United States v. Joseph Lamont White

Joseph Lamont White was convicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter under 18 U.S.C. § 1112 . He appeals that conviction on several grounds. Finding no error in his conviction, we affirm.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

White was convicted of causing the death of his two-year-old stepdaughter, Jasmine Jones. Jasmine died from severe head injuries she incurred while she was in White’s care at a military personnel residence at Fort Ord, California. White’s wife Jayne was serving in the Army and stationed at Fort Ord. White was responsible for caring for Ms. White’s two children.

In January 1990, White expressed some frustration to Ms. White over his role as caretaker of the children. This frustration allegedly escalated into a threat to kill Jasmine and Ms. White should he have to continue to care for the children.

Just over a week after the threat, White called his wife while she was on duty and told her that Jasmine was “breathing funny” and suffering from convulsions. Ms. White rushed home to find Jasmine unconscious. The Whites rushed Jasmine to the hospital where medical examinations revealed that Jasmine suffered a massive subdural hematoma. Surgeons performed…