Opinion ID: 1577692
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 35

Heading: Limited Examination of John Rayburn

Text: Appellant claims that the trial court improperly limited his examination of John Rayburn, who purchased Horton's home from her estate. Rayburn testified that when he purchased the home, two storm windows were missing. He attempted to retrieve the missing storm windows from the Grayson Police Department but was told that they were evidence and, therefore, unavailable. Some time later, Rayburn testified that Detective Stevens stopped by the house and asked him to be a witness in Appellant's first trial. According to Rayburn, Stevens asked him to testify that the original storm windows were returned to him and installed in the home. Rayburn refused, telling Stevens, I can't testify to that because that's not the truth. After this exchange, Rayburn was not called as a witness at Appellant's first trial. He later contacted the Lexington Herald-Leader, but his call was not returned. Defense counsel called Rayburn as a witness at Appellant's second trial and asked him why he had called the Lexington Herald-Leader. The trial court sustained the Commonwealth's objection to the question on the basis of relevancy. We agree with the trial court that Rayburn's reason for calling the newspaper was irrelevant. Defense counsel was given great leeway in its examination of Rayburn and was able to fully develop Rayburn's allegations of police misconduct. This minor limitation did not prejudice Appellant or unduly impair his ability to develop his defense. There was no abuse of discretion.