Opinion ID: 1044041
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: The evidence establishes aggravating circumstances

Text: In determining whether the evidence supports the application of the aggravating circumstances, the proper standard to consider is whether, after reviewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the State, a rational trier of fact could have found the existence of the aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Stevens, 78 S.W.3d 817, 841 (Tenn.2002). The two aggravating circumstances submitted by the State were the Defendant's prior violent felony, see Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-13-204(i)(2), and that the murder was committed during an attempt to commit robbery, see Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-13-204(i)(7). In support of the (i)(2) aggravating circumstance, the jury was presented with evidence of the Defendant's conviction for the 1978 murder of Becky Roberts in Mississippi. The Defendant did not dispute the judgment of conviction for that crime. The Defendant's statement to the police was offered in support of the (i)(7) aggravating circumstance. He admitted that he had planned to steal the victim's purse. He also admitted to looking through the purse for something of value. This evidence establishes a basis for the jury's finding that the (i)(7) aggravating circumstance was established beyond a reasonable doubt. Cf. State v. Keen, 31 S.W.3d 196, 206-08 (Tenn.2000) (finding that defendant's statement, and inferences gleaned from it, established a reasonable basis for the jury's finding of the especially heinous, atrocious or cruel aggravating circumstance). Under these circumstances, a rational trier of fact could have found the (i)(2) and (i)(7) aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt.