Opinion ID: 1845798
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: motion for a directed verdict at the end of all evidence

Text: In regard to this assignment the standard of review is as follows: The standard of review in judging the sufficiency of the evidence on a motion for a directed verdict requires that we accept as true all evidence favorable to the state, together with reasonable inferences arising therefrom, to disregard the evidence favorable to the defendant, and if such evidence would support a verdict of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the trial court's denial of the motion must be affirmed. (Citations omitted). Haymond v. State, 478 So.2d 297, 299 (Miss. 1985). When we apply this standard to this record, the jury could not have found a requisite proof that Stever was guilty of culpable negligence beyond a reasonable doubt. Stever's conduct does not reach the level of culpable negligence which is the moral equivalent of criminal intent. As we reverse on this assignment we need not reach the remaining assignments of error. Because we find that the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict we not only must reverse this conviction and sentence but must render judgment here in favor of Stever. CONVICTION AND SENTENCE REVERSED AND JUDGMENT RENDERED HERE IN FAVOR OF ALBERT B. STEVER. WALKER, C.J., ROY NOBLE LEE and HAWKINS, P.JJ., and DAN M. LEE, PRATHER, ROBERTSON and ANDERSON, JJ., concur. GRIFFIN, J., not participating.