Opinion ID: 1846083
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Inadmissible Statement of Deceased Co-defendant.

Text: ¶ 13. This issue was considered in great detail on direct appeal and found to be without merit. Le, 913 So.2d at 940-43. Le argued that Tran's custodial statement to police was inadmissible hearsay because Tran was no longer available for cross-examination. Le further argued that the statement fell within no exception to the hearsay rule. This Court found no constitutional violation because the statement was offered only in rebuttal and was not used against Le in the State's case-in-chief. Id. at 942. ¶ 14. Le called witnesses in his defense to testify concerning Tran's statements and thereby opened the proverbial door to rebuttal testimony. Tran's statement was not introduced for the primary purpose of proving Le's guilt and was therefore not constitutionally impermissible. Having been considered on direct appeal, the issue is now procedurally barred from collateral review. Miss.Code Ann. § 99-39-21(3)(Rev.2000).