Opinion ID: 1972588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Exclusion of Evidence About the Burglary

Text: The court also excluded evidence about a burglary, on the same night as the Neptune's Landing fire, at a store near Neptune's, to which Joseph Cleaves had pleaded guilty. This ruling was based on the court's determination that the evidence was not relevant. The defendant contends that it was relevant, together with other evidence about Cleaves, to show that Cleaves committed the arsons rather than LeClair. Since a new trial is already required as a result of the erroneous ruling discussed above, we do not decide whether the trial court also erred in its ruling on the burglary evidence. We address the issue briefly, because the situation may arise again in a new trial. In appropriate circumstances, a defendant should be allowed to introduce evidence to show that another person committed the crime or had the motive, intent, and opportunity to commit it. Commonwealth v. Graziano, 368 Mass. 325, 329, 331 N.E.2d 808, 811 (1975); Wigmore on Evidence §§ 139-142 (3d ed. 1940 and 1980 Supp.). The trial court also has discretion to exclude such evidence if it is too speculative or conjectural or too disconnected from the facts of the case against the defendant. M.R.Evid., Rules 402 and 403. In this case, if the defendant had produced evidence clearly connecting Cleaves with a fire of similar origin, then evidence placing Cleaves near the scene of the Neptune's fire would have been relevant for purposes of incriminating Cleaves and thereby exculpating the defendant. Since the trial court's other rulings prevented the defendant from attempting to demonstrate any such connection, we have no basis for expressing any opinion on the admissibility of the burglary evidence. The entry must be: Judgment of conviction vacated. Remanded for further proceedings consistent with the opinion herein. All concurring.