Opinion ID: 853376
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Finally, Fry claims that there was insufficient evidence to support his convictions for conspiracy to commit robbery [2] and felony murder. When reviewing a claim of sufficiency of the evidence, we do not reweigh the evidence or judge the credibility of witnesses. Spurlock v. State, 675 N.E.2d 312, 314 (Ind.1996). We look to the evidence and the reasonable inferences therefrom that support the verdict and will affirm a conviction if evidence of probative value exists from which a jury could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. Mere presence at the crime scene with the opportunity to commit a crime is not a sufficient basis on which to support a conviction. Roop v. State, 730 N.E.2d 1267, 1271 (Ind.2000); Wilson v. State, 455 N.E.2d 1120, 1122 (Ind.1983). However, presence at the scene in connection with other circumstances tending to show participation may be sufficient to sustain a conviction. Roop, 730 N.E.2d at 1271. To prove felony murder, the State must establish that: (1) Fry killed another human being (2) while committing or attempting to commit robbery. Ind. Code § 35-42-1-1(2) (1998). The jury was instructed on aiding and abetting and, therefore, could have found Fry responsible for the actions of his accomplices. Higgins testified that Fry had a gun and forced Taylor and Jones into a car. The evidence at trial showed that cash and marijuana were taken from Taylor and Jones while in the car and that Fry received money from the sale of the marijuana. Fry had a motive for robbery because Taylor had never paid Fry for his participation in the television scheme. Indeed, Fry had threatened to pop Taylor. According to Fry's own testimony, he directed the disposal of Taylor's shoes and the murder weapon after the killings. This evidence establishes that at a minimum Fry was an accomplice to the robbery of Taylor and thus was also guilty in the felony murder of Jones. This was sufficient evidence to convict Fry of the felony murder of Jones. To convict Fry of conspiracy to rob Taylor, the State must prove that: (1) with the intent to commit robbery, (2) Fry agreed with another person to commit robbery and (3) an overt act in furtherance of the agreement was performed. Id. § 35-41-5-2 (1998). In proving the agreement element, the State is not required to show an express formal agreement, and proof of the conspiracy may rest entirely on circumstantial evidence. Bailey v. State, 717 N.E.2d 1, 3 (Ind.1999). The evidence established that Fry threatened to pop Taylor because Taylor beat him out of something. Fry and two accomplices forced Taylor and Jones into DaTwone's car. Fry was present when marijuana and money were taken from the two, and Fry received part of the money from the sale of the marijuana. Although there was no direct evidence of an agreement among Fry, DaTwone, and Johnson, all three participated in taking and robbing Taylor. In the aggregate this is sufficient to establish motive, a concerted action by the group, and implementation of an agreement to rob Taylor. This is sufficient evidence to convict Fry of conspiracy to commit robbery.