Opinion ID: 2331252
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Transcript of Unsworn Statement

Text: Jerry Markum's murder was investigated by Officer J.D. Stevens of the Paragould Police Department. During the course of the investigation, the State reported that Officer Stevens took recorded statements of several witnesses. Appellant claims that when he asked for copies of the original tapes, he was told that none were available. At trial, during the course of examination of one of the State's witnesses, Billy Lyles, the State attempted to utilize the transcript of the unsworn testimony to lead Mr. Lyles. In response, appellant objected as follows: Your Honor, may we approach? I would object. Number one, he is leading his own witness. Two, it is hearsay, and three, there is not a proper foundation. This is not the proper manner to refresh recollection. It is an unsworn transcript of the tape we haven't seen. Over appellant's objection, the trial court allowed the questioning. Further, with the same witness, the State was allowed, over appellant's objection, to have the witness testify that the shooting was cold-blooded. Appellant insists that these evidentiary rulings were in error and were extremely prejudicial to him. We have certainly held that prior consistent statements of a witness are, in general, inadmissible to corroborate or sustain testimony given in court. However, it is well settled that a prior statement by a witness testifying at a trial is not hearsay if it is consistent with his or her testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive. See Harris v. State, 339 Ark. 35, 2 S.W.3d 768 (1999); see also Ark. R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(ii) (2002). Here, we find no error. Appellant, on cross-examination, had questioned Lyles about his felony record in order to imply that Lyles had recently fabricated his denial that Anderson shot Markum in self-defense. To that extent, the State was certainly entitled, under Ark. R. Evid. 801(d)(1)(ii), to rebut the allegation with evidence that Lyles had made the same statement immediately after the offense and before the motive for fabrication came into existence. See also Beavers v. State, 345 Ark. 291, 46 S.W.3d 532 (2001).