Opinion ID: 1358977
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Exculpatory Statement

Text: Defendant argues that evidence contained in a statement he made to the police is insufficient to support his conviction. He maintains that his statement, which the State offered into evidence, is exculpatory as to the element of deliberation and formation of specific intent which is required for a conviction of first degree murder. As to admissibility of defendant's statement, the trial court ruled there was compliance with Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966), and that there was a knowing and intelligent waiver and consent for an interview with the defendant. The statement was tape-recorded and relevant portions were played for the jury. Defense counsel subsequently read exculpatory portions of the transcript of the tape into the record as part of the defense of lack of capacity to form intent. These exculpatory portions included the defendant explaining that he guessed he killed Lynch because of insanity; that he did not kill Lynch because he was a witness; that the killing was a split second type of thing; and that he regretted the killing. This Court has held that if the State offers a statement of the accused containing exculpatory matter, the State must overcome the defendant's claim of excuse or justification. State v. Lopez, 79 N.M. 282, 442 P.2d 594 (1968). Lopez explains that the State's burden is not to prove the defendant's statement is untrue, but simply that proof be submitted concerning the occurrence which, if true, or believed by the jury, would support a conclusion that the statement was not true, or, even if true, that the facts did not require acquittal. Id. at 286, 442 P.2d at 598. Defendant argues Johnson's evidence is insufficient because Johnson's credibility was impeached, Johnson's statements and defendant's exclupatory explanation for his actions were consistent, and the abduction and burying of Lynch was circumstantial. Circumstantial evidence may be used to establish an element of a crime. State v. Sanchez, 98 N.M. 428, 649 P.2d 496 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 98 N.M. 478, 649 P.2d 1391 (1982). The determination of the weight and effect of the evidence, including all reasonable inferences to be drawn from both the direct and circumstantial evidence is a matter reserved for determination by the trier of fact. State v. Vigil, 87 N.M. 345, 533 P.2d 578 (1975). The inculpatory portion of the defendant's statement and the testimony of Johnson and the two doctors, if believed by the jury, were sufficient to overcome defendant's contention that he did not deliberate and was incapable of forming the intent to commit first degree murder. See State v. Lopez .