Opinion ID: 2630917
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: There was conflicting evidence as to whether Ramirez or Aponte inflicted Trinity's mortal wounds

Text: Given the conflicting evidence in this case, which indicated that either Ramirez or Aponte could have inflicted Trinity's mortal wounds, the causal element of second-degree felony murder was critically important. Although there was evidence that Ramirez could have caused Trinity's death (Aponte testified that Ramirez had threatened to kill herself and her children; doctors testified that Ramirez did not show any emotion the night Trinity died; Trinity was in Ramirez's exclusive custody and control for the majority of the time frame during which the mortal injuries were inflicted; Ramirez did not see Aponte hit Trinity; and Ramirez attempted suicide several months after Trinity's death, leaving a suicide note apologizing for what [she] did), there was also evidence to the contrary (Aponte cared for Trinity immediately before her death; Ramirez testified that Trinity made an unusual cry when Aponte was attending to her; and Aponte would get frustrated with the baby and call the baby names). Because of this conflicting evidence, we cannot be certain that the jury determined that Ramirez was the immediate and direct cause of Trinity's death. [6] As a result of these two considerations, we conclude that the improper jury instruction was prejudicial and affected Ramirez's substantial rights. Accordingly, we reverse the district court's judgment of conviction and remand this matter for a new trial. [7] We concur: HARDESTY, DOUGLAS, CHERRY, SAITTA, GIBBONS, and PICKERING, JJ.