Case Caption: Edwin Ponce v. People of the Virgin IslandsCase Number: S. Ct. Crim. No. 2015-0067Date: 04/01/2020Author: Citation: 2020 VI 2Summary: Convictions for first-degree murder and numerous other offenses are affirmed. Applying the standard of review, the People introduced sufficient evidence to sustain each of the defendant’s convictions, and his arguments concerning uncorroborated eyewitness testimony and the absence of motive testimony are rejected. In addition, the jury could reasonably have found that he possessed certain ammunition and a firearm as charged. The Superior Court committed no error, let alone an error that affected substantial rights or the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the proceeding, by permitting the jury trial to proceed after a co-defendant participated in jury selection and subsequently dropped out of the case. Finally, allowing certain photographs that were produced late to the defense to be admitted, considering previously identified factors that the Superior Court must balance in determining the appropriate sanction for a violation of discovery obligations by the prosecution, was not an abuse of discretion. The July 30, 2015 judgment and commitment are affirmed.Attachment: Open Document or Opinion