Opinion ID: 1058965
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Charlene Anderson

Text: Charlene Anderson, Muhammad's cousin, testified about her encounters with Muhammad and Malvo in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in August 2002. In assignments of error 49, 50, 51, and 62, Muhammad asserts that her testimony was irrelevant, that the prejudicial value outweighed any probative assistance to the fact finder, and that the Commonwealth was permitted to question Anderson on redirect beyond the scope of cross-examination. Anderson testified that Muhammad told her that he and Malvo were on a mission for the military to recover explosives. Anderson was a law enforcement officer. Muhammad asked her to provide him with bullets. Anderson testified that Muhammad told her that Malvo was highly trained. Muhammad objected to this testimony on the grounds that it was hearsay and irrelevant. The trial court overruled the objection on the grounds that it was not offered for the truth of its content, namely that Muhammad and Malvo were actually on a mission for the military and that Malvo actually was highly trained. The purpose for the testimony was to show Muhammad's attempt to obtain ammunition for his rifle shortly before the string of shootings began and also to show the nature of the relationship between Malvo and Muhammad. During cross-examination of Anderson, Muhammad elicited testimony suggesting that Muhammad and Malvo did not interact or talk to each other. On redirect, the trial court permitted the Commonwealth to ask Anderson about a conversation she overheard between Muhammad and Malvo. Lastly, with respect to Anderson's testimony, Muhammad asserts that it was error to permit Anderson to describe the rifle Muhammad showed her. Muhammad made no such objection at trial. He may not advance this claim of error for the first time on appeal. Rule 5:25. Upon review of the record and upon the issues preserved for appeal, we hold that the trial court did not err in admitting Anderson's testimony. It was relevant and its probative value outweighed any claim of prejudicial effect upon the jury.