Opinion ID: 1224786
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: autopsy photos

Text: Prior to the pathologist's testimony, the defense counsel objected to autopsy photos that the State planned to enter into evidence during the pathologist's testimony. Three photos were specifically objected to on appeal. Two photos depicted the wounds to Owen's head. The third photo depicted the wound to Owen's neck, but the photo also depicted an empty skull. Ninci alleged that the photos were cumulative and gruesome. The trial court overruled the objection. The admission of photographs in a homicide case is a matter within the trial court's discretion, and that decision will not be disturbed absent a showing of abuse of discretion by the trial court. State v. Harris, 259 Kan. 689, 710, 915 P.2d 758 (1996). The law is well-settled in this state that in a crime of violence which results in death, photographs which serve to illustrate the nature and extent of the wounds inflicted are admissible when they corroborate the testimony of witnesses or are relevant to the testimony of a pathologist as to the cause of death, even though they may appear gruesome. State v. Sheehan, 242 Kan. 127, Syl. ¶ 8, 744 P.2d 824 (1987). The photos of Owen's head injuries were necessary to corroborate the testimony of the pathologist, who testified that Owen suffered a comminuted skull fracture which would have rendered Owen unconscious and could have been fatal in and of itself. Further, the photo with the empty skull was introduced not to show the empty skull but to show Owen's neck injury. The photo indicated how deep and long the cut was on Owen's neck. All three photos depicted the nature of the injuries suffered and were relevant to the testimony of the pathologist. Only two other autopsy photos were shown at trial. These two photos are not objected to on appeal. One of the photos showed how Owen looked before the autopsy began and depicted the wound on the front of his neck. The last photo showed bruises on Owen's face. None of the photos were repetitious or without probative value. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting any of these photos into evidence.