People v. Blake

OPINION OF THE COURT

Carro, J.

This was a close and wholly circumstantial evidence case, requiring the jury to engage in a very complex and difficult reasoning process. That deliberative process was made even more difficult by the crime involved herein, a ghastly and incomprehensible murder. These factors magnified the prejudicial impact of certain trial errors which, in combination, require a reversal of this conviction and a remand for a new trial.

*112At approximately 8:15 a.m. on August 2, 1985, Police Officer Jose Oquendo, after following a trail of blood leading to the apartment of Thomas…