Opinion ID: 1643910
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Wheeler has not challenged the sufficiency of the evidence, but this Court has a mandatory obligation to review the sufficiency of the evidence in every case in which a sentence of death has been imposed. Jones v. State, 963 So.2d 180, 184 (Fla.2007). Our complete review of the record demonstrates that the convictions are supported by competent substantial evidence. This case is not circumstantialthe State presented the eyewitness testimony of deputies Crotty and McKane. Deputy Crotty identified Wheeler as the person who was firing a shotgun at the deputies. The circumstances of the protracted gun battle with the deputies also provide competent, substantial evidence of premeditation. Wheeler was required to pump the shotgun each time to chamber a round of ammunition. Wheeler pursued the deputies and engaged in several separate gun battles with them, even after seeking refuge in the woods and then coming back out of the woods to fire his gun. There was ample time for Wheeler to contemplate his actions in the gun battle and to cease firing after fleeing into the woods, but he did not do so. Further, as Wheeler was firing the shotgun at Deputy Crotty in the vicinity of the patrol cars, he told Deputy Crotty, I'm going to fucking kill you, man. The evidence was clearly sufficient in every respect to support the conviction of first-degree premeditated murder of Deputy Koester and conviction of two counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm involving deputies Crotty and McKane.