Opinion ID: 158952
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Attempted Carjacking of Deputy Frazier

Text: 19 The defendant next argues that the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction that the defendant attempted to take a motor vehicle under Count VII of the Indictment. Again, the standard of review is de novo. See United States v. Dozal, 173 F.3d 787 (10th Cir. 1999) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)). 20 In order to obtain a conviction on an attempt charge, the government must prove an intent to engage in criminal conduct and the performance of acts which constitute a `substantial step' toward the commission of the substantive offense. United States v. Remigo, 767 F.2d 730, 733 (10th Cir. 1985) quoting United States v. Manley, 632 F.2d 978, 987 (2nd Cir. 1980) cert. denied, sub nom. Williams v. United States, 449 U.S. 1112, 101 S.Ct. 922, 66 L.Ed.2d 841 (1981). Based upon the evidence presented at trial a reasonable jury could have found that the defendant took a substantial step toward committing the crime of carjacking and would have completed the attempt had Deputy Frazier not shot him. The evidence presented was that the defendant pointed a firearm at Deputy Frazier while he approached his vehicle. Deputy Frazier shot the defendant when he was at the passenger door of his vehicle. A reasonable jury could have found that had the defendant not been shot he would have opened the passenger door and taken the vehicle. Therefore the conviction under Count VII of the Indictment is affirmed.