Opinion ID: 1807431
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: Plans to Rob

Text: In regard to this assignment of error, Boppre first asserts that Wasmer's testimony that Boppre was talking about going into 7-11, Mini Mart stores, robbing them and killing whoever was behind the cash register or in the store was received in violation of the hearsay rule. Boppre's statements to Wasmer are clearly not hearsay under § 27-801(4)(b), which provides that a statement is not such if it is offered against a party and is the party's own statement. Boppre apparently also makes the argument that the testimony is improper evidence under Neb.Rev.Stat. § 27-404(2) (Reissue 1989), which provides: Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that he or she acted in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. The subject rule is an inclusionary one which permits the use of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts if such is relevant for any purpose other than to show the defendant's propensity or disposition to commit the crime charged. State v. Ruyle, 234 Neb. 760, 452 N.W.2d 734 (1990); State v. Methe, 228 Neb. 468, 422 N.W.2d 803 (1988). There are four requirements for the admissibility of evidence under § 27-404(2): (1) The evidence must have a proper purpose; (2) the evidence must be relevant; (3) the probative value of the evidence must outweigh its potential for unfair prejudice; and (4) the district court must instruct the jury to consider the evidence only for the purpose for which it was admitted. State v. Ryan, 233 Neb. 74, 444 N.W.2d 610 (1989). Assuming that Boppre's statements of an intention to commit a crime constituted evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts for purposes of § 27-404(2), Boppre's statements to Wasmer were nevertheless admissible for the purpose of showing why Wasmer disassembled the gun and for corroborating Wasmer's testimony by connecting the facts that Wasmer disassembled the gun and that the gun was found with several parts missing. Moreover, the district court instructed the jury that the evidence was being received and could only be considered for properly limited purposes. The district court did not err in admitting Boppre's statements into evidence.