“A motion to reopen the evidentiary record and to allow additional evidence is addressed to the sound discretion of the trial [court,]” and the trial court's “ruling will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion.” State v. Wren, 470 S.E.2d 111, 112 (Ct.App.1996). The right to testify on one's own behalf at a criminal trial is guaranteed by the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
The decision to reopen the record to allow additional evidence is a matter within the sound discretion of the trial judge. State v. Wren, 322 S.C. 103, 470 S.E.2d 111 (Ct.App. 1996). Upon consideration of the entire record in the light most favorable to the Bessingers, we find no evidence establishing a genuine issue of fact for trial.