Newton v. State

James Newton appeals a judgment and sentence for DUI manslaughter1 following a jury trial. He argues that the trial court abused its discretion in precluding him from admitting an exculpatory statement. *525Although we agree that the trial court erred, we find the error harmless and affirm.

Shortly after Newton began dating Terri Dennis, the victim, he brought her to a bar for spirits and karaoke. After leaving the bar, the couple got into Newton’s pickup truck and left the parking lot in “dramatic” fashion, by spinning a “donut” and then “burn[ing] out” at a nearby stoplight. Approximately four…