Opinion ID: 1152888
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Whether Sexual Assault Was Properly Used as a Predicate for Felony Murder.

Text: Defendant argues that sexual assault is not a valid predicate for felony murder in this case for two reasons. First, he claims the evidence is insufficient to support the conviction for sexual assault. We have, however, concluded otherwise. Second, he contends that the evidence will not support a finding that the death occurred in furtherance of the crime of sexual assault or in immediate flight therefrom. We first note that this contention is somewhat academic because defendant was also convicted of inflicting the precise injury (Count II) (the blow to the abdomen that ruptured the intestine) that unquestionably was the direct cause of death. Based on the record, therefore, it is likely that the felony murder finding on that count was unanimous. However, we also find that defendant caused the death in furtherance of the sexual assault. A death is in furtherance of an underlying felony if the death resulted from an action taken to facilitate accomplishment of the felony. State v. Hallman, 137 Ariz. 31, 38, 668 P.2d 874, 881 (1983); State v. Arias, 131 Ariz. 441, 443, 641 P.2d 1285, 1287 (1982). Substantial evidence exists to find that Rachel's death occurred in furtherance of the sexual assault. All of Rachel's defensive wounds occurred during the same short time period as Rachel's genital injuries. The wounds to her knees were consistent with the tendency to lift one's knees when one is on the ground and trying to protect oneself. The injury that caused Rachel's death, the laceration of the small intestine, also occurred during the same time period. As discussed above, Rachel was alone with defendant in his van during the relevant time period. Defendant was seen hitting Rachel while driving his van, and she was crying. Rachel was not injured before she went with defendant the third time but was hurt when she returned. Substantial evidence exists that defendant committed both the physical assault and the sexual assault during the same time period. Therefore, we find substantial evidence to support defendant's conviction. Defendant argues that it is illogical to assume that a man would have to beat a small four-year-old girl to sexually assault her. We say that it is equally illogical to assume that a grown man would have to beat a twenty-eight pound girl for any reason. Yet Rachel was severely beaten by defendant, and the defensive wounds on her body show that she was trying to protect herself, even though her attempts proved futile. Rachel's death could legitimately be found to be the natural and proximate result of defendant's acts in facilitating the sexual assault. See State v. Lopez, 173 Ariz. 552, 555, 845 P.2d 478, 481 (App. 1992). Therefore, we hold that the sexual assault is a valid predicate felony for the felony murder conviction.