State v. Runningfisher

Summary

The Montana Supreme Court reviewed John Runningfisher’s appeal from the denial of his motion for a new trial following convictions for criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. The court held that sufficient evidence supported the jury’s finding that Runningfisher constructively possessed the drugs and paraphernalia attached to a key ring. The court affirmed the District Court’s judgment and designated the decision as a noncitable memorandum opinion.

Holdings

1. The evidence was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Runningfisher constructively possessed the drugs and drug paraphernalia attached to the key ring.

Questions Presented

1. Whether sufficient evidence supported the jury's finding beyond a reasonable doubt that Runningfisher constructively possessed the dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia attached to the key ring.
2. Whether the District Court erred in denying Runningfisher's motion for a new trial based on insufficiency of the evidence.

Disposition

affirmed