Opinion ID: 1092846
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Ann Demers' Testimony

Text: During Carpenter's penalty phase, the State presented the testimony of Ann Demers, the victim of Carpenter's Nevada criminal episode. Her testimony presented evidence of several uncharged crimes rape, [23] attempted murder, and theftcommitted by Carpenter during a single criminal episode in Nevada that resulted in Carpenter's conviction for battery causing substantial bodily harm. Demers' testimony was repetitive, especially relating to the rape. At least five times during her testimony, Demers testified that Carpenter raped her. [24] As a general rule, [d]etails of prior felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence to the victim are admissible in the penalty phase of a capital trial. Waterhouse v. State, 596 So.2d 1008, 1016 (Fla.1992). The purpose for this rule is to engage in a character analysis to determine whether the death penalty is appropriate. See Stewart v. State, 558 So.2d 416, 419 (Fla.1990). But the details of the collateral offense must not become the feature of the penalty phase. See Finney v. State, 660 So.2d 674, 683 (Fla.1995). This Court has limited the scope of the prior violent felony aggravator statute by allowing only evidence of the violent crime for which the defendant was actually convicted. See Donaldson v. State, 722 So.2d 177, 184 (Fla.1998). Harmful error is found where the State presents testimony and argument for a higher offense than that for which the defendant was actually convicted. See id. at 185. I conclude that allowing Demers to testify to crimes Carpenter was not convicted of in Nevada resulted in harmful error under Donaldson. I would reverse the sentence and remand for a new penalty phase. During Carpenter's new sentencing hearing, I would allow the State to present Demers' testimony that goes to Carpenter's conviction for battery causing substantial bodily harm but would disallow her testimony of crimes for which Carpenter has not been convicted.