Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Oct 2, 2023
STATE OF MISSOURI, Plaintiff-Respondent vs. JANTZEN BLAKE STRICKLAND, Defendant-Appellant
Jantzen Blake Strickland appealed his convictions for misdemeanor trespass, assault, and resisting arrest, following a jury trial. His sole point on appeal challenged the trial court's admission of an officer's testimony explaining why booking photos are sometimes not taken, arguing it was irrelevant and prejudicial. The appellate court affirmed the judgment, concluding that the defense's opening statement opened the door to the testimony, and any error in its admission was harmless due to cumulative evidence.