Opinion ID: 1127691
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Yung argues that there was insufficient evidence to support a second-degree murder conviction. Evidence is sufficient to support a conviction if, when viewed in the light most favorable to the state, that evidence supports a reasonable inference of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Suliber v. State, 866 P.2d 85, 91 (Wyo.1993) ( quoting Taul v. State, 862 P.2d 649, 657 (Wyo.1993)). To convict Yung of second-degree murder, the prosecution was required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Yung purposely and maliciously killed Bennett. Wyo.Stat. § 6-2-104 (1988). Yung argues that the jury erroneously equated his anger at the time of the shooting with malice rather than passion. He further argues there is no evidence that he acted either purposely or maliciously. We disagree and see no reason why a rational and reasonable jury could not interpret the anger Yung experienced as malice. Nor do we see why that same jury could not conclude that Yung purposefully shot Bennett in the back of the head. The question of whether a homicide was committed in the heat of passion or purposely and with malice is a question of fact reserved for the fact finder. Smith v. State, 564 P.2d 1194, 1197 (Wyo.1977) ( quoting State v. Spears, 76 Wyo. 82, 118-19, 300 P.2d 551, 566 (1956)). So long as there is evidence from which to infer guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we will not invade the province of the jury and reach a conclusion contrary to the jury's verdict. Suliber, 866 P.2d at 91. Here, Yung marched Bennett to the back of the car at gun point. Yung was in control of the situation and could have driven away. However, he shot Bennett in the back of the head. We cannot say that the jury, after considering this evidence, acted unreasonably in concluding that Yung purposefully and maliciously killed Bennett. The evidence is sufficient to support the second-degree murder conviction.