Opinion ID: 2166698
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: faust's character witnesses

Text: Donna McCaugherty, a lay minister who had been counseling Faust, testified as a character witness for Faust. She stated that in her opinion, Faust is a very truthful and calm person. On cross-examination, the State asked McCaugherty if she was aware that Faust had previously pointed a gun at Bruce, had rammed her vehicle into a vehicle operated by Bruce, and had thrown tools and a steel milk crate at him. She stated that she was not aware of these incidents. Bryan Kennedy, a friend of Faust, testified that Faust is a calm and pleasant person. He testified about an incident in which Bruce fired a gun over Faust's shoulder and she reacted in a calm manner. On cross-examination, the State asked Kennedy if he was aware that Faust had pointed a gun at Bruce. He was not aware of the incident. The State then asked if he was aware that Faust had rammed Bruce's vehicle with her vehicle. He stated that he had heard several versions of that story. Diana Seip, Faust's sister, testified that in March 2000, Bruce physically abused Faust. She then heard Borden state that he would bury Bruce if he touched Faust again. Seip stated that she thought Borden would physically harm Bruce if he touched Faust one more time. She also testified that Faust is one of the most calm people she has ever known and that Faust is very truthful. On cross-examination, Seip was asked if she thought Borden was a peaceful person and she answered yes. Borden stated that Faust is a peaceful person who tells the truth. On cross-examination, the State asked Borden if he is generally a peaceful person but can get frustrated enough to act out in violence. Borden answered yes. Although Ashley did not testify about Faust's character for peacefulness, she did testify about instances when Bruce behaved in a violent manner. Ashley stated that Bruce once ran into her with his vehicle, that he hit her with a frying pan, and that he pointed a gun at Faust. Ashley also stated that Bruce once told Faust to shoot herself in the head. Ashley testified that on April 25, 2000, Bruce called the house while Faust was gone and she told him that Faust had gone on a bicycle ride. Without objection, the State asked Ashley on cross-examination about a time when she had wanted to live with Bruce. The State asked if one of the reasons she wanted to live with Bruce was because Faust yelled and screamed at [her] all the time. Ashley replied that Faust did not yell but would get upset. The State also asked if another reason was because Faust lied about Bruce. Ashley answered [n]o and stated, My mom does not lie to me. Without objection, the State then asked Ashley to read a letter she had written, which stated in part, referring to Faust: She's always taking her anger out on me, always yelling and complaining, 24/7, all the time, and she lies to my [probation officer] and counselor to make my dad look like the bad guy. In her case in chief, Faust called Bruce as a witness and he admitted that he once became upset at Faust and acted aggressively. He admitted that he slammed a telephone down, causing it to come off of the wall, and that he slammed a door into a refrigerator, causing a dent. He denied ever pointing a gun at Ashley. Faust testified about an incident when Bruce fired a gun over her shoulder. She also explained the incident in which she allegedly rammed her vehicle into Bruce's vehicle. She stated that he was driving in front of her and slammed on his brakes to cause her to hit him. She also discussed other instances when Bruce acted violently. Faust admitted that there were instances in which she was physically aggressive toward Bruce and that she thought the aggression went both ways.