Opinion ID: 1632036
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: ¶ 17. The standard of review for a post-trial motion is abuse of discretion. Howell v. State, 860 So.2d 704, 764 (Miss. 2003). In the recent case of Bush v. State, 895 So.2d 836, 843 (Miss.2005), we discussed the standard which applies in a challenge to a verdict based on the sufficiency of the evidence: In Carr v. State, 208 So.2d 886, 889 (Miss.1968), we stated that in considering whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction in the face of a motion for directed verdict or for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, the critical inquiry is whether the evidence shows `beyond a reasonable doubt that accused committed the act charged, and that he did so under such circumstances that every element of the offense existed; and where the evidence fails to meet this test it is insufficient to support a conviction.' However, this inquiry does not require a court to `ask itself whether it believes that the evidence at the trial established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.' Instead, the relevant question is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 315, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979) (citations omitted) (emphasis in original). Should the facts and inferences considered in a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence `point in favor of the defendant on any element of the offense with sufficient force that reasonable men could not have found beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty,' the proper remedy is for the appellate court to reverse and render[, i.e. reverse and discharge]. Edwards v. State, 469 So.2d 68, 70 (Miss.1985) (citing May v. State, 460 So.2d 778, 781 (Miss.1984)); see also Dycus v. State, 875 So.2d 140, 164 (Miss.2004). However, if a review of the evidence reveals that it is of such quality and weight that, `having in mind the beyond a reasonable doubt burden of proof standard, reasonable fair-minded men in the exercise of impartial judgment might reach different conclusions on every element of the offense,' the evidence will be deemed to have been sufficient. ¶ 18. In order to convict Warren Dilworth of the murder of Dennis Watford, the State was required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Warren Dilworth: (1) killed Dennis Watford; (2) without authority of law; and (3) with deliberate design to effect his death. Miss.Code Ann. § 97-3-19(1)(a) (Rev.2002). In the alternative, the State was required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that: (1) Warren Dilworth was present at the commission of Watford's murder; and (2) aided, counseled, or encouraged Frank Owens in (a) killing Dennis Watford; (b) without authority of law; and (c) with deliberate design to effect his death. See Miss.Code Ann. § 97-3-19(1)(a) (Rev.2002); Swinford, 653 So.2d at 915. ¶ 19. Owens testified Warren Dilworth joined him in attempting to retrieve the crack cocaine from Watford and purposed to do violence to him when he found him. He also testified Warren Dilworth drove the car to the Vietnamese Catholic Church parking lot, pulled a gun out from under the passenger's seat, and shot Watford as he was fleeing. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, this testimony alone provided sufficient evidence with which a rational person could have found the State proved Warren Dilworth committed all of the elements of murder. This argument is without merit.