Opinion ID: 2514211
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion to Dismiss for Insufficient Evidence of Premeditation

Text: Clark moved to dismiss the charge of first degree murder at the end of the state's case, claiming the state had failed to provide sufficient evidence of the premeditation element. Clark asks us to vacate and dismiss his conviction for a new trial, or alternatively vacate and remand for sentencing for second degree murder. Evidence of a charge or an element of a charge is sufficient if, viewed in the light most favorable to the state, a rational trier of fact could have found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Gentry, 125 Wash.2d at 596, 888 P.2d 1105. All reasonable inferences from the evidence must be drawn in favor of the state and interpreted most strongly against the defendant. Id. at 597, 888 P.2d 1105. Premeditation may be proved by circumstantial evidence where the inferences drawn by the jury are reasonable and the evidence supporting the jury's finding is substantial. Id. at 598, 888 P.2d 1105. We went on to note in Gentry that: This court has held that evidence of strangulation, alone, does not support an inference of premeditation. However, sufficient evidence to infer premeditation has been found where (1) multiple wounds were inflicted; (2) a weapon was used; (3) the victim was struck from behind; and (4) there was evidence of a motive, such as robbery or sexual assault. Sufficient evidence to infer premeditation also has been found where multiple wounds were inflicted by a knife procured at the site of the killing, the killing took place in a room away from the kitchen, where the knife was found, where the victim was struck in the face and where the evidence indicated that the victim had engaged in a prolonged struggle. Id. at 599, 888 P.2d 1105 (footnotes omitted) (citing State v. Bingham, 105 Wash.2d 820, 826, 719 P.2d 109 (1986); State v. Ollens, 107 Wash.2d 848, 853, 733 P.2d 984 (1987); State v. Ortiz, 119 Wash.2d 294, 312-13, 831 P.2d 1060 (1992)). The state put on evidence in this case similar to that in Gentry. Roxanne Doll was killed with a knife and was stabbed at least seven times in the neck. Cuts on her hands indicated a defensive struggle, and she was sexually assaulted. This case is therefore similar to Gentry. There Gentry attempted to sexually assault the victim, a young girl, and killed her with 8 to 15 blows from a rock he had picked up at the scene. We found this evidence sufficient for premeditation. Gentry, 125 Wash.2d at 599-601, 888 P.2d 1105. The trial court properly denied Clark's motion to dismiss.