Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Mar 31, 2021
STATE OF MISSOURI, Plaintiff-Respondent vs. RODNEY BENSON BOWEN, Defendant-Appellant
Rodney Benson Bowen was convicted of first-degree robbery and sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment. On appeal, Bowen argued the trial court erred by admitting evidence of his drug use, addiction, drug-related debt, and threats made against his fiancée, contending it was not legally relevant and was prejudicial. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, concluding that the admitted evidence was highly probative of Bowen's financial difficulties and motive for committing the robbery.