United States v. Percy Dailey, Jr.

VAN OOSTERHOUT, Senior Circuit Judge

(specially concurring).

I concur on the basis of Division I of the majority opinion, the courtroom identification. The issue is close.

I find it unnecessary to reach issues II and III. However, I think this case is clearly distinguishable from United States v. Achtenberg, 459 F.2d 91, 98-99 (8th Cir. 1972), which is cited in Division II of the majority opinion. Moreover, we have held that “[t]he government is free to comment upon the defense’s failure to call any witness to refute or contradict the government’s case . . . ” United States v. Thompson, 490 F.2d 1218, 1221 (8th Cir. 1974). See United States v. Hagar, 505 F.2d 737, 740 (8th Cir. 1974).

I also find it doubtful whether issue II was properly raised in the trial court.