Opinion ID: 1851148
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: There was sufficient evidence to support first degree manslaughter.

Text: The third element of manslaughter requires the perpetrator to be without design to effect death. SDCL 22-16-15(3). Because Burtzlaff admitted telling the victim, Larry, I'm going to kill you, she ironically alleges that there was design to effect death, thus eliminating the third element and a manslaughter conviction. However, an admission to shooting is not an automatic confession to killing with a premeditated design. State v. Dokken, 385 N.W.2d 493 (S.D.1986). While it proves the fact that the defendant pulled the trigger, it does not concede guilt in murder or first degree manslaughter. Id. at 505. Furthermore, the record discloses that Burtzlaff also testified that she did not shoot her husband intentionally. This, combined with her testimony that she did not remember actually carrying the shotgun, presented the finder of fact with sufficient evidence that Burtzlaff had no design to effect death, and thus will sustain a conviction of first degree manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. This Court will accept that evidence, and the most favorable inferences that can be fairly drawn therefrom, which will support the verdict. State v. Lewandowski, 463 N.W.2d 341, 343 (S.D.1990). Under this standard of review, this Court will not resolve conflicts in the evidence, pass on the credibility of the witnesses, or weigh the evidence. These functions lie solely within the province of the jury as ultimate trier of fact. State v. Wall, 481 N.W.2d 259, 262 (S.D.1992); State v. Huettl, 379 N.W.2d 298, 302 (S.D. 1985). It has long been established by this Court that a jury verdict shall only be set aside where the evidence and the reasonable inferences to be drawn from the evidence do not sustain a rational theory of guilt. Lewandowski at 344; Huettl at 301; State v. Wedemann, 339 N.W.2d 112 (S.D. 1983).