Opinion ID: 1868405
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: whether the evidence supported catchings' conviction?

Text: Catchings' final argument is that the verdict was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence. The standard of review in these cases is whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying the appellant's motion for a new trial. McClain v. State, 625 So.2d 774, 781 (Miss. 1993) (citing Wetz, v. State, 503 So.2d 803, 807-08 (Miss. 1987)). In this case, an eye-witness testified that Catchings hit Cassidy with the sawhorse while Cassidy's back was turned. Two witnesses testified that Cassidy had not done anything to provoke Catchings. Both doctors testified that it was unlikely that anything besides this blow caused Cassidy's subsequent death. Thus, the trial judge did not abuse his discretion by denying Catchings a new trial.