Opinion ID: 1595336
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Margaret Jones Statement to Herbert Wells.

Text: ¶ 160. The majority holds that the trial court erred by failing to follow U.R.C.C.C. Rule 9.04 concerning the portions of Jones' statements to Wells that were suitable for impeachment purposes. I disagree. The majority finds that a Box v. State, 437 So.2d 19 (Miss.1983) analysis was required. The trial court's ruling on this issue was not clear. However, Ross argued his reasoning for allowing the admission of the inconsistency as an impeachment issue, not a discovery issue. ¶ 161. Jones gave inconsistent statements concerning the time Ross arrived at Hale's trailer. Jones told Wells that Ross arrived at Hale's trailer between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., and she testified at trial that Ross arrived at Hale's trailer at 11:30 p.m. However, the record reveals that Jones was questioned on direct examination about the arrival of Ross at Hale's trailer. On cross-examination, Ross failed to question Jones further on this issue. ¶ 162. On direct examination, Jones stated that Ross arrived at Hale's trailer in the afternoon. She stated that Ross left around 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. and returned to Hale's trailer around 11:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Despite Jones' testimony that Ross came to Hale's trailer in the afternoon, left about 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and returned around 11:30 to 12:00 a.m., Ross failed to question Jones on cross-examination about any inconsistencies in her statements to various people prior to trial. At best, Ross made a vague reference to Jones' direct testimony, stating: Q. [Ross] was so drunk he was passed out on your couch that whole night, wasn't he? A. After he came in, yeah. Q. After he came in the first time or after he came in the second time. A. The second time. Q. All right, and that's just as true as anything else you've told us. A. Whatever you say. Additionally, Ross did not pursue any questions on cross-examination with regard to inconsistencies with statements made as to Ross' alleged arrival at Hale's trailer. Ross had an opportunity to question Jones on cross-examination, however, he failed to do so. Therefore, I find that this does not merit reversal.