Opinion ID: 1891447
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the trial court's judgment is supported by the evidence.

Text: ¶ 37. Haynes argues the evidence presented at trial is insufficient as a matter of law to warrant a conviction on the three counts of the indictment. Additionally, Haynes argues the weight of the State's evidence was not sufficient for a reasonable juror to find him guilty. ¶ 38. When determining whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction, the relevant question is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Bush v. State, 895 So.2d 836, 843 (Miss.2005) (citing Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 315, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979)). Excluding Haynes' confession, and considering only the evidence the State presented in the light most favorable to the State, we find sufficient evidence existed to convict Haynes of murder, sexual battery, and first degree arson. As discussed in our harmless error analysis above, Haynes' DNA and fingerprints were found at the crime scene, Haynes had detailed knowledge of the crime as related to Officer Steed and Officer Pope, alleging Love was responsible for the crime, as well as other factors connecting Haynes to the crime. ¶ 39. When determining whether a verdict is against the weight of the evidence, this Court weighs the evidence in the light most favorable to verdict. Bush, 895 So.2d at 844. Moreover, the verdict must be `so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence that to allow it to stand would sanction an unconscionable injustice.' Dilworth v. State, 909 So.2d 731, 737 (Miss.2005) (citing Bush, 895 So.2d at 844). Again, excluding Haynes' confession, Haynes provided little, if any, evidence or explanation to refute the State's evidence that connected him to the crime scene. Therefore, we cannot say the verdict was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence so as to create an unconscionable injustice. See id.