Criminal Evidence: COULTHERD V. COM. (SC 8/23/2007)

COULTHERD V. COM.
CRIMINAL:  EVIDENCE
2005-SC-000804-MR.pdf
PUBLISHED: AFFIRMING
COURT: SCOTT
COUNTY: FAYETTE
DATE RENDERED: 08/23/2007

SYNOPSIS:  Defendant’s conviction and 25 year sentence for manslaughter in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence upheld despite numerous allegations of error.

SC affirmed Defendant’s conviction and 25 year sentence for manslaughter in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence. There was no error regarding victim "propaganda," emotional reactions from spectators, or evidence regarding victim impact / background. The trial court did not err regarding the introduction of photographs. The trial court did not err when it overruled Defendant’s motion for a missing evidence instruction. Opinion evidence was properly admitted. There were no violations of constitutional rights.

Digested by Scott C. Byrd
www.olginandbyrd.com