Opinion ID: 1827084
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Whether there was sufficient evidence to submit the charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault to the jury or for conviction.

Text: In determining the sufficiency of the evidence on appeal the only question presented to this court is whether or not there is evidence in the record which, if believed by the jury, is sufficient to sustain a finding of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Lufkins, 381 N.W.2d at 268 (citation omitted). In mak[ing] this determination, we accept the evidence and the most favorable inferences fairly drawn therefrom which will support the verdict. Svihl, 490 N.W.2d at 274 (citations omitted); State v. Sickler, 334 N.W.2d 677, 678 (S.D.1983) (citation omitted). Arguello and the State offer conflicting explanations of the sequence of events. The outcome of the case depends upon the believability of the witnesses. As noted previously, it is the function of the jury, not this court, to resolve conflicts in the evidence, determine witness credibility, and weigh the evidence. Svihl, 490 N.W.2d at 274 (citation omitted). The jury, not this court, was able to view the witnesses and their demeanor during both direct and cross examination. [W]e afford the strongest presumption in favor of the jury's determination of credibility.... [T]he jury heard all the testimony offered by State and resolved any conflicts in the evidence in State's favor. Our review of the record reveals abundant evidence which is sufficient to sustain the jury's finding of [Arguello's] guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. Because the jury acquitted him of second-degree murder, [7] Arguello argues the jury was precluded from finding him guilty of first-degree manslaughter. [8] According to Arguello, the elements for the two crimes are the same. The crucial distinction between second-degree murder and manslaughter in the first degree is that the former requires a `depraved mind' as an element of the crime, while the latter does not.... [T]he `depraved mind' requirement is a genuine additional element which must be established in order to prosecute for second-degree murder. State v. Primeaux, 328 N.W.2d 256, 258 (S.D.1982) (citation omitted). Clearly, the jury could find Arguello guilty of first-degree manslaughter and not second degree murder if they found that Arguello did not perpetrate an act evincing a depraved mind. The elements of the two crimes are not the same.