Opinion ID: 2070042
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: First-Degree Murder Sufficiency of Evidence.

Text: Appellant argues that the evidence at trial was insufficient to establish guilt for first-degree murder. In determining whether there was sufficient evidence to support the jury verdict, this court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict. State v. Spurgin, 358 N.W.2d 648, 651 (Minn.1984); State v. Oevering, 268 N.W.2d 68, 71 (Minn.1978). On appeal, appellant does not dispute the fact he shot Kohrt. The sole issue is whether the evidence supports a finding of intent and premeditation. Minn.Stat. § 609.18 (1984) defines premeditation as: to consider, plan or prepare for, or determine to commit, the act referred to prior to its commission. Appellant argues that the 15 minutes between when he left the bar and when he returned were insufficient to allow him to form intent and premeditation. We have stated, however, that extensive planning and deliberation are not required; premeditation and intent may be formed virtually instantaneously. State v. Neumann, 262 N.W.2d 426, 430 (Minn. 1978). We find sufficient evidence to support the jury verdict. Appellant had threatened both bouncers prior to going to get and returning to the bar with the shotgun. When appellant entered the bar, he did not shoot randomly, he shot only at Kohrt. These circumstances alone support a finding of premeditation. The finding of intent and premeditation is also supported by testimony indicating that appellant moved toward the victim during successive shots and that there was a pause between shots. See State v. Hare, 278 Minn. 405, 408, 154 N.W.2d 820, 822 (1967), cert. denied, 391 U.S. 925, 88 S.Ct. 1823, 20 L.Ed.2d 663 (1968) (aiming loaded gun and firing multiple shots, all which strike target, permits inference of premeditation and intent to kill).