Opinion ID: 1151794
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Was the evidence presented sufficient to support a conviction of capital murder or murder?

Text: Sherrell claims that the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, pointing to the circumstantial nature of the evidence presented. In circumstantial situations, the jury must find the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and to the exclusion of every reasonable hypothesis other than guilt. Stringfellow v. State, 595 So.2d 1320, 1322 (Miss. 1992). Circumstantial evidence is entitled to the same weight and effect as direct evidence and this Court has upheld convictions based solely on circumstantial evidence. Guilbeau v. State, 502 So.2d 639, 641 (Miss. 1987). The trial judge granted a circumstantial evidence instruction, but the jury still felt that the prosecution's evidence was strong enough to support a conviction. The verdict was not against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. Ron Smith, an investigator from the Mississippi Crime Lab, testified that Sherrell's fingerprints were found all in Boone's residence, finding some on the front door knob as well as above the headboard of the bed where Boone's body was found. Deborah Haller, also of the Mississippi Crime Lab, testified that the O blood type found on the ax handle and bed sheet matched that of the victim Boone. Dr. Steven Hayne concluded that the cause of Boone's death was trauma to the head, caused from some sort of blunt instrument. However, this instrument could not be identified. There was testimony by Peggy Pace, the victim's daughter, identifying the ring which Sherrell sold to Davis as her mother's. Otis and Kellie McDonald, co-workers of the victim, testified that Sherrell had called Boone on Monday at work, upsetting her. Buddy Brock, a long time friend of Boone's, testified that she was fearful that the person staying with her was going to hurt her and if something happened to her to call the sheriff. Robin Reynolds, an inmate who shared a cell with Sherrell, testified that Sherrell confessed his killing Boone to him. Although Reynolds's credibility might be questionable, the jury was warned to value his testimony with caution. Finally, various electronic equipment of Boone's was found in Sherrell's possession at the time he was questioned. All of this evidence combined is in accord with the jury's findings. Therefore, like the other assignments of error, this assignment is without merit.