Opinion ID: 1891781
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Testimony of Dr. Deidiker as to Butalbital

Text: Dr. Deidiker also testified that a drug found in Hinkle's body (Butalbital) would have caused sedation and drowsiness rather than excited or violent behavior. Appellant argues that the trial court erred in allowing the admission of Dr. Deidiker's testimony as to the specific effects of Butalbital. Appellant maintains that Dr. Deidiker was not qualified to reach any such conclusions and, therefore, the evidence was without proper foundation. There is no reason to dispute the logic of the trial court's discretionary ruling that Dr. Deidiker was qualified to render an opinion regarding the effects of Butalbital on a person. In addition to being a medical doctor, Dr. Deidiker testified that he was familiar with literature regarding Butalbital and its effects on people. Even assuming, arguendo, that this testimony should have been excluded, it was cumulative to that of another of the State's expert witnesses, a forensic toxicologist.