Metz v. State

Christopher Metz appeals his conviction for one count of dealing in stolen property. We reverse because the trial court erroneously excluded an exculpatory portion of Metz’s statement to a police officer that shed light on the inculpatory part admitted in evidence.

The facts of this case are not at issue. Soon after a golf cart battery charger and other tools, including a weed eater and hedge trimmers, were stolen from a shed in a mobile home park, Metz sold the battery charger to another park resident. When police questioned him about it, he admitted selling the charger and led officers to…