People v. Patterson

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first degree murder. Evidence of Defendant’s prior bad acts, contained in recorded statements of Defendant, must not be considered in isolation. Defendant’s confession is highly probative, and there is a significant interest in not presenting to jury piecemeal. State offered interview not to show motive, but to show admission of guilt, explanation of events, and for absence of mistake, and redacting certain comments from confession would create omissions and possible confusion. Evidence of Defendant’s prior acts and threats of violence toward prior girlfriends was properly admitted as relevant to rebut claim that victim’s injury was accidental. (HOLDRIDGE and O’BRIEN, concurring.)