Kyne v. State

VILLANTI, Judge.

Kevin Lee Kyne appeals his conviction and sentence for one count of second-degree murder and the revocation of his probation. Because the trial court improperly allowed the State to introduce extrinsic evidence of Mr. Kyne’s prior violent disputes with his stepfather, we reverse his murder conviction and remand for a new trial. This ruling also requires the trial court to reconsider the revocation of Mr. Kyne’s probation.

Diane Kyne was strangled and smothered in her bed on the afternoon of August 15, 2010. The only two individuals home with her at the time were her son,…