Opinion ID: 1798398
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: assignments of error number three, four and thirteen

Text: Defendant contends that the trial court erred in admitting defendant's handgun into evidence and allowing a demonstration of the gun at the victim's temple. Robertson had a handgun which felt to the victim like the one used for the rape. Possession of the gun, which was demonstrated by its introduction into evidence, tended slightly to increase the likelihood of Robertson's guilt. It was therefore relevant evidence. LSA-R.S. 15:441. [2] Many people own handguns just as many people have Type O blood. However, both factors are compatible with defendant's guilt and the jury had a right to consider the evidence. Robertson's gun could have been the crime weapon. Compare State v. Manieri, 378 So.2d 931 (La., 1980) and State v. Landry, 388 So.2d 699 (La., 1980). The pistol was taken from Robertson's car and was connected with him. Compare State v. Davis, 336 So.2d 805 (La., 1976). The gun could not be positively identified as the one used in the crime, which is probably the case in many handgun crimes. The issue of identification goes to the weight of the evidence rather than to admissibility of the weapon. The connexity is a factual matter for consideration by the jury. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in deciding that the possession and availability of a handgun had probative value. These assignments lack merit.