Opinion ID: 1169778
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Statement in Police Van

Text: Except as restricted in Article 4, chapter 60, of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, a judge may in his or her discretion exclude evidence if the judge finds that its probative value is substantially outweighed by the risk that its admission will unfairly and harmfully surprise a party who has not had reasonable opportunity to anticipate that such evidence would be offered. K.S.A. 60-445. Clark argues the trial court erred in admitting testimony from the police van driver that while being transported to the police station, Clark repeatedly yelled out, Did I kill the bitch? Clark asserted that admission of these statements was unduly prejudicial and that his referral to Lynette as bitch prejudiced the jury. He also asserts that the statements had no logical connection to the overall events and were not relevant to demonstrate his intent at time of shooting because they were made after the shooting. The State argued to the trial judge that Clark's statements were relevant as to his state of mind, motive, and intent and as part of the res gestae of the crime. The State contended that Clark's statement and conduct after the killing were relevant as to whether the shooting of Lynette was an accident or an intentional premeditated murder. At trial, defense counsel stated in closing argument that the killing was accidental. This defense was based upon Clark's statement that the shooting was accidental, which he made to police right after the shooting and before he was taken into custody. His contradictiory statements, Did I kill the bitch? were made a few minutes after he was taken into custody and were relevant to illustrate Clark's attitude towards Lynette and to contrast with his earlier actions and statements that he was distraught over an accidental shooting. The trial court did not err in admitting these statements.