Opinion ID: 1443072
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Letter's Distinct Contents

Text: Independent of Alston's lay opinion, the distinctive content of the letter separately identified Smith as the author. Under D.R.E. 901(b)(4), a writing can be authenticated by distinctive characteristics. The rule does not specify a minimum number or minimum quality of distinct characteristics. Accordingly, courts have relied upon a variety of factors to authenticate such evidence. For example, documents that contain information and details that only those involved in the crime could know are considered reliable. [11] In this case, the return address on the letter  Pod 1F, Cell # 6 (Protective Custody)  indicates it was sent by a prison inmate. [12] Smith was incarcerated at the time. The marginalia  Dustin knows me. I don't know Alston  is consistent with the testimony of these two witnesses. These facts support the State's contention that Smith wrote the letter. The letter contained a number of indicia of authenticity. The letter used nicknames for the parties it referred to: Jonni Bang-Bang for Smith, Banger for Alston, and B-Eazy for Campbell. Alston was able to testify to the significance of these nicknames and why only someone who knew those involved could have known those nicknames. The letter includes references to the crime, as well as apparent regret by Smith that he was unable to kill the two victims at close range: Man when the time is right take him out correctly Jonni [referring to himself in the third person] tried close range both niggaz if you can't get nothing bigger hit him in the throat or kneck behind da ear, when I had my turn I should not of done that shit, the way that went down was not normal,!! The use of nicknames and familiarity with the facts of the shooting are indications that Smith wrote the letter. As the trial judge observed when he ruled that the letter was admissible evidence, it was almost self-authenticating. We hold that the trial judge properly ruled the letter was authenticated by the non-expert handwriting opinion of Alston and the self-authenticating, distinctive nature of its contents. [13]