Opinion ID: 1190103
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: is appellant entitled to a new trial on the ground of newly discovered evidence

Text: The newly discovered evidence consisted of an affidavit of one Robert G. Low, a person with an extensive criminal record. Mr. Low alleged in his affidavit, dated over two months after the verdict of the jury, that he had a conversation with the appellee wherein the appellee allegedly admitted to being an accomplice to the Burke murder. The authorities are in agreement that a new trial based on newly discovered evidence can be granted provided the evidence meet the following requirements: (1) it must be previously undiscovered even though due diligence was exercised; (2) it must be admissible and credible; (3) it must be of such a material and controlling nature as will probably change the outcome and not merely cumulative or tending only to impeach or contradict a witness. 7 Moore's Federal Practice ¶ 60.23[4] at 273 (2d ed. 1974). See also Wright & Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure: Civil § 2859 (Vol. 11 at 181; 1973); 3 Barron and Holtzoff, Federal Practice and Procedure, § 1305 at 370 (1958). In the instant case, based on the record, we agree with appellee that the affidavit of Mr. Low is insufficient, as a matter of law, to justify a new trial on the following grounds:

The appellant errs in contending that the key issue is the innocence or guilt of appellee of the homicide of Burke. The record shows clearly that the complaint of appellee was bottomed upon a claim that he was subjected to arrest, imprisonment, and prosecution by appellant without appellant having the necessary probable cause to so subject the appellee at the time of the arrest. It is elementary that probable cause must be premised on the knowledge of facts at the time of the arrest and not upon knowledge obtained subsequently. Johnson v. United States, 333 U.S. 10, 16, 68 S.Ct. 367, 92 L.Ed. 436 (1948); Henry v. United States, 361 U.S. 98, 103, 80 S.Ct. 168, 4 L.Ed.2d 134 (1959). Thus, the proffered newly discovered evidence is irrelevant and immaterial to the issue of whether probable cause existed at the time of appellee's arrest and incarceration. Assuming, arguendo, the proffered evidence is material to the issue in question, nevertheless, we are of the opinion that the appellant has failed to demonstrate due diligence in the discovery of the evidence. We therefore affirm the trial court's denial of a new trial.