Conley v. State

Hurt, Judge.

This is a conviction for theft of a saddle, bridle, and blanket, the property of Henry Lubbock.

On or about the fifteenth day of November, 1885, Henry Lubbock lost a horse, saddle, bridle, and blanket. These were taken from the front of a saloon in the city of Austin, about twelve o’clock at night. On the next afternoon, about one mile from Austin, south of the river, in Mrs. Bunion’s stable, Lubbock found his horse. Conley had rented from C. C. Chapman a shed attached to Chapman’s stable, with a loft above, situated in the city of Austin, and in this loft defendant kept his fodder with which to feed his horse, a cream colored pony. A few days after Christmas, 1885, Tom Doss and his brother, who had free access to the loft, found Lubbock’s saddle, bridle, and blanket in the north east corner of the same, under the fodder.

Under the fodder was also found some harness. In the yard of Chapman’s stable, to which was attached the shed rented and used as a stable by defendant, was also found hitched a horse, the property of one Lee Boyce, which had been tied in the lot or yard about four days, in plain view of the passers by. With this horse the evidence fails to show any connection whatever, either with Lubbock’s horse, the saddle, bridle, or blanket; or that defendant ever claimed, fed, .or did any thing whatever tending to show his connection with the same. In fact, there is just as much evidence that Chapman hitched this horse in the yard, as there is that defendant did so, for this lot was accessible to and used in common by both.

The State, over the objection of defendant, introduced in evidence the fact that the harness was found under the fodder with the saddle, and that Boyce’s horse was hitched in the yard of the stable. Were these competent, admissible facts?

The rule upon this subject is this: It is competent for the State, in a trial for theft, to prove the theft of other property at the same time and place as the property in question, if such proof conduces to establish identity in developing the res gestee, or to prove the guilt of the accused by circumstances connected with the theft, or to show the intent with which the accused acted with respect to the property for the theft of which he is on trial. Let us apply this rule to the case in hand.

From a casual inspection it will be seen that the first paragraph of the rule has no application whatever. There is no evidence showing that Boyce’s horse was taken at the same time and place as the saddle, etc. The res gestee of this theft is not identified or developed; nor does the fact that Boyce’s horse was hitched in the stable lot tend in any manner to identify or develop this transaction.

The second paragraph. Does the fact that this horse was hitched in the lot, under the circumstances surrounding it, constitute a fact or link in the chain of facts which tend to connect the defendant with the theft of the property named in the indictment? If so, it is most evidently competent, for if a fact be competent evidence, though it tends to prove another offense, it is no objection to the admission of such fact because of such tendency. The State is entitled to all criminative facts, and the defendant will not be heard to object to the competency of a fact simply because it proves another offense. The question is whether the proposed fact be relevant; if so, it should be admitted. Just what facts are relevant can never be enumerated, because a fact is relevant because other facts are in evidence.

On the other hand, evidence of other crimes should never be received unless clearly admissible, because such evidence, with almost all juries, invariably has a most fearful effect upon the case of the accused.

"But let us return to the rule. Does the evidence that Boyce’s horse was tied in the lot constitute a relevant fact in this case? Does it in the remotest degree tend to prove that defendant stole the saddle and blanket? If so, in what manner? Now, just here we should be able to point out its pertinency. Its pertinency should be clear, because of its fatal character.

Does this evidence tend to explain the main fact? It does not. Does it constitute a material fact? It does not. Does it tend to explain a material relevant fact? If so, what fact? It can not be found in the record.

The third paragraph of the rule. Now, if defendant concealed the saddle, bridle, and blanket under the fodder in, the loft, under the circumstances of this case, his intent is very clear; he is the thief. But the issue in this case was and is whether defendant, in any manner, was connected with these things. Show that he placed them in his loft, and there is no necessity of proof of intent. He denies, and the State must prove that he acted in some respect towards this property, that he was in possession of the property; and when this is done, then the question of intent may arise. But under the facts of this case, when this is shown, his intent is evident, and needs no explanation from the State.

But let us suppose that the State has shown his possession of the property. How does the fact that the Boyce horse was tied in the yard tend to show the intent of defendant respecting the saddle, etc. ? They were not taken at the same time and place, nor is there any connection between them whatever shown by the evidence. When and from where the Boyce horse was taken is not shown. How, then, could this fact have the slightest bearing upon the intent of the defendant with relation to the property named in this indictment? Before such evidence should be admitted, its relevancy should clearly appear. We should be able readily to place our finger upon its pertinency. Can this be done in this case? Evidently not. This evidence tends to prove the defendant’s guilt, because it tends to prove him a thief generally.

Opinion delivered June 9, 1886.

We are of the opinion that there was error in admitting this evidence; for which the judgment is reversed and the case remanded.

Reversed and remanded.