Opinion ID: 1650090
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: This Court has a mandatory obligation to independently review the sufficiency of the evidence in every case in which a sentence of death has been imposed. See Blake v. State, 972 So.2d 839, 850 (Fla.2007); Fla. R.App. P. 9.142(a)(6). In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, the question is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, a rational trier of fact could have found the existence of the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Bradley v. State, 787 So.2d 732, 738 (Fla.2001) (citing Banks v. State, 732 So.2d 1065, 1067 n. 5 (Fla.1999)). The evidence is sufficient to affirm Turner's convictions for the premeditated murder of Renee Howard. In support of premeditation, the record reflects that Turner was lurking around the hotel for hours before the murder. Further, Turner burst into the room, ready to attack, and then proceeded to stab Howard fifteen times. With regard to placing Turner at the scene, the record reflects that four separate witnesses placed Turner at the hotel prior to the murders. During trial Stacia Raybon provided great detail with regard to Turner's entry into the hotel room and the stabbing of both women. Moreover, Turner was identified as the driver of the Renee Howard's stolen truck later that day. Finally, with regard to physical evidence, Turner's DNA was found in both the hotel room and Howard's truck. Turner's bloody shoeprint was also found in the hotel room. The evidence is more than sufficient to affirm the conviction of murder.