Opinion ID: 1872538
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: conclusion

Text: Because the rap CD that was played in the Commonwealth's opening statement, and about which the Commonwealth gave commentary as to the actual language and meaning of the song played, was not properly admitted into evidence, it was error to allow the jury to hear it during the opening statement. Due to the extremely inflammatory nature of the CD and commentary, an admonition was not sufficient to cure the error. Consequently, the jury was allowed to hear what amounted to testimony that was improper and which the Appellant could not reasonably cross-examine. Nor could the jury be reasonably expected to completely disregard it. For these reasons, this verdict must be reversed and remanded for a new trial. Additionally, the Appellant is entitled to an instruction on all appropriate lesser-included offenses, including an instruction on second-degree manslaughter if the evidence is the same or substantially similar on retrial. Other claims of error can be addressed appropriately on retrial. LAMBERT, C.J.; CUNNINGHAM, MINTON and SCHRODER, JJ., concur. SCOTT, J., concurs in part and dissents in part by separate opinion. ABRAMSON, J., not sitting.