Opinion ID: 1309573
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Admissibility of Evidence of Rape of Mrs. Sellers.

Text: Under the South Carolina statutory complex, a capital defendant's guilt or innocence is determined by a judge or jury in the first stage of a bifurcated trial. During the first phase of this trial, the pathologist who examined the body of Mrs. Sellers following the rape and shooting was called by the State to testify concerning his examination. He testified, without objection, that the cause of Mrs. Sellers' death was a gunshot wound to the brain inflicted by a .32 calibre pistol placed directly in contact with the scalp. The pathologist then identified a distorted projectile as being the bullet he recovered from the brain of the deceased. Further testimony described significant bruising around the face of Mrs. Sellers, including badly swollen and bloody eyes. Counsel for Woomer then made an out-of-court objection to the introduction of any testimony connected with the rape of Mrs. Sellers on the grounds that it was immaterial and would be highly inflammatory and prejudicial since she was raped by Skaar and not Woomer. The State argued that any such testimony was admissible to show the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping in which Woomer participated and under the theory that the hand of one is the hand of all. The objection was overruled and the pathologist proceeded to testify to human bite marks, in addition to other bruises and abrasions, found upon Mrs. Sellers' body. Evidence is admissible if it logically or reasonably tends to prove or disprove a crime charged or any fact material to the issue. State v. Hoffman , 257 S.C. 461, 186 S.E. (2d) 421 (1972). The decision of the trial judge to receive or exclude the challenged evidence is largely one within his discretion and will not be disturbed absent some clear abuse. State v. Hiott , S.C. 268 S.E. (2d) 163 (Op. No. 21398, Smith's Advance Sheets, filed March 3, 1981). It is well-established that one who joins with another to accomplish an illegal purpose is liable criminally for everything done by his confederate incidental to the execution of the common design and purpose. 21 Am. Jur. (2d) Criminal Law § 132, 22A C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 754, 774. To admit evidence under this theory, the existence of the common design and the participation of the accused against whom the evidence is offered should first be shown. 22A C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 755, 756. Under the above principles of law, we hold that the testimony of the pathologist concerning the condition of Mrs. Sellers' body was properly admitted. There was ample testimony at that stage of the trial from which the trial judge could find that Woomer and Skaar were partners in furtherance of illegal purposes. Several eye-witnesses present at Jack's Mini-Mall during the robbery identified Woomer in court as one of the participants. Mrs. Sellers and Mrs. Summers undisputably were carried away from the store against their will by the concerted force of Woomer and Skaar. Other evidence then before the court strongly indicated that both women were raped before being shot. Under these circumstances, we are satisfied that Woomer and Skaar had joined hands in undertaking the robbery of Jack's and the subsequent kidnapping, raping, and shooting of Mrs. Summers and Mrs. Sellers. Therefore, any acts of Skaar committed incidental to this series of events were admissible against Woomer.