Opinion ID: 2520573
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Issue 2: Did the State fail to prove the element of premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt?

Text: Although we are reversing and remanding for a new trial, we must also address Jones' argument that the State failed to prove the element of premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt, which would warrant simple reversal of the conviction. See State v. Elnicki, 279 Kan. 47, 68, 105 P.3d 1222 (2005); State v. Kunellis, 276 Kan. 461, 474-75, 78 P.3d 776 (2003) (erroneous jury instructions required reversal and remand, but evidence was sufficient to support convictions of felony murder and theft). When the sufficiency of the evidence is challenged in a criminal case, the standard of review is whether, after review of all the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, the appellate court is convinced that a rational factfinder could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Elnicki, 279 Kan. at 69. This standard and the standard for determining whether the second-degree intentional murder jury instruction should have been given both involve considering the evidence in the record. The standard of review of the present issue, however, is much more favorable to the State. In order to convict Jones of first-degree premeditated murder, the State had to prove that he killed Paddock intentionally and with premeditation. See State v. Scott, 271 Kan. at 108 (citing K.S.A. 21-3401(a); State v. Juliano, 268 Kan. 89, 97, 991 P.2d 408 [1999]). Intent is not contested by Jones on appeal. As discussed previously, the nature of the weapon used, the lack of provocation by Paddock, some of Jones' conduct before and after the killing, and the apparent dealing of lethal blows after Paddock was felled and rendered helpless all show premeditation. Such evidence was sufficient for a rational factfinder to find him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder beyond a reasonable doubt. The decision of the district court is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial. GERNON, J., not participating. LARSON, S.J., assigned.