises from Edward McCauley’s conviction for
first degree murder and his resulting death sentence. We have jurisdiction
under article 6, section 5(3) of the Arizona Constitution and A.R.S.
§§ 13-4031 and -4033(A)(1). We affirm McCauley’s conviction and sentence.

BACKGROUND

¶2 On the night of November 23, 2014, McCauley went to the
residence of his estranged wife, D.M., and waited outside in a car for her to
leave for work. Around midnight, McCauley exited the car carrying a .45
caliber pistol and confronted D.M. as she entered her vehicle. A witness
heard D.M. scream “no” a few times during the confrontation. McCauley
shot D.M. eight times. The bullets struck D.M. in various locations on her
body, including her hands, arms, neck, torso, and heart. At about 12:03 a.m.
(now the morning of November 24), McCauley fled the scene.

___________________
* Justice William G. Montgomery is recused from this matter. Also, briefing
and oral argument in this case occurred before Justice Maria Elena Cruz
was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court. Justice Cruz did not
participate in this case.

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶3 McCauley sent a series of text messages to D.M.’s family
immediately after the murder. McCauley sent the first text to D.M.’s sister
at 12:04:04 a.m.:

Over 22 years she wouldn’t even suck my dick a few months
before she did this she would suck that dick 3&4 times a day.
I begged her not to fuck me over many times please don’t fuck
me , you know I did now I just killed your seester. :- ) she
didn’t need to do me like that . KARMA she pays the karma
for all the fucked up weman in my life my mom your mom
you Tuesday and of corse [D.M.] . Teach your kids you fuck
over the wrong guy and holy crap.

McCauley attached an image of D.M. performing oral sex on him.

¶4 McCauley sent the second text to D.M.’s daughter at 12:05:39
a.m.:

I killed her. Your mother wasn’t even woman enough to suck
my cock for 22 years and then six month’s before she did this
she would suck that dick 3 & 4 times a day . Who’s your
daddy now bitch . I just killed your mommy . She tought you
how you can use that lil pussy to destroy men who are good
to you . Be careful that same good man can kill you for it .
KARMA finally reached up and bit YOUR family’s on the clit
. I talk to you like this because I have no respect for you
Tuesday . Take care of your brother . That family tatt should
be smaller[.]

McCauley attached a different image of D.M. performing oral sex on him.

¶5 McCauley sent the final text to D.M.’s mother at 12:06:02 a.m.:

It only hurts if it effects you , you old whore I just killed your
whore daughter . She ain’t family any more either . KARMA
is a bitch its all your fault . :- ) she’s not family anymore either
. I have no resect for any of you.

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

McCauley attached two different images of D.M. performing oral sex on
him.

¶6 A neighbor called 911. When police arrived, they discovered
D.M.’s body slumped over in the front passenger seat of her vehicle. D.M.
had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

¶7 A detective met with D.M.’s family and learned about the
texts. Police obtained a warrant to search McCauley’s residence. During
the search, police found a calendar in his bedroom with November 23, 2014
outlined in red marker and “judgment day” hand-written on that date.

¶8 A grand jury indicted McCauley for first degree murder. The
State noticed its intent to seek the death penalty, alleging he committed the
murder “in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner” pursuant to
A.R.S. § 13-751(F)(6) (2012) (reorganized to § 13-751(F)(4) in 2019).

¶9 In the guilt phase, defense counsel told the jury that “Mr.
McCauley shot and killed his wife” but “did not do it with premeditation,”
and asked jurors to consider the instructions addressing the lesser offenses
of second degree murder and manslaughter. The trial court instructed the
jury on first degree murder, second degree murder, and manslaughter by
sudden quarrel or heat of passion. The jury found McCauley guilty of first
degree murder.

¶10 In the aggravation phase, the jury found that McCauley
committed the murder in an especially heinous or depraved manner under
§ 13-751(F)(6) (2012). The jury did not find that the murder was committed
in an especially cruel manner.

¶11 In the penalty phase, McCauley offered various types of
mitigation evidence, the State presented evidence to rebut the significance
of his mitigation evidence, and D.M.’s daughter and sister provided victim
impact statements. The jury sentenced McCauley to death, and this appeal
ensued.

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

DISCUSSION

A. Persistent And Pervasive Prosecutorial Error 1

¶12 McCauley alleges the prosecutor engaged in persistent and
pervasive prosecutorial misconduct that deprived him of due process and
a fair trial. He argues these instances individually, or in the alternative
cumulatively, warrant reversal. “Prosecutorial error ‘broadly
encompasses any conduct that infringes a defendant’s constitutional rights. It
sweeps in prosecutorial conduct ranging from inadvertent error or innocent
mistake to intentional misconduct.’” State v. Rushing, 573 P.3d 72, 90 ¶ 58
(Ariz. 2025) (quoting State v. Murray, 250 Ariz. 543, 548 ¶ 12 (2021)); see also
State v. Romero, __ P.3d __ ¶ 20 (May 15, 2026) (holding that “[a] prosecutor’s
intent is not a prerequisite to establishing prosecutorial error” or obtaining
relief). We therefore use the term “prosecutorial error” when referring to
all of McCauley’s claims in Part A.

¶13 To prevail on a claim of prosecutorial error, “a defendant
must demonstrate that the prosecutor’s [error] so infected the trial with
unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process.”
Murray, 250 Ariz. at 548 ¶ 13 (quoting State v. Morris, 215 Ariz. 324, 335 ¶ 46
(2007)). “To that end, a defendant must demonstrate that (1) [error] exists
and (2) a reasonable likelihood exists that the [error] could have affected the
jury’s verdict, thereby denying defendant a fair trial.” Id. (quoting Morris,
215 Ariz. at 335 ¶ 46) (citation modified). In assessing multiple claims of
prosecutorial error, “we first review each allegation individually for error.”
State v. Payne, 233 Ariz. 484, 511 ¶ 106 (2013). “We then consider whether
the cumulative effect of individual allegations ‘so infected the trial with
unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process.’” Id.
(quoting State v. Hughes, 193 Ariz. 72, 79 ¶ 26 (1998)).

1 The prosecutor in this case consented to disbarment in 2020. See In the
Matter of a Member of the State Bar of Arizona, Juan Martinez, PDJ 2019-9008,
Judgment of Disbarment (July 17, 2020).
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶14 “[W]e review objected-to claims for harmless error and
unobjected-to claims for fundamental error.” State v. Hulsey, 243 Ariz. 367,
388 ¶ 88 (2018). “Harmless error review places the burden on the state to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to or
affect the verdict or sentence.” State v. Henderson, 210 Ariz. 561, 567 ¶ 18
(2005). In contrast, fundamental error review places the burden on the
defendant to demonstrate “that an error was fundamental by establishing
one of three prongs: ‘(1) the error went to the foundation of the case, (2) the
error took from the defendant a right essential to his defense, or (3) the error
was so egregious that he could not possibly have received a fair trial.’”
Rushing, 573 P.3d at 80 ¶ 15 (quoting State v. Escalante, 245 Ariz. 135, 142
¶ 21 (2018)). “‘If the defendant establishes fundamental error under prongs
one or two, he must make a separate showing of prejudice’ by
demonstrating that ‘without the error, a reasonable jury could have
plausibly and intelligently returned a different verdict.’” Id. (quoting
Escalante, 245 Ariz. at 142 ¶ 21, 144 ¶¶ 29–31). “But if the defendant
establishes fundamental error under the third prong, ‘he has shown both
fundamental error and prejudice, and a new trial must be granted.’” Id.
(quoting Escalante, 245 Ariz. at 142 ¶ 21).

1. The Victim’s Point Of View

¶15 McCauley claims the prosecutor erred by asking the jury to
view the crime from the victim’s point of view during the aggravation
phase. In closing, the prosecutor discussed the murder and stated:

Examine it, now, from the victim’s point of view. [D.M.], look
at it from her point of view, how she died . . . . The term
“cruel” focuses on the victim’s pain and suffering . . . . [W]ho
is the person that’s experiencing this pain? It’s the victim.
Who is the person who is experiencing this mental distress?
Well, it’s the victim. And the only way to look at that is
through her eyes.

The defense objected to the “victim’s point of view” reference, and the
objection was overruled.

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶16 “A prosecutor has wide latitude in closing argument, but may
not make arguments that appeal to the jury’s fear or passion.” State v. Lynch
(“Lynch II”), 238 Ariz. 84, 100 ¶ 48 (2015), rev’d on other grounds, Lynch v.
Arizona (“Lynch III”), 578 U.S. 613 (2016). “This includes inviting jurors to
place themselves in the victim’s position because doing so plays on the
jurors’ fear of the defendant or sympathy for the victim.” Id. In Lynch II,
the prosecutor improperly placed jurors in the victim’s position right before
the murder and appealed to their individual fears by stating: “I don’t think
you can even imagine,” “[y]ou cannot move,” “they’re manhandling you,”
and “they are going to cut your throat.” Id. at 100 ¶¶ 47, 49 (emphasis
added).

¶17 Here, the prosecutor’s statements focused on the jury’s
examination of D.M.’s physical pain and mental anguish in the context of
considering the “especially cruel” aggravator that was squarely before the
jury. See State v. Johnson, 247 Ariz. 166, 183 ¶ 28 (2019) (“A murder is
especially cruel if the victim consciously experiences physical abuse or
mental anguish before death.” (quoting State v. Bolton, 182 Ariz. 290, 311
(1995))). His statements are not analogous to Lynch II, as the emphasis was
on D.M.’s physical pain and mental anguish, not that of the jurors. The
statements were relevant to the “especially cruel” aggravator that was
before the jury and did not improperly appeal to the jury’s fear or passion,
and the jury ultimately rejected the “especially cruel” aggravator. The
prosecutor did not commit error.

2. Misstating The Law

¶18 McCauley claims the prosecutor misstated the law in the
penalty phase pertaining to what the jury may consider in mitigation, the
significant impairment mitigating circumstance, and age and work history
as mitigating circumstances. See State v. Serna, 163 Ariz. 260, 266 (1990)
(“The state may not misstate the law to the jury.”).

a. Mitigating Circumstances

¶19 In closing, defense counsel said that mitigating circumstances
can be “anything that you have seen, anything at all, that you consider
merciful for Eddie McCauley. Anything that you individually feel, that can
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

be mitigation to you . . . . It is anything that matters to you . . . . Mitigation
is completely wide open.” In response, the prosecutor told jurors:

“Anything is mitigation,” is what you were told.
No . . . . There’s a restriction. There’s a boundary. There’s a
fence. There’s a moat. However you want to call it, there’s a
boundary. So long as they relate. They have to relate to any
sympathetic or other aspect of the defendant’s character. The
color of the sky doesn’t have anything to do with the
defendant’s character.
....
[A]ny connection or lack of connection may impact the
quality and strength of the mitigation evidence. The State
proposes to you, that if there is no connection—“nexus” is the
term I’m going to use—between what they are proposing to
you and the murder, then, by necessity, that’s something you
can’t consider. And it is the State’s position that that
probably . . . is not a mitigating circumstance . . . . But you are
not required to find that there is a connection between a
mitigating circumstance and the crime committed in
order . . . to consider the mitigation evidence.

The defense objected, and the court responded that counsel could address
the issue in rebuttal.

¶20 The prosecutor also argued that testimony from defense
expert Dr. Toma demonstrated that McCauley’s depression and brain
injury (from a motorcycle accident in 1995) did not cause him to commit the
murder; thus, the State’s position was these were not mitigating
circumstances. The defense did not object. In rebuttal, the defense told
jurors there does not have to be a nexus between a mitigating circumstance
and the crime.

¶21 “[T]he Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments require that the
sentencer, in all but the rarest kind of capital case, not be precluded from
considering, as a mitigating factor, any aspect of a defendant’s character or
record and any of the circumstances of the offense that the defendant
proffers as a basis for a sentence less than death.” Lockett v. Ohio, 438 U.S.
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

586, 604 (1978) (footnote omitted). “[A] State cannot preclude the sentencer
from considering ‘any relevant mitigating evidence’ that the defendant
proffers in support of a sentence less than death.” Payne v. Tennessee, 501
U.S. 808, 822 (1991) (emphasis added) (quoting Eddings v. Oklahoma, 455 U.S.
104, 114 (1982)). Mitigating evidence is “relevant” if it has “any tendency
to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination
of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the
evidence.” Tennard v. Dretke, 542 U.S. 274, 284 (2004) (quoting McKoy v.
North Carolina, 494 U.S. 433, 440 (1990)); see also Ariz. R. Evid. 401. However,
“gravity has a place in the relevance analysis, insofar as evidence of a trivial
feature of the defendant’s character or the circumstances of the crime is
unlikely to have any tendency to mitigate the defendant’s culpability.”
Tennard, 542 U.S. at 286.

¶22 As this Court explained in State v. Villalobos, a “jury cannot be
precluded from hearing mitigation evidence because it lacks a causal nexus
to the murder,” but once the jury has heard all mitigation evidence, “‘there
is no constitutional prohibition against the State arguing that evidence is
not particularly relevant or that it is entitled to little weight.’” 225 Ariz. 74,
83 ¶ 38 (2010) (quoting State v. Anderson, 210 Ariz. 327, 350 ¶ 97 (2005)). A
jury, therefore, may consider a lack of causal nexus when it assesses the
quality and strength of mitigation evidence. Id.

¶23 Here, by arguing that mitigation “is completely wide open”
and mitigation means “anything at all,” “anything that you individually
feel,” and “anything that matters to you,” the defense incorrectly implied
that jurors could consider irrelevant factors or even factors beyond the
evidence presented at trial. See A.R.S. § 13-751(G) (stating the trier of fact
shall consider as mitigating circumstances any factors “relevant in
determining whether to impose a sentence less than death, including any
aspect of the defendant’s character, propensities or record and any of the
circumstances of the offense”); Rushing, 573 P.3d at 87 ¶ 43 (“[A] jury cannot
consider ‘mere sentiment, conjecture, sympathy, passion, prejudice, public
opinion or public feeling.’” (quoting State v. Carreon, 210 Ariz. 54, 70 ¶ 84
(2005))).

¶24 The prosecutor’s statements were an attempt to refute the
defense’s suggestion by explaining what was relevant for mitigation
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
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purposes. See State v. Alvarez, 145 Ariz. 370, 373 (1985) (“Prosecutorial
comments which are a fair rebuttal to areas opened by the defense are
proper.”). The prosecutor told jurors that “any connection or lack of
connection may impact the quality and strength of the mitigation
evidence.” He then explained that if something has no connection
(“nexus”) between the mitigation and the murder, then “that’s something
you can’t consider,” but he prefaced this comment with “the State proposes
to you” and finished with “[b]ut you are not required to find that there is a
connection between a mitigating circumstance and the crime” to consider
the mitigation evidence. In the context of the entire argument, the reference
to “nexus” was an argument about considering the quality and strength of
McCauley’s mitigation evidence. See Tennard, 542 U.S. at 286; Villalobos, 225
Ariz. at 83 ¶ 39 (explaining “the state may fairly argue that the lack of a
nexus to the crime diminishes the weight to be given alleged mitigation”).
The jury was not precluded from considering McCauley’s mitigation
evidence and the prosecutor did not commit error.

b. Significant Impairment

¶25 Defense expert Dr. Bigler testified that McCauley had a
“significant brain injury,” and people with this type of brain injury are more
likely to develop depression. Dr. Toma and the State’s expert, Dr. DeMarte,
also testified that McCauley suffered from major depressive disorder at the
time of the murder. The defense argued that McCauley’s brain injury and
major depressive disorder were mitigating circumstances under A.R.S.
§ 13-751(G)(1) (providing the trier of fact shall consider the following
mitigating circumstance: “The defendant’s capacity to appreciate the
wrongfulness of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements
of law was significantly impaired, but not so impaired as to constitute a
defense to prosecution.”). In closing, the prosecutor argued the significant
impairment mitigating circumstance pertains to “the defendant’s capacity
to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct,” which is about “whether or
not he knew right from wrong,” and “[t]here hasn’t been any evidence that
showed he didn’t know that shooting her in the head was wrong.” The
defense did not object.

¶26 McCauley claims the State improperly altered the standard
under § 13-751(G)(1) because the “defense was not required to show that
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
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Mr. McCauley did not know right from wrong to prove the statutory
mitigator.” But this Court has described § 13-751(G)(1)’s “capacity to
appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct” as the capacity to “know[]
right from wrong.” See, e.g., State v. Medina, 232 Ariz. 391, 412 ¶¶ 100–104
(2013); State v. Doerr, 193 Ariz. 56, 71 ¶¶ 73–76 (1998); State v. Schackart, 190
Ariz. 238, 251 (1997). And the prosecutor repeatedly stated the issue was
whether McCauley’s brain injury or mental health issues impacted his
ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct or conform his
conduct to the requirements of the law, consistent with § 13-751(G)(1) and
the jury instructions.

¶27 McCauley also claims the prosecutor improperly told jurors
they could not consider the brain damage as a mitigating circumstance. But
the prosecutor did not tell jurors they could not consider the brain injury
evidence. The prosecutor’s argument, in context, was that any brain
damage was minimal, McCauley exhibited behaviors pre-accident (with his
first wife (“ex-wife”)) that were similar to his behaviors post-accident (with
D.M.), and the evidence presented did not support the brain injury as a
mitigating circumstance. See Tennard, 542 U.S. at 284–86. Moreover, the
jury was properly instructed that it could consider any relevant evidence as
mitigation, and each juror would individually assess whether mitigation
was of such quality or value to warrant leniency. See Villalobos, 225 Ariz.
at 83 ¶ 39. The prosecutor did not commit error.

c. Work History

¶28 The defense presented evidence of McCauley’s work history,
as the former owner of a trucking company and a truck driver with a Class
A license. In response, the prosecutor presented evidence that McCauley
was terminated from his job for failing a drug test, and the Department of
Transportation revoked his license. The prosecutor also argued that most
people in this country are employed, people are paid for work, and there
has to be something about this particular defendant for work history to be
a mitigating circumstance. The defense objected, and the court responded
that counsel could address the issue in rebuttal.

¶29 McCauley argues the prosecutor improperly told jurors they
could not consider his work history as a mitigating circumstance. But the
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

prosecutor’s argument, in context, was that McCauley’s evidence did not
support work history as a mitigating circumstance because his work history
was not particularly exemplary. The prosecutor did not tell jurors they
were precluded from considering McCauley’s work history. The
prosecutor’s argument that his work history was not a persuasive mitigator
was not error. See Tennard, 542 U.S. at 284–86. Moreover, the jury was
instructed they could consider “work history” as a mitigating circumstance.
The prosecutor did not commit error.

d. Age

¶30 The defense argued to the jury that McCauley’s age was a
mitigating circumstance. See A.R.S. § 13-751(G)(5) (providing for the
consideration of “defendant’s age” as a mitigating circumstance). In
response, the prosecutor argued that “[a]ge is not limited solely to
chronological age” and in determining whether this mitigating
circumstance exists, jurors may also consider a defendant’s level of
intelligence, ability to be manipulated by others, involvement in the crime,
and past experience. The prosecutor noted “[t]he effect you give to any
mitigation is left to your sound discretion” and “[t]he State would submit
to you that given his age . . . [a]s an older individual who is 58 years old, he
should have known better. This applies to people of young age, not to his
mature age.” The defense objected, and the court responded that counsel
could address the issue in rebuttal. Then, in rebuttal, the defense reaffirmed
that mitigation is up to the jury, and the jury could look at his entire life
when deciding the sentence.

¶31 McCauley argues the prosecutor improperly told jurors they
could not consider McCauley’s age as a mitigating circumstance. This
Court has held “[t]he mitigating weight of a defendant’s age depends upon
the ‘defendant’s level of intelligence, maturity, involvement in the crime,
and past experience.’” State v. Poyson, 250 Ariz. 48, 54 ¶ 26 (2020) (quoting
State v. McKinney, 245 Ariz. 225, 227 ¶ 11 (2018)). And the jury instruction
here explained that “[a]ge is not limited solely to chronological age” and
jurors “may also consider, but are not limited to considering, the
defendant’s level of intelligence, maturity, ability to be manipulated by
others, involvement in the crime and past experience when determining
whether this mitigating circumstance exists.” The prosecutor’s argument,
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in context, was that jurors should not give weight to McCauley’s age given
the related Poyson factors. See Poyson, 250 Ariz. at 54 ¶ 26. The prosecutor
did not foreclose the jury from finding the mitigating circumstance based
on chronological age alone. In fact, the prosecutor told jurors that if they
find McCauley’s age to be a mitigating circumstance, they must consider
his age in determining his sentence. The prosecutor did not commit error.

3. The Prosecutor’s Statements About Evidence

¶32 “[I]t is not proper to misstate evidence,” State v. Cannon, 148
Ariz. 72, 77 (1985), and “[c]ounsel’s questioning and argument . . . cannot
make insinuations that are not supported by the evidence,” Hughes, 193
Ariz. at 85 ¶ 59. See also Darden v. Wainwright, 477 U.S. 168, 181–82 (1986).
But “[c]ounsel is given ‘wide latitude’ in closing argument to ‘comment on
the evidence and argue all reasonable inferences’ from it.” State v. Moody, 208 Ariz. 424, 464 ¶ 180 (2004) (quoting State v. McDaniel, 136 Ariz. 188, 197
(1983)). And “[w]hen defense counsel can correct the misstatement at
trial, . . . we are hesitant to find reversible error.” Lynch II, 238 Ariz. at 96
¶ 26; see also Cannon, 148 Ariz. at 77–78 (“Defense attorney’s failure to
[correct a misstatement of evidence] enhances our belief that the
misstatement of the evidence was not prejudicial to appellant’s fair trial.”).

a. Statements About Substance Abuse Evidence

¶33 In closing, the prosecutor addressed the significant
impairment mitigator and McCauley’s marijuana use, telling jurors: “[N]o
one presented any evidence as to what the effects of the marijuana were. So
how can you possibly say that it impacted [McCauley’s] ability to
appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct?” The prosecutor argued
McCauley knew the wrongfulness of his conduct because he waited for
D.M. and immediately fled the scene after killing her. The defense did not
object.

¶34 McCauley argues the prosecutor misstated evidence about
substance abuse in light of Dr. Bigler’s testimony. Dr. Bigler had testified
that marijuana use can negatively interact with an underlying brain injury.
But Dr. Bigler also testified (1) marijuana primarily produces a physiologic
change in the brain, not a structural change like McCauley exhibited;
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(2) frequent marijuana use generally does not create structural damage on
the brain; and (3) McCauley’s damage on his brain is from trauma, not
because of drug abuse. Dr. Bigler did not connect McCauley’s marijuana
use with his ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct at the time
of the murder, and the prosecutor’s statements sought to highlight this
point. See Moody, 208 Ariz. at 464. The prosecutor did not commit error.

b. Statements About Criminal History

¶35 McCauley argues the prosecutor misstated his criminal
history in the penalty phase by (1) telling jurors he was convicted of a
domestic violence offense; and (2) cross-examining Dr. Toma on whether
McCauley told Dr. Toma that he pled guilty to that offense.

¶36 Before trial, the State disclosed a police report stemming from
a 1991 domestic incident between McCauley and his ex-wife, which
indicated that McCauley was arrested but did not reference a conviction
(“1991 police report”).

¶37 Defense counsel stated in opening that McCauley “had not
been in any type of a situation where he was convicted of anything since he
was 18 to 20 years old. So for 40 years, he led a life where all he did was
work, all he did was try to provide for his family.” The defense also played
a video of an interview with his ex-wife’s brother, where he said he never
saw McCauley “put hands on [his] sister.”

¶38 In the State’s opening, the prosecutor told jurors that
McCauley’s ex-wife disclosed an incident in which he was upset with her,
took her to the floor, and banged her head on the ground, causing a
concussion. The prosecutor also said, “Well, what about the thing with [ex-
wife]? They never mentioned that. One of the things that happened is the
police broke in and they arrested him and he was convicted of that.” The
defense did not object. The prosecutor also mentioned his ex-wife’s
statement in an interview that he would rape her when she did not want to
have sex. The defense did not object.

¶39 In the direct examination of Dr. Toma, defense counsel
admitted the 1991 police report into evidence. Defense counsel asked Dr.
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Toma to read from the report, which noted that McCauley’s ex-wife told
police: (1) McCauley spit in her face, grabbed her by the neck, and threw
her into a wall; (2) she fell to the floor, hit her head, and lost consciousness;
and (3) when she regained consciousness, she tried to call 911, but
McCauley threw her to the floor and called 911 himself. Dr. Toma
continued to read from the report that McCauley told police she hit him in
the neck and slapped him on the cheek, but he admitted to shoving her and
causing her to fall. Defense counsel asked Dr. Toma if any charges were
brought against McCauley in connection with the incident. Dr. Toma
responded that he did not review any charges.

¶40 Then, on cross-examination, the prosecutor called attention to
a different report, Dr. Toma’s evaluation of McCauley. The prosecutor
asked Dr. Toma about McCauley’s response to a question about his legal
history, whereby McCauley reported he only had “tickets” before the
current charges and his “last ticket was for an overweight ticket for [his]
truck.” Dr. Toma confirmed these were McCauley’s responses. Then the
following exchange took place:

Q: But the question to [McCauley] was whether or not he had
any legal problems; right?
A: Yes.
Q: And he didn’t tell you, for example, about his arrest
involving somebody named [ex-wife], did he?
A: No, not during that interview.
Q: He didn’t tell you that he pled guilty to that offense, did he?
A: No, he did not.
Q: He didn’t tell you that the report that you just read from,
that he was arrested that night, did he?
A: No, he did not.

(Emphasis added.) The defense did not object.

¶41 Later, defense counsel asked the court to order the State to
disclose documents relating to the 1991 incident, which the court granted.
The State disclosed an Arizona Department of Public Safety criminal
history document indicating McCauley was convicted of misdemeanor

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Opinion of the Court

assault in Glendale City Court for the 1991 incident and sentenced to a
6-month jail term and 12 months of probation (“criminal history report”). 2

¶42 The defense moved for a mistrial due to the State’s failure to
timely disclose the criminal history report. In response, the prosecutor told
the court he did not know about the criminal history report “until right
before the penalty phase,” but acknowledged that the State’s detective had
obtained it in November 2018. 3 The prosecutor also stated (1) the detective
attempted to find other records of the conviction at Glendale City Court,
but those records were purged; (2) he intended to call the detective at trial
to testify about what he looked into and that he saw a conviction which was
later set aside; (3) he marked the criminal history report as an exhibit to
refresh the detective’s recollection, but did not intend to admit it into
evidence; (4) he mentioned a conviction only after the defense discussed
McCauley’s lack of criminal history; and (5) the State could not disclose the
report without a court order because it was labeled: “Unauthorized access,
reproduction, or dissemination is prohibited.” The court denied the motion
for mistrial but ordered that any evidence of the 1991 conviction was
inadmissible. See Part F (addressing McCauley’s claim that the court
abused its discretion in denying his request for a mistrial due to the
disclosure issue).

¶43 As to his claim of prosecutorial error, McCauley contends the
prosecutor misstated his criminal history in a statement to the jury and a
question to Dr. Toma. We conclude the prosecutor’s statement (“he was
convicted of that”) argued a fact that was not in evidence because the jury
did not receive evidence of any such conviction. Also, the prosecutor’s
question to Dr. Toma (“He didn’t tell you that he pled guilty to that offense,
did he?”) asked what McCauley told Dr. Toma, which did not affirmatively
misstate the evidence. Nonetheless, the question insinuated McCauley had
pled guilty, and this was not supported by the evidence.

2 The report also indicates his judgment of guilt was later set aside pursuant

to A.R.S. § 13-907 (renumbered to A.R.S. § 13-905 in 2019).
3 McCauley’s trial began in October 2019.

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Opinion of the Court

¶44 The defense did not object to the prosecutor’s statement and
question at trial, and thus we review for fundamental error. See Escalante,
245 Ariz. at 142 ¶ 21. The jury was instructed that questions to witnesses
and attorney remarks, statements, and arguments are not evidence. See
State v. Escalante-Orozco, 241 Ariz. 254, 280 ¶ 90, 281 ¶¶ 97–98 (2017)
(concluding misstatement of evidence was not fundamental error as
“comment was brief, and the trial court instructed the jury that the lawyers’
closing arguments were not evidence, thereby lessening the impact of the
prosecutor’s misstatement”), abrogated on other grounds by Escalante, 245
Ariz. 135. Also, the comment and question were brief, and the jury never
received evidence of the 1991 conviction. Id. And McCauley had ample
opportunity to correct any misstatement of the evidence. See Cannon, 148
Ariz. at 77–78. Indeed, McCauley’s counsel specifically addressed his
criminal history in closing, stating he only had one conviction for car theft.
McCauley has not established fundamental, reversible error.

c. Statements About Brain Injury Evidence

¶45 In closing, the prosecutor referenced McCauley’s brain injury
as “a bump on the head that was mild, according to the medical records”
and continued referring to it as “a bump on the head.” The defense did not
object to the “bump on the head” comments.

¶46 McCauley argues the prosecutor misstated the evidence by
telling jurors that his brain damage was only a “bump on the head.”
McCauley points to Dr. Bigler’s testimony that McCauley sustained a
traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) in the 1995 motorcycle accident and “was
diagnosed with bilateral injuries to the brain with a specific contusion in
the left temporal lobe. He had a significant brain injury.” Dr. Bigler further
testified that imaging of McCauley’s brain in 2015 indicated that his
hippocampus and amygdala (structures for memory, cognition, and
emotional regulation and control) were reduced in size. But Dr. Bigler also
testified that (1) McCauley’s Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 (and a score
of 13 to 15 is in the “mild range” of TBIs); (2) McCauley had a “mild” TBI
which is “synonymous with concussion”; (3) “[m]ost individuals who
[have] a mild [TBI] have a relatively good course of recovery”; and
(4) McCauley was able to sufficiently recover to become a truck driver.

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Opinion of the Court

¶47 When characterizing McCauley’s brain injury as a “bump on
the head,” the prosecutor emphasized Dr. Bigler’s testimony and
McCauley’s medical records that indicated he had a Glasgow Coma Scale
score of 15. The prosecutor acted within his “wide latitude in closing
argument to comment on the evidence and argue all reasonable inferences
from it.” Moody, 208 Ariz. at 464 ¶ 180 (internal quotation omitted).

¶48 McCauley attempts to equate the prosecutor’s conduct here
with the conduct in Hughes, where the prosecutor had “an overpowering
prejudice against psychiatrists and psychologists” because he said
psychiatrists should never testify in criminal matters, refused to retain a
mental health expert for the State to rebut an insanity defense, and accused
the defense expert psychologist of fabricating an insanity defense, among
other things. 193 Ariz. at 81–86 ¶¶ 34–61. In reversing the conviction,
Hughes observed that while the “State has no obligation to retain a mental
health expert in a case such as this,” it “has an obligation to be honest with
the facts.” Id. at 86 ¶ 61. Hughes is inapposite. The prosecutor here did not
demonstrate an overpowering prejudice against psychologists and did not
accuse Dr. Bigler of fabricating an insanity defense or engaging in unethical
conduct. The prosecutor did not misstate the evidence.

d. Statements About Major Depressive Disorder
Evidence

¶49 McCauley argues the prosecutor misstated the evidence
relating to his major depressive disorder by (1) stating his depression did
not start until 2014 in an effort to sever the link between his depression and
the murder (McCauley claims his depression began in 2012); and
(2) arguing that any diagnosis was suspect because McCauley was not
undergoing treatment. The defense did not object to these statements.

¶50 As to the first argument, the prosecutor’s reference to 2014, in
context, related to his argument that McCauley had not received treatment
(a prescription or therapy) since he was taken into custody in 2014. His
statement did not preclude the possibility that the depression began in 2012.

¶51 As to the second argument, even with other evidence
indicating McCauley’s depression was significant, it was reasonable for the
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Opinion of the Court

prosecutor to highlight McCauley’s lack of treatment while incarcerated
because it could potentially undermine the severity of the depression. The
prosecutor is free to make reasonable inferences from the evidence (i.e., if
the depression was as severe as McCauley claims, he would have received
some treatment for it). See Moody, 208 Ariz. at 464 ¶ 180. The prosecutor
did not misstate the evidence.

4. Arguments About McCauley’s Depression

¶52 In the penalty phase, McCauley argued that his mental health
issues warranted mitigation. McCauley now claims the prosecutor
improperly suggested he fabricated his depression, thereby depriving him
of his right to have the jury consider and give effect to his mitigation.

¶53 The jury heard from Dr. DeMarte and Dr. Toma, who both
testified that McCauley suffered from depression. Dr. Toma testified that
he believed McCauley was delusional, paranoid, and had suicidal thoughts.
Dr. DeMarte testified that when she asked McCauley about Dr. Toma’s
findings, McCauley told Dr. DeMarte “that he laughed off all that,
particularly the suicide comment. He said that he told Dr. Toma that
Catholics don’t kill themselves. He said that he was joking, but he said that
he told Dr. Toma that he would never kill himself.” Also, the State admitted
D.M.’s letters where she mentioned her fear that McCauley might hurt
himself, as well as his threats to kill her.

¶54 In closing, the prosecutor argued McCauley had “fooled”
D.M., Dr. Toma, and Dr. DeMarte into thinking that he would harm himself
based on what he wrote in his journal. The prosecutor argued McCauley
was “good at presenting that he was depressed” and there was “a bit of
manipulation associated with it because even the victim of this killing,
[D.M.], at one point said, ‘I’m afraid that he’s going to do harm to himself.’”
The defense did not object.

¶55 It was not improper for the prosecutor to argue that
McCauley feigned the extent of his depression. Although there was
evidence that McCauley was depressed around the time of the murder,
there was also evidence that McCauley (1) “laughed off” the idea that he
was delusional, paranoid, and suicidal; (2) was “joking” when he
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

responded on this subject; and (3) specifically denied he would ever kill
himself. The prosecutor argued a reasonable inference from the evidence
that McCauley had manipulated others into believing he was severely
depressed and suicidal. See Moody, 208 Ariz. at 464 ¶ 180.

¶56 The prosecutor also stated without objection: “[Y]ou have to
consider that part of [McCauley’s] depression may derive from where he’s
currently residing.” This was also a reasonable inference from the evidence.
The prosecutor’s argument that “part of” McCauley’s depression “may”
derive from his incarceration does not conflict with Dr. DeMarte’s
testimony that the depression “did not start with Mr. McCauley because of
being in jail.” Indeed, Dr. DeMarte testified that “[c]ertainly when someone
is incarcerated it could lead to depressive symptoms.” The prosecutor had
wide latitude to argue all reasonable inferences from the evidence. See id.
And he was not “especially dishonest,” as in Hughes, 193 Ariz. at 86 ¶ 61, as
he used evidence presented at trial to support the State’s theory and did not
prohibit the jury from considering McCauley’s mental illness mitigation
evidence. The prosecutor did not commit error.

5. Impugning The Integrity Of Defense Counsel

¶57 Attacking defense theories is permissible, but “an argument
that impugns the integrity or honesty of opposing counsel is improper.”
State v. Acuna Valenzuela, 245 Ariz. 197, 220 ¶ 93 (2018) (quoting Hulsey, 243
Ariz. at 390 ¶ 99).

a. Defense Counsel Wanted Jurors To Blame Victim

¶58 The jury was instructed that (1) manslaughter by sudden
quarrel or heat of passion requires proof that the defendant acted upon a
sudden quarrel or heat of passion resulting from adequate provocation by
the person who was killed; (2) adequate provocation means conduct or
circumstances sufficient to deprive a reasonable person of self-control; and
(3) words alone are not adequate provocation to justify reducing an
intentional killing to manslaughter. See A.R.S. §§ 13-1103(A)(2) and
-1101(4).

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Opinion of the Court

¶59 In closing, the prosecutor argued this was not a case of
manslaughter because McCauley drove to D.M.’s house in the middle of
the night, waited for fifteen minutes, and just three minutes passed from
the time D.M. walked to her car and her murder. The prosecutor told jurors
they will hear “[i]t was her fault because this was a sudden quarrel or heat
of passion, adequate provocation,” but “[w]hat could she have done in
those three minutes to have done this, to have deserved this?” The
prosecutor repeated the “her fault” argument several times. The defense
did not object.

¶60 McCauley argues the prosecutor improperly implied that
defense counsel wanted the jury to blame the victim for her death. But the
prosecutor’s statements addressed McCauley’s defense theory, not the
integrity or honesty of defense counsel. Specifically, the prosecutor sought
to inform jurors that to find McCauley acted upon a sudden quarrel or heat
of passion, they would essentially need to find that D.M.’s actions
contributed to her death. “Because these statements focus on the
defendant’s approach, rather than on defense counsel personally,” they did
not improperly impugn the integrity or honesty of defense counsel. See
Acuna Valenzuela, 245 Ariz. at 220 ¶ 98.

b. Accusing Defense Counsel Of Coaching Witnesses

¶61 McCauley alleges the prosecutor improperly accused defense
counsel of coaching mitigation witnesses. 4

4 Intermittently in his briefing, McCauley cites federal and state
constitutional provisions but does not develop arguments under those
provisions or address how the Arizona Constitution affords greater
protection in the relevant context. This is one such instance. McCauley
does not argue how article 2, sections 4 and 24 provide him greater
constitutional protection in the context of the prosecutor’s statements here.
“Merely referring to the Arizona Constitution without developing an
argument is insufficient to preserve a claim that it offers greater protection
than” the United States Constitution. State v. Jean, 243 Ariz. 331, 342 ¶ 39

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶62 In its opening statement, the defense played a video of
witnesses who were interviewed about McCauley. At one point, a witness
answered a question and the interviewer said, “so I probably ought to do
that one more time since we were laughing through some of it but that’s
fine, its good.” Later, the prosecutor showed that portion of the video to
the defense investigator, Van DiCarlo (a retired police chief), and asked
questions about whether “it’s appropriate during an investigation . . . to tell
a witness how to answer questions such as, ‘Don’t smile.’” DiCarlo
responded that “generally speaking, it is not acceptable,” but he could not
be absolute. As to what the interviewer said in the video, he would not say
it was appropriate or that he would encourage it. The defense objected
during this line of questioning, and the court overruled the objections.

¶63 In the State’s closing argument, the prosecutor stated without
objection that (1) two of the interviewees were interviewed by the same
person, on the same day, and in the same place; (2) “[w]e just don’t know
if . . . one person heard what the other person said”; and (3) the
interviewer’s technique suggested “there was a little bit of rehearsing that
was going on.”

¶64 The prosecutor’s questions and statements did not
improperly impugn defense counsel’s integrity or accuse defense counsel
of coaching mitigation witnesses. They fairly questioned (1) whether the
method of questioning was a best practice; and (2) the possibility that two
witnesses could hear each other’s answers. Taken in context, the questions
and statements relate to witness credibility based on the method and
technique of conducting the interviews, rather than defense counsel’s
integrity. See Acuna Valenzuela, 245 Ariz. at 220 ¶¶ 95–96. The prosecutor
even stated the technique was used by an “investigator, somebody not in
this court” and “[n]o one is saying that there’s anything wrong with that
technique.” This is unlike State v. Cornell, where the prosecutor asked
questions insinuating “that advisory counsel coached Defendant on how to

(2018); see also State v. Thompson, 252 Ariz. 279, 290 ¶ 27 (2022) (finding
argument waived where defendant generally recited the law but failed to
develop the argument).
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

feign [a] symptom of temporal lobe epilepsy.” 179 Ariz. 314, 330–31 (1994).
The questions and statements do not amount to prosecutorial error.

c. Accusing Defense Counsel Of Believing Jurors Are
Bullies

¶65 In the penalty phase closing arguments, defense counsel told
the jury they “assume that it will not” happen, but “you have the right not
to be bullied or shamed or insulted based on your view . . . . If any of you
see anybody bullying anybody else, you report that to the judge.” Later,
the prosecutor stated, “[n]owhere in these jury instructions does it talk
about anybody being bullied. Perhaps that’s what the defense thinks that
you are, that some of you are bullies, don’t you know? Just by looking at
you, they know that some of you are those kind of people that’ll push
people around.” The defense did not object.

¶66 McCauley argues the prosecutor improperly told jurors that
defense counsel thinks they are bullies. We agree. Defense counsel merely
informed jurors they had the right not to be intimidated based on their
individual views, and did not call them bullies. The prosecutor’s
statement—that defense counsel thinks some of the jurors are bullies who
will push people around—improperly impugned the integrity of defense
counsel. See Acuna Valenzuela, 245 Ariz. at 220 ¶ 93.

¶67 The State argues a prosecutor may “right the scale” when
defense counsel engages in misconduct, but that principle is inapplicable
here. See United States v. Young, 470 U.S. 1, 12–13 (1985) (“[I]f the
prosecutor’s remarks were ‘invited,’ and did no more than respond
substantially in order to ‘right the scale,’ such comments would not warrant
reversing a conviction.”). The prosecutor’s statement was not “invited” or
necessary to “right the scale,” as defense counsel did not engage in
misconduct by telling jurors they had a right not to be bullied. The
statement was prosecutorial error.

¶68 Because the defense did not object, we review for
fundamental error. Here, the prosecutor’s improper statement was brief
within the context of the entirety of the State’s closing argument. And the
court instructed the jury, both verbally and in writing, that what the
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

lawyers say in closing argument is not evidence. See State v. Sanders, 245
Ariz. 113, 133 ¶¶ 98–99 (2018) (holding statement that impugned the
integrity of defense counsel was not fundamental error because “there is no
reasonable likelihood that this isolated statement affected the jury’s
verdict” and “any prejudice was cured by the court instructing the jury that
what the lawyers say in closing arguments is not evidence”). There is no
reasonable likelihood these brief statements affected the jury’s verdict given
the quality and quantity of evidence presented. There is no fundamental,
reversible error.

6. Impugning The Integrity Of Defense Expert Dr. Toma

¶69 McCauley argues the prosecutor improperly impugned the
integrity of Dr. Toma. “It is proper impeachment to inquire into the
credentials and employment of an expert witness to show bias or motive.
However, a prosecutor may not insinuate that an expert is unethical or
incompetent without properly admitted evidence to support it.” State v.
Bailey, 132 Ariz. 472, 478–79 (1982).

a. Accusing Dr. Toma Of Destroying Notes

¶70 Dr. Toma testified that he gave the prosecutor a copy of his
notes from his clinical interview of McCauley. The prosecutor asked Dr.
Toma questions about whether he remembered stating he destroys his
notes. Dr. Toma clarified that there are different types of notes, he destroys
the notes he takes during phone calls with counsel, and he has a copy of his
clinical interview notes. Later, the prosecutor asked Dr. DeMarte about her
note preservation practice. She responded that she keeps “everything
related to all of these cases.” Dr. DeMarte also testified that she received
and reviewed Dr. Toma’s clinical interview notes. The defense did not
object to the prosecutor’s questions.

¶71 McCauley claims the prosecutor baselessly accused Dr. Toma
of destroying clinical interview notes. But the prosecutor’s questions
reflected a need for clarification about (1) how Dr. Toma handles different
categories of notes; and (2) Dr. Toma’s statements in a previous interview
about how he destroys certain notes. After it was clarified that Dr. Toma
preserves clinical interview notes but destroys notes from phone calls with
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

counsel, the prosecutor did not press further and did not argue in closing
that Dr. Toma destroys clinical interview notes. 5 The prosecutor did not
improperly impugn Dr. Toma’s integrity.

b. Accusing Dr. Toma Of Confirmation Bias

¶72 Dr. Toma testified about McCauley’s mental disorder, which
he diagnosed as “a major depressive disorder with psychotic features.”
According to Dr. Toma, this disorder stemmed from McCauley’s previous
TBI and was supported by his “delusional statements” in a clinical
interview.

¶73 The State’s theory was that Dr. Toma misdiagnosed
McCauley as “delusional” in the clinical interview, and he interpreted
subsequent tests in a manner that confirmed such diagnosis. The
prosecutor asked Dr. Toma whether his diagnosis was influenced by
confirmation bias due to Dr. Toma (1) believing McCauley was delusional
in the clinical interview before reviewing test results; and (2) citing a
document (“Cole, Bustamante, Pinnell, & Toma, 2015”), a student
dissertation Dr. Toma had reviewed and approved as a member of a
committee. On both fronts, Dr. Toma denied having any confirmation bias.

¶74 The prosecutor asked Dr. Bigler about whether it is
appropriate to rely upon and cite an article written by a student, which was
part of an assignment and not peer reviewed. The defense objected, and
the court sustained the objection. The prosecutor then asked, without
objection, whether Dr. Bigler knew that Dr. Toma had cited in his report a
student article that “wasn’t peer reviewed.” Dr. Bigler did not know. In
closing, the prosecutor argued Dr. Toma had confirmation bias that caused
him to read McCauley’s tests the way he did.

5 A juror question to Dr. DeMarte about the circumstances under which
destroying notes would be normal practice in her field does not support
McCauley’s claim. This is a relevant question considering that Dr. Toma
admitted he destroys notes he takes during phone calls with counsel.
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶75 McCauley claims the prosecutor improperly impugned Dr.
Toma’s integrity. We disagree. The prosecutor did not accuse Dr. Toma of
unethical conduct but instead attempted to impeach Dr. Toma’s report and
testimony with evidence in the record. Indeed, (1) Dr. Toma believed in the
clinical interview that McCauley was delusional (before reviewing any
materials about McCauley), and he reviewed test results after that
interview; (2) Dr. DeMarte concluded McCauley did not have delusions or
psychosis; and (3) in his report, Dr. Toma cited a student dissertation that
Dr. Toma had reviewed and approved as a committee member (which was
not otherwise peer-reviewed or published in any academic journal). The
prosecutor did not improperly impugn Dr. Toma’s integrity.

7. Misstatements About (F)(6) Aggravator In The Penalty Phase

¶76 McCauley claims the prosecutor made two misstatements
about the (F)(6) aggravator in penalty phase closing argument: (1) “In light
of the aggravating circumstances you have found, you must then
individually determine if the total of the mitigation is sufficiently
substantial to call for leniency”; and (2) “To do this, you must consider the
quality and strength of the aggravating factor, which there’s no doubt about
that this was cruel or depraved, and mitigating factors.” The defense did
not object.

¶77 We agree the references to “aggravating circumstances” and
“cruel” were misstatements because the jury found one aggravating
circumstance and rejected “especially cruel.” See State v. Lynch (“Lynch I”),
225 Ariz. 27, 42 ¶ 84 (2010) (explaining “the (F)(6) aggravator is a single
aggravating circumstance that can be established in alternative ways”).

¶78 Because the defense did not object, we review for
fundamental error. “[E]valuating prejudice and its amenability to cure
requires a court to examine the entire record—including jury
instructions—in context with counsel’s arguments.” Murray, 250 Ariz.
at 553 ¶ 37. When the prosecutor made these misstatements, he also told
jurors to “consider the quality and the strength of the aggravating factor”
and did not otherwise argue that the especially cruel aggravator was still at
issue. Also, the jury was aware of its unanimous decision on aggravation
and rejection of “especially cruel.” The prosecutor’s misstatements were
26

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

brief, comprising just two lines in the trial transcript, and the prosecutor
did not emphasize the misstatements in urging the death penalty. In
context with the entire closing argument, these brief misstatements do not
constitute fundamental, reversible error. 6

¶79 McCauley also claims the prosecutor compounded the
misstatements by telling the jury, “[y]ou need to consider what she went
through at the time.” But as this Court explained in State v. Leteve,
“[i]rrespective of the mitigation evidence presented by the defendant, the
state may present evidence of the circumstances of the crime. Thus, the
state may ‘rebut’ mitigation—that is, a conclusion that the defendant
should be shown leniency—by introducing evidence of the ‘specific harm
caused by the defendant.’” 237 Ariz. 516, 528–29 ¶ 47 (2015) (internal
citations omitted) (quoting State v. Forde, 233 Ariz. 543, 572 ¶ 126 (2014)).
The specific harm caused by McCauley was relevant. The prosecutor’s
statement was not error. 7

8. Cumulative Effect Of Prosecutorial Error

¶80 McCauley argues that, even if the separate instances of error
above are not individually reversible error, the cumulative effect of the
error was a denial of due process.

6 This case is unlike Lynch I, where the written jury instructions incorrectly
stated that three separate aggravating circumstances were found to exist
((1) especially cruel; (2) especially heinous; and (3) especially depraved), in
addition to the “expectation of the receipt of anything of pecuniary value”
aggravator. 225 Ariz. 27, 42 ¶¶ 82–84. The jury in Lynch I was instructed
that “there were four aggravating factors rather than two, and the
prosecution emphasized this incorrect instruction in urging the death
penalty”; thus, a new penalty phase was warranted. Id. at 42–43 ¶¶ 82–88.
7 When discussing the instructions with jurors, the judge once referred to

“aggravating and mitigating circumstances” and once said the “severity of
the aggravating factor -- factors and the quality of the value of the mitigating
factor.” (Emphasis added.) The defense did not object. These brief,
ambiguous references do not constitute fundamental, reversible error.
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶81 As discussed, McCauley has alleged several instances of
individual prosecutorial error at trial. But we find prosecutorial error only
where the prosecutor: (1) misstated the evidence in one question to Dr.
Toma and one statement to the jury; (2) indicated that defense counsel
believes jurors are “bullies”; and (3) misstated the aggravator in using the
terms “aggravating circumstances” and “cruel,” each one time. At trial,
McCauley did not object, either individually or cumulatively, to these
instances of prosecutorial error. We therefore review McCauley’s
cumulative prosecutorial error claim for fundamental error. Rushing, 573
P.3d at 89–90 ¶ 57.

¶82 This Court examines “whether the cumulative effect of
individual allegations ‘so infected the trial with unfairness as to make the
resulting conviction a denial of due process.’” Payne, 233 Ariz. at 511 ¶ 106
(quoting Hughes, 193 Ariz. at 79 ¶ 26). “Cumulative error warrants reversal
only if [error] was ‘so pronounced and persistent that it permeated the
entire atmosphere of the trial.’” Id. at 515 ¶ 134 (quoting Hughes, 193 Ariz.
at 79 ¶ 26) (citation modified).

¶83 In the cumulative error analysis, McCauley adds new
allegations of prosecutorial error. He claims the prosecutor misrepresented
his employment discipline record in one question to a defense mitigation
witness, where the witness did not answer and the judge immediately
sustained defense counsel’s objection. Next, he points to the following:
(1) in voir dire, a later-empaneled juror said she was abused 50 years ago,
has since been married to a different man for almost 43 years, and “I
survived,” to which the prosecutor responded, “[h]andsomely it appears”
(the defense did not object); and (2) the prosecutor emphasized victim
impact statements in closing argument of the penalty phase (the defense
did not object). McCauley has not demonstrated these instances amount to
prosecutorial error that could have affected the jury’s verdict, thereby
denying McCauley a fair trial. See Murray, 250 Ariz. at 548 ¶ 13; see also State
v. Roque, 213 Ariz. 193, 225 ¶ 132 (2006) (“Because the jury may consider

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

victims’ statements in making its sentencing decision, the prosecutor may
discuss them in his closing argument.”). 8

¶84 We conclude that the cumulative effect of all the individual
prosecutorial errors we found did not so infect the trial with unfairness as
to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process. See Payne,
233 Ariz. at 511 ¶ 106. There was not cumulative error that permeated the
entire atmosphere of the trial and infected it with unfairness. Thus, reversal
is not warranted. See id. at 515 ¶ 134 (explaining cumulative error warrants
reversal only if error was “so pronounced and persistent that it permeate[d]
the entire atmosphere of the trial” (quoting Hughes, 193 Ariz. at 79 ¶ 26)).

B. Right To An Impartial And Constitutionally Adequate Jury

¶85 McCauley argues the trial court violated his constitutional
right to an impartial jury by precluding him from asking certain questions
in voir dire. 9 See, e.g., Morgan v. Illinois, 504 U.S. 719, 728 (1992) (“[T]he Sixth
and Fourteenth Amendments . . . ensure the impartiality of any jury that
will undertake capital sentencing.”).

¶86 “We review the court’s objected-to rulings concerning voir
dire for an abuse of discretion,” and “review unobjected-to rulings for
fundamental error.” State v. Thompson, 252 Ariz. 279, 293 ¶ 45–46 (2022).
“But whether a question to jurors is allowable under Arizona law is
reviewed de novo.” Id. ¶ 45. Also, constitutional issues and purely legal
issues are reviewed de novo. State v. Hidalgo, 241 Ariz. 543, 548 ¶ 7 (2017).

¶87 To prevail on a claim of a constitutionally inadequate jury, a
defendant must demonstrate “the voir dire examination was inadequate”

8 McCauley also points to the prosecutor referring to “issues that were
designated” when discussing jury instructions about possible mitigating
circumstances. For the same reasons discussed in Part H, the reference to
“designated” was not fundamental, reversible error.
9 McCauley made the requests at issue after the parties had finalized the

jury questionnaire.
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Opinion of the Court

and “as a result of the inadequate questioning, the jury selected was not
fair, unbiased, and impartial.” Moody, 208 Ariz. at 451 ¶ 95; see also State v.
Tison, 129 Ariz. 546, 551 (1981) (“We will not disturb the trial court’s
selection of the jury in the absence of a showing that a jury of fair and
impartial jurors was not chosen.”).

1. Juror Questionnaire In Voir Dire

¶88 For voir dire, counsel for both parties submitted proposed
juror questionnaires and appeared in court to finalize the questionnaire.
The final questionnaire stated: “The State alleges that on or about
November 23, 2014, Edward Littleton McCauley shot and killed his
estranged wife in Glendale, Arizona.” The questionnaire also included a
section “ATTITUDE ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY,” which explained,
“If the defendant is found guilty of first degree murder, the jury will be
asked to decide whether the defendant will be sentenced to life
imprisonment or receive the death penalty.” It then asked questions that
sought to expose bias for or against the death penalty: (1) “Do you hold the
opinion that if a person kills another, he should always be sentenced to
death?”; (2) “[W]ill you, for whatever reason, automatically vote for the
death penalty without considering the evidence and the instructions of law
that will be presented to you?”; and (3) “Which most accurately states your
opinion regarding the death penalty?” with several proposed answers, one
of which was: “I would vote to impose the death penalty in every case.”

¶89 Later, the defense moved to notify jurors that McCauley was
charged with premeditated first degree murder, in order to ask whether their
answers would change after receiving that information. The court denied
the motion, concluding the current questionnaire that both parties had
worked on properly satisfied the voir dire requirement.

¶90 McCauley claims the court violated his constitutional right to
a fair trial by an impartial jury, as addressed in Morgan, when it refused to
inform prospective jurors of the premeditation element of the offense.
Under Morgan, a juror who would automatically vote for or against capital
punishment, “regardless of his or her instructions, is not an impartial juror
and must be removed for cause.” 504 U.S. at 728. Thus, a court may not

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Opinion of the Court

“refuse inquiry into whether a potential juror would automatically impose
the death penalty upon conviction.” Id. at 721, 735.

¶91 Morgan stands for the proposition that “defendants are
entitled to discover through voir dire ‘whether a potential juror will
automatically impose the death penalty once guilt is found.’” State v.
Parker, 231 Ariz. 391, 399 ¶ 21 (2013) (quoting State v. Jones, 197 Ariz. 290,
303 ¶ 27 (2000)). It “does not, however, require a trial court to permit
open-ended questions about jurors’ general views on the death penalty and
mitigation, or whether jurors would impose the death penalty if they found
specific aggravators.” Id. at 399–400 ¶ 21. This Court has “repeatedly
rejected invitations to expand Morgan’s holding.” Id. at 400 ¶ 21.

¶92 McCauley was allowed oral questioning and had access to a
34-page questionnaire, with questions about the death penalty completed
by prospective jurors. See State v. Garza, 216 Ariz. 56, 64 ¶ 25 (2007).
Prospective jurors were told McCauley was charged with first degree
murder. McCauley’s request to inform jurors that one element of that
charge is premeditation is outside the scope of Morgan. See State v. Glassel, 211 Ariz. 33, 46 ¶ 40 (2005) (concluding proposed questions “did not further
the Morgan inquiry because [they] did not address the issue of whether a
juror would automatically impose the death sentence regardless of the jury
instructions or mitigation evidence”). Also, “[i]t is not a legitimate function
of voir dire to condition the jury to the receipt of certain evidence or to a
particular view of the evidence.” State v. McMurtrey, 136 Ariz. 93, 99 (1983).

¶93 Moreover, after explaining his reasoning for not allowing the
premeditation question in general, the judge reiterated a point he
previously made: “So again, if you are concerned about any follow-up that
you might have, please ask to approach and I will consider your request at
the time of the specific question or to a specific juror.” 10 But the defense did
not later raise specific juror questionnaire responses and request permission

10 We disagree with McCauley that “the trial court expressly denied such a

process.” The trial court left open the possibility for such a process to play
out and the court would rule on a situation-by-situation basis.
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to voir dire those particular individuals on premeditation. As in State v.
Riley, the “judge’s invitation to counsel to ask follow-up questions mitigates
any deficiency in the court’s questioning.” 248 Ariz. 154, 173 ¶ 44 (2020)
(quoting Moody, 208 Ariz. at 452 ¶ 98). The court did not err.11

¶94 McCauley also argues the voir dire resulted in the seating of
a biased jury and structural error, because had certain empaneled jurors
known the charge was premeditated murder, they likely would have
answered the Morgan inquiry differently. McCauley points to several juror
questionnaire responses, indicating they believed the death penalty may be
warranted in certain cases and it would depend on the facts and crime in
each case. But their responses do not indicate they would automatically
impose a death sentence regardless of the jury instructions or mitigation
evidence presented.

¶95 McCauley also points to Juror 3’s question asked on the
second day of trial: “On Day 1, Defense kept saying Eddie shot the wife[.]
[H]as Eddie pled guilty to shooting his wife?” This question does not
demonstrate a lack of impartiality about the death penalty. But even so,
Juror 3 was struck for cause on the second day of trial. The court’s refusal
to inform prospective jurors about premeditation was not structural error.

2. Juror Questions About McCauley’s Texts And Images

¶96 McCauley asked the trial court to (1) notify prospective jurors
about his texts and images; and (2) ask case-specific questions about their
ability to still consider mitigation evidence in light of those texts and
images. The court denied the request.

11 This conclusion does not contradict State v. Garcia, 224 Ariz. 1, 9 ¶ 16
(2010), finding the trial court “did not abuse its discretion in allowing the
State to ask prospective jurors if they could consider imposing a death
sentence if a defendant had not actually shot the victim.” The lack of abuse
of discretion in Garcia does not mean McCauley’s premeditation question
was constitutionally mandated here.
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¶97 “[D]ue process requires that trial courts permit a defendant to
inquire whether prospective jurors would always impose the death
penalty.” Johnson, 247 Ariz. at 196 ¶ 102. But voir dire is “not meant to
allow a defendant to ‘ask a juror to speculate or precommit on how that
juror might vote based on any particular facts.’” State v. Smith, 215 Ariz.
221, 231 ¶ 42 (2007) (quoting United States v. McVeigh, 153 F.3d 1166, 1207
(10th Cir. 1998)). “Nor must a trial court allow a defendant to ask questions
‘designed to condition the jurors to damaging evidence expected to be
presented at trial and to commit them to certain positions prior to receiving
the evidence.’” State v. Bush, 244 Ariz. 575, 585 ¶ 36 (2018) (quoting State v.
Melendez, 121 Ariz. 1, 3 (1978)).

¶98 McCauley did not identify to the trial court specific questions
he was proposing to ask about the texts and images. Instead, he broadly
requested to inform jurors of and ask case-specific questions about the texts
and images. His proposal appeared designed to condition jurors by
forewarning them of damaging evidence expected to be presented at trial
and asking them to speculate on or commit to how they would assess
mitigation in light of those texts and images. See Bush, 244 Ariz. at 585 ¶ 36;
Lynch I, 225 Ariz. at 36 ¶ 37; State v. Schad, 129 Ariz. 557, 567–68 (1981);
Melendez, 121 Ariz. at 3. Such proposed disclosure and questioning
stretches beyond an inquiry into “whether a potential juror will
automatically impose the death penalty once guilt is found.” Parker,
231 Ariz. at 399 ¶ 21 (quoting Jones, 197 Ariz. at 303 ¶ 27).

¶99 The cases cited by McCauley do not support error here. In
Lynch I, 225 Ariz. at 36 ¶ 37, this Court explained that State v. Johnson, 212 Ariz. 425 (2006), “does not prohibit telling jurors about the particular
facts of the case during voir dire. Rather, Johnson only held that the trial
court may refuse to permit parties to ask jurors to speculate on or commit
to how they would assess specific mitigation.” Thus, Lynch I recognized
there are instances in voir dire when disclosure of and questioning about
case-specific facts is improper.

¶100 In Bush, the defendant claimed the court violated his rights to
a fair trial and due process by denying his request to present prospective
jurors with graphic photographs and a 911 call recording. 244 Ariz.
at 585–86 ¶¶ 34–37. This Court rejected the claim, noting he was allowed
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Opinion of the Court

to describe “‘gruesome photographs’ and other ‘gut-wrenching’ evidence”
and question whether such evidence would prevent prospective jurors
from being fair and impartial; “exposing them to the 911 tape and
photographs would have unnecessarily risked conditioning the jurors to
the State’s damaging evidence.” Id. at 585 ¶ 37. Bush, however, did not
mandate that all “gruesome” or “gut-wrenching” evidence be disclosed to
prospective jurors. Id. Instead, it reiterated that courts should prevent
questions designed to condition jurors to damaging evidence expected at
trial and commit them to certain positions before receiving such evidence.
Id. ¶¶ 36–37.

¶101 Finally, Penry v. Lynaugh, 492 U.S. 302, 328 (1989), overruled on
other grounds by Atkins v. Virigina, 536 U.S. 304 (2002), held that a death
sentence was unconstitutional because the jury instructions did not
“inform[] the jury that it could consider and give effect to the mitigating
evidence of [defendant’s] mental retardation and abused background by
declining to impose the death penalty.” But Penry did not require that a
court allow case-specific questions in voir dire. 492 U.S. 302.

¶102 Here, McCauley does not sufficiently articulate why the
broad disclosures and questioning he requested before trial were not an
improper “attempt to ‘condition’ the jurors by forewarning them of
unfavorable facts concerning defendant.” Schad, 129 Ariz. at 567–68.
McCauley had the requisite “adequate voir dire to identify unqualified
jurors,” Morgan, 504 U.S. at 729, and the trial court did not err in denying
McCauley’s request. See McVeigh, 153 F.3d at 1207 (“Numerous courts have
held Morgan-type questions objectionable when the question was
predicated on facts specific to the case at issue . . . .”).

¶103 McCauley also argues the court’s denial was structural error
because it resulted in the empaneling of biased factfinders—specifically
Jurors 3 and 6 who “had visceral reactions to the text messages during the
opening statement.” McCauley points to Juror 6’s comment to counsel and
the judge on the second day of trial that “[a] lot of people said, ‘[y]es, we’re
upset’” after seeing the texts and images in the State’s opening statement.
Notably, however, Jurors 3 and 6 were excused on the second day of the
guilt phase trial. But even if some jurors initially found the texts and images
disturbing, after the release of Jurors 3 and 6, the court individually
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Opinion of the Court

questioned all remaining jurors about whether they found anything
presented so offensive that they could not be fair and impartial. All
responded they could be fair and impartial. The trial court even noted its
belief that jurors were very honest about being able to be fair and impartial.
See State v. Chaney, 141 Ariz. 295, 303 (1984) (stating the trial court observes
a juror’s demeanor and tenor of answers and “is in a position to determine
first hand whether a juror can render a fair and impartial verdict”).
Structural error did not occur here.

3. “What Does Mitigation Mean To You?”

¶104 McCauley sought to ask in voir dire, “What does mitigation
mean to you?” McCauley claims the trial court erred in denying the
request, citing State v. Patterson, 230 Ariz. 270 (2012).

¶105 In Patterson, this Court determined that defendant was
properly restricted from asking a potential juror “what kind of
circumstances she would find mitigating” because defendants “are not
entitled to ‘ask potential jurors what types of evidence they will consider to
be mitigating.’” 230 Ariz. at 273 ¶¶ 7–8 (quoting Glassel, 211 Ariz. at 47
¶ 44). This restriction did not prevent the defendant “from sufficiently
investigating the beliefs of potential jurors,” as the trial court “allowed
[him] to probe jurors ‘on their basic beliefs, views, biases and prejudices
concerning the death penalty, as well as their general views concerning
aggravating and mitigating circumstances that must be considered in
determining whether to impose a sentence of life or death.’” Id. at 273–74
¶ 9. Patterson noted that, “[a]s the trial court suggested, a defendant may
legitimately ask what mitigation means to that juror.” Id. But Patterson did
not hold there is a constitutional right to ask the specific question, “What
does mitigation mean to you?” Indeed, Johnson later characterized the
question “What would mitigation mean to you?” as a “case-specific
question[] our case law generally prohibits.” 247 Ariz. at 196 ¶¶ 102–03
(explaining a defendant is not permitted to ask jurors to speculate or
precommit on how they might vote based on particular facts or ask what
types of evidence they will consider mitigating). Thus, the question is
generally not allowed.

¶106 In this case, the juror questionnaire included Question 111(a):
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Opinion of the Court

The law requires that the jury must consider any aspect of the
defendant’s character, background, propensities or record
and any of the circumstances of the offense as mitigation
evidence before deciding if the defendant should be
sentenced to death or to life in prison. Mitigation evidence
may include, but is not limited to, whether the defendant has
mental health issues, a criminal record, or a lack of a criminal
record, substance abuse issues, family dysfunction, lack of
education, defendant’s age, and/or family or environmental
upbringing. Are you willing to listen to, and consider, this
type of evidence: Yes or no? If no, please explain.

This question ensured potential jurors would understand, review, and
consider mitigation evidence. Also, the court allowed the defense to ask
prospective jurors, “Can you imagine a situation where the totality of the
defendant’s character, including things he’s endured or accomplished,
could warrant mercy despite his crimes?” Moreover, the juror
questionnaire asked about potential predispositions on capital punishment,
and the defense could request permission to ask reasonable follow-up
questions. This approach was reasonably aimed at obtaining information
more relevant to whether a juror can be fair and impartial than asking about
a juror’s personal definition of mitigation. McCauley’s requested question
was not necessary to ensure he had an adequate voir dire. 12 See Glassel,
211 Ariz. at 46 ¶ 38 (finding voir dire constitutionally adequate where two
questions in the questionnaire “specifically addressed the Morgan issue”

12 Defense counsel asked one prospective juror, “Are there other factors
besides whether or not someone is able to be rehabilitated that you could
still see yourself imposing the death penalty for?” This was an improper
stakeout question, and the State’s objection was properly sustained. State
v. Prince, 226 Ariz. 516, 529 ¶ 35 (2011) (explaining stakeout questions ask
jurors to speculate or precommit about how they might vote based on
particular facts). Defense counsel restated the question and received an
answer. No error occurred here.

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Opinion of the Court

and the court conducted individual voir dire of jurors with certain
responses).

¶107 McCauley further claims the limitation here was structural
error that led to the empaneling of a constitutionally inadequate jury,
pointing to (1) responses in voir dire indicating some prospective jurors did
not understand the term mitigation; and (2) Juror 3’s question, “On Day 1,
Defense kept saying Eddie shot the wife[.] [H]as Eddie pled guilty to
shooting his wife?” But Juror 3—who was removed on the second day of
trial—appeared confused about the guilt phase proceeding, not mitigation.
And McCauley had an adequate opportunity to examine prospective jurors.
Also, the jury received detailed instructions at trial about the definition of
mitigation and what mitigation evidence may be considered. Structural
error did not occur here. 13

C. Improperly Denied Mistrial For Juror Misconduct

¶108 McCauley argues the trial court violated his constitutional
rights by failing to meaningfully investigate juror misconduct and not
declaring a mistrial for such misconduct.

¶109 We review for an abuse of discretion a trial court’s decision to
grant or deny a new trial based on alleged jury misconduct, State v. Hall, 204 Ariz. 442, 447 ¶ 16 (2003), and a decision whether to conduct an
evidentiary hearing based on alleged misconduct, Acuna Valenzuela, 245
Ariz. at 214 ¶ 52. “[J]uror misconduct warrants a new trial if the defense
shows actual prejudice or if prejudice may be fairly presumed from the
facts.” State v. Miller, 178 Ariz. 555, 558 (1994) (emphasis removed).

13 For all the same reasons discussed in Part B, the court did not violate
Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 18.5, which addresses the procedure
for jury selection. See, e.g., Ariz. R. Crim. P. 18.5(f) (allowing parties
sufficient time to conduct further oral examination with “reasonable
limitations”).
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Opinion of the Court

1. Background

¶110 At the beginning of trial, jurors were admonished to: (1) only
consider evidence properly admitted; (2) not discuss the case until final
deliberation; and (3) advise the judge in writing immediately if a juror
believed another juror had violated any provision of the admonition.

¶111 In the State’s opening, jurors were shown McCauley’s texts
and images. The next day, a juror submitted the following question:

Your Honor – In regards to the pornography that was
displayed last Thursday – I found this very disturbing and
traumatizing the way this was handled. This information
could have been verbally communicated and if it’s necessary
to show a photo of pornography or extreme violence, we
could be given a warning and the opportunity to turn away.
Our Bill of Rights states that we should be treated with
respect. The prosecutor was extremely rude in the delivery of
opening statement. Is there anything that you can do?

The parties agreed all jurors should be questioned as to whether they found
anything in opening so disturbing or traumatizing that they could not
remain fair and impartial or objectively consider the evidence. Jurors were
brought in one-by-one and questioned by the court, and the prosecution
and defense were allowed to ask follow-up questions.

¶112 Jurors 1, 2, 4, and 5 stated they were not affected by anything
presented and could remain fair and impartial and consider all evidence.

¶113 Juror 3 stated, “I understand that it has to be shown, but the
pictures the very first day were a little disturbing. So with that being said,
I think I can still be fair and impartial, but pretty disturbing.”

¶114 Juror 6 identified herself as the juror who submitted the
question. She was “shocked to see pornography put in front of [her] face,”
it was “highly offensive,” and she “was shocked at how many men said,
‘Do you believe that attorney just threw those pictures down there like that?
That’s shocking.’” She indicated this was “at least four” male jurors. Juror
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Opinion of the Court

6 said she asked other jurors how they felt after the prosecutor’s opening
statement and told them she “was still very upset by it and didn’t
understand why it had to be that way,” but was hopeful it could be done
differently next time. According to Juror 6, “[a] lot of people said, ‘[y]es,
we’re upset, but . . . we don’t want to say anything.’” She indicated this
was “[p]robably six” jurors, but they were not as upset as she was and “it
was just one comment of ‘I can’t believe that he did that, just put those
pictures up there like that.’” When asked about the length of the
conversation, she responded, “[t]hree sentences’ worth” and denied further
conversations.

¶115 Juror 6 said she “looked up what rights we have as jurors” the
night before, but nobody else participated in that research. When she told
other jurors she looked up their rights and intended to write a question,
none of them wanted to participate in the conversation, so she dropped it.
Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the court struck Juror 6 for cause.

¶116 The court then brought in all jurors for questioning:

• Juror 1 overheard Juror 6 express she was upset about the State’s
opening statement. Juror 1 responded, “[w]e’re not supposed to talk
about it” and did not hear other discussions on the topic.

• Juror 2 overheard a juror say “what was shown was graphic
pornography and that they were just looking to be more prepared,”
and then overheard “maybe one or two [jurors] that
were . . . agreeing.” Juror 2 did not engage in the discussion and did
not hear other discussions on this topic.

• Juror 3 overheard a juror say she “researched the juror’s rights” and
was going to submit a question “voicing [her] thoughts and
concerns” about the photographs and asked if others wanted to be a
part of it. Juror 3 indicated “some people, . . . from what I’m
gathering, . . . were, you know, really taken,” but then they were
called in and never actually had a chance to discuss the matter. Juror
3 said, “everybody’s been very good about not talking about
anything.”

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• Juror 4 said a juror “spoke of the evidence that the prosecution
showed in the beginning. She found it offensive,” and then another
said “she’s not supposed to be discussing the case.” Juror 4 also
overheard the juror indicate she was going to write a “letter” and
asked if others wanted to participate, but “[n]o one responded.”
Juror 4 saw her writing but it was never read out loud to the group.

• Juror 5 overheard a juror indicate being “offended” and she was
going to write a note, but she did not talk about the case. Another
juror responded, “[i]f you feel that way, then you should write a
note.” Juror 5 did not hear other discussions on the topic or read the
note.

• Juror 8 overheard a juror say “[i]mages . . . shared on the first day
were disturbing,” and the juror was going to write a note and
wanted to know if others wanted to write a note too. Juror 8 heard
another juror respond, “We should not be talking about this,” and
that was the end of the matter.

• Juror 9 overheard a juror “mention that she was offended by the
images in the opening statements” and she believed there was a
“breach” of their “rights as jurors.” But nobody responded, and
Juror 9 “just ignored it and moved on.”

• Juror 10 overheard a juror say “she would have liked a warning
before pictures were shown,” but did not hear any response.

• Juror 11 overheard Juror 6 say the pictures were “offensive” and
another juror responded, “You can’t talk about it.” Juror 11 did not
hear anyone else discuss the case.

• Juror 12 overheard Juror 6 say “it just wasn’t appropriate for them
to . . . open up like that,” but nobody responded. Juror 12 then heard
Juror 6 say “she was going to bring it up to” the judge and saw her
“writing from across the table,” but did not read it or see anyone else
read it.

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

• Juror 13 overheard a juror say she did not like how something was
brought forward and asked if anybody would sign a note with her.
Juror 13 responded, “what you see here might be disturbing” and
“there was no reason why they would have to bring a disclaimer. [I
thought] we already had a disclaimer or something like that on this
trial.” According to Juror 13, others indicated “yes, it was
disturbing,” but it was necessary. Juror 13 did not otherwise hear a
response on the topic.

• Juror 14 overheard a juror say she was “disturbed” and “very
unhappy” with “what was presented” and was going to write a note
to the judge. Juror 14 did not respond but indicated “there was
something said about just that’s how it’s going to have to be and just
the nature of the . . . case,” and nobody said they wanted to join the
note.

• Juror 15 overheard a juror comment that there was not “a warning
or a disclaimer,” but there was no response after that. When that
juror said she was going to address the opening statement with the
court, nobody responded.

• Juror 16 overheard a juror mention “certain rights that the jurors
had,” but nobody responded.

• Juror 17 overheard a juror say “she found the pictures to be offensive
and didn’t think that it was appropriate for that to be shown,” and
Juror 17 responded, “There’s evidence that’s going to be shown
that . . . you might not want to see in your everyday life, but it’s
probably pertinent to the trial.”

¶117 In questioning, Jurors 9, 15, and 16 also disclosed that they
saw a juror with a printout in the jury room that morning. Juror 9 described
seeing on the table a “printout” of “some online article” that “looked like
two pages,” but did not recall exactly what it said and did not read it, see
anyone read it, or hear anyone discuss it. Juror 15 saw a juror with “a
printout about something” that “maybe said the word ‘juror’ or something

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

on it” and “she may have said something about juror rights,” but nobody
had a chance to look at the printout because it was close to the juror at her
desk (“I didn’t see anyone look at it.”). Juror 16 saw a juror holding some
sort of printout from afar and overheard her say she was filling out a
petition relating to jurors’ right, but Juror 16 never saw the printout up close
and did not see anyone else view it.

¶118 At the end of questioning, all jurors returned to the
courtroom. The court reminded jurors to follow the admonition and asked
jurors to raise their hands if they believed they could not follow the
admonition or be fair and impartial based on what occurred thus far. No
juror raised a hand.

¶119 The defense moved for a mistrial arguing that Juror 6 had
exposed jurors “to potential taint that could affect their ability to be fair and
impartial.” The court denied the motion, explaining that jurors “were all
very straightforward and with candor about being able to be fair and
impartial and not having anything that happened this morning affect them
at all.” The “jurors were very honest with us” and “a lot of people made
efforts to comply with the admonition [and] didn’t really know how to react
to . . . what [Juror 6] was doing.”

¶120 McCauley moved to strike Juror 3 for cause, which the court
granted over the State’s objection.

¶121 When trial resumed (without Jurors 3 and 6), the court
commended jurors and noted their efforts to follow the admonition and tell
others not to talk about the case. The court also reminded jurors (1) to
continue following the admonition; (2) that their notebooks had
preliminary instructions about the admonition; (3) they “are to determine
the facts only from the testimony of witnesses and from exhibits received
in evidence”; (4) opening statements are not evidence; and (5) they are not
to discuss a juror question with others before submitting it.

2. Failure To Properly Investigate Juror 6’s Misconduct

¶122 “The requirement that a jury’s verdict must be based upon
the evidence developed at the trial goes to the fundamental integrity of all
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Opinion of the Court

that is embraced in the constitutional concept of trial by jury.” Miller, 178
Ariz. at 557 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Turner v. Louisiana, 379 U.S. 466, 472 (1965)). “The danger of compromising this integrity is
never greater than when the process is contaminated by outside
influences.” Id. “In such a situation, the court’s response should be
‘commensurate with the severity of the threat posed.’” Id. (quoting United
States v. Thomas, 463 F.2d 1061, 1063 (7th Cir. 1972)).

¶123 McCauley argues the trial court did not properly investigate
Juror 6’s misconduct and relies on Miller in support of his claim. In Miller,
after being dismissed at the close of evidence, an alternate juror left a note
on the windshield of a still-seated juror that said “He’s guilty” or “My vote
is guilty.” 178 Ariz. at 557. The still-seated juror did not disclose the note
until after trial. Id. Once informed, defense counsel moved for an
evidentiary hearing and a new trial. Id. Without questioning jurors, the
trial court denied the motion because the prosecutor alleged the juror was
not affected by the note and did not share it until after the verdict. Id. This
Court found those measures inadequate: “Without questioning the jury, the
court could not have known whether other jurors knew of the note or
received similar communications from the alternate, and in either case,
whether they were improperly influenced by him.” Id. Also, “[t]he fact that
the communication here related to the ultimate issue in the
case—defendant’s guilt or innocence—should have persuaded the judge
that further inquiry was necessary.” Id. This Court remanded for an
evidentiary hearing because “the substantial risk of prejudice demanded
something more than what the trial court did.” Id.

¶124 Miller is inapposite. Here, the printout about juror rights did
not pertain to the issue of McCauley’s guilt or innocence. 14 Also, the trial
court here conducted a thorough investigation by questioning each juror
individually and allowing both parties the opportunity for further
questioning. The court asked questions about juror communications

14 We also note that Juror 6’s concerns focused on the prosecutor’s actions
in presenting admissible evidence during his opening statement, rather
than McCauley’s guilt or innocence.
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regarding Juror 6’s concerns, their knowledge of Juror 6’s materials, and
their ability to remain fair and impartial. Although certain jurors were not
asked directly about the printout, any knowledge they may have had about
it would have reasonably surfaced through the questioning that did take
place. 15 The few jurors who saw Juror 6 with a printout indicated they did
not read its contents and did not see any juror review it. Also, Juror 6 said
no jurors responded when she mentioned she had looked up their rights.

¶125 After this process, Jurors 3 and 6 were removed from the jury.
Even if some remaining jurors initially found the opening statement
disturbing, they confirmed they could remain fair and impartial and would
follow the admonition. The trial court acted in a manner “commensurate
with the severity of the threat posed,” and there was no error. See Miller,
178 Ariz. at 557 (quoting Thomas, 463 F.2d at 1063).

3. Failure To Grant Mistrial Based On Juror Rights Printout

¶126 McCauley also argues a mistrial should have been granted
after Juror 6 brought the printout into the jury room. But a document about
the rights of a juror is unlikely to contain information that a jury would
consider in determining McCauley’s guilt or innocence, or his punishment.
See State v. McLoughlin, 133 Ariz. 458, 460 (1982). And even if it did, nothing
in the record here indicates the content of the printout was received, read,
discussed, or considered by jurors (other than Juror 6 who was excused).
See State v. Boag, 104 Ariz. 362, 369 (1969) (“When there are no facts
indicating that a juror looked at the [extrinsic evidence], the appellate court
will not reverse merely on the grounds that they were available.”); Hall,
204 Ariz. at 448 ¶ 19 (considering whether the material was actually
received by the jury, and if so, the length of time it was available and extent
to which jurors discussed and considered it).

15 Contrary to McCauley’s claim, the judge did not refuse to allow Juror 6
to speak freely. Also, McCauley claims “it is possible” Juror 6 left the
document in the jury room for other jurors to review, but this is speculative
and unsupported by the record.
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¶127 This case is unlike Hall, where jurors received and considered
extrinsic evidence about the defendant himself—information about his
tattoos—and then looked for tattoos on a man who appeared on a video in
evidence. 204 Ariz. at 442 ¶¶ 12–25. This case is also unlike Remmer v.
United States, where a person allegedly told the jury foreman “that he could
profit by bringing in a verdict favorable to the petitioner,” and the trial
court did not conduct a hearing to determine the circumstances of the
incident and its effect on the jury. 347 U.S. 227, 228–29 (1954).

¶128 The fact that Juror 6 had a juror rights printout does not
involve private communication, contact, or tampering with a juror about a
decision pending before the jury, such as a defendant’s identity or a verdict.
See id. at 229. Moreover, the trial court thoroughly investigated Juror 6’s
misconduct, reminded jurors about the admonition, and instructed them to
determine the facts only from testimony and exhibits received in evidence.
See Hall, 204 Ariz. at 448 ¶ 19. All remaining jurors confirmed they could
remain fair and impartial and would follow the admonition. See id. at 449
¶ 23 (“In assessing juror misconduct, this court accords deference to the
trial judge who held the evidentiary hearing and was in the best position to
assess the effect of the extrinsic evidence.”). The record does not support a
conclusion that the printout tainted the verdict, and the court did not err in
denying the motion for mistrial. See State v. Poland, 132 Ariz. 269, 283 (1982)
(concluding extrinsic evidence did not have prejudicial impact on minds of
jurors and did not contribute to verdict).

4. Failure To Grant Mistrial Based On All Jurors’ Conduct

¶129 McCauley argues a mistrial was warranted because all sixteen
jurors violated their oath to “follow the court’s instructions, including the
admonition.” See Ariz. R. Crim. P. 18.6(b). The court instructed the jury not
to discuss the evidence until all evidence was presented and to advise the
court immediately if any juror violated the admonition. McCauley claims
Juror 6 violated the admonition and the other jurors failed to immediately
and on their own volition report the misconduct.

¶130 There was not a significant amount of off-the-record time that
elapsed between Juror 6’s conduct and the court being alerted to the matter
and investigating. But even if we deem the jurors to not have
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Opinion of the Court

“immediately” reported Juror 6, we note that (1) several jurors immediately
told Juror 6 to not discuss the case; and (2) all jurors affirmatively complied
with the admonition by providing relevant and responsive information
when questioned in the courtroom shortly thereafter. The court observed
that many jurors made efforts to comply with the admonition and were
doing the best they could in this new situation. The court did not err. See
State v. Speer, 221 Ariz. 449, 462 ¶ 72 (2009) (“Mistrial is the ‘most dramatic
remedy for trial error and should be granted only when it appears that
justice will be thwarted unless the jury is discharged and a new trial
granted.’” (quoting State v. Dann, 205 Ariz. 557, 570 ¶ 43 (2003))).

5. Failure To Grant Mistrial Based On Jurors 13 And 17

¶131 McCauley argues the trial court erred by not granting a
mistrial because Jurors 13 and 17 violated the admonition when responding
to Juror 6’s concerns in violation of Rule 19.3(a), (c). See Ariz. R. Crim. P.
19.3 (“The court must admonish jurors not to: (a) converse among
themselves or with anyone else on any subject connected with the trial until
instructed to deliberate” or “(c) form or express any opinion about the case
until it is finally submitted to them.”).

¶132 Jurors 13 and 17 stated generally that evidence presented in
the case may be disturbing, but it is probably pertinent to the trial. Supra
¶ 116. Jurors 13 and 17 did not express any opinion about the merits of the
State’s case. Indeed, at that point the jury had not yet received any
evidence, and the preliminary jury instructions explained that ordinarily
statements and arguments made by lawyers are not evidence. And in
questioning, Jurors 13 and 17 affirmed they could be fair and impartial. The
trial court observed the sincerity of the jurors’ responses and again
reminded them to follow the admonition.

¶133 The cases McCauley relies upon are inapposite. As discussed,
Miller does not support a mistrial on this record, and neither does State v.
Gallardo, 225 Ariz. 560 (2010). In Gallardo, this Court determined the trial
court did not abuse its discretion by granting a mistrial. 225 Ariz. at 564–65
¶¶ 6–9. There, the parties agreed one juror should be excused, and the court
found (1) three jurors should be excused for cause; (2) three jurors formed
opinions about other jurors that would affect their deliberations; and (3) it
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Opinion of the Court

was “highly likely” that four jurors violated the admonition despite having
denied doing so. Id. Other than dismissal for cause of Jurors 3 and 6, none
of these factors are present here.

¶134 The trial court did not err. See id. at 564 ¶ 6 (“The decision to
grant a mistrial rests within the sound discretion of the trial court.”).

6. Failure To Grant Mistrial Based On Panel Being Tainted By
And Complicit With Juror 6’s Misconduct

¶135 McCauley claims the trial court abused its discretion by not
granting a mistrial because “the entire panel was tainted by and complicit
with Juror 6’s misconduct” and re-urges the issues previously addressed.
As discussed, the record does not demonstrate that the court abused its
discretion or that McCauley was deprived of a fair and impartial jury.

D. Sufficiency Of The Evidence To Support The (F)(6) Aggravator

¶136 McCauley claims the sole aggravator to support his death
sentence—especially heinous or depraved—was not supported by
sufficient evidence. See § 13-751(F)(6) (2012) (stating the trier of fact shall
consider whether “[t]he defendant committed the offense in an especially
heinous . . . or depraved manner”). He asks this Court to vacate his death
sentence.

¶137 We review a sufficiency of the evidence claim for abuse of
discretion. See State v. Gunches, 225 Ariz. 22, 25 ¶ 14 (2010). In doing so, we
review “‘the record to determine whether substantial evidence supports the
jury’s finding, viewing the facts in the light most favorable to sustaining the
jury verdict.’” Id. (quoting Roque, 213 Ariz. at 218 ¶ 93). “Substantial
evidence is such proof that reasonable persons could accept as adequate
and sufficient to support a conclusion of [the] defendant’s guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.” Id. (alteration in original) (quoting Roque, 213 Ariz.
at 218 ¶ 93).

¶138 “The terms ‘heinous’ and ‘depraved’ focus on the defendant’s
state of mind at the time of the offense.” State v. Greene, 192 Ariz. 431, 439
¶ 33 (1998). One of several factors we consider in determining whether a
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Opinion of the Court

murder was especially heinous or depraved is whether the defendant
relished the murder. Id. At trial, the State argued that McCauley’s texts
and images established that he relished the murder. “‘Relishing’ refers to
words or actions ‘that show debasement or perversion.’” Id. at 440 ¶ 34
(quoting State v. Roscoe, 184 Ariz. 484, 500 (1996)). “The defendant must say
or do something that indicates he savored the murder.” Id.

¶139 McCauley claims the messages merely show bragging after
the murder and are therefore insufficient to constitute relishing. But “[i]n
some cases, bragging about a crime is sufficient proof of relishing where the
defendant’s statements provide clear insight into his state of mind at the
time of the killing.” Id. at 441 ¶ 40. Indeed, post-murder statements can
constitute relishing “when they indicate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that
the killer savored or enjoyed the murder at or near the time of the murder.”
Id. at 440–41 ¶ 39.

¶140 McCauley’s messages sent mere minutes after the murder,
among other things, told D.M.’s sister, “I just killed your seester”
immediately followed by a smiley face text symbol; told D.M.’s daughter,
“I just killed your mommy” and “Who’s your daddy now bitch”; told
D.M.’s mother, “I just killed your whore daughter” and included another
smiley face text symbol; referenced “KARMA” in conjunction with the
murder; stated that D.M. would “suck that dick”; and shared four sexually
explicit images of D.M. These texts and images were not simply arrogant,
proud, or boastful statements. They went beyond mere bragging or
expressing satisfaction over the success of his plan. The contents of
McCauley’s messages expressed his savoring and enjoyment of his act of
killing D.M., through words, images, and two smiley faces, and were
calculated to inflict significant harm upon the recipients, D.M.’s family.

¶141 The texts and images McCauley sent to D.M.’s family
constitute words and actions that show debasement and perversion. They
are sufficient to establish relishing. See Riley, 248 Ariz. at 166 ¶ 5, 202 ¶ 205
(determining a “graphic and celebratory account of the murder” that
described the killing and was signed with “a large smiley face” and “Your
hero the butcher” was sufficient evidence of relishing); State v.
Runningeagle, 176 Ariz. 59, 65 (1993) (concluding trial court did not err in
finding “especially heinous or depraved” where defendant “laughed as
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Opinion of the Court

[he] came back to the car after having murdered” the victims and “also
bragged to his girlfriend that he had been in a ‘good fight’”); State v. West, 176 Ariz. 432, 448 (1993) (affirming especially heinous finding where
defendant “told people that he ‘beat the fuck out of some old man’ and
bragged about cuts and bruises on his hand coming from beating up ‘the
old man he ripped off’”); State v. Bishop, 127 Ariz. 531, 534 (1980) (explaining
the defendant’s post-murder words and actions can evidence his state of
mind); State v. Bearup, 221 Ariz. 163, 173 ¶ 54 (finding “laughing while
talking about cutting off a person’s finger and [being] amused when he told
his ex-girlfriend about his actions” were sufficient to establish relishing).

¶142 McCauley also argues the texts were prepared before the
murder and thus do not establish that he relished the murder at the time of
the offense. But even assuming McCauley drafted the texts before the
murder, his voluntary and separate act of sending the texts immediately
after the murder was sufficient to establish relishing. By placing the
applicable message and image into each separate text and hitting “send” on
each text, McCauley thereby accepted, adopted, and delivered the contents
of each text immediately after the murder.16 Accordingly, they demonstrate
that McCauley “savored or enjoyed the murder at or near the time of the
murder.” Greene, 192 Ariz. at 440–41 ¶ 39 (explaining a defendant’s “state
of mind may be inferred from behavior at or near the time of the offense”
(quoting State v. Martinez-Villareal, 145 Ariz. 441, 451 (1985)).

¶143 Finally, McCauley claims State v. Ring (“Ring I”) supports a
conclusion that his texts do not constitute relishing. 200 Ariz. 267 (2001),
rev’d on other grounds, Ring v. Arizona (“Ring II”), 536 U.S. 584 (2002). In Ring
I, the defendant was in a “pretty happy mood” the day after the robbery
and murder because he “had all the money,” and he said in an “offhand”
manner, “you guys are forgetting something . . . you’re forgetting to
congratulate me on my shot.” Id. at 281 ¶ 50. Although the defendant’s
statements reflected a calculated plan to kill, satisfaction over the apparent

16 Accordingly, this is not a case involving only pre-murder conduct that
solely demonstrates premeditation (not relishing). See State v. Smith, 146
Ariz. 491, 504 (1985); State v. Madsen, 125 Ariz. 346, 352 (1980).
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Opinion of the Court

success of his plan, and an extreme callousness or lack of remorse after the
murder, they did not demonstrate that he “actually relished the act of
murdering [the victim].” Id. ¶ 53. But here, as discussed, McCauley’s texts
and images sent mere minutes after the murder demonstrate that he
actually savored and enjoyed the act of killing D.M. Cf. Greene, 192 Ariz.
at 441 ¶ 40–41 (concluding letters sent one month after defendant’s arrest
and two weeks after his conviction did not show he actually enjoyed the
killing or reveal his state of mind at or near the time of the killing). The
evidence supports the jury’s especially heinous or depraved verdict.

E. Sufficiency Of Aggravation Phase Jury Instruction

¶144 McCauley argues the trial court committed fundamental error
by giving a deficient especially heinous or depraved instruction that failed
to properly define and narrow the conduct that constitutes “relishing.” See,
e.g., Maynard v. Cartwright, 486 U.S. 356, 361 (1988) (“Claims of vagueness
directed at aggravating circumstances defined in capital punishment
statutes are analyzed under the Eighth Amendment . . . .”).

¶145 “We review de novo whether jury instructions adequately
state the law.” State v. Tucker, 215 Ariz. 298, 310 ¶ 27 (2007). And we
“consider the jury instructions as a whole to determine whether the jury
received the information necessary to arrive at a legally correct decision.”
State v. Dann, 220 Ariz. 351, 363 ¶ 51 (2009).

¶146 The jury was instructed on “especially heinous or depraved”:

The term “especially heinous or depraved” focuses upon the
defendant’s state of mind at the time of the offense, as
reflected by the defendant’s words and acts. A murder is
especially heinous if it is hatefully or shockingly evil, in other
words, grossly bad. A murder is especially depraved if it is
marked by debasement, corruption, perversion, or
deterioration. To determine whether a murder was
“especially heinous or depraved,” you must find that the
State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant
exhibited such a mental state at the time of the killing by
engaging in the following action:
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Opinion of the Court

Relished the murder.

The defendant “relished the murder” if the defendant, by
words or actions, savored the murder. These words or actions
must show debasement or perversion, and not merely that the
defendant has a vile state of mind or callous attitude.

The defense did not object. But, as it turns out, the jury instruction was
missing one paragraph of the RAJI on relishing, which explains:

Statements suggesting indifference, as well as those reflecting
the calculated plan to kill, satisfaction over the apparent
success of the plan, extreme callousness, lack of remorse, or
bragging after the murder are not enough unless there is
evidence that the defendant actually relished the act of
murder at or near the time of the killing.

RAJI 1.6(d) (Criminal) 5th at 607.

¶147 Although the missing RAJI paragraph should have been
provided, its omission did not make the jury instruction constitutionally
defective. The missing RAJI paragraph does not affirmatively state what
“relished the murder” means. Instead, it provides that certain statements
do not constitute relishing “unless there is evidence that the defendant
actually relished the act of murder at or near the time of the killing.” See id.
(emphasis added).

¶148 The jury was instructed that the aggravating factor at
issue—especially heinous or depraved—“focuses upon the defendant’s
state of mind at the time of the offense” and that to determine a murder was
especially heinous or depraved, the jury:

[M]ust find that the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt
that the defendant exhibited such a mental state at the time of
the killing by engaging in the following action: Relished the
murder. The defendant “relished the murder” if the defendant,
by words or action, savored the murder. These words or action
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Opinion of the Court

must show debasement or perversion, and not merely that the
defendant has a vile state of mind or callous attitude.

(Emphasis added.) Thus, even if the texts and images suggested
indifference, a calculated plan to kill, satisfaction over the apparent success
of his plan, extreme callousness, lack of remorse, or bragging after the
murder, the jury did not need the missing RAJI paragraph to understand
the murder would not be “especially heinous or depraved” unless the
evidence showed McCauley relished the murder at the time of the killing.

¶149 This case is unlike State v. Hampton, where the instruction
failed to specify that relishing focuses on the defendant’s mental state at or
near the time of the murder, and thus “allowed the jury to find the (F)(6)
aggravator on the basis of ‘relishing’ that may have occurred months after the
crime.” 213 Ariz. 167, 176 ¶ 37, 177 ¶¶ 40, 42 (2006) (emphasis added). As
discussed, McCauley’s jury instruction did not have that same
shortcoming. Also, McCauley sent the texts and images mere minutes after
the murder, and thus the jury was not considering words or actions that
occurred months after the murder.

¶150 The jury instruction here sufficiently defined and narrowed
“especially heinous or depraved.” See Walton v. Arizona, 497 U.S. 639, 654
(1990) (holding that Arizona’s “especially heinous, cruel, or depraved”
aggravator was facially vague, but affirming the death sentence as “the
Arizona Supreme Court has sought to give substance to the operative
terms, and we find that its construction meets constitutional
requirements”), overruled on other grounds by Ring II, 536 U.S. at 608–09;
Anderson, 210 Ariz. at 353 ¶ 114 (observing that states have upheld findings
of “aggravators against vagueness attacks when jury instructions provided
adequate specificity in accordance with appellate courts’ narrowing
constructions,” and concluding the jury instructions “were adequate to
provide a narrowed construction of the facially vague statutory terms”).
McCauley’s jury instruction did not omit an element of the aggravator, and
“the jury received the information necessary to arrive at a legally correct
decision.” Dann, 220 Ariz. at 363 ¶ 51. Also, for the reasons discussed,
McCauley’s words and actions show debasement and perversion, and the
weight of the evidence shows that McCauley savored and enjoyed the act

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Opinion of the Court

of killing D.M. at or near the time of the murder. There is no fundamental,
reversible error.

F. The State’s Disclosure Violation And The Court’s Denial Of
McCauley’s Motion For Mistrial

¶151 McCauley claims the State’s withholding of his criminal
history report violated his constitutional rights and Arizona Rule of
Criminal Procedure 15.1 (addressing the state’s disclosure obligations). He
also claims the court abused its discretion by denying his motion for
mistrial.

¶152 We review alleged constitutional violations de novo. State v.
McGill, 213 Ariz. 147, 157–58 ¶ 45 (2006). We review the legal scope of
disclosure under Rule 15 de novo, but review the judge’s rulings for abuse
of discretion. Johnson, 247 Ariz. at 193 ¶ 82. We also review for abuse of
discretion the denial of a motion for mistrial. Bush, 244 Ariz. at 594 ¶ 80.

¶153 As discussed in Part (A)(3)(b), the State disclosed the criminal
history report to the defense in the middle of the penalty phase. The
defense moved for a mistrial, arguing the late disclosure of the 1991
conviction was consequential because (1) a core issue is whether McCauley
was convicted of domestic violence against his first wife, as he was on trial
for murdering his second wife; (2) defense counsel would have taken a
different approach had they known about the 1991 conviction; and (3) the
prosecutor’s questions to Dr. Toma implied untruthfulness on McCauley’s
part.

¶154 The trial court denied the motion for mistrial but precluded
the State from introducing any evidence of the 1991 conviction. The court
observed that the jury had not received evidence of a conviction, and the
jury was instructed that opening statements and questions to witnesses are
not evidence. Moreover, the court noted that the prosecutor’s question to
Dr. Toma (“He didn’t tell you that he pled guilty to that offense, did he?”)
was “somewhat ambiguous” and there are different “implications to that
question” (one is that McCauley did not plead guilty to the offense and had
nothing to report, and another is “that maybe he pled guilty to the offense”).
The court decided this “one ambiguous question” did not require a mistrial.
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1. Disclosure Obligations Under Rule 15.1

¶155 As discussed, the prosecutor planned to call the detective to
testify about what he found in his research, which included the fact of a
conviction in a criminal history report, and the prosecutor intended to use
the report to refresh the detective’s recollection. Supra ¶ 42. That criminal
history report should have been disclosed, as the State intended to use it in
the penalty phase. See Ariz. R. Crim. P. 15.1(i)(4)(D) (“[T]he State must
disclose the following to the defendant: . . . a list of all documents . . . the
State intends to use during the aggravation and penalty hearings.”); Ariz.
R. Crim. P. 15.1(b) (“[T]he State must make available to the defendant the
following material and information within the State’s possession or
control: . . .(7) a list of the defendant’s other acts the State intends to use at
trial.”).

¶156 The State, through its detective, was in possession of the
criminal history report about a year before trial. Supra ¶ 42. The prosecutor
purportedly became aware of the report right before the penalty phase. Id.
Once the prosecutor became aware of it and planned to use it, he should
have immediately notified defense counsel so the parties could jointly
discuss next steps before opening statements, including the possibility of
court involvement. Even with concerns of confidentiality, the prosecutor
could have requested a court order permitting disclosure or a protective
order. See Ariz. R. Crim. P. 15.5. Indeed, the State acknowledged at oral
argument that the criminal history report should have been disclosed
earlier than it was. We conclude the State failed to comply with Rule 15.1’s
disclosure obligations.

¶157 Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 15.7(c) outlines various
sanctions a court may impose for nondisclosure or an untimely disclosure,
such as “precluding . . . the use of evidence” at trial, “declaring a mistrial if
necessary in the interests of justice,” or “any other appropriate sanction.”
“But any sanction must be proportional to the violation and must have ‘a
minimal effect on the evidence and merits.’ Factors to consider include
importance of the witness or evidence, the degree of surprise, and bad
faith.” Payne, 233 Ariz. at 518 ¶ 155 (internal citation omitted) (quoting State
v. Towery, 186 Ariz. 168, 186 (1996)).
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¶158 The court’s decision to preclude evidence of the 1991
conviction (rather than granting a mistrial) was a proportional sanction
based on the circumstances. First, the jury never received evidence that
McCauley was convicted of a crime related to his ex-wife. Second, defense
counsel told jurors McCauley had not been “convicted of anything since he
was 18 to 20 years old,” and the jury never received any evidence to the
contrary. Third, as to the prosecutor’s brief comment and question to Dr.
Toma, the jury was instructed that questions to witnesses and attorney
remarks, statements, and arguments are not evidence. See State v. Manuel, 229 Ariz. 1, 6 ¶ 24 (2011) (“Such cautionary instructions by the court
generally cure any possible prejudice from argumentative comments
during opening statements” and “[j]urors are presumed to follow the
court’s instructions.”). Fourth, Dr. Toma was asked whether McCauley
disclosed that he pled guilty, he answered “no,” and the jury never received
any evidence that McCauley pled guilty. 17 Fifth, there is no evidence to
refute the prosecutor’s statement that he was unaware of the criminal
history report until right before the penalty phase. Sixth, the late disclosure
related to McCauley’s own conviction.

¶159 “Imposition of sanctions for nondisclosure pursuant to the
discovery rules is a matter to be resolved in the sound discretion of the trial
court and that decision should not be disturbed absent a clear abuse of
discretion.” Martinez-Villareal, 145 Ariz. at 448. Also, “for a reviewing court
to find an abuse of discretion, appellant must demonstrate that he suffered
prejudice by nondisclosure. Such prejudice relates to the issue of surprise
or delay under the discovery rules.” Id. (internal citation omitted). Here,
the court ordered an appropriate remedy by precluding all evidence of the
1991 conviction, and there was no prejudice to McCauley on account of the
late disclosure. The court did not abuse its discretion in declining to grant
a mistrial. See State v. Armstrong, 208 Ariz. 345, 354 ¶ 40 (2004) (“We will

17 This was not a question about a “long criminal record” followed by an
immediate objection by the defense, as in State v. Holsinger, 124 Ariz. 18,
20–21 (1979). The defense did not object to the question to Dr. Toma.
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Opinion of the Court

not find that a trial court has abused its discretion unless no reasonable
judge would have reached the same result under the circumstances.”).

2. Alleged Constitutional Violations For Untimely Disclosure

¶160 McCauley argues the prosecutor’s withholding of the
criminal history report violated his constitutional rights, and relies on
Gardner v. Florida, 430 U.S. 349 (1977) and Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83
(1963) in support of this claim.

¶161 The “sentencing process . . . must satisfy the requirements of
the Due Process Clause.” Gardner, 430 U.S. at 358. In Gardner, when the
judge imposed the death sentence, he stated he was relying in part on
information in a presentence investigation report, portions of which were
never disclosed to counsel for the parties. Id. at 351. This violated due
process because it allowed the death sentence to be “imposed, at least in
part, on the basis of information which [defendant] had no opportunity to
deny or explain,” and thus the death sentence was vacated. Id. at 362.
There was no similar constitutional violation here, as the jury never
received the criminal history report or evidence of the 1991 conviction.
Unlike in Gardner, McCauley did not have a need to “challenge the accuracy
or materiality of any such information.” See id. at 356.

¶162 McCauley further argues the State violated Brady by not
disclosing evidence that his conviction was set aside and that no records
showed he had pled guilty. 373 U.S. at 87 (“[T]he suppression by the
prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused upon request violates due
process where the evidence is material either to guilt or to punishment,
irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution.”). “There are
three components of a true Brady violation: The evidence at issue must be
favorable to the accused, either because it is exculpatory, or because it is
impeaching; that evidence must have been suppressed by the State, either
willfully or inadvertently; and prejudice must have ensued.” Strickler v.
Greene, 527 U.S. 263, 281–82 (1999).

¶163 McCauley claims the State’s “decision to withhold favorable
evidence robbed [him] of the opportunity to rebut the State’s penalty phase

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case,” such that had the prosecutor timely disclosed the criminal history
report, “the jury would likely never have learned of the alleged conviction.”

¶164 We disagree the criminal history report—documenting a
misdemeanor assault conviction that was later set aside—is evidence
favorable to McCauley as either exculpatory or impeaching in this trial for
first degree murder. Although the report notes “Judgment of Guilt Set
Aside Per [A.R.S. §] 13-907” (renumbered to A.R.S. § 13-905 in 2019), a “set
aside” conviction continues to carry significant negative legal consequences
for the convicted person, including the possibility of being (1) used as a
conviction if the conviction would be admissible had it not been set aside;
(2) pleaded and proved in any subsequent prosecution of the person for any
offense; and (3) used in department of transportation enforcement
proceedings. See § 13-905(E); § 13-907 (1991). Under the circumstances, the
criminal history report is not favorable to McCauley within the meaning of
Brady. Cf. California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 485 (1984) (discussing due
process notions of fundamental fairness and delivery of “exculpatory
evidence into the hands of the accused, thereby protecting the innocent
from erroneous conviction and ensuring the integrity of our criminal justice
system”).

¶165 But even if we deem the criminal history report favorable to
McCauley in some way, his Brady claim fails because the report was not
material to his guilt or punishment. See Smith v. Cain, 565 U.S. 73, 75 (2012)
(“Under Brady, the State violates a defendant’s right to due process if it
withholds evidence that is favorable to the defense and material to the
defendant’s guilt or punishment.”). There is not “a reasonable probability
that, had the evidence been disclosed [earlier], the result of the proceeding
would have been different.” See id. at 75 (quoting Cone v. Bell, 556 U.S. 449,
469–70 (2009)). McCauley’s desire to prepare an earlier rebuttal to the 1991
conviction does not create a sufficient likelihood of a different result to
undermine confidence in the outcome of the trial. See id. at 75–76. The
untimely disclosure did not result in a violation of McCauley’s
constitutional rights.

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Opinion of the Court

G. Allowing Dr. DeMarte To Answer A Juror Question

¶166 McCauley claims the trial court improperly allowed Dr.
DeMarte to answer a juror question. “We review a trial court’s rulings with
respect to answering jury questions for an abuse of discretion.” See Manuel,
229 Ariz. at 8 ¶ 35.

¶167 In the penalty phase, the prosecutor asked Dr. DeMarte to
read portions of (1) the notes of defense mitigation specialist, Dr. Ellis, from
Dr. Ellis’s interview with McCauley’s ex-wife; and (2) a transcript of a
detective’s interview with his ex-wife. According to Dr. Ellis’s notes,
McCauley’s ex-wife claimed he would beat her up out of jealousy and once
tried to kill her. The prosecutor also asked Dr. DeMarte whether
McCauley’s ex-wife discussed with the detective “forced sexual contact on
her by” McCauley; Dr. DeMarte responded, “[s]he did.” Dr. DeMarte later
testified that when she spoke with McCauley, he denied engaging in sex
with his ex-wife without her consent.

¶168 On cross-examination, the defense asked Dr. DeMarte to read
from a transcript of defense counsel’s interview with McCauley’s ex-wife.
In that interview, she explained her previous comment that McCauley had
raped her. She stated it would occur at night when he wanted sex and she
didn’t; it felt like he would rape her, which meant she felt forced because it
wasn’t something she wanted to do. She did it just “to keep things mellow,”
but it was not bad enough to call the police.

¶169 Dr. DeMarte also read from the sworn declaration of
McCauley’s ex-wife, in which she stated: (1) “In a previous interview, I
stated that [McCauley] would rape me. I should not have used the term
‘rape’ as I was only referring to times when I would not want to have sex
with [him] when [he] would”; and (2) McCauley “was not a violent
person,” “I was not afraid of him,” and he “never threatened to kill me.”

¶170 A juror submitted a question to Dr. DeMarte: “If a person is
too scared to say no to sex, even if it is their husband, could the feeling of
not being able to refuse sex have a similar psychological impact of being
raped?” The defense objected, but the court allowed her to answer. Dr.
DeMarte then answered:
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

Yes. I mean, rape is when the person doesn’t offer consent.
And so feeling like you can’t say no can certainly have an
emotional impact on the person.

Can I say that it would be the exact emotional impact as
someone jumping out of the bushes and raping someone? I
can’t say that because what we do know is that when people
are raped with very similar scenarios, their responses are
different. It just goes to show how different people are, how
their backgrounds influence their ability to cope and their
ability to have experiences. It just varies across people.

In closing, defense counsel argued that McCauley’s ex-wife lacked
credibility due to her inconsistencies, and her sworn declaration was the
closest to the truth.

¶171 On appeal, McCauley argues Dr. DeMarte lacked foundation
to answer the question. Dr. DeMarte has a doctorate degree in clinical
psychology. Her experience includes four years practicing psychology
under a licensed psychologist, working as a clinical psychologist and
becoming a clinical director where she oversaw psychiatrists, therapists,
and other psychologists, and owning her practice. Her work includes
forensic evaluations and clinical work. Dr. DeMarte’s education, training,
and experience qualified her to answer the question. See Ariz. R. Evid. 702;
State v. Romero, 239 Ariz. 6, 10 ¶¶ 17–18 (2016).

¶172 McCauley also argues the question was irrelevant and unduly
prejudicial. But his ex-wife’s inconsistent statements about rape were at
issue, and the question sought to help the jury understand the responses of
people who feel they cannot refuse sex. The question served the relevant
purpose of helping jurors evaluate and understand issues relating to
credibility. See Ariz. R. Evid. 401, 402; State v. Haskie, 242 Ariz. 582, 586 ¶ 16,
587 ¶ 20 (2017) (explaining “expert testimony that explains a victim’s
seemingly inconsistent behavior is admissible to aid jurors in evaluating the
victim’s credibility”); State v. Lindsey, 149 Ariz. 472, 473-74 (1986); State v.
Huey, 145 Ariz. 59, 62–64 (1985) (noting expert testimony on response of
rape victims was admissible where issue was lack of consent). Also, the
question and answer were not unduly prejudicial, as jurors had heard his
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

ex-wife’s inconsistent statements, and Dr. DeMarte did not opine on the
accuracy or reliability of her statements, or her credibility. See Ariz. R. Evid.
403; State v. Boggs, 218 Ariz. 325, 335 ¶ 39 (2008) (“Arizona prohibits lay and
expert testimony concerning the veracity of a statement by another
witness.”).

¶173 Finally, McCauley claims the question improperly called for
a legal conclusion that bolstered his ex-wife’s credibility. But the question
and answer did not address a legal definition of rape, whether McCauley
had raped his ex-wife, or her specific statements. Dr. DeMarte merely noted
a common understanding of rape and discussed the varied responses of
people who feel unable to decline sex. The question and answer did not
impermissibly bolster his ex-wife’s credibility. The trial court did not err in
allowing Dr. DeMarte to answer the question.

H. Sufficiency Of Mitigation Jury Instruction

¶174 McCauley claims the jury was prevented from considering
and giving effect to his mitigation evidence because the jury instructions
listed only certain mitigating circumstances and the prosecutor told jurors
the listed circumstances were “designated.” We review constitutional
issues and purely legal issues de novo. Moody, 208 Ariz. at 445 ¶ 62; Glassel,
211 Ariz. at 53 ¶ 74 (stating we review whether jury instructions properly
state the law de novo).

¶175 At trial, the defense asked to individually list each of
McCauley’s twenty-three proposed mitigating circumstances in the final
jury instructions. The court agreed to specifically include some that were
proposed but declined to include others that were “a little bit
argumentative and factually-disputed.” The court noted the instructions
already broadly covered the mitigating circumstances he wished to argue.

¶176 The jury received the following instruction:

The circumstances proposed as mitigation by the defendant
for your consideration in this case include, but are not limited
to, defendant’s confession and cooperation with law
enforcement, significant impairment, mental health issues or
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

disorders, a criminal record, or lack of a criminal record,
substance abuse issues, family dysfunction, lack of education,
work history, defendant’s age, and/or family or
environmental upbringing.

You are not limited to these proposed mitigating
circumstances in considering the appropriate sentence. You
may also consider anything related to the defendant’s
character, propensity, history or record, or circumstances of
the offense. You may consider any mitigating evidence in
deciding whether leniency is appropriate.

¶177 In closing, the prosecutor read the factors in the first
paragraph and then said: “Those are the issues that were designated. Of
course, you’re not restricted to that list, but those are the issues that are
designated.” He later said: “There’s also the statement that he’s a good
family man. And, again, these are just miscellaneous things that were
thrown out during the closing argument, not necessarily in the jury
instructions.” The defense did not object to either statement.

¶178 “The consistent concern in the penalty phase is ‘that
restrictions on the jury’s sentencing determination not preclude the jury
from being able to give effect to mitigating evidence.’” Johnson, 212 Ariz.
at 437 ¶ 43 (quoting Buchanan v. Angelone, 522 U.S. 269, 276 (1998)); see also
Boyde v. California, 494 U.S. 370, 380 (1990) (explaining where instruction is
alleged to be ambiguous and subject to erroneous interpretation, the
inquiry is “whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied
the challenged instruction in a way that prevents the consideration of
constitutionally relevant evidence”).

¶179 The jury instruction here did not misstate the law, foreclose
the jury from considering or giving effect to McCauley’s mitigation
evidence, or improperly give unequal effect to certain mitigating
circumstances. The jury was instructed that the mitigating circumstances
proposed by McCauley “include, but are not limited to” certain
circumstances, but jurors were “not limited to these proposed mitigating
circumstances.” Jurors may also consider “anything related to [his]

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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

character, propensity, history or record, or circumstances of the offense”
and “any mitigating evidence in deciding whether leniency is appropriate.”

¶180 A jury instruction is not unconstitutional because it contains
a non-exhaustive list of proposed mitigating circumstances. See Blystone v.
Pennsylvania, 494 U.S. 299, 308 (1990) (rejecting defendant’s claim that
court’s list of statutory mitigating factors improperly foreclosed jury’s
consideration of other mitigating factors, where jurors were told they could
consider the matters listed and “any other mitigating matter concerning the
character or record of the defendant, or the circumstances of his offense”).
And here, McCauley presented his mitigation evidence, including
testimony and exhibits, over the course of eight days (the entire penalty
phase was fifteen days). The context of the entire penalty phase would lead
reasonable jurors to believe they could consider and give effect to all of
McCauley’s mitigation evidence. Buchanan, 522 U.S. at 278 (explaining it is
“unlikely that reasonable jurors would believe that the court’s instructions
transformed four days of defense testimony on the defendant’s background
and character ‘into a virtual charade’” (quoting Boyde, 494 U.S. at 383)).

¶181 Contrary to McCauley’s claim, the jury instruction complied
with Johnson. In Johnson, this Court rejected the defendant’s claim that “a
trial court should be required to provide a list of specific mitigating factors
to the jury,” as such specificity “‘would be inharmonious with the Supreme
Court’s admonitions that the sentencer be free to consider any relevant
mitigating factor.’” 212 Ariz. at 437 ¶ 47 (quoting Tucker v. Zant, 724 F.2d
882, 892 (11th Cir. 1984)). Johnson reiterated “that the Eighth Amendment
does not require ‘that a capital jury be instructed on the concept of
mitigating evidence generally, or on particular statutory mitigating
factors.’” Id. ¶ 44 (quoting Buchanan, 522 U.S. at 270). The trial court did
not err in declining to instruct the jury on all twenty-three proposed
mitigating circumstances. 18

18Also, the jury instruction was not “internally contradictory” such that it
was “logically and ethically impossible for a juror to follow” the instruction.
Penry v. Johnson, 532 U.S. 782, 799 (2001) (concluding a supplemental

62

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

¶182 McCauley also contends the prosecutor’s “designated”
comment implied those mitigating circumstances carried more weight and
the imprimatur of the court, thereby invading the jury’s province, and
prevented the jury from giving effect to his mitigation evidence. He claims
this problem was further highlighted by the prosecutor’s comment about
“miscellaneous things that were thrown out during the closing argument,
not necessarily in the jury instructions.”

¶183 The prosecutor’s “issues that are designated” statement was
improper. There were no “designated” mitigation circumstances. The jury
was not limited to mitigating circumstances listed in the instruction, and it
was up to each individual juror to decide whether a particular mitigating
circumstance existed based on the evidence presented. Because the defense
did not object, we review for fundamental error.

¶184 The jury instructions explicitly informed jurors they were
“not limited to these proposed mitigating circumstances in considering the
appropriate sentence” and they “may consider any mitigating evidence,”
including “anything related to the defendant’s character, propensity,
history or record, or circumstances of the offense.” See State v. Newell, 212
Ariz. 389, 403 ¶ 68 (2006) (“We presume that the jurors followed the court’s
instructions.”); see also Boyde, 494 U.S. at 384 (stating “arguments of counsel
generally carry less weight with a jury than do instructions from the court”).
Also, the prosecutor’s statement was brief, and he simultaneously told
jurors they were “not restricted to that list.” Further, McCauley’s lawyer
later reminded the jury that mitigation is up to each juror and asked them
to look at McCauley’s entire life. There is no reasonable likelihood that the
prosecutor’s brief statement caused jurors to not consider or give effect to
McCauley’s mitigation evidence that he directly presented over the course
of eight days, contrary to the jury instructions they received. The statement
was not fundamental, reversible error.

instruction and special issue instruction together made “the jury charge as
a whole internally contradictory, and placed law-abiding jurors in an
impossible situation”).

63

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

I. Abuse Of Discretion By Jury In Imposing Death Sentence

¶185 This Court “review[s] all death sentences to determine
whether the trier of fact abused its discretion in finding aggravating
circumstances and imposing a sentence of death.” A.R.S. § 13-756(A).
McCauley argues the jury abused its discretion by relying on an invalid
aggravating circumstance and failing to find the substantial weight of
mitigation called for leniency.

¶186 “We will uphold the jury’s findings of aggravating
circumstances ‘if there is any reasonable evidence in the record to sustain
it.’” Johnson, 247 Ariz. at 210 ¶ 193 (quoting Morris, 215 Ariz. at 341 ¶ 77).
As discussed in Part D, substantial evidence supports the (F)(6) aggravator.
See id.; see also § 13-756(A).

¶187 “We must uphold a death sentence ‘if any reasonable juror
could conclude that the mitigation presented was not sufficiently
substantial to call for leniency.’” State v. Allen, 248 Ariz. 352, 366 ¶ 52 (2020)
(quoting State v. Rushing, 243 Ariz. 212, 223 ¶ 45 (2017)). McCauley
presented evidence of various mitigating circumstances that he argued
supported leniency, including a prior TBI that led to organic brain damage
and poor emotional control, a major depressive disorder with psychotic
features that diminished his capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of his
conduct, marijuana use, lack of a personality disorder, life stressors, family
background, status as a good provider, work history, age, poor health, and
childhood upbringing. The State presented evidence on rebuttal that
undermined the impact of much of McCauley’s mitigation evidence,
including that his brain injury and depression were not as severe as he
claimed. A reasonable juror could have concluded that McCauley’s
evidence, even if mitigating, was not sufficiently substantial to warrant
leniency. The jury did not abuse its discretion in finding that death was the
appropriate sentence for D.M.’s murder. See § 13-756(A).

J. McCauley’s Other, Undeveloped Constitutional Claims

¶188 McCauley lists twenty other claims that he acknowledges this
Court has previously found do not constitute constitutional violations. He
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STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
Opinion of the Court

does not develop these claims but merely seeks to preserve them for federal
review. We decline to address these claims.

CONCLUSION

¶189 We affirm McCauley’s conviction for first degree murder and
the imposition of the death sentence.

65

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

BOLICK, J., concurring:

¶190 I write separately because the jury instructions misstated the
law. It is a capital aggravator if “[t]he defendant committed the offense in
an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner.” A.R.S. § 13-751(F)(6)
(2012). 19 The State alleged all three prongs of the (F)(6) aggravator, yet the
jury instructions and verdict form conflated especial heinousness and
especial depravity into a single prong. Nevertheless, because McCauley
invited the error by requesting the jury instruction, and indeed may have
waived the argument, I fully concur in the majority opinion.

¶191 In this case, the aggravation-phase jury instructions provided:

DEFINITION OF “ESPECIALLY CRUEL, HEINOUS OR
DEPRAVED”
....
The terms “especially cruel,” or “especially heinous or
depraved” are considered separately; therefore, the presence
of any one circumstance is sufficient to establish this
aggravating circumstance. However, to find that this
aggravating circumstance is proven, you must find that
“especially cruel” has been proven unanimously beyond a
reasonable doubt or that “especially heinous or depraved”
has been proven unanimously beyond a reasonable doubt.
Especially Cruel
....
Especially Heinous or Depraved
The term “especially heinous or depraved” focuses upon
the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the offense, as
reflected by the defendant’s words and acts. A murder is
especially heinous if it is hatefully or shockingly evil, in other
words, grossly bad. A murder is especially depraved if it is
marked by debasement, corruption, perversion or
deterioration. To determine whether a murder was

19 All references to § 13-751 refer to the 2012 version.
66

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

“especially heinous or depraved,” you must find that the
State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant
exhibited such a mental state at the time of the killing by
engaging in the following action:
Relished the murder.
Relished the Murder
The defendant “relished the murder” if the defendant, by
words or actions, savored the murder. These words or actions
must show debasement or perversion, and not merely that the
defendant has a vile state of mind or a callous attitude.
A unanimous finding of “especially cruel” and/or
‘especially heinous’ or ‘depraved’ established this
aggravating circumstance. 20

¶192 Further, the aggravation-phase verdict form required the jury
to indicate, if the jury found the (F)(6) aggravator to be proven, whether
they unanimously found beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder was
committed in an “especially cruel manner” and whether they unanimously
found beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder was committed in an
“especially heinous or depraved manner.” If the jury found the murder
“especially heinous or depraved,” the jury was not required to specify
whether they found the murder was committed in an especially heinous
manner, an especially depraved manner, or both. In this way, the
instructions conflated the three distinct factors.

20 The jury instructions were consistent with the Revised Arizona Jury
Instructions (“RAJI”), except for the omission noted by the majority. See
supra ¶¶ 145–46. The State Bar of Arizona writes the RAJI, and this Court
does not offer approval for the RAJI’s phrasing or accuracy. See State v.
Logan, 200 Ariz. 564, 566 ¶ 12 (2001). We have previously found that the
RAJI is incorrect or misleading on other points of law. See State v. Hunter, 142 Ariz. 88, 90 (1984); State v. Slemmer, 170 Ariz. 174, 177–78 (1991); State v.
Portillo, 182 Ariz. 592, 596–97 (1995); State v. Johnson, 247 Ariz. 166, 185 ¶ 43
(2019); State v. Miller, 251 Ariz. 99, 103 ¶¶ 11, 14–15, 104 ¶ 16 (2021).
67

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

¶193 Giving separate meaning to all three prongs of the (F)(6)
aggravator is not a matter of splitting hairs. Rather, doing so is crucial to
the statute’s survival and mandatory under separation of powers.

¶194 Judicial rewriting of the (F)(6) factor places the aggravator’s
viability in jeopardy. This concern is serious because defendants regularly
argue the (F)(6) aggravator is unconstitutional. See, e.g., State v. Gretzler, 135
Ariz. 42, 50 (1983); State v. Ortiz, 131 Ariz. 195, 206 (1981). In Walton v.
Arizona, 497 U.S. 639, 654 (1990), the Supreme Court of the United States
held Arizona’s (F)(6) aggravator was facially vague. Nevertheless, the
Court affirmed a death sentence imposed based on a finding of the (F)(6)
aggravator because this Court had narrowly construed the aggravator and
independently confirmed that it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Id. at 653–56. In Walton, this Court treated the heinousness and depraved
prongs of the (F)(6) aggravator as separate prongs. See State v. Walton, 159 Ariz. 571, 587 (1989) (“We have often emphasized that the statutory
expression of ‘especially heinous, cruel, or depraved’ is phrased in the
disjunctive, hence a finding of any one of those three factors suffices to
constitute an aggravating circumstance.” (internal citation omitted)). As
discussed below, some courts have treated heinousness and depravity as
separate prongs, whereas other courts have treated heinousness and
depravity as a single prong. Disparate application of the (F)(6) aggravator
could render it unconstitutional under the Eighth and Fourteenth
Amendments.

¶195 Further, reducing heinousness and depravity to a single
prong requires judicial rewriting of § 13-751(F)(6) which flouts our
separation of powers scheme. As I will discuss below, the plain text of
§ 13-751(F)(6) demands separate consideration for each of its prongs.
Judges are not at leisure to rewrite statutes. This Court’s lodestar, the
Arizona Constitution, expressly prohibits the judicial department from
exercising the legislative power. Ariz. Const. art. 3. Further, Arizona
adopts “[t]he common law only so far as it is . . . not repugnant to or
inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States or the constitution
or laws of this state.” A.R.S. § 1-201 (2012). We must apply the law as it is
written by the legislative branch.

68

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

¶196 Finally, failure to require a jury to specify whether they found
a murder to be especially heinous, especially depraved, or both creates a
risk that death sentences may be imposed based on a non-unanimous
finding of aggravating circumstances. “If the trier of fact is a jury, a
unanimous verdict is required to find that the aggravating circumstance has
been proven.” A.R.S. § 13-752(E) (2012). The (F)(6) aggravator is only
proven if the jury unanimously agrees which of its prongs are satisfied.
Anderson, 210 Ariz. at 355–56 ¶¶ 127–30 (2005). Thus, jury instructions
should clearly communicate that the heinousness and depravity prongs are
separate, and verdict forms should require juries to specify which of the
(F)(6) aggravator’s prongs they unanimously find satisfied. For all of these
reasons, this Court’s interpretation of § 13-751(F)(6) is of utmost
importance.

¶197 Jury instructions must state the law accurately. To determine
whether the jury instructions adequately stated the law, I begin with the
plain language of § 13-751(F)(6). As this Court has observed, “[o]ur task in
statutory construction is to effectuate the text if it is clear and
unambiguous.” BSI Holdings LLC v. Ariz. Dep’t of Transp., 244 Ariz. 17, 19
¶ 9 (2018). Accordingly, § 13-751(F)(6)’s text bears repeating: it is a capital
aggravator if “[t]he defendant committed the offense in an especially
heinous, cruel or depraved manner.”

¶198 By its use of the word “or,” the (F)(6) aggravator is written in
the disjunctive, so “heinous,” “cruel,” and “depraved” are best understood
as discrete terms. “Under the conjunctive/disjunctive canon, and combines
items while or creates alternatives.” Antonin Scalia & Bryan A. Garner,
Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts 116 (2012) (emphasis in
original). Thus, § 13-751(F)(6)’s plain text indicates that “heinous,” “cruel,”
and “depraved” are three alternatives which constitute the (F)(6)
aggravator. This interpretation is not unprecedented. “We have often
emphasized that the statutory expression of ‘especially heinous, cruel, or
depraved’ is phrased in the disjunctive, hence a finding of any one of those
three factors suffices to constitute an aggravating circumstance.” Walton,
159 Ariz. at 587 (internal citation omitted); see also, e.g., State v. Stokley, 182
Ariz. 505, 517 (1995) (“The heinous, cruel, or depraved circumstance is
phrased in the disjunctive, so if any one of the three factors is found, the
circumstance is satisfied.”); State v. Brewer, 170 Ariz. 486, 501 (1992) (“The
69

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

legislature phrased the ‘heinous, cruel or depraved’ . . . circumstance in the
disjunctive, so we may find aggravation if the evidence establishes any one
of the three factors.”); State v. Montoya, 258 Ariz. 128, 143 ¶ 16 (2024)
(“Because the (F)(6) aggravator is written in the disjunctive, the State need
only establish that the murder was especially heinous or especially cruel or
especially depraved to support a finding of the aggravating circumstance.”
(internal citation omitted)).

¶199 Additionally, this Court should give “heinous,” “cruel,” and
“depraved,” distinct meanings to avoid rendering any of the terms
surplusage. Under the surplusage canon, “every word and every provision
is to be given effect . . . . None should needlessly be given an interpretation
that causes it to duplicate another provision or to have no consequence.”
Scalia & Garner, supra ¶ 198, at 174. Again, this interpretation is not novel.
This Court gave “heinous,” “cruel,” and “depraved” separate meanings in
State v. Knapp, 114 Ariz. 531, 543 (1977). This Court defined “heinous” as
“hatefully or shockingly evil” or “grossly bad”; “cruel” as “disposed to
inflict pain esp. in a wanton, insensate or vindictive manner” or “sadistic”;
and “depraved” as “marked by debasement, corruption, perversion or
deterioration.” Id.; see also, e.g., State v. Ceja, 126 Ariz. 35, 39–40 (1980) (using
the definitions provided in Knapp to determine whether a murder was
especially heinous, especially cruel, or especially depraved).

¶200 Of course, some murders may satisfy all three prongs. See,
e.g., Knapp, 114 Ariz. at 534, 543 (finding a defendant who murdered his
infant children by incinerating them committed the murders in an
especially heinous, cruel, and depraved manner, noting it would be hard to
think of “a more ghastly death than this for anyone”). But this is not always
the case. Because heinous and depraved have different meanings, some
murders are marked by especial heinousness but not especial depravity,
whereas others are marked by especial depravity but not especial
heinousness. See, e.g., State v. Clark, 126 Ariz. 428, 436 (1980) (finding
murder was especially depraved but not especially heinous); Walton, 159
Ariz. at 587 (finding murder was especially depraved but not especially
heinous); State v. West, 176 Ariz. 432, 448 (1993) (finding murder was
especially heinous but not especially depraved); Montoya, 258 Ariz. at 166
¶ 123 (defendant pleaded guilty to (F)(6) aggravator on basis that murder
was especially heinous and cruel but not especially depraved).
70

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

¶201 Accordingly, especial heinousness, especial cruelty, and
especial depravity represent three distinctive alternatives, each of which is
sufficient on itsown to support a finding of the (F)(6) aggravator.

¶202 Despite the foregoing, this Court has sometimes treated
whether a murder was committed in an especially heinous and an
especially depraved manner as a single inquiry. For example, in State v.
Womble, 225 Ariz. 91, 100 ¶ 34 (2010), this Court stated, “[w]hile the terms
‘heinous or depraved’ are written in the disjunctive, they, in fact, constitute
one prong.” This interpretation lacks any support.

¶203 As an initial matter, it is textually implausible that the
Legislature intended heinousness and depravity to be interpreted as one
prong, and cruelty to be interpreted as another prong. Notably, “heinous”
and “depraved” are not even next to each other in § 13-751(F)(6)—they are
separated by “cruel.” If any conflation is necessary, it would be more
natural to combine the determination of neighboring terms (i.e. “heinous”
and “cruel”; or “cruel” and “depravity”). Thus, it defies reason to treat
cruelty as its own prong and at the same time conflate heinousness and
depravity. The conjunctive/disjunctive and surplusage canons either
apply or they do not, and I would find that they apply in full force to all
three terms, as many cases have recognized.

¶204 Our cases that conflate especial heinousness and especial
depravity offer no rationale for doing so. The conflation can be traced back
to a misreading of Gretzler which non-exhaustively summarized the sorts
of facts that could support a finding of the (F)(6) aggravator. 135 Ariz.
at 51–53. In doing so, the Court stated the same facts (relishing, gratuitous
violence, needless mutilation, senselessness, and helplessness) could lead
to a finding that a murder was especially heinous or especially depraved.
Id.

¶205 It is intuitive that some overlap will exist between the facts
that may support a finding of heinousness and those that may support a
finding of depravity because, although cruelty relates to “the pain and
distress visited upon the victims,” heinousness and depraved both relate to
“the mental state and attitude of the perpetrator as reflected in his words
71

STATE OF ARIZONA V. EDWARD LITTLETON MCCAULEY
JUSTICE BOLICK, Concurring

and actions.” Id. at 51; but see Ortiz, 131 Ariz. at 206 (“Cruelty focuses on
the sensations of the victim before death, depravity focuses on the
murderer’s state of mind, and heinousness focuses on society’s view of the
murder as compared to other murders.”).

¶206 But Gretzler did not hold that especial heinousness and
especial depravity were one prong. In fact, the Court expressly stated it
was “not necessary that all three elements, heinous, cruel, or depraved, be
present in the murder. The statutory expression is in the disjunctive, so
either all or one could constitute an aggravating circumstance.” Gretzler,
135 Ariz. at 51 (quoting Clark, 126 Ariz. at 436). Further, the Court quoted
Knapp’s distinct definitions for “heinous,” “cruel,” and “depraved.” Id.
Finally, Gretzler noted Clark, which found a murder was especially
depraved but not especially heinous. Id. at 52. Thus, Gretzler does not
provide a compelling basis to treat heinousness and depravity as a single
prong. The terms are similar, but not synonymous.

¶207 Ultimately, the cases that combine the heinousness and
depravity determinations fly in the face of the plain text of § 13-751(F)(6),
ignore a great body of cases that expressly acknowledge that heinousness
and depravity are separate prongs, and lack any rationale for doing so.

¶208 Because the jury instructions treated especial heinousness and
especial depravity as a single prong, they misstated the law. For the
foregoing reasons, courts should take care to differentiate these elements.
However, I would find the error did not rise to the level of reversible error
because McCauley invited the error by requesting the jury instruction. See
State v. Logan, 200 Ariz. 564, 565–66 ¶ 9 (2001) (“If an error is invited, we do
not consider whether the alleged error is fundamental, for doing so would
run counter to the purposes of the invited error doctrine. Instead, as we
repeatedly have held, we will not find reversible error when the party
complaining of it invited the error.”); State v. Dutton, 106 Ariz. 463, 466
(1970) (refusing to consider a defendant’s argument on appeal that the jury
instructions requested by the defendant at trial misstated the law).
Moreover, McCauley may have waived the argument altogether.
Accordingly, I fully concur in the majority opinion.

72