People of Michigan v. Brandon Oscarleroy Benson

Order Michigan Supreme Court Lansing, Michigan April 5, 2017 Stephen J. Markman, Chief Justice 154784 Robert P. Young, Jr. Brian K. Zahra Bridget M. McCormack David F. Viviano Richard H. Bernstein PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, Joan L. Larsen, Plaintiff-Appellee, Justices v SC: 154784 COA: 333084 Wayne CC: 16-001056-FC BRANDON OSCARLEROY BENSON, Defendant-Appellant. _________________________________________/ On order of the Court, the application for leave to appeal the October 12, 2016 order of the Court of Appeals is considered. Pursuant to MCR 7.305(H)(1), in lieu of granting leave to appeal, we VACATE that part of the Court of Appeals order holding that the investigative subpoena testimony of Bre’Ascia Dixon and Sierra Lattimore was properly admitted under MRE 801, and we REMAND this case to that court for reconsideration of the issue. The Court of Appeals erred in its analysis of MRE 801(d)(1)(A) by considering whether the witnesses were unavailable, rather than whether their prior statements were inconsistent. The unavailability of a witness is relevant for admission under MRE 804, not MRE 801. In all other respects, leave to appeal is DENIED. We do not retain jurisdiction. I, Larry S. Royster, Clerk of the Michigan Supreme Court, certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of the order entered at the direction of the Court. April 5, 2017 t0329 Clerk