Opinion ID: 1677762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: did the trial court commit reversible error in allowing the state to introduce a letter written by scottye hooker two days prior to the trial?

Text: The following letter from Scottye Hooker to the assistant district attorney was admitted into evidence: After much thought and consideration I have come to the conclusion that although I know that Lamar Hooker is GUILTY of the charges against him I prefer that he only be charged with a misdemeanor. It is for the sake of the children only that I am making this request. I understand that this is your decision, but I would appreciate any consideration you might give to my request and that you deem appropriate at this time. Hooker argues that the statement about his guilt in the letter was inadmissible as hearsay and as an impermissible personal opinion. The State contends that because the letter was introduced to rebut allegations of vindictiveness interjected by the defense, the statement of Hooker's guilt was not offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted and thus not hearsay under the definition in Mississippi Rule of Evidence 801(c). Hooker responds that the only way the letter could rebut a suggestion of vindictiveness would be if the jury believed the truth of Mrs. Hooker's assertion that she believed Hooker to be guilty. This Court agrees with Hooker and holds that the statement of guilt was inadmissible hearsay and that the admission of the statement requires reversal and remand.