Opinion ID: 1421674
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: was there sufficient evidence to support the manslaughter conviction?

Text: At the close of the state's case, appellant moved for judgment of acquittal pursuant to 17 A.R.S. Rules of Crim.Proc., rule 20(a). Appellant now claims that the trial judge improperly considered his motion because the judge did not review the testimony of Dr. Alan Jones before making the ruling. We disagree with this contention. During the presentation of the rule 20 motion, the trial judge stated that he did not remember Dr. Jones' testimony concerning the stab wound to the heart. At that point, the state's attorney refreshed the trial judge's memory as to the substance of that particular part of Dr. Jones' testimony. This characterization accurately corresponded with the doctor's testimony and appellant's attorney essentially agreed with it. Thus, the judge was informed as to the portion of Dr. Jones' testimony he did not remember. The trial judge did not improperly consider appellant's motion. Appellant further contends that there was no substantial evidence to warrant the jury verdict of manslaughter. 17 A.R.S. Rules of Crim.Proc., rule 20(b). Appellant urges that it was error for the trial judge not to enter a judgment of acquittal. We disagree. Reversible error occurs only when there is an absence of probative evidence from which a rational trier of fact could have found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). The appellate court, in reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, must consider the evidence in a light most favorable to the state and resolve all reasonable inferences against appellant. State v. Lawrence, 123 Ariz. 301, 307, 599 P.2d 754, 760 (1979). As we previously noted, there was sufficient evidence to warrant the manslaughter instruction. This same evidence properly supports the jury's verdict of manslaughter.