Opinion ID: 2174829
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Neither is there any evidence upon which to hold defendant deliberately created an opportunity to commit the instantly involved offense under circumstances suggesting ill intent on his part.

Text: In support of its position to the contrary the State apparently leans upon Miss Ribby's testimony. The record discloses she saw complainant and defendant in the latter's car sometime between 3:50 and 4:20 a. m. This means Mrs. Spading and Taylor were last seen together an hour or more before occurrence of the assault. Conceding existence of an opportunity for defendant to commit the charged offense it still remains such cannot alone suffice to supply the statutorily required corroboration. Referring again to State v. Lahmon, supra, 231 Iowa at 452, 1 N.W.2d at 632, we there aptly quoted this from State v. Smith, 194 Iowa 639, 645, 190 N.W. 27 (1922): `An examination of our cases recognizing this rule will disclose that in each of them there has been something about the creation of an opportunity and the circumstances attending it that, in and of itself, was suggestive, and sufficient, with other circumstances, to take the case to the jury on the question of corroboration.' See also State v. Escamilla, 182 N.W.2d at 924; State v. Hook, 242 Iowa 255, 258, 45 N.W.2d 858 (1951). We are satisfied the only fair inference to be drawn from the record is (1) Taylor and his companion Puls desired the companionship of Mrs. Spading and her friend; (2) these two girls readily acquiesced; (3) Puls and Miss Ribby were not asked to leave Taylor's car so he could be alone with complainant; and (4) defendant never evidenced to Puls or Miss Ribby any evil intent as to complainant. It therefore follows corroboration flowing from any defendant-induced opportunity, coupled with other circumstances connecting defendant with the involved assault was not here shown.