Opinion ID: 1817269
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: did rico's testimony inject inadmissible hearsay into the trial?

Text: During the direct examination of Rico Cabello, the district attorney asked, Rico, do you remember while you were traveling down Seventy-Two your father and brother telling you that they hog-tied Mr. Gurley? At that point defense counsel objected on the ground that is terribly abusive. The court overruled the objection, stating that a certain amount of leading would be allowed in view of Rico's hesitancy and reticence. A bench conference ensued, followed by the following colloquy: [BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY] Q. Rico, what do you remember about what your father and brother said about what they did to Mr. Gurley? A. They were talking. Q. Do you remember anything about a rope? A. They said hog-tied him and put tape on his mouth and eyes. Q. On his mouth and eyes? A. That is what my brother said. BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Objection to hearsay, your Honor. BY JUDGE BIGGERS: Overruled. Q. Rico, when your brother made that statement was it in the car with your father? When your brother told you that about tying up Mr. Gurley and putting tape on his mouth and eyes, did he say that when your father was there in the car with you and him? A. Yes. Frank, Sr. asserts Rico's statements contained impermissible hearsay which violated his constitutional right to confront the witnesses against him. For explanation it need be noted that Frank, Jr. was called as a witness but interposed his Fifth Amendment right not to testify. Rico's statement of what Frank, Jr. said was therefore not subject to cross-examination. In this context it is our opinion that Rico's testimony concerning the statements of his brother was hearsay. However, each Justice of this Court including the writer has in solemn deliberation considered the significance of the hearsay testimony in conjunction with the state's extensive evidence indicative of Frank, Sr.'s guilt and each is of the opinion the admission of this testimony was not prejudicial and does not constitute reversible error.