Kendrick v. State

Summary

The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed L. D. Kendrick’s conviction for theft by receiving stolen property. It held that the trial court did not err in finding a neighboring juror qualified and impartial or in admitting evidence of other cow thefts and sales because the evidence was independently relevant to knowledge and intent.

Holdings

1. The trial court did not err in finding the juror qualified and impartial and denying the motion to strike for cause; Kendrick showed no harm warranting reversal.
2. Evidence that incidentally placed Kendrick's character in issue was admissible because it was independently relevant to show knowledge, intent, motive, plan, scheme, or identity; the trial court therefore did not err in admitting evidence of other cow thefts and sales.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the trial court erred in denying Kendrick's motion to strike for cause a juror who lived next door to the District Attorney and had incidental, non-case-related contact with him before trial.
2. Whether the trial court erred in admitting evidence of other cow thefts and other cow sales because the evidence placed Kendrick's character in issue.

Disposition

affirmed