State v. West

OPINION

ESPINOSA, Presiding Judge.

¶ 1 After a jury found appellees Penny and Randall West guilty of child abuse, the trial court granted them post-verdict motions for judgment of acquittal pursuant to Rule 20, Ariz. R.Crim. P., which the State of Arizona now appeals. For the following reasons, we reverse.

Factual Background and Procedural History

¶ 2 On August 24, 2005, sixteen-month-old Emily M. died from severe head trauma. At the time of her death, Emily was a foster child in the care of the Wests. The day before her death, Emily reportedly had exhibited good temperament, eaten well, and…