Opinion ID: 2416788
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Limiting Instruction on Testimony of Lester and Linda Knuckles

Text: Jones argues that the trial court erred by instructing the jury that it could only consider Lester and Linda Knuckles' testimony as to the voluntariness of Jones' statement and not for the purpose of whether he acted with deliberation. Lester and Linda testified they had listened to an audiotape of the police interrogation of Jones and that his voice did not sound normal. According to Jones the evidence was relevant to show whether he had acted with deliberation and contradicted Officer Douglas' testimony that Jones appeared to be normal when he was taken into custody. In making its determination, the trial court found that the confession was not made near the time of the killing and that the testimony of defense expert, Dr. Parwatikar, did not indicate that he relied on the appellant's voice to make his finding regarding Jones' ability to deliberate. The killing occurred on the evening of March 6, 1993, and the confession was on March 9, 1993. The court instructed the jury before Lester and Linda's testimony. If evidence is admissible for one purpose but improper for other purposes, it should be received, subject to limiting instruction, if requested. Dyer v. Globe-Democrat Pub. Co., 378 S.W.2d 570 (Mo.1964).