Tommy Davis v. State

The offense is burglary; the punishment, confinement in the penitentiary for two years.

On the 10th of June, 1935, someone burglarized a school building in Hamilton, Texas. Several typewriters were taken from the building. One of said machines was traced to the possession of appellant. E. C. Densman, a witness for the State, testified that he bought a typewriter from appellant shortly after the burglary. He sold said typewriter to M. A. Walker, who returned it to the school authorities. It was positively identified as the property of the school. Appellant introduced witnesses whose testimony raised the issue that he purchased the typewriter from some person whose name was unknown to them. Appellant did not testify.

Appellant brings forward several bills of exception in which he complains of the action of the court in permitting witnesses to testify as to the serial number on the stolen typewriter. We think said testimony was admissible. At all events, the typewriter was positively identified as the property of the school. *Page 8

Appellant objected to the charge on his affirmative defense on the ground that it was too restrictive. We quote said charge as follows:

"If you have a reasonable doubt as to whether or not he (the defendant) purchased the typewriter in question, you will give the defendant the benefit of such doubt and acquit him and say by your verdict 'not guilty.' "

We think the charge adequately presented appellant's affirmative defense.

The judgment is affirmed.

Affirmed.

The foregoing opinion of the Commission of Appeals has been examined by the Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals and approved by the Court.

ON MOTION FOR REHEARING.