State of Minnesota, Appellant, vs. Nicholas Lee Hill, Respondent

Summary

The court held that the corpus delicti statute applies the same corroboration standard to completed offenses and attempt offenses: independent evidence must reasonably tend to prove that the charged offense occurred. Applying that standard, the court concluded that evidence of Hill’s planned encounter, use of a knife, isolation and confinement of the victim, physical assault, and resulting injuries sufficiently corroborated the attempted sexual-conduct offense. The court reversed the court of appeals and remanded for consideration of Hill’s remaining appellate arguments.