Opinion ID: 1846588
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: whether the circuit court erred in refusing to give a circumstantial evidence instruction.

Text: ¶ 52. Swinney claims that the only proof of robbery was circumstantial evidence. She correctly notes that circumstantial evidence instructions are required where the only evidence of the crime is circumstantial. In other words, when the prosecution is without a confession and without eyewitnesses to the gravamen of the offense charged. Woodward v. State, 533 So.2d at 431. We have held failures to grant such an instruction where one is required to be reversible error. Simpson v. State, 553 So.2d 37, 39 (Miss.1989). ¶ 53. Here, all elements of the crime were not shown solely by circumstantial evidence. Swinney admitted that she pointed a gun at Harville and that she accidentally shot him in the back while attempting to unjam the gun. An essential element of robbery is the use of force or intimidation. Her confession constituted direct evidence of this element of robbery. Therefore, this assignment of error is without merit.