Opinion ID: 1929279
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Although Morris has not separately raised the issue of sufficiency of the evidence, we have an independent obligation to review the record. See Jennings v. State, 718 So.2d 144, 154 (Fla.1998). Initially we note that Morris took the stand in his own defense. Although he denied that he committed the murder, he admitted to being at the scene and to thereafter coming into possession of the items that were later identified as belonging to the victim. The evidence presented by the State included physical evidence linking Morris to the crime scene and the murder. First, from the biological fluids that were obtained from the victim's body and from the blood stain on the kitchen curtain, it was determined that the probability that the DNA was not Morris's was between 1 in 220,000 and 1 in 71 million. Second, Morris left a fingerprint on the lightbulb on the porch outside the victim's apartment. Third, Morris possessed various items taken from the victim's residence. Finally, Sastre testified that Morris admitted that he committed the murder and burglarized the home. The record in this case thus contains competent substantial evidence to support Morris's convictions.