KEVIN DARNELL COASTON Missouri Cases

Kevin Darnell Coaston appealed his conviction for domestic assault in the fourth degree following a bench trial, arguing the trial court erred by admitting testimony from the victim's mother regarding his past domestic abuse against her. Coaston contended this evidence was irrelevant, violated his constitutional rights, and allowed an impermissible inference of propensity. The appellate court affirmed the conviction, holding that in a bench trial, the judge is presumed not to rely on inadmissible evidence unless the record clearly shows otherwise, and Coaston failed to demonstrate such reliance or prejudice.