Opinion ID: 1731912
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the evidence box

Text: At trial in 1982, the evidence showed that the killer wore socks on his hands and dropped them on the floor. During postconviction proceedings, Blanco filed a motion to compel production of the socks, which he alleged were missing from the evidence box. He further claimed that because the items in the box were not separately packaged, the socks were probably tainted and DNA testing was likely impossible. The circuit court held a hearing, at which the court's chief evidence clerk testified that the socks were in the box and were separately packaged. He suggested that defense counsel may have been confused by the difference between the number assigned the evidence at trial and the new number assigned at resentencing. With the socks thus produced, the circuit court granted the defense's motion to compel. On appeal, Blanco argues (1) that the trial court erred by not holding an evidentiary hearing on his claim that all of the evidence in the box was tainted; and (2) that the socks were not in the box when defense counsel originally examined it and that the socks probably could not be DNA tested. Blanco's first argument is not preserved for review. On appeal, Blanco contends that the bloody clothes of the victim were commingled with Blanco's clothes. At the hearing on Blanco's motion to compel, however, defense counsel did not argue due process was violated because the evidence in the box was contaminated. Nor did he present evidence or ask for a ruling on the issue. Regarding the second claim, the record shows that the clerk determined that the socks were in the box and defense counsel agreed that the socks produced were the requested evidence. Further, at the hearing, defense counsel requested, and was granted permission, to review the feasibility of DNA testing. The record contains no evidence that Blanco took any further action. On appeal, Blanco also contends that the socks cannot now be tested for gunshot residue. This claim was never presented to the circuit court and is not preserved for review. Accordingly, as to all of these claims, Blanco has failed to demonstrate trial court error.