Opinion ID: 1058243
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Use of the term Murder at Trial

Text: Thomas argues that the trial court erred when it denied her pre-trial motion requesting that the Commonwealth be prohibited from using the word murder in the presence of the jury because use of the word was conclusive, argumentative and should have only been used in opening and closing argument. This evidentiary question is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Ortiz, 276 Va. at 712, 667 S.E.2d at 756. Thomas contends this became an issue at trial when Trooper Kean from the state police search and recovery dive team testified that when he arrived at the scene of the incident [Captain] Washburn ... stated they were currently investigating a murder that had happened. Thomas argues that allowing Trooper Kean to use the word murder resulted in a fundamentally unfair trial and denied her due process of law. The jury clearly knew that they were jurors at a murder trial. The question at issue was whether Thomas had committed the murder. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Thomas' motion in limine seeking that the use of the word murder be limited to opening and closing argument. Even though the trial court did not specifically restrict the Commonwealth from using the word murder, the trial court did caution both sides not to use language which would mislead, inflame, or prejudice the jury.