Opinion ID: 2602376
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Whether There Is Sufficient Evidence to Support Defendant's Conviction for First Degree Murder

Text: {40} Despite our reversal of the trial court regarding its exclusion of evidence pertaining to the decedent's suicidal tendencies, we nonetheless review Defendant's sufficiency of the evidence issue since reversal on that claim would grant him the greatest amount of relief on appeal. The sufficiency of the evidence for Defendant's conviction for intimidating a witness was not challenged on appeal and, therefore, we deem it abandoned. State v. Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 16, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. {41} In reviewing the sufficiency of evidence used to support a conviction, we determine whether substantial evidence exists to support a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for every element essential to the conviction. State v. Rojo, 1999-NMSC-001, ¶ 19, 126 N.M. 438, 971 P.2d 829. We resolve all disputed facts in the State's favor, indulge all reasonable inferences in support of the verdict, and disregard all evidence and inferences to the contrary. Id. Contrary evidence supporting acquittal does not provide a basis for reversal because the jury is free to reject Defendant's version of the facts. Id. {42} Evidence was presented showing that on the evening of Peek's death, Defendant was given a ride to the Thriftway convenience store where he purchased two cups of gasoline. The store attendant testified that Defendant stated he was purchasing the gasoline because he had run out of gas. However, Defendant did not own a vehicle. When asked by the person who gave him a ride to the store why he needed to purchase gas at 1:30 a.m., Defendant responded that it was none of his business. Defendant then told the driver that he knew his name and there would be trouble if he testified against Defendant. Later that evening, Montaño arrived at the decedent's apartment with Defendant, who came to Montaño's house stating that he thought Peek was dead. Montaño testified he found the body was already cold and stiff and believed that Peek must have been dead for about three hours. No containers which could have held gasoline were discovered within reach of the decedent. Expert witness Fire Marshal Lewis testified the crime scene failed to reveal any ignition sources for the fire other than the burnt matches discovered around the sofa. A trace evidence expert testified that two of the matches found on the floor of the apartment had been torn from a matchbook that was found in Defendant's pocket. The Fire Chief testified that it was his opinion that liquid gasoline had been poured on the decedent and the vapors from the flammable substance were intentionally ignited by someone. This evidence is sufficient to support Defendant's first degree murder conviction, and, therefore, this issue is affirmed.