2008-M-075             State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Robert M. Hughes, Appellant.

Following a jury trial in Freeborn County District Court, appellant Robert Michael Hughes was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree intentional murder for the shooting death of his wife, Tammy Hughes.  Appellant filed a direct appeal to this court, arguing that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to prove the element of premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt, and that the district court’s jury instructions regarding first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree intentional murder constituted plain error that entitles him to a new trial.  Appellant also presents additional arguments in a pro se supplemental brief.  We affirm.

First, the Court held that the evidence of premeditation was sufficient to support appellant’s conviction for first-degree murder.  Second, the Court held that appellant failed to demonstrate that the district court erred in its instructions to the jury.   Affirmed.

Gildea (Russell Anderson, Page, Paul Anderson, Meyer, Barry Anderson)

Took no part:  Dietzen

[MURDER}