State v. Smith

(dissenting)—While I agree that the majority correctly states the corpus delicti rule, I cannot agree that the State provided sufficient evidence, independent of Smith's confession, to establish the corpus delicti of attempted murder.

*791Smith was charged with first degree attempted murder. In order to convict him of this crime, the State must prove that he (1) actually intended to take a life, and (2) took a substantial step toward the commission of the act. RCW 9A.28.020(1); RCW 9A.32.030(1)(a). The Court of Appeals correctly held that the corpus delicti of attempted murder is the substantial…