Opinion ID: 1169778
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: For his final point on appeal, Clark argues there was insufficient evidence to convict him of first-degree murder of Lynette and attempted first-degree murder of Shine. We have often stated the appellate standard of review concerning the sufficiency of the evidence. When the sufficiency of the evidence is challenged, the standard of review on appeal is whether, after review of all the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, an appellate court is convinced that a rational factfinder could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Johnson, 255 Kan. 252, Syl. ¶ 6, 874 P.2d 623 (1994); State v. Van Winkle, 254 Kan. 214, Syl. ¶ 5, 864 P.2d 729 (1993); State v. Ferguson, 254 Kan. 62, Syl. ¶ 4, 864 P.2d 693 (1993). Clark asserts that there was insufficient evidence of premeditation to convict him of first-degree murder and attempted firstdegree murder. We have stated that premeditation and deliberation may be inferred from the established circumstances, if the inference is a reasonable one. State v. Sanders, 258 Kan. 409, 414-15, 904 P.2d 951 (1995). With respect to Lynette, Clark became angry at her at the club earlier in the evening. He told Jeff Peebles he had a gun and could take care of it that way. Once back at the apartment, there was evidence Clark struck Lynette. After running out of the apartment, Clark pursued Lynette, walked up to her and stated, I told you this would happen. The evidence also supported a reasonable inference that Clark pressed the muzzle of the gun against Lynette's left temple and pulled the trigger as she tried to defend herself. There was no evidence of a struggle for the gun. This evidence was sufficient to support a reasonable inference of premeditation. With respect to Shine, there also was sufficient evidence of premeditation. Again, Clark was angry with Shine earlier in the evening. After the altercation with Shine in Lynette's apartment, Clark went into the bedroom. He took out a gun, loaded it, pointed the gun at Shine and stated, This is what you get if you mess with me. After Shine ran out the door, dark chased him, yelling, [Y]ou are a dead black motherfucker. Clark then fired two shots at Shine. After reviewing all the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we are convinced that there was sufficient evidence for a rational factfinder to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of each crime. Affirmed. Six, J., concurring: I concur in the result but view the discussion of res gestae in Syllabus ¶ 7 and the corresponding portion of the opinion as unnecessary. I agree with the attempt in Syllabus ¶ 8 to rein in our application of res gestae. Lynette's prior statements of abuse were not admissible as part of the res gestae but, as the majority observes, as evidence of a discordant relationship bearing on motive and intent. Although Clark abandoned his hearsay objection on appeal, the statements were admissible under K.S.A. 60-460(d)(3). I would return res gestae hearsay evidence analysis to the approach intended by the legislature's codification at K.S.A. 60-460. See State v. Sanders, 258 Kan. 409, 423, 904 P.2d 951 (1995) (Six, J., concurring); State v. Jones, 204 Kan. 719, 728-29, 466 P.2d 283 (1970); 1 Gard's Kansas C. Civ. Proc.2d Annot. § 60-460(d) (1979); Prater and Klemme, Res Gestae Raises Its Ugly Head, 65 J.K.B.A. 24 (Oct. 1996).