Opinion ID: 853623
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Baxter contends that the evidence was insufficient to convict him of murder. This Court will affirm the conviction if there is sufficient probative evidence from which a reasonable jury could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Garrett v. State, 714 N.E.2d 618, 621 (Ind.1999). We do not reweigh the evidence or assess the credibility of the witnesses, id., and we consider only the evidence that supports the verdict and the reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, Harrison v. State, 707 N.E.2d 767, 788 (Ind.1999). In order to be found guilty of murder based on accomplice liability, a jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant knowingly or intentionally aid[ed], induce[d], or cause[d] another person to commit an offense. Ind.Code § 35-41-2-4 (1998). A defendant's mere presence at the crime scene, or lack of opposition to a crime, standing alone, is insufficient to establish accomplice liability. See Harris v. State, 425 N.E.2d 154, 156 (Ind.1981). These factors, however, may be considered in conjunction with a defendant's course of conduct before, during, and after the crime, and a defendant's companionship with the one who commits the crime. See id. At trial, Williams testified that Woods was carrying a gun in his pocket on the day of the crime, that Woods was fumbling with his side in the back seat, and that Woods always carried a gun. Baxter reported that he had grown up with Woods, knew Woods better than the other passengers that night, and also knew that Woods had spent time in prison. Williams also testified that, at one point, he expressed concern about injuring another driver on the road, at which point everyone turned around. Woods responded, urging that the chase continue. Despite Williams' alleged urging to abandon the chase, Baxter continued in pursuit of Knoebel for seven to ten minutes. The jury was free to believe Williams' testimony, even if contradictory, tending to establish that Baxter was aware that Woods had a gun and wanted to fire it at Knoebel's van. The jury was also free to infer from Baxter's continued pursuit of the van that he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of knowingly or intentionally aiding Williams in committing murder. Thus, the evidence was sufficient to uphold the verdict.