Opinion ID: 1126828
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Colored Photographs

Text: Appellant contends it was error to admit Exhibits 18 and 19, which were colored photographs of Emma Alcala's body; and that this violated Alcala's rights under the due process clauses of the federal and state constitutions. We repeated in Dickey v. State, Wyo., 444 P.2d 373, 377-378, what had been previously held, that a trial court has a reasonable discretion in determining whether photographs are unnecessarily gruesome and inflammatory. We also quoted from a previous case the following:    While some of these graphic depictions are not pleasant to look upon, and, in fact, are somewhat gruesome, we cannot say that they were not proper and necessary to be placed before the jury in order that they be enabled to get a proper perspective and an understanding of the testimonies that were given in connection with them.    [8] State v. Alexander, 78 Wyo. 324, 324 P.2d 831, 837, certiorari denied 363 U.S. 850, 80 S.Ct. 1630, 4 L.Ed.2d 1733. With respect to Alcala's trial, it appears the state had eight colored photographs of decedent's body which, despite defendant's objection, were approved by the trial judge, before trial, for admission at the trial. Only five of these were offered at the trial, and three of them were excluded subject to further connection. The state made no further effort to introduce any of the three. Thus, only Exhibits 18 and 19 went to the jury. We find no abuse of discretion in admitting the two photographs in question. It would appear it was proper and necessary for them to be shown to the jury in order for it to get a proper perspective and understanding of testimonies that were given relative to the condition in which the body was found. Of course, it was not possible to show the body itself. If it had been, the result would doubtless have been more gruesome.