Opinion ID: 2344927
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Ford also argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions under an aiding and abetting theory because there was not sufficient evidence that Ford had the required mens rea. Sufficiency of the evidence claims are reviewed de novo. United States v. Bamiduro, 718 A.2d 547 (D.C. 1998). In reviewing for sufficiency of the evidence, the court must examine the evidence in the light most favorable to the government and inquire whether a reasonable person could find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Kelly v. United States, 639 A.2d 86, 89-90 (D.C.1994). To establish aiding and abetting, the government must establish (1) that an offense was committed by someone; (2) that the accused assisted or participated in its commission; and (3) that he did so with guilty knowledge. Wilson-Bey v. United States, 871 A.2d 1155, 1163-64 (D.C.2005). Viewed in the light most favorable to the government, the evidence is sufficient to support Ford's conviction under an aiding and abetting theory. The evidence establishes that Slade was shot and that Ford participated in the shooting with guilty knowledge. Taken together, the testimony from Slade and Delaney establishes that Ford not only participated in the assault, but that he fired the first shot at Slade. Although Ford argues that the government did not introduce sufficient evidence that he had the required mens rea to be convicted of the charged offenses, the evidence was sufficient to support that Ford participated in the assault on Slade with guilty knowledge.