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Appeals court hears challenge to admissibility of graphic video in Bowens homicide appeal
Summary
Defense counsel argued trial admission of a composite video showing post‑altercation medical aid and the victim’s decline was unduly prejudicial and lacked probative value; Commonwealth urged the footage was relevant to identification and the severity/rapidity of injuries. Court took the case under advisement.
A three‑justice panel of the Appeals Court heard arguments over whether trial courts properly admitted video evidence in Commonwealth v. Gerald Bowens (2024‑0213).
Adrianna Contretezzi, counsel for the defendant and appellant, told the panel the composite video shown at trial included roughly 14 minutes that depicted the victim dying and that those minutes had “no probative value at all.” She said the most inflammatory segments — repeatedly played, paused for commentary, and then sent back with…
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