Opinion ID: 522946
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Improper Identification Procedures

Text: 13 As indicated, the victims and witnesses were shown a photographic array which included Salam's picture and observed a corporeal lineup in which Salam appeared. At the pre-trial suppression hearing on the identification procedures, Latonya Kitchens, Lisa Nichols, and Latrice Williams testified that they identified Salam as the assailant from the photographic display, and Dionne Dantzler, Sharon Glenn, Latrice Williams, and Karen Brewer testified that they identified Salam as the assailant in the lineup. Although Latonya Kitchens' testimony was somewhat confusing on this point, the other victims and witnesses testified that the police did not attempt to influence their decision during the viewing of the photographic array or lineup. Salam argues that the identification procedures were impermissibly suggestive, violating his right to due process. Salam contends that the in-court identification testimony was tainted and should have been suppressed in each of the trials. 14 The admissibility of identification evidence is determined using a two-step test. A court first must determine whether the confrontation between suspect and witness was impermissibly suggestive. If so, the court must ascertain under the totality of the circumstances whether the confrontation created a 'very substantial likelihood of irreparable misidentification.'  Hulsey v. Sargent, 821 F.2d 469, 473 (8th Cir.) (footnote omitted) (quoting Manson v. Brathwaite, 432 U.S. 98, 116, 97 S.Ct. 2243, 2253-54, 53 L.Ed.2d 140 (1977)), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 108 S.Ct. 299, 98 L.Ed.2d 258 (1987). 15 After carefully reviewing the papers submitted and the record, we find that the identification procedures were not impermissibly suggestive. The individuals in the photographic display and lineup were of the same race, possessed similar physical features, and were alike in size, age, and dress. 16 During oral argument, the issue was raised as to whether Carlton Johnson, the earlier suspect, should have been included in the same photographic display or lineup as Salam. We have found no cases which support this requirement. We see no reason for mandating such a procedure. The victims viewed a lineup in which Johnson appeared. Not one of the victims identified Johnson as the perpetrator of the crimes. Given these circumstances, we see little chance of misidentification.