The following excerpt is from Harris v. Carey, No. CIV S-08-CV-2333 CHS (E.D. Cal. 2011):
Defendant also argues the evidence could not be admitted to show motive, but we disagree with this assertion as well. To be admissible as proof of motive, evidence of a prior offense must have a direct relationship to the charged offense. The evidence is admissible because the prior offense explains why the defendant committed the charged offense. (People v. Daniel (1991) 52 Cal.3d 815, 856-857.)
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