Opinion ID: 1652376
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Testimony of Ms. Browning

Text: Morrow challenges the admission of Ms. Browning's testimony. Ms. Browning testified that she was at the YMCA parking lot and witnessed much of the exchange between Morrow and Mr. Koprowski. After parking close to Mr. Koprowski and realizing something was wrong, Browning said she got back in her car and drove around the buildinghoping to frighten away Morrow. Browning returned and got out of her car and, eventually, witnessed Morrow shoot Koprowski. Browning testified that, after the shooting, she hid behind her car because she was afraid of being shot. She also testified that she felt guilty for driving around the building, because she felt that another course of action may have saved Koprowski's life. In fact, Browning felt so guilty that in her initial police report she did not mention driving around the building. Morrow contends that Browning's testimony regarding her fear of being shot and her guilt over not doing more were irrelevant. As in the preceding point, Morrow argues that the evidence was prejudicial because it portrayed him as evil and inspiring fear in people. Morrow's arguments are without merit. Browning's testimony as to her fear of being shot was relevant to show why she was behind her car. Further, Browning's feelings of guilt and remorse were relevant to explain why she failed to tell the police that she drove around the building. See State v. Spinks, 629 S.W.2d 499, 502-503 (Mo.App. 1981). Moreover, Morrow was not prejudiced by this testimony because it merely points out the obviousthat someone who just witnessed a murder would fear for their life. We find neither abuse of discretion nor prejudice in the admission of Browning's testimony. Point denied.