Opinion ID: 1127469
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Defendants' Request for Acquittal

Text: Both defendants moved for acquittal when the state rested, arguing that there was no substantial evidence to warrant a conviction. See Ariz.R.Crim.P. 20. Robert also filed a postverdict motion for acquittal, which Roger joined. On appeal, defendants argue that the trial court erred in denying their motions. In State v. Apelt , we stated: A judgment of acquittal is appropriate when no substantial evidence [exists] to warrant a conviction. Substantial evidence is more than a mere scintilla and is such proof that reasonable persons could accept as adequate and sufficient to support a conclusion of defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 176 Ariz. at 360, 861 P.2d at 645 (citations and quotations omitted). The probative value of evidence is not reduced because it is circumstantial. State v. Blevins, 128 Ariz. 64, 67, 623 P.2d 853, 856 (App. 1981). When a defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court views the evidence in the light most favorable to sustaining the conviction. State v. Tison, 129 Ariz. 546, 552, 633 P.2d 355, 361 (1981), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 882, 103 S.Ct. 180, 74 L.Ed.2d 147 (1982).
Defendants argue that the state failed to show that force was used in the course of taking property; thus, the armed robbery and felony murder charges lacked substantial evidence. See State v. Lopez, 158 Ariz. 258, 264, 762 P.2d 545, 551 (1988). According to them, the armed robbery charge should have resulted in acquittal. They argue that the evidence only supported a charge of theft, which is not a predicate for felony murder. Therefore, they argue, the felony murder charge should have been dismissed as well. A person commits armed robbery if in the course of taking property from the presence of another against his will, such person is armed with a deadly weapon and threatens or uses force with the intent to coerce the surrender of property or to prevent resistance. A.R.S. งง 13-1902, -1904 (1989). [T]here must be evidence establishing that defendant's intent to commit robbery was coexistent with his use of force. Lopez, 158 Ariz. at 263, 762 P.2d at 550 (quoting State v. Wallace, 151 Ariz. 362, 365, 728 P.2d 232, 235 (1986), cert. denied, 483 U.S. 1011, 107 S.Ct. 3243, 97 L.Ed.2d 748 (1987)). We also have stated that a robbery may also be established when the use of force precedes the actual taking of property, so long as the use of force is accompanied with the intent to take another's property. State v. Comer, 165 Ariz. 413, 421, 799 P.2d 333, 341 (1990), cert. denied, 499 U.S. 943, 111 S.Ct. 1404, 113 L.Ed.2d 460 (1991). Here, there is evidence that the Murray brothers took property from the store, which was not open for business. Further, there is evidence that they took the property from Morrison's immediate presence, as Morrison's flashlight, keys, and glasses were found on the porch and signs of a struggle were found in the courtyard. Loose coins were disbursed throughout the courtyard, suggesting that the defendants already had taken some property when they subdued Morrison. See id. ([T]he only reasonable inference based on the evidence was that appellant shot [the victim] in furtherance of his previously formulated plan to obtain money and supplies.). Clearly, they were armed, as they were arrested a few hours later with the same weapons as those used on the victims. Thus, this case differs from Lopez, where there was no evidence that force was used in the course of taking property. Roger also claims there is no evidence that he killed, attempted to kill or intended to kill; therefore, the felony murder conviction is invalid. But the state need not prove that defendant killed, attempted to kill, or intended to kill in order to prove felony murder. See A.R.S. 13-1105(A)(2) (Supp. 1994). The state need only prove that defendant, either as a principal or as an accomplice, committed or attempted to commit robbery and that someone was killed in the course of and in furtherance of the robbery. Id.; A.R.S. ง 13-303(A) (1989) (criminal liability based upon conduct of another); see State v. Collins, 111 Ariz. 303, 307, 528 P.2d 829, 833 (1974) (defendant could be convicted and sentenced for first degree murder and armed robbery, even though defendant did not actually shoot victim).
Roger also argues that the finding of premeditation is insupportable because the state did not prove that he was at the scene and participated in the crime. To show premeditation, the state must prove that the defendant acted with either the intent or knowledge that he would kill his victim and that such intent or knowledge preceded the killing by a length of time permitting reflection. State v. Rankovich, 159 Ariz. 116, 122, 765 P.2d 518, 524 (1988). To sustain a verdict of premeditated first degree murder, there must be substantial evidence of premeditation. State v. Dickey, 125 Ariz. 163, 170, 608 P.2d 302, 309 (1980). Premeditation may be as instantaneous as successive thoughts of the mind. State v. Lacquey, 117 Ariz. 231, 234, 571 P.2d 1027, 1030 (1977). Here, defendants shot the victims repeatedly in the back of the head, execution style, while they lay on their stomachs. This shows that defendants had sufficient time to permit reflection. Furthermore, the evidence placing defendants at the scene was overwhelming. An atlas with Grasshopper Junction circled was found in the Ford Tempo. Defendants had spent the night of May 12 in Kingman and had visited the Temple Bar until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. on May 13, the night of the murders. Defendants were apprehended the following morning with evidence from the crime scene, including rolled coins with the business name stamped on the roll, a cushion cover matching the couch in Morrison's living room, car keys that fit a car left at the scene, a scanner that fit into the tow truck, and guns and ammunition that matched or were consistent with bullets fired at the scene. Blood found on defendants' clothing was consistent with blood from the victims. Footprints at the scene were consistent with shoes worn by defendants. This evidence is more than enough to place defendants at the scene participating in the crimes.