Opinion ID: 2629208
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Webb's Testimony Regarding Thomas's Complexion

Text: Thomas challenges the trial court's admission of Detective Webb's testimony that Thomas's complexion was more fair at the time of trial than he was when first contacted by police in March 1998. Thomas asserts that this testimony unnecessarily made race an issue in his trial when the shade of his skin was not relevant. The State disagrees and argues that identity was at issue and points out that there was testimony from Walker that he saw a light-skinned African American male driving Geist's van as he chased it the night of the murder as well as `other suspect' evidence regarding Lynch. Resp. to Pro Se Supplemental Br. at 9; see RP at 4169, 4248. Thus, the State asked Webb for his impression as to what Thomas's complexion was like at the time of trial versus March 1998. In response to Thomas's objection to relevance and speculation, the State argued that Thomas has been in custody for a long time and he is very pale. And the jury has a right to know that in March of 1998, [Thomas] appeared more of a light-skinned black male than he does now. He looks very light and white. RP at 4751. Webb described both Lynch and Thomas as being light-skinned African Americans. Given Walker's identification and the fact that Lynch had been ruled out as a viable suspect in the murder, whether Thomas's complexion matched the description given by Walker became relevant. Moreover, Thomas did not make an objection based on prejudice at trial. We find no abuse of discretion in allowing this testimony.