Opinion ID: 2290999
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Comments on Physical Evidence

Text: Finally, we turn to appellant's contention that the prosecutor improperly tainted the verdict when he repeatedly misstated the evidence of Chase's physical condition. We do not believe the prosecutor misstated evidence. The prosecutor attempted to undermine appellant's claim of self-defense by arguing, in closing, that Chase's heart condition and brain welling prevented Chase from inflicting serious injury or death on appellant. The prosecutor based these comments on evidence of record. Dr. Comparini testified that Chase had a very damaged heart and, as a consequence, could not perform as well as someone with a normal heart. Dr. Comparini also testified that Chase's brain had swelled, either from blows to the head or from lack of oxygen. She further testified that she could not pinpoint the precise moment when the swelling occurred, but she concluded that blows to Chase's head during the fight could have caused some of the swelling. Given this medical testimony, we do not discern anything in the remarks challenged by the defense which goes beyond reasonable (though perhaps partisan) inferences from the evidence. The judge's routine instruction to the jurors that their recollection controls was, in our view, sufficient to remedy any arguable overstatement. Dixon, 565 A.2d at 79 (footnote omitted). Affirmed.