Opinion ID: 1274871
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statement of Asucena Valdez

Text: Asucena testified at trial that during their telephone conversation Connie told her that it was the happiest day of her life because . . . it was the day she was going to die. We conclude that this statement does not constitute hearsay. Hearsay is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. SCRA 1986, 11-801(C) (Repl.Pamp.1994). The purpose for which this evidence was offered is not readily apparent from the record; [1] however, we are satisfied that the State did not offer this statement in order to prove either of its assertions  that Connie was happy or that she would die that day. Thus, it was not hearsay. See McCord v. Ashbaugh, 67 N.M. 61, 64, 352 P.2d 641, 643 (1960); Jim v. Budd, 107 N.M. 489, 491, 760 P.2d 782, 784 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 106 N.M. 95, 739 P.2d 509 (1987).