State v. Taylor

BRANCH, Justice.

Defendant first assigns as error the ruling of the trial judge admitting into evidence State’s Exhibit 1, a photograph of deceased at the scene of her death. Defendant contends that this photograph illustrated no relevant testimony, had no probative value, and its introduction served no purpose other than to inflame and prejudice the jury.

It is well established in this jurisdiction that photographs may be used to illustrate relevant and competent testimony and the fact that the photograph may be gory or gruesome does not necessarily render it inadmissible. State v. Cutshall,…