Opinion ID: 1866190
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Witness Statements.

Text: The first motion relates to the testimony of the first witness, Aufdengarten, a State cooperating witness, as follows: Q Do you remember what time you got to Armstrong's ... for the first time on the evening of November 18th, 1988? A I don't really want to answer these questions because I've received threats against me and my family. Q Would you mind telling me what kind of threats you've received? Defendant's objection to the last question was sustained and was followed by a motion to strike from the record; however, no ruling was made on the motion. Defendant made no request to admonish the jury. Later, Aufdengarten refused to answer a question, and when directed to answer, he said, Can't do that, Your Honor. Things that have happened in the last month. No objection was made to that statement; however, the court promptly declared a recess and conducted an in camera hearing concerning the claimed threats to the witness and to his family, none of which were shown to be attributed to defendant. When trial was resumed, the jury was admonished by the court to disregard Aufdengarten's testimony about any threats to either himself or his family. Aufdengarten was temporarily excused, subject to recall. After reviewing the testimony, the court's in camera hearing, and the court's admonition to the jury, we determine that there is no showing that any prejudicial effects remained. The court did not abuse its discretion in denying a subsequent motion for mistrial.