Opinion ID: 1722174
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: Testimony of Courtney Simpson

Text: Courtney Simpson, a friend of Mr. Hodge who rode in Mr. Flick's truck with Mr. Hodge on Thursday, October 12, testified that Mr. Hodge pulled a pistol out of the truck console and told him that he had the pistol in the truck in case someone tried to fuck with them. Mr. Hodge contends it was error to have allowed that testimony because it was irrelevant and improper character evidence, excludable pursuant to Rules 403 and 404(b). The only trial objection abstracted mentioned Rule 403. Thus, the only question we consider is whether the evidence was so unfairly prejudicial as to outweigh its probative value. Again, we hold there was no abuse of discretion. The evidence showed Mr. Hodge remained in possession of the pistol for several days after the killings occurred before disposing of it. The vulgarity of the statement did not make it unduly prejudicial.