Opinion ID: 509071
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Government's Emphasis on the Gillespies' Wealth.

Text: 35 The appellant contends the trial court erred in permitting the prosecutor to emphasize the Gillespies' wealth. This contention is without merit. 36 This case could not have been tried without some reference to the Gillespies' wealth. Defense counsel in opening statement told the jury, Let me talk to you about David Gillespie. This man's richer than any man that I've ever known, I think. You'll hear evidence about how he flies around the world, has a jet, a home in Hancock Park, has an island off of Victoria, a hotel in Honduras. In fact, the defense went so far as to introduce into evidence the provisions of David Gillespie's will. The prosecutor made several improper references to a bought defense in closing argument; however, the defense's objection to those remarks was sustained.