Opinion ID: 1187510
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Palmer Incident.

Text: Frink contends that testimony relating to an incident in Palmer between Frink and Karen Check's then husband, Robert Check, was improperly permitted. The incident led to Frink's conviction for careless use of a firearm. We summarized the testimony in our recitation of the facts. Evidence of prior crimes is generally inadmissible to show bad character of the accused, [31] but is admissible if it is relevant to a material fact in the case at trial and if its probative value outweighs its prejudicial impact. Eubanks v. State, 516 P.2d 726, 729 (Alaska 1973). McCormick on Evidence § 190 at 447-54 (2d ed. 1972). We agree with the state that this evidence was relevant to the issue of defendant's motive for allegedly taking Hillier's life, and also was probative of the defendant's state of mind toward Hillier. Robert Check was a member of the class of persons to which Hillier belonged, that is, persons with whom Check was romantically involved. The determination of whether the probative value of a piece of evidence outweighs its prejudicial impact is initially committed to the discretion of the trial judge, and we review the judge's evidentiary rulings for abuse of discretion. Poulin v. Zartman, 542 P.2d 251, 260 (Alaska 1975); Courtney v. Courtney, 542 P.2d 164, 167 (Alaska 1975). We find no abuse in admission of evidence relating to the Palmer incident. Frink goes on to argue that if admission of evidence about the incident was not error, only such details that were relevant to prove the particular point, Frink's motive, should have been presented to the jury. See People v. King, 276 Ill. 138, 114 N.E. 601 (1916). [32] While Frink requested the trial judge to issue a protective order against the prosecution's mention of the incident, he did not at any time ask that the presentation, if allowed, be limited. Thus, the defendant has waived this point on appeal. E.g., University of Alaska v. Simpson Building Supply Co., 530 P.2d 1317, 1324 (Alaska 1975). The defendant further contends that the trial court should have given an instruction limiting the juror's use of the Palmer incident testimony. The defendant did not request such an instruction at trial and therefore has waived his claim. E.g., City of Nome v. Ailak, 570 P.2d 162, 171 (Alaska 1977). [33]