Opinion ID: 1111231
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Letters Larry Hentz Wrote His Mother

Text: During direct examination of Joy Hentz, Larry Hentz' mother, the prosecution introduced two letters written by Larry to Joy shortly after the trial of Owen Lee Harden. Gullett objected, but the Circuit Court overruled his objection and admitted the letters apparently on the theory that such letters were relevant to prove Gullett's motive and intent to commit perjury. At trial the prosecution made particular reference to several sentences in one of the letters: And as far as John Gullett, he didn't hurt Roger Lynn he just helped Lee [Owen Lee Harden]. He is a friend of mine and a real good one now, that is what beat the case for Lee. I had him all time but I would not tell anyone about him until I was sure Lee was going to trial. I told them about a week ago about him and he is the one that pulled it out for us.... Indeed, the prosecution referred to this language in closing argument as solid proof of Larry's bribery of Gullett. Statements other than those made by the declarant while testifying made out of court by another and offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted constitute inadmissible hearsay. [3] Gates v. State, 484 So.2d 1002, 1007-08 (Miss. 1986); Fuselier v. State, 468 So.2d 45, 52 (Miss. 1985); Lee v. State, 338 So.2d 395, 397 (Miss. 1976); Ellis & Williams Mississippi Evidence § 8-1 (1983); cf. Rule 801, Miss. R.Ev. Such out of court statements can be made orally or in the form of a writing, as is the case here. The letters Larry Hentz wrote his mother are hearsay. There was no showing that Larry Hentz was unavailable to testify, nor may the letters be fitted within any real or imagined exception to the hearsay rule. The letters are at best tangentially relevant to an issue in the case, see Foster v. State, 508 So.2d 1111, 1117-18 (Miss. 1987); Jenkins v. State, 507 So.2d 89, 91-93 (Miss. 1987). Admission of these letters was error.