Background
Melvin Lamar Triplett was convicted of distributing fentanyl-laced crack cocaine resulting in death. He appealed, arguing insufficient evidence for his conviction.
The court’s reasoning
The court found that the evidence, including eyewitness testimony, phone records, and physical evidence, was sufficient for a rational jury to conclude that Triplett distributed the drugs that caused the deaths.
Viewed together and in the light most favorable to the government, the evidence was more than sufficient for a rational jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Triplett distributed the fentanyl-laced crack cocaine that killed Lucas and Peery.
Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)
What it means going forward
Triplett’s conviction for distributing fentanyl-laced crack cocaine resulting in death is upheld.