Sharp v. State

Appellant James Eugene Sharp was convicted of rape and sentenced to a term of life imprisonment. For reversal, Sharp contends that the circuit court abused its discretion when it granted the State's motion in limine to exclude evidence that the victim, B.R., had filed a civil lawsuit against the owners of an apartment complex where the rape occurred. We affirm.

I. Facts

The following facts are adduced from the testimony and evidence at trial. On September 25, 2013, B.R. returned to her apartment in Hot Springs after work to pack for her upcoming move. After packing, B.R. took a bath, got in…