Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Scruggs v. State

The trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the victim's daughter and two of the victim's siblings to testify pursuant to the necessity exception to the hearsay rule, as their statements exhibited particularized guarantees of trustworthiness.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Appellant Phillip Scruggs was convicted of malice murder and other crimes in connection with the torching and burning of his longtime girlfriend, Elisa Davenport.1 He appeals, asserting, inter alia, the trial court erred in admitting similar transaction evidence. Finding no error, we affirm.

1. Appellant and the victim lived together in an apartment. Neighbors could hear them fight with one another almost every day. On the day in question, appellant poured a medium petroleum distillate on the victim and set her on fire because he believed she was “cheating” on him. He also burned down the victim’s apartment building with a Molotov cocktail filled with the same type of distillate. Emergency personnel, including police officer Eric Hogan, arrived at the scene and found the victim, who was critically burned on her neck, torso, upper arms and thighs, lying in the dirt at the back of the apartment building. The victim told the officer and a neighbor that “Phillip Scruggs” “poured kerosene on me.” She told an EMT that her boyfriend burned her. Shortly thereafter, appellant was arrested at a nearby convenience store. He had minor burns on his face. Traces of a medium petroleum distillate were found on his shorts, belt and shirt. The victim died 11 days later.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards 2024
November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

This event shines a spotlight on the individuals, teams, projects and organizations that are changing the financial industry.


Learn More
Bank & Capital Markets Tax Institute (BTI) 2024
November 06, 2024 - November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

BTI provides leading tax professionals from financial institutions with unmatched tools and resources.


Learn More
The American Lawyer Industry Awards 2024
November 13, 2024
New York, NY

Honoring outstanding legal achievements focused at the national level, largely around Big Law and in-house departments.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Corporate Counsel

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:(1) Tasks and responsibilities include:Reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements for internal business...


Apply Now ›
Associate Attorney(s)

Boutique midtown Manhattan law firm specializing in sophisticated real estate litigation & representation of commercial and residential ...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Associate - Boston, MA

Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in the Boston, MA office for a Litigation Associate with 3 to 5 years of experience. The ideal ca...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs