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Indiana Court of Appeals
Terrance Leroy Smoots, Jr. v. State of Indiana
20A-CR-2101
Criminal. Affirms Terrance Smoots Jr.’s convictions of Level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury, Level 4 felony criminal confinement resulting in moderate bodily injury, Level 6 felony obstruction of justice, Level 6 felony attempted obstruction of justice and a finding that he is a habitual offender, and his 24-year aggregate sentence. Finds the state proved by a preponderance of the evidence that Smoots’ conduct was designed to prevent Robert Simmons from testifying against him, so Smoots forfeited his right to confront Simmons at trial in light of that wrongdoing and his Sixth Amendment right to confrontation was not violated by the admission of Simmons’ statements at trial. Also finds the Madison Circuit Court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Smoots. Finally, finds Smoots’ sentence is not inappropriate.

Indiana Court of Appeals
William Hoppe, as Father and Natural Guardian of Madison Hoppe, a Minor, and Shellie and Christopher Knoll v. Safeco Insurance Company of Indiana
21A-PL-73
Civil plenary. Affirms the Hamilton Superior Court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of Safeco Insurance Company of Indiana in Safeco’s declaratory judgment action to determine whether it had a duty to indemnify their insureds, Shellie and Christopher Knoll, in a lawsuit filed by William Hoppe, as father and natural guardian of Madison Hoppe, a minor. Finds coverage under the liability section of the homeowner’s insurance policy issued by Safeco to the Knolls does not apply to bodily injury arising from the use of the golf cart. Thus, there’s no coverage under the policy for any entrustment, supervision, act, decision or omission concerning the golf cart. Also finds the trial court properly granted summary judgment to Safeco.