Opinion ID: 2068058
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Appellant argues that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction. Specifically, he maintains that the reliability of a neighbor's identification and the credibility of an inmate's testimony are suspect. When presented with a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, this Court does not reweigh the evidence or evaluate the credibility of the witnesses. Rather, if there is probative evidence to support each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, then the conviction must be affirmed. Wilson v. State (1984), Ind., 468 N.E.2d 1373. The evidence is sufficient to sustain Phillips' conviction for murder. Virginia Hahn, a neighbor who lives a few houses south of the decedent's residence, saw two men walking in a northerly direction in front of her house at 11 p.m. on October 2, 1983. A very bright street light was situated across the street. She positively identified Phillips in court as one of these men. Furthermore, appellant made several incriminating statements to Gerald Barva, an inmate who shared a cell with Phillips in October, 1983. Phillips told Barva that Lee Drew snitched on us and got us arrested. Defendant also stated that he and Littlejohn had their story together, so it would be their word against Drew's. Phillips also told Barva that Littlejohn disposed of the gun by selling it. Derrick Hinton bought a .44 caliber magnum revolver from Littlejohn on October 7th or 8th. Defendant also admitted that they were ransacking the house. Defendant stated that only he and Littlejohn were inside the room when the killing occurred. Phillips was ransacking the house when he was interrupted by Smith; he fired at the man twice. The evidence is sufficient to sustain his conviction even without Phillips' challenged statement indicating that he was in the house the night the crime was committed. Judgment affirmed. GIVAN, C.J., and DeBRULER and DICKSON, JJ., concur. PIVARNIK, J., concurs in result.