Opinion ID: 2091416
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Litel claims that the evidence does not support his convictions for confinement, battery or robbery. When the sufficiency of the evidence is challenged, we will not reweigh the evidence or judge the credibility of the witnesses. Rather, we look to the evidence favorable to the judgment and all reasonable inferences therefrom to determine if there is substantial evidence of probative value which supports the conviction. Alfaro v. State (1985), Ind., 478 N.E.2d 670. Litel argues he could not have been convicted of both confining the women in the car and robbing them of the car by separating them from it. The information did not allege that Litel confined the women in the car, however, it charged that he removed the women from University Avenue by force. The evidence certainly established that he did so. The evidence is not sufficient to support the robbery conviction, Litel claims, because the car was not taken from Vie's possession. He also argues that the evidence cannot support the conviction as an armed robbery because the use of the deadly weapon was intended to force the girls to undress, not to give up possession of the car. While Vie left the car before Litel absconded with it, it was nonetheless taken from her possession. Litel's attack caused Vie to flee, resulting in the involuntary relinquishment of her car. Litel's use of a deadly weapon caused this relinquishment. This was sufficient to establish an armed robbery. See Wash v. State (1980), Ind. App., 408 N.E.2d 634. Litel also alleges that the evidence was not sufficient to support a conviction for battery with a deadly weapon. A battery is a knowing or intentional touching of another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. Ind. Code § 35-42-2-1. The crime is a class C felony if it is committed by means of a deadly weapon. Ind. Code § 35-42-2-1(3). Litel argues that no one testified that he touched Vie with the razor. Walters, however, testified that Litel did touch Vie with the razor. Moreover, Vie testified that he touched her breasts and legs while holding a straight-edged razor to her throat. This touching was accomplished by means of a deadly weapon. The battery conviction is supported by sufficient evidence.