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Arthur Jerry SHULER, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
Appellant was convicted of two counts of throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling, one count of resisting an officer without violence, and two counts of criminal mischief.
On appeal, Appellant challenges only his convictions for throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling. We find that the trial court improperly denied Appellant's motion for judgment of acquittal as to the two counts of throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling because the State failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.
The testimony of James Garvin, Tawana Mitchell, and Sergeant Keith Davis merely established that Appellant was present at the scene around the time, but not at the time, the rocks were thrown through the window. There was absolutely no evidence presented that Appellant actually threw the rocks through the window of Mr. Garvin's house. Mere presence at the scene is insufficient to justify a conviction. See, e.g., Staten v. State, 519 So.2d 622 (Fla.1988); T.B. v. State, 732 So.2d 1163 (Fla. 1st DCA 1999).
Accordingly, Appellant's convictions for throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling are reversed and the case is remanded for further proceedings.
PER CURIAM.
ALLEN, C.J., MINER and DAVIS, JJ., concur.
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Docket No: No. 1D00-3615.
Decided: December 26, 2001
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,First District.
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FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
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