Opinion ID: 2083109
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Were photographs of the scene of the crime properly admitted?

Text: The State introduced over objection photographs of the interior of the Copper house, showing the body of the deceased lying face downward, the head and the greater portion of the body lying in the bedroom. Defendant's counsel argues that these photographs were not substantially necessary to show material facts or conditions, and that they tended to inflame the jury. We think the point without merit. The admission of photographs of this character rests largely in the discretion of the trial court. Wigmore on Evidence, Vol. IV, sec. 1157; 2 Wharton, Crim.Evid., sec. 774. We have examined the photographs and are satisfied that the court did not abuse that discretion. The photographs were clearly material, since the position of the body after the killing and the location of the wounds were mute evidence that deceased was shot from behind. Nor can they be said to be inflammatory. We find no error in their admission.