Pursuant to the grant of an out-of-time appeal, Michael Merritt challenges his 2004 convictions of armed robbery, OCGA § 16-8-41 a; hijacking a motor vehicle, OCGA § 16-5-44.1; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, OCGA § 16-11-106; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, OCGA § 16-5-21 a 2; false imprisonment, OCGA § 16-5-41; and burglary, OCGA § 16-7-1. Merritt argues that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions and that the trial court erred in denying his Batson challenge. Discerning no error, we affirm. 1. When determining a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, “we must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, and the appellant no longer enjoys the presumption of innocence; moreover, on appeal this court determines evidence sufficiency and does not weigh the evidence or determine witness credibility.”1 “Conflicts in the testimony of the witnesses, including the state’s witnesses, are a matter of credibility for the jury to resolve. As long as there is some competent evidence, even though contradicted, to support each fact necessary to make out the state’s case, the jury’s verdict will be upheld.”2
Construed in favor of the verdict, the evidence adduced at trial shows that Eric Haney was accosted by three men at his apartment complex on December 17, 2001, at approximately 6:00 p.m. One of the men was carrying what appeared to be an assault weapon. The assailants demanded his money, jewelry, and jacket, all of which Haney surrendered. Haney, who had just parked his Tahoe, also threw down his car keys. One of the men took the keys and went to the vehicle, and the other two men ordered Haney to enter his apartment. Once inside, the men placed Haney on the ground, held the weapon to his head, and demanded money and drugs. Haney stated that he had no drugs. He offered them $800 in quarters, which the assailants did not want. Instead, they took clothing and electronic equipment. The assailant who took the car keys returned and asked Haney how to operate the vehicle’s alarm system. Finally, the assailants fled; Haney watched as they threw his belongings into the Tahoe and took off. Haney then called the police.
