Opinion ID: 1726512
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: did the trial court err in overruling appellant's motion for mistrial?

Text: Appellant argues that a mistrial should have been granted because Investigator B.A. Herron, formerly with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, in cross examination referred to the Turner murder. Appellant moved for a mistrial, since this witness had referred to another crime. We see no merit whatsoever to appellant's contention. First, it should be noted that defense counsel asked the witness Herron if he had retired because of the poor investigation in the case. From that line of questioning it is clear that the witness' comments were invited by defense counsel. Secondly, the murder which was referred to by defense counsel was a part of the res gestae and material to prove motive for the assault. This Court recognizes an exception to the inadmissibility of other crimes when the offense charged and that offered to be proved are so interconnected as to constitute one transaction. Gray v. State, 351 So.2d 1342 (Miss. 1977) and Sharp v. State, 446 So.2d 1010 (Miss. 1984). The remaining assignments of error are without merit and require no discussion. Finding no error in the court below, we hereby affirm the conviction. AFFIRMED. PATTERSON, C.J., WALKER and ROY NOBLE LEE, P.JJ., and HAWKINS, DAN LEE, PRATHER, ROBERTSON and SULLIVAN, JJ., concur.