State v. Ranieri
Rhode Island Supreme Court
586 A.2d 1094 (1991)

- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Someone went into Elsie M.’s room in the middle of the night and beat her. After the incident, Elsie was unable to identify anyone as the perpetrator. Eric Ranieri (defendant) was charged with the crime. The night before the trial, which was 18 months after the incident, Elsie identified Ranieri as the perpetrator. Elsie claimed that she did not see the perpetrator but knew it was Ranieri because Ranieri was always watching her. The trial court permitted Elsie’s testimony to that effect. Elsie also testified that Ranieri always spied on her through her neighbor’s window. Elsie, however, had never actually seen Ranieri do this. Finally, Elsie testified that Ranieri broke into her home five times. Again, Elsie had not actually seen Ranieri in the home and had no other evidence against Ranieri. Ranieri was convicted, and he appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Murray, J.)
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