05-12-08 A-4402-06T5
In trial of former police chief for arson and conspiracy to murder his wife, fact that the wife obtained a domestic violence temporary restraining order against defendant resulting in his suspension from office deemed admissible under Rule 404(b) on State's theory of motive. Similarly, charges later filed by wife of violation of the TRO and terroristic threats, resulting in conviction on disorderly persons charges and forfeiture of defendant's office, also held admissible as to motive. Jury to receive limiting instructions including an instruction that defendant's conviction on disorderly persons charges was reversed after defendant's indictment on arson and conspiracy charges.
