People v. MAHER (KENNETH)

OPINION OF THE COURT

Levine, J.

Defendant Kenneth Maher was convicted of counts of intentional murder and felony murder and criminal contempt in connection with the shooting death of Ann Kotel, his estranged paramour. The principal issue on appeal is whether hearsay statements of the victim concerning defendant’s prior violent acts and express or implied threats against her, were admissible as evidence-in-chief in the People’s case.

The People presented other evidence that the victim and defendant were involved in an intimate relationship, living together in an apartment until an argument…