Opinion ID: 2182419
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The trial court properly denied Corder's motion for judgment of acquittal.

Text: At the end of the State's case-in-chief and at the end of all the evidence, Corder moved for a judgment of acquittal. Those motions, however, were denied by the trial court and the case was thereafter submitted to the jury. Corder now argues on appeal that the trial court erred in denying said motions. In reviewing a motion for judgment of acquittal, the trial court must view the evidence in a light most favorable to the nonmovant. State v. Caylor, 434 N.W.2d 582 (S.D.1989); State v. Ashker, 412 N.W.2d 97 (S.D.1987). A motion for judgment of acquittal is properly denied if the State has introduced evidence upon which, if believed by the jury, they may reasonably find the defendant guilty of the crime charged. State v. Olson, 408 N.W.2d 748 (S.D.1987). The State, in proving all the elements of the crime, may rely on circumstantial evidence. State v. Bult, 351 N.W.2d 731 (S.D.1984). Corder argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for a directed verdict of acquittal on the grounds that the State failed to establish the prima facie showing of premeditation. There is abundant case law to the effect that the fact of premeditation may be inferred from the facts and circumstances surrounding the killing. State v. Kost, 290 N.W.2d 482, 486 (S.D. 1980). The question of Corder's premeditation in the killing of Hirocke was a question of fact for the jury. On appeal, the jury's finding of premeditation will not be disturbed unless there is an absence of evidence which would support a reasonable inference thereof. In determining the sufficiency of evidence to establish a premeditated design to effect death in murder cases, the courts generally consider the following factors of importance: the use of a lethal or deadly weapon; the manner of the killing; the accused's conduct before and after the killing; and a determination of the presence or absence of provocation. State v. Marshall, 264 N.W.2d 911, 916 (S.D.1978); State v. Feuillerat, 292 N.W.2d 326, 331 (S.D.1980). The testimony adduced at trial pertaining to Corder's deliberation and premeditation may be capsulized as follows: Hirocke was beaten repeatedly about the head and chest areas. According to the pathologist who performed the autopsy, the cause of death was listed as multiple head and abdominal trauma. Hirocke suffered a laceration to his liver and had multiple rib fractures. The pathologist testified that any one of these injuries could have easily resulted in the victim's death. The record also shows that Ernst stated that they had to make sure he was dead, they had to kill him. With that in mind, Corder went to where Hirocke was lying and picked up a log. After striking Hirocke in the head with the log, Corder threw it into the river. Surely there was sufficient time for Corder to form the intent to kill and an opportunity for him to reconsider the matter and not strike Hirocke with the log. Further, in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence, Corder removed Hirocke's shirt and jacket and tried to burn them in order to destroy any fingerprints. Attempting to remove any remaining fingerprints, Corder dragged Hirocke's body along the ground. While there was no evidence of a highly structured plan to kill Hirocke, we are persuaded that sufficient evidence was produced to support a reasonable inference of premeditation and that, therefore, the jury's finding of this fact should not be disturbed. Murder has no tongue, yet it speaks by direct and circumstantial evidence, through the organ of law, demanding justice. Conviction of premeditated first degree murder and sentence of life in prison, in all things, affirmed.