However, all four were in the restroom when Hinkle entered. Soon after Hinkle went into the men's restroom, appellant's companion, DeAshley Wright, fired four shots, killing Hinkle. Appellant and his companions ran from the restroom with jackets pulled over their heads and left in their vehicle, which was backed into a parking place with a towel covering the license plate. Appellant argues that the trial court erred in not granting appellant's motion for directed verdict on aggravated robbery. In reviewing the denial of a motion for a directed verdict, the court views evidence in the light most favorable to the State.
Evidence is considered sufficient if there is substantial evidence to support the verdict.
Id. Direct or circumstantial evidence is substantial if it is ofsufficient force to compel a conclusion one way or the other beyond speculation or conjecture. Although several witnesses testified at the trial, no evidence was presented that any property was taken or that there was an attempt or threat to take any property from the victim. The facts presented in this case merely show the appellant was present at the crime scene when his companion fired the gun and killed the victim. One might speculate the young men entered the restroom to commit murder, or to commit robbery, or to commit robbery and murder, or to use the facilities, unaware that anyone intended to commit a crime. The proof does not compel a conclusion one way or the other.