Opinion ID: 559781
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: failure to disclose the statement of witness

Text: 11 Tucker's final contention is that the prosecution failed to turn over a potentially exculpatory statement made by witness Phillip Kidd to Racine County police officers. In his statement to the police, Kidd stated that Tucker carried a .38-caliber handgun into the bar. At trial, Kidd testified that Tucker carried a .22-caliber gun. The respondent concedes that because this inconsistent statement could have been used for impeachment purposes, affecting the credibility of Kidd's testimony, the state had a duty to disclose the statement. However, the respondent maintains that failure to turn over the statement was harmless error because the evidence would not create a reasonable doubt that otherwise did not exist about the defendant's guilt. 12 A review of the record reveals that Kidd initially made a statement which exculpated Tucker in this crime. On cross-examination, Kidd admitted making the statement exculpating Tucker. However, at trial Kidd stated that this version of facts was not true. This cross-examination thoroughly attacked Kidd's credibility. We agree that additional impeachment concerning which gun Tucker carried would have little impact on the issue of Kidd's credibility. 4 The state's failure to turn over this inconsistent statement is not prejudicial error. 13 The district court's decision denying the petition for a writ of habeas corpus is 14 AFFIRMED.