State v. Noel

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

POLLOCK, J.

The primary issue is whether, in the absence of statistical probability evidence, the trial court erred in admitting expert testimony concerning the similarity in composition of lead bullets found at the crime scene, in the victim’s body, and among defendant’s belongings. Finding that statistical evidence was essential, a majority in the Appellate Division reversed the conviction of *144defendant, Judel Noel, for purposeful or knowing murder, N.J.S.A 2C:ll-3a(l), and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a. One judge…