Opinion ID: 1578391
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: prosecutor's improper argument

Text: Defendant refers to several instances during the trial where he claims the prosecutor improperly argued or elicited evidence tending to support a theory of forcible rape. Defendant contends that as a result he was placed in the predicament of having to defend against a greater uncharged offense without fair notice as required by due process. The initial reference to forcible rape occurred during the prosecutor's opening statement when he argued that complainant was an unwilling partner. We find no grounds for reversal given that defendant's objection to this remark was immediately sustained by the trial court. Then, on direct examination of the complainant, the prosecution inquired into evidence of bullet holes on the dashboard of the car driven by defendant, defendant's use of a razor blade in putting on the car's license plate, and complainant being told by defendant that a gun was in the vehicle's trunk, although the gun was not found at the time of arrest. The trial court did not sustain defendant's objections to this questioning. While we note that these brief references to forcible rape were improvident, we also realize that to a certain extent they were unavoidable, being part of the res gestae of the offense. See People v Delgado, 404 Mich 76, 83; 273 NW2d 395 (1978); People v Bostic, 110 Mich App 747, 749-750; 313 NW2d 98 (1981). This evidence was necessary to convey to the jury the complete story, namely, the events leading up to the alleged sexual act, and to explain complainant's covert departure from the motel room and the summoning of the police. See People v Spillman, 399 Mich 313, 321; 249 NW2d 73 (1976). However, in view of the overwhelming evidence against the defendant, we find that any error which may have resulted from introduction of this evidence before the jury is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. [17] Defendant next singles out the prosecutor's inquiry of the examining physician as to whether he was an expert in sexual assault matters as another example of the prosecutor's injection of forcible rape evidence. Again, we find no cause for reversal where the defendant's objection to this particular question was sustained by the trial court. Last, during closing argument, the prosecutor reminded the jury about the testimony regarding the gun and the knife, but quickly dismissed this testimony and only argued the elements of the charged offense. The defendant did not timely object to this argument at trial. This alleged prejudicial remark by the prosecutor in closing argument where the prejudicial effect was minimal and could have been cured by a timely cautionary instruction does not require reversal. See People v Duncan, 402 Mich 1, 16-17; 260 NW2d 58 (1977). Consequently, we find that the prosecutor's argument and introduction of evidence did not deny defendant a fair trial.