Opinion ID: 1059146
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: use of pillow for demonstrative purposes

Text: During closing argument, the Commonwealth used a pillow to demonstrate the length of time that Jackson held the pillow over Mrs. Phillips' face. The Commonwealth asked the jury how such an act could not be indicative of a specific intent to kill. The defendant objected on the basis that the Commonwealth was not using the actual pillow found at the crime scene and that the demonstration would incite and inflame the jury. The circuit court overruled the objection but directed the Commonwealth to tell the jury that the pillow was not the actual size and shape of the pillow used to suffocate Mrs. Phillips and that the Commonwealth was using a pillow only for demonstrative purposes. Admission of items of demonstrative evidence to illustrate testimonial evidence is . . . a matter within the sound discretion of a trial court. Mackall, 236 Va. at 254, 372 S.E.2d at 768. We conclude that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion. As directed by the court, the Commonwealth instructed the jury that the pillow was not the actual pillow found at the crime scene and that it was being used for demonstrative purposes. Furthermore, the court also told the jury that the pillow was not the one found on Mrs. Phillips' bed. Finally, the Commonwealth's demonstration did not distort the evidence concerning the manner of Mrs. Phillips' death.