Opinion ID: 1795629
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: motion for j.n.o.v. or in the alternative for a new trial

Text: ¶ 16. Rinehart asserts that the trial court erred when it denied his motion for J.N.O.V. or in the alternative, motion for a new trial. Rinehart maintains that the guilty verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, and that denial of the motion for a new trial resulted in an unconscionable injustice. Additionally, Rinehart contends that there was no physical evidence linking him to the crime and that, therefore, the State only established the mere probability of guilt. ¶ 17. In reviewing the denial of a JNOV motion, we consider all of the evidence in the light most favorable to the appellee, and we may reverse a denial of the motion only if the evidence so favors the appellant that reasonable jurors could not have reached a contrary verdict. Kingston v. State, 846 So.2d 1023, 1025 (Miss.2003). ¶ 18. In reviewing the decision of the trial court on a motion for a new trial, this Court views all of the evidence in the light most consistent with the jury verdict. A motion for a new trial addresses the weight of the evidence and should only be granted to prevent an unconscionable injustice. Daniels v. State, 742 So.2d 1140, 1143 (Miss.1999) (citations omitted). ¶ 19. In the instant case, the State presented evidence that the victim had been shot with a .38 caliber gun and that such a gun was recovered from Rinehart's residence. Likewise, though not conclusive, the State's ballistic experts testified regarding similarities between the bullet recovered from Roberts's body and bullets fired from the recovered gun. Because the State linked Rinehart to the crime, the trial judge properly submitted the matter for the jury's consideration. ¶ 20. The jury sits as finder of fact and has the duty to assess the credibility of the witnesses and resolve conflicts in the evidence. Groseclose v. State, 440 So.2d 297, 300 (Miss.1983). The jury heard the witnesses' testimony and observed the witnesses' demeanor. The jury found that the facts in the case support a finding that Rinehart murdered Roberts. We find that there is no showing that the verdict constituted an unconscionable injustice. Additionally, Rinehart has failed to present any evidence that would warrant a new trial. The trial court did not err in denying a JNOV or a new trial.