Opinion ID: 1127469
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Premeditated First Degree Murder

Text: Roger also argues that the finding of premeditation is insupportable because the state did not prove that he was at the scene and participated in the crime. To show premeditation, the state must prove that the defendant acted with either the intent or knowledge that he would kill his victim and that such intent or knowledge preceded the killing by a length of time permitting reflection. State v. Rankovich, 159 Ariz. 116, 122, 765 P.2d 518, 524 (1988). To sustain a verdict of premeditated first degree murder, there must be substantial evidence of premeditation. State v. Dickey, 125 Ariz. 163, 170, 608 P.2d 302, 309 (1980). Premeditation may be as instantaneous as successive thoughts of the mind. State v. Lacquey, 117 Ariz. 231, 234, 571 P.2d 1027, 1030 (1977). Here, defendants shot the victims repeatedly in the back of the head, execution style, while they lay on their stomachs. This shows that defendants had sufficient time to permit reflection. Furthermore, the evidence placing defendants at the scene was overwhelming. An atlas with Grasshopper Junction circled was found in the Ford Tempo. Defendants had spent the night of May 12 in Kingman and had visited the Temple Bar until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. on May 13, the night of the murders. Defendants were apprehended the following morning with evidence from the crime scene, including rolled coins with the business name stamped on the roll, a cushion cover matching the couch in Morrison's living room, car keys that fit a car left at the scene, a scanner that fit into the tow truck, and guns and ammunition that matched or were consistent with bullets fired at the scene. Blood found on defendants' clothing was consistent with blood from the victims. Footprints at the scene were consistent with shoes worn by defendants. This evidence is more than enough to place defendants at the scene participating in the crimes.