Opinion ID: 852198
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Answering Machine Tape

Text: Kubsch also insists counsel's performance fell below objective standards of reasonableness because he failed to introduce a tape from an answering machine in the Kubsch home, or alternatively failed to obtain from the State a stipulation based on the tape that Beth Kubsch was home sometime between 11:04 a.m. and 1:33 p.m. The relevant facts are these. On the day she was murdered, Beth Kubsch intercepted a telephone call that had been picked up by her answering machine. Ex.PCR Pet. 14. The answering machine recorded a portion of her intercepted conversation and recorded the date and time. Ex.PCR Pet. 14. Evidence was introduced that the answering machine's time stamp was inaccurate. Tr.PCR at 168, 195-96. At Kubsch's first trial, defense counsel obtained from the State a stipulation that a call was recorded sometime between 11:04 a.m. and 1:33 p.m. on the day of the murders that did not appear on any telephone records admitted in the case. Ex.PCR Pet. 12. As best we can discern, Kubsch contends through a series of inferences that the recording of Beth's telephone conversation supports the defense theory that Kubsch did not commit the murders. Kubsch's claim that counsel rendered ineffective assistance for failing to introduce the recording into evidence lacks merit. The record shows that at trial counsel moved to introduce the tape. Tr.2 at 2696. The State asked to approach the bench and objected to the introduction of the tape for lack of foundation. See Tr.2 at 2696-97. After a sidebar conference, Kubsch withdrew the exhibit. Tr.2 at 2697-98. As for failing to obtain a stipulation, Kubsch has not shown that if requested, the State would have agreed to such a stipulation. Indeed we find it highly unlikely given the State objected to the introduction of the tape. We discern no ineffective assistance on this issue.