Opinion ID: 2330840
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: [¶ 24] In Mendicoa v. State, 771 P.2d 1240, 1243 (Wyo. 1989) we noted regarding the sufficiency of the evidence: It is not our function to weigh the evidence for a determination as to whether or not it is sufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We have consistently held that even though it is possible to draw other inferences from the evidence presented, it is the responsibility of the jury to resolve conflicts in the evidence. Broom v. State, 695 P.2d 640, 642 (Wyo.1985) (citations omitted), quoted in Roose [ v. State ], 759 P.2d [478] at 487 [ (Wyo.1988) ]. Broom v. State, 695 P.2d 640, 642 (Wyo. 1985) (citations omitted)[.] [¶ 25] In Kenyon v. State, 2004 WY 100, ¶ 14, 96 P.3d 1016, 1022 (Wyo.2004) (quoting May v. State, 2003 WY 14, ¶ 11, 62 P.3d 574, 578 (Wyo.2003) (citations and quotation marks omitted)), we stated: When reviewing a sufficiency of the evidence claim in a criminal case, we must determine whether a rational trier of fact could find the essential elements of the crime were proven beyond a reasonable doubt. We do not consider conflicting evidence presented by the unsuccessful party, and afford every favorable inference which may be reasonably and fairly drawn from the successful party's evidence. We have consistently held that it is the jury's responsibility to resolve conflicts in the evidence. We will not substitute our judgment for that of the jury, ... our only duty is to determine whether a quorum of reasonable and rational individuals would, or even could, have come to the same result as the jury actually did. [¶ 26] We have stated that this Court does not review the record evidence to determine if it agrees with the verdict, but rather the critical inquiry of this Court 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 proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Ekholm v. State, 2004 WY 159, ¶ 18, 102 P.3d 201, 206 (Wyo.2004); Tanner v. State, 2002 WY 170, ¶ 7, 57 P.3d 1242, 1244 (Wyo.2002). Here, we conclude that a rational and reasonable trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt, given the conduct of Jones. [¶ 27] In Wentworth v. State, 975 P.2d 22, 26 (Wyo.1999) we stated: Specific intent is an element of the crime of larceny. Wetherelt v. State, 864 P.2d 449, 452 (Wyo.1993). The State must establish that element, just as it must any other element, beyond a reasonable doubt. Jennings v. State, 806 P.2d 1299, 1303 (Wyo.1991). The element of specific intent that must be demonstrated in a larceny case is intent to steal or to deprive the owner of the property   . Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-3-402(b). Wentworth asserts that the prosecution presented no evidence of intent, but he might more appropriately argue that the prosecution offered no direct evidence of intent. The fallacy in Wentworth's claim, however, is that the jury may infer specific intent from circumstantial evidence, such as the conduct of the defendant. As we said in Schiefer v. State, 774 P.2d 133, 135 (Wyo.1989): The mind of an alleged offender may be read from his acts, his conduct, his words and the reasonable inferences which may be drawn from the circumstances of the case. To hold otherwise would create an impossible burden in a case requiring a finding of specific intent. [Emphasis in original.] [¶ 28] As to sufficiency of the evidence, leaving out the conflicting testimony of Jones, the jury had sufficient evidence to convict. The reasonable inference is that Jones intentionally and with premeditation demanded the money from Whitehead, shot and killed him, then took the money from Whitehead's pocket or off the floor, and fled with Bell. Bell stated that Jones was serious about the taking of the money. This was done in the presence of eye witnesses. The statement, give me your money, at gunpoint is generally sufficient for this Court to conclude that Jones intended to take the victim's money by using deadly force. Furthermore, the testimony was that even though Whitehead complied with the demand, Jones shot Whitehead, who was unarmed, several times. From our review of the record, the jury clearly had sufficient evidence to convict Jones.