Opinion ID: 2570459
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of evidence for attempted first-degree murder

Text: Saiz argues that there was insufficient evidence adduced at trial to support his convictions for attempted first-degree murder. When the sufficiency of the evidence is challenged in a criminal case, the standard of review is whether, after review of all the evidence, viewed in a light most favorable to the prosecution, the appellate court is convinced that a rational factfinder could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Johnson, 266 Kan. 322, 326, 970 P.2d 990 (1998). It is not the function of an appellate court to reweigh the evidence or pass on the credibility of witnesses. Wisker v. Hart, 244 Kan. 36, 37, 766 P.2d 168 (1988). A conviction of even the greatest offense may be sustained by circumstantial evidence. State v. Smith, 245 Kan. 381, 393, 781 P.2d 666 (1989). Saiz argues that he should not have been convicted of attempted murder as the shots he fired from the shotgun could not have hit either Galvan or Delorea. Saiz argues that because Galvan and Delorea were behind the car and because the shots hit the car, there is no way that he could have harmed them. This argument is without merit. Saiz went to Planeview with the intent to shoot someone. Saiz aimed the .20 gauge semi-automatic shotgun at Galvan and Delorea and fired at close range. Fortunately, Galvan and Delorea were able to get behind and under the car just prior to the shooting and were not hurt. Saiz successfully fired two shots in the direction of Galvan and Delorea. Saiz bragged to the other passengers in the car that he got them. The evidence, when viewed in a light most favorable to the prosecution, could convince a rational factfinder to find Saiz guilty of two counts of attempted murder beyond a reasonable doubt.