People v. Torres

This case presents issue as to whether trial court properly admitted transcripts of preliminary hearing testimony of key govt. witness in defendant’s murder trial, which occurred 24 years after defendant had fled state. Appellate Court, in reversing trial court, found that admission of said transcripts violated defendant’s right of confrontation since defendant did not have adequate opportunity to effectively cross-examine witness during preliminary hearing with respect to potential bias of witness, as well as witness’ residency status and witness' alleged inconsistent statements given to police about what he saw at scene of crime.