Opinion ID: 2545608
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence as to Caraballo's Convictions

Text: In appeals where the death penalty has been imposed, this Court independently reviews the record to confirm that the jury's verdict is supported by competent, substantial evidence. Davis v. State, 2 So.3d 952, 966-67 (Fla.2008) (citing Fla. R.App. P. 9.142(a)(6)). In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, the question is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, a rational trier of fact could have found the existence of the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Simmons v. State, 934 So.2d 1100, 1111 (Fla. 2006) (quoting Bradley v. State, 787 So.2d 732, 738 (Fla.2001)). Although Caraballo did not expressly challenge the sufficiency of the evidence as to each of his convictions, we conclude that sufficient evidence was presented at trial for the jury to find Caraballo guilty of all seven felonies. The State presented evidence that Caraballo was among a group of five men who accosted Angel and her companion, Portobanco, at gunpoint and forced them into a pickup truck. The men forced Angel and Portobanco to turn over their belongings, and Caraballo himself admitted to using Angel's ATM card. Further evidence was presented that Caraballo engaged in forced sexual activity with Angel, and his own admissions placed him in a position where, although the evidence suggests that he did not fire the fatal shot, he witnessed the brutal murder of Angel and did not intervene. Caraballo was also present when Portobanco was stabbed repeatedly and left for dead. Caraballo's own statements place him with the group that evening and implicate him in each crime committed. Moreover, multiple items belonging to both victims were found in the apartment where Caraballo barricaded himself upon returning to Orlandowhere law enforcement found him alone. Consequently, there is competent, substantial evidence to support each of Caraballo's convictions.