Opinion ID: 1593307
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Although Eaglin has not challenged the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions, this Court must conduct an independent review of the record for sufficiency of the evidence. Carter v. State, 980 So.2d 473, 480 (Fla.), cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 129 S.Ct. 400, 172 L.Ed.2d 292 (2008); Fla. R.App. P. 9.140(i). We find that sufficient evidence exists to support Eaglin's first-degree murder convictions for the murders of both Lathrem and Fuston. Here, the State presented evidence through the testimony of two witnesses that Eaglin was overheard planning his escape from prison and stating that he planned to kill Charles Fuston before his escape. He also stated that he would kill any bitch that prevented him from escaping. Correctional Officer Mark Pate testified that on the night of the murders, he observed Eaglin attempting to climb the perimeter fence of the prison. Pate also noticed a sledgehammer near where he discovered Lathrem's body. Another officer discovered Fuston unconscious in a cell with a wound to his head. After an autopsy, the medical examiner concluded that a hammer caused the fatal injuries to both Lathrem and Fuston. Testing conducted on the sledgehammer found near Lathrem's body revealed that Lathrem's DNA profile was on the hammer. Further testing on Eaglin's pants and boots also revealed that both Lathrem's and Fuston's DNA profiles were located on the pants and Lathrem's DNA profile was located on Eaglin's left boot. Finally, the day after the murders, Eaglin stated, I tried to kill those three people. Based on the foregoing, competent, substantial evidence exists to support Eaglin's convictions.