Opinion ID: 2638977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: {14} We first address Defendant's claim that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction for depraved mind murder. Under a sufficiency of evidence analysis, we must determine whether substantial evidence of either a direct or circumstantial nature exists to support a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt with respect to every element essential to a conviction. State v. Sutphin, 107 N.M. 126, 131, 753 P.2d 1314, 1319 (1988). We must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, resolving all conflicts and indulging all permissible inferences in favor of the verdict. Id. It is this Court's duty on review to determine whether any rational jury could have found the essential facts to establish each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Garcia, 114 N.M. 269, 274, 837 P.2d 862, 867 (1992).