Opinion ID: 1690126
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: did the trial court properly allow the expert opinion of the state's witness david melton?

Text: ś 101. David Melton was an investigator with the Harrison County Sheriffs Department at the time of the crime. Melton testified concerning the forensic evidence, including the position of Edwina's body, at the scene of the crime, including blood spatters and Edwina's position at the time of her death, whether she was running or stationary and whether she was kneeling or standing. Jordan objected to the testimony when it was offered at trial, contending that the State failed to qualify Melton as an expert and, therefore, he gave inadmissible opinion testimony as a lay witness. See M.R.E. 701. ś 102. A review of the record reveals that Melton, who had receiving training in the interpretation of blood stains, could opine with authority about the blood found at the scene of the crime, but he had no training in other areas of forensic pathology, such as using the position of a victim's body to determine what happened when the victim was killed. Melton testified that he was employed by the Gulfport Police Department from 1966-1969 and by the Harrison County Sheriffs Department from 1972-1977. He attended the Mississippi State Law Enforcement Training Academy and received training in fingerprints and blood stains. ś 103. However, Dr. William D. Atchison, a qualified forensic psychologist, testified as to whether Edwina was kneeling or standing or running or stationary. Therefore, if allowing Melton to testify as to the position of the body was error, it was harmless error. This issue is without merit.