State v. Keaton

EAGLES, Judge.

During defendant’s trial, the State was permitted to introduce into evidence three photographs of the victim as he appeared before the autopsy to illustrate Detective Davis’ testimony. Defendant’s first assignment of error maintains that this evidence was not relevant to any issue before the court and its introduction prevented defendant from receiving a fair and impartial trial.

Where, as here, neither the photo nor accompanying testimony was necessary to prove the State’s case, claims of prejudice have been rejected previously. See, State v. Temple, 302 N.C. 1, 273 S.E. 2d 273…