Opinion ID: 487837
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Denial of Bowles' Motion for Severance

Text: 37 Bowles argues that his case should have been severed upon severance of that of Fortna, so that the prejudice resulting from his being tried jointly with Harnage would have been avoided. Bowles' argument rests on the premise that evidence adduced at the joint trial that related only to counts against Harnage reduced his chances of acquittal and thereby prejudiced his case. 7 38 Bowles must demonstrate he suffered compelling prejudice as a result of the joint trial. See Priolli, 742 at 1386; Garrett, 727 F.2d at 1014; and Phillips, 664 F.2d at 1017. Specifically, he must show compelling prejudice caused by the alleged evidentiary spillover, which effectively precluded the jury's ability to make the necessary individualized determination. Johnson, 713 F.2d at 640. Bowles cannot point to anything in the record indicating that the jury was confused about the evidence against him, or that the jury decided to hold him responsible for offenses committed by co-defendants. Nor can we find a basis in the record to conclude that the jury was unable to, or failed to, comply with the court's unequivocal instructions during and at the close of trial, that the jury was to consider each defendant and each count separately.