Opinion ID: 1855351
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence and the state failed to prove appellant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Text: ¶ 7. Cross contends that the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. Cross claims that Febrina told nothing but lies throughout the trial. However, the reason for the lies would be speculation. Cross argues that to allow the verdict to stand would be to sanction an unconscionable injustice and, for that, asks to this Court for a reversal of his conviction. ¶ 8. The State contends that the record clearly shows that sufficient evidence existed to make a jury issue of Cross's guilt. Further, the State contends that Febrina's testimony shows that Cross committed the acts which constitute the crime of attempted rape and nothing was presented to refute it. ¶ 9. Our standard of review for the determination of whether a jury verdict is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence is as follows: In determining whether a jury verdict is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, this Court must accept as true the evidence which supports the verdict and will reverse only when convinced that the circuit court has abused its discretion in failing to grant a new trial. Herring v. State, 691 So.2d 948, 957 (Miss.1997). Only in those cases where the verdict is so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence that to allow it to stand would sanction an unconscionable injustice will this Court disturb it on appeal. Herring, 691 So.2d at 957; Benson v. State, 551 So.2d 188, 193 (Miss.1989); (citing McFee v. State, 511 So.2d 130, 133-134 (Miss.1987)). Collier v. State, 711 So.2d 458, 461 (Miss. 1998) (quoting Pleasant v. State, 701 So.2d 799, 802 (Miss.1997)). ¶ 10. Cross's main argument is that the overwhelming weight of the evidence is that Febrina told several lies. Cross asserts that Febrina lied about what she was wearing; she lied about the length of time Cross spent in the apartment; and that she lied about the reason why her mother's friend took at least an hour to get to the apartment. ¶ 11. Our case law holds that the unsupported word of the victim of a sex crime is sufficient to support a guilty verdict where the testimony is not discredited or contradicted by other credible evidence, especially if the conduct of the victim is consistent with the conduct of one who has been victimized by a sex crime. McKinney v. State, 521 So.2d 898, 899 (Miss. 1988); Goss v. State, 465 So.2d 1079, 1082 (Miss.1985) (The victim's testimony alone is sufficient, although not corroborated, where it is consistent with the circumstances). Christian v. State, 456 So.2d 729, 734 (Miss.1984). ¶ 12. It is, of course, within the province of the jury to determine the credibility of witnesses.... Pleasant v. State, 701 So.2d 799, 802 (Miss.1997). ¶ 13. In the case sub judice, nothing in the record supports the allegation that Febrina lied in her testimony. Febrina stated that she was wearing a long nightgown. Later, during trial, counsel again asked Febrina if she was wearing a nightgown, she replied in the affirmative. We hold that the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict of guilty, therefore, Cross's contention that the verdict against the overwhelming weight of the evidence is without merit.