Opinion ID: 2382311
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: denial of motions for new trial

Text: Appellant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in denying his requests for a new trial based upon newly discovered evidence. Prior to trial, Appellant interviewed Jeremy Cimano, an eighteen year old young man who stated that he had engaged in sexual intercourse with L.T. approximately ten times. Cimano was subpoenaed to testify but was released by the defense prior to Dr. Bates's testimony. Similarly, following the trial, Andy Yonts also claimed that he had intercourse with L.T. in 1992. Appellant states that the Cimano and Yonts testimony was relevant to impeach L.T.'s claim that she had never had sexual intercourse with anyone except Appellant. Appellant acknowledges that he was apprised of Cimano's allegations prior to trial. Yet, he contends that if he had been aware of the nature of Dr. Bates's testimony, he would not have released Cimano. Therefore, he concludes that because his failure to call Cimano as a trial witness is a direct function of the Commonwealth's violation of RCr 7.24, the Cimano testimony should have been treated as new evidence, the particulars of which would have justified a new trial. RCr 10.02 permits a trial court to grant a new trial for any cause which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial, or if required in the interest of justice. Granting a new trial is within the discretion of the trial court, and such is disfavored when the grounds are newly discovered evidence which is merely cumulative or impeaching in nature. Epperson v. Commonwealth, Ky., 809 S.W.2d 835 (1990). Newly discovered evidence must be of such decisive value or force that it would with reasonable certainty, change the verdict or that it would probably change the result if a new trial should be granted. Coots v. Commonwealth, Ky., 418 S.W.2d 752, 754 (1967). Further, a motion for new trial based upon newly discovered evidence must be accompanied by an affidavit showing that Appellant exercised sufficient diligence to obtain the evidence prior to his trial. Wheeler v. Commonwealth, Ky., 395 S.W.2d 569 (1965). Appellant concedes that he knew in advance of trial about Cimano's allegations. The decision to release Cimano was purely trial strategy. Appellant cannot now be heard to complain of such a decision. Further, we do not perceive either Cimano's or Yonts's allegations to be of such a decisive quality as to change the outcome of the case. The testimony of either would do nothing other than denigrate L.T.'s reputation. Even if the allegations are taken as true, they do not change the fact that Appellant sexually abused L.T. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the requests for a new trial. For the reasons set forth herein, the judgment and sentence of the Letcher Circuit Court is affirmed. COOPER, GRAVES, JOHNSTONE, LAMBERT, STUMBO and WINTERSHEIMER, JJ., concur. STEPHENS, C.J., dissents without an opinion.