Opinion ID: 2636693
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Magnitude of Error

Text: Now that we have established that the evidence of Wells' prior bad acts was not admissible to show motive or intent under K.S.A. 60-455, we next consider whether the error was harmless or reversible. See State v. Henderson, 284 Kan. 267, 294, 160 P.3d 776 (2007) `[E]rrors that do not affirmatively cause prejudice to the substantial rights of a complaining party do not require reversal when substantial justice has been done.' [Citation omitted.] State v. Voyles, 284 Kan. 239, 252, 160 P.3d 794 (2007); see K.S.A. 60-261. Among other things, this court specifically considers whether the error is of such a nature as to affect the outcome of the trial. See Engelhardt, 280 Kan. at 130, 119 P.3d 1148 (reversal is required only where erroneous admission of evidence is of such a nature as to affect the outcome of the trial and deny substantial justice). Similar to our observation in State v. Jones, 277 Kan. 413, 423, 85 P.3d 1226 (2004), the absence of physical evidence of sexual abuse transformed this case into a credibility battle. On the one hand, Wells vehemently denied that he ever got into bed with C.B., removed her pants and panties, or inserted his penis into her anus. On the other hand, the conviction was based primarily on the testimony of B.H. and C.B. B.H. did not witness the alleged crime. Her testimony that she had seen Wells under the bedding with a naked C.B. alongside on top of the coversonly suggested that the crime had occurred. Runyan's videotaped interview with 5-year-old C.B. was played for the jury, and R.B. and Runyan both testified about what C.B. had told them. In light of all the evidence presented, the jury might well have believed Wells' version were it not for the admission of the prior bad acts evidence. That evidence, since it failed to meet the requirements of K.S.A. 60-455, could have easily created the unfair inference that Wells had a propensity to commit the crime for which he had been charged. This evidence of predisposition is particularly strong concerning C.B., since he allegedly had committed almost identical crimes on prior occasions against her in the same house. The evidence regarding B.H. is admittedly not as strong. However, the testimony that Wells previously had attempted to pull down her pajama bottoms one night until she said no is similar enough to the present allegations against him of pulling down C.B.'s pants early in the morning and sodomizing her so as to also present prejudicial propensity problems. As we noted in Jones, 277 Kan. at 424, 85 P.3d 1226: `[A]dmission of prior wrongful acts simply to show the defendant's bad character, notwithstanding that one possessed of a bad character is more likely to commit a crime than one who is not, is likely to prejudice the jury and blind it to the real issue of whether the defendant is guilty of the crime charged. For example, the jury may feel unsure that the government has proved its case, but decide that the defendant is an evil person who belongs in prison anyway. The jury may wish to punish the defendant for the prior act, even if they are unconvinced that he committed the act charged. Moreover, the jury may be unconvinced that the defendant committed either act, but that he more than likely committed at least one of them and should be punished.' (Quoting United States v. Peden, 961 F.2d 517, 520 [5th Cir.1992].) Accordingly, Wells' conviction is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial. Wells claims the trial court committed additional error. This claim could now be disregarded because of our reversal and remand. We address it below, however, to supply guidance because it could arise in a retrial. See State v. Kunellis, 276 Kan. 461, 476, 78 P.3d 776 (2003).