Opinion ID: 1163403
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Admission of In Life Photograph.

Text: [11] Brett contends the trial court erred in admitting an in-life photograph of Kenneth Milosevich. A trial court's ruling admitting an in-life photograph is reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. State v. Furman, 122 Wn.2d 440, 452, 858 P.2d 1092 (1993). Brett argues the photograph was not relevant because the defense offered to stipulate to the identity of the victim. [12] The State, however, is not required to accept the defense stipulation regarding that element of the crime. See State v. Rice, 110 Wn.2d 577, 598-99, 757 P.2d 889 (1988), cert. denied, 491 U.S. 910 (1989). [13, 14] Brett also asserts the photograph was inflammatory and prejudicial. Photographs are admissible unless their prejudicial effect outweighs their relevance. Rice, 110 Wn.2d at 599. In-life photographs are not inherently prejudicial, especially when the jury also sees `after death' pictures of the victim's body. (Footnote omitted.) Furman, 122 Wn.2d at 452. In this case, the photograph is an 8- by 9-inch image of Mr. Milosevich's head and neck. He is wearing a baseball cap and a blue coat, and there are evergreen trees in the background. Ex. 1. We agree with the trial court that this photograph, in and of itself, does not evoke sympathy. The photograph simply allows the jury to see what the victim looked like in life. Brett has not shown the trial court abused its discretion in admitting this generic photograph.