Opinion ID: 1837791
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: did the lower court err in failing to give a circumstantial evidence instruction?

Text: A circumstantial evidence instruction must be given unless there is some type of direct evidence such as eyewitness testimony, dying declaration, or confession or admission of the accused. Mack v. State, 481 So.2d 793, 795 (Miss. 1985). Officer Bailey testified that when he arrived at the scene Deal told him he had been driving the car. He further told Officer Bailey that his papers were in the glove compartment. Officer Bailey got the papers and asked Deal his name. Deal responded that his name was on the papers; whereupon Officer Bailey made up the fictitious name Robert Johnson, and asked Deal, if that was his name. Deal said it was his name. We are of the opinion that the testimony of Officer Bailey was sufficient to support the denial of a circumstantial evidence instruction. This is true even though the statements were denied. Holliday v. State, 455 So.2d 750, 752 (Miss. 1984). The issue number three is rejected.