Opinion ID: 1240079
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion for Judgments of Acquittal.

Text: On motion of a defendant, the court shall enter a judgment of acquittal on the criminal charge if there is insufficient evidence to sustain the conviction. Iowa R.Crim.P. 18(8). On appeal we review the record in the light most favorable to the State and are bound by the jury verdict unless there is no substantial evidence to sustain it. State v. Peck, 539 N.W.2d 170, 172 (Iowa 1995); State v. Liggins, 524 N.W.2d 181, 186 (Iowa 1994). Here, the fighting issue at trial was whether Eldrenkamp was the operator of the motorcycle at the time it collided with the warning post and guard rail. We find substantial evidence was received at trial to support a finding the defendant was the operator. One witness, who had known Eldrenkamp for over fifteen years, testified he saw him on the motorcycle near the temporary stop sign located approximately one mile from Sabula. He observed that Eldrenkamp was driving the motorcycle and another gentleman was on behind. He yelled at Roy and Roy responded. Two other witnesses, who had known Roy all of his life, testified they had come on the accident scene in their van immediately after it had occurred. They met Eldrenkamp carrying his son in his hands. They also observed a body in the middle of the road. When they were about to take the Eldrenkamps to the hospital, Roy said, I think I killed that guy. When asked who it was, Roy said, Jim Townsend. In addition State Trooper Turner testified that it was his opinion that Townsend was on the rear seat and Eldrenkamp was the operator of the motorcycle. This opinion was based upon his experience and training as an accident reconstructionist and based upon his examination and investigation of the accident scene shortly after the accident had occurred. He had also determined the motor-cycle was traveling at a minimum speed of forty-nine miles per hour at the time of impact with the guard rail. The results of the blood test conducted by the Criminalistics Lab were admitted at trial. After the State had laid a proper foundation, the official report was admitted under Iowa Code section 691.2. Under this statutory provision any report or findings of the Criminalistics Laboratory shall be received in evidence in any court in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if the employee who accomplished the requested analysis had testified in person. We find there is substantial evidence to support a jury finding that the defendant committed the crimes charged. AFFIRMED.