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STATE of Iowa, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Calvonta Ibrion STALLINGS, Defendant-Appellant.
A jury convicted Calvonta Stallings of two counts of first-degree robbery for stealing women's handbags at gunpoint on two separate occasions. Stallings appeals, stating that his convictions are not supported by sufficient evidence. But he challenges the sufficiency of the evidence in name only. In substance, Stallings brings evidentiary challenges. Specifically, he challenges the admissibility of photo lineups, a witness's out-of-court identification of him using the lineup photos, and another witness's in-court identification of him as her assailant.
However, we cannot consider the merits of any of Stallings's appellate claims because he failed to preserve error on any claim. Stallings never filed a motion to suppress the photo lineups; nor did he object to the admission of the photo lineup at trial or the out-of-court and in-court identifications of him. Because Stallings failed to raise his claims in the district court, the district court never had the opportunity to rule on his claims and we have nothing to review. See State v. Bynum, 937 N.W.2d 319, 324 (Iowa 2020). With nothing to review, we cannot reach the merits of Stallings claims, constitutional or otherwise. See id. And to the extent that Stallings does challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, he has waived that claim by failing to provide any supporting appellate argument or authority. See Iowa R. App. P. 6.903(2)(g)(3); State v. Vaugh, 859 N.W.2d 492, 503 (Iowa 2015).
Because none of Stallings's claims are properly before us, we affirm without further opinion. See Iowa Ct. R. 21.26(1)(e).
AFFIRMED.
DANILSON, Senior Judge.
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Docket No: No. 22-1641
Decided: December 20, 2023
Court: Court of Appeals of Iowa.
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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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