Opinion ID: 853257
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: When reviewing sufficiency claims, we neither reweigh the evidence nor assess the credibility of witnesses. Thornton v. State, 712 N.E.2d 960 (Ind.1999). We affirm the conviction if the probative evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the jury's verdict, and reasonable inferences drawn therefrom could have led a jury to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. To convict for murder, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly or intentionally killed another human being. [1] Ind.Code Ann. § 35-42-1-1(1) (West 1998). A person engages in conduct `knowingly' if, when he engages in the conduct, he is aware of a high probability that he is doing so. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-41-2-2(b) (West 1998). One engages in conduct `recklessly' if he engages in the conduct in plain, conscious, and unjustifiable disregard of harm that might result and the disregard involves a substantial deviation from acceptable standards of conduct. Id. at § 35-41-2-2(c). Thus, to sustain the verdict, the evidence must show that Young was aware of a high probability that someone's death would result from his actions. Because knowledge is the mental state of the actor, the trier of fact must resort to reasonable inferences of its existence. Jernigan v. State, 612 N.E.2d 609 (Ind.Ct.App.1993). A knowing killing may be inferred from the use of a deadly weapon in a way likely to cause death. Barker v. State, 695 N.E.2d 925 (Ind.1998). Young's firing of multiple shots at a group of people gathered on a front lawn, killing Korey Roney, was adequate evidence to permit a jury to conclude that Young used a deadly weapon in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury. Moreover, intent may be inferred from the severity, duration, or brutality of the attack. Mitchell v. State, 726 N.E.2d 1228 (Ind.2000). Several witnesses saw Young point a gun at the group and fire multiple shots. After driving away, Young returned and fired several more shots at the group. The nature and duration of the attack also sustain the jury's conclusion that Young was aware of a high probability that his actions would result in someone's death.