Opinion ID: 1322826
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Evidence Related to Destroyed Items

Text: Blaylock appeals the district court's denial of his motion in limine as to any testimony or evidence related to items seized during the search of 7339 Wabash, but destroyed prior to trial. We review a district court's denial of a motion in limine for abuse of discretion. United States v. Noe, 411 F.3d 878, 887 (8th Cir.2005). Blaylock's argument in support of the motion in limine is based upon the Best Evidence Doctrine, and it is misplaced. Nothing in the Federal Rules of Evidence prohibits the government from relying upon testimony from officers who seized items during a search, instead of introducing the items themselves. See Christopher B. Mueller & Laird C. Kirkpatrick, Evidence § 10.1 (3d ed.2003). Likewise, provided the proper foundation is laid, the government may introduce photographs of tangible objects instead of the objects themselves. Id. Thus, it was well within the district court's discretion to allow the evidence.