State v. Gaytan

OPINION ANSWERING RESERVED QUESTION OF LAW

LANE, J.

¶ 1 Appellee, Samuel Gaytan, was tried by jury for the crime of second degree murder in the District Court of Kingfisher County, Case No. CF-97-54, before the Honorable Ronald G. Franklin, District Judge. Appellee was acquitted. During the trial, the State attempted to cross examine a character witness testifying on the behalf of Gaytan with specific instances of conduct in order to impeach the witness’ opinion of Gaytan’s character for truthfulness and veracity. The trial court refused to allow the State to inquire about the specific…