Opinion ID: 1615373
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Defendant's claim that there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction rests primarily on his mistaken belief that intentional conduct cannot be reckless, and that the prosecution failed to establish his actions posed a risk of danger to persons or property beyond that posed to Dagit's truck. In reviewing challenges of this nature, we examine the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, and make all reasonable inferences that may fairly be drawn therefrom. State v. McPhillips, 580 N.W.2d 748, 753 (Iowa 1998); State v. Robinson, 288 N.W.2d 337, 340 (Iowa 1980). We consider all the facts, not just those which support the verdict, and will uphold a jury's decision if it is supported by substantial evidence. State v. Kostman, 585 N.W.2d 209, 211 (Iowa 1998). Evidence is substantial if a rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Anderson, 517 N.W.2d 208, 211 (Iowa 1994). In the case at hand, the jury heard testimony to the effect that defendant was angry with Richard Dagit, that he had been drinking heavily, that he drove out to the Dagit home in the middle of the night, brandished a firearm, and shot out the windows of Dagit's truck. The jury was then left to weigh the evidence in light of the manner in which the weapon was discharged, and the relative distances between the defendant, Dagit's truck, and other structures in the area. The jury's determination that Conroy's actions were reckless is supported by substantial evidence.