United States v. Begay

REINHARDT, Circuit Judge:

Defendant-appellant Kenderick Begay appeals his convictions of two first-degree murders in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153, 1111 and of two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). Begay’s principal argument on appeal is that the evidence introduced at trial, when taken in the light most favorable to the government, fails to establish that he committed a “premeditated killing.” 18 U.S.C. § 1111. Because we agree that the government failed to introduce evidence sufficient to show premeditation — an essential element…