Court Opinion

ID: 9704776
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 00:45:54.642403+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:05.193972
License: Public Domain

Krivosha, C. J.,
concurring in the result.
I concur in the result reached by the majority in this case. I write separately, however, because I do not agree with the majority’s view regarding the admissibility of evidence of other bad acts. As I read the record, Kern did not contend that he had not strangled his wife, but only that he had not done so with premeditation. I simply find it difficult to see how one may say that evidence that Kern attempted to suffocate a former wife 10 years ago or threatened to kill her could prove that a subsequent act was done with premeditation. The question as to whether premeditation exists is a fact question directly related to the specific case and not to previous behavior. It seems to me that the most that can be said is that the evidence was offered to show how Kern reacts to a particular situation; that is, to show that he acts in conformity with his character. That is specifically what Neb. Rev. Stat. § 27-404(2) (Reissue 1985) says cannot be shown.
The majority attempts to distinguish this case from our decision in State v. Robb, ante p. 14, 395 N.W.2d 534 (1986). I simply cannot see that distinction, or how this evidence was not offered simply to show that Kern acted in a way consistent with his character. I therefore believe that the evidence was inadmissible.
I concur, however, because I believe that no prejudice resulted from the introduction of this evidence. The evidence of guilt in this case was simply overwhelming. There was simply no question that Kern killed his wife by strangling her. He admitted to that fact. It is difficult to conceive how he could maintain that that was accidental under the facts of the case. He admitted placing his hands around his wife’s throat and strangling her until she was dead. That establishes premeditation. See, State v. Lynch, 215 Neb. 528, 340 N.W.2d 128 (1983); State v. Worley, *190178 Neb. 232, 132 N.W.2d 764 (1965). I therefore concur in the result reached by the majority.