State of Tennessee v. Roy Robinson, W2016-00263-CCA-R3-CD

On June 15, 2013, Roy Robinson shot and killed Gregory Perry at Pleasant View Apartments; Robinson also fired at Antoine Cash but the gun did not fire and Robinson fled.
The gathering was a barbecue attended by rival gang members (Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords); Robinson was a Gangster Disciple and Perry a Vice Lord.
Eyewitnesses Kailoni White and Antoine Cash testified Perry challenged Robinson to a one-on-one fight, removed his shirt, and was unarmed when Robinson produced a gun and fired multiple times.
Defense witness Ladarious Effinger testified Perry reached into his pants and tried to pull out a shotgun; the State impeached Effinger on credibility grounds.
Robinson admitted to police that he shot Perry, initially saying Perry "pistol played" him but later conceding he never saw Perry with a gun; no weapon was recovered on Perry.
A jury convicted Robinson of aggravated assault and the lesser-included offense of second degree murder; the trial court imposed an effective 20-year sentence at 100%.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Sufficiency of the evidence for second degree murder	State: evidence supports knowing killing beyond reasonable doubt	Robinson: acted in self-defense because Perry reached for a shotgun	Court affirm ed conviction — evidence sufficient; jury rejected self-defense

Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (standard for reviewing sufficiency of the evidence)
Bolin v. State, 405 S.W.2d 768 (Tenn. 1966) (deference to jury credibility findings)
State v. Tuggle, 639 S.W.2d 913 (Tenn. 1982) (burden on appellant to show insufficiency after conviction)
State v. Dorantes, 331 S.W.3d 370 (Tenn. 2011) (same standard for direct and circumstantial evidence)
State v. Page, 81 S.W.3d 781 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2002) (elements and mens rea for second degree murder)
State v. Inlow, 52 S.W.3d 101 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000) (knowledge as jury question)
State v. Campbell, 245 S.W.3d 331 (Tenn. 2008) (jury’s role in resolving credibility and conflicts)
State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474 (Tenn. 1973) (guilty verdict accredits State witnesses)