Opinion ID: 1577692
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 32

Heading: Testimony of Detective Stevens

Text: Kentucky State Police Detective Stevens was the lead investigator of Horton's murder. On cross-examination, defense counsel asked Detective Stevens if local law enforcement officers had made comments about how he was handling the investigation; he responded in the affirmative. [8] Defense counsel then attempted to inquire about an alleged confrontation between Stevens and a detective from the Grayson Police Department. The trial court sustained the Commonwealth's objection to this question. The presentation of evidence as well as the scope and duration of cross-examination rests in the sound discretion of the trial judge. Moore v. Commonwealth, 771 S.W.2d 34, 38 (Ky.1988). Here, we agree with the trial court that the testimony sought from Detective Stevens lacked relevancy. See KRE 402. Whether Stevens argued with local law enforcement officials about his handling of the investigation is not relevant to Appellant's guilt, nor does it tend to prove or disprove that the investigation was handled improperly. There was no abuse of discretion. Appellant also complains that the Commonwealth was permitted to question Detective Stevens on cross-examination about the security of the crime scene. Specifically, the Commonwealth was permitted to ask Detective Stevens why crime scene tape was removed so quickly after Horton's murder. He explained that the police removed the crime scene tape to lessen public curiosity and interference with the investigation. Defense counsel's objection for relevancy was properly overruled. Defense counsel had elicited testimony that no crime scene tape was around Horton's home, implying shoddy police work. The Commonwealth was entirely within permissible bounds to question Detective Stevens about the decision to remove the crime scene tape.