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Taylor v. State

Legal documents relating to a dispute between the defendant and the victim were admissible to show the defendant's motive and intent.

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Defendant Zachary Bouvier Taylor was convicted of malice murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of Lamar Railey.1 He appeals, asserting, inter alia, the trial court erred in permitting the State to introduce in evidence the pleadings filed in a civil lawsuit brought by Taylor against Railey and others. Finding no error, we affirm. Railey owned and operated a wrecker service in Hamilton, Georgia. After closing his business on the evening of February 13, 2004, Railey drove a wrecker to the J&A Tire Company where he stopped to purchase diesel fuel. When Railey finished fueling the wrecker, he headed for the business office to complete his purchase. Suddenly, Railey was struck by an accelerating motor vehicle. He was thrown into the air and landed on the pavement; he tried to get up, but was unable to do so. A passing motorist, who saw the vehicle strike Railey, called 911 and gave chase. As he followed the vehicle, described as a green sedan, the motorist was able to remain in contact with police and apprise them of the sedan’s route. Soon, a police officer passed the motorist, fell in behind the sedan, and pulled it over. Other officers arrived on the scene. Defendant exited the vehicle and was placed under arrest.

Police noticed that marks on the front of defendant’s vehicle were consistent with what one would expect after recently hitting a pedestrian. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found numerous items, including a manila envelope upon which the victim’s name was written. Inside the envelope, police discovered various legal documents stemming from a year-long dispute between defendant and the victim.

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