Opinion ID: 1060569
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 32

Heading: Statements of Future Intent

Text: Again, during the guilt phase of the appellant's trial, the trial court permitted the State to question Angela Ragland about statements made to her by the appellant. On direct examination, Angela Ragland testified that, between instances of rape, the appellant told her that he was going home to tell his children goodbye, that he was going to kill Marvin Eckford because Eckford had provided his name to the woman accusing the appellant of raping her, and that he was going to rob a bank and leave town. On appeal, the appellant contends that such evidence is irrelevant and is unduly prejudicial. The trial court correctly found such testimony admissible under the state of mind exception to the hearsay rule. See Tenn. R. Evid. 803(3); State v. Roe, No. 02C01-9702-CR-00054, 1998 WL 7107 (Tenn.Crim.App. at Jackson, Jan. 12, 1998); Neil P. Cohen et al., Tennessee Law of Evidence § 803(3).2 (3d ed.1995). The testimony is relevant to show the appellant's existing state of mind at the time of the crimes, i.e., to show his intent, plan, and motive, including the fact that he was capable of understanding the import of his actions. Id.; see also Tenn. R. Evid. 402. Moreover, the trial court instructed the jury that the appellant did not kill Marvin Eckford, did not rob a bank, and did not leave town. Accordingly, we cannot conclude that introduction of this evidence was more prejudicial than probative. See Tenn. R. Evid. 403. This issue is without merit.