Opinion ID: 1256222
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Absence From Scene of the Crime

Text: Appellant argues the trial court erred by failing to direct a verdict on the accessory charges when no evidence was presented that he was absent from the scene of the crime. A defendant is entitled to a directed verdict when the State fails to produce evidence of the offense charged. State v. Curtis, 356 S.C. 622, 591 S.E.2d 600 (2004). In reviewing a motion for directed verdict, the trial judge is concerned with the existence of the evidence, not with its weight. Id. On appeal from the denial of a directed verdict, an appellate court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the State. Id. If there is any direct evidence or substantial circumstantial evidence reasonably tending to prove the guilt of the accused, the Court must find the case was properly submitted to the jury. Id. Regarding the accessory before the fact to armed robbery charge, the testimony indicates appellant was present during the time Tommie pulled a gun on the victim and informed the victim they were going to take the cocaine. Rico testified appellant left the victim's house with the cocaine indicating appellant assisted in completing the armed robbery. Further, appellant, in his first statement to police, did not mention the cocaine and, in his second statement, he stated that he was in the car with Rico when Osbey entered the car with the cocaine. Therefore, there was conflicting evidence whether appellant was present during the taking of the cocaine from the victim's possession. [9] Regarding the crime of accessory before the fact to ABIK, Rico testified appellant motioned Osbey to enter the victim's home pursuant to the plan for Osbey to come in and shoot everyone. Rico also indicated appellant was present during the shooting. However, Tommie and appellant testified appellant was not present during the shooting. Given the conflicting evidence on both charges, the trial court appropriately submitted the charges to the jury and properly denied the directed verdict motion. See State v. Curtis, supra (defendant not entitled to directed verdict when State has produced evidence of offense charged; if there is any direct evidence or substantial circumstantial evidence reasonably tending to prove guilt of accused, Court must find case was properly submitted to jury).