Court Opinion

ID: 9541965
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:30:12.676372+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:05:30.128458
License: Public Domain

LANE, Judge,
concurring in result.
I disagree with the majority in two respects. First, I cannot adopt the position of the majority that by testifying the appellant automatically changed the standard of review to be used by this Court. In the case relied on by the majority, Lowrey v. State, 87 Okl.Cr. 313, 197 P.2d 637 (1948), the defendant took the stand and testified as to what was supposed to be the facts. This provided the “direct evidence” relied upon by this Court. In the present matter, the defendant took the stand, but his testimony does not contain any purported evidence as to what occurred when the crime was committed. He simply testified that he was not there. It is my opinion that before Loivrey can be relied upon, testimony or evidence submitted by the defendant must contain direct evidence.
However, I do not think this disagreement changes the outcome of the case. My examination of the facts causes me to find that even when the wholly circumstantial evidence standard is used there is sufficient evidence to justify the jury finding the appellant guilty.
Second, I agree with Judge Chapel that the evidence of the settlement concerning the insurance money should not have been admitted against the appellant. Appellant was not a party to the agreement, and it does not reflect an admission against interest by him. However, I do not think that the prejudice created thereby was sufficient to cause a reversal of the conviction.
I therefore concur in result.