Opinion ID: 1830066
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whether the overwhelming weight of the evidence supports the murder conviction.

Text: ¶ 13. In the first issue, Webster asserts that his murder conviction is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. In the second issue, Webster asserts that the overwhelming weight of the evidence supports a finding of self-defense. It is well established that matters regarding the weight of the evidence are to be resolved by the jury. Danner v. State, 748 So.2d 844, 846 (Miss.App.1999)(citing Neal v. State, 451 So.2d 743, 758 (Miss.1984)). Whether a slaying is considered either murder or manslaughter is a question for the jury. Windham v. State, 520 So.2d 123, 127 (Miss.1987). As to a claim of self-defense, the jury is the ultimate judge of whether the defendant acted in a manner to justify self-defense. Rush v. State, 278 So.2d 456, 459 (Miss.1973). The court is bound by the jury findings upon an issue presented by the instruction requested by the [defendant]. Kinney v. State, 336 So.2d 493, 496 (Miss.1976). ¶ 14. In a jury trial, as the case before the Court today, the jury determines whether the defendant committed murder, manslaughter or acted in self-defense based on the testimony and evidence presented by counsel. This Court has restricted authority to interfere in the province of the jury verdict. McFee v. State, 511 So.2d 130, 133 (Miss.1987). The jury in Webster's case returned a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder. Accordingly, this Court is bound to review the weight of the evidence in regard to the verdict of murder only and cannot review, as Webster requests, a lesser-included offense of manslaughter nor a theory of self-defense. The jury already made a determination on whether Webster was guilty of murder, manslaughter or acted in self-defense. Therefore, this Court will only review the record to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the jury verdict of murder. Webster's second issue concerning a self-defense issue is not appropriately before this Court to review and will not be addressed.