Opinion ID: 1057956
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency of Convicting Evidence

Text: As to victim S.K., Transou was convicted of one count of rape and one count of aggravated burglary. Transou does not contend that these crimes were not committed against the victim, but contends that, without the DNA evidence, the proof is not sufficient to establish his identity as the perpetrator. When evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence, we must determine whether  any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). In making this determination, we afford the prosecution the strongest legitimate view of the evidence as well as all reasonable and legitimate inferences which may be drawn therefrom. State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d 651, 659 (Tenn.1997). Questions concerning the credibility of the witnesses, the weight to be given the evidence, and factual issues raised by the evidence are resolved by the trier of fact. Id. Because a verdict of guilt removes the presumption of innocence and imposes a presumption of guilt, the defendant upon conviction bears the burden of showing why the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict. State v. Rice, 184 S.W.3d 646, 661 (Tenn.2006); State v. Tuggle, 639 S.W.2d 913, 914 (Tenn. 1982). We have determined that the DNA evidence developed from Transou's September 1999 blood draw was properly obtained. As a result of that evidence, a conclusive match was made between Transou's DNA and the DNA of S.K.'s rapist. In addition, at trial the victim identified Transou as her attacker after providing a general description of him. An investigating officer testified about a similar description given by the victim on the morning of the attack. We hold that the evidence of Transou's identity in the commission of these crimes is sufficient to support his convictions. Transou is entitled to no relief on this basis.