Opinion ID: 1796517
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: whether the trial court allowed into evidence proof of other crimes or other wrongs which were irrelevant or, if relevant, with prejudicial effect substantially outweighing the probative value of the evidence?

Text: Two witnesses testified that Tina was having affairs with Hindman and another person. Tina argues that the admission of evidence of these affairs was incorrect under Mississippi Rule of Evidence 404(b), which governs character evidence. Tina further asserts that, even if admission of evidence of these affairs was valid under Mississippi Rule of Evidence 404(b), it was substantially more prejudicial than probative, and thereby violated Mississippi Rule of Evidence 403. The State asserts that evidence of her affairs was probative under Mississippi Rules of Evidence 403 and 404(b), to show intent to eliminate Thomas Hunt. Evidence of wrong acts is admissible to prove motive, provided that such evidence conforms with Mississippi Rule of Evidence 403. Hogan v. State, 580 So.2d 1275, 1277 (Miss. 1991). Bad acts, such as adultery, may be admissible to prove motive. However, they are inadmissible, if (1) the affairs are not proven as more than suspicions, (2) they took place years before the crime, and (3) they involved people unrelated to the crime. Lesley v. State, 606 So.2d 1084, 1090 (Miss. 1992). In contrast, Tina's affair with Hindman was amply supported by evidence. Hindman was openly calling Tina his girlfriend in her presence only weeks before the murder, without any objection from Tina. At the same time, Tina was saying that she could not get a divorce, and that she would like to see Thomas Hunt dead. In addition, Hindman was a principal to the killing, and he pled guilty to manslaughter in connection with this case. Furthermore, Hindman went to the police station with Tina to report the fact that Thomas was missing. One witness testified that Tina was having an affair with another person, who was not involved in Thomas Hunt's death. Although this alleged paramour did not assist in killing Thomas, the information was admissible since Tina admitted that her ongoing love for this man occurred just three months before Thomas' death. There is no reversible error here.