Opinion ID: 852392
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Hearsay Regarding Prom Activities

Text: Eight witnesses testified to statements made by Bob Pelley regarding restrictions on Jeff Pelley's attendance of prom activities. The State argues that these statements were admissible to show Bob's intent to act in a particular way. Pelley contends that the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule applies for victims only when the defendant has placed the victim's state of mind at issue. Hearsay is an out of court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted and is inadmissible unless it falls under an exception. Ind. Evidence Rule 801(c), 802. One exception is for a statement of the declarant's then existing state of mind ... (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain and bodily health).... Ind. Evid. R. 803(3). [5] Bob Pelley's statements show his intent to act in a particular wayto restrict Jeff's attendance at prom activities and drive Jeff and his date to the prom. These statements are relevant to Jeff's motive for committing the murders and are therefore admissible under the hearsay exception for then-existing state of mind.