Opinion ID: 1702221
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Introduction of the 911 Audio Tape.

Text: ¶ 43. Bishop argues that the introduction of the 911 tape into evidence was error. Bishop argues that the proper foundation was not followed prior to the introduction of the tape. Bishop also argues that he was denied his right to confront and cross-examine the sheriff's department employee who had first-hand knowledge of the recording and copying of the tape. The State correctly argues that this issue was capable of determination at trial or on direct appeal and that it is procedurally barred. Miss.Code. Ann. § 99-39-21(1). ¶ 44. The record reflects that shortly after the murder Rachel Dobbs called 911 to report the murder. Ricky Myhand was with her and told her what to say to the 911 operator. After Dobbs testified, the tape was admitted into evidence during the testimony of the police officer who had retrieved it from the 911 office. It is clear from the record that the testifying police office did not have direct knowledge regarding the recording of the call or the copying of the tape. At trial Bishop's counsel objected to the admission of the tape because it was hearsay and the State failed to lay a proper foundation. That objection was erroneously overruled. ¶ 45. However, Bishop cannot overcome the procedural bar. Miss.Code. Ann. § 99-39-21 provides in pertinent part, (1) Failure by a prisoner to raise objections, defenses, claims, questions, issues or errors either in fact or law which were capable of determination at trial and/or on direct appeal, regardless of whether such are based on the laws and the Constitution of the state of Mississippi or of the United States, shall constitute a waiver thereof and shall be procedurally barred, but the court may upon a showing of cause and actual prejudice grant relief from the waiver. .... (4) The term cause as used in this section shall be defined and limited to those cases where the legal foundation upon which the claim for relief is based could not have been discovered with reasonable diligence at the time of trial or direct appeal. (5) The term actual prejudice as used in this section shall be defined and limited to those errors which would have actually adversely affected the ultimate outcome of the conviction or sentence. (6) The burden is upon the prisoner to allege in his motion such facts as are necessary to demonstrate that his claims are not procedurally barred under this section. Bishop cannot show cause and actual prejudice. Both Dobbs and Myhand testified during the trial regarding calling 911 and what they told the 911 operator. The tape of the 911 call was cumulative of their testimony. This issue is procedurally barred. Bishop has not been prejudiced, and he cannot overcome the procedural bar. Accordingly, Bishop is not entitled to relief on this issue.