Opinion ID: 2543450
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Probable Cause for Intentional Action

Text: ¶ 12 The State must prove defendant intentionally or knowingly caused Benzon's death, plus an aggravating circumstance, to establish aggravated murder. Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-202(1). Defendant's contentionthat the trial court erred in denying his motion to quash the bindover order because his evidence at the preliminary hearing supports a theory of accidental shootingmisses the point. At this stage of the proceedings, all that the State must do is establish that its theory of intentional homicide is reasonable. Clark, 20 P.3d 300, 2001 UT 9 at ¶ 20. The trial court found ample evidence for the State's theory of intentional shooting, including defendant's (1) making no comments or statements indicating the shooting was accidental, (2) taking no steps to seek medical treatment for Benzon, (3) stating to Majnik, That's right, he's dead, mother F'er, and (4) telling Swank that he shot Benzon because [he] laughed and didn't take him serious. ¶ 13 Viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, and drawing all reasonable inferences in the prosecution's favor, these facts, among others relied on by the magistrate, support the State's theory of intentional homicide presented at the preliminary hearing. We therefore affirm the trial court's denial of defendant's motion to quash the bindover on this ground.