Opinion ID: 1466055
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Appellant's primary argument is that there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction of First-Degree Robbery by Complicity. Appellant preserved the error with a timely motion for a directed verdict. The standard of review for a trial court's denial of a motion for directed verdict is set forth in Commonwealth v. Benham, 816 S.W.2d 186 (Ky.1991). In that case we held: On motion for directed verdict, the trial court must draw all fair and reasonable inferences from the evidence in favor of the Commonwealth. If the evidence is sufficient to induce a reasonable juror to believe beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty, a directed verdict should not be given. For the purpose of ruling on the motion, the trial court must assume that the evidence for the Commonwealth is true, but reserving to the jury questions as to the credibility and weight to be given to such testimony. On appellate review, the test of a directed verdict is, if under the evidence as a whole, it would be clearly unreasonable for a jury to find guilt, only then the defendant is entitled to a directed verdict of acquittal. Id. at 187 (internal citations omitted). Appellant argues that there was insufficient evidence for the jury to conclude that he had the requisite prior knowledge and intent necessary to justify his conviction for robbery by complicity. He argues that the evidence proved, at best, his guilt as an accessory after the fact to the robbery. We disagree. There was significant circumstantial evidence from which a jury could reasonably conclude that Appellant was guilty. Appellant and Brannock had discussed the possibility of committing a similar crime at an area pawnshop. [1] On a visit to the site of the robbery earlier in the day, the two men joked about the possibility of robbing a liquor store. Upon returning to the liquor store that evening, Brannock instructed Appellant, who was driving Brannock's car, to park behind and to the side of the store. Brannock entered the liquor store wearing a camouflage jacket, a camouflage bandana on his head, and a red bandana covering his face. He was carrying a shotgun. Although Brannock testified that Appellant had no prior knowledge or intent that Brannock would commit the robbery, he admitted that he had donned this apparel and brandished the shotgun in the Appellant's presence immediately after exiting the car. The two men shared the proceeds of the crime. In light of this evidence and drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the Commonwealth, the jury's verdict of guilt was clearly reasonable.