Opinion ID: 1242476
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Smallwood's claim seems to be that the evidence that convicted him was primarily circumstantial and therefore was insufficient evidence to convict him. The standard of review on sufficiency of the evidence is whether, after review of all the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we are convinced that a rational factfinder could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Bradford, 254 Kan. 133, Syl. ¶ 3, 864 P.2d 680 (1993). The appellate court looks only to the evidence in favor of the verdict to determine if the essential elements of a charge are sustained. State v. Pratt, 255 Kan. 767, 768, 876 P.2d 1390 (1994). A conviction of even the gravest offense may be sustained by circumstantial evidence. State v. Hupp, 248 Kan. at 652 (quoting State v. Graham, 247 Kan. 388, 398, 799 P.2d 1003 [1990]). The fact that the evidence was circumstantial is not determinative, as a conviction based on circumstantial evidence is permissible. Based upon the testimony of the three physicians, the evidence at trial was sufficient to convict Smallwood of child abuse felony murder and abuse of a child.