Opinion ID: 854097
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Demonstration of Child's Wounds and Photograph

Text: Young also objects to the display of Allison Latifah's wounds on the witness stand and admittance of a photograph showing that child at the crime scene. He contends this evidence was cumulative and prejudicial, and thus should not have been admitted. Appellant cites Stone v. State, 536 N.E.2d 534 (Ind.Ct.App.1989) for the proposition that evidence should be excluded if it induces jurors to decide cases on an improper basis, usually an emotional one. Id. at 539 (citing Cook v. Hoppin, 783 F.2d 684, 689 (7th Cir. 1986)). We agree that courts must be cautious of inflammatory and cumulative evidence that impermissibly sways the jury. In this case, however, after careful consideration, the trial judge approved the display and cited Wolfe v. State, 562 N.E.2d 414 (Ind.1990) for the proposition that young children could be used to illustrate testimony concerning their injuries, if their age prevents them from testifying. Id. at 420-21. Although the photograph of the child adds to the cumulative effect, we are not persuaded that it was so prejudicial as to improperly influence the jury. We find no reversible error.