Opinion
NO. 2015 KW 1634
01-25-2016
STATE OF LOUISIANA v. ALBERT WOODFOX
In Re: Albert Woodfox, applying for supervisory writs, 20th Judicial District Court, Parish of West Feliciana, No. 15-WFLN-088. BEFORE: PETTI GREW, HIGGINBOTHAM, AND CRAIN, JJ.
WRIT DENIED IN PART AND GRANTED IN PART. The State noted in the 404(B) Motion the intent to introduce evidence of relator's prior acts to show motive. Motive evidence reveals the state of mind or emotion that influenced the defendant to desire the result of the charged crime. See State v. McArthur, 97-2918 (La. 10/20/98), 719 So.2d 1037, 1041. Accordingly, the district court did not abuse its discretion in ruling that the Shirley Duncan and Sister Diane letters are admissible. The district court did abuse its discretion in ruling that the outburst in Orleans Parish Court in 1971, and the testimony regarding relator's 1972 aggravated escape trial, were admissible. The district court's ruling regarding only these two incidents is reversed, and this matter is remanded to the district court for further proceedings.
TMH
JTP
Crain, J., dissents in part and would grant the writ as to the outburst in Orleans Parish Court in 1971, and the testimony regarding relator's 1972 aggravated escape trial. COURT OF APPEAL, FIRST CIRCUIT /s/_________
DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT
FOR THE COURT