Court Opinion

ID: 9648777
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 14:34:49.297596+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:12:05.389711
License: Public Domain

ON STATE’S MOTION FOR REHEARING
BELCHER, Commissioner.
The state contends that, even though the arrest was illegal and the jury instructed not to consider certain evidence, as shown in our original opinion, the portion of the confession introduced and the results of the urine test together with the other evidence remaining before the jury are sufficient to support the conviction, therefore, no reversible error is shown.
*615A reconsideration of the testimony shows that it describes in detail the appearance and condition of the body of the appellant at the police station. Although such testimony was withdrawn at the conclusion of the trial, the pictures showing the appearance and condition of the body were not withdrawn and remained before the jury as evidence which could have been taken to the jury room. Further there was extensive testimony showing the crude, sordid and desperate methods used in preparing and administering narcotics, along with its effects and results, which remained in evidence before the jury.
From the nature of all the evidence introduced, it cannot be reasonably said that the jury could wholly disregard and keep the testimony which was withdrawn out of mind while considering that remaining in evidence. The error in admitting the testimony withdrawn could not be cured by the court’s instruction.
The state and the appellant insist that this Court should here pass on the admissibility of the confession and the urine test.
The officers who executed the arrest warrant did not testify and no one present when it was executed was called as a witness. There is no evidence of the exact time or place the appellant was arrested. Further, it is pointed out that the appellant did not testify. It is unknown what the testimony of the arresting officers or that of the appellant would be if they testified in the event of another trial. Therefore it is evident from the record that it would be unwise to here comment on the admissibility of this evidence.
This cause was properly considered and disposed of originally.
The motion for rehearing is overruled.
Opinion approved by the Court