Opinion ID: 2178950
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Evidence of Ballistics Experts

Text: The rifle which was introduced in evidence as the death weapon was test fired by a ballistics expert to determine, in his words, whether or not or at what distance the gun would register powder residue. The expert had examined exhibits for powder residue found on the body of the victim. The testimony of the ballistics expert, over the objection of defense counsel, reads: Q Did you make an examination of State's Exhibits 15 and 16, the sweater and blouse, for powder residue? A Yes, sir, I did. Q What did you find? MR. CARLTON: I object. THE COURT: On what grounds? MR. CARLTON: On the grounds that it is immaterial at this point. There has been no suggestion that the same comparable variety of shell was used and so forth. I have no way of knowing whether they are the same or not. THE COURT: That goes to the weight of the testimony. You will have the opportunity of examination of this witness. I will overrule your objection. The witness may answer. MR. COHEN: What did you find as far as making powder residue examinations on the sweater and shirt. THE WITNESS: I found no evidence of powder residue on them. Defense counsel later cross-examined the ballistics expert with respect to powder residue. The witness couldn't be sure that the test shells and the shell used in the killing were the same. The Court, in our view, correctly admitted the evidence pointing out that its weight was to be determined by the jury. The objection that the following question of the ballistics expert on redirect examination was objectionable on the ground that it was leading, is without merit. The redirect testimony reads as follows, in part: Q I take it though by your testimony before that, in having the bullet from the body, it is your opinion after doing your test firings that you related that that bullet was in fact fired from State's Exhibit No. 17. Is that correct? A That is right. Q Is there any question in your mind about that? MR. CARLTON: I object. MR. COHEN: Based upon your experience as a ballistics expert? THE COURT: I will permit the question. The objection is overruled. THE WITNESS: I have no doubt. The question did no more than summarize the prior testimony of the witness to the effect that the bullet was fired from the rifle in question.