State v. Humphery

Ness, Justice:

Appellant Johnny Humphrey, Jr., was convicted of housebreaking and grand larceny. We affirm.

Appellant first asserts the trial court abused its discretion in allowing the State to reopen its case and present evidence that the value of the property taken exceeded $50.00 after he had moved for a directed verdict. We disagree.

It is within the sound discretion of the trial judge to allow the State to reopen its case and prove an essential element of the offense charged. State v. Hammond, 270 S. C. 347, 242 S. E. (2d) 411 (1978); State v. Harrison, 236 S. C. 246, 113 S. E. (2d) 783…