Opinion ID: 1750922
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Trial Court Erred In Allowing The State To Introduce Character Evidence Against Appellant.

Text: Meny makes three arguments pertaining to testimony given by Tom Andry, a witness for the state. Andry testified that he and Meny lived together as lovers, that when Andry broke off the relationship, Meny shot himself in the arm and told authorities Andry was responsible for the shooting. Meny first argues the trial judge reversed a pretrial ruling that if Meny elected to testify, the prosecutor would not be allowed to offer evidence that Meny was homosexual. But the trial judge made it clear that he was reserving his ruling until he heard the trial testimony. Second, Meny contends his prior homosexual acts were not relevant. We disagree. On direct examination Meny testified he was not homosexual but bisexual and had had no sexual relations with a man for twenty years. He further testified that it was the victim who was the sexual aggressor and that he had initially avoided the victim's advances but finally gave in. The trial court ruled that Meny's sexual preference in this case was relevant to intent. We cannot say the trial court's discretion was abused. Third, Meny objected to Andry's testimony that Meny had shot himself. However, the defense opened the door to this testimony as Meny had earlier testified that someone had shot into his house and he had been struck in the arm by one of the bullets. He testified that he suspected Tyson Efird, thus explaining his contact with Efird. The state was entitled to meet that proof with Andry's testimony. The judgment is affirmed.