Opinion ID: 198913
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence of First Degree Murder

Text: 61 Hughes contends that there was insufficient evidence to support the district court's finding that he murdered McCarthy within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 1111--i.e., that Hughes killed McCarthy with malice aforethought. See 18 U.S.C. § 1111. Our review of a sentencing court's fact-specific determination of a defendant's role in the offense is limited to clear error. United States v. Alicea, 204 F.3d 480, 485 (1st Cir. 2000). 62 First degree murder is willful, deliberate, malicious, and premeditated killing. 18 U.S.C. § 1111. Hughes argues that the evidence equally supports a finding that he committed voluntary manslaughter--i.e., killing [u]pon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion. 18 U.S.C. § 1112. The government, however, presented strong circumstantial evidence that Hughes planned to murder McCarthy when they met in Mexico. Hughes purchased a gun, devised a plan to transport it to Mexico, surveyed the area of the crime to choose a suitable location to kill McCarthy, and planned for McCarthy to arrive late at night. To sustain a sentencing enhancement, the government need only prove the relevant facts by a preponderance of the evidence. See United States v. Medina, 167 F.3d 77, 79 (1st Cir. 1999). The district court did not commit clear error in finding that the government met its burden. 9 63