Opinion ID: 2436501
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: prosecutor's comments during opening

Text: Prior to trial of this case, a wrongful death judgment was entered against Bennett in Ohio in connection with the same incident. Before Bennett's trial for first degree murder in this state, the trial court directed the State not to make reference to the style of the Ohio judgment, the verdict, or the findings of the jury. However, during his opening statements, the prosecutor made the following comment: Richard Bennett denied knowing that he was even the beneficiary of Marcia Bennett's life insurance policy until after the accident occurred. Now, they had a trial, and this is a transcript of the trial, in which Richard Bennett testified to under oath.... Bennett's counsel moved for a mistrial, which was denied by the court. We find that the comment was highly prejudicial under the circumstances and assume that the State will not attempt, nor will the trial court allow, similar error to occur in the event of retrial. REVERSED AND REMANDED.